mina leon

My daughter Serena and I, with our FIRST EVER OFFICIAL...

Thu, 31 May 2012 21:34:02 +0900

My daughter Serena and I, with our FIRST EVER OFFICIAL MOMMY/DAUGHTER duet!!!! Song brought to you by Coldplay. Enjoy! <3

Wine & Cigarettes w/ Master Wiz

Thu, 31 May 2012 12:55:00 +0900

If I were to add up all the countless hours I’ve spent in my studio… I am sure the number would be staggering. But I’m not going to sit here and pretend that 100% of those countless hours are spent writing and/or recording. A MAJORITY of that time is spent with headphones on, nodding uncontrollably, with a blank sheet of paper in front of me, staring aimlessly at my computer’s screen saver for hours and hours…

I met Kelby, the videographer, at a lunch meeting we scheduled to discuss filming a music video. Little did I know, that an innocent meal at Chili’s would turn into the discovery, and later creation, of some pretty dope music. We shared ideas, discussed hip hop, shared horror stories of the “indie experience”, and two hours later, we were already discussing a collaboration on his (then) upcoming project, “The Lost Art of a Fallen”.

The minute we began discussing music, Mr. Walker suddenly transformed into Master Wiz, before my very eyes. So in essence, I had the pleasure of meeting two awesome people in one day. Now before I get to the inspiration part, let me tell you all a little about him: Have you ever heard anyone use the term “Renaissance Man”? If so, then you know where I’m going with this. If not, keep reading and hopefully I can help you better understand.

Kelby Walker, aka Master Wiz is the EPITOME of a renaissance man. Master Wiz is not only an emcee, but is an accomplished photographer/videographer vis a vis his self-run business. Kelby Walker is a husband, father, AND an active-duty service member. Now if that ain’t livin’ the REAL thug life, I don’t know WHAT is. How he manages to balance all of these roles without losing his mind; I could never understand. And those of us know that folks who tend to dabble in everything, don’t normally have the quality of work that a master of one thing would. Yet somehow, Master Wiz manages to balance all of his dabblings easily without compromising content.

WHY HE INSPIRES ME—

There are those who wait for things to happen, and those who make them happen. Master Wiz is a MAKER. His love for hip hop inspired him to start rapping…he made an album. Get it here ———> The Lost Art of the Fallen. His love for all things visual led him to pursue professional photography… now he owns his own business doing just that. Check the official site here ——-> Distant Pham Photography. And when he couldn’t find a videographer to film his music videos? No worries, he’ll just DIRECT and EDIT his own, on his own. Check out one of my favorites here ——-> Master Wiz - Verse One (Official Video).

And it’s because he’s made all of the above happen… THAT, my friends, is enough to earn MY respect. But that’s what he does for ME. Here is

WHY HE SHOULD INSPIRE YOU—

Master Wiz makes listening to hip hop FUN again. People have a tendency to take music too seriously and as a result, often times the creative process suffers greatly. Combining a pretty damn sweet cadence, character, and a (sometimes twisted) sense of humor, I can’t help but chuckle at some of his lines and nod even harder:

“gotta see the bright side of even dumb things/like i’m too broke to buy dope, so I’m drug-free/haha, just jokin’ again/remember you said/you likes the funny men/so funny’s what you gon’ get/how’s the phone sex?/ummm.. wack.” 98 Love Rap feat. Uriah

But just as he easily transformed before, his music also follows suit. Wiz can go from a funny guy to someone who speaks on hard-hitting issues, such as bad relationships. In Him/Her, he showcases his unique story-telling technique to weave a tale of a man who abuses and later kills his wife, only to have her haunt him into committing suicide. (Pretty heavy shit, huh?)

But don’t take my word for it, check him out for yourself. He’s definitely worth the listen and if you don’t get anything out of his music, (which you’d have to be in a coma NOT to, IMO) at least get a new outlook on YOUR life’s pursuits.

So try something new today, appreciate a different art, dig super deep, and maybe, just maybe, your name will also be added along Master Wiz’s, as an official member of the NEW renaissance…

But MOST and ABOVE all, pour yourself a glass of wine, light yourself up a cigarette, (if you’re into that kinda shit like I am), kick back, and LISTEN.

Tonight’s Wine Selection: Barefoot Moscato. A sweet white wine I got on sale for a little under 6 bucks and it’s not too bad. Slightly peachy with a little (very little) hint of lemon. It was ok, and if you’re strapped for cash, it’s not a terrible choice. However, for me personally, I probably won’t be purchasing this again. Ciao!

thatonerule.com

Tue, 29 May 2012 12:56:41 +0900

thatonerule.com

No One Will Read This: Part IV

Tue, 29 May 2012 12:39:25 +0900

I’m not sure how many people visit World Star Hip Hop (WSHH) on a daily basis, but I’m sure it’s in the millions. In any case, I know I will NEVER be one of them. I have visited that site once…and it was my last time.

I’d seen people talk about it on social networks, posting videos and the like, but never clicked on any of them until someone sent me a video of someone singing a cover from that site. I watched the video, and the person singing was in fact, very good. After I watched it, I explored the site a bit, clicking on random videos labeled as funny, or fails…etc. As I was exploring, however, I noticed that a significant majority of the videos were cleverly titled, displaying either extremely violent, sexually charged, and tragically ignorant content.

Now let me clarify something: I am well aware that I can’t control what the masses want to see. I am also very aware, that there is a demand for this fuckery, and that is why it gets posted in the first place. It is also my belief that people have a right to watch what they want to, even if I don’t agree with the material.

Here’s what I DO have a problem with:

ALL of the content, (even though it may be labeled with an age-restriction) is available to ALL internet users, namely CHILDREN. This, of course, not including computers with parental restrictions on internet browsing. Regardless, we all know that if children REALLY want to access information, they can, and will find a way around it.

The problem with this is that if children have access to this site, they are seeing things they should normally be protected from as well as PROPERLY informed about. I believe this site both presents and DIRECTLY contributes to an extremely ignorant and skewed view of our society. Our children are watching this, and BELIEVING that what they are seeing is acceptable, laughable, and in most cases, worthy of sharing with their friends. Even worse, some children go so far as to imitate what they are seeing. (Remember Amber Cole? Where do you think those boys got THAT idea from? BTW, I should also add that most parent watchdog sites report the Amber Cole vid to be one of the most WIDELY shared bit of CHILD PORN in U.S. HISTORY, ever. Look it up, if you don’t believe me.)

That video had MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of views. Given those numbers, it’s safe to assume children make up at least a part of those millions, yes?

With that said, I am not here to tell people what they can, and can’t watch. I am also not here to tell websites what they can, and can’t post. But I do believe that we, as a village, since it takes one, must exercise diligence and responsibility regarding our children. So here’s what I propose: World Star, keep your site. But let’s tighten up access, shall we? Implement a Username/Password function, SOMETHING. I am sure there are ways to limit child access on your end. Parents, use your parental controls on your computers. Block this site. Let’s help our children rather than hurt them. Let’s teach them the RIGHT way to view sex, violence, and ignorance.

Then again, I’m sure I’m just blowing hot air again, for I doubt anyone will read this anyway.

Singing Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Pam! Such an awesome...

Tue, 29 May 2012 11:31:05 +0900

Singing Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Pam! Such an awesome party that night! Thanks for sharing Pam! Love You!

Wine & Cigarettes w/ Tese Fever

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:57:13 +0900

Dear Reader:

I am not a professional blogger. I am not an accomplished writer, nor a music expert. And while I am a singer/songwriter, (and may rap on occasion), I am merely a fan of great music… great music created by good people. The opinions expressed in this entry and/or any other are mine, and mine alone…and I am going to write shit MY WAY, so don’t judge me. Then again, you are here on MY site, so that should already be a given, right? Right.

Kind Regards and Thank You for Visiting.

Mina <3

I’ve never met Tese Fever in person. Ever.

But I often think about how and when we will eventually cross paths. I imagine she’d stand at approximately 4’2” short, have on really cool colorful sneakers that most folks can’t afford, and makes rapper hand gestures while she talks.

I guess that’s just my perception of her since all I have to go on are YouTube videos and 2 hour long phone conversations every 5 years. But, the friendship we’ve developed is merely icing on the cake. The cake, my friends, is the music.

Now, to those of you that know me, it’s no secret that I wish I was a rapper. Wait, let me rephrase since EVERYONE seems to be a rapper these days… (aw shit, that rhymed. you can have that one.) I wish I was a DOPE rapper.

The first time I heard Tese Fever’s music, my wish went from wanting to rap, to “Damn, I wish I could rap like HER.“

WHY SHE INSPIRES ME—-

I once sent Tese a song for our #SoulDanger project, (coming soon 2027, by the way) and I was in absolute awe of what she sent back. Here’s the back story: I wrote a song about one of my heartbreaks called “(Pushin’ Me) Over the Edge”. (Go figure, right?) But, this ex in particular was an ARROGANT ASSHOLE who had lines and lines and lines of chicks on the side. LINES, son. I swear THAT FUCKER loved himself more than he loved ANYONE. But that’s another story. *phew*

Oh right, why she inspires me… (sorry about that)—-

So I send Tese the following: “Look at all the women that you’ve broken/ I swear I feel sorry for them all, Ya got ‘em sittin’ in a line up on ya shelf and/ I just can’t explain the shit at all/ slick talk got ‘em believin’ you/ but i gotchya figured out/ ya prey on those who are feelin’ kinda lonely/ and just like that, like trash, ya take em out.”

She sends back, (and I hope she doesn’t mind…) but I just HAD to: “Lyin’ in bed, cryin’ for 21 days/ callin’ my momma, hope she got relief for someda pain/ now I got 21 ways to put ya ass in the grave/ but I’m good cause over all ya taught me patience…/ don’t love ‘em.” she continues from there, destroying me on the record, left AND right, but you’ll hear that soon.

Now when I wrote the song…it came from an honest place, it was real. Like, I was angry. Still angry. When Tese sent me back what she wrote, the shit got REALER. And that folks, is the case with EVERY song.. She touches on every human emotion, effortlessly, and you can’t help but think to yourself after ANY verse she spits, “damn, shit just got real.”

WHY SHE SHOULD INSPIRE YOU—-

Like most of us, Tese Fever is no stranger to life’s obstacles. But it’s how she turns those obstacles into TRIUMPH that is truly inspiring. She isn’t afraid to talk about anything, and everything in her music. She spits about real life shit…stuff that most people wouldn’t even dare confess to a priest.

So when you get the blessing to listen to her, (and if you haven’t, do it now www.tesefever.bandcamp.com) you will hear exactly what I am talking about. Her “Tough Luv freestyle” alone, is enough to make anyone a believer. Once you’re a believer, don’t just follow her on Twitter (@TeseFever), but follow her career, help her, support her. Send her an encouraging tweet, post up a video on your facebook; check it out and get the link here ——> “Victory feat. Born Unique & Kaimbr” Official Music Video. You all have no idea how much of an impact your positive words have on us as artists. We literally thrive on your support. True story.

But MOST and ABOVE all, pour yourself a glass of wine, light yourself up a cigarette, (if you’re into that kinda shit like I am), kick back, and LISTEN.

Tonight’s Wine Selection: Dezzane Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco. An ever-so-lightly carbonatedesque sweet red. Uber delish. For you virgin/amateur wine drinkers, I highly recommend you start out with this one. Ciao!

No One Will Read This NEWSFLASH

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:49:43 +0900

I’ve decided that being a hardcore music fan isn’t enough… Sure, I could RT people’s music, listen to it, download it—-

But I’ve decided to take things a step further by writing about artists who inspire me. This happens so often and I can’t always say what I want to say via Twitter.

I have entitled this new pursuit “Wine & Cigarettes”…as this is how I enjoy most of my music…whether I’m writing it myself, or listening to other’s art.

So stay tuned. Or don’t…

…it’s not like anyone will read this anyway.

#RIP Donna Summer

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:50:26 +0900

#RIP Donna Summer

If any of you remember this from Sesame Street, then...

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:30:52 +0900

If any of you remember this from Sesame Street, then you’ll know why I still DIE laughing every time I watch it. I am crying right now. Literally.

I have watched this video many times. MANY. And my breath is...

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:12:47 +0900

I have watched this video many times. MANY. And my breath is taken away each and every time. Ella makes it look easy. It ain’t.

No One Will Read This: Part III

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:01:00 +0900

I woke up in usual form this morning, quite cheerful and ready to conquer my day…

that is, until I checked my Twitter and saw the news of Mr. Brown’s passing.

Let’s face it, we hear about celebrities passing away all the time. Most of the time, we never know them, and they never know us. But we all knew Mr. Brown, didn’t we? At least it felt like we did.

Put a Chuck Brown live record on, and you can’t help but get transported… to THAT show, at THAT venue, at EXACTLY that time. Like you’re standing in the front row, and can almost see Mr. Brown flashing that sly grin and plucking those guitar strings in an effort to accomplish only one thing: TO GET YOU OUT YA DAMN SEAT.

So you do it. At home, in the car, at a barbecue, in the club. You frickin’ do it because Mr. Brown told you to.

—-

Though I am saddened to hear of his passing, I am grateful for the example and legacy he left behind. He taught us everything he could possibly teach us, and I guess it was just his time to go. He lived an amazing life, accomplished amazing things, made amazing music, and had an amazing time doing it…and yet, remained humble and grateful to his fans, all the while.

We’re humbled and grateful too, today. At least we should be.

RIP Mr. Chuck Brown. You will be missed but thanks to you, generations to come won’t ever have to miss out on you.

No One Will Read This: Part II

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:34:00 +0900

I ~~have,~~ HAD a little over 1,600 “Likes” on my musicpage, and over 450 “friends” on Facebook the last time I checked. I know those numbers may not necessarily be staggering to most of you, but to me, that’s A LOT of people. And with the pictures, the status updates, the links, (and yes, even the drama…) I realized one very important thing:

I had no idea who any of them were.

Sure, I may have met one at a show, at a coffee shop, a friend of a friend knew them, etc… But I realized I didn’t really KNOW them. Sure, you can deduce a lot about a person based on their pictures, their “Likes”, the links they post, and their status updates…but can you REALLY know a person when you eliminate the factor of intimacy? I believe the answer to that is a resounding, no.

Human relationships THRIVE on intimacy, don’t they? Our relationships with our significant others, family, friends, and even our children are all based on varying levels of intimacy, in my opinion. Without that, there can be nothing. At least nothing real.

And that’s exactly how I feel. I feel “social” networks have done nothing to us as humans, but directly contribute to our being ANTI-social. Intimate gatherings with family, friends, and even our life partners are almost always interrupted by the pulling out of phones to document every damn moment in our lives.

However, documenting a moment, isn’t necessarily cherishing that moment.

Now as a musician, I will admit that facebook did facilitate the marketing of my art. But it was always the same handful of individuals who did so. To be honest, my REAL family, my REAL friends, and most importantly, my REAL fans. The other 400 remaining friends almost didn’t exist. And the truth is, they really didn’t…at least not to me. Nothing exists without having an actual presence in one’s life, right?

So even though I would see an update, a picture, whatever…I found myself scrolling past the folks that don’t have a real presence…and only reading about my loved ones, listed above. So there’s really no point, all the folks I care about and who care about me have my phone number, email address, music page links, and my Twitter (even though I use this more for my music colleagues <3), so you all know how to get in touch with me or share my music whenever you like. And of course, as always, I will do the same.

Until then,

Cheers to the Real.

I know 140 won't be enough room... but i've wondered why you are where you are??Is this your first time there? Are you staying forever? Were you born there? family there? better life there? Do you speak the language fluently??I'm being nosey as fuck right now... but really just curious!! <3

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:49:51 +0900

I don’t normally check my blog as often as I should but I will be more active so sorry for the delay… I am in Okinawa because my husband is an Active-Duty Marine. We just extended our stay out here for an extra 3 years so I will not be coming back to the States any time soon. I was born in DC and I believe a better life is anywhere you choose to make it ;) I am trying to learn Japanese but it’s really hard! As of right now, though, I speak 3 languages fluently: Arabic, French, and of course, English :) Ask me anytime! <3

My very first music video…from the album Running Red...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:06:00 +0900

My very first music video…from the album Running Red Lights: Music (Where Are You?) feat. Tef Wesley, Prod. By ST/MIC —-Directed/Edited by Kelby Walker of Distant Pham Photography, Additional Film Contribution by Wesley Rose of Wesley Rose Photography :) Enjoy! <3

#RunningRedLights Album Release Party

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:31:25 +0900

#RunningRedLights Album Release Party

No One Will Read This: PART I

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:27:00 +0900

Ah yes… the reality show. Almost everyone who’s anyone tunes in to one at some point during the week. Almost.

But do people realize what reality television has done to us as a society? As humans, even? Even the terminology itself, “reality television” is the biggest farce to ever be imposed on humanity. Surely, it’s the most oxymoronic phrase to ever enter the English language; big mansions, an endless supply of alcohol, girls in bikinis, men with six packs, cat fights, dog fights, cars that come loaded with features and a full tank of gasoline… I could go on, but I’ll stop there.

These shows do nothing but glorify stupidity, encourage conflict, and waste ridiculous amounts of money: all in the name of entertainment. The problem with this, is that society now has a skewed view of what’s real…and what isn’t. People spend hours debating the goings-on of <insert reality show of choice here>, rather than discussing REAL issues plaguing our society today.

When conflicts used to be resolved behind closed doors, they are now blown to even bigger proportions—- with people using public forums and social networks to spew hatred, bigotry, and hurling insults toward one another… and the masses fall in line, every time, instigating, encouraging, and even contributing to the utter madness of it all.

When hard work and educating one’s self was once regarded as a means to gain societal respect; now ignorance, stupidity, and lack of any general talent is glorified in the public eye.

When kindness, generosity, respect, and honesty were once viewed as the absolute foundations of moral character and defined our history’s leaders; now corruption, greed, lies, and gossip are what ears are most tuned into.

It is my belief that where we draw our entertainment, in essence, becomes a part of us forever. The music we hear, the paintings we see, the books we read, and yes, even the movies and television we watch, mark us in some way that affects both our intra and interpersonal interactions.

So before you grab that bag of chips, get comfy on the couch, and turn the channel… ask yourself… could I be doing something a little more constructive with my time? I guarantee you the answer is: YES!

Alas, to each his own. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m just here to tell you what I think…

Not that it matters anyway, for I doubt anyone will read this.

i <3 music.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:11:00 +0900

i <3 music.

Thanks so much for the love Mills <3 millsmind: Listen and...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:11 +0900

Thanks so much for the love Mills <3

millsmind:

Listen and Like. Download from iTunes cuz you LOVE. Discover my siStar Mina Leon.

tefwesley:

Today’s a pretty significant day for me, an album I worked on for the past few years with one of my closest friends, Mina Leon dropped today. This is some of my proudest work to date, and i’m excited for people to hear it.

Purchase “Running Red Lights” from iTunes.

Or Listen Here.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=&amp;amp;amp;#8221;http://minaleon.bandcamp.com/album/running-red-lights&amp;amp;amp;#8221; _mce_href=&amp;amp;amp;#8221;http://minaleon.bandcamp.com/album/running-red-lights&amp;amp;amp;#8221;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Running Red Lights by Mina Leon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

"i remember when you were in middle school and all you wanted to do was sing. Way to follow your..."

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:20:26 +0900

““i remember when you were in middle school and all you wanted to do was sing. Way to follow your dream!””

- Jan Hobson Soto

just gimme the music.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:18:20 +0900

just gimme the music.

mina leon

My daughter Serena and I, with our FIRST EVER OFFICIAL...

Wine & Cigarettes w/ Master Wiz

thatonerule.com

No One Will Read This: Part IV

Singing Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Pam! Such an awesome...

Wine & Cigarettes w/ Tese Fever

No One Will Read This ***NEWSFLASH***

#RIP Donna Summer

If any of you remember this from Sesame Street, then...

I have watched this video many times. MANY. And my breath is...

No One Will Read This: Part III

No One Will Read This: Part II

I know 140 won't be enough room... but i've wondered why you are where you are??Is this your first time there? Are you staying forever? Were you born there? family there? better life there? Do you speak the language fluently??I'm being nosey as fuck right now... but really just curious!! <3

My very first music video…from the album Running Red...

#RunningRedLights Album Release Party

No One Will Read This: PART I

i <3 music.

Thanks so much for the love Mills <3 millsmind: Listen and...

"i remember when you were in middle school and all you wanted to do was sing. Way to follow your..."

just gimme the music.

No One Will Read This NEWSFLASH