Last month the 411 Brand celebrated their 19 year anniversary. The 411 Knowledge & Entertainment Show was created in 1992 by John Thomas, as a way to bridge the gap between successful individuals and a generation striving to become successful (Youth). Over the years they’ve toured metro Atlanta schools, as well as the U.S., inviting musicians, actors/actresses, etc to share their stories. Some of the past 411 speakers have included: LL Cool J, Notorious BIG, Monica, Outkast, Nas, Jermaine Dupri, Goodie, Mob, Afeni Shakur, Lammon Rucker, Usher, Da Brat and many more.

In honor or 19 years the 411 Brand had a special awards ceremony at the Nike Store in Atlanta, to honor some of the past host who have gone on to do great things within the Atlanta community. The honorees included: Chaka Zulu, DJ Jelly, Ryan Cameron (V-103), Jennifer Walker, and Carol Blackmon.

Check out this video clip documenting some of the greatness the 411 Knowledge & Entertainment show has brought to the youth of the ATL.

The homie Mudfish (who is the first person you see in this video) shot me this joint earlier on Facebook. Had to post it for the people. The homie Trip (who raps firsts on this song) is a LONGtime friend and collaborator. W.I.C. is his new group along with MC Kory Kalico and Producer Mudfish. This joint also features Collective Efforts own Ben Hameen. Check it out.

What can you learn today that you didn’t learn yesterday… Take some advice from Donald Trump.

Jay Z’s engineer Young Guru breaks down how artists sign up to be slaves by singing record deals with major labels. In the words of Cleveland “That’s what I was telling you before!” Maybe you all will listen now hearing it from somebody that’s more established in the industry.

The music industry is a well calculated, political industry. Slap anybody who tells you otherwise.

Recently at the Nike Store Lenox in ATL I had the chance to work on an event with the 411 Brand. Created by John Thomas in 1992, the 411 Brand fuses music, sports, and entertainment figures with education to teach kids the importance of proper decision making. Since the 90′s the 411 Brand has hosted sports camps (Basketball, Golf, etc.) in urban communities across the country, as well as conducted successful panels. The 411 brand has worked with major music artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Goodie Mob, LL Cool J, Usher, and many more over the years.

“The411 Brand Program was created for the sole purpose of bridging the gap between successful individuals and a generation striving to become successful. We currently live in a world where many young people measure success by the amount of material things you have. Although this could be an indication of your accomplishments, it is by no means what makes you successful. We believe that, success comes from setting a goal and completing the journey it takes to achieve that goal. Each of our programs are designed to provide an opportunity for young adults to hear some of the most amazing journeys by some of the most successful individuals in our world today.” – John Thomas

This past weekends event featured Eshe of Arrested Development, Lamman Rucker (Actor: Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married 1&2) and was hosted by Big Lez (Former host of BET’s Rap City / Choreographer).

I got a chance to speak to the kids ages (16-24) from local Boys & Girls Clubs, and Clark Atlanta University about Nike I.D. and came up with trivia questions to make sure the kids were being attentive. Later in the event we raffled off a Nike I.D. experience to one lucky winner.

Check out some pics from the event…

Me speaking to the youth about Nike I.D.

Big Lez hosting

Lamman Rucker and Big Lez

L to R: John Thomas, Eshe, Big Lez, Lamman Rucker

Growing up as big fan of BET’s Rap City in the 90′s it was an honor to meet Big Lez.

Shouts to the homie Dj J.Period. Here’s some footage from the history-making J.Period Live Mixtape at the 2010 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, featuring hip hop legends Group Home, Dres (Black Sheep), Nice’n’Smooth, a DJ Premier-led Guru Tribute, and an epic finale featuring a reunited Pete Rock & CL Smooth. CAN YOU SAY WOW!!!!

“People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

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The Secret: 1st 20 minutes

100 Quotes from THE SECRET 1-10

1. We all work with one infinite power

2. The Secret is the Law of Attraction (LOA)

3. Whatever is going on in your mind is what you are attracting

4. We are like magnets – like attract like. You become AND attract what
you think

5. Every thought has a frequency. Thoughts send out a magnetic energy

6. People think about what they don’t want and attract more of the same

7. Thought = creation. If these thoughts are attached to powerful emotions (good or bad) that speeds the creation

8. You attract your dominant thoughts

9. Those who speak most of illness have illness, those who speak most of prosperity have it..etc..

10. It’s not “wishful” thinking.

11-100 Quotes from THE SECRET under the hood…

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