Encore: Taking His Creativity All the Way

“I got into hip-hop at a very early age. My father was into reggae and always had a little bit of Hip Hop playing around the house. I started listening to what most people would call gangsta rap, artists like DMX and Wu-Tang Clan. I loved the beat and the intensity of the delivery and the lyricism. I started getting into more socially conscious hip-hop and began to think I would love to create this. So, I started DJ-ing at 14. I borrowed speakers from my parents’ bedroom and hooked them up to my portable CD player to make a rudimentary DJ rig. Soon I was DJ-ing school dances and church events. It was so much fun because I was playing music I loved and also helping people have a good time.”

Although he was passionate about his area of study, hip-hop and global youth cultures, Blake was stuck in writing his dissertation. He would stare at his computer’s blank screen and nothing would come. Sharing his frustration with his PhD advisor, she told him, “I believe in you, Blake, and I believe this process can be fun for you. Instead of doing this last chapter that you are so stuck on, I want you to make a rap album as part of your doctoral dissertation.” Blake recalls, “Sure enough, I submitted my dissertation with a rap album called Scholar, which is available for free download on my website.” One comment from a dissertation committee member stands out: “In all my years of reviewing dissertations, I have never once had the pleasure of being able to say a dissertation was danceable!”

“I have just seen so many people who have so much greatness inside of them, and they either don’t believe it or they don’t feel they can manifest it. I just know this world would be an immensely better place if those people who are holding themselves back could truly step out of their own way and unlock that greatness within themselves. My vision for the future is helping people see that inner greatness.”

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle

How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living, by Rob Bell

1. Listen to your inner voice to hear what you truly want. This is a powerful message when you feel stuck.

2. Determine what small, practical action you can take today to take a step in the direction you want for your life.

3. We all have an inner critic, the monkey mind, the saboteur, whatever you may call  it. Silence this voice by practicing meditation regularly.