I sat down with Venette of VP Creative Consulting. We talk about the corporate experience, branding particularly for businesses of color....and Ronald McDonald.

I sat down with Venette of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vpcreativeconsulting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VP Creative Consulting</a>. We talk about the corporate experience, branding particularly for businesses of color....and Ronald McDonald.

VP Creative Consulting

Ewane Masango

I sat down with Ewane Masango of The Society.

I sat down with Ewane Masango of The Society.

I went on IG live with the homie Drae(@r.d.hamilton1981) to talk about the topic of the week. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

I went on IG live with the homie Drae(@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/r.d.hamilton1981/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">r.d.hamilton1981</a>) to talk about the topic of the week. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

The Slap ft. Drae

Our conversation continues as she discusses her seven(7, VII, siete) books! Talk about CJs Place and where it's going to(...o). Audio credit: Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

Our conversation continues as she discusses her seven(7, VII, siete) books! Talk about CJs Place and where it's going to(...o). Audio credit: Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

Carolyn Part 2

My guest is Carolyn, a Baltimore native. Poet, performing artist, author, event host, and that which is most important to her, a "good person." We start off talking about her upbringing, how it led to her performance background, and some of her favorite moments acting. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music

My guest is Carolyn, a Baltimore native. Poet, performing artist, author, event host, and that which is most important to her, a "good person." We start off talking about her upbringing, how it led to her performance background, and some of her favorite moments acting. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music

Carolyn Part 1

Continuing my interview with Grace Love, we talk about the Artist Retreat in April 2022, hosting versus performing, interact with those who viewed us live, and generally shoot the shit. Audio credit: Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

Continuing my interview with Grace Love, we talk about the Artist Retreat in April 2022, hosting versus performing, interact with those who viewed us live, and generally shoot the shit. Audio credit: Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

Poets For Dinner Part 2

I sat down with Kandi Turner, the owner of the greeting card company, Black Licorice. We talk about her grandmother inspiring her business, living in Arizona, and her role in uplifting the community, particularly as this was recorded in February. www.shopblacklicorice.com https://www.instagram.com/shopblacklicorice/

I sat down with Kandi Turner, the owner of the greeting card company, Black Licorice. We talk about her grandmother inspiring her business, living in Arizona, and her role in uplifting the community, particularly as this was recorded in February. <a href="http://www.shopblacklicorice.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.shopblacklicorice.com</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shopblacklicorice/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/shopblacklicorice/</a>

Black Licorice

I had a great conversation with Grace Love. She is among other things a spoken word artist, published author, and the Founder of Poets For Dinner. In Part 1 she talks about her artistry and creativity, her independence, Baltimore's spoken word scene, and a glimpse into Poets For Dinner artists retreats. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music 

I had a great conversation with Grace Love. She is among other things a spoken word artist, published author, and the Founder of Poets For Dinner. In Part 1 she talks about her artistry and creativity, her independence, Baltimore's spoken word scene, and a glimpse into Poets For Dinner artists retreats. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music

Poets For Dinner Part 1

December 31st of 2021 I sat down with Divine, a friend/mentor/poetry goddess and overall amazing person. I wanted to make this the first interview released in 2022, so here we are. Our conversation spans from her poetry, to her performance, to her purpose. It continues into her evolution, and features her young boys/men. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

December 31st of 2021 I sat down with Divine, a friend/mentor/poetry goddess and overall amazing person. I wanted to make this the first interview released in 2022, so here we are. Our conversation spans from her poetry, to her performance, to her purpose. It continues into her evolution, and features her young boys/men. Audio credits: Katt Williams The Ultimate Rap League, Tay Roc Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Glassboy - Spastic MIDI Signals

Divine

Continuing my conversation with Nerd. He discusses establishing his identity, networking; meeting and collaborating with DJ Art.is; and his aspirations to expand.

Continuing my conversation with Nerd. He discusses establishing his identity, networking; meeting and collaborating with DJ <a href="http://Art.is" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art.is</a>; and his aspirations to expand.

Nerd Part 2

Just a man with some ideas, and an employer who won't fire him over them.People can be so smart, they're dumb. Present company included.

Just a man with some ideas, and an employer who won't fire him over them. People can be so smart, they're dumb. Present company included.

The SmartDumb Podcast

The first podcast of 2020 is just one quick discussion about your intentions as a professional on social media, and how people manage to find you regardless.

The first podcast of 2020 is just one quick discussion about your intentions as a professional on social media, and how people manage to find you regardless.

Quick Hit 7 - 2020 Vision

A podcast that was a long time in the makin(g)...because it's been months since my last podcast.  Even this was recorded during the summer. You may have heard us collaborate in the past, but this is the first time I actually sat down with my brother Kenton Makin to talk about his contributions.  From the Makin' A Difference podcast, to the Verses and Tiles blog, to various contributions to ESPN's The Undefeated, Kenton is a journalism force that will only continue to resonate. Hear us discuss origins of his platforms, why we podcast, and the very topics that each of us in the ways that make us unique among the sea of voices.  The break @51:28 highlights A Lone Highway Tutoring, Culture PHX and the Artists Against Cancer game, and Bravo Pay.  We eventually get to our Facebook sports group, SportsSpeak, and some pop culture discussion. Note: The podcast is profanity-free other than the Katt Williams quote at the start. Audio credits: Katt Williams Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Murs, 9th Wonder - Tony Robbins Pocketbook J Dilla - The Diff'rence

A podcast that was a long time in the makin(g)...because it's been months since my last podcast.  Even this was recorded during the summer. You may have heard us collaborate in the past, but this is the first time I actually sat down with my brother Kenton Makin to talk about his contributions.  From the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/makinadifference" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Makin' A Difference</a> podcast, to the <a href="https://versesandtiles.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Verses and Tiles</a> blog, to various contributions to ESPN's The Undefeated, Kenton is a journalism force that will only continue to resonate. Hear us discuss origins of his platforms, why we podcast, and the very topics that each of us in the ways that make us unique among the sea of voices.  The break @51:28 highlights <a href="https://www.alonehighway.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Lone Highway Tutoring</a>, <a href="www.culturephx.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Culture PHX</a> and the <a href="https://www.culturephx.com/upcoming-events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artists Against Cancer game</a>, and <a href="www.trybravo.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bravo Pay</a>.  We eventually get to our Facebook sports group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportsspeak" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SportsSpeak</a>, and some pop culture discussion. Note: The podcast is profanity-free other than the Katt Williams quote at the start. Audio credits: Katt Williams <a href="www.mayortalib.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayor Talib</a> - Mint Hill Music Murs, 9th Wonder - Tony Robbins Pocketbook J Dilla - The Diff'rence

Makin' A Difference Interview

Brother Ali

In January I had an amazing conversation with Brother Ali, then I had an [opposite of amazing] 2019.  But that's the beauty of timeless conversation; when you have the chance to learn from and build with true intelligence, the message is always on time. Be fed, encouraged, and inspired by this conversation.  Shoutouts go to A Lone Highway Tutoring, BOBspotter, and Culture PHX; support black business. Songs: Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music 9th Wonder - StillStanding!!! Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

In January I had an amazing conversation with Brother Ali, then I had an [opposite of amazing] 2019.  But that's the beauty of timeless conversation; when you have the chance to learn from and build with true intelligence, the message is always on time. Be fed, encouraged, and inspired by this conversation.  Shoutouts go to <a href="www.alonehighway.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Lone Highway Tutoring</a>, <a href="www.bobspotter.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BOBspotter</a>, and <a href="www.culturephx.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Culture PHX</a>; support black business. Songs: Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music 9th Wonder - StillStanding!!! Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

Brother Ali interview

Spent some time with my brother and fellow FAMU Rattler los Lauren to talk about his music.  We got to preview a few of the songs on his project.  Additionally, check out Closet Fulla Fresh Lo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OLHOGSubYg

Spent some time with my brother and fellow FAMU Rattler los Lauren to talk about his music.  We got to preview a few of the songs on his project.  Additionally, check out Closet Fulla Fresh Lo: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OLHOGSubYg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OLHOGSubYg</a>

los Lauren Interview

I recorded a second interview on Christmas Eve, and due to life, am just now releasing.  I'm glad the wait is over, because BP is very real, very raw, and very genuine. This podcast episode has strong language like none other, but also has plenty of amazing messages and stories that I hope people do not gloss over.  We split up the hour interview with a small break in between, so please take the time out to feed your entrepreneurial spirit, and kill your ego and your judgmental self.

I recorded a second interview on Christmas Eve, and due to life, am just now releasing.  I'm glad the wait is over, because BP is very real, very raw, and very genuine. This podcast episode has strong language like none other, but also has plenty of amazing messages and stories that I hope people do not gloss over.  We split up the hour interview with a small break in between, so please take the time out to feed your entrepreneurial spirit, and kill your ego and your judgmental self.

BP Interview

I had the honor and the pleasure of interviewing Harold Branch ahead of the Homebase 10th Anniversary weekend.  We started with his introduction and a discussion of his childhood and upbringing that led him to poetry for 26 years; talked about the nuance and layers of the hood(11:59); he recalled his Ghana visit(15:14); we talked about the current generation and their art(18:38); then he gave his viewpoint on the marketability of poetry(22:02); we talked about some ego tripping relative to Phoenix(25:29); then talked about the origins of Homebase(29:15); followed by the business of poetry, and the black business(36:51). At 47:11 we took a break, and then at 49:02 we talked about THE Homebase Break(a dark period in my life).  At 66:37 I showed appreciation to Foreign Exchange as well as to Homebase for bringing them to Phoenix.  At 67:50, we talked about the legacy of Homebase, as well as the upcoming evolution of the Phoenix poetry scene, which is looking goodt.  And eventually, at some point, I made my way to a conclusion.  Audio credit: Hit-Boy - Jay-Z interview Real Housewives of Atlanta Little Brother - The Yo-Yo Little Brother - We Got Now

I had the honor and the pleasure of interviewing Harold Branch ahead of the Homebase 10th Anniversary weekend.  We started with his introduction and a discussion of his childhood and upbringing that led him to poetry for 26 years; talked about the nuance and layers of the hood(11:59); he recalled his Ghana visit(15:14); we talked about the current generation and their art(18:38); then he gave his viewpoint on the marketability of poetry(22:02); we talked about some ego tripping relative to Phoenix(25:29); then talked about the origins of Homebase(29:15); followed by the business of poetry, and the black business(36:51). At 47:11 we took a break, and then at 49:02 we talked about THE Homebase Break(a dark period in my life).  At 66:37 I showed appreciation to Foreign Exchange as well as to Homebase for bringing them to Phoenix.  At 67:50, we talked about the legacy of Homebase, as well as the upcoming evolution of the Phoenix poetry scene, which is looking goodt.  And eventually, at some point, I made my way to a conclusion. Audio credit: Hit-Boy - Jay-Z interview Real Housewives of Atlanta Little Brother - The Yo-Yo Little Brother - We Got Now

HB Interview

Michael Douglas

On Christmas Eve 2018, I interviewed Michael Douglas.  Due to unforeseen circumstances(FORESHADOWING), I didn't edit until 2019.  So, we'll start the year off right with another dynamic entrepreneur.

On Christmas Eve 2018, I interviewed Michael Douglas.  Due to unforeseen circumstances(FORESHADOWING), I didn't edit until 2019.  So, we'll start the year off right with another dynamic entrepreneur.

Michael Douglas interview

My second poem at the Houston slam, where the theme of that night was thankful.

Thankful

11/24 on my daughter's birthday, I performed a poem that's an Ode to Nas &amp; AZ's Life's a Bitch.I promptly got 5.1/10 from one of the slam judges. Because life is in fact, a bitch.

11/24 on my daughter's birthday, I performed a poem that's an Ode to Nas &amp; AZ's Life's a Bitch. I promptly got 5.1/10 from one of the slam judges. Because life is in fact, a bitch.

Life's a Dog Race

September 1st, 2017 I performed at a Busboys and Poets open mic.

Issa Free Write

After an unplanned break from the series, I'm back, focusing on the business that I started last year, and talking about its progress, and future.Audio credits:Mayor Talib - Mint Hill MusicChappelle Show - Charlie MurphyWilly Wonka &amp; The Chocolate Factory9th WonderKanye West - Gold DiggerGlass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

After an unplanned break from the series, I'm back, focusing on the business that I started last year, and talking about its progress, and future. Audio credits: Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Chappelle Show - Charlie Murphy Willy Wonka &amp; The Chocolate Factory 9th Wonder Kanye West - Gold Digger Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

4:44 Series - Part 3: A Lone Highway's Long Highway

The past 12 hours was a wild ride. Derrick Rose scored 50!Then I wake up to a black woman claiming hip hop is immune(to anything, but) to the #metoo movement. After addressing that, I go back to D. Rose. First I talk about the game itself, because wow what a game. Then, I talk about why a redemption story is justifiably derailed.Audio credits: OG Maco - U Guessed ItMayor Talib - Mint Hill MusicDave Chappelle - The Age of Spin: Dave Chappelle Live at the Hollywood PalladiumGlass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

The past 12 hours was a wild ride. Derrick Rose scored 50! Then I wake up to a black woman claiming hip hop is immune(to anything, but) to the #metoo movement. After addressing that, I go back to D. Rose. First I talk about the game itself, because wow what a game. Then, I talk about why a redemption story is justifiably derailed. Audio credits: OG Maco - U Guessed It Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music Dave Chappelle - The Age of Spin: Dave Chappelle Live at the Hollywood Palladium Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

NBA on SDP - Superhero

I was putting together the music for a podcast episode, and realized an old fave and a instrumental had some commonality. One a cappella track, one instrumental, and a speed change later, here we are.All credit due to the original artists: Blu Cantrell vocals, Dallas Austin's original production, and 9th Wonder's beat tape instrumental.Blu Cantrell - So Blu9th Wonder - Zion II

I was putting together the music for a podcast episode, and realized an old fave and a instrumental had some commonality. One a cappella track, one instrumental, and a speed change later, here we are. All credit due to the original artists: Blu Cantrell vocals, Dallas Austin's original production, and 9th Wonder's beat tape instrumental. Blu Cantrell - So Blu 9th Wonder - Zion II

Hit 'Em Up 9th Style

I speak on the infamous although by now completely forgotten Lakers Rockets game. I actually cover the game, then talk about the fight(9:22), then shift to Khabib/Conor and the UFC(13:19).Audio credits:Katt Williams - Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1Mayor Talib - Mint Hill MusicURL - Tay Roc vs Hollow the DonMy Way Entertainment - The Juggernaut BitchTSM DaequanDe La Soul - View9th Wonder - FatAlbertAndRudy!!!Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

I speak on the infamous although by now completely forgotten Lakers Rockets game. I actually cover the game, then talk about the fight(9:22), then shift to Khabib/Conor and the UFC(13:19). Audio credits: Katt Williams - Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1 Mayor Talib - Mint Hill Music URL - Tay Roc vs Hollow the Don My Way Entertainment - The Juggernaut Bitch TSM Daequan De La Soul - View 9th Wonder - FatAlbertAndRudy!!! Glass Boy - Spastic Midi Signals

NBA on SDP - Hits

My first Anchor hosted podcast is also my first #JulyInterview with Anneke Marie, Founder and Owner of Herstori Wraps.We talk about Herstori Wraps(2:32); collaboration and delegating as a business owner(13:50); masculinity and headwraps(15:58); the short leash of the black small business(19:56); the Wrap Effect radio show(22:52), actual action and motivation(26:53), constructive criticism like an adult(30:08), what support means(34:16), and self-preservation for the greater cause(39:43).We take a break at 43:35; then continue on to her 100 days of black business initiative(44:13); DULANS in LA(48:40); owning your rate(55:25); the "Love" sale(1:00:36). I go off on a tangent on the NFL(1:02:41); we talk about the progress to date of the 100 black days(1:04:43); "love" and/for Phoenix(1:13:16); and then conclude(1:26:06).

My first Anchor hosted podcast is also my first #JulyInterview with Anneke Marie, Founder and Owner of Herstori Wraps. We talk about Herstori Wraps(2:32); collaboration and delegating as a business owner(13:50); masculinity and headwraps(15:58); the short leash of the black small business(19:56); the Wrap Effect radio show(22:52), actual action and motivation(26:53), constructive criticism like an adult(30:08), what support means(34:16), and self-preservation for the greater cause(39:43). We take a break at 43:35; then continue on to her 100 days of black business initiative(44:13); DULANS in LA(48:40); owning your rate(55:25); the "Love" sale(1:00:36). I go off on a tangent on the NFL(1:02:41); we talk about the progress to date of the 100 black days(1:04:43); "love" and/for Phoenix(1:13:16); and then conclude(1:26:06).

Herstori Wraps interview

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!