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Shaking Things Up Beyond How You Impress: Find the Moxie You Need to Rock the Game in a Way That’s Priceless

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Doc Cunningham
“Da Island Guy”

Time Magazine has named its person of the year. It’s a big deal in some circles to see if their key influencer made it among the finalists. The honor, normally going to public figures across, politics, business and showbiz, tries to bring some end-of-year ‘umph’ to kinda top-off the wild and wonderous.

No worries, though Quinta Brunson and Lizzo didn’t make the list, they’re among pop culture’s movers and shakers. Brunson has had a world-wind year with the success of the sitcom Abbott Elementary. It leads the Critics Choice TV category nods and she’s also one of People Magazine’s Persons of the Year!

In the case of Lizzo, she’s been making the rounds on her album release promotional stops, like the Today Show and SNL. Plus, with her Apple TV+ documentary, she’s giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a concert. Ofcourse, fans get a look & feel for what makes her tick.

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Brunson recently had a sit-down interview with Oprah where she got high praise about her work. The media mogul was impressed with how Brunson has been shaking things up beyond how you impress. Meantime, Lizzo recently made history playing the flute once owned by founding father James Madison.

While as kids, neither Brunson or Lizzo were seen as future superstars, they’ve found the moxie to rock the game in a way that’s priceless. For Brunson, it started with doing short comedy clips that went viral, while with Lizzo it was in mixing hip hop with her performance style. So they know you gotta be:

  • Ready:- Brunson had flashes of fame in her early days of trying out comedy bits. While going viral was what gave her the initial exposure, it’s messaging that would click and make her stick.      
  • Steady:- Lizzo remembers having to skip hanging out with friends so she could go to music class and bond with her flute. That gave her a feeling of steady, even with the craziness in her world. 
  • Element:- In Science class students learn the Periodic Table of Elements. It gives the basic makeup of things. In showbiz they’ve found their connecting talent/element for crossover appeal.     
  • Represent:- Brunson might say Abbott Elementary was meant to represent the value that teachers bring to society. For Lizzo, it’s about how ‘big girls’ get to represent their fullness in life.        
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Brunson isn’t so concerned these days about going viral. The thing that drives her passion is in making a show that brings generations together. She got the idea from reminiscing of a time when she could watch a TV show with her grandfather and they’d both get the joke.

After a long day in the studio or on the road, they’ll tell you that there’s nothing like being in your element and having the chance to represent. It turns the feeling of making an impression into a fun form of expression. Those moments in their niche are the ticket for how they bring content that’s cool and rich.

Talkback: While at the office, how do you get the most out of your element?

Tip: Turning passion into niche gives the feeling of turning impression into a fun form of expression.

Tracks: Busta Rhymes Ft Mary J. Blige – You Will Never Find Another Me – https://youtu.be/XKwmuRT2VOI,

Maffio, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley – Blessings – https://youtu.be/8Sc5yOzrNDM

How Folks Headline the Main Event: By Getting the Most Out of Their Careers Even When It Means Changing the Game

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The college homecoming season is the place to be! It’s when alums return to their alma mater to reminisce on their experience. It’s usually built around the big football game between rivals. That was the case recently in Jackson Mississippi and the JSU squad with Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders.

But there’s another kinda homecoming with the Netflix release of “The School for Good and Evil” starring Kerry Washington and Charlize Theron. The story is about a school that produces heroes and villains, depending on their social track and pedigree. Washington plays the Dean of the School of Good.

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders

Since becoming head coach, Sanders has been generating major buzz and team play. Companies have come calling to support the program. High School recruits are giving HBCU’s a second look. The team has raised its game as fans get turned-up where the recent homecoming was a blockbuster sellout.

It’s like Sanders could be thought of as ‘Dean of Prime Athletics’ by how he’s impacted the gridiron space. Plus, he and Washington, are no strangers to making social impact. In between movie promo stops, she’s also helping to get the word out on the upcoming midterm elections. It’s that important to democracy.

From early days, Sanders knew how to get the headlines. His flashy style and breakout play often made the highlight reel. Now he’s about to create a major first, as ESPN’s GameDay Crew’s live broadcast will happen on the JSU campus. They’ve both been getting the most out of their careers by how they:

  • Learn the Game:- Sanders knows it’s not just about doing drills and mastering game skills. It’s also about those transferrable skills no matter where they take their mojo on the field of dreams.   
  • Flip the Rules:- Usually, ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast happens on a Power-5 conference school campus. But Sanders has his team balling and sports media folks talking.  
  • Perform the Sell:- Washington took a different type role than we’re used to from her days on Scandal. But she connects the film’s entertainment value with her market value as an actress.    
  • Bring the Sizzle:- The idea behind the School for Good & Evil isn’t just about life’s choices. It reminds us of how to balance our yin and yang, our old-school and new-school to bring the sizzle.    
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Washington says she enjoyed shooting the movie because her kids were there to admire the costumes. The chemistry between her and co-star Theron was an instant connect. They made the most of the project as a career move by ‘breaking the mold’ to play a role somewhat outside of their comfort zone.

Sanders has been breaking news with a recent appearance on CBS 60 Minutes. The team will prob headline coverage and analysis on ESPN’s Saturday line-up. If a homecoming sellout didn’t get your attention, then chances are you think it’s just certain schools that can create the next generation of pros.

Talkback: Is ‘Prime Vision’ something just for JSU or will it catch on elsewhere?

Tip: Be a headliner by how you maximize a second chance, cause folks to give you a second look and be amazing.

Tracks: Mary J. Blige – Amazing – https://youtu.be/CRZig-WX_U8

El DeBarge – Second Chance – https://youtu.be/CBhw5FUBHY8

Fantasia and DJ Khaled tell Fans How They’re Keeping Their Game Strong and Fame from Going Wrong

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The list is in (or out)! As word on the winners are announced, some folks are glad to come out on top. Well it depends on whether you’re looking at the election results or the MTV EMA’s. Candidates in political races usually give their acceptance speeches while award winners get to hold their prized statue.

In the case of the upcoming America Music Awards (AMAs), the list of nominees is out. Word is that Lizzo will be performing on the big stage. She’s been nominated in the Best New Artist category. Also expected to make a showing is Selena Gomez. She’s back in the game with a new attitude and market appeal.

Hot on the charts are two artists among our hit list of music biz players. Fantasia and DJ Khaled give us their take on how they stay relevant. Fantasia who’s best known from her days on American Idol, has released new music and settled into having a family life outside of the glitz and glamour of showbiz.

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For DJ Khaled, it’s always been about sharing ‘major keys’ to his brand identity. He started spinning records for the ‘Miami Vice’ scene and now he’s a top-rated music producer. In recent interviews and posts on social media, they tell fans how they’re keeping their game strong and fame from going wrong.

Her new album recently jumped to the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B list with a concert tour in the rollout. His latest collabs feature artists who have their own standing in the game but who’re ready to produce crossover hits for the charts and movie soundtracks. They keep stirring-up their skills with:

  1. Passion

Think about how television is a way to tell-a-vision. The shows we watch go from vision to script to passion. That may be one way how Fantasia and DJ Khaled keep fans wanting more. Sometimes their music is like soul-vision as they put vision to lyrics and music on a track with a stirring in rhythm & soul.

  1. Path

For them, the paths taken have been different, but the results have been similar. Hot music, awards lists, excited fans. It’s more than just going down some money-making path. It’s also about creating a lit-path. They’re likely to share some life-notes from their journey to bring more light to the passion within.

  1. Purpose

When you see Fantasia on stage, she’s like a next-gen Patti Labelle. When you checkout the music from DJ Khaled he’s like a next-gen Quincy Jones. Similar passions to how they affect the game. But how they affect everyday life itself is more about living with a higher purpose beyond themselves.

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  1. Peace

There are some artists who seem to make news for all the crazy reasons (not calling any names). Maybe they’re still trying to find their peace. For Fantasia and DJ Khaled there’s lots of blessings to go around coming out of their sense of peace. It keeps them in a state of rest when things bring stress.

The AMAs will air on TV during the weekend before Thanksgiving. Lots of artists will be in the building hoping to rub elbows and up their cred. Fantasia and DJ Khaled may have special seats up front. But even if they don’t their passion for music will keep them on a path where they’re thriving and winning.

Tip: The path taken for more exciting times is filled with passion, purpose and peace by how you tell-a-vision your dreams and stir-up your skills.

Talkback: If you’ve seen the nominees for AMA Best New Artist, who’s your pick?

Tracks: Mary J Blige ft. Nas – Thriving – https://youtu.be/98YJEr9NaXc

Jay Rock – Win – https://youtu.be/ZPFnwgsTOWM

Shakira & J-lo Bring a Wide Skill-Set as Two High Performing Stars in Music & Showbiz

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College athletes ‘bout to get paid! Well, it’s not happening tomorrow or this season. But it’s set to kick-in after a while in California with the new law signed by the Governor. Not everyone is happy with this new shift in sports marketing. Time will tell if fans think the players deserve to get a slice of the gametime pie.

While that works itself out, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez ‘bout to cash-in too. They’ll be the Superbowl’s halftime show headliners. It’s a first for both and a first for two Latin-infused artists to perform together. We can reasonably expect to see lots of shakes, rattles and rolls across the dance stage.

Some wonder if one really needed the other for this premier event. Both have similar backgrounds and achievements in the music biz, selling around 75 million records. They can sing in English, Spanish and Spanglish if it comes to that. They’ve both had their own world tours and soldout performances.

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What’s special here is that their musical medley could include a vast array of hits from hip hop, reggaeton, pop, R&B and Latin flava. What’s even more special is how they next-level their skillset as two high performing stars in music and showbiz. Their list of awards is too long to unpack right this minute.

Shakira with her belly dancing chops and Jlo with her Hustler movie role could bring a new level of sexy sizzle to the big show. Whether singing, dancing, acting or just sky-walking in the air, they’re ready to fulfill a dream that’s a long time coming. Their star power is an example of what it takes to be:

  1. Brand Conscious

Everybody knows sex sells in showbiz. But business savvy has taken them all the way to the bank. Jlo’s made her share of pop culture dollaz across music, movies, TV and consumer fragrance products. You get the sense that if they could find a way to be ‘brand conscious’ with dirt, they’d collect there too.

  1. Body Conscious

They’ve been known to use their bodies to tease male fans. Some people have a way to ‘fit it’ and others have a way to ‘flaunt it.’ It’s a case where fitness alone doesn’t make them hot in showbiz. These ladies are body conscious with it to the point where they know how to bring a swish and a swash.

  1. Socially Conscious

There’re two women Jlo admires, not so much for their ‘swish and swash’ but for their socially conscious dash. One is the notorious RBG – Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the other Michelle Obama. It’s the kind of socially conscious appeal she hopes to have, not as a duplicate but as a ‘Jenny from the block’ original.

  1. Style Conscious

It takes style conscious swag for folks to be so attracted to what they’re wearing. Imagine the number of outfit changes they’ll make during the performance? It only takes removing layer after layer right down to skin and more skin. We might even see a few magazine front cover spreads in time for the big event.

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Shakira is set to release the movie edition of her recent concert world tour. Jlo’s been getting Oscar buzz for her role in the Hustler movie. When these ladies bring it together it’s gonna be lots of hot momma ‘shaking and baking’ for the taking. If you know what I know, watchout for them wandering eyes. Hey ya!

Tip: Next-leveling your skillset is a good way for bringing high-performance hustle to the game and brand-conscious star power to your fame.

Talkback: Is college players getting paid a good thing and will it change the game?

Tracks: OutKast – Hey ya! – https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

Mary J Blige – Know – https://youtu.be/hjCbGmVMcQI

Steve Harvey and Prince Harry Remind Us of What to Do with the Naysayers as You Win, Place or Showout in Your Dreams

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It was the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby, and let’s just say things didn’t end well. The horse that originally finished first was DQ’ed because of crossing into the lane of another horse on the final turn. The suspense was high following the race as fans waited to hear the verdict from the review.

The situation was a little different for Prince Harry as he waited for the arrival of his first child. He and Duchess Meghan gave birth to a boy and Harry was almost giddy trying to explain how he felt leading up to the announcement. ‘Prince Jr’ is seventh in-line, so he’s got lots of time to grow into royalty.

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For Harry, getting to this point was a dream come true, considering the tragedy of his mom. As a Royal Family member, he gets to have a dream life with little to no setbacks. As for Steve Harvey, he’ll tell you his story of running low on funds and feeling like he was running out of time to achieve his dreams.

Harvey and Harry remind us of what to do with the naysayers and doubters as you win, place or showout in your dreams. Harvey might say he made it this far with hustle-love. Harry might say he’s made it this far with Meghan’s love. At times it seems like Harvey and Harry wear it on their sleeves.

So, when it comes to giving birth to your dreams what does it take to win, place or showout? Sure there’s a process that gets us there from concept to reality. There’s a gift that grows inside of us the way a baby develops in the womb. But there’re other factors for bringing out the best in our ‘dream lane’ such as:

  1. Faith

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Harvey says he won’t let anyone out-faith him. He’s watched some larger-than-life aspects of his dream come to past because faith is oftentimes seeing what others don’t see, can’t see or choose not to see. It’s like saying faith is the evidence of things not seen by the naked eye but seen through God’s eyes.

  1. Home

Harry and Meghan are looking forward to bringing their new born home. Every baby that comes home gets the chance to grow into a fully-equipped human being. Similarly, every dream can use a homebase, just like every cellphone has a home-button, so that the dream can grow into something fully-lit.

  1. Drive

Harvey tries to turn-up his hustle the way your professional drive can turn up the flow. He knows having the motivation to run your race gives you the hustle and having the drive to up your game gives you the flow. A dream without the drive might startout like a rain shower but end up like a large puddle.

  1. Stretch

Usually, the last few days before giving birth can feel like an eternity. Harry and Meghan went through this phase as well, with paparazzi trying to get a jump on things. Dreams can go through a similar stretch phase where it feels like your skills are being stretched or you’re pushing through on the homestretch.

Which is where the Derby finish got interesting. It was on the homestretch where the original winner veered into the path of other horses in the race. Even when it feels like all hope is lost or things might go off course, there’s no doubt it takes faith, home and drive to win, place and showout in your dreams.

Tip: Even when it feels like all hope is lost or things might go off course, there’s no doubt it takes faith, home and drive to win, place and showout in your dreams.

Talkback: Which one interests you more about celebrity news: doing baby watch or dream watch?

Tracks: Mary J. Blige – Doubt – https://youtu.be/NUE5r4Mzf80

Ledesi – Alright – https://youtu.be/8dAPfhnR92U

Tyler Perry and Steve Harvey Bring a Dose of Laughs and a Drop of Reality to Get Folks Juiced-up for the Holidays (and Beyond)!

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No more drama! No more Madea? If fans had to choose they might say ‘No more drama for $200’ as Tyler Perry says he’s retiring the Madea character. It might be easier for them getting rid of the drama in life than for seeing the end of Madea. But at least Perry threw-in the fact that their layaway got pre-paid.

More Family Feud! More Little Big Shots! That’d be no-brainer for Steve Harvey. He’s set to host an upcoming holiday special where kids get to say and do their talent thing. While Perry and Harvey enjoy doing those projects, they know that in showbiz you gotta find ways to reinvent yourself.

In their work, they deliver a dose of laughs on stage and a drop of reality off stage. Even if it doesn’t get everybody excited for the holidays it might get some fans juiced-up for the new year. Either way, there’s enough good times and good vibes that can take us into next year for going from pre-lit to major hit.

Harvey says his wife loves to decorate for the season. Whether that means going with a pre-lit tree or starting from scratch is anyone’s guess. But the path we take to being fully-lit personally & professionally means embracing the things in life that come pre-lit: gifts, talents, calling, purpose, passion and dreams.

Perry and Harvey might explain in their tweetable moments that they’ve done the same in their careers. The holiday trees at home and across the country get to standout by adding some decorations. A good mix of ornaments, ribbons, tinsel and a tree-topper. So, success in going from pre-lit to major hit takes:

  1. Skill

While talent is something that usually comes naturally, skill is doing it with your eyes closed. Perry and Harvey spent years developing their skill by turning an ability into a capability. While talent gives us the ability to shine, skill gives us the capability to elevate things that come naturally to a level of superiority.

  1. Smarts

Harvey jokes about how his new beard has made him look and feel smarter. Well at least in the eyes of his grandkids. They keep quizzing him and he keeps answering. The smarts that makes folks lit professionally comes with more knowledge (as in book-smarts) and insight (as in street-smarts).

  1. Social

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Perry was a recent presenter at an event honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela. You remember, it’s where Beyoncé graced the stage like an African goddess. What he’s doing by supporting everyday lives at home and abroad shows a level of care and influence that brings social impact.

  1. Soul

Perry and Harvey give props to the God-side in them reaching new heights. Sometimes the things that hold us back are tied to F.E.A.R. – a case of ‘Fool’s Error Acting Ready’ to kill your hopes and dreams. But when God stirs your soul you get juiced-up with a new vision for going from pre-lit to major hit.

The Madea winddown tour is set for next year. Perry believes it’s time to bring new things to life. That’s also true when the holiday season ends and the resolutions-rollout begins. When we hit the stage for the upcoming 2019 wind-up it’s a good time for ‘no more drama’ and celebrating a ‘new you, new woo.’

Tip: Going from pre-lit to major hit personally and professionally means you don’t stop ‘til you get enough skill, smarts, social and soul.

Talkback: What’s in-store for your holidays, for your new year?

Tracks: Mary J. Blige – No More Drama – https://youtu.be/em328ua_Lo8

Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – https://youtu.be/yURRmWtbTbo

Cardi B & Simone Biles Explain How Their Dreams Came Together Even Through Stormy Weather

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Superbowl LII is in the bag and the Philly parade is set. The game might be over but it seems Cardi B and Simone Biles are just getting started. It’s hard to say which one’s the bigger pop culture icon right now. One’s getting ready to tour with Bruno Mars, the other’s back to training for the 2020 Olympic team.

Both have adoring fans who just can’t get enough of their style and story. For Cardi B it’s a case of “don’t judge a book by its backside until you get the backstory.” For Biles it’s a case of “when a dream is in you it’s gotta find a way to come through.” Then again maybe we can say the same thing for both.

Their journeys are somewhat similar in skipping out on college. Cardi B made it through two semesters and had enough. Biles chose to skip out on a UCLA scholarship and instead go pro to fulfill her dreams. Fast-forward their stories and you find them becoming their best by having a ‘no limit’ mindset.

Both did some ‘firsts’ in their game. Cardi B as the first rapper to have her first three singles in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100s. At the Rio Olympics Biles became the first female gymnast to win four gold medals in the same games. Now they’re both working on not being a one-time wonder or passing fancy.

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Biles’ weakness is the uneven bars. She’s much better at gymnastic routines that use the power in her legs. But her electric personality fits well with her performance stick-ability. Cardi B turned her weakest times into breakout moments. Now her music career seems to be on a path of going all the way up.

Their road to glory also came with some ‘stormy weather.’ Biles had to bounce around in foster care until she was adopted by her grand-parents. Cardi B dealt with the separation of her parents and the challenge of finding it hard to get by. They showed courage to stay the course and soar by how they would:

  1. List the dream and make the hit list.

One year after barely missing out on making the National Team, Biles decided to regroup to do whatever it took to bounceback. She soon became a hit on the gymnastic circuit and went on to become three-time world champion. Then she decided to list the dream of making the Rio Olympics and the rest is history.

  1. Learn the ropes and trust the process.

Cardi B didn’t initially set out to be a rapper. But to move past her show-girl days, she began paying attention to some of the big stars in the game. She remembers thinking that she could do that by bringing her own swag and then some. Things went from there, after starting from the bottom and now she’s here.

  1. Bring the funk and raise the roof.

The funk for Biles is how she became a force on the floor. She’d find the zone where passion was just rolling towards perfection. The funk is that feeling of being in a good groove. It’s something fans can sense when it happens. The funk for Cardi B has her becoming a force where she gets to raise the roof.

  1. Spread the love and live the life.

Recently Biles shared that she was also the victim of sexual abuse. She kept those feelings repressed for years but now her healing comes from being able to tell her story and spread the love. Beyond a new boyfriend to talk about and fiancé to have and hold, these ladies are in a good place to live the life.

When you look at their life, your life or my life you see what you see. But after a while things seem to turn out fine. Biles and Cardi B’s stories remind us that even if you’ve had some downside, you can still reach the upside. These ladies are doing it big, making their mark and owning their place in the showbiz game.

Tip: When you have a dream in you it finds a way to come through by learning the ropes and trusting the process.

Talkback: Does Cardi B have it in her to be more than a one-time wonder?

Tracks: Usher ft Young Thug – No limit – https://youtu.be/3w0yqAdJ1iY

Mary J Blige – My Life – https://youtu.be/6DLZc97nWf0

Sterling K. Brown & Mary J Blige on What it Means to Think Like the Best, Stay on a Roll and See What The Next Level Shall Be

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The Year of ‘Got Shine?’: Where The Things You Know and How You Flow Bring More Star Power for Sure

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Things on the East Coast these days might be a little topsy-turvy with political back and forth. Things on the West Coast were a little nerve-wracking after the Tsunami warning. But Hollywood kept the lights on to make this year’s Oscar nominations. Awards season is in full swing and Sterling K. Brown is on a roll.

He made history in winning a SAG award as the first black male actor in a category. He pulled-off a similar feat earlier in winning an Emmy. He’s not the only one on a roll as Mary J Blige got her Hollywood Star recently. She’s also getting Oscar buzz with her nomination and showing us how to bounce back.

Just ask Steve Harvey about being on a roll. His revamped talk show was renewed for a second season. They remind us to act like a success, think like the best and see what the next level shall be. It’s doing what you love and loving what you do. But it’s really how they tap-in to the five success groups of life.

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Everybody shows up with talents and gifts. These and other asset groups are like bread slices. They feed our success which feeds our family. Books have a table of contents. Food items have a nutrition table of contents. Well it’s the five success groups that help them stay on a roll in order to reach their goal.

The saying goes “You get out what you put in.” Not only do they tap-in, they also put-in to stay on point. It’s not always easy or a slam dunk. How that’s done differs from one job role to the next. They know that when you act like a success and think like the best, sooner or later you get to beat-on your chest.

So whether it’s to keep that 2018 resolution on track, make that career move or put that dream project in breakout mode, here’s what stars like them do to get more out of life’s success groups. Before they can beat on their chest the key is in answering four questions for how they might:

  1. Think like the best poker player and ask what’s in your hand?

Every card player gets dealt a hand. It’s the starting point for how they play the game. Every breakout star turns the talents and gifts they were dealt into something that’s widely felt. Plus, what’s in your hand isn’t just about the cards you can play but about handling your business when your number gets dealt.

  1. Think like the best game-changer and ask what’s in your hustle?

There’re stats that players use to get a sense for their averages. Every sport has its main stats that help determine performance. No two stats are the same but one thing’s certain is that hustle can change the game. Athletes who’re able to stay on a roll or go to the next level bring extra hustle beyond the muscle.

  1. Think like the best song-writer and ask what’s in your hook?

There’s the hook and there’s the chorus that keep us humming our favorite song. The chorus gets repeated two or three times. The hook is the vibe-line that gives the track more playback. It’s what keeps a business, brand or relationship on a roll. It’s the hook that keeps the folks coming for more playback.

  1. Think like the best stage performer or social leader and ask what’s in your hope?

Nobody gets up on stage and hopes to be a flop. You expect to do your best and leave an impression or excitement with fans in the audience. Moreover, most social leaders pursue an agenda where there is some worthy objective. The things you hope for are those for which you feel worthy or feel are worth it.

Years ago someone helped me see what’s ‘in my hand.’ It’s an asset sometimes delivered through ideas, insights and maybe a dose of inspiration. Music adds to how I bring a hook or extra hustle beyond my writing muscle. This way I’m putting my talents and gifts to work to meet life’s situations with finesse.

Tip: The things that keep you on a roll involve using what’s in your hand to bring hustle to your passion and the hook to your brand playback.

Talkback: What’s the hook to your favorite song that keeps it on playback?

Tracks: Mary J Blige – Bounce Back 2.0 – https://soundcloud.com/officialmaryjblige/bounce-back-20

 

Bruno Mars ft Cardi B – Finesse – https://youtu.be/LsoLEjrDogU

Lebron James as Rapper, Ice Cube as Baller: The Genius Behind Their Rise to Fame

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The NBA season is a few weeks in and looks like the fellas are still working out the kinks. The Golden State Warriors lost their first game on the night they got their championship rings. The Cleveland Cavaliers lost more than three games in a row and fans are wondering what’s going on in the ‘Land.

Well maybe getting ready for Halloween had them a little distracted. James went to his annual costume party dressed-up as the Pennywise clown from the movie ‘It’. Steph Curry rode in to his on a bicycle like another kind of clown himself. James was also seen on Carpool Karaoke with Ice Cube tagging along.

The costumes of James and Curry stood out as the best. But it’s James as rapper and Ice Cube as baller that helps us see what can make our job performance standout. We see them light-up with their unique strengths and take-off with their creative flow. In a sense that’s the genius behind their rise to fame.

Sometimes sport commentators do the game recap. As they review a big play the video graphics will show how the play unfolded. There’re times the player and the path in the graphics will light-up as things take shape. That’s how James and Cube light-up the scene the way video graphics are smart and cool.

The whole Halloween thing might be scary to some. But it’s a fun way for people to show-off their alter-ego in personality. James could easily go as a rapper. He’s always sharing Instagram clips of his rap-alongs. Cube could easily go as a baller since he’s the co-founder of the 3-on-3 basketball league.

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There’s something else about how they make performance stand-out. They get to show-off their alter-ego in passion. Plus, they’ll bring gametime effort as a balance between how they light-up their strengths on the work-side and flex their flow on the play-side. That’s why we cheer because their genius got game.

As a blogger I’m always using my unique strengths to drop some lines. I realize in writing that a part of getting through comes from being heard without necessarily being seen. I also have a love for how music can bring creative flow to the script. It’s the same reason why movie trailers use music in their promos.

Some of what makes James light-up is hitting the big shots. What makes Cube light-up is spitting slick rhymes. But it’s in how their ‘genius got game’ that’s helped them rise to a higher level of fame. They’ve taken what they know from their main thing and turned it into movies, merchandise and pulling strings.

Chris Paul from the Houston Rockets tells his story of unique strengths, creative flow and being traded from the LA Clippers. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to uproot his family. His main concern was, in one sense, around ‘happy wife happy life.’ He also didn’t know how his son felt about leaving his friends.

He took his son on signing-day when he was introduced to the media and fans. The moment he walked out and heard the cheers, it caused him and his son to light-up. The look on his son’s face said it all. So whether as po’ folks or ‘just folks,’ great performance is about how we stand-out and light-up the place.

Tip: Your performance stands-out in how you shake-off the doubts and light-up the place so that your genius got game.

Talkback: What makes the performance of James, Curry or Cube stand-out?

Tracks: Mary J. Blige – Doubt – https://youtu.be/NUE5r4Mzf80

Nappy Roots ft Anthony Hamilton – Po’ Folks – https://youtu.be/QbN6VkleO48

Barack Obama & Richard Branson: Two Smart Guys Who Make us Want to Be Like Them #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

The Superbowl is over but the memories will live on forever. That’s how it certainly feels for those who came out on the winning side. After the game’s overtime comeback many also welcomed the Obama’s return from vacation. He and Richard Branson are two smart guys who make us want to be like them.

These days Obama might be feeling like Michael Vick who announced his retirement. In an ESPN interview Vick said “I’m ready to move on to different things in my life and different facets of my life.” They’re open to another road to career heaven by chasing new dreams to a point of major satisfaction.

Maybe Branson is the right guy to spend time with them on that road. He’s been down different ones a time or two. He was ready to show BO what it feels like to sail, surf and sky to a new venture in career high. It didn’t hurt Obama was willing to go after something he missed because of his role as POTUS44.

Michelle brought her beach style to the shoreline. BO brought his ‘beach cool’ to the kite-surfing highline. Trying something new was very appealing. He took the challenge of stretching beyond his comfort zone to enjoy the splash of success. It’s a day or night to remember, the people and things that give us chills.

In a social media post on his Nobel Peace Summit Award Branson wrote “So many of life’s successes, including many of mine, are owed to the trailblazing actions of others.” Sometimes chasing the dream is inspired by seeing yourself in the success of others and carries on in the lessons shared with others.

Groove-Track: O’Jays – Stairway to Heaven – https://youtu.be/FS0K6syRs40

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Another Superbowl done over. Memories to last forever. How those on winning side feel. After last minute overtime steal. Comeback from losing position. To winning and confetti celebration. Meanwhile Obama’s back from vacation. He and Richard Branson two smart guys. Make us want to be like them in wise.

These days Obama on next phase. After downtime and goodbye praise. Maybe feeling like Vick on retirement shift. Into new things as a rift. Wants to move on to new facets. And to apply passion assets. A new career heaven to suppose. Chasing new dreams who knows. To point of satisfaction, smell the rose.

Maybe Branson right guy to share an ode. From time spent on similar road. Been down ones a time or two. Ready to show BO on making it do what it do. What it feels like to sail, surf and sky. To a new venture in career high. BO going after what’s missed. As POTUS44 and FLOTUS44 getting kissed.

Michelle brought beach style to shoreline. BO his ‘beach cool’ to surfing highline. Trying something new very appealing. With cap turned backwards had us reeling. Took the challenge of stretching beyond. Past comfort zone and splash in the pond. In day or night of some thrills. People and things that give us chills.

About Nobel Peace Award Branson wrote. Sometimes getting to success is how you float. On trailblazing actions of other stars. Or striving for house, land and cars. Chasing the dream to the next place. Doing things at your own pace. Inspiring yourself through few kin folks. Those in biz school or just telling jokes.

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Tip: Chasing the dream can further inspire confidence by seeing yourself in the success of others.

Talkback: What might we expect from the Obama’s as their post-presidency style?

Groove-Tracks: Mary J. Blige – A Night to Remember – https://youtu.be/W_v0dnSK4KY

Charlie Wilson – Chills – https://youtu.be/eGsXkZW6s9Q

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST