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How Pharrell Williams Became Popular

BY: GURU JAY


The Voice coach Pharrell Williams created ‘Happy’ and the rest is history. Honestly, I didn’t like the song at first. You see, I thought it was a rip-off of the nursery rhyme “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.” But you could argue “there is nothing new under the sun.”
I changed my mind about the song after realizing its effect on people. Mass hysteria overrides prejudices. For the record, I’ve always liked Pharrell Williams because he’s a cool cat.
It’s that the world just recently discovered his coolness and greatness. Pharrell’s personality draws people in. Plus, the musician simplifies complex rhythms.

Is Pharrell a rapper? Or is he a singer? No doubt he uses his voice to create good music. What is music but a universal language?
Pharrell became popular by first collaborating with top talent. Before going solo, he was a part of the Neptunes and NERD. Initially, like Dr. Dre and Kanye West, he was in the back of the studio making hot beats.
Snoop Dogg took a liking to him because of his keen ear for music. That’s how come Pharrell made major contributions to hits like ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Drop It’s Like It Hot.’ Also, the artist helped develop ‘Blurred Lines’ with Robin Thicke.

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Unfortunately for them, the late Marvin Gaye’s family won a lawsuit against Williams and Thicke. Nonetheless, the song was commercially successful. Furthermore, Happy was a world famous phenomenon.
What if more rappers chose to create positive songs? You see I enjoy all types of music. However, there is more than enough room for every sound.
I admire the musicians who act responsibly. Can’t we hold celebs accountable? After all, don’t fans buy their products?
In short, expect Pharrell Williams to keep swinging for the fences. So long as he’s up at the plate, he’ll make the most of it. He has an opportunity to become a walking and living legend like Reggie Jackson. 

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Jay Z, 80s Entertainment, and Money

BY: GURU JAY

80s Entertainment

Enter into my time machine. Let’s enjoy 80s entertainment. The world was so much different and so much the same as now.
Music reached a creative climax around 1988. Movies saw a boost from graphics and special effects with Star Wars and Disney films. Although there was a recession, musicians like Michael Jackson and Madonna, and movie stars such as: Clint Eastwood and Eddie Murphy thrived as the entertainment business boomed.
Did you know President Ronald Reagan was an actor before becoming Governor of California and Leader of the Free World? Plus, radio and television entertained millions before the World Wide Web ever existed. It was a much simpler time.
Kids were bullied the old fashioned way. There was no such thing as SnapChat. They had pagers or beepers back then. You actually called people on their home phone lines.
Nowadays text and email make communicating impersonal. Online bullies hide behind supposed anonymity and avatars. Still, my iPhone and your Android is kind of awesome.

Jay Z

Defy odds by taking chances. Look at Oprah. A few years ago, Oprah launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) with Discovery Communications as a partner. She gambled and thankfully OWN is profitable.
The first program I watched on this network was Master Class. The guest was none other than Jay Z. Without Jay Z, I doubt Kanye West would have a great rap career. With Jay Z, Kanye West’s status elevated.
People attribute Jay Z to a rags to riches success story. I own Blueprints 1 and 2. If you have Blue Print 3, can I borrow it?

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You see Jay Z defies odds and takes chances everyday. So people believe in him because he exudes confidence or as he calls it “swagger.” How many folks dream about meeting Oprah, let alone get interviewed by her?

I often fantasize about the future and apply my thoughts to the present. While I reflect on the past, I don’t concentrate on regrets. Roc Nation Sports is a major imprint because of the founder’s fearless attitude.

Jay Z was made in the 80s. Like entertainment he is a business. Learn from him and start strategizing. Jay Z not only mastered the art of music making, but also the science of making money.

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Why Diddy’s Brand Is Ever-Changing

BY: GURU JAY

How many times has Diddy (Puff Daddy, Puffy) changed his brand name? The Hip-Hop impresario reinvents and expands his businesses. Sure you know that he maintains Sean John, a fashion company. But did you also know in October 2013, Diddy founded a digital cable television network named Revolt?
These days some people see Diddy as the Ciroc playboy. In actuality, Puffy’s empire crosses over into a variety of industries. Furthermore, Diddy represents diversity. That’s why Diddy conducts business with all kinds.
More so than Jay-Z, Diddy influences Kanye West and the Hip-Hop world. Master P was unsuccessful as an agent but there’s no doubt he inspired Jay-Z’s formation of Roc Nation Sports. If Jay-Z is the Warren Buffett of Hip-Hop, then Diddy is Bill Gates, and Dr. Dre is Carlos Slim. At the end of the day, they’re all about the Benjamins, baby!

The entertainment business has enough entertainers but not enough businessmen. What should be done to reverse this course? How about stopping young men from only thinking in the temporary mindset? What if they invested in themselves instead of buying Bentleys, Maseratis, and Ferraris?
There’s nothing wrong with splurging and flossing when you’re financially educated. Diddy owns fancy cars, clothes, and gems but he’s also highly invested in lucrative businesses. How many stars own stocks?
Diddy’s brand is ever-changing because the rap icon understands living in a violent world. Harlem’s globetrotter realizes that rough and tough circumstances make you stronger and don’t dictate unfavorable outcomes. While predicting the future is fool’s gold, preparing for the worst is not only best but also wise.
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Look beyond Puffy’s personas and you’ll find class and personality. In every instance, Diddy makes mention of his family. Oscar winning music artist Common was right, “Even in this generation living through computers, only love…can reboot us.” What is more, Diddy recognizes the common thread bridging together both prosperity and posterity.

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Kanye West and 60s/ 70s Music

BY: GURU JAY


I was born in the eighties but I still listen to music from the 60s and 70s. With Woodstock, the world’s nuclear proliferation of music climaxed at the height of the Vietnam War. During this time musicians revolutionized radio, while President Nixon secretly recorded Oval Office conversations.
Born in 1977, Kanye West listened to the Motown sound. Also, Chicago native Curtis Mayfield heavily influenced Kanye’s earlier work. From the beginning, West spoke his mind. And his big mouth got him into trouble after saying George Bush doesn’t care about black people.

The Champion rapper soon realized the power of free speech. Big Brother Jay Z treated Kanye as a son. That’s why West walks around calling himself Yeezus.
Apparently, the whole world’s fascinated with inflation. West’s claim to fame is his big ego. And Kim Kardashian built a big butt enterprise. Keeping up?
Hip-Hop fans know Kanye West samples 60s and 70s songs. I gotta find my Jackson 5 album. Who remembers the Beatles first tour to the states? 

It seems everyone was doing drugs. That’s why your parents lose their trains of thoughts and car keys.
Every music artist should pay homage to Bob Dylan, Brue Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones. Before this technological explosion, musicians like James Brown worked hard for the money. Have you seen the Get On Up movie?
The music industry has changed for the better. Although we can’t bring John Lennon back to life, we can choose to acknowledge music pioneers. Greats like Joe Cocker rejuvenated countless souls. Appreciate dynamic artistry while you can.

Back then, albums held true value. Remember Stevie Wonder’s Inner Visions and Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues. There is a high chance your favorite rap song contains musical content from this period.
Whether you like Kanye West or not, he has an excellent ear for music. West respects the legends from the 60s and 70s. Give him a break.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

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Relive the Grammys: Recap

BY: GURU JAY

Pharrell’s Happy performance highlighted the 57th annual Grammy Awards. The Voice judge and his minions commanded the onstage voyage. All the singing and dancing lifted our spirits. Who else clapped along with Pharrell?
The absence of music in this so-called ‘advanced’ yet divided world causes ruckus. In essence, music connects people better than technologies such as: Verizon, iPhones, Google, Facebook and Twitter. Please don’t underestimate Pandora and YouTube’s power. Music saves humanity from destruction.
When Beck won best album, I first thought billionaire David Geffen paid off the Academy. Beck is one of Geffen records’ prized assets. Were you stunned when Prince called Beck? I said to my friends, Prince is probably stoned and incorrectly read the card.
During the announcement, Kanye West teased Beck by pretending to takeaway his trophy. After the show ended, Fox News reported West verbally punched the musician and the Grammys. Kanye reiterated why Beyoncé deserved top honors.
West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney put on a great performance. You can watch FourFiveSeconds on RihannaVevo. Frankly I’m pissed by the lack of respect this new generation gives to Paul McCartney. Paul and the Beatles paved the way for Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer and many more musicians and bands.

In addition, I enjoyed watching superstars Sam Smith and Mary J. Blige sing Stay With Me. Sunday night belonged to Sam Smith who gathered four Grammys. The Academy loves Lonely Hour because Smith poured his heart into the album. Also, Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud featuring John Mayer moved the crowd. The Grammys demonstrated why they are the best entertainment award show.
President Obama, who earned two Grammys, recorded a moving speech against domestic violence. Then, Katy Perry gave an emotional rendition of By the Grace of God. Finally, Beyoncé sang Take My Hand Precious Lord. Glory singers Common and John Legend concluded the night with a glorious recital.
The Grammys prove that music still contains a message. Even in a materialistic society, there are things more valuable than money. Love and Happiness are priceless.

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Why They Designed Grammys For Sir Paul McCartney

BY: GURU JAY

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Music is entertainment’s common denominator. That’s why Paul McCartney could have been a math teacher. Picture the legend drawing slopes on your high school’s blackboard.
Fortunately, McCartney became one of the greatest musicians of all time. He’s the most famous Paul since the Apostle. With his large following, the celebrity has mass appeal.
His royal highness elevates the music world. What is more, the music world elevates him. The Beatle benefits from frequent flyer miles.

 Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Even in remote places, Paul McCartney is popular. Furthermore, his contributions extend beyond entertainment. As a humanitarian, he’s championed causes for everyone’s betterment. But the media rarely covers celebrities doing good things. They’re too quick to damage an entertainer’s reputation.
Now at the latter stages of his illustrious career, Paul practices self-actualizing according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. What else can McCartney accomplish? ‘Yesterday,’ ‘Let It Be,’ and ‘Ebony and Ivory’ are powerful pieces.
Of course I can’t get enough of ‘Hey Jude,’ ‘Revolution,’ ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and other Beatle songs. I believe the Beatles are the best band ever. The Beatles laid the groundwork for One Direction. Paul McCartney led the coup d’état.

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They designed Grammys for Sir Paul McCartney. The celebrated musician still reigns supreme like Miguel’s subconscious. McCartney also mentors Rihanna and Kanye West.
With 6.3 million Facebook likes and 2.2 million Twitter followers, it’s safe to say Paul has loyal fans. Moreover, the celebrity’s cultivated a diverse following of all ages, races and creeds. Any minute now, Paul can use social networks to promote viral content.

 Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Who could have predicted 50 years ago that Paul McCartney would soon reach rock star status? Decca Records couldn’t; and rejected the Beatles. The moral of the story is to pursue your passion. Count on having setbacks. And always have a comeback.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!