They're not ready.

For many artists the struggle is real.  Just when things seem promising, the gift looks more like a curse.  The road less traveled is a journey.  There are many hardships along this road, but there is also a light so bright at the end of the road that you have to wear sunglasses as you approach it.  One of the biggest problems about this road that I am finding is that it becomes even harder to communicate to people where you are.  If you are an artist and reading this blog, have you ever tried to explain to others what is going on in your life and the person or people that you are speaking to are looking at you like you are speaking another language? 

I was born and raised in a small city in western Pennsylvania.  Hip-hop has been here in the community, but the area has yet to embrace it.  The talent is here, but the opened minds are not.  Sometimes I feel like this town is two decades behind the rest of the world, but as aspiring artists, you cannot let your area be the reason for your lack of success.  Twenty years ago, people thought hip-hop wouldn’t last and they were wrong.  It’s now a billion-dollar industry with 80 percent of the fan base being white.  Hip-hop is here and hip-hop is now.  It is more than music, it’s an art form and it is also a culture.

When I speak to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs I have found one common ingredient, belief.  Yes, the road less traveled is a road without a secure paycheck, but it can also be the same road to big dividends, job satisfaction, and overall happiness. 

I can’t speak for the area that you live in, but in my town we have a ton of youth that have a musical talent with no guidance or even a platform to showcase their talent.  What then happens is these kids put their passions on the back burner, because who wants to be discouraged or not taken seriously.  We have to encourage our youth and others who have dreams of being the next big thing.  Why not? 

Question: What is the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary?
Answer: Just a little extra. 

It is great for people to want to be kings and queens of their community, but honestly what is that going to do for you at the end of the day?  Go for it!  Leave the nest. Or…stay and try to be the trendsetter.  Some places just are not ready for change.  Some places don’t want to see the minority rule.  Some places want to get the youth involved, but don’t allow them to become engaged.  Some places are just that; some places.  Not every place is the same and not every mind is closed.  Do you, and I repeat, do not let your area be the reason for your lack of success.  So what is holding you back?  Most of the time it’s you.  They may not be ready, but the important thing is that you are.