Awaken

As I finally upload the last files at 4:30am for my first real project, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey.  The first part of it anyways because there is still a long long way to go.  I started out as an artist at the age of 17.. Discovered by Ruff Ryders while performing, but my production is what I became known for. I laid the groundwork. Paid dues. Learned. Struggled. Triumphed.. All that.  I had highs and lows, Shootouts for Jadakiss… Who Dat for J. Cole… And the gaps in between.  Nothing though compares to the moment I completed my first real song with the intention to becpme an artist again a little over 2 years ago.  The song was called Judas.  it didn’t make the mixtape because I felt it was best on it’s own as a prequel.  I remember distinctly closing my eyes with my head back listening to the entire song for the first time after finishing and being overwhelmed at the emotions I felt.  Finally a completed thought.  A real creation.. It was mine.. All mine.  I did not have to wait to see if another artist wanted to use it, I did not have to hope someone else would take what I had started in the right direction.  It was done.  I had full control and I was never going to give it back.  Between then and now I have worked harder and with more purpose than ever in my life to create “Awaken”.  Perfectionism doesnt begin to explain the lengths that i went to in order to make sure every tiny sound was in the perfect spot in every intro, outro, bridge and adlib. More like obsession.  Because of this a lot of my close friends believe I shouldn’t be putting this out for free, I should shop it, try to get a deal with it etc… The songs are good enough, I know that.  I think I bypassed the “prove you can rap” step and just went straight to making songs.  I know I can rap, i’ve rapped since I was 17… I’m not a rapper.. I’m an artist that can rap.. I enjoy the craft of making an entire SONG. Start to finish.  Production, Writing, Recording, Mixing. All of it.. All myself.. all in this bedroom.  No studio, no budget.  Which brings me back to why I decided to put this tape out and not try and shop it.  I know there is so much room to grow still, there always will be.  Everysong I do will be better than the last.. I know what I want my major studio album to sound like in my head… And it’s way beyond where I am at right now.. One step at a time.  Everything happens as it is supposed to.  And although I feel like Awaken has been such a personal milestone for me as an individual.. There are so many people who helped me create it.  The musicians, my team, my friends.. but most importantly my dad.  I dedicated this project to him because if it weren’t for him I definitely would not be doing music.. He always believed in me and until the end I think he was more excited about this project than I was.  He passed a few months before I could finish, which has been incredibly hard but he knew where this was all headed.. Now it’s my job to prove him right!  Damn I’m writing a lot of shit but you know what I want my fans (future and present) to get to know me.  I’m definitely an open book as you can hear from the music.  Not afraid to be vulnerable, you can’t be if your creating art.  That’s where all the best stuff is created from. Taking risks.. This whole post feels like a risk.. But that’s how I know it’s good.  With that said, Thank you to every single person who downloads this project.. Listens to it, enjoys it and shares it.  This is just the beginning, but at the same time it feels like finally… Awaken! Tomorrow 11/11/11 at 1:11pm

-Elite

1. Intro

I’ve been waiting a long time to feel this way…

2. Awaken Produced by Voli

This song kind of started the whole process of “Awaken” so it is fittingly titled.  Very vulnerable.  An extension of “Judas”

3. World Premiere feat. J. Cole Produced by Elite

The one the Dreamville fans waiting for… Let’s start the show.

4. Imagination Day feat. Sean McVerry Produced by Elite

Crossover.  Sean is incredible, expect a lot more music from the two of us together.

5. Gone Produced by Voli

Incredible beat from Voli.. First time someone made a beat specifically for me as an artist.  This one felt big from day one.  Video coming soon.

6. Last Round Produced by Alchemist

The only non-original beat on here… It’s an old Alchemist joint… Vibe fit perfect though had to use it. 

7. Everybody But Me Produced by Elite

One of my favorites… Lykke Li sample.  Something I think everyone can relate to.

8. Lonely Lady Produced by Elite

From day one the team said this one was special.  Hard to let it go this early.. Might just have to put it on my album as well.. We’ll see.

9. Driftin Away Produced by Elite

Feel good record.. One of the illest basslines of all time on here thanks to Nate Jones

10. Lock Down Produced by Voli

Originally a DJ Booth freestyle.. But response was crazy so I had to include it.. I rap.

11. Cycles Produced by J. Cole

One of my favorite J. Cole beats… Very musical.  Trying to let you get to know me a little better on this one.

12. One Night Produced by Elite

Fun shit, really fun.. My ode to the GOAT.. Michael Jackson

13. Crabs In A Bucket Produced by Elite

Some more fun shit.. This was always my dad’s favorite joint lol.  A lot of quotables on here.

14. Invisible Produced by Elite

Very personal, Alicia Keys sample.  I touch on my past with Ruff Ryders, deciding to transition back to a artist from a producer… Vent session.

15. Ellis Island feat. Voli Produced by Voli Co-Produced by Gavidia

As of now, this is my favorite record.  Really deep.  A subject that I find very intriguing.. Do you really want to go to Ellis Island?

16. Closer feat. Omen & Peace Produced by Elite

Out of all the songs on Awaken this is the only one created in a professional studio.. Shout out to Tree Sound!  Everything else in the bedroom believe it or not.  Love the vibe on this.  And the breakdown at the end is serious.

17. Down The Line Produced by Elite

Probably the best beat I ever made.  Thanks greatly in part to Ron Gilmore and Nate Jones…. To be continued…