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| It's Been a while. Life has changed quite a bit since last time I posted on here. I'm a little wiser, and probably a little more stressed out than I was since the previous post. This has really been the most stressed out time of my life thus far. Any prayers, whether you're reading this site and know me or do not, would be greatly appreciated. I'm in a process right now of just trying to get life on track. I have a purpose in life, I have goals, and in order to achieve these things, I've got certain things that I'd like to fit in to my day-to-day schedule, but with the workload I have now it has been difficult. Life in and of itself and the way things are going- it just doesn't work right now, and no I certainly don't mean that in a suicidal way, but just my typical patterns in life- there is more to it than this. While I take the time to write this here, I want to shout out my boys Matt Jay, JP McAllan, and Andrew Shimasaki- my boys and best friends for life, and also pretty much the only people from xanga who read this here. Peace to my peoples at Penn State too- Sean, Rocketman, Ty, LB, KK, Cara, Jo, LMS, Sandra, Dana etc. Love you guys to the fullest. May God bless you all and the things you're doing. Keep it genuine as always "This Can't be life, there's gotta be more...This can't be us" | | |
| Haven't updated in a while, but I've got a free moment so I thought I'd take the time to do so.
First off, I'd like to say that today (November 10th) actually marks a half a decade (which is five years for all you chronologically challenged people out there) in which we have known one Jean Paul McAllan. Take a bow JP, take a bow! :D haha
How might I know this, you ask? Well, today is actually my boy Wookie's birthday. On this day in the year 2000, when we were in 8th grade, myself as well as Matt, Sammi, and Nicky (anyone else I'm forgetting?) went to Wookie's house after school to celebrate his birthday. When we arrived to his house, there was a kid from Nishimachi (a school just right down the road from where I lived) named JP, whom Wook had known for a good portion of his life. That day I remember we went out, I think it was to Shinjuku (or Odaiba?). Yeah! It was Odaiba! That was the day we went to the movies and saw "Vertical Limit" (what a wack flick hahaha). Being with my good friends in an exciting part of the city that I had never experienced before made it a very great day I remember, even though I couldn't sleep over because I was leaving for vacation early the next morning. One of my many memories of Tokyo I hold fond to me
Well, in recognition of all that, I'd like to say Happy 19th Birthday to Wook (Miss you fool!) and Jean Paul, happy 5 years of knowing you! It's been a priviledge man, you've been a brother to all of us in more ways than one, thank you homie.
So what else has happened of note since last time I updated?
Well, on October 28th, Mr. Kanye West came to the Bryce Jordan Center (at Penn State) to give a nice performance. Keisha Cole and Fantasia (from American Idol) opened up for Mr. West. Keisha did about 5 songs. She’s got a great voice and did a good rendition of “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige but didn’t do much to get the crowd amped for the main event. Fantasia brought a lot more energy, and in my opinion actually put on a pretty decent performance, but the majority of this crowd had one purpose for coming in mind- and that was to see the man of the hour. And let me tell you- the wait was well worth it. ‘Ye came out at about 10:40 (show started at 8). The way he came out was so ill…his live band first played the Curtis Mayfield song that samples “Touch the Sky”. After his backup singers did a little singing to hype up the crowd, Kanye came out in an all white suit to “Touch The Sky” and the crowd roared in approval. He then proceeded to do just about every song from his two albums in the hour and a half he was on stage. The highlights I’d say were “Addiction”, definitely “Get ‘Em High”, “All Falls Down” (which got by far the loudest response from the crowd), “Jesus Walks” “Touch The Sky” “Spaceship”, and “We Don’t Care” but just about every song he performed held an impact with the sold out arena crowd. He went through about 6-7 wardrobe changes within the show (including wearing a Penn State shirt at one point!) and had a very ill set too. His live band was in like, this box behind him such that, you could only see their silhouettes as they were playing the instruments. Just about every one I talked to was pleased with the show he put on, myself included. If ‘Ye ever comes to your guys area, definitely check him out, he puts on a great live show.
Then, this past week, Blackalicious and Zion I came here to Penn State, in a smaller venue that was just right across the street from campus. But let me tell you, that concert was just as insane! Doors opened at 8 yet, there were only about 5 people at the door by that time. So I got front row, and it was quite the experience. The dudes who opened up Audio Imagery, were like a local hip hop group with a live band, and weren’t too bad. They even put the microphone to me at one points to sing the chorus to one of their songs hahaha. So after about 4-5 songs from them Zion I came out! Amp Live came out first to set up his equipment, he basically had some CD-turntables if I’m not mistaken and an MPC. Then Zion I and his hypeman/fellow free styler Deuce Eclipse came out to “Doin’ My Thang” and the crowd went nuts. He performed a bunch of cuts off the album, such as the aforementioned, “Birds Eye View” “Temperature” & “The Bay” as well as tracks from his earlier work, including one of the highlights of the evening, “Set It Off” from their first album, “Mind Over Matter”. To be honest, like 30-40% of their set was just straight freestyling over a beat. And I’m not talking about some dope pre-written rhymes I mean, they were creating rhymes about what was on TV, what people in the crowd were wearing, things about Penn State etc. They’re truly incredible freestylers. Zion’s boy, Deuce Eclipse is especially good. I’d describe him as a mix between B-Real (his voice) and Gift of Gab (the flow), if you can only imagine what that sounds like hahaha. So, I slapped hands with both Zion and Deuce during their set, and then as they were leaving Amp Live gave me and fellow audience members “True and Livin’” promo stickers. Zion I put on a sick sick show, Zion came with a tremendous amount of energy and poise and he really did a good job of getting the crowd involved. Would definitely go to see them again.
So Blackaclicious came out about 15 minutes afterward, and they performed mostly cuts off their new album. Can’t name all of them cause I don’t own the album yet but I remember in particular, they did “World Of Vibrations”, “Supreme People” and “Rhythm Sticks” among others. They also got Gift of Gab to do “Alphabet Soup” at one point in the show, which was just as insane live as it is hearing it for the first time. You would think a guy like Gift of Gab, with his tremendous flow wouldn’t sound as on point live, but he pronounced everything clearly, and didn’t have to pause for breath control once. It was funny because, while Zion I was just wearing a t-shirt that was drenched in sweat by the time his set was over, both Lateef and Gift of Gab were wearing like sweaters with hoodies and didn’t look like they were sweating in the least. So anyway, as a grand finale, Blackaclious brought Zion and Deuce out and they did a mass freestyle session to “Simon Says”- incredible moment.
After the show was over, I walked out and saw Zion selling CD’s and just chilling by himself, so I approached him and said whats up, told him he put out one of the best CD’s this year and that we appreciated him coming here. He said he really felt the vibe here and that he appreciated all the support. I left the venue with a smile on my face, optimistic that some more real hip hop can be brought to Penn State.
So those have been two great things that have happened since last time I updated. Other than that, classes going real well, and looking forward to Thanksgiving Break in a couple of weeks in which I’ll be chilling with Matt and Cam! Can’t wait for that. So I’ma wrap this up now since this blog is getting pretty long. Hold your head up people, stay strong.
-CJ
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| Lots has changed since last time I've updated.
For one, I've changed rooms. Already updated most people on that story, but I moved just down the hall. New roommate is pretty cool. At any rate, he seems like someone I can co-exist with so, that's what's most important.
Just this past weekend, I went home! It was incredible going back, seeing my family again and best of all, Matt came up from the city and spent two days at my place. Two days seemed more like two hours but, the time was very well spent. Peep his site (www.xanga.com/mattjay503212) for a photographical summary of the weekend. So, that was real great. The entire weekend would have created a great lasting impression in my mind if it wasn't for the events that occurred towards the end. I won't get into anything specific but, I let my feelings/emotions take hold of my common sense and even my morals in a sense, and as a result of that, I made a big mistake.
Still feel pretty bad about it, and it's on my mind constantly, so this week as a whole hasn't been as great as some of my previous ones. Straight up, I just haven't been able to think clearly/as positive as I normally do. Despite these circumstances I'm in now, I recognize that this can all only be temporary, and I've got a strong faith that God will allow these feelings to pass in due time.
One good thing is, I'm going on a little weekend retreat with the Navigators, about an hour away from Penn State. I'm hoping it will be a good time to just spend some time with great friends, get time away from campus, and clear my head quite a bit, and focus instead on what's really important.
Other than that, just trying to live life as positive as I possibly can, and let God guide me on the path I'm supposed to go.
Sorry for the lack of updates lately, work has really picked up recently. As a matter of fact, Wednesday I was working on a project till about 5 AM and only got 3 hours of sleep. For some reason, I almost enjoy being busy like that. Even though it's a lot of stress, I tend to do my best work when I'm busy so- just trying to stay focused on the regard and get things done one thing at a time.
Hope everyone is doing well. Any unfortunate circumstances in your life...."If there's anything in your life that you feeeear". Just get @ Pure Playa 936 and I'll be theeeeeere. (Yeah, that's the AIM screenname. Would give out my cell on the A. Keys tip but this is the world wide web you know!)
Much love and respect. Don't stop!
-CJ | | |
| What's going on everyone?
Haven't hit it up with an update in a while so decided I would do that now. What's going on in my life right now?
The week's been pretty interesting thus far. In terms of the atmosphere out here, we're slowly hitting that transition from Summer to Fall. The weather's getting colder, it's getting darker outside a little earlier and I like that for some reason. Maybe because I've had enough of Summer but, what's great about the weather is that it's always changing and it'll have effects on your life in a major way, even if you yourself are living a life that is resistant to change. It effects the way you dress, how often you go outside/stay inside, whether you're in school or not, it can effect your feelings in a major way, and at least for me, it influences the music I listen to as well. So this change into Fall has in turn, changed many elements of my life- and I enjoy being able to change. Since none of us on this earth are perfect, I feel like change is one of the greatest and most important opportunities we have. How does one expect to grow if they're resistant to change?
Had two exams this week (on the same day), thought I did pretty well on both of them actually. Besides the fact that I spent literally all day studying for both of them, it's been weird because, despite being in college, I feel like overall, I've had far less work than I did in High School. I'm sure it'll pick up as time goes on but...I've already been in school for a month now, and I'm kind of content with this work load now haha. I'm not tripping though, cause I do feel like I'm learning a whole lot. I recognize that I'm very privileged to be able to receive a college education, so I plan to make the most of it while I'm here.
I’m switching rooms this week, perhaps as early at today. I feel like the decision is probably the best for both of us. My current roommate is a huge partier, and so is his good friend he wants to room with. If I’m going to live somewhere for a year, I want it to be in a positive atmosphere you know? I’ve often come into the room now and it’ll smell like cigarette smoke, or walk in to the rolling of joints on the table, not to mention I have no alone time in this room because, my roomie just doesn’t go to class, and hasn’t for the past 2 weeks (Yes, two weeks). Don’t get me wrong, Tex is a great guy and I do get along with him for the most part, but- we’re probably both better off rooming with kids who are more similar to us, and put us in the atmosphere we most desire to be in. This new roommate is supposed to be a little quieter and seems like an alright kid, so I’m cool with that. We’ll see how it goes…
This weekend: after moving into my new room if all goes as planned, probably go meet up with some of my friends for Dinner and then go to Navigators (the Christian organization I’ve mentioned before). After that, who knows? Either go downtown or go watch a movie, whatever’s looking good. Saturday there’s another football game which I’ll be in attendance for, no plans for Saturday night as of yet. Sunday will be Church in the morning and then probably work in the evening- but don’t seem to have too much as of yet. I was really hoping to go home this weekend, since a lot of my friends from HS were coming home, and plus I’d go see Matt if that were the case, but unfortunately I’ve got no means of getting home, or back to school for that matter. It’s all good though, I still plan to come home pretty soon as long as I don’t have a lot of work that weekend, so I’m excited for that. I really miss my family and a lot of close friends back in NY, so it'll be great to see them again.
Other than that, I’m pretty happy right now. In a good point in my life, don’t have many complaints. A couple things in life I’m still kind of uncertain about/still questioning, but I’m continuing to pray and let God work out what he would like from me in my life, and that’s been my motivation to keep me going.
God bless, one love and keep it moving…
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| This one goes out to my man JP, who just turned 19 years of age today.
It's crazy to believe, considering we all met each other when we were about 13 or 14, it's amazing to see that the strength in the bond of our friendship has held us all together this long.
You're one of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. You're a fun person, you're always up for new things, you're loyal, you're authentic, you're unique in a way that all of us can admire your sense of style, and most of all you're one who I've learned with and grown with for the past 5 years or so.
Jean Paul, congrats on making it this far, and hope it's a well remembered one for you. Much love as always homie. | | |
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