The Big Time...Big Dreams Realized

Dreams are only fulfilled when you wake up and go get them. I am proud to say that I believe if you really want something you can have it. I have seen people realize their dreams over and over again first hand.

Yes, if you didn't know, this is the exact reason I like Drake so much because he believed in himself and strived for perfection even with the odds stacked against him.

He is a rapper that's Jewish, from Toronto! Hey, anything is possible if you believe!

Its just patience and perseverance that people lack in why they don't reach the mountain top. The journey doesn't just stop once you make it either.

Its a hard road once you get there because even after you make it to the promised land, now the cost of living goes up.

But the trials and tribulations are definitely worth it if you can truly look back and say you set a goal for yourself, looked straight ahead, didn't let anyone hinder your progression and accomplished it.

For once in this struggle, journey and up and down pattern called being an artist, there is always a good story that happens IF you choose to remain positive throughout the experience.

I know it sounds bad, but someone always has it worse then you and just think, how many people are making a living or even a single dollar for that matter, from what they truly love?

One of my colleagues Dominique Laurina has done the inevitable. A few years ago she moved to LA to finish what she started in San Diego which was make the big time for modeling.

I remember I shot this G-Star Raw fashion show she was in while still living in San Diego when she told me she was moving. Awesome!

Now, of course me knowing my friend, she will be humble and tell you that she hasn't made it and she's still working and blah blah blah. Forget that!!! If you work hard like she does, enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Anyway, how many models do YOU know being featured in a fortune 500 ad? And she loves Apple too. HA!

Check her out on facebook and tell her "ISH TOLD ME to say congrats!"

Although she's a big deal so if she doesn't know you, she may not add you for privacy reasons. What!!!? I'm just saying!

You know I Love you Dominique!

If Dominique isn't a positive motivational factor for artists everywhere, we might as well ALL quit and go back to working at the drive-thru permanently.

I refuse that! So from me personally, thanks to Dominique for inspiring myself and artists all over! Lets Get it!

Oh and Dominique, could you please update your site for the people every once in a while please!

Or at least for me. Thanks.

Unforgettable...

Confession time. If you really know me, you know I am a huge fan of Beyonce. But if you REALLY know me then you know, if I am a true Beyonce fan, then Aaliyah would be my obsession.

I am and still have been one of the biggest Aaliyah fans ever since '94 when I cut school with KB to buy her single on CASSETTE. Quit playing with me! HA..

Recently, I’m sure a lot of you caught the Drake U-stream video with this mysterious Aaliyah Sample and knocking beat in the background. It was unforgettable right? Well I think Drake knew that, because the song has leaked and it is a SMASH!

The song is called Unforgettable featuring Young Jeezy with Aaliyah’s melodic voice sampled in the background. When I heard the unfinished song with the acapella sample on the ustream, tears came to my eyes because well that’s what her posthumous voice does to me.

If this song is a sample of how Drake’s album will be, God help the rest of the industry because they may not eat…Only Time will tell.

RIP Baby Girl!

Special shout out to DJ Ironic for Finally putting ME onto a new Drake song…you got one on me! But this was a good one because he knows how much I love Aaliyah. LMAO!

Drake - Unforgettable featuring Young Jeezy

*photo courtesy of 2dopeboyz.com

Battle Of The Sexes...

If you have ever watched Black Entertainment Television and have any bit of intelligence, you must have noticed time and time again that BET continuously chooses to ignore the positive elements of a genre known as hip-hop or urban culture by ONLY showing the commercial side of urban culture that demeans Black entertainers and entertainment.

Allegedly, this side of hip-hop is what sells hence they continue to push it. The same mentality can be flipped because if you continuously push ANY product it will eventually sell. So in hindsight, if they pushed the positive, the positive would sell.

This repeated strike against the genre that only shows stereotypical hip-hop cultured videos while passing on the elite, conscious, uplifting artists that can possibly change the way hip-hop culture is viewed in the mainstream is a direct slap to my face, personally.

As a true fan of hip-hop culture, I have listened to many facets buried in the genre, so I know every hip-hop artist doesn't rap about a materialistic lifestyle such as the having money, cars, clothes and oh-no's...

Someone that has a warped one-sided view of hip-hop should listen to artists such as Lupe Fiasco (his debut single Kick, Push was speaking intellectually on how he grew up a skateboarding kid, not an inner-city, gangsterfied thug), Mos Def, Talib Kweli and even Nas from time to time.

If you are from Middle America and not in tune with urban culture you will only be aware of mainstream media and its contents. Hip-hop is very much mainstream now, but people will only hear what is pushed into the mainstream.

I want to be clear, ALL hip hop music does not degrade women, talk about selling drugs or talk about negative aspects of life. Although, hip-hop does hold a direct reflection of some artist’s background and how they grew up, it should in no way be the voice of a whole genre.

That’s like saying McDonalds is ONLY known for selling French Fries. What about the Burgers, Apple Pies and Orange Hi-C? There are many facets to that business and the same goes for hip-hop.

It’s a dirty game because the voice of some hip hop is definitely the mirrored image of how they perceived life, living throughout a less fortunate, poverty stricken environment, but I despise how some people relate only this side to the genre. Education is the key.

I believe people born with a silver spoon do very much need to hear that side of life because if you never knew there are people less fortunate than you then how can you learn to appreciate your blessings. i.e. Trading Places.

It seems that BET has yet once again stepped on toes and dropped the ball yet again by banning Ciara’s Ride video but choosing to continuously run Trey Songz videos, The Neighbors Know My Name and Invented Sex.

To me, that is an oxymoron of monumental proportions and I say an SSD flag should be thrown! This gesture to show a male sexually explicit video but not a female version of the same magnitude is not only sexist but contradictory in the same breath.

In Trey Songz videos respectively, they are both very illicit and subliminal with half naked implied nude sex scenes all while containing strong sexually powered, lyrical content.

What does that say to one of BETs prime target audience of 13-25? It’s okay for them to show a half naked man talking about wanting sex, but if a 2010 sexually empowered woman wants to discuss her sense of sexuality its wrong?

Now what’s interesting is these videos are both very steamy, very sensual and sex driven, so of course discretion should be exercised on both, but to ban one over the other is just nonsense.

Truthfully, the song title "Ride" is implied to that of riding a beat on a track while "Invented Sex" is blatant and forthright. I mean really? Come on, who has a crush on Trey Songz at BET, seriously!?

Not to mention, since we are going there, I am a man so why would I want to see Trey Songz in proactive scenes!!!? I want to see Ciara.

But then again, like I said before, BET concentrates on what sells and I guess the BET prime target audience is FEMALE 13-25. Hmmmmm SSD!

Rihanna - Rockstar 101

Red carpets, backdrops, flashes, cameras, velvet ropes, celebrities, pretty PR Girls, standing on VIP couches, Bottle service, shades in the club, and blackberry/iphones scattered over the cabanas after a night of insanely, overly excessive fun sounds like something straight out of a video shoot.

The truth is I actually live that lifestyle but most definitely on a mighty small scale. As I watch these new visuals to one of my favorite songs on Rihanna's new album, she actually might have me beat by just a little bit as she sings in her new video Rockstar 101 featuring legendary guitarist Slash.

When I first heard this song off of Rated R, I automatically started relating to my antics with some of my California peeps, but in reality I still have a long way to be a rockstar and that's why I continuously take notes from Rihanna in this song.

Rhianna's new video is very rockstar-esk, yet artistic and reminiscent of a young Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince combo back in the day, i.e. the "I'm a star and I know it" attitude.

Honestly, I can't be mad because when you work hard towards a goal and accomplish your dreams, you should be entitled to a different lifestyle as a celebration.

I mean you can and should still remain humble because it could easily be taken from you, but you still should take advantage of the candy store while you're in there!

Oh well, it is what it is...The Life.

Here's the video.

Rihanna - Rockstar 101

*video courtesy of http://justjared.buzznet.com/

Chris Brown - No BullShhhhh...

Chris Brown has some new visual heat for the ladies. The new video and song is called No Bullshhhh. I know some people are torn on how they feel about Chris, but you have to admit he has courage to continue to make a comeback.

I think he deserves a second chance because no one is perfect and if no sin is truly greater than another, than all of us should take a page out of the "cast the first stone" handbook. For me, I'm not a judge, I am a photographer so I will continue doing my job.

No Bullshhhhh is a very vivid, very steamy video which some have already passed it off as a Trey Songz style knock off, but people have been making steamy videos way before Trey Songz or Chris Brown. SSD flag on that one.

Anyway, thanks to www.necolebitchie.com/ for the video heads up.

Chris Brown - No Bullshhhhh

Playmates, Blondes & Brunettes...Oh My

DJhere brought about a fun time this past Friday at Hardrock Hotel's 207 Nightclub. Playboy Playmates Jamie Edmondson and Heather Rae Young hosted the night as the club literally popped bottles with models!

DJhere and the playmates hosted a contest for the battle of supremacy between the hottest group of blondes and the hottest group of brunettes.

The winner of the contest received a cabana with bottle service at Hardrock's Sunday Intervention Pool Party. Not a bad prize for being hot.

To be honest, I was working so I saw first hand, the brunettes beat the pants of the blondes that night. HA! Sorry but I guess everyone, not just blondes, can have more fun if you have friends to share the night with.

Anyway, check out the photos here.

*photos courtesy of ISH for www.djhere.com

7:07pm Self Motivation Freestyle...

To be honest, I feel like http://www.stopsellingdreams.com/ not only speaks for Ivan S. Harris the photographer, but every artist going through the trials and tribulations searching for success from that goal or dream they seek to reach.

Every once in a while, the speed bumps of life will slow you down. When that happens, its human nature for you to start second-guessing yourself.

The difference between truly successful people and those that never find the pot of gold is successful people take risks, fail, and get back up to dust themselves off and try again.

Success is a subjective state of mind because it is based off the individuals conceptual abyss of what it means to be successful.

The sad part is most people have a materialistic, media based, warped view of success including me. The truth is you shouldn't base the idea of success solely from a monetary value because there are people making millions doing something they absolutely hate doing.

Success is a state of true happiness. If you can make a penny from doing something you love and continue striving for greatness without giving up, that is the only key to open the door to the path of success.

Personally, I feel like to be happy, you have to do something that touches others while making you feel good inside as well.

You also have to think if someone wants to pay you, that means that client respects your art enough to say its valuable to them. Take that as a compliment.

Truthfully, doing something you love and getting paid anything for it is a blessing because some people have dreams that either never get started or give up on before the miracle happens.

The reason I am even writing this is because deep inside yourself (myself) you may feel you are not successful but from the outside looking in you could be viewed as great.

I had a long conversation with my cousin and we both went to college together talking about our dreams. He made me realize I am doing what I said I wanted to do and to not stop at all no matter what.

It's important to remember not to compare yourself to anyone elses progress. You don't know what they have been through to get where they are and the grass could truly be greener on the other side.

As long as you continue to strive for greatness and don't let anyone hinder you from your goals at hand, you will get to where you are going. I believe that wholeheartedly.

I haven't written a piece in a long time and I was inspired by a new freestyle from Drake... I know you're probably saying, "Oh no, not this guy Drake again." As I said before, I relate to Drake's music.

This piece is as Jay-Z would say, just my thoughts man, right or wrong, just what I was feeling at the time." And in my heart, I have a voice that must be heard and a talent that must be exposed.

Drake - 9am Freestyle in Dallas

Anyway,

7:07 Pm Self Motivation...

Set a goal for yourself, don't let anyone tell you different. Make sure you keep it moving when the haters try to tip it.

The bandwagon that is, charge more now you're significant. When your stock rises everyone will try to jump ship.

No one at the bottom now they want to ride for free but didn't help you build the arc so now they pay a fee. Where were they at before?

Remember they thought you were small timin', so for now keep grinding until you're dying. There's always better so you might as well keep trying.

Hold on for dear life, just know your soul's limit. It's only smart to continue if your heart stays in it.

Don't look back just keep pushing, move it forward, positive is your only gimmick. Stand true to your morals never get stuck in the dark. This art vs commerce is a battle very strong.

Remember the people that inspired you keep that in mind it won't take you long. Success will find you, so be prepared to coast, its not work if you do what you absolutely love the most.

Take a look back at your timeline and tell me you want to quit? That would be dumb, your resume is already way too thick.

It's too late to turn back now, so what are you going to do?

Pack up your bags and go back to being regular? That job as a teller doesn't sound to stellar. So get back on your horse and ride it till the end. You were meant to be here, now show the world no fear. And tell that doubting Thomas to shine your shoes and pick up those bags in the rear. -I.$.H.

Just a little self motivation for everyone. I write to inspire myself as well as other that choose to follow their dreams.

By the way, remind me to tell you the story about the picture of the Hollywood sign that I climbed the mountain to take. Hmmmm, dedication is a motha...

*Drake - 9Am freestyle in Dallas courtesy of http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/

*Thanks To Cousin Mike Knight for the talk.

*Thanks to Cheryl for taking me to see the sign.

Trey Songz & Keri Hilson – Yo Side of The Bed (Trailer)

It seems Trey Songz is going hard with no signs of letting up or choosing to go home.

Songz is living every man's hollywood fantasy. First by making out with Toni Braxton live on stage at an award show and now his new video for "Your Side Of The Bed" has him dating Miss Keri Baby. Just seeing these two feats alone has me thinking, what's next for this guy?!

I also like where the direction of this video is going. It makes me want to appreciate someone even more when I finally know that someone truly appreciates me.

The funny thing is even though this is all entertainment and he is "acting" with his co-stars Toni Braxton and Keri Hilson, it inspires me to continue to be focused on my goals.

All the perks, fun, and rewards especially working with beautiful co-stars will come in due time as long as we all continue to work hard towards our goals.

Anyway, check out the teaser. The actual video drops May 26th.

Trey Songz & Keri Hilson – Yo Side of The Bed (Trailer)

*video courtesy of www.5starhiphop.com

Unthinkable. I'm Ready...Or Am I?

"Tez keeps telling me he just turned 30/ Having dreams of being single forever, he's getting worried, And I'm scared too, 'cause I'm in the same boat/ Good women are rare too, none of them ever came close/ Me, I haven't changed much, you know how I play it/ Better safe than sorry, instead of searching for substance at every single party. Baby, being part of this life, I feel like I'm bound to end up with somebody that's been with everybody" - Drake (Unthinkable, I'm Ready Remix)

Wow, just as I think the day can't get any better or worse, I find THE song and lyrics that really go along with my mood. Up and Down.

I know music touches the soul and honestly this song soothes my manic depressive situation, almost like a perfect fit for my artistic but commercially-biased, love-seeking mind.

To start off, people always ask me why I like Drake so much. Simple. I completely relate to his music, and the beats are out of control. Period.

Just like Drake's friend Tez, I just turned 30, I am single and I am in the entertainment world a.k.a. "living the life." If these lyrics don't relate to me, I don't know what the word "relate" means.

To go in depth, from first hearing the song, I felt Drake should have been on the original version of Alicia Keys' song Unthinkable, I'm Ready and not just in the background. To find out that there is a remix version with him actually rapping is the thrill I have been seeking.

Now, the second scenario is that this sacred Drake verse that I have been hoping for ends up speaking directly to me. It's like a double-edged sword with alcohol on one side and soothing ointment on the other.

I have been going through this relvolving door of a thought process for as long as I can remember. Wondering about the battle of love verse career and how to balance the two is a doozy. In my mind, it is almost impossible.

On one hand you have the "stay focused, don't get distracted" approach. Of course you obtain your goals, but you have no one to share your success with.

On the other hand, you have someone that you love but end up sacrificing some of your goals to make your relationship work. Hmmmm, which path do you choose?

I don't even want to mention the "Once you've made it you" scenario. You reach success and so now you meet a million people continuously wanting to be in your grill while you repetitiously wonder if they love you for your money or because "you" personally make them smile.

This situation eats you alive all while creeping within the midst of your subconscious reality. In the end you settle for the beautiful woman that never loved you. But you have a nice arm piece right?

Don't get me wrong, I know women go through these same situations. Believe me, I'm throwing an SSD flag in your face if you think people with money haven't gotten the cream of the crop of a mate without the help of that money/cash/Diner-O's to back them up!

While I am talking about this, A scenario developed just last night where an actual friend of mine blatantly stated she would never date a "guy like that" but he had money and I know after seeing them smile together, the money was definitely a deciding factor in making her at least think about the possibility. Now that I think about it, I kind of feel sorry for THAT guy now.

Its the same situation when people stay together even after they realize its over. Yes, love or great sex would extend their dying relationship, but the stress point ALWAYS can and will be pushed even further if there's a monetary value included.

i.e. if you were fed up 6 weeks ago, if the person was rich you would add 6 more weeks to that equation.

Love is a tricky thing. I don't wanna dwell on it too long so I will let you listen to the song and make your own judgement.

Alicia Keys - Unthinkable (I'm Ready) Remix Featuring Drake

Shaun Phillips Bday @ Intervention w/ DJ Chuckie

For starters, almost any Sunday funday pool party equates to nothing but trou-ble, trou-ble.

If you add allstar DJ's, stellar promotional companies and NFL players birthday parties to the line-up, I think the word trouble is merely an understatement.

This past Sunday Djhere, one of San Diego's premiere promotional and marketing companies, hosted Intervention at Float inside Hardrock Hotel San Diego.

DJ Chuckie was spinning and letting the bass kick, while Hardrock Hotel resident DJ Sid Vicious celebrated his birthday in style following shots, shots, shots, and more shots.

NFL Linebacker Shaun Phillips wore his birthday boy hat as he celebrated the day also.

Shock G made a cameo because he had a performance later on in the evening at Hardrock's other club 207.

It was just a day of fun, the exact way I imagined it to be. Now if we can only keep that energy up. Hmmmm, only time will tell. Take That Take that...ha!

Anyway,

Check out the photos from Intervention here.

*photos courtesy of ISH for http://www.djhere.com/

Lights, Camera, Action...

Last night was more than just your weekly Taco Tuesday extravaganza. A model casting call was held at Taste And Thirst to welcome summer to the city.

I had the pleasure of catching some behind the scenes shots of potential models auditioning to possibly catch that exposure that could lead to great things.

Eric Edwards, host of A List Media, was on hand as well to catch some interviews with the potential models.

A lot of friendly faces and new faces alike came out to support the casting call for Party For A Purpose. From the looks of the casting call turn out it seems like it may be a hot summer. Let's work!

Model Casting Call Photos Here.

*photos courtesy of ISH for A List Media

O Let's Do It!!!

Good day kids! It's story time. Today were going to talk about motivation. Can you say motivation?

Boys and girls, I'm going to start off with a quote from a hip hop verse from 1995. (cough, cough) And I quote, "Ten years from now we'll still be on top, Yo, I thought I told you that we won't stop" end quote.

Okay I have to believe everyone including myself may have thought that it was just a line from a verse, but Diddy actually believed the words he rapped in "Mo Money, Mo Problems".

If you fast forward 10 years later from that 1995 verse, it would be 2005. Hmmmm, in 2005, if you think of Diddy, still on top, still all in the videos, all in the songs, dancing, diddy bopping to his own beat, literally...

If I knew then what I know now, I think I might have took my chances on the executive producer telling me to wear shiny suits, be in my songs, and jump all in my videos.

Fast forward 5 MORE years and now its present day 2010. Ummmmm, STILL ALL in the videos, ALL in the songs...and still on top.

At the time in 1995, it sounded great, but 15 years later I don't think anybody wants to be on Deathrow anymore. Sorry Suge Knight.

Let's talk more about motivation. If you really believe something in your heart, and continue to follow your goals no matter what anyone says, watching Diddy you have to believe it can be achieved.

This guy has been told no a million times and still said, "You know what, I'm going to do it anyway."

People said he wouldn't be successful after Notorious B.I.G. passed away. Wrong.

Doubters said he couldn't finish a New York marathon. False.

Haters said he couldn't be an actor. Hmmm, I'll be going to see Get Him To The Greek.

Hate him or love him, you have to respect Diddy's motivation, determination and perseverance.

My I'm focused song for today is "O Let's Do It Remix featuring of course Diddy.

If you really want to do something, don't let ANYONE not even Diddy tell you you can't.

And if you ever get in a slump, just repeat after me...

Stop SELLING dreams, start Believing in your abilities and of course...

HEEEEY, Ohhhh Let's Do It!!!!!

Waka Flocka Flame - O Let's Do It Remix featuring Diddy, Gucci Mane & Rick Ross

B.O.B. & Charles Hamilton @ Stingaree

Between the Padres Baseball game, Drake performing Live at the annual Sun God Festival at UCSD and The 93.3FM Summer kick off concert, yesterday I can truly say it was a mad house for all of downtown. I really can't stress how excited I was for San Diego.

If you add the nightlife element along with the afterparties, I would say it was the perfect combination for a great night downtown.

I also feel it was a great night for San Diego because hip-hop/R&B and the urban genre as a whole was alive and well bringing a positive response to downtown's Gaslamp District.

As promised, Drake was at On Broadway even though Nicki Minaj who was rumored to be coming ended up not tagging along for this one. She wasn't officially scheduled so it's no big deal. Hmmmm...anyway.

Usher was at Fluxx, but it was so packed that most people couldn't get in if you didn't know somebody or be there by 8:30 P.M.

And B.O.B. had a host of "friends" following him wherever he went throughout the whole Stingaree nightclub... the entire night.

What's funny is I always talk about "gaining the status" and people wanting to be around you once you are successful. Yesterday just proved my point.

B.O.B. is a cool dude, I met him and he was real chill, but we damn well know those "friends" would not be following him around if he wasn't "B.O.B." the guy with the number one single.

To be honest, think about your family and real true friends. They don't even follow you around like that and they are your friends.

The only reason I noticed this particular "group of people" following him around was because as I was working (i.e. getting paid to take photographs) these "friends" would jump in front of me to stand in line to hopefully get a chance to talk to B.O.B.

I was thinking to myself, "Wow, I'm working, what are YOU doing..." HA.

I digress.

The performance was cool and B.O.B. chilled the whole night which is always a good thing. Most celeb appearances have these stars hanging for a few minutes and then sneaking out.

Either way, it was a great night for San Diego and I hope we can have more stellar nights like this again. And Soon...

*photos courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations/Stingaree

Hello, Good Morning...

For San Diego's Gaslamp District, tonight is a night of monumental proportions. Why? Because Stingaree has B.O.B. and Charles Hamilton hosting their Friday extravaganza.

Usher will be having the ladies saying OMG at Fluxx and Drizzy "Find Your Love" Drake will make all the people say something at On Broadway.

I really am curious to find out where everyone will end up tonight seeing there is so much to accomplish within a 4 hour nightclub span. Talk about motivation for the city.

Speaking about motivation, seeing this latest "I'm Focused" video of the day is definitely a great way to wake up and be ready to accomplish your goals, such as an event photographer being able to capture all three of these epic events...sheeeeesh. Let's Work...

Hello, Good Morning is the newest video from Diddy's group Dirty Money. It's that Dirty Moneyyyyy...

Most people around San Diego that personally know me, know if I have ever been inspired by someone it would be none other than Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

This guy just keeps staying in your face! No matter what we try to do to forget about him, he literally can't and won't stop staying relevant. What exactly does he do? Who knows! But he is here to stay.

I personally think he gets paid to be a motivational speaker. Every time Diddy talks, I just feel the need to immediately go be and do something great!!! Seriously, go check out his twitter timeline. @iamdiddy.

Anyway, here's the new video.

Dirty Money - Hello, Good Morning featuring Rick Ross & T.I.

*video courtesy of www.onsmash.com

Alicia Keys - Unthinkable (I'm Ready)...

I've been waiting for this moment for a while now. I heard this song earlier last year way before Alicia Key's album The Element of Freedom dropped and I immediately knew it would be a smash hit.

Obviously, the song I am referring to is Unthinkable (I'm Ready) with Drake on the background vocals. The thing I like about this song is its so many ways that it can be interpreted and then when you see the visuals to the song it makes for more of an expansion of the imagination to flow.

In this video, A. Keys takes a forbidden love approach, fighting against all odds to make things work. Besides the fact that she is beautiful in the video, the audio along with the visuals make for a perfect combination of art that touches the soul.

Here's the video.

Alicia Keys - Unthinkable (I'm Ready)

*video courtesy of www.onsmash.com

RIP Lena Horne 1917-2010

I still remember it like it was yesterday. Every Thursday night on NBC, millions of people around the world including myself would tune into The Cosby Show to see what antics 'Cliff, his wife Clair and the rest of the Huxtable family would get into.

From time to time Mr. Cosby would have special guest stars ranging from Stevie Wonder, to Adam Sandler to Robin Gives and Blair Underwood on the show.

But there was one particular time to this day that still stands out in my mind as one of the most breathtaking, beautiful, silence-the-room moments in history.

This beautiful woman I had no clue of was singing on my favorite show basically taking over, shining through the television like morning sunlight through the curtains.

So graceful, talented and striking, it was at that moment I learned who Lena Horne was. An amazing actress, activist and singer. Obviously at 5 years old I had no idea, but this particular time is when I learned what the word Icon really meant.

Before Mariah, before Beyonce, before Janet and I'll even go as far as Aretha, there was Mrs. Lena Horne. *In 1941, Horne was the first African-American performer to sign a long-term contact with a major movie studio, which was Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Sadly, it breaks my heart to say that Mrs. Lena Horne has passed away. *Mrs. Horne died Sunday, May 9 at 92 years old in New York City.

RIP Lena Horne 1917-2010

The Cosby Show feat Lena Horne

*credit Clay Cane of BET: What The Flick

Drake - Find Your Love (Video)

As of late I have been toggling an awkward feeling when it comes to dealing with female companionship. To be or not to be with someone is the question. Obviously, everyone wants to be "loved/wanted" but at what cost?

My friend Beene always says "getchu a friend" so you don't have worry about being emotionally involved and can still have the fun of female companionship with no intimacy, headache or physicality but just good conversation.

The problem with that is I took that advice 5 years ago and then the friend eventually became a "Friend" who then became a girlfriend, in which I migrated to another part of the country with her i.e. to California, no doubt aboooout it!!

It was obviously great for "me" and my personal goals. It was very, very bad for "us" and ours. Now, I don't have the friend or girlfriend. Oh well, 5 years later I still have the fun in the Cali Sun.

When I moved to California, I think I traded love for my career because the more and more that I meet new people, and go out on "50 first dates", I continuously realize 1, everyone seems to just want to have fun in the Cali sun and 2, I really do need to focus on my goals at hand and not get distracted by anything including women.

What's interesting to me is with each scenario, there seems to always be a looming battle between having a good woman to hold you down and being single and focused on your goals so you don't have to settle for anyone or anything because you are happy with yourself, successful and truly a grade-A catch.

Coincidentally, the way the world works, most, not all women will flock to you mysteriously "once you've made it" anyway.

Now here is the fun part, if you do find your love, does she want you because you are you or because you are "YOU"? Hmmmm...decisions, decisions.

In Drake's new video Find Your Love, he is in Jamaica working on his album when he meets "the girl of his dreams."

A friend tells him to concentrate on his goal, which is finishing his music, but of course he doesn't listen.

Even though I know this is just a video, art imitates life and after going through my dilemma and then watching this video, I think I'm going to just...ummmm, watch the video again! I guess this could be my I'm Focused song for the day also.

*sidenote, I'm not just saying its one-sided.

Ladies, I know the same thing happens to you. You have goals and then meet a guy that throws everything else off.

But on the same hand, what if you meet a good guy that can keep you grounded and motivated, what do you do?

Or if you are a successful woman, you worry about if the guy just wants you because you are successsssss-ful...

I really don't know the answer...

Anyway,

Drake - Find Your Love

Go Hard or Go Home...

A lot can happen in a week that's for certain. And from the looks of it, this next following week will be more of the same positive energy.

From having business meetings with PR companies, photo sessions for Modeling Agencies, Trips to LA paid for by clients and potential events that can change the face of San Diego all together, I feel I am definitely on the right track to success.

Now I am definitely not trying to brag and obviously some things are just in the beginning stages, but everything starts somewhere right?

With that being said, to keep me upbeat and in grind mode, today's motivational Music and "I'm Focused" song comes from Jeezy's new mixtape hosted by Don Cannon called Go Hard or Go Home off of Trap or Die, Pt. II: By Any Means Necessary.

Jeezy recently dropped the mixtape for the streets and sure enough its heat; just enough to hold fans over until TM103 comes out later on in the summer.

Anyway, in recent weeks, the way I have been feeling has allowed me to KEEP channeling positive energy and sure enough after listening to this song I have made my decision.

If you have been working towards a specific goal and have come farther than you ever imagined, the decision is easy. You shouldn't allow yourself to quit and of course there is no choice but to go hard or go home!

Young Jeezy - Go Hard

Stephanie Pratt At Stingaree

Saturday nights in the Gaslamp District of San Diego always bring a fun dynamic to the nightlife scene because you never know who will drop in to say Hi.

Of course it was business as usual for Stingaree Saturday night when Stephanie Pratt from MTV's The Hills stopped by to hang with the 'Daygo peeps.

Stingaree is known for bringing the hot talent out and Stephanie did not disappoint her fans by taking time to snap photos with their pocket cams as well as a mini PR photosession on "the mezz" with yours truly. Like I said...fun as always!

*photos courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations.