2010 in Review - The Atlantic

2010 in Review - The Atlantic

Take a look at the Atlantic's review of 2010. Good info to gloss over and keep in mind heading into 2011.

Merry Christmas Eve to you and your family. May God Bless the season for us all

The 10 Commandments of Wealth and Happiness

The 10 Commandments of Wealth and Happiness

Let's talk financial freedom, positive cash flow, and taking baby steps towards building wealth. We all need to use 2011 as "The Tipping Point" in our lives, where we save like we're supposed to, invest how we desire to, and live life more fully than ever before. Follow the link above to read an article that will give you a great foundational-perspective on your money.

- Lex 1Reazn Brown

Year End Wrap Up With Pusha T | Complex Blog

Year End Wrap Up With Pusha T | Complex Blog

Good article on the G.O.O.D. Music movement. All I need is for them to hear my latest album "E.F. Hutton", and I bet they'll invite me to the family (you can check it out on iTunes right now and hear for ya self)

- Lex 1Reazn Brown

C.M.F. (Check My Footwork): adidas Adirise

adidas Adirise

Birth of the Cool: 20 Black Style Pioneers: Style: GQ

Birth of the Cool: 20 Black Style Pioneers: Style: GQ

Talk about style originators. Here's a list of classic trend-setters. I consider these guys part of the origin of Rebelized Culture. Not only were they fashion-forward, but they were pioneers and legends in their respective fields as well.

- Lex 1Reazn Brown

Threadless graphic t-shirt designs; cool & funny t-shirts weekly! Tees designed by the community.

Threadless graphic t-shirt designs; cool & funny t-shirts weekly! Tees designed by the community.

Looking for some creative and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas? Check out this site and browse some kool, unique, witty and funny T-shirt designs. I'm talkin' $10 - $15 for high-quality fabric and exclusive prints.

Shane Mosley has agreed to fight Manny Pacquiao in May - ESPN

Shane Mosley has agreed to fight Manny Pacquiao in May - ESPN

IceFilms.info - Quality DivX TV & Movies

IceFilms.info - Quality DivX TV & Movies

New verse called "Get2NoMe" on site homepage: www.TrendDodgerMusic.com

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Rebelized Culture Behind the Scenes

This Week in Rebel Culture....

The Imposing New World Order (16 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (15 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (14 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (13 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (12 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (11 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (10 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (9 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (8 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (7 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (6 of 16)

1REAZN's upcoming masterpiece . . .

"I'm in the process of constructing a new musical work of art in the form of a new album.  It's going to be entitled "They Shot the Messengers".  All I can say is keep an ear out for me, cuz I'm comin' strong with this one." - 1Reazn 

- Trend Dodger Music Group/Rebelized Culture: a TRUE movement, not just a slogan or a statement. -

The Imposing New World Order (5 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (4 of 16)

This Week in Rebel Culture....

The INFOWAR . . .

Allow me to introduce you all to the INFOWAR.  Thanks to spy-reporters like Alex Jones and Jim Tucker there is important information being disseminated regarding our future, our liberties and our livelihoods.  Simply put, it's time to WAKE-UP!  There's a war going on outside, and it's not utilizing guns and weapons of mass destruction (yet).  No no, my good people, this war is phsychological and spiritual.

There is a group of "elite" plotting and scheming and guiding us into "voluntary enslavement".  They are using fear tactics to cause panic and insecurity so that people give up their rights and liberties in return for "safety and security".  We are all being blatantly violated, and the madness will continue.  Unless ofcourse we make the general public aware of such corruption so that we can band together to fight it and stop it before it's too late.  Stay tuned, because this is going to be a subject matter of importance that Rebelized Culture is going to report on often.

Listen to and watch carefully for what's "really" going on in our world today.  Keep your eyes, ears and minds open.

- Lex "1Reazn" Brown -

The Imposing New World Order (3 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (2 of 16)

The Imposing New World Order (1 of 16)

DVD IS HERE!!! Kain has a DVD

A Shift in the Industry:

Are you as sick of the bullshit on the radio as I am yet? All of this mindless entertainment is dumbing down our culture and allowing ignorance and bitchassness to become expected norms. I for one can't take it anymore, so i'm turning off my radio for the rest of this month. I do, however, see glimpses of hope in artists such as J. Cole, Wale, Kid Cudi, Janelle Monae, and B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray. When will we finally collectively shift our attention and support towards artists dedicated to their art versus entertainers intent on manipulating you as a consumer and getting you to spend all of your money and time and energy on them? We need a revolution, a REAL Movement to take place, a shift to occur fully, and we need it NOW before all of us true fans completely tune out.

Trend Dodger Music Group will be on hiatus until January 2011. Til then, check out 1Reazn's digital album "E.F. Hutton" on iTunes.

Rebelized Culture - Behind the Scenes in Seoul, South Korea

Droppin Jewels: The Price Of Fame

We often think about what our lives will be after we "make it", but little thought is put into what will change. We think about the money, fame, cars, etc. but what is the real price of Fame?

Some might say there is no price while others say "I can deal with whatever is brought my way".

In my opinion Fame is not cheap. As a matter of fact some have paid for fame with their life. Gone are the days you can go to the mall and shop with no interruptions. Gone are the days you can go to the restroom without anyone asking for an autograph. Gone are the days you would sit at home with your family during the holidays and for birthdays. As a matter of fact life as you knew it is completely over.

As an artist, your fans feel as if they know you and their is no longer the fine line between business and personal. When you get off the stage you are still "on." The days you are sick, tired or just don't want to be bothered you are still "on." Your every move and word are put in the limelight to be dissected and scrutinized by the public.

Not only are you as the artist put in the limelight, but your family who have no desire to be in the light are put in an awkward position. Many artists take that extra step and work extra hard to keep their personal life personal.

So, my question to you is, "are you ready for FAME?" What sacrifices are you willing to make? Are you built for the industry?

Stay Prayed up and GOD BLESS!!!

- Imani

Droppin Jewels: The "Right Now" Society

This post is rather simple. I've noticed that in our society we are what I like to call the "right now" society. What does this mean? It simply means that we want what we want now or never. We are a society and culture of instant gratification. Unfortunately, in the world, that is not how it always works out.

In the industry and in life I like to live by the three P's. They are prayer, patience and persistence.

Prayer- GOD IS! Without him life is hard. With him all things are possible. Praying is your direct connect to GOD and a way to tell him what is on your heart.

Patience- Once you pray about it wait. Wait for GOD to answer your prayers or give you direction on what it is you need. No need to worry because praying and worrying don't go hand in had.

Persistence- One definition of persistence is " continued existence of occurrence." Stay on the course. Don't worry or waver. What is for you is for you. GOD is in Control.

Be Blessed

- Imani

Droppin' Jewels: Industry Roles & Your Team

In the industry everyone has a role. There is no role that is more important than the other as each person plays a vital role in success. At least that is how it is supposed to be.

Over the past few years, we have heard about people going bankrupt due to bad business moves, or people firing their team because of mishandling of funds. As an artist, it is important to make sure the people around you have your best interest at heart. That rule applies to the attorney down to the personal assistant.

Often times, artist like to employ those they are close with, like family or Friends, or those who stroke their ego the best. Ultimately, this type of business move is very costly.

With that being said I have some tips on building that perfect team:

1. Do your research

2. Put your team through an interview process just as any other employer would do before hiring someone

3. Take references from reputable people

4. If they are selling you the world RUN.

5. If their is doubt Question

6. Make sure they see YOUR vision and not one THEY have for you.

Here are other helpful tips:

1. Always sign your own checks

2. Read over all contracts and agreements

3. Audit every 30-60 days.

4.Learn the power of the word NO!

- Imani

This Week in Rebel Culture....

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Nujabes: Legendary Japanese Hip Hop Producer

If you're a lover of all spectrum's of music (especially mood chillin' music), then you probably already know of the artist who goes by the name of Nujabes. And if you don't, you will. Nujabes, (new-jah-bes) or Jun Seba, was a Japanese hip-hop producer who was specifically known for his Jazz samples/sounds mixed with his hip-hop beats. Jun was also the owner of Shibuya Records, T Records, Guinness Record stores and founder of the label Hydeout Productions. A good example and also one of the main sources that people find out about him is from the anime series Samurai Champloo, as Nujabes was one of the main contributors to the soundtrack, which mixed feudal Japan with a modern hip hop culture. Not all his work is instrumental though, Jun has worked closely with artists from Japan such as Shing02, Uyama Hiroto, Minmi, and even American hip-hop cats like CYNE, Substantial, Apani B, and many more.


Unfortunately on February 26, 2010, Jun Seba was in a deadly traffic accident while exiting the Shuto Expressway late night. He died in the Shibuya Ward hospital after many failed attempts to revive him. Jun was 36 years old.

Jun has produced four of his own albums like, Metaphorical Music or Modal Soul, along with a few compilation albums. Hydeout Productions told reporters that Nujabes has left many tracks behind which they will release at a later date.

For me his music is a big inspiration, as the sounds he produces are very uplifting and positive. Even in his song "Think Different" feat. Substantial, he sings about doing more positive, respectful things, almost insulting other rappers who thrive off the gangster rap image. The style of hip hop sounds and lyrics reminds me of the days of real street music with artists like "A Tribe Called Quest" or " Naughty By Nature". So I'll play this out while listing to his track - Hikari, saying: go check Nujabes out because he's Whats Up!
 
- SnowDjInn

Gymnastic Rings

When it comes to physical training there are many tools available that all provide a wide myriad of benefits depending on the goals of the practitioner. Gymnastic rings are one such tool especially for the minimalist on a budget. Rings are fairly affordable, completely adjustable, and able to be placed almost anywhere. Their small size makes them extremely mobile in addition to the training stimulus and benefits provided by them that are difficult to find in other devices.

The first thing that one will notice upon using rings for the first time is the stability issues. There will typically be great difficulty just in keeping one’s arms from shaking as the body begins to recruit muscles to stabilize the position that have never been used before. In addition to this, the tension created by simply the smallest adjustment of leverage requires a very large recruitment of muscle fibers.. Rings do not allow you to cheat or create leverage that doesn’t come from your body which forces practitioners to develop good form and technique in their movements as well. Moving incorrectly will result only in being unable to maintain balance or failing to complete a movement. It is a well established fact that pound for pound gymnasts are typically some of the strongest athletes in the world. One of the reasons for this is performing movements that lack leverage such as those done on the rings.

While I am personally excited about the personal benefits I am experiencing and will still experience in the future from my own ring training, I want to make a point to declare that I am not advocating rings as a replacement for weight training although it is certainly an alternative. There are still many athletic benefits to training with weights which should not be ignored such as the dynamic and explosive nature of the training. I am simply suggesting ring training as an effective inclusion to a complete training regimen. Simply lifting oneself up onto rings will provide quite surprising physical challenges to the inexperienced body. I would encourage those that do attempt ring training to make a point to try and work on the more gymnastic oriented movements as opposed to adapting typical workouts (such as pushups, dips, etc.) to ring training. This will comprise mainly static movements such as levers, handstands, or iron crosses and positional movements (moving into position) such as swings, muscle ups, and presses. One of the benefits to gymnastics training is forcing the body to adapt to different positions constantly as opposed to performing repetitions of the same movements.

I am still experimenting with my own body trying to figure out which training tools and ideas work best for me, but, I can certainly say that in the short time I’ve used rings I’ve noticed strength increases and definitely an increase in body control. For those that give it a shot be sure to be safe and do a little bit of additional research for proper practice and movement. There are a number of tutorials available on youtube for the beginner all the way up to the more advanced athlete. Good luck and have fun training!

-Javier

The Occult

What up Trend Dodging Rebels of the World! So much is going on and there's so much to discuss. Which rapper is next to get a 12-month publicity-bid in prison? (j/k)

Anyways, I'm currently reading "The Kingdom of the Occult" by Walter Martin.  I just started it, but so far my mind is being stimulated and challenged. It touches on the topics of Astrology, Channeling and Seances, ESP, Wicca and Witchcraft, Scientology and the New Age Movement, Spiritual Warfare and Counseling, Reincarnation, Telepathy, and much much more.

I know I'm not the only one seeing all these occult-related videos on YouTube about Jay-Z, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and others being involved in the occult movement and "supposedly" worshipping the devil. I'm not judging, making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. I am simply curious, and so I am researching and investigating what seems to be the topic that everyone is wondering about but no one is speaking to openly about. If you've been seeing those video clips and wanting to gain some insight for your self, start by reading the book "The Kingdom of the Occult". 

The occult is really not secret or as mysterious as YouTube is making it out to be.  There's nothing new under the sun, but ignorance due to lack of knowledge and information can cause people to fear what they don't understand or have misperceptions about certain things. Plain and simple, read and seek understanding. Don't forget to read the Bible and see how much of this information is actually in there as well.  The Bible is truly the Book of Life.  But, I digress.  Check out "The Kingdom of the Occult".

- Lex

The Occult Pt 1 (watch pt 1 through 18)

Bobby Seale Analyzes The Game

Welcome to the inaugural post for what’s surely going to be one of the most opinionated yet unbiased Hip Hop Blogs you’ll ever lay your eyes on: “Bobby Seale Analyzes the Game”. Here’s what you can expect from my posts, REAL SHIT, point blank period. No candy coating, no pulling punches for my favorite rappers (shout out to all of SLAUGHTERHOUSE), a few quality album reviews and comparisons, and a lot of opinions that I and I alone have on the game and its direction.

So my first order of business is to have a call to arms to all the real lyricist out to seek and destroy Waka Flaka Flame! Ok . . . so maybe that’s a little harsh, but at this point I’m starting to think I respect 35 year olds that still “Superman Dat Hoe” more than I respect him. On a side note, rappers in New York have to be committing samurai-style suicide every time they remind people that he’s originally from their city ( what up Jamaica Queens). He can be the sole representative of everything, EVERYTHING, that is wrong with new school hip hop. Like Chris Rock said, “It was easy to defend rappers like 2Pac, Biggie, & Public Enemy. They were creating works of art.” There is absolutely no defending the shit being put over beats now a days, no matter how hard “Oh Let’s Do it” hits in your system.

When will we as fans decide to stop being spoon fed bullshit music wrapped in great production and catchy hooks? I respect the fact that Mr. Flame pretty much acknowledged the fact that he is a garbage rapper, but as a fan, do we really want to listen to guys that don’t care about their own product anymore? I hope we have higher expectations for music, especially since it’s the mainstream representation of our culture. As a rapper, but entirely more important as a young black man, I want to be able to land the first punch on the side of this ignorant ass nigga’s head (sorry mom).

Unfortunately there isn’t an album I want to review this week but I will say make sure you pick up E.F. Hutton by 1Reazn ( http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/1REAZN ) it’s $7.00 and it’s a great album. It’s real hip hop at it’s roots make sure you support the Trend Dodger movement!


Bobby Seale aka Bugatti Bobby
Frontline Entertainment
www.Twitter.com/Bugatti_Bobby
www.Myspace.com/NCFrontline
www.Reverbnation.com/BobbySealeFrontlineEnt

The Living Building

Here's an idea, instead of just aiming to build sustainable buildings how about creating a city that not only generates its own energy but gives energy back to the grid, cleans the air, captures and treats water, and has negative emissions?

That seems to be the next step as architectural ingenuity is playing with many different concepts for “living building status” from buildings that contain microbes in the paint or finish that consume pollutants to buildings actually grown from trees.

The idea is certainly progressive but like the alternative energy push its going to lack the infrastructure for many years to come. However, it is encouraging to know that this kind of active progressive thinking is occurring during a time in which ethical business practice seems like a rarity.

The International Living Building Institute has been formed following in the footsteps of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) to work on the standards for living building certifications as well as solutions towards implementing living building practices on a much larger scale.

Check out their website for more information http://ilbi.org/ .

Droppin Jewels: Touring Artist

Back in the late 80s and early 90s artists used touring as a way to promote their album and connect to their fans. It was also during that time they had what is called a touring budget. This budget would not only allow them to be on the road, but also allow them to pay their full band, manager, road manager, assistant, stylist, hair, make-up, etc.

Now fast forward to 2010 and "touring" has taken on a totally different meaning. Touring for artists in 2010 means a way to supplement income. Since album sales are not where they need to be, they need to find other sources to provide for their family. As a result they are on the road longer, but their entourage is smaller due to budget restraints. Gone are the days of having your "team" or "glam squad." The days of getting paid the higher dollars for shows are dwindling as well.

So what does this mean to you the consumer? The answer is rather simple. SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST! This means going to buy the album in stores or downloading it from a LEGAL site (itunes, amazon, cdbaby,etc) and going to support them when they are in a city near you.

If you fail to support your favorite artist they may not be around much longer. As record sales and ticket sales dimminish, so do the careers of the ones that are here to entertain us.

- Imani

Droppin Jewels: Million Dollar Deal

Nowadays in the Industry you hear all this talk about "Million Dollar Deals." 50 Cent got a deal worth a million, Karina Pasian of Def Jam got six figures, Alicia Keys, etc. You may have also heard the word "Advance" thrown around a few times. What you don't hear about is the fine print and that word recoup. Let's make one thing clear advance and signing bonus are two totally different things. A signing bonus is or was the labels way of saying "thank you" to the artist/band for joining their company. It was an incentive. An advance is for a lack of better words a LOAN!! This is where the music business becomes a business.

Typically an advance is given to an artist/band once a contract is negotiated. This advance is sort of a budget that includes a bonus for the artist/band. That way if the artist/band goes over budget it will cut into their earnings and not the companies. This operates as a double edged sword. If the artist/band stays under budget then it is a huge perk for them. If not they will suffer what many artist in the industry become victim to.

Now what does an advance cover? Well, the purpose of the advance is to help sustain you as an artist until your royalties and publishing checks come in. It is also used to fund your project. Now here is the fun part. After an album is released, before the artist/band sees a dime from royalties etc. the record company must recoup, or get back all the money it extended to the artist/band. Ultimately, if the album does not perform to the expectations of the label, the label will more than likely drop the artist/band due to the fact they cost them money.

In short, be mindful and careful in the industry as everything that glistens is not gold. If you are able to provide most of the financial backing for your own project do so. The struggle may be harder but the reward is much greater. If you must use a major record label, negotiate a reasonable advance in your contract, or don't take one at all, as you will have to payback what is put out.

- Imani

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Get Your Money Right: Getting Out of Debt and Staying Out of Debt

Let's be real: most of us have some sort of debt. Be it auto loans, mortgages, credit card and medical bills, or student loans. While bills (electricity, water, etc.) can't be avoided, "debt" can. There are many situations that can put us into debt, but there are also ways to make sure we stay out of it.

First, remember that cash is king! If you cant afford something at any given time, try saving up for it then buying it with cash instead of taking out a line of credit. If you buy a $150 pair of shoes with a credit card that charges 13% interest, and make the minimum payments, those shoes will cost you $163 by the time you finish paying it off. Whereas, if you would've saved $75 every two weeks, then you would have those shoes interest free in a month.

Another rule of thumb is to pay your bills on time. I know it sounds so simple, but we all have been guilty of letting a couple bills slide so we could take a trip or pay for that new outfit. That's just bad business. The quicker you pay off bills, the less interest you accrue and the more money you can save. Seeing the pattern? Bottom line, limiting what you have to pay out will maximize what you can do with what you bring in. For more information on managing and eliminating debt, check out http://www.lifetuner.org/ and http://www.money.cnn.com/. Once you have a handle on your debt, you can get your money right!

- Rico

This Week in Rebel Culture....

C.M.F- Nike Air Foamposite "Pearl" Release Date

After much anticipation, Nike has finally set a release date for the Foamposite Pro "Pearls." They will drop on September 3rd, 2010 for a heavy price tag of $200. I know a lot of folks are ready to get their hands on these. Is this a sure cop for you? Detailed pictures listed below.

New Album of the Month : 1REAZN "E.F. Hutton"

I'd like to take some time to remind yall to check out the homie 1REAZN's new album entitled "E.F. Hutton". Gotta honestly say I've been knockin the album for a week and a half and not just because I know the cat. Trust me I've had my own moments where I had to throw a CD out the window just to prove a point, not the case on this Album. It is an official banger! To describe the feel of this Album, I would say mix of TI, Kanye, and Outkast in a blender, and a brand of rap my dude calls 'Emoetry' and there you go, "E.F. Hutton". Beat selection is very fine tuned all the way down to the features that were chosen, making sure every song concept compliments each track. Here are a couple tracks that stood out to me on the album:

"Ambien" ft. Del Cruz: Beat smoother than south beach on a sunday evening, takes you to that place between a dream and being awake. Defenitely a standout track.

"Black Dynamite": One of the more fun tracks on the album , and is also complimented with an internet video (I will add the link at the end).

"Please Do": Addictive pianos flood the track and brutally honest lyrics, mainly directed at critics who have never even tried to rap so have no idea what lyricism is really about.

"One Sided" ft. Yung Wyze, Bobby Seale & Ah-nest Don: A defenite hip hip anthem, a great "takin it back" song . Each rapper speaks his heart on the game and what hip hop has meant to them.

I caught up with 1REAZN to ask him a couple of questions about his latest album and other ventures, and heres what he had to say :

How long have you been working on the new joint?

I've been working on this album for about 9 months, just really taking my time with the track selection and song concepts.

Which producers helped make the album?

I got tracks from KH Productions and Adamack Beatz of Open Minds Ent., Sho-Down of , N.I.P. of N.I.P. Productions, Best Kept Secret (Flawless Tracks out of D.C.), GM, Quron Witherspoon of Rebelizim Music, and one self-produced track.

Are there any more videos coming out?

Definitely, as soon as I get settled back here in the states I'll be scheduling the next video shoot, probably for the "Please Do" single.

Where do you see yourself as an artist 5 years from now?

I see myself remaining independent, with an established core audience, touring globally to give the best performances ever to fans worldwide.

Is there any artists out there in particular you would like to work with?

I would like to work with many artists, but to name a few: Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Wale, Janelle Monae, Joe Budden, Chrisette Michelle, B.o.B., T.I. and a few others.
There you have it, no reason to miss out on the dope tracks, y'all you can cop your own copy at :

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/1REAZN (digital album)

(watch the Black Dynamite music video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOkKdChliWs)

1 Luv yall : Ah-nest Don

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Age Aint Nothin' But a Number

I remember when I first heard of this story and I thought to myself now, this is the type of thing that really inspires me as a human being.

Abigail Sunderland, a 16 year old from Thousand Oaks, California set out in January, 2010 to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe after her brother did it at the age of 17 in 2009. Having been around sailing her entire life she set off on her boat “Wild Eyes” to accomplish what most people couldn't even imagine considering attempting themselves.

On June 7 she reached her halfway point in the Indian Ocean and on June 10 she was overcome by stormy waters and lost all contact with civilization. Abigail had been communicating via satellite on her blog soloround.blogspot.com when her parents updated the blog with a message stating that Abigail had lost communication and her ship was dead in the water. Her parents assured the public that Abigail was both trained and properly equipped to deal with the situation and that she would be ok. On the same day she was identified by an Australian search and rescue and by June 12 she was safely aboard the French fishing vessel Ile de la Reunion.

The response that followed was an odd mixture of respect and admiration for Abigail and a sort of surprise and disappointment with the parents for allowing her to partake on such a dangerous quest.

My position on this is, if we only do what's safe and typical how are humans supposed to accomplish anything extraordinary? And more than that, if we establish restrictions on ourselves based upon societal insecurities how much are we holding ourselves back?

My point is if Abigail had not been properly prepared both mentally, and equipment-wise before she set off on her journey the story probably would have played out much differently. However, despite her circumstances it was because of her preparation and background that she was able to endure her situation.

Abigail Sunderland's attempt did a lot to inspire me as a person and its a story that certainly deserves much more recognition for its successes both by Abigail and her parents. Here is a quote from Abigail's website

"I had begun to think that dreams are meant to be no more than dreams and that in reality dreams don't come true. Then my brother (Zac) left on his trip. It was amazing to see all the support that he got from around the world and to see how everyone worked together to help make his dream reality. Watching him do this really made me believe that I could too."

Even failing at her attempt Abigail (and to some extent her brother) has delivered a huge message to those open minded enough to receive it.

The only difference between a dream and reality is action.

Despite failing at her attempt she still pursued it completely- how many other people can say the same in their lifetime?

-Javier

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Droppin Jewels: Picture in Words

Have you ever heard a song that took you on an emotional roller coaster?  Or better ye,t painted the perfect picture? What about a song that seems as if it was written just for you? Well ladies and gentlemen, you have been privied to a perfectly written song!

As a songwriter, my responsibility/your responsibility is to paint a perfect picture. Take your listeners down a path that pulls out a certain emotion.

Often times I get asked the question of where I got the idea for a certain song from. My answer is always LIFE! Life is the perfect song. I get songs from situations I am going through or from what my friends are going through.

My job as a songwriter is to give a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless. I want my listener to feel as if I peaked into their journal or their mind and put what they are feeling into song.  Everyone falls in love, experiences heartache, failure, love lost, etc. Many people turn to music for comfort. They believe that if their favorite artist can feel a certain emotion and get through certain situations then so can they.

So, songwriters, don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve while writing. This is your chance to bare your soul without being judged. Your chance to have your own therapy session while providing therapy to others.

Make sure you paint a clear picture because the world is listening and it is one that will never go away!

We Can See The Future

Rebelized Culture can see the future.  Therefore we are the future, and we will regulate the new status quo in the future.  You may not realize it just yet, but we do this eMagazine/blog/vlog for you.  Over time you will understand the value of a unique, unbiased, passionate, visionary form of media like Rebelized Culture. We're going to deliver articles that matter to you and your personal situations, not just what matters in hollywood or among celebrity lives.  If you're an aspiring artist, musician, photographer, dancer, actor/actress, entrepreneur, scholar, athlete, philanthropist, activist, avid collector or something unique, or whatever, then this magazine is especially for you.

Time Is On Your Side

Hustle, education, talent, and even currency itself are all tools and resources to help you achieve your financial goals. There is an additional resource for making money that many don't acknowledge, and all you have to do is… WAIT.  Time is our most valuable resource, and you can invest it wisely.

When it comes to making money, time can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  My advice: make it your friend.  The easiest way to do that is by investing as soon as possible, even if it’s only a small amount.  Let’s say person A starts saving $100 a month and does this for twenty years, earning 4% interest every month, while person B saves $200 a month, also earning the 4% interest, but only invests for 10 years. Using the monthly compound interest formula (A=P(1+r/12)^n), we see that person A will end up with $36,677 and person B rakes in $29,450.  So even though person B saved twice as much per month and got the same interest rate, they still didn’t clear as much as person A simply because of the TIME spent saving. 

Keep in mind that as you make more money through raises, promotions, or business ventures, you’ll be able to save more.  This will increase your principle, which will earn even more interest over the same amount of time.  But whether or not you decide to up your contributions, you can be sure that the money already saved is growing like a plant that only needs to be watered by TIME.  It’s great to get out there and work hard for your money.  But the sooner you make your money work for you, the sooner you won’t have to work at all.  Remember, all you need is ‘TIME’ to get your money right!

- RiCO

C.M.F- Jordan 11 "Cool Grey" Photos

What's good, Rebels? This is the first blog for C.M.F and I asked myself, "What better way to kick this column off by talking about the Air Jordan "Cool Grey" 11's." This is probably the hottest drop of the year but has had received mixed reviews from the sneaker community. The most obvious difference is the Icy Blue sole whereas the 2001 release had the infamous clear sole. Just like the Jordan 11/12 pack and the Spacejams, the Cool Greys are slated for a December release. Is this a definite cop? Or are you pinching pennies for another release like the Air Jordan "Flint" 13's?

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Beauty Beyond Skin Deep: Lisa Marie Salazar

1. What's your most embarrassing nickname?
2. What are your special hobbies?3. What's your educational background (college? certifications? etc.)?4. What are your most significant accomplishments so far in life?5. What is your family like?6. Who is the greatest influence in your life?7. What did you want to be as a child growing up?8. Are you Single? Why or why not?10. What are the standards for you as far as relationships are concerned?11. How long have you been in the Military? Why'd you join the Air Force?12. What are your goals and plans for the future?
I don’t really have an embarrassing nickname….my step brother & sisters call me "Reese’s" and to this day I’m not really sure why.



- I wouldn’t say any of my hobbies are "special". But, I love to listen to music, traveling, cooking, watching movies, playing sports, swimming and I always enjoy reading a good book.



-Currently I’m enrolled at Ashford online University. I’m two classes away from earning my CCAF (associates degree)



-I guess I would have to say joining the Air Force.



-Well, my parents divorced when I was three & I was raised by my mother; She is Caucasian & my father is Mexican. My family is awesome. My father remarried & I have 2 step sisters & 1 step brother. Between the three of them, I have 5 nephews & 2 nieces. Mexican food is my favorite so I love being around that side of the family because I get to eat homemade Mexican food and when I’m home for Christmas we all make a bunch of tamales. My mom’s side of the family is smaller but just as awesome. We all have our share of drama, but what family doesn’t?



-Hands down, my mother. She raised me and my older sister by herself. Never once did I hear her complain. She almost lost the house we lived in a few times but I didn’t know that until only a few years ago. She taught me to never give up and to never let anyone tell you that they’re better than you. All the strength and confidence I have comes from her. Saying that she is my heart does not do justice.



-As children, we’re constantly changing our minds. But for the longest time, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals. I was the kid who was always finding strays or hurt animals and bringing them home with me hoping to make them better. I once brought home 3 ducklings that were wondering around our neighborhood and a pigeon with a bad wing.



-I’ve been legally separated for a while, but my divorce will be finally be finalized on 12 October 2010. I’ve been married since October 2005 and I’ve tried to make it work but I was the only one willing to change and put forth 100% effort. Marriage is a partnership and it has to be 50/50 in order for it to work. I’m looking forward to being able to move on with my life and finally be free.


9. What are your thoughts regarding men right now?

-Ahhhh, men. They say you can’t live with them & you can’t live without them. I don’t have much faith in guys & ever since I was 17, I’ve always had a wall up. I never intentionally go out looking for a guy or boyfriend, but the "bad apples" always seem to find me. You know, the ones that lie and say they’re not married, the ones that have a girlfriend at home, the man whores, the habitual liars etc. I just can’t seem to shake that type of guy. Having a man in my life isn’t a priority, I’ve never been the girl that HAS to have a man & I never will be. I’m happy on my own.



-First and for most, there needs to be respect. If both people have respect for one another that will rule out other issues. I think two other important factors are honesty and monogamy. I cannot stand liars. The only thing worse than being lied to is knowing you weren’t worth the truth. I don’t believe in second chances when it comes to being in a relationship. If you cheat, why would I give you a second chance? If you valued me or the relationship, cheating would have never happened in the first place. And I despise when people use alcohol as an excuse...that’s all it is: an excuse.



-I’ve been in the Air Force for just over five years. My mother was the one that actually suggested the military. I didn’t want to go to college because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life & I didn’t want to work at a minimum paying job. At first I was going to join the Army but at the last minute I backed out. Then my mother mentioned the Air Force. The day we went and spoke to a recruiter was the day I signed up. I have never regretted my decision.



-The only goals I have right now are getting my bachelor’s degree (and one day obtaining my Master’s) and to make rank in the military. I want to excel at my job and just be the best person I can be. I’m currently stationed in South Korea & I work with a lot of knowledgeable Master Sergeants; they give me something to strive towards. After Korea I’ll be going to Guam, I’m excited to be on an island for at least two years and I plan on doing some traveling!

Have You Seen This? (UD3)

Long past has it been sense the time of the tournament fighter genre. Back when you could sit down and watch Jean-Claude Van Damme work his magic doing flying spinning jump kicks while screaming BAAA-DAAANG. We cant ignore the many close calls such as "Fighting" and "Never Back Down" even though the later felt more like a Karate Kid wannabe. Here we finally have a tournament fighter where the star isn't some punk kid, involved in a romance on the side.
Undisputed III: Redemption (directed by Isaac Florentine) takes place not long after Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, where previous "bad guy" Uri Boyka (played by: Scott Adkins) is now the leading character in a new struggle of life or death. A new tournament has arrived, matching the best prison fighters from around the globe, enticing them with a first place prize of freedom. Inmate Boyka must fight through the pain of a recovering knee injury if he is to reclaim his title as the most complete fighter in the world.

While UD3, suffers from a predictable story line and a recycled set of character types from the last movie, It has a steady pace of solid entertainment that I found enjoyable the whole way through. It's also recognized for having some of the best fight scene choreography to date. I have to say that UD2 was a much more whole and intriguing movie, but If your looking for simply good entertainment to put on while the friends are over, or just like the old school fighters, Undisputed III is whats up.

- Snowdjinn -

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3648259865/


http://www.undisputed3movie.com/

This Week in Rebel Culture....

Q-Vision: Respect the Lens

Welcome to what I call "Q-VIsion".......

So what is "Q-VIsion?" "What does it stand for?"

-Q-VIsion is basically a representation of looking in to the eye of myself. Seeing what I'm seeing. Allowing yourself to capture the true essence of what i shoot. In this world we visualize thing that we believe suits our lifestyle or even swings us in the brightest or even darkest moods. My goal is to bring you that representation.

How did you start off taking pictures?

-Honestly I always had an eye for beautiful scenery and beautiful people. When i was young I used to pretend I was a professional photographer and take pictures of this girl I really liked in school during recess! I just always knew that certain things i saw put me in this mood, be it good or bad. I started out shooting professionally at the age of 20, and since then I've never put down my camera. But to tell you the truth, I can remember back when I was in the 3rd grade, where it all started, and my eyes just opened up to the beauty of what this world shares.

Is there any other things you enjoy doing besides taking photos?

-Well I'm a HUGE music major and I've been into music since I was very little. I play over 5 different instruments. Music has played a major role in my life and is responsible for reshaping my life. Im into ALL types of genres; I produce music under the production label "Rebelizim Music" which I currently have ownership of. I've also ama HUGE gear-head. A big fan of Nissan vehicles, I'm a guy thats into import cars and really into the drifting/track-racing scene. I love to go fast!

What are some things we can expect out of you with Rebelized Culture?

-Well I must say....BE READY. I'll show you everything that i know, from learning to become a first time photographer, tips on what

The WHY

In this first article, before we get into all the sweat, blood, and tears associated with fitness( just kidding – not really) we have to get to the most important part of fitness and that is MOTIVATION, or what I like to call “The Why”. First, a couple of rules about “The Why”:

1. There is no reason too big for “The Why”.

2. There is no reason too small for “The Why”.

3. There is no reason too outlandish for “The Why”.

4. There is no reason too selfish for “The Why”.

5. It does not matter how others feel towards your “ The Why”.

6. You can have several ”Why’s” during your lifetime.

Now before you assume I have gotten all Fight Club on you let me clarify. If wanting to beat cancer is the reason you go run five miles a day and learn better eating habits, bravo. If wanting to be able to see your toes is the reason why you hit the weights, awesome! If that little black dress, or getting that “look” (you know the one where your significant other looks up, looks down and then looks again, forgetting whatever task they had at hand), then great. Whether it’s for your grandkids, your heart, to get some glances at the beach, or just to increase your confidence so the cute girl at the party talks to you then go for it. So long as you have the ”Why” and embrace it and don’t look back, and remember that the cheesecake you put down today is a trade off for the heart/toes/girl/black dress/guy (please tell me you get it by now) then you will do fine. So find your why.

- Rome

The Perfect Middleground

Nas said it best, "hip hop is dead". This is the term he spit out a couple of years back that shook up the world. It means a ton of different things , and can stem a great amount of arguments within the rap community. So, 2010 , where have things moved to since that statement? Well lets take a look. As far as mainstream music: still pretty pathetic . As far as underground: stayed doing well and pumping out quality music. But what about that zone right between underground and mainstream? The cats that have strayed away from the limelight and secured themselves a place in hip hop history books, all within the revolution of bringing quality rap back into what should be the mainstream.

It was about late last year, around the time Ghostface dropped his "Wizard of Poetry" album that things started really shaping up for the middleground: Jay Electronica heavy on the shows and dropping a classic every quarter; Cats like Ski-Beatz working on projects that are leaving fans at the edge of their seat, working with artists like Joell Ortiz, Mos Def, Currency, and the list goes on and on; Erykah Badu, with her ground breaking video (that should be getting way more exposure). Much more to talk about than the likes of a drunken Paris Hilton or Lindsey Lohan.

Inspectah Deck's dropping a banger, and the "Wu-Massacre" album was extra incredible. Not just for music, but the anticipation, the classic artwork, just the feel of buying an album in general. These are the things that would've made TV stations like MTV and BET go nuts back in the 90's. But oh well, let's face it, we are not in an era where quality and keeping it real is the fad. We're at the end of times, and the most accesible music is defenitely the music that should be at the bottom of our shelves . But like my man Ghostface says "What's first shall be last and whats last shall be first".

Here's a list of great works that have dropped in this middleground I speak of, sort of like the Boston Celtics of Hip Hop :

Freeway -Philadelphia Freeway 2
J Dilla - J Stay Paid
Guru- Guru 8.0
AZ-Legendary
Mos Def-The Ecstatic
The Alchemist Chemical Warfare
Slaughterhouse-Slaughterhouse
Raekwon -OBCL 2
Ghostface Killah -Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry
Rakim- The Seventh Seal
The Clipse -Till The Casket Drops


Needless to say these hip hop cats are heavy on their grind and do not get the exposure they deserve, and these are big-time names! In my future columns I will look into primetime players in this hip hop game that are one step from making it to the next level. The cats that have the decency and know to stick to the code and not sellout and do pop records like so many others who look to take that shameful path. Looks like hip hop died, but it sure as hell got resurrected, so lets keep it alive yall. Peace.

- Ah-nest Don

EMOETRY: A Renewed Appreciation for Poetry

"Hurry Up! Slow Down!"

I wish Time could hurry up so I can get back home
And let my daughter know her daddy didn't leave her alone
Still so much a man hasn't got to do 'bout yet
But if, Time would just speed up, then my life would be the best . . .
---
Where have all the years gone?
Time, slow up a bit
Days and weeks pass rapid, let us savor the moment
Precious memory I keep
Let me freeze it and hold it
Wait time, let me catch up!
These moments are golden . . .
---
Damn, hurry up Time!
Bring me riches and fame
See I have practiced long enough, put me up in the game
I'll soon turn a year older, I ain't gettin' no younger
So Time . . . hurry up and turn reality to a wonder . . .
---
Wait . . . a year ago seems a blur in my brain
Can we slot it up?  rewind?  and live it again?
What I would've done different?
Truly capture those days
GOD, please, put our lives, to a much slower pace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Raisin in the Sun (my version)"

I come from a proud people
"Say it loud!" people, like James Brown people
Black
As the strongest pot of coffee on an early morning rise
Hope in our hearts  despite pain in our eyes
---
We struggle, yet strive
Oppressed and disenfranchised
But despite the odds we rise, prosper and thrive
---
How good it is to be alive
To have voted for Obama
To serve the military, and give pride to my momma
To bring into life a daughter
Full of beauty and joy
Who hath given me the growth, to a man from a boy
---
To watch ALL Americans
Bring the hero from within
Knowing we start with a dream
But the journey never ends.

- Lex "1Reazn" Brown -

Barefoot Running: Your Free Orthopedist

There is nothing new under the sun. Such a statement doesn't reveal the true wonder of human experience. To anyone that's had to deal with knee pain from years of running, the relief and healing that can be brought about from barefoot running seems like such a novel idea. How is it that the foot, ankle, knee, and hips can not only be preserved, but strengthened by not protecting them? The common logic says that the more cushion a shoe can provide, the more that it can reduce the impact on the knees which in turn should preserve them, right? That may not be true. A growing generation of minimalist runners will tell you they've never felt healthier than when they threw away their running shoes.

But that doesn't make any sense.

So, let's explore the idea a bit. Barefoot “supporters” (pun intended) base their position behind the idea that correcting human biomechanics (physical movement) will correct most injuries, pains, and imbalances brought on as a result of improper or unnatural movement. Sparing you the science lecture what it comes down to is that wearing shoes can cause people to walk and move differently than they would without shoes. The foot is not allowed to touch or feel the ground and in many instances the heel is elevated resulting in an unnatural stride or gate. This unnatural stride can cause pain and injuries from the ankles, to the knees, all the way up to the hips or spine. In addition, the muscles of the leg don't have to work as hard to stabilize itself since the cushions in the shoes do the work for them. So, the equation goes: improper movement+lazy muscles+5 mile run x 5 years= OUCH.

Still sounds crazy, but, how legit are their claims?

A quick google search reveals tons of research and studies conducted by Kinesiologists that have compared barefoot running to wearing shoes and all have concluded that the strides of a barefoot runner is much different from that of someone running in shoes. The barefoot runner tends to run more so on the toes or middle of the foot and this is a motion that is typically adopted naturally without instruction. Striking the heel to the ground over time encourages the barefoot runner to develop a softer step. In comparison, the runner in shoes strikes heel to toe the majority of the time as there is no real stimulus to encourage any modification. In most instances this leads to various aches and pains in the body ranging from ankle injuries, to knee pain, and even back problems.

Personally, I haven't quite made the full transition yet. I'm running in the Nike Freerun and some Japanese thin soled gym shoes while my body acclimates to the higher demands. Barefoot running can really kill the calves for the newcomer.

When not walking or running with naked feet the Vibram Five Fingers seem to be the shoe of choice for barefoot enthusiasts.

I'm experiencing tons of benefits already not only eliminating knee pain and adjusting my running form, but also increasing strength and balance.

There's a bunch of information to find on the web about barefoot running. Just check out Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat.

Droppin Jewels: What Is a Pro?

In the Music Industry we always hear about the checks and the money to be made, but little is said in regards to how those checks are collected.

Welcome to the world of PROs! Performing Rights Organizations, or PROs, are groups that have composers, songwriters and music publishers as their members. PROs are responsible for tracking and collecting performing rights royalties for the the use of their members' music.

Who Are The Performing Right Organizations?

SESAC- www.sesac.com

BMI- www.bmi.com

ASCAP- www.ascap.com

How Do They Track MY Work?

PROs monitor radio broadcasts for the use of their member's work. Television and films are monitored slightly different. To track for TV and films, PROs PROs use cue sheets.

How Are Cue Sheets Submitted?

This is a rather simple process. Producers(film and TV) fill out the cue sheets and submit them to the PRO with a member who owns the copyright of the music listed in the sheet. If the sheet contains music owned by members from different PROs, the cue sheet needs to be submitted to each PRO.

When Do I Get Paid?

Check with your specific PRO as mailing and distribution dates vary, but typically towards the end of each Quarter.

I hope this sheds a little light on Performing Rights Organizations and their roles. As always, please research each PRO and analyze your needs to see which one is right for you. If you have any questions please feel free to drop us a line.

Get Your Money Right: an IRA That Works for You

Most people are familiar with IRAs, but if you were to ask them exactly what kind of IRA would be best for them, you may get a blank stare or two. So, this is to clear up any confusion you may have about IRAs and to give you some insight for which one you should choose to invest in depending on your individual circumstances.

First of all, IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. It allows you to contribute money/funds over the course of a career or even longer to ensure your financial stability upon retirement. That’s the easy part. Next comes the choice of what kind of IRA to open. Here are the four most popular types of IRAs:

Traditional IRA – Allows you to contribute up to $4,000 annually before taxes, which reduces your taxable income. The money is taxed when you start to withdraw after the age of 65. This particular IRA is also good for those that need help with not dipping into the fund early. There are penalties for early withdrawals, and some providers won’t let you withdraw early at all. Also, you have to start taking money out by the age of 70 or the IRS will take the money away.

Roth IRA – Has a contribution limit of $5,000 a year. You deposit money in after taxes, so when you withdraw at retirement you are not taxed on the money or the growth of the fund. You can also withdraw from the account any time before five years of the account being open without getting penalized. Plus, there is no mandatory withdrawal age, so you can go the rest of your life without using the money and it won’t get touched. This is a good way to leave your money to those you love.

SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRA - This is an employer-established and funded IRA. The employer can put up to 15% of your compensation into a special IRA account. You can also do this for yourself if you own a business. These have fewer administrative and tax filing requirements than most retirement plans, which makes them more attractive than 401(K)s.

Simple IRA - This is a new creation, but is gaining popularity. It is employer-sponsored just like the SEP IRA but this particular IRA allows the employer AND the employees to contribute to the account. Employees can contribute up to 100%, but no more than $6,500 per year, into the IRA. There are rules that require employers to contribute a certain amount to the IRAs they open for their employees, and premature distribution penalties apply. Once you get all of that in check, this is great way to start setting up for retirement.

While these are the main types of IRAs, there are others to be considered based on your financial goals. Always do your own research and talk to a financial advisor for more info. Starting an IRA that fits your lifestyle is a great way to get your money right!

The Start of Your New Favorite Magazine (Editor's Brief)

Greetings to all of you Rebels and Trend Dodgers reading this post.  Understand that this is just the beginning, the online startup of a cutting-edge magazine that will also develop into print with a full-fledged website to go along with it.  That is our objective, and our vision is to spread Fearless Originality and Pride in Being Unique through these mediums.

We can only do this with your support and continuous readership.  Don't hold back from shooting us an email letting us know where we can improve or even where we excel.  If you have topics that you'd like to see content written on, email us those as well.  Rebelized Culture Magazine is as much about interaction and your involvement as it is about us bringing you the best content we can find.  We hope that you as a reader will walk with us through these development stages, and be a part of the transformation from nothing to something amazing.

We promise to bring you new material on a weekly basis (Thursdays being the main posts day).  Over the next week you will start seeing our content populate this blog, so check back this weekend and see what Rebelized Culture Magazine has to offer.  I'm gone.

- Lex -

TD-MMA lands big MMA Sponsorship!

Jerome "ROME" Thames of Trend Dodger Mixed-Martial Arts has just officially earned a sponsorship from CRUCIFIX-MMA.  Check out their apparrell and fight gear, and read what they're all about.  Also, be sure to check out ROME and the rest of TD-MMA (Trend Dodger Mixed-Martial Arts) by clicking on TD-MMA.

1Reazn - Black Dynamite

Mick Stillz - International Grind