Be Your Own Dad (BYOD): May 2017

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

DMC Episode: Who's Body Calling My Phone, Love, Millennial Sex Slump and BTS pics

This week on DMC the topics my panel and I cover are on Body Language, Doing Too Much, and the recent study of the Millennial Sex slump. Check out the show and some BTS pics below!

Thank You for checking the BYOD blog. Be sure to read previous posts and stay up to date with BYOD! VISIT the Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/ LIKE the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad SUBSCRIBE to the Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad Snapchat: tallchocomilk Business & Sponsorship Inquires: wjvibert@yahoo.com -Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Gary Vee How To Network on Instagram Direct Message

My guy Gary Vee just dropped some serious gems in his latest article on how to use the Instagram DM to build your business. Make sure to grab a pen and paper to copy down these information.

https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/network-instagram-direct-message/

Here is a quick 5 step overview of the article:

Connecting on Instagram: The 5 Keys to Remember

The More The Better — You need to do this 10–100–500 times a day.

1. Find New Instagram Accounts to Target

In the world of social, there is a lot of noise. First you need to locate your point of interest by doing a quick search through Instagram. The beauty is that you can find a near infinite amount of leads through a number of unique ways. You can choose to search by location, hashtag or user.

If you’re a business and you want to grow your reach, start by searching hashtags for the most used terms in your industry.

As a reference to an example I will develop later, let’s say you cut hair. So you’re a hairdresser on the Upper East Side of New York. You can easily begin your Instagram strategy by searching the hashtag “haircut” or filtering by location using the address of your store. Look at the top and most recent posts and start examining each account. Too many people get caught up thinking they have to identify people with 100,000 plus followers. Unless you’re a big time business with a big budget, you don’t need this approach. If you can activate “micro-influencers,” or people with smaller followings but tremendous engagement that live nearby, you can win.

2. Look at the Instagram Profile and Audit Their Account

Spend about 30 seconds scrolling through their account(s) and understanding their likes, dislikes and activity.

REMEMBER: Pay Attention to Engagement!

Even if the account only has 190 followers but every single post that user creates has 60 likes and 20 comments, REACH OUT via Instagram DM. If the relationship between their following and their engagement is strong, that means that they have their audience’s ATTENTION, which is so crucial in today’s digital world.

So pay attention to micro-influencers that are within the region you’re targeting. They can provide tremendous value to you and your business and all it takes is a single direct message to start building a relationship.

Look at their posts and consider: Do they interact? Do they engage? Do they post regularly? Do their fans like them?

This is the key to success.

3. Bring Them Value

My one reservation with this article is that it’s just gonna turn a lot of you into spam bots. That you’re just gonna control copy, go into DM and start pasting and getting banned or paused by Instagram, because you’re literally just spamming random accounts. The entirety of this post is to get you to understand how you can bring them value.

Right now, your entire energy is predicated on what can I get out of this? Of course you can DM The Rock, DM Warren Buffett, DM Tyra Banks, DM some founder that you love, but if you don’t consider what that person actually needs or wants you will never get through. This is the number one arbitrage for success. If you are not providing value, they will not respond.

The key to any tactic — and this is THE tactic — is to provide more value to the other person, especially when they’re the one with the leverage. Formulate your proposition and prepare to do what is so crucially important in today’s digital world. Send the DM.

Remember: your value proposition is how you can help solve the problem they are currently experiencing or haven’t thought of yet.

4. Direct Message

This one is easy but a lot of you still don’t understand.

Open up Instagram and find the three little dots in the top right corner of an individual’s account, click the dots, then select “send message.”

5. Rinse and Repeat

Success is a numbers game. Be prepared to get 100 no’s for every yes. Most people won’t even reply. But don’t get discouraged and don’t be romantic. It’s part of the game. Many people at the top have similar skills. A LOT of companies and individuals and influencers can bring you A LOT of value, and opportunity. Needless to say, most individuals are fairly well connected, and many might be friends or employees of the person you are trying to reach.

Getting one “yes” will build your foundation. Keep the ball rolling and use your work and speed to gain momentum.

You all need to be doing this 10–100–500 times a day.

Now You Have To Deliver

This is one very important piece that I only touched on in my original video: “It’s Going Down in The DM”

Once you get the opportunity, you need to deliver. Don’t be upset if you DM 900 people and 2 say yes and you fail to deliver. Ultimately skill and execution are everything. Direct Messages just help you get your foot in the door.

*All Copyrights go to Gary Vee

From Learning To Read In Prison To Owning His Own Financial Business

I've always had a theme for my blog of turning a negative situation into a positive outcome. And, I recently came across this inspiring story that I had to share with my #BYODFAM. Meet Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll the former inmate that began his own financial literacy program while in prison. Curtis grew up in the tough streets of Oakland, California and was only taught a life of crime. At the age of twenty he found himself incarcerated unable to read. After picking up a finance magazine on accident one day he began his journey of creating his own business. Hella Dope! Check the story out below:

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Bryson Tiller True to Self Released Late Night

Byrson Tiller's Sophmore album "True to Self" hit the streets and streaming services at 12:00 a.m. Eastern time last night. The 19 track project is the follow up album to his hit freshman album Trap Soul that was noticed by the whole industry. Byson Tiller has quickly become a fan favorite. Now he's returned with a new album just in time for the summer.

I'm listening to it now and i'm feeling it. The track "Run Me Dry" is gonna be my go too track as of right now. I'm on track 12 so you never know that may change. But, "Run Me Dry" is going to deff be a club banger because it's got a great dance beat. And, Tiller kills it with the flow. Track "Somethin Tells Me" looks to be the first single dropping from this album. The visual for the record has already been released below:

I'm still listening to the album now but go check out that new album "True to Self". Let me know what you think of the album in the comments.

Thank You for checking the BYOD blog. Be sure to read previous posts and stay up to date with BYOD! VISIT the Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/ LIKE the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad SUBSCRIBE to the Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad Snapchat: tallchocomilk Business & Sponsorship Inquires: wjvibert@yahoo.com -Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Netflix Series The Get Down gets cancelled after One Season

I'm pissed!! One of my favorite shows on Netflix "The Get Down" got cancelled after just Season 1. Sources say "The Get Down" was one of the most highly priced productions that Netflix has done. Production spent over 120 million dollars for the only 12 episode season. There were issues in production involving different writers that caused different parts of season 1 to air at different times. Which I was able to attend the screening for part 2 of season 1 earlier this year. Check it out here: http://beyourowndad.blogspot.com/2017/03/la-screening-of-get-down-returning.html

After all the research I've completed I still cant seam to find the exact reason why the show was cancelled but I can confirm that the show will not be returning to Netflix. Hopefully another network or streaming service will pick it up.

Thank You for checking the BYOD blog. Be sure to read previous posts and stay up to date with BYOD! VISIT the Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/ LIKE the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad SUBSCRIBE to the Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad Snapchat: tallchocomilk Business & Sponsorship Inquires: wjvibert@yahoo.com -Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Real Hookup Goals, Swolmates and Bow Wow Why?!?

New Episode of DMC! This week we talk about Real Hookup Goals, Swolmates and Bow Wow Why?!? Check it out below!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta premieres Thursday at 10/9c on WE tv

(ATLANTA) - May 24, 2017 - Last night, WE tv hosted a star-studded Atlanta premiere of its new series, "Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta." Hundreds convened at Woodruff Arts Center to preview the much-buzzed-about ATL edition of the hit franchise, which stars Bow Wow, Shaniah Mauldin (daughter of Jermaine Dupri), Reginae Carter (daughter of Lil Wayne and Toya Wright), Zonnique Pullins (daughter of T.I. & Tiny), Brandon Barnes (son of Debra Antney and brother to Waka Flocka) and Ayana Fite (daughter of DJ Hurricane).

The cast was in attendance along with their famous parents Jermaine Dupri, Toya Wright, Tiny Harris, Debra Antney and DJ Hurricane. Additional VIPs included Da Brat, Waka Flocka Flame, Datari Turner (producer, "Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta"); "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" stars Tammy Rivera, Tommie Lee, Karlie Redd, Bambi, Karen King, Melissa Scott and Erica Dixon; Kandi Burruss and daughter Riley ("Real Housewives of Atlanta"); Mama June and daughter Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson ("From Not to Hot"); Trina Braxton ("Braxton Family Values"); Gocha Hawkins ("LA Hair"); Genise Shelton ("Married to Medicine"); Stevie Baggs, Jr ("Match Made In Heaven"), Shanell (Young Money artist), Princess (formerly of Crime Mob) and many more.

After opening remarks from Lauren Gellert, EVP of programming at WE tv, and Marc Juris, president at WE tv, guests were treated to a sneak peak of the upcoming "Growing Up Hip Hop" season 3, which was introduced by cast member Kristinia DeBarge. Then Bow Wow, who is an executive producer on "Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta," intro'd the screening, which was following by a lively cast Q&A moderated by radio/tv personality Ebony Steele.

After the screening, guests headed over to Opium, where DJ Infamous kept the energy high well into the morning.

"Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta" premieres Thursday at 10/9c on WE tv. Follow @GUHH_WEtv and @WEtv on social using hashtag #GUHHATL.

Catch a sneak peek of the show here: http://www.wetv.com/show s/growing-up-hip-hop-atlanta.

Photos: James Pray for WE tv

Content for this post isn't own by Be Your Own Dad. Only Shared.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

See Jimmy V as Kevin in New Webseries Doggish!

Relationships can get real messy. It may be all good and sweet in the beginning, but if you're in it for the long hall than plan to go through some ups and downs. The downs is where it gets real bad. They say guys are the biggest dogs but woman know how to play too. This new webseries "Doggish" shows both sides of the Doggish lifestyle. Catch me as the character Kevin in episode 1 below:

Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Season 6 Episode 11 Review & After Show

The show introduces Stevie J's newest passenger on his bus for his new latina record label. And, more tea gets shared....as always.

Monday, May 22, 2017

The Rise of Puff Daddy Bad Boy Documentary! (Trailer)

When I was a child I used to sit by the radio waiting for my favorite records to come on. I vividly remember waiting to listen to Biggie, Puff Daddy & Mase, and Tupac on the radio. I would sit by the radio ALL day!

Last night, at the Billboard Music Awards P. Diddy aka Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy aka whatever he's calling himself these days introduced the trailer for his Bad Boy Documentarty alongside BIG's son CJ Wallace. The documentary is looking to be released on June 25. Check out the trailer below:

I've always been a big fan of the Mogul Known as P. Diddy. It never was his raps that made me become such a fan. It was the idea of having a vision and being able to say "Yes I created that!". Diddy knew exactly how large his Bad Boy brand would become and I think it's safe to say the result even grew larger than his expectation. Diddy went from being fired from a previous label to creating his own and discovering the legendary B.I.G. Continuing on to running the rap game for a decade and expanding his brand into different avenues such as clothing, television, liquor, water, and much more. He even opened up a private school in Harlem, the same place he was born and raised. I think that's hella dope to go back to your community and create a school to educate the upcoming generation the right way! I'm excited for this documentary and hope to even learn a few things I didn't know about the BAD BOY Brand.

Quick fun fact: I met CJ Wallace last year at a red carpet screening for his film "Kickz". He's a cool guy and gives positive vibes. His pops would be proud.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Thoughts on Thots!

This weeks episode of DMC was about what everyone is talking about...THOTS! We had two special guests join us and continue the conversation on what makes a man/woman a Thot. Check the episode below!

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Season 6 Episode 10 Review & After Show

Another Week in the Studio....

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Tom Brady Gets The Cover Of Madden 18

Get ready GAMERS! and football heads, Madden 18 releases toward the end of the summer, and it'll be here before you know it. As usual, EA sports delivers its football powerhouse franchise game "Madden" in August, the man to appear on the game cover is a deadly individual. This years Madden team smartened up and put Tom Brady front and center on the cover, and I can't name a player who would be better deserving.

After that unheard of superbowl come back a few months earlier, I'm assuming EA sports begged the legend to grace the cover so they can quickly tag "GOAT edition" to it, giving the game an exclusive must have feel! Tom Brady doesn't usually participate in too many off the field activities, so this collaboration was a bit of a surprise to most. Brady told ESPN's Ian O'Connor, "When this all came about, "I thought, 'How cool is that to do this, knowing when I was a kid in high school I was tagging along down there, working out where it all started?' It's been such a great game over a long period of time. I played it so much when I was younger, a little less now. ... My son Jack loves beating up on me." (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19363661/new-england-patriots-qb-tom-brady-cover-madden-nfl-18)

Brady continued to show his excitement by denouncing the Madden "curse" in a video he put out. The spooky curse is that whoever graces the cover of Madden gets injured, or has a terrible upcoming season, but in Brady's video, he addresses a room full of people that he doesn't need to walk around in a goofy protective bubble, because the curse isn't real to him. From the looks of it, Brady is smoothly sailing towards retirement without anyone having an idea of when he's going to hang it all up, besides maybe his family and Coach Belichick. For now we can patiently wait to witness more greatness to come in August on Madden 18. Then witness the GOAT pluck these sorry franchises and haters out of his teeth by seasons end. (THE USUAL)

Sports Writer: Devereaux DeCourcey

Thank You for checking the BYOD blog. Be sure to read previous posts and stay up to date with BYOD! VISIT the Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/ LIKE the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad SUBSCRIBE to the Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad Snapchat: tallchocomilk Business & Sponsorship Inquires: wjvibert@yahoo.com -Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Happy Mothers Day 2017

There really aren't enough days in a year to show the appreciation one person should have towards their mother. I know there isn't enough words in the dictionary to describe what my mother means to me. My mother Jacquine is such a strong individual because she was forced to play both the mother and father role. She raised my brothers and I all by herself while juggling 2-3 jobs at a time. She was born and raised in Haiti one of the poorest countries in the world. She traveled to America for a better life at the age of 18 and many years later raised 3 intelligent men. She's a private person so I don't want to put all her information out there but I wanted to share who inspired me to create my brand BYOD. Also, who motivates me to do better daily. I want to send a special Happy Mothers Day to my momma the Queen!

Here are two records I always play for my mother on this day:

Friday, May 12, 2017

Shad Moss Responds to the #Bowwowchallenge and Explains What Happened

Bow wow aka Shad Moss is at it again. First off I'm a fan of the brother so this isn't any hate. I'm just calling it as I see it.

This past week he's been the talk of the town due to posting a pic on Instagram. He was claiming that he was taking a private jet to New York for press for his new show Growing Up Hip Hop. In all reality he was on a commercial flight and a fan caught this and snapped a pic of him. Which ultimately became the talk to the internet and the #bowwowchallenge was created. Now, with that being said they say all press is good press. The more you get your name out the more you can talk up your projects, records, etc...right?

In a recent interview with Hot 97 Shad says that everything that has been happening this past week is all apart of "a method to his madness". He is trolling the internet and its working for him.

STOP IT SHAD!

When the Hot 97 crew asked about the fake picture on Instagram he responded "you have to watch the show to find out".......

STOP IT BOW WOW!

I get that he is now using all this attention to market his upcoming show but the emotions from this brother just doesn't add up to me. Hours after the internet began cracking jokes at Bow wow he took offense to a lot of the comments and responded back on his Instagram saying "you broke niggas cant even afford buddy passes on spirit" and much more foolery. He's done radio interviews saying that he's responsible for creating artists careers with his platform such as Chris Brown, Ciara, Omarion and more. Now, granted he did help these artist get on but doesn't it sound like he is on the defensive side trying to prove something. As if he needs to remind everyone what he's done so prove that he can fly in private jets and what not. Besides if this was all apart of your marketing than why respond to the hate?

STOP IT BOW WOW WOW YIPPY YO YIPPY YAY!

All i'm saying is Mr. Freshiz Azmiz you were caught in a lie! Own up to it! The business side of you kicked in and is now using this time as a trending topic to promote the show but you can't fool me! Now every response he gives when asked for an explanation Shad responses "You gotta watch the show". Cut the malarcy (in my white people voice). Cut the bulllllshit (in my black people voice) Check the interview below!

1:37 A.M. on a Thurday NIght

This here is a vent post some may say. 1:37 A.M. on a Thursday night. Usually at this time I'm at work but its my off day. I had a recent conversation from a friend from grade school and she praised me on everything I was doing out here in California. "You're meeting all these celebrities and doing this and that". My ego surely was happy to hear all this praise. But, honestly I was shaking my head. I feel as if I'm on the sideline watching the game. The ultimate goal is to BE IN THE GAME! I was at work the other day and I said Wassup! to Snoop Dogg as he was walking to his trailer. He said wassup back and kept moving. At the time I was securing Martha Stewart's trailer. It was then that it hit me "i'm just on the sideline".

I've been hearing a lot of talk lately that has caused myself to question whether I'm doing the right activities with my time. "You're not even getting paid for what you do, why do it?" At the moment I don't have an agent so many projects I am apart of is either for a small amount of money or for credits. But, then I ask myself: what am I doing this for? Is it for the bag at the end of the day? I enjoy creating and helping others bring their visions to developed projects but a nigga gotta get paid. I work nights 40 hours a week! I wake up in the afternoon tired! But, I get right to work. I understand it takes sacrifice to get where you want to but I see others around me progressing and they don't work as hard as I do. I know I put in the work so the question is am I putting in the right work? Shit is a bug out at times....

Then I think though....what else would I be doing? I remember a life back in Boston where I would just clock in and out of work and I felt dead. Just watching the days pass by. Granted I was stacking money. It was those same days that allowed me to be where I am today. The deposit for my apartment came from putting in the work back home. So, the question I have is now what?

I'm currently in search of an agent and manager for the first time since I've been out here. I've always wanted to bring something to the table when approaching somebody else for assistance or representation. And, I think the audeince i've been able to build with BYOD and the numerous projects I've worked on should be enough validation to prove that I'm about my business. Maybe, I'm looking for validation but don't know from who? Damn, this post got deep....must be the coronnas I'm sipping on lol

Anyways, that it! I appreciate all my readers no matter what. Back to the grind I go.....

Thank You for checking the BYOD blog. Be sure to read previous posts and stay up to date with BYOD! VISIT the Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/ LIKE the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad SUBSCRIBE to the Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad FOLLOW on Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad Snapchat: tallchocomilk Business & Sponsorship Inquires: wjvibert@yahoo.com -Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

When You Need A Good Laugh

Comedy Sketches for Week of May 13, 2017

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

DMC Swirling Interracial Dating

This week on DMC we had special guest Christelyn D. Karazin, author of relationship advice book "Swirling" We spoke about interracial dating and how her relationship is being married to a white man.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Love And Hip Hop Atlanta Season 6 Episode 9 Aftershow

Another Ratchet Monday in the studio with these clowns covering episode 9 of Season 6 Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. All love to my panel!

Monday, May 8, 2017

Could You Create a Short Fim in a weekend? - LWOP-Life Without Parole

This past weekend I had a great learning experience when it comes to film making. Friday evening I was invited to a film festival event that was put on at the General Assembly Los Angeles in Downtown LA. The event was a meeting of actors, writers, directors, and editors. To my surprise Friday was Day 1 of a weekend competition sponsored by AT&T. The competition consisted of forming a group with the individuals at the event and the goal is to create a short film that can't surpass 10 minutes. ALL IN THAT WEEKEND. The final projects would need to be turned in on Sunday by 2 P.M. for competition purposes and would be watched by everyone that participated.

The task at hand may sound easy but it was much harder than expected. I've been involved in different productions but not from the point of starting from scratch. My group consisted of 5 of us including 3 writers. As a unit we were able to think of a concept, compose a script, secure locations and filming equipment by Saturday morning. The whole day of Saturday consisted of filming. As a group we each had to fill in as positions that a full production set would have had. I, at one point was a camera man, controlled lighting, and sound tech all in one scene.

Filming for Saturday concluded at 9:30 P.M. I was in charge of editing the project. Which I planned to do that night at work (don't ask how I'm able too). I had to be at work at 11:30 P.M. and we were still an hour away on location. So, I race home to upload the footage to my computer but there was an issue reading the storage device. SMH! I was forced to leave to work.

I had to work my shift at work 11:45-8:00 A.M contemplating the whole time how the short film was going to be edited. Once I got off work I made phone calls to have the footage sent over individually through the internet which was a long process. Soon as I step in the door home I get focused. I make a bowl of Pops cereal and get to editing. I edit the project from 8:30 A.M. - 1:40 P.M. giving myself just enough time to export and submit the project by 2 P.M.

On 0% sleep in the past 24 hours I head out to the festival with my group partner Deja. As we arrived to the festival the other groups films were already being played. Which every group in my opinion that participated did fantastic. To achieve a task with groups as small as two people to groups of 12 in that small amount of time allowed is eye opening. It was fulfilling to hear other groups share that they haven't slept or even changed their clothes since filming. It showed to me the dedication and sacrifice that I share when I'm included on a project.

I'm very hard on myself when it comes to critiquing my work because I know the potential of my work. My editing job wasn't the best which can be seen in the visual do to sound issues. The editing process was rushed. I take full responsibility. With that said our project didn't win any award. But, the feedback from the audience was just as awarding. Deja who played Samantha became a celebrity for the evening because everyone loved her performance. And, despite the technical issues many people shared with us that our message for the film is what kept their focus. Our film was apart of their consideration for winning an award after viewing it.

LWOP (Life Without Parole) was a concept introduced by writer Sir Wormly and built upon with additional ideas from writers Shaun Floyd and Andrea Meshel. Samantha is a newly released convict that is preparing to sit down with her mother and father for the first time since being incarcerated my The audience enjoyed our project and shared how many people can relate to the film. Which is always our goal as film makers. Overall this was a great experience working on my first short film on the production side. Trust me there will be MORE!

I wasn't going to post the film due to the technical issues but as a group we decided that we will re-shoot some scenes and fix what's needed. Before we do that I decided to share the version that was submitted with my #BYODFAM. Check it out below and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Friday, May 5, 2017

Who remembers these Hip Hop Dances?!?

I know my generation can appreciate a flash back of maybe their middle or high school dances. I'm sure if you're currently age 20-29 then you did the dance to at least one of these songs!

Lavar Ball Sneakers More Expensive than Air Jordan

There's a whole lot of conversation right now surrounding Lavar Ball and the pricing of the first sneaker and flip flop for his Big Baller Brand (BBB). The sneaker is looking to be sold for $495 and the flip flops for $220!!!

From a business point of view....I'm not mad at him. For all the hype and marketing that Lavar Ball has done in building his brand why not try to get the most capital. I'm sure there are rich kids around the world that are such big fans of the Ball Family that they would spent that amount of money on the sneakers or flip flops. The Question I have is will he produce a large quantity of the sneaker that they will all sell? I mean YeeZys arent even priced that high! Can a product priced that high sell when Lavar Ball's son Lonzo hasn't even been drafted yet? (Draft is June 22)

Last I heard the top athletic brands (Nike and underarmor) didn't want to do businesss with the BBB brand so Lavar took it upon himself to make his own sneaker. I can't hate on the entrepreneurial spirit within the BBB brand.

On my personal side I don't like the decision of the pricing because once again only the rich and wealthy can afford it. Shaq and Stephen Marbury are two e examples of basketball athletes that created a sneaker and priced it low enough so youth can purchase them. They made sneakers to benefit the community. Unlike, Lavar who clearly wants to make money the fastest way he can.

Check out the sneakers and flip flops below!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Personal Branding U Finding Your Secret Sauce

After a two week hiatus the DMC (Dating, Mating, and Communicatin) panel is back with more tips to step your game up from relationships to business. This weeks episode we cover the topic of personal branding. Our major tip is that staying true to your authentic self will ultimately help you brand yourself and grow. Check out the episode below!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Love and Hip Hop Joselyn Special Delivery Aftershow

VH1 will do anything for ratings these days!

Monday, May 1, 2017

Jimmy V is Bad as LL COOL J

In another lifetime or dimension I swear I'm a Rapper/R&B singer lmao. I've been a big fan of LL Cool J for the longest so I decided to create a parody video of one of his classic songs "I'm Bad". Check it out below. I've attached the original video and then my version below it.

Remebering Paul "The Truth" Pierce

Yesterday, NBA fans witnessed the final game Paul "The Truth" Pierce will ever play professionally. Earlier in the NBA season Pierce announced that this season will be his final one. His current team the Los Angeles Clippers battled it out against the Utah Jazz in a Game 7 to advance to the next round of the playoffs. The Clippers came up short in game 7 and are going on vacation earlier than expected. As far as "The Truth" is concerned it's time for him to put away his basketball sneakers for good.

Being a Boston native I was introduced to the greatness of Boston Celtic basketball from watching Paul Pierce. As a young child I grew up knowing one basketball payers name and that was Micheal Jordan. Keep in mind I didn't have cable to watch the regular NBA basketball games. So commercials on tv and watching Space Jam introduced me to the greatness of Micheal Jordan. I was unaware of the greatness of Larry Bird or Kevin Mchale as a child. Hey, I was born in '91 so give me a break.

Wasn't until my family finally got cable as a teenager that I was able to watch basketball games. And, I'm referring to the early 2000s at this point. A time where the Boston Celtics were horrible! All but one person on the team was consistently balling out and that was #34 Paul "The Truth" Pierce! Pierce is the only reason the Boston Celtics franchise was able to re-invent themselves in 2008 because the team was built around him. With the added additions of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Coach Doc Rivers the Celtics had their Big 3 and won the NBA championship that first year together. It's no surprise either that Pierce received The Finals MVP that same year.

As the years went on Pierce continued to ball out and be the clutch player that he is known to be. So, it's only right I pay respect to The Truth by showing his highlights and a special video the players tribune made for Paul Pierce. May his legendary status live on.