(ThyBlackMan.com) As I browsed through some old music magazines, I stumbled upon the words of Rob Markman. “Jermaine Cole [J-Cole] has some nerve. The 24-year old hasn’t even released his debut album yet, and he’s already turning down invites from Sean “Diddy” Combs. Yeah, J. Cole must really be feeling himself. Or is he?”
After re-reading the article, I noticed what a rare breed J-Cole is. He is an artist who would rather hold off on his fame. At that time, the singer preferred 
to put the work in and perfect his craft before he was rightfully treated like a star.
It’s quite a notable action. After all, this is an industry where artists prefer to flash their advance and hit the clubs rather than spending their nights in the studio. Yes, when the ink dries on the contract, a celebration is undoubtedly in order. What I don’t get is an all-out, non-stop party – flashing bling that is “borrowed” and reveling in an album that hasn’t even been created yet. However, too many careers have ended before they could even begin when swag takes precedence over the music. So the question is…what are they really working for?
Are many of these new, hungry artists putting out their rhymes and mixtapes for their voices to be heard or to show out with a certain lifestyle? Maybe it’s a little of both, but it seems once many are blessed with a break, they forget all about the work. Eminem once asked, “If you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment – would you capture it or just let it slip?”
Maybe it’s unintentional, but they just let it slip. Whether it is to impress the naysayers that once doubted them or just to get that groupie love, too many talents waste their gift for a brief stint in the luxurious lifestyle. With that said, hip-hop needs a new voice that inspires the youth? Where are they?
I’ve observed a few of those prospective voices club-hop with their boys. I’ve also watched them go home drunk, wake up late and hung over, stumble into the studio to smoke some weed, and then record some “lazy verses”. Over time, I then watched their careers dwindle, letting numerous opportunities pass them by until all they could do was reminisce about what once was.
Instead of looking for the next good time, why aren’t they looking for their next inspiration? Why not take the opportunity to put out some hits, create a buzz, and then make the classic album they spent their entire life working for? Where’s the desire to be recognized in their own right? I’ve also kept my eye on the slightly less talented artist who wanted it more. He was at home honing his skills like it was a job (because it is), hit the clubs only to network, and always left early. He’s the one who made it and has now topped the charts with multiple hits. Having what it takes is part of it. Putting in the work is the other 90 percent of it.
A first big break only happens once. Live in the moment and work hard to make it more than just a moment. It saddens me to see so much talent wasted as a result of the hunger not being there. Oh, no doubt they claim it’s there, but actions speak louder than words in my eyes. The entertainment industry is not a merciful place to be and distractions are everywhere. The ones who have made it seem to aim for something greater – to leave behind a legacy. Those few may realize that the hype is great, but only quality work can keep them there. They ignore the scene and stay focused on their craft.
Hov keeps saying it for a reason. “I’m focused, man!” He’s giving you the secret!
Fellow rapper, 50 Cent, is definitely one of the most focused individuals in hip-hop. Prodigy from Mobb Deep once stated, “50 never f**ked with chicks after the shows. He’s strictly business.”
After all, this is a business. You can’t just be a business man. Be a business, damn! J-Cole once said, “The only thing that’s gonna get me out of his [Jay-Z] shadow is building my own shadow. Then I can go chill with Puff.”
Words to work by.
Written By Zoey Flowers
Official website; http://twitter.com/zoeyflowers
