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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.

Quinta & Oprah

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.        
Lizzo

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

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.

kenan-thompson

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

LA Reid, Kelly Rowland Can Trade Notes on Going from Back of the Line to Head Honcho #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 ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

Recently, President Obama had a chat with Misty Copeland. Not for dance lessons but to share life lessons. He’s the first African-American U.S. President, she the first black female principal with American Ballet Theater. Reid & Rowland could trade notes too, on going from back of the line to head honcho.

Rowland is launching her Reality Show while Reid was a BET Honors recipient. In his acceptance speech he said “When I met Kenny [Babyface] I didn’t have the confidence to know I could write. I was just a drummer.” They know chasing duty or chasing destiny is what extraordinary looks like, when all else fails.

Both started their careers in the background. But now they’re cheered by Arsenio’s dog-pound. The Deele and Destiny’s Child were springboards where they would educate their inner gene. It’s one thing to have talent but it’s another thing to release your genius. It takes skill and working on becoming your best self.

Reid shared some of the bumps and bruises along the way in going from drummer to executive. He realized that to elevate his game he had to broaden his credentials. After getting fired from the C-suite at a record company he admits he had to swap pride with humility to better manage his artists and notoriety.

They’ve had stresses in getting to the top. Even Misty Copeland told Time Magazine “When you have all of these expectations and goals to reach this point that 1 percent get to, you know how do you – what do you do when you get there?” Well, after going hard it’s great to celebrate milestones with those you love.

Groove-Track: Earth Wind & Fire – Keep Your Head to the Sky – https://youtu.be/KXMpx2XAf2U

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

President Obama had a chat. With Misty Copeland on this and that. Not for sharing dance lesson tips. But for adding life lesson clips. He, first African-American Prez elected. She, first black female Ballet selected. As with Reid and Rowland trading notes. From behind to in-front with head honcho quotes.

Rowland launching Reality TV show. Reid in BET Honors flow. Acceptance speech given with grace. Tipping his hat to others on the dais. Not first having confidence to write a song. Coached by Babyface in not going wrong. When all else fails in chasing duty. What success looks like in fulfilling destiny.

Both started-out in the background. Now cheered by Arsenio’s dog-pound. The Deele & Destiny’s Child a springboard. Sharp inner gene and showbiz chord. One thing to have talent at your finger tips. Another to release genius from tender lips. Takes skill and working to be great. Becoming best self without the hate.

Reid had bumps and bruises along the way. From drummer to executive in another day. Had to elevate his game from the trenches. With credentials beyond the benches. Getting fired from C-suite a wake-up call. As record company exec came a fall. Had to embrace more humility. To better manage his notoriety.

A few stresses in getting to the top. Even as the dreams don’t stop. Misty Copeland sharing her consent. For reaching ballet theater’s 1 percent. What to do when you get there? Something she wants to make clear. After going hard it’s great to celebrate. Big milestones with those who appreciate.

misty-copeland

Tip: If you wanna be great, learn from those who were chasing destiny above & beyond the call of duty.

Talkback: How has LA Reid changed the game or put his mark on the music business?

Groove-Tracks: DJ Khaled – All I Do is Win – https://youtu.be/GGXzlRoNtHU

 

Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out – https://youtu.be/pXRviuL6vMY

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

Oprah & Joel’s Message in a Bottle, Fortune Cookie or Greeting Card Wish This Holiday #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)

If we think Oprah and Joel Osteen aren’t busy enough, think again. She just announced her new program with Weight Watchers. A few days ago she signed a book deal for her memoirs. As things go now, they’d probably love to send an upbeat message in a bottle, fortune cookie or greeting card wish this holiday.

Last week she said to the NY Times “All of my experiences, even the painful ones, have been there to teach me about life…I hope my story inspires people to live the highest, fullest expression of themselves.” ‘O & Jo’ know that the path from employee of the month to person of the year is paved in Yule’s gold.

Part of her ‘love yourself’ message is seen in the new Beyond the Scale campaign. She’s ready to support others in focusing on their highest value as they move ‘beyond the sales’ of the holiday season. There’s no wealth without health. There’s no dream without the goals. There’s no great without the wait.

Osteen might say how “Yule’s gold runs circles around fool’s gold.” He might even agree that the Yule Factory is a place where you find ways to add more passion at work, purpose to the day and savor to the flavor. This way we get not just a big paycheck but also in the words of James Brown, ‘a big payback.’

Morgan Freeman recently stopped by Osteen’s mega church in Houston. Freeman is doing a TV special on stories of faith. We all know the value of a precious commodity like gold. Plus, we see how Oprah and Osteen impact their fold. They know going from today to a new day is in what next time will hold.

Groove-Track: Patti Labelle – ‘New Day’ – https://youtu.be/wRBnwUIwpGk

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

Think Oprah and Osteen not busy enough? That’s just talking off the cuff. She endorses new Weight Watchers gig. Days before signs book deal that’s big. For her memoirs over the years. The ups, downs and the cheers. They’d send upbeat message in a bottle. As fortune cookie, card or wish not so subtle.

Last week telling NY Times. All experiences aren’t like sour limes. Teaching her something about life and style. Lasting with her for a while. Hopes to inspire people to their highest. Where self-expression reaches the fullest. ‘O & Jo’ know employee of the month isn’t old. And person of the year is paved in Yule’s gold.

A ‘love yourself’ message she tells. A Beyond the Scale campaign she sells. Ready to support people’s truest value self. Beyond the sales and holiday elf. Not just about going after wealth. With no reasonable portion of health. No dreams without having some goals. No great without the wait in our souls.

Osteen might share a Yule’s gold tip. From circles around a fool’s gold trip. Adding notes about the Yule Factory story. Where passion at work finds more glory. Putting more purpose in every day. Helps savor the flavor in every way. Not just about the big paycheck. Take it from James Brown in the big payback.

Morgan Freeman stopped by Osteen’s spot. To see why his mega church’s so hot. Freeman taping new TV special of late. On stories of faith, hope, so forget the hate. There’s value in precious stone like gold. As seen in how ‘O & Jo’ rally their fold. For going from today to new day in what next time might hold.

oprah-colbert-show

Tip: Things that make us laugh, cry and try again can show us a path to our highest and fullest selves.

Talkback: What kind of ‘message in a bottle’ are people hoping for going into the holidays?

Groove-Tracks: Jill Scott – “Fools Gold” – https://youtu.be/uoEKX0CniNY

 

Hailee Steinfeld – ‘Love Myself’ – https://youtu.be/bMpFmHSgC4Q

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