pharrell williams

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Turned Campaign Trail Moments Into Career Trail Magic

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It’s T-minus-70 and counting towards the inauguration of the next U.S. President. The campaign season came to a halt when the projected winner was declared by media and other independent observers. As a gradual shift begins to unfold around Washington, some still hold on for dear life to a different reality.

Going from candidate to “you’re hired” has ups and downs, twists and turns, ebbs and flows. Over these months we saw political ads with their views on certain issues. We could review their professional backgrounds covering years of public service. Then it’s the people who made the hiring decision.

Along the way as candidates debated and fund raised, they hoped to win primaries like rounds in a boxing match. There were good rounds and bad rounds which helped determine who survived and who exited stage left. Biden and Harris on the campaign trail was like where the magic happens on the career trail.

A potential candidate for a job gets to respond to a company opening. They’ll send in their resumés as a professional background summary. Then the decision is made among the hiring team on who gets the call back. Plus, there’re intangibles (like an endorsement or referral) that can change the outlook in a flash.

While the campaign trail had its nasty-lie moments, we can learn what it takes to jumpstart the job search, advance career moves or rebrand a biz venture. Along the way, folks are checking the record and comparing notes. They’re watching to see who makes the grade or who’s worth getting paid based on:

  • Ambition

The difference between Biden and Harris is like old-school and new school. Biden has been in the game for many years. Harris has been rising up the charts over recent years. Their journeys came together because of shared ambition. Ambition helps in making a name for yourself and a role for your skills.      

  • Vision

Biden’s vision is about unity of purpose in saving the soul of the nation. Since Harris isn’t at the top of the ticket, her vision lines-up with Biden. But from a history-making standpoint, she probably shares that broader vision of women breaking the glass ceiling in their careers.      

  • Reinvention

Biden has run for President three times. He had a chance to reinvent himself the last two times. He says it was the events of Charlottesville that got him into the race the third time. Sometimes when career goals seem hard to come by, we have to find ways to reinvent ourselves to better meet the moment.  

  • Connection

Beyond qualifications, it’s also connection that helped things come together as running-mates. Harris first knew Biden when she was Attorney General of California and his son Beau was AG of Delaware. What she probably was reminded of was that people don’t care how much you know, but how much you care.   

Biden and Harris might ask what’s your reality? Is it stuck on past miss-steps or geared to future step-ups? When people see how much you know your stuff, they say you’re good. But when they sense how much you care, they can tell you’re good for the part. That’s how they bring magic to what they do.        

Tip: Your ‘happy’ is in bringing magic to what you do by how much you know and how much you care.

Talkback: What’s it like seeing “you’re hired” and “you’re fired” getting played out right before our eyes?

Tracks: Bruno Mars – 24K Magic – https://youtu.be/UqyT8IEBkvY

Pharrell Williams – Happy – https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs

Daymond John and Sophia Popov Show How to Get Dreams Moving from the Background to the Headlines

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This week was Mamba Day at the NBA! The league remembered Kobe Bryant on 8-24 to honor his game and the numbers he wore. There was a kind of mamba spirit at work as LA sports teams had lots of success in their games. Both the Dodgers and Lakers won big with players showing love to their icon.

For different reasons, folks gave props to Daymond John and Sophia Popov. Both made news recently for their ‘hustle and flow’ credentials. For John, it was a program feature to honor Dr King’s famous words, “I Have a Dream.” John is known as a ‘Shark Tank’ personality but his biz skill came from the streets.

Popov made history winning the Women’s Golf British Open. Her rank in the world was somewhere in the 300th range. It’s only happened once before where someone with such a junior rank wins a golf major. She placed 10th in the qualifying tournament, providing her a chance to play among the game’s stars.

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The backstory told by John is he learned from watching his parents about what it takes to ‘rise & grind.’ They’d work their regular jobs and then after that did stuff with their side hustle. For Popov, it’s been about believing in herself and her game and knowing that she could perform among the best of them.

Their success is an example of what can happen when you give your dreams a ‘shot of r-u-m’ by putting it in ‘roll-up mode’. It’s not what you have in a beverage sense but in the way you mix skill, talent, passion & mojo. That means we get our dreams moving from the background to the headlines by how we:

  1. Work it

John realized he wanted to be a ‘bid-ness man’ after selling baseball caps on the street corner. He had borrowed money from a relative to make a few caps for himself. People started to like them, so he made some extra ones. He hung-out on the corner and made $800 selling them. That was his ‘work it’ moment.

  1. Play it

Popov went from relative unknown to becoming a golf champion. Some might say timing was everything because Covid-19 prevented few of the ‘regulars’ from playing in the tournament. But she showed how you ‘play it’ is just as important. This comes by maintaining poise and not being distracted by life’s noise.

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  1. Build it

John then started with the brand FUBU and was able to ‘build it’ from the ground up with help from friends & fam. When you build it, things might start out as a ‘proof of concept’ and end up being your ticket to the big time. So that means staying on message or on track to build momentum for a breakthrough.

  1. Change it

At times we might have to tweak things in our game to get better results. Plus, when things get stale or feel stuck, we might have to ‘change it.’ John sees that happening now with the public unrest. He’s frustrated that we’re still ‘stuck on stale’ when it comes to dealing with social justice issues.

It’s still hard to fathom that Kobe was ‘here today, gone tomorrow.’ As players send love to his family, we can live our best life in honor of his story. Some go the entrepreneur route by how they ‘build it’ while others worry during Covid-19 if they’re gonna ‘play it.’ But no matter what, let’s ‘change it’ or ‘just work it.’

Tip: You get dreams moving from the background to the headlines by how you work it, play it, build it and change it!

Talkback: Will this win for Popov be a career one-off or a dream jump-off?

Tracks: Pharrell Williams ft Jay-Z – Entrepreneur – https://youtu.be/bTOoY5MIkvM

Missy Elliott – Work It – https://youtu.be/cjIvu7e6Wq8

Sloane Stephens & Drew Scott Know How Taking a Dream Idea or Career Move from Worst to First is Just a Dance Away

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The next season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is ready to rock and roll. This year’s roster has the usual mix of ball players and entertainers. Some have retired from the game while others are trying to get their groove back. Even HGTV’s Drew Scott seems ready for the challenge to “breath, swing and move his feet.”

It so happens that those were the same words said to Stephens by her coach before the US Open Tennis final. The advice seemed to work well as she won in convincing style. The slogan of ‘Just Do It’ might work for Scott as he gets ready to strut his stuff on DWTS. But something else could also be a motivating factor.

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It may be a case of ‘Just Dance’ for Scott as he prepares for Showtime, but Stephens showed that for winning it’s a case of ‘Just Flow.’ That might be the best way to describe how she went from worst to first over the past eight months. She was ranked as underdog earlier in the year but now she’s got top billing.

Stephens pulled off a stunner! She used injury time to rethink her game. This helped to make a big difference in finals play. She kept her nerves in check to ‘shake, battle and roll’ with a performance that took its toll on her opponent. When we rethink our game it helps us develop our own shake, battle & roll.

It’s a kind of ‘Just Flow’ system that she was able to reboot. Think about those times at the computer or smart phone when things get hung-up with an application. When all else fails, the best thing is to do a reboot so that the internal settings get refreshed. You’re able to reset a new ‘intel inside’ for work or play.

That played-out for Stephens as it has for me. When I left my full-time job as a computer engineer to pursue my dream it was my biggest career move yet. There were times I had to keep my nerves in check to keep moving towards the top deck. I’ve gained a new kind of ‘intel inside’ that helps me to ‘Just Flow.’

With a new ‘intel inside’ Stephens went from career crashing to career banking. She couldn’t believe the $3 million amount on the winning check. They say professional tennis is the best game to play as a woman because there’s a more level playing field to make that paper. Stephens is ready to collect!

One of the hardest things to do in a career move is to relearn your game or yourself. The good part is the professional makeover you achieve. That’s already happening for Scott. Before the first dance move on DWTS he’s been able to lose some weight. Sometimes it takes loosing ‘dead weight’ to be great.

Stephens was able to lose her ‘dead weight’ and is poised to build momentum. It’s her time to ‘Just Flow’ and to see where her goals and dreams go. Scott can show us what happens when the groove is back, or when the ‘feels’ is strong or when the rhythm hits you. You get turned-up in new and exciting ways.

A good way to describe their ‘Just Flow’ experience is being ‘in the pocket.’ Stephens was ‘in the pocket’ in how her game rose to the occasion. It’s the kind of thing that puts us in the running as a rising star. Things seem to flow so well that your game is ‘in the pocket’ and your life performance is ‘in the socket.’

Tip: A new kind of ‘Just Flow’ experience will put your game ‘in the pocket’ and your life performance ‘in the socket.’

Talkback: How was Stephens able to keep things loose and will Scott be able to get loose on the dance floor?

Tracks: Shalamar – Right in the Socket – https://youtu.be/sNGyMe3bu1E

Calvin Harris ft Katy Perry, Pharrell & Big Sean  – Feels – https://youtu.be/ozv4q2ov3Mk

Ice Cube & DJ Khaled Just Achieved New Dreams, Here’s How They Did It! #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? (Or Just Fun!)

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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)

It was the first weekend in the official start of summer and things got hot! There were so many events from coast to coast that had stars in the building. There were Awards shows and other spots to choose from that were happening. Even Ice Cube and DJ Khaled achieved new dreams with their latest projects.

In launching this new 3-on-3 professional basketball league, Cube told USA Today’s For The Win “When I saw Kobe score 60 points in his last game, I knew that guy can still play basketball…and there’s no where I can ever see him play again.” Cube saw an opportunity to fill a void, serve a niche & roll the dice.

After giving it more thought he went with the 3-on-3 idea which is how most basketball pick-up games are played. Even though he was starting from scratch with the idea, he decided to recruit former NBA players who’re now retired. The concept has some buzz with strong attendance after the first weekend of games.

While that was happening on the East Coast, Khaled was mixing it up on the West Coast with a new album release. His social media feed was blazing with clicks and pics from some of his promotional pit stops. With Cube and Khaled you see their vision catch fire as they approach their dreams like pros.

What really stands out for both of them is how they make the situation special. Khaled gives nods and props to his production team and music collaborators with his Another One lingo. Cube lets players wear their street-side nicknames on their jerseys. It’s the way they make things funky, fun and catch feels.

Groove-Track: Tracie Spencer  – Make it Funky – https://youtu.be/IJsStCDbq-s

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

First summer weekend start. Weather pretty much played its part. Things in show biz got hot. With so many events to hit the spot. Awards shows and so much more. Some things began as early as four. Lots of stars in the building to see. How Ice Cube and DJ Khaled let dreams come to be.

Launching new 3-on-3 pro hoops. Giving USA Today his dream scoops. Saw Kobe retire after scoring 60 in last game. Knew he could still do more with his fame. Why not see him play again. If he’s still can shoot jumpers when. A way to serve a niche, fill a void. Roll the dice for the retired and unemployed.

After thinking things through a bit. Cube thought his idea could be a hit. Most pick-up games happen the 3-on-3 way. That’s how most kids learn to play. Starting from scratch to move it along. Cube adding his own rhymes in a Hip Hop song. Concept has buzz from fan support. To see who still got game on the court.

That was sort of the East Coast swing. While Khaled on West Coast doing his thing. Mixing it up for his album release. Grateful for the fan love piece by piece. Social media feed blazing with clicks. Streaming music previews and promo pics. Many see their vision catch fire. Living their dreams about to go higher.

Something to make them standout then. The situation makes things feel like a ten. Khaled gives nods to his production team. Adding props for his collab-ready dream. As Another One helps him see more green. And stay front and center on the scene. Nicknames on jerseys to make it funky, fun and feel teen.

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Tip: Achieving new dreams might involve filling a void, serving a niche and making the right pitch.

Talkback: What’s it going to take for 3-on-3 to become a regular part of the sports scene?

Groove-Tracks: Big Sean – Bounce Back – https://youtu.be/go76oq9KI-o

Calvin Smith ft Pharrell & Katy Perry – Feels – https://youtu.be/ozv4q2ov3Mk

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

Steve Harvey & Kenan Thompson: Too Hot To Trot, Tame or Slow Down Anytime Soon #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? (Or Just Fun!)

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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 NY Media world is trying to keep a steady hand these days. With different personalities coming and going, the industry shot callers are busy shifting things. There’s word that Megyn Kelly will soon be back on air. While Steve Harvey and Kenan Thompson are too hot to trot, tame or slow down anytime soon.

Harvey’s busy moving and shaking while Thompson is holding it down at SNL. In a HuffPost interview he said “I thought that SNL was just going to be that bridge into being an adult actor. They’ve not only been a bridge. They’ve been a [beep] highway for me.” A little bend and big break have helped their careers rise.

They know ‘top-dog’ ratings can be good for business. Harvey recently announced the return of Showtime at the Apollo as a weekly show coming soon. He plans to re-launch his daytime Talk Show from LA this fall. Thompson is one of the longest-running SNL performers, all of this from turning talent into comedy.

But what seems to add to their longevity is a knack for turning talent into options. Thompson plays different sketch-comedy stage roles on SNL. Harvey’s gone from the stand-up comedy stage and now hosts different roles on TV. It’s like that old story of putting talent to work so that it multiplies and flies.

One of the signature skits by Thompson is playing Harvey on Family Feud. It’s art imitating life in a fun and natural way. That’s how they use their talent to pull on the purse-strings in the marketplace. Their comedy is more than pulling a puppet on a string. It’s in how their skills brings praises many people sing.

Groove-Track: Kool & The Gang  – Too Hot – https://youtu.be/TbXjX6-YNNY

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

NY Media world trying to be steady. These days they gotta be ready. Different folks coming and going. Industry shot callers doing the wooing. Word that Megyn Kelly set to appear. Back on mainsteam TV air. While Steve Harvey & Kenan Thompson keep rollin. Too hot to trot, tame or keep from slowin’.

Harvey busy moving and shaking. Thompson holding it down at SNL taping. Telling HuffPost about his days. Before people knew the role he plays. Thinking SNL could be a bridge in time. To adult actor in his prime. Not only has it been a start. But also a bend, big break to raise career part.

With ‘top-dog’ ratings in the biz. Going from nobody to somebody, gee whiz. Showtime Apollo return coming soon. Weekly show on Harvey-TV tune. Re-launch of daytime TV show. From Chicago to LA studio. Thompson as an SNL act for years. Using talent to climb the comedy stairs.

Longevity seems to be their knack. Turning talent into options pack. Thompson in different sketch-comedy roles. Harvey from stand-up to inspiring souls. Thompson as characters into which he flows.  Harvey as host on so many shows. Like the old story where talent multiplies. One gig at a time it flies.

Signature skit Thompson might score most.  Is playing Harvey as Family Feud host. Art imitating life in fun way. As natural as it gets any given day. Talent to pull purse strings in marketplace. Comedy to put a laugh on people’s face. More than pulling a puppet string. Their skills bring praises many people sing.

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Tip: A ‘top-dog’ in biz knows hot to turn talent into options for pulling purse-strings in the marketplace.

Talkback: What SNL actor/skit takes the prize for having the most wit & laughs?

Groove-Tracks: Jay-Z ft Pharrell – Excuse Me Miss – https://youtu.be/tnDh0JhmaFw

Jojo – Rise Up – https://youtu.be/efl0Q8TOf_8

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

Welcome 2017: “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!” #BigTimeUniversity

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

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‘New year, new you,’ that’s what folks like to say. For some, the dawn of 2017 came into view with fanfare and a little leftover hangover. Others were turning the calendar from old to ‘got next.’ Whether reaching for the bottle or shooting for the stars, the new year is good for opening the door to hopes and dreams.

That’s what Hollywood could be thinking with the release of the movie Hidden Figures. It tells the story of unsung dreams that were behind the scenes as the NASA space program climbed to new heights. Well, that might have been true then and could be just as true now. So it’s time to move fresh dreams forward.

Welcome 2017: “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!” This year’s theme brings a cool way for flexing style, game and soul in how we roll. It means being on point with everyday stuff and on the move with real gutsy stuff whether in taking it to the streets, achieving new feats or dropping hot beats.

We’ll see this play-out as Hotsteppers in Washington by way of moving Dr. King’s dream forward. This will mean keeping tabs on the going downs in politics, civics and economics. Plus, there’re four things our Purposeful Living blog is sure to ‘Let the People Know’ before & after President Obama drops the mic.

Throughout the year we’ll share highlights of how purpose and passion give life an easy breezy groovy feeling. So think of this year as another ‘start now’ game opportunity. In some sports it takes two halves to play the game. In others it takes four quarters. Either way what happens on the field builds-on the score.

Those who’ve followed this Blogcast over the years might realize it has grown into a kind of Hotsteppers Weekly. It’s where we connect with ‘aha moments’ from celebs, change-makers and other trendsetters. It has uplifting stories from uptown, downtown and cross-town; from Hollywood & Hollyhood.

It’s also where we might learn, earn and discern. This makes us better by doing ‘homework’ + teamwork = dreamwork at #BigTimeUniversity. At times the blog is a reminder or refresher for everyday living. It’s a place where just like cars, we stop every so often for a refill or service-check to keep running well.

No matter our normal duties, job tasks or smart goals, along the way we might find ourselves in the thick of it for a time or the whole damn year. This could be a phase that feels like the walls are caving-in. But once we figure things out, after a while we’ll have every reason to jump and shout. (Been there, get that!)

So we’ll keep bringing some of those favorite music hits to just not quit because what’s worth doing is too legit. That’s how we get jiggy and woke in the end. Thanks Grooviacs for the feedback and support in the past and looking forward to making it last. Just remember we’re now part of the Hotsteppers Cast.

With the right blend of music, social uplift and lifestyle content, maybe this year’s theme will feel like you’re turning-on Hot Steppers Radio. So let’s make a deal and do 1 for the money, 2 for the show, 3 to get ready and 4 to go. Or in the spirit of the new year countdown, “4,3,2,1…let’s rock and have some fun!”

Yours in Da Groove,

Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham

‘The Island Guy’

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Groove-Tracks: Ini Kamoze – Stepping Hotter This Year – https://youtu.be/fuYyR2imtUY

Mary J. Blige – Thick of It – https://youtu.be/8KcdZZnBfRA

Taraji P. Henson, DJ Khaled: Two Among Many Who’ve Had a Career Year For Sure #BigTimeUniversity

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

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” 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 ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

Lamar Jackson takes the Heisman award for contributions to his Louisville team. He beat-out four other finalists to join football’s best-in-class. Then there’s DJ Khaled & Taraji P. Henson who’ve been white hot this year even before the Christmas special. They’re two among many who’ve had a career year for sure.

According to Yahoo Celebrity Khaled told ET earlier this year “I feel like people can relate to me because we all go through wins and roadblocks and passion and pain and it’s a vibe.” Khaled and Henson might have different experiences but they could share their 4 keys on going from hidden figure to six figures.

For Henson’s latest role in the movie Hidden Figures she plays the true story of Katherine Johnson, a math whiz who worked behind the scenes at NASA. It reminds us of times we’ve had to go from scared to bold. The long-and-short of it is being able to fess-up our truths before we can bless-up the world.

If Khaled’s Instagram tells us anything, he did it with an eye on having more life. It’s the way we step-up to a cause or live-up to our dreams. He’s been busy raising his rap impresario game while sharing his keys for success. Even Drake gave Khaled props with gold plated keys for him and his new born son.

So Henson’s missing from the Golden Globe nods. Was it a snub or a slight rub? Khaled’s got his first #1 album Major Key on the Billboard 200. Their journeys line-up with the quote “Things are going to get in your way but whatever you do never stop showing-up.” Keep runnin’ since God can save the best for last.

Groove-Track: Will Smith – How Da Beat Goes On – https://youtu.be/s435h8Xc-wE

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

Lamar Jackson takes Heisman award. That’s big and makes him man-a-yard. Louisville teammates gotta be happy. Teasing him kinda feels sappy. Beating-out four other jocks. As college football’s best-in-class stocks. There’s Henson & Khaled who’ve been white hot. Before Christmas special or career top spot.

As told by Yahoo Celebrity note. Khaled on ET that he’s not yet GOAT. But feels like people can relate. With wins, roadblocks and things on the slate. Passion and pain has its own vibe. Khaled & Henson might pitch their own tribe. Giving 4 keys on going from hidden figures. To top billing and major six figures.

Henson’s latest role you see. Movie Hidden Figures history. Plays true story of math whiz. Who was part of NASA biz. Reminds us of what it takes. When fear gives us the shakes. Go from scared to being bold. Like winners of days old. Long-and-short is simple to say. Fess-up your truth, bless-up the world any way.

If Instagram is where he lives. Snapchat is where he gives. Wanting to have more life. For him the fans and cool wife. In how he’d step-up after a pause. Or live-up to dreams and a cause. Busy raising his impresario game. Then came more fortune the same. Even Drake gave props with gold keys in his name.

So Henson’s missing from Golden Globe list. Snub or slight rub the gist? Khaled with first #1 album reach. On Billboard 200, listen for his speech. Their journeys taking different roads for sure. But lines-up with idea close to the core. Things get in the way but no matter what. Keep runnin’ as God has your lot.

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Tip: The key in moving from hidden figure to top billing is making sure your work and life make a killin’.

Talkback: No Golden Globe for Taraji: Snub or a slight rub?

Groove-Tracks: Kim Burrell – I See a Victory – https://youtu.be/zM_ngicKTqU

Pharrell Williams – Runnin’ – https://youtu.be/96kIL2GV27I

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

@Adele & @Pharrell Make Passion seem Effortless and Collaboration Look Priceless! #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” 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 ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

The holiday season is about to jump-off. There’re ‘Black Friday’ sales all over the place. Between holiday concerts and showbiz Award events, artists are getting ready to bring their A-game. Maybe some should look to @Adele & @Pharrell for how they make passion seem effortless and collaboration look priceless.

Pharrell hosted the ‘Shining a Light’ concert and Adele did the Today Show. She once said in a memorable quote “I make music to be a musician not to be on the cover of Playboy.” That’s key for those who wonder why some people get more ‘play’ on the job, or thanks from mgmt for customer service work.

When performing she does it with ease and he with ‘executive swag.’ Their music connects with the masses without feeling mass-produced. Their performances and press appearances have enough vision to serve a broader mission but enough ‘play’ to get the creative juices flowing and fans cheering.

They have something in common off stage and behind the scenes. It’s a kind of quirky cool that as kids might have been picked-on by others. But their success tells us that a quirk doesn’t make someone a jerk as long as it’s put to good use at work. Quirks can be an asset, becoming part of our working facet.

Many love the fact that no matter how high-up in job title or on the pop music charts, they’re still relatable to everyday people. That common touch helps Adele boost airplay and album sales and attracts emerging artists to him on The Voice. Adele and Pharrell are at their best when they’re like one of us.

Groove-Track: Arrested Development – ‘Everyday People’ – https://youtu.be/ohx0m2fR4zs

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Holiday season about to be poppin’. Black Friday sales to start the shoppin’. Between concerts and Hollywood Award shows. That’s kinda how this season flows. Where artists A-game gets moving. And concert fans get grooving. Adele and Pharrell make it effortless. With collabs that are simply priceless.

Hosted ‘Shining a Light’ fundraiser. He was a sure crowd pleaser. Adele had Today Show audience packed. She draws a crowd, that’s a fact. Once said musicianship is her thing. Not trying to be a Playboy fling. That’s key for getting more ‘play’ at work. Or thanks from mgmt as a good customer service clerk.

When they’re in action it’s a thrill. With ease they execute their skill. Music that connects with the masses. Good for clinging the champagne glasses. Performance and appearance with enough vision. To achieve a broader service mission. Enough ‘play’ and creative juices running. And fans at their loudest humming.

Something in common off stage. Behind the scenes or from a young age. Kind of quirky cool as a kid. Maybe picked-on so they hid. But a quirk doesn’t make you a jerk. As long as it’s put to good use at work. Becoming a secret weapon or hidden asset. Also part of your biz brand facet.

Many love that no matter how high. Job title and music charts isn’t their why. They still come across really relatable. To showbiz execs and everyday people. A common touch in what they do. Helps boost sales and attract artists too. At their best when in their lane. They’re one of us even with the mundane.

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Tip: As passion gets your creative juices flowing, collaboration gets your working partnerships growing.

Talkback: What’s the hot holiday gift people are talking about this season?

Groove-Tracks: Andra Day – “Cheers to the Fall” – https://youtu.be/Hrzx3obzUmY

 

Stacy Barthe – ‘You Wonder Why?’ – https://youtu.be/2CYR54mzLbU

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

Michael B. Jordan Turns His ‘Hood Life into a Fruitful Station in Hollywood Circles #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” 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 ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

Basketball training camp is now in session! While the WNBA season is in playoff mode, the NBA season is another month away. In sports, stars rise to the occasion in ways that can be surprising. That may also be true for actor Michael B. Jordan who’s turned his hood life into a fruitful station in Hollywood circles.

Jordan’s made serious strides with leading-man acting chops. He tells GQ magazine “I’m living the dream, man. This is crazy for me, bro! The cover of GQ was something I always wanted to do as a kid -like, unreal.” He’s proof of how hustle helps build dreams, advance career goals and attract major roles.

He grew up in Newark NJ, at times having to sleep in the kitchen so the oven could provide heat. Since getting the chance to do modeling and smaller acting gigs he’s now in the title role of the upcoming movie Creed, A Rocky spinoff. Hustle for him was less about the streets and more about character building.

His breakout role was in the movie Fruitvale Station. It depicts the last moments of the Oscar Grant tragedy. He’s also had roles in All My Children, The Wire and Friday Night Lights. Whether building acting roles or personal character, he says he learned in school that discipline was the key to achieving dreams.

So what might last year’s top 5 money-makers in Hollywood or Hip Hop say about making it big? Chances are they’ve also used their hustle as advocacy for greater good. It’s why Jordan knows that to stand for nothing is to fall for anything. But to stand for something means everything for hustle to serve a purpose.

Groove-Track: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony ft Akon – ‘I Tried’ – https://youtu.be/q4EiBFUpFXg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Hoops training camp getting set. Final rosters soon to be met. WNBA season in playoff mode. While NBA jocks not yet on the road. Stars looking forward to season rising. In ways that can be surprising. Might be true for actor Michal B. Jordan’s life-in-hood type. Reaching fruitful station and Hollywood circles hype.

With leading-man chops he’s made serious strides. Going places to GQ magazine he confides. Says he’s living the dream that might seem crazy. Folks bett’ not say he’s one who’s lazy. Making the cover a dream he’s had as a kid. Proof of how hustle puts dreams, careers and roles on major grid.

Grew up in Newark good ole brick city. Before Hollywood days and sitting pretty. Had to sleep in kitchen for oven heat. Now living large to his own beat. With modeling and acting his starting point. Upcoming title role in Creed, a Rocky spinoff joint. Hustle less about streets and more character building to anoint.

Breakout role in movie Fruitvale Station. Story of Oscar Grant that rocked the nation. Before that in All My Children soap opera story. Plus The Wire and Friday Night Lights TV glory. Whether acting or personal development role. Says he’s learned discipline’s good for dreams and the soul.

So what say last year’s top 5 money-makers? In Hollywood or Hip Hop movers and shakers. Chances are they’ve used their hustle as advocacy. For greater good and showbiz diplomacy. It’s why Jordan knows stand for nothing is to fall for anything. But stand for something and hustle can mean everything.

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Tip: Hustle is not just about what happens in the streets but also about achieving next-level feats.

Talkback: Who didn’t make the Forbes list of top 5 Hip Hop money-makers that was a surprise?

Groove-Tracks: Kendrick Lamar – ‘I Love Myself’ – https://youtu.be/sop2V_MREEI

Pharrell Williams – “Freedom” – https://youtu.be/LlY90lG_Fuw

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

@CarliLloyd Brought Her ‘It-Factor’ to the Game on the Soccer World Stage – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” 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 ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

So who’s up for a parade? That’s the breaking news from the office of NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio. He was approached by another elected official with the idea. It will be the first for honoring a women’s team. How fitting that’ll be since NJs Carli Lloyd brought her ‘it-factor’ to the soccer world stage.

Head coach Jill Ellis said, “I’m so happy for them, so happy for every little girl who dreams about this.” The looks on their faces said a lot about the game. It also mirrored ‘happiness in the workplace’ as a flashback to the playground. What you bring to the game is what you celebrate at the party.

Lloyd said she was on a mission for the team. She’s been developing her talent even before she played for Rutgers. Her former coach and those on her club team remember times where she was fierce. Her happiness on the field (like that on a job) rises by turning talent into skill and training into expertise.

The U.S. women’s team was often called a 23-player squad. That’s not just about numbers but also synergy. There was a balance of old-timers and newbies. Lloyd’s ‘it-factor’ was more than talent but also her sense of teamwork. As a player she scored three goals and as captain she shared the spotlight.

Lots of history was made in the game with Lloyd racking-up a few. The happiness she first spoke of was how surreal the moment. It’s not a feeling you fight but one that lets you float on cloud nine. What that says about ‘it-factor’ is her having the midas touch in skill, chemistry and screams from cheering fans.

Groove-Track: Pharrell Williams – ‘Happy’ – https://youtu.be/y6Sxv-sUYtM

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Who’s up for a parade? Women’s soccer made the grade. NYC Mayor DeBlasio’s office thinks so. Got idea from elected official in the know. Making it happen would be a first time. No other women’s team been this prime. Quite fitting for Carli Lloyd making sports page. Bringing her ‘it-factor’ to the world stage.

Head coach happy as can be. Says girls did their duty. This for every girl who dreams. About being on winning teams. Looks on their faces said a lot. Like good food from grandma’s pot. Happiness at work or at play. Sure can happen any given day. Raise your game with more hearty. Celebrate like a 1999 party.

Lloyd’s mission for the team was there. Developing her talent year to year. Even before her Rutgers playing days. Was a force with a fierce gaze. Former coach giving her much props. Club team members say she’s got hops. Her happiness on the field as in a job. Comes with training, skill and expertise blob.

Women’s team was 23-player strong. Not just numbers but synergy along. Good balance of old-timers as well as upstarts. With coaches and role players doing their parts. Lloyd’s ‘it-factor’ in talent and teamwork mix. A combo for her game fix. Scoring three goals as a key player. Sharing the spotlight as team leader.

Lots of history in the making. With beauty and grace for the taking. Lloyd had hers in fair share. A surreal moment of happiness in the air. Not a feeling you want to fight. But floats you on cloud nine day or night. What that says about ‘it-factor’ is this. Midas touch in skill, chemistry and screaming-fan bliss.

carli-lloyd2Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tip: Your ‘it-factor’ in skill and happiness is not a feeling you fight but one that might bring screaming fans day or night.
Talkback: Is a parade for the U.S. women’s soccer team a good thing?
Groove-Tracks: India Arie – ‘Just Do You’ – https://youtu.be/qXpaJMg3q8I

Shaggy ft Beres Hammond – ‘Fight This Feeling’ – https://youtu.be/v_m783XAQjo

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