#140: Soundtrack 2 My Life
I thought it was Wednesday until 9 minutes ago 😔
MUSIC THING:
Eleven years ago today, Kid Cudi dropped his debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day.
Useless trivia of the day: Did you know there are three versions of the “Day ‘n’ Night'“ video?
Quick context: Cudi’s Day ‘n’ Night was the lead single from this album and dropped in Feb 2008. In March, production duo Crookers released their remix — I believe more people know this version of the song than the original, based on years of anecdotal research — and it hit big overseas, being released here in the U.S. by the good folks at Fool’s Gold Records.
First, there was this one:
and then, they shot a video for the actual song…
and then, another video — one that was shot BEFORE the other two — was released. You know what the Midwest is? Young and Reckless.
A PERFECT SONG:
MARKETING THING:
For September, the Marketing section will be dedicated to helping you beat imposter syndrome and get better at self-promotion.
Two weeks ago, we took a test to see where we stand with imposter syndrome.
Last week, we outlined tactics about how to overcome imposter syndrome as well as an interesting counter-point to the entire idea.
This week, I want to spotlight the specific types of imposter syndrome. By identifying the type of imposter syndrome you deal with, you might be able to find a solution that applies directly to your situation.
By the way, I got this sick infographic from resume.io.
CULTURE THING:
Written about Locally Grown TV here in the past, but I’m excited to announce that I’m now co-programming the Plug Tunnin channel on the network!!!
Wired says Locally Grown TV is “Like a video archive that is available 24/7, Locally Grown is an anti-streaming streamer, the PBS of black cultural ephemera“. I agree, but take it even further: I imagine LgTV is the BET we might have gotten if Bob Johnson sold the network to someone like Marva Collins instead of Viacom.
The team has channels programmed by a swath of folks from all over the world and manages to actually showcase the full extent of Blackness, across our multiple viewpoints and perspectives (I know, I know…too good to be true).
I will use a specific example to illustrate my point in a clearer way. Let’s say you log on at 3 EST/2 Central/noon PST.
In a one-hour block, you will be able to see:
Toni Morrison’s A Writer's Work
Four of the live episodes of the classic Fox sitcom ROC
A documentary on grime music from 2003
A documentary on E-40
An acting MasterClass from Kathleen Collins
The BBC documentary Queens of the Disco
A collection of shorts from director Morgan Cooper’s shorts, including his “Bel-Air” reboot concept that is now going to become a real show.
And that’s just one hour! If you’re interested, I suggest diving in and immersing yourself in the content. Dig what you see? Share with likeminded folks.
HOW TO HELP BLACK LIVES IN 30 MINS OR LESS:
When it comes to taking the steps needed to create a racially equal America, I’ve heard from many well-intentioned non-Black people over the last two months that one of the most daunting things for them is trying to figure out what they can personally do make things better.
Some folks see these massive issues as a significant problem that cannot be defeated, so they struggle to figure out what one person can do, which leads to them not doing much other than posting to IG. Some of that is not wanting to seem like you’re doing too much, some of that is fear your intentions will be misunderstood.
What if I told you that for only 30 minutes a week, you can help black lives no matter where you are or how much money you make? Here’s how:
Carve out 30 minutes in your calendar this week. Call it “Being A Better Person Time” or “Set a Good Example for my Kid” Time, whatever works.
Click a link and make a call or donate or sign a petition. Just do one thing in that 30 min window.
This weekend, share the above link with your three closest friends and say, “Hey, I’m (calling/donating/signing a petition). I’m worried about how things will be for future generations, so I’m doing something about it. If you’re interested, here’s the link!” If you have a group chat, drop it into your group chat!
Repeat the following week for as long as you can. Do it while you online shop, do it while you’re on an annoying call, hell, you can do it while you poop, I genuinely don’t care! Whatever it takes! It is the absolute least that you can do, but you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you at least did SOMETHING to help. You have a vision of who you want to be, right? That ideal version of yourself that does the right thing when given a chance and leads by example? This is that chance. You can do it!
BONUS: You won’t have to lie to your kids or grandkids about being on the right side of history! You can be all like, “Children/Grandchildren, we don’t tolerate that racist shit in this house. If anyone says otherwise, send them to me.” and you’ll sound all tough and cool, and your kids or grandkids will respect and love you and not want to be racists…guess what? That means less racist people in the future!!!
Look at that. It turns out you had a bigger impact than you thought the whole time!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Gmail users: I’ve heard that some of you aren’t seeing the newsletter because it goes to the “Promotions” folder in your inbox. I made a GIF to show you how to add Office Hours to your primary inbox so you never miss a new issue:
The pod will be live this month but having to edit it myself means it’s not going to be out when I originally promised. Lesson here, kids: All that “self-made” shit is a better used as a source of motivation instead of a business strategy😂. While we’re on the subject…
I’m looking for someone to edit The Office Hours podcast! Gig is about 2 hours a week of work and is paid. All are welcome to apply, but people from Chicago get to cut to the front of the line. If this sounds like something you’d be into, E-mail me with the subject line “Office Hours Pod” and samples of your work.
SUPPORT THIS THING:
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