Witty Unpredicatable Talent And Natural Game

And there I was, standing outside of the Independent, when I was approached by a thick chocolate brother. " I love coming out here. Every time I am here [San Francisco], I see so many beautiful people" he says. Being that I just got to California and still tend to not really talk to strangers at 25, I just nodded and smiled. He put his hand out and I extended mine, told him my name was Tanara and he asked me " do you know who I am?". I had to keep it real, I had no damn clue who this dude was- like at all. I literally assumed he was a California artist, so I informed him that I was from the East coast and apologized. His response " I'm from the East too, I'm from New York".

Rewind back a few hours....

Around 4:50 I get a call from my girl Queens and she tells me to meet her on campus at San Francisco State. Now, I have walked around the block a few times, but I had to actually get my ass to a location I was not familiar with on my own. I looked forward to the travel and learning the new transportation system that will now get me from one place to another. I walked to the BART and hopped on the train to San Fran, caught a shuttle up to campus where Queens and I linked up. We had some errands to run before we hit this GZA show.

Doors opened at 8, but we didn't get there until 10. Standing in line, we saw GZA's car pull up and him get out and walk into the venue- already shit just seemed to be happening on point. We had our wrist bands, drinks and balcony view. The opening act was rocking and then out came GZA- the genius of Wu Tang.

Flash Forward.....

" I'm priest, Killah Priest from Wu Tang", now I'm standing there feeling like a fool. All I could do was smile politely to mask my slight embarrassment. I suppose its a good thing I smiled, "you have really white teeth, keep them that way" he says and then invited me back stage. I told him I didn't come alone and had to get my girl, he told me to go ahead and do what I have to do. I found Queens and told her to get her shit because we were moving from the balcony to VIP. We returned downstairs and like the true sweet and kind man Priest was, he smiled and told security to let us through.

Queens and I got great seats directly across from the left of the stage and a had a wonderful time. When the show was over, I wondered if there would be some expectations. I have seen all the movies, watched tons of interviews and witnessed groupie action in real time.  However, Priest was not at all like that. He was a sincere spirit who was happy to see beautiful black people coming out to enjoy music. When he got off stage with GZA, Queens and I asked if we could go meet him, and it turns out we were more than welcome. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate GZA but I think the time we got to see him perform will suffice for now. Before we took off to go home for the night, we snapped a few pics with Priest and hung out back stage socializing with a cool older cat- who spat some knowledge to us, upcoming artist and other young entrepreneurs.

I think I am going to like Cali just fine!

GZA- from the balcony

GZA & Killah Priest- from VIP

Queens and I with Killah Priest

Funky Soul

Get up, get out and do sumthin

I did it! Finally got up the nerve to do the one thing I have been in deep contemplation over-taking a risk. January 27, 2013 I kissed my momma and daddy goodbye, spent one last night in my room, and took off. It is a scary ass thing to do, but a bold and liberating one as well.  Never in a million years- okay maybe not a million- did I think I would pack my life into three duffle bags and come across the country to live in a state I have never been too-California.

A place I have only read and heard about is now my home and I am determined to make it.  I kind of have to since my parents looked me in my face and said don't come back ( not exactly that harsh, but you get what I am saying). I don't mind though, I actually look forward to laying my own foundation. Sitting around in an office, staring out windows and wishing I could do more, was not going to cut it. Coming out here was more than just a way to go beyond the familiar, but a real opportunity to find myself and Mary Tyler Moore it out. I have got to see if I can do me on my own. Soo, I took my own advice and said " fuck it, it's now or never" and right now I can proudly say, I am sitting in Oakland, California writing!

Sure, there are somethings to be vexed about-like finding a job- but I think its best to keep in mind all the wonderful aspects of life and this move, instead of viewing life as a glass half empty. As cliche as it is, I find that keeping positive is the best policy. Of course there will be hardship, but when is all just rainbows, glitter and daydreams of dancing onstage with my boo Prince?? In life, there will be challenges. Life doesn't care about your age or lot in life- it just decides when it wants to happen to you and mine thought now was the moment. Who am I to say no to that?

With that said, I hope that everyone who has the burning urge to get up and go, just dives in. Life isn't really a box of chocolates to me (especially since I have to be in the mood for chocolate, so when I get some, you are damn right I know what I am going to get), its more like a big body of water- you jump in and you either sink or swim.  Your move doesn't have to be as drastic as picking up your life and moving it across country, it can be as simple as picking up a new hobby. Just do what feels right to your soul. I would strongly suggest a little preparation, but sometimes life hits you fast and you don't have the time to do that- I ain't judging.

I would like for people to be happy and feel more free in the decisions shaping your life. For me, this is where I not only want to be but NEED to be. Surrounded in the spirit of freedom fighters, art and creativity. I have been here for a day in half and I can already tell ya, it won't be all peachy, but it will be rewarding. The main goal must be to stay focused while enjoying the experience that is life, as much as I can!

Ari Lennox

Extremely thankful to my sister who put me on to this songstress. I just got my hands on this song yesterday, it is all I can play. In fact, it is playing right now as I blog this. I would strongly suggest checking this young lady out and downloading her mixtape " Five Finger Discount".

I'm a Ghost

This dude took the time to construct this outfit I was sure would be a fail, yet it worked.  This is possibly one of the best pranks I have seen.

Favorite Reactions:

1) " Am I trippin son?"
2)"Instagram that joint"
3) " Oh Snaps"
4)*crickets* closes window, opens it again.... does double take

Rich Lowe: Lonely Tear Drops

I like when someone can take a song and make it their own. Big things are in this kid's future.