FRIENDS FAMILY & PLACES
Wednesday
Sep082010

BROKEN DIRECTION...

I have been in a place of transitions for a while now. Honestly for as long as I can remember I have been going back and forth with finding my "calling" I mean really I'm just really trying to find my place in this life.

Well there have been some pretty traumatic events happen over the last few weeks that have brought me face to with the severe brokenness of humanity. As a result of said brokenness I have been forced to face the reality, that at our core we are truly a broken species, and in desperate need of a saviour. No matter who you are, what title you hold, or how strong your "faith" is, we are all 3 bad decisions away from having our total world rocked and our current existence shattered.

We are broken, and yes Christ may be fixing us. But if you are currently thinking that you have it together, and you would never do this or that. You my friend are actually only two bad decisions away from severe failure.

Life is a process. Not a destination. 

Through the brokenness i've been experiencing as of late, in my life and in the lives of some dear friends, clarity is starting to happen. I mean at least a little bit of clarity. I mean, I understand better today what it is I am to do with my life. I mean, At least a little better.

So I have decided to take a step of faith. I will be starting an online ministry soon. Hopefully in the next few weeks I will start campaigning and promoting it. And will be asking for your support in this endeavor. 

I know this is vague, but it's all I can share at this time. Look for more info in weeks to come.

Praise God for His direction and guidance, even when it comes through pain and brokenness. 

Stay tuned 

Tuesday
Sep072010

SINGING IN THE RAIN - STORM TROOPER EDITION

Yes!!! This made my day! I really like the the little troopers! Classic!

Thursday
Sep022010

REMEMBER WHEN?-FUGEES-FUGEELA 

So I was going to post this new video where Lauryn Hill performed this song live at rock the bells 2010 and brought out several celebs including the likes of Jay-z and Alicia Keys. But then I decided to skip it and go for the classic. Now I do recommend going and watching that performance though, it was pretty good. 

I love this song! Such a good time in hip-hop....awww the good ol days! 

Wednesday
Sep012010

52 BAD DUDES-ANTON CHIGURH  

I absolutely loved "No country for old men" and I thought that Mr Chigurh was an amazing/creepy villain. So naturally when I found this poster I instantly loved it!

52 BAD DUDES is a dope blog, from designer Adam Sidwell. He is updating weekly with a new illustration of some bad guy or girl every Friday this year. Sad I got in on this so late in the year. Oh well plenty to look at over there. Awesome stuff. Check it out here  

Tuesday
Aug312010

MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLER POSTER

I find this fitting since MJ's birthday was on the 29th. 

So awesome!

Federico Moncosu, who did this poster has several other dope posters based on songs and music videos. 

Go here to see the rest. 

Friday
Aug272010

TRUST YOUR DESIGNER

 

You go to the Doctor's office with a need. The doctor tells you based on his experience that this or that would meet your needs the best. You initially agree to the terms, because you realize that he is the best man for the job, and that it would not turn out so well for you if you took the scalpel to your own body.

However as soon as he starts to work on meeting your needs, you start telling him how to do it, because now you are convinced you know how to do it better. You have seen all the episodes of Grey's Anatomy and decided you know how to be a doctor. Or your best friends cousin's niece is a doctor and she said it should be done this other way.

No. It wouldn't go down that way. You would trust the specialist to do the job you hired them for.

I design for a living. Not only do I do this for a living, I love it and am passionate about it. I spend, and have spent several hours, months, years, studying design theory and what makes "good design" I have some news for you. A lot of the things you may consider to be good are actually horribly not good.

For instance: just because you see some random "dude bruh" wearing some hideous affliction shirt, or some God awful Tom Hardy crap, or even worse, you see "Mr. Christian Jack" wearing some NOTW affliction knock off stuff doesn't make it "good". Popular, yes. Good, no. And all things popular inevitably become unpopular at some point.

However, there are some design elements that have stood the test of time and can be adjusted to fit your desired product. This means in 10 years you won't look back and be mortified at your album cover with comic sans font, or your shirt with gigantic golden, bedazzled, flaming skulls on it. Trust me. I'm constantly learning and studying my craft.

Now that being said I know there's a difference between a Doctor and a designer. Duh. I really do want/need your feedback and ideas. After all this will be your product. But it will have my signature on it as well. So maybe just maybe next time you hire me or any other creative, you can do us all a favor, (yourself included) and first get to know the designers work, and style, find someone who's work speaks for them and to you. And then put a little trust in us, and let us do our jobs.

Or just go get a bootleg copy of Adobe photoscalpel and get to cutting.

Thursday
Aug262010

CARLITTA DURAND & JABEE - LOST LOVE - VIDEO

Carlitta Durands new video featuring our beloved Jabee.

I am blessed to have her featured on my new album. Pretty excited.

If you don't have it already, you can go download her album for free here. It features this song, and 10 other fresh tracks. All for free.

Good stuff! 

Wednesday
Aug252010

THE DESIGN WORK OF - JELLE MARTENS - 

I dig this type of stuff.

See more HERE 

Tuesday
Aug242010

INVADER - RUBIKCUBISIM 



By French artist - also known as Space Invader, he called it the "Rubikcubism".

Monday
Aug232010

CITIZEN AIM - R.I.P. 

 

Dear friend and brother in Christ Christopher Jon Walk Lost his battle to Cystic fibrosis on Saturday. 

He made a big impact in the lives of several people. He fought the fight of fatih. And now he is resting with our loving Father in eternity. 

He is loved by many and will be severally missed.

He is survived by his wife Jenna Walk ... And speaking of his wife, she and his family are in need of our support and prayers now more than ever. So if you happen to be reading this post right now, you might stop and say a prayer for them to find strength, comfort, and direction in the midst of this dark and painful time. And or If you would like to make a financial donation to help support click here 

God be with them all.

There is no more pain for you now brother.

R.I.P. Citizen Aim.

 

 

Friday
Aug202010

CITIZEN AIM- 65 ROSES

Citizen Aim is making a huge impact in the underground hip hop community, He is a very talented musician, and graphic designer. He is also part of the creative minds behind humble beast records. One of the dopest record labels around, and has become a personal friend of mine. Please pray for him right now. It was announced on the HUMBLE BEAST twitter earlier that he is in ICU in Phoenix.

"Citizen Aim is a 27 year old MC in Yuma, Arizona who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Diagnosed with the fatal chronic illness as an infant, Citizen Aim is amongst the 70,000 people worldwide living with this death sentence sometimes referred to as '65 Roses. In this pod, by vc2 producer Carlos Aguilar, Citizen Aim talks about his disease, his treatment, and how his recovery themed songs are an inspiration others suffering from the disease."

Here is one of his songs called "Dear Whoever's Listening"... great music! <a href="http://citizenaim.bandcamp.com/track/dear-whoevers-listening">Dear Whoever's Listening by Citizen Aim</a> Buy/listen to some more of his music here Check out HUMBLE BEAST here And please pray for him, as he continues to fight the good fight.

Thursday
Aug192010

JOAQUIN PHOENIX- IM STILL HERE-POSTER

I'm Still Here is a documentary (though it was supposedly mostly premeditated) directed and documented over the last few years by fellow actor Casey Affleck. As we head about when it was all taking place, Affleck followed actor Joaquin Phoenix during his transition from the acting world to a career as an aspiring rapper. The film supposedly features Phoenix "snorting cocaine, ordering call girls, having oral sex with a publicist, treating his assistants abusively and rapping badly." Magnolia Pictures recently acquired rights after it was completed and is now bringing I'm Still Here to limited theaters starting September 10thAnyone else in?

Monday
Aug162010

GOODBYE TO CHRISTIANITY [PART4] 

To conclude this series of thoughts about my journey towards a different brand of faith. I was going to write a huge post fully explaining my theology and how I feel about things...But instead I was reminded of a post I had read a while back that I thought was spot on with how I feel...

So with out further delay I present to you via the armstrongcircus.com my final thoughts on this subject (for now)

Vulgar Christianity HERE 

Monday
Aug092010

THE DESIGNS OF Ruben Córdoba Schwaneberg

Really dope work...

Check his behance portfolio Here for some more freshness. 

Monday
Aug092010

VINTAGE FACEBOOK ADVERTISEMENT 

Click here to see the youtube and skype versions.
Fresh.
Friday
Aug062010

GOODBYE TO CHRISTIANITY [PART3]

I have taken some time to think about life, and about this whole turning my back on christianity thing. I have a few more things to say about this subject.

1-I find it interesting to say the least that there are several other people who are feeling similar to the way I am feeling. Mainly world famous author Anne Rice, who recently announced on her facebook that she was walking away from christianity as well. It seems like maybe God is maybe stirring up something in the hearts of some of His Children. To hunger for a more clear picture of who Jesus is, and what He is really about. Just maybe.

2- After thinking about this I also realized that there is really no way to be a "follower of Christ" and  hate christians. I know it is my job to love the gay person as well as the one who hates the gay person. It is not my position to turn away from anybody. As I stated earlier it is my job to love everyone. Yes even the ones I feel are horribly misrepresenting Christ and making it embarrassing to be associated with christianity. I must love them as well. If I don't then I am no different than the ones who I am trying to be separated from.  Christ died for all humanity, even the christians. LoL. I do believe and feel the same way I did earlier. That has not changed. I am just now getting the opportunity to learn the really hard reality of loving the unloving ones. It's tough. But it's what Christ did for us all. Right?

So not really sure where to go from here. I will continue to seek after God's heart and strive for a closer relationship with Him.  And learn His heart for man kind.

I will wrap this goodbye christianity series up soon with my final installment called "vulgar christianity" Don't want to miss that one.

READ PART I HERE

READ PART 2 HERE

Tuesday
Aug032010

ROOTS X DEAR GOD 

Directed by Jason Goldwatch

Amazing group

Amazing song 

Amazing video

Simply amazing! 

 

Saturday
Jul312010

MANASSEH MUSIC UPDATE 2010 & BEYOND


So as usual, things don't go the way we plan them too. Which is not always a bad thing. About a year ago I took a step away from making music  to seek God and find out where I belong in this thing called life. Well I would be lying if I said I figured it all out, but I do feel like a few pieces of the puzzle were given to me. Making the decision to re innate my musical endeavors was a no brainer. I feel like God has given me gifts and talents and it would be a mistake to not utilize them.

So that being said, here is a rough draft plan for the future and me.

We are in the process of releasing the infamous BSIDES Making Tents album on a fairly well known independent record label.  It will still be a free download but since we are going through a label there are a few more requirements for us to meet other than just us putting it out.  Thats the only reason it is not out already. But it will happen this year. 

I have a new solo rap album 98% done as well. It is called "Gradient Skies".  It will be about 16 or 17 songs long featuring guest appearances from  Carlita Durand, Playdough, Sevstatik, DJ. Jafar, and Duo the Sik, with beats from Rob Viktum, Playdough, Doc Ville, AdamL, Saevio is Dead, Scoota Beats, Dj Chips, and myself (of coarse). Unlike my first album "Mikestands" I wanted to rhyme over other peoples beats, to where as with Mikestands I produced all of the beats.

Over all I am really excited to get this music to the world.  It is my favorite work I have ever done. I feel like I have matured as an artist and as a person, and am really excited to let the world hear it. I am thinking of shopping it to a few indie labels as well because I really believe in it, but if the process is too long I will just say screw it and release it as another Soulmana Music release. I don't want it to take too long to get out. 

I also have several instrumental albums I will be releasing over the next few months, among them is a series of albums that will be called "The Beatings" where I will be picking one group/artist and making beats from that person/group only, I know it's not an original idea but I like it and wanted to do it, so bam, it's done! First up will be The Supreme Beating featuring all beats made from The Supremes. I also have an album done called The Bear and the Fox, which is beats made form samples from the bands Fleet Foxes, and Grizzly Bear. All the instrumental albums will be done as free downloads. I have several others in the making but these two will most likely be the first up to bat, look for them in the next few months. 

And last but not least is the Adam L. Archives.  I am still in possession of two of Adam's projects, one being a rap album and one an instrumental album.  Both will be released soon.  With everything that has taken place over the last year my musical endeavors got pushed aside. Well, i am picking them back up now.

Sorry for any false hopes I might have caused in this past. I will make up for it soon. Really soon. 

So stay tuned into soulmana.com and follow me on twitter for any updates on music and insight into mi vida loca. 

God bless. 

Tuesday
Jul272010

GOODBYE CHRISTIANITY [part 2]

... READ PART 1 HERE  ...

I mean if Jesus taught us that the most important commandments are Love and Love, matt:22:36 and that the whole law is summed up in Love (gal 5:14), in fact that God Himself is Love,(1 john 4:8) then why the hell do do we make living for God so damn hard, confusing, and complicated? Why is it ok to practice hatred in the name of Love? Why have we made the way of God be a bunch of rules that have nothing to do with God?

I am not a newborn christian! I have been following Yeshua for aprox 11 years now. This is not a phase. This is a breaking point. My heart breaks for all of God's creations.  I write this with tears in my eyes! How dare we take the shed blood of Yeshua and make it less potent by requiring obedience to our own doctrines for salvation! Hate is always hate. For example. God does not hate gay people! You disrespect him when you do. And I have news for you Mr. Christianity Christerston, it is not ok for you to "hate the sin and not the sinner", that is not your job! It is your/our job to love always, everyone all the time. Period. That bs is taught today like it is scripture, but it's actually judgmental mans way of trying to find a loop hole in Gods actual commandment. Which is Love. 

I mean if this whole thing is truly summed up by Loving, then I think I have been following the wrong religion, because what I have seen in most churches is not that. It is far from it. So I am turning my back on the crap I have been fed for years now. I am no longer a "christian" at least not a modern American Christian! I will continue to learn to Love and follow Jesus. Because thats what living in the kingdom of God aka The Way of God truly is about!

 

TO BE CONTINUED... 

 

READ PART ONE HERE 

READ PART THREE HERE

Tuesday
Jul272010

gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill - new VIDEO  

Not really sure what it's suppose to mean, if anything. But either way I do love me some gorillaz.

Enjoy the new video...