eyeWatch: Came Along (Way)

Being the new kid on the block is no easy job. You need to learn the territory you're about to approach, be careful of who you interact with, but most importantly, you need to make your mark hard enough for it to leave an impact. I've learned that first hand just by starting up elleELLEeye, but apparently, Queens native rapper, Eric Sosa has learned the tricks of the trade as well. Excuse my grammar, but he's "Came Along (Way)".


First introduced to us on Twitter, then performing at our Sweet Sound of Hip-Hop event last year, Eric is on the move! He's released his second video for "Came Along Way" off of his mixtape Rhyme & Noodles: NO ARTIFICIAL Flavoring Vol. 2. If that wasn't enough to keep the fans entertained, his first single for "One You" featuring Rocki Evans is now available on iTunes for the purchase of $.99.

The "Came Along (Way)" video was directed by James Calinda and takes us through Sos' journey thus far. Baby photos, performance footage, and a walk down memory lane are all you can expect to see as the video captures moments near and dear to Sos and his career.


We're sure the journey hasn't been easy, but with his persistence, he'll make it in no time. Take a look at the video below and let us know what you think by commenting! P.S. Don't miss Sos getting a dub at our "Midnight Madness" event when we took over SUNY Oneonta...(the 3:05 mark). Happy watching!




Video Link

Buy "One You" on iTunes NOW!
For more on Eric Sosa visit www.EricSosa.com


Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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That's My Story

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to tell a "white lie" in order to save yourself from some form of punishment? If not, I'll testify that I have. Maybe you've been a part of a group who was up to no good, but you all made a pact to stick to the same script; for the sake of everyone's integrity and pride. It happens...and when it does, you come to this conclusion, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

That's it, we all have a story. We've all been through things that others don't know of. We have our stories, but some of us keep theme to ourselves, not wanting to revisit or exploit our past experiences. Why is that? Some of it may be shame, some fear, some embarrassment, but those feelings are natural. I believe these emotions are the tactics the world, people, friends, enemies, and life instill in us so that we won't overcome.

By letting God shed light on our situations for the world to see, we may just draw someone in who can relate. Exposition doesn't always have to bring shame, if we allow God to expose us and are willing to expose ourselves, we will be blessed in the process. Your testimony can be your way of saving others. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11 KJV 


Never grant anyone the joy of taking the TEST out of your TESTIMONY. eyeInspire you to share your story. You never know who you may touch or bless with your words.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeSpy: Solange...Underrated

Can We PLEASE Acknowledge How Fly Solange Is? As you all have probably noticed, I'm a fan of the funky, bold and fierce. Originality is my forte, and I admire anyone who isn't afraid to be different. So, with that being said I'd like to take the time out to acknowledge someone who exhibits all of the above qualities, one of my fashion inspirations Solange.

We all know Solange Knowles as being the younger sibling to the superstar Beyonce Knowles but, lately Solange has mostly been noted for her FASHION. She has been seen wearing everything from nostalgic "Poetic Justice" 90's braids to bold prints, bright lips and funky shades. And let's not forget her greatest accessory, confidence. Whether or not you agree with her fashion choices, I believe we can all agree that Ms. Knowles has made a statement!




Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Stay True,
Riss

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eyeInspire: Say Good Riddance

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." - Heb 12:1 NLT

Riddance is the act or fact of clearing away anything undesirable; relief or deliverance from something. Too many times we get caught up in the things of the world, and unnoticeably add on the weight of the world. In adding on that weight, we add back on the old habits that we've been delivered from. The author of Hebrews is reminding us that we should run from our sinful ways. It is so easy to give in to the things that trip us up and result in us falling down. How long will it be before we shed the weight that we add on from our unhealthy habits?

To run in any race, you have to be fit and in shape. With the load of our sorrows and self-inflicted suffering, that race just becomes harder for us to get through without growing tired, wanting to quit or faint. If we let sin go without turning back to it, we will be able to run this spiritual race much easier. For Isaiah 40:31 says...

"but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

God doesn't want to make this walk any harder for us than it already is; and He doesn't. It is ourselves who fall for the tactics of the enemy. At the end of the day, temptation isn't responsible for the act, we are. We commit the sin. But if we let loose of the flesh and walk in the spirit of God, we will get through this race with a new stride. God has only intended for us to have the best. We allow things to stay in our lives that we know hinder us, and in result, we settle for less than the best. Today, eyeinspire you to continue to shed the dead weight that has been keeping you from reaching your full potential. Let go of those temporary fixes that leave you in lack, with burdens, in heartache and pain. We should want relief and deliverance. Today, be inspired to say "Good riddance".

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeInspire: Get Your Ax Back!

There comes a time in everyone's life where one moment you may be on top, and the next you're at rock bottom. Some like to refer to this as "Falling off", but in this case I'd like to call it "Losing your ax". How exactly does this happen? Simple, life happens. If you read 2 Kings 6:1-7 you'll read about Elisha and one of the students dropping their ax in the water. You can click the link to read the scripture in it's entirety, but for now let's look at this symbolically...

But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it. - 2 Kings 6:5-7

Often times we drop something and leave it where it is. We feel like it's too heavy for us to pick back up, but the beauty of it is that we don't have to do it alone. How do you get your ax back? Let's go back to the scripture...

The ax was borrowed, that means it shared. How often do we share our problems, victories, thoughts and cares with God? Don't ever feel like you can't share things with Him. Talk to Him and he will do all he can to help you. But where did it fall? Review your past and find the place in your life where life seemed to go haywire. Ask God to show you where you lost it. Last but not least, make yourself available to be recovered. Reach out and grab what's yours, but first seek counsel. Just as the man went to Elisha for help, we need to seek DIVINE counsel. 

Today, eyeInspire you to get your zeal back, sharpen your sword, get your ax back! Never give up on the promises in which God has already destined for you. Know that he is God and will always make a way. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. God hasn't placed that ax in your life to kill you, but for you to use to chopped down those trees and boundaries people try to place in your lives. Your ax may be the power of healing, counsel, your talent or your courage. Whatever it is, you must trust that "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28. Your ax won't return to you until you can fully trust God on your own strength. Get your joy back, get your life back, get your ax back!


P.S. Remember, in the natural, an ax can't float, but in the spirit...

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
This message was inspired by Pastor Johnnie G. McCann of St. Luke Baptist Church NYC

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eyeWatch: Haymaker

If you could name any unsigned artist that knows how to deliver, Denzil Porter should be mentioned. And with his latest video for the single, "Haymaker", there's no doubt that he's a heavyweight contender in the music industry.

Haymaker, literally meaning a powerful punch thrown to knock out an opponent, is a song Denzil and Connie used to show off their metaphorical skills when making punch line records. By throwing punch lines back to back while creating an undeniable flow of word play at the same time, "Haymaker" shows off the lyrical side of both artists.


"Once Connie and I heard the beat," Denzil says, "We started writing. It was automatic, we knew what we had to do, create a song, bar for bar like a boxing match". "Haymaker" has a very unique format. It is designed for listeners who enjoy complex word play and can handle a few hooks and jabs.

If you've never been a fan or heard of Denzil, this single will be the reason you become one. The video was directed By Denzil Porter & Jaison Williams; who directed many of Denzil's videos. Be sure to watch, comment and share Happy watching!





Download Haymaker NOW
Also, be sure to follow Denzil on Twitter @denzilporter and visit www.denzilporter.com & www.adaywithdenzil.com!

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Woooord!

How do you think parents feel when they walk into their homes and see that something is broken? Of course they're not happy, but the question the children anticipate and have their stories ready for is "Who did it?" And while all arguments seem bogus, the weariness of their day leaves them in aporia. Aporia? Yes, that's the word! Happy defining...

aporia  

What does it mean? Difficulty determining the truth of an idea due to equally valid arguments for and against it.

How can you use it? Try this: The professor had a hard time concluding who won the debate. The points made by both the affirmative and negative left her in aporia. 

USE IT! Be smart, sound smart, word up!
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeHeart Fitness: ZUMBA!

What can I say about the Latin-inspired international sensation of a fitness program that has swept the nation? One word: effective!

Since its inception in 2001, Zumba Fitness has been the platform of physical transformation for millions of people worldwide, which makes it the most successful dance-fitness program ever!

When founder Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot his aerobics music for his fitness class, he improvised with the music he had, creating a whole new way to lose weight and remain toned. He then brought it to Miami where he partnered with Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion to form a trademark unlike any other.

The Zumba Fitness brand not only includes classes, but also apparel, DVDs, music CDs, an academy to license others in instruction, and also video games.

When I visited the woman at Kingdom Christian Cultural Center in Yonkers, NY, they knew exactly how to get down with the Latin flavor. Take a look here at how the P.H.A.T. Ministry hosted an inspirational Zumba series to get the females in shape just in time for Spring. You might even see me and ♥ t i f f a n y working it out.



To enroll in Zumba classes in your area click here

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: www.zumba.com, Pic: wellnesscomunitylts.org

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