Not Another Summer Reading List [2019]

Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the street…with a book of some kind. Like a kid in a candy store, I got excited looking at new releases for this summer and the upcoming fall. My email has been one ongoing notification signal after another with: good reads reviews, e books, local library updates, audio book subscriptions etc. Needless to say I’m drowning in more literature than I can keep up with…and I couldn’t be happier! Allow me to share what I’m reading currently and I hope you will do the same.

“Buck: A Memoir” by MK Asante

Asante was actually a professor at Morgan State University when I was studying some years ago. I never got to take any of his classes, but we spoke a few times. I was told that his lectures were all the rave due to his love of the Hip Hop culture and views on the world as we connect to it. “Buck” is his autobiography, growing up the mean streets of Philadelphia and overcoming adversity to become a filmmaker, writer, emcee, and professor to name a few. I JUST snagged this hard copy and will dive in head first soon.

“Brief Answers to the Big Questions” by Stephen Hawking

I just finished this read a few days ago and got damnit am I thankful for the mind of Mr. Hawking. I know nothing of cosmology, but this book gives us the short answer to the timeless questions that are unanswered today…according to Hawking of course. Do aliens exist? Should the human race try and relocate to another planet? Is God real? I absolutely LIVE for the existential moments in literature that feed my inner question mark. You are not alone science nerds. Come one, come all. You have friends here. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hawking.

“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

What is a summer reading list without a self help book? I think I’m half way through this, but there are some REALLY good tips for the financially challenged here. If we are ever going to get ahead, we have to stop running from our finances, crack a book, and take a hard look at our retirement options before it’s too late. Sethi offers readers the play by play on choosing banks, investment options, and automation to make money work for you. This book is a quick read, I recommend it to anyone.

“Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” by Nicolas Carter

I play entirely too many fucking instruments to know nothing about theory. I guess it’s time to crack a book on it, eh? I have this in audio book form and it’s only bout 2 hours long. I’m hoping to get some insight.

Well, that’s my list of current reads for now. I’m hoping to add some fiction to the list soon. What books have your hands occupied this Summer? Follow me on Twitter @Dropajewel and let me know your thoughts. #doitnow

[Article] Nike Fit to scan your feet

The year is 2019, and we do not yet have access to flying cars. On the bright side, I am pleased to announce that technology is still moving right along in its respective industries. Check out what Nike is into in the article below.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/08/nike-is-launching-nike-fit-to-scan-your-feet-tell-you-your-shoe-size.html

Gimme The Dirt: Why The World Needs More Rock Biopics

Last night I had the opportunity to watch The Dirt, a Netflix biopic on the infamous 80s rock band Motley Crue. The book turned movie gave us a glimpse into the craziness of the bands plight to fame, struggle with drugs, and victory over an industry that is known to make or break people. I’m familiar with bassist Nikki Sixx as I follow him on most social media, various podcast, and glanced at Heroin Diaries. This film allowed me a peek into the lives of the Tommy, Vince and Mick to get some of the scoop. Anyone who loves the cru should visit Netflix to check it out and share their thoughts…and read the book.

the-dirtPersonally, I’m in love with music biopics; the world needs more of them! I think they feed the celebrity worship that this generation fiends for. I think they take us back to when we bought that first album or that first concert ticket and the nostalgia surfaces. I think they serve as inspiration to watch humble beginnings and stadium fantasy endings. I think they tie up lose ends for those who were forced to deal with their favorite band breaking up, or the death of a member. In my lifetime, I’ve seen a bunch of  loosely done biography music movies and it introduced me to older artist. Anybody remember JLo in Selena? Who could forget Angela Bassett as Tina Turner in Whats Love Got To Do With It? What about Jersey Boys or RayBohemian Rhapsody was a blockbuster and it brought together a shit ton of generations touched by Queen’s music.  I see no down sides when it comes to these types of films as long as they do it while folks are alive to give their input (if they can).

 

Hoping for a Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Green Day doc soon! What are your thoughts? Hit me @dropajewel on twitter. #Doitnow

[Video] Amahni Philly Interview on The V Mixx

In case you missed it, millennial soul artist, Amahni Philly, chopped in up on The V Mixx with your girl Vee to talk about his latest release Forever Golden. Don’t forget to catch him performing live at Hotel RL this month AND step your wardrobe game up with your Amahni Philly merch here. Go! Tell him Dropajewel sent you.

1