They Say The Good Die Young

A young man from my church passed a way today. Drake Penn was 24, saved, humble and kind. A person who made this place a little better. God, I know it's not for me to understand your way or will so I won't try. I will thank you for all you've done and all you allowed Drake to do. I didn't know him extremely well we had a few church outings and praise team rehearsals together but I always

I sat on a prayer conference call with his family and I was amazed at their great faith and strength. I listened to a father pray for strength and a mother praise for the life her son had despite their pain and I learned so much. I learned that believing in God can provide a resolute peace and comfort in the worse times.. RIP Drake..

Doctors Vs. Lawyers Part 2 @ Royale

A Night of Networking for all Professionals!

This Thursday join me as we host the second installment of the heralded Doctor's Vs. Lawyers Social. Last year over 500 of Chicago's top professionals from the medical and legal realm joined for an evening of networking and formative thought at Crimson Lounge. This year we again introduce a new venue and invite Chicago's best and brightest to join us again.

Visit www.jefferybeckham.com for event details or join our email list at www.artofprofessionalis.com today

Right & Wrong Way.. Which Was Better?

Which one is better.. So I wanted to ask real music lovers.. which one is better.. I myself prefer the original but Mario is a much better singer..

Mario
Right & Wrong Way
http://www.zshare.net/audio/170906803515c36a/

Keith Sweat
Right & Wrong Way
http://www.zshare.net/audio/17091770a6b75f9f/

Prayer Does Make A Difference...

In this world of wars and rumors of wars I've noticed an increasingly rapid move away for God and His message. I don't understand it when God and His Word (the Bible) are exactly what we need. Just watch the news and you will see a body of people across the world that are a faithless Godless bunch.

I don't know, I know I don't believe in man's ability to be God over himself... That has never gone well. I only know to belive in His power.

Victorious Living.... I Can Do All Things Through Christ

1 John 5:4 (King James Version)

4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

I had to read this over repeatedly today because today I must admit I felt upset and defeated. I was leaving Best Buy in Homewood and a little boy approahed me and asked me for spare change. I asked him what he wanted the money for and he said "I'm trying to get some food." I proceeded to walk with him around the corner to McDonalds when 4 of his buddies, who were all in the street asking for change, walked up and asked me for change. At that point I asked them where they lived, they responded, "the Homewood Hotel." Homewood, Illinois a quaint south suburb comprised of middle class families and small town old fashioned American values. I then asked them where there mother was and they said she was out trying to find a job. I admit that I was heartbroken thinking that five little boys aged 10-13 were out dirty and begging on a summer day. I started asking how myself how could this be? Who could let this happen to these kids? Why was there no one helping them and why would every car just look and drive by them with total disdain? I then began to think about the millions of other children across the world who deal with poverty and hunger and I couldn't shake the defeated feeling.

I broke out the Iphone and went on Biblegateway.com to do some internal spiritual warfare.
I had to find this scripture to remind me that as a believer of Jesus Christ I am born to overcome this world. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and through Christ, who is my strength, I can make an impact. I spent time with the little boys and encouraged them to do their best in school and 4 Big Macs and 3 McNugget meals later I parted ways thinking of ways to impact our people. Those of us who know better much teach those who don't better! We have to partner to make impact on our people. I don't know... I know I'm not perfect, but God is perfecting me every day and that process will continue until I die. I do know that we are called to live in victory through Christ. We are called to be over-comers of all things.. addiction, sickness, hunger, poverty, and oppression. WE ARE CALLED!

What Happened? Remeber When Dru Hill was dope?

I was sitting at my desk listening to I-Tunes and my random mix started playing Dru Hill's first album "Dru Hill" and it's really hard for me to blieve how hard they fell off. They were such a talented group from writing and producing to of course great vocals... I mean from 5 Steps, Beatury, Share My World, Never Make a Promise, Somebody is sleeping in my bed, and I Love You they sold millions of albums only to fall into Obscurity.. Some great lyrics below...

We were 5 steps
From eternity
4 steps
4 steps past love
And 3 wishes
FromTouching the heavens above

I guess we can ask the same about Jodeci, Boyz II Men, 112, 7 Mile, H-town,Toni Tony Tone, Men of Vision, Ideal, Subway, Blackstreet, Mint Condition, (They had a new album come out last year that was decent!), and the start of them all New Edition! The time of singing groups has passed... but it was sure a good era for music.

I mean I'll be honest.. The new groups just can't compare... Pretty Ricky (Pretty wack) Day 26 (They get no pub on Bad Boy) and who else is out there... One of you groups need to come back with a hot album.. Do something..

God's Blessings.. God's Favor...

Man if I didn't know there was God this would all be hard to believe..
In a matter of 3 weeks... just 3 weeks... I went from a job that I didn't particularly enjoy and a company that left me feeling unappreciated and unwanted to a new position with a company that sought after me and even paid me a signing bonus... God is Good!

I also was given an opportunity to start my own Graphic Design business which has birthed other opportunities from it.. God is Good!

In a time where the world says business is bad.. jobs are hard to get.. and you should stay put.. I've been offered 4 interviews in the last 3 weeks and offered 2 jobs... God is Good!

This is not me or my doing but God's favor over my life and I am humbled by it.. CAUSE I know I DON'T ALWAYS DESERVE IT! I'm not telling you this to brag.. I'm telling you this so you can rejoice with me in His goodness because you're blessing is coming too! BE ENCOURAGED ... GOD IS GOOD...

A Thought on Chicago Nightlife..

Promoters book the same venues because there is a stigma for all black parties that limit opportunity with other venues. If you get other venues they won't give you a Friday or Saturday or hell even a Thursday... They offer you Monday or Tuesday and give you some insane bar deal that's nuts. So folks that's why you see people at The Victor, Vain, Redno, Mix, Radiostar, Boutique, Jet (or whatever damn name it is this week lol), Blu Coral, Wet, Tabu/Ice Bar, Ruby/151/Door 21/ Voyuer, Tini Martini, and Divine.

That's why we need to own! But we also need people in place to help make policy that don't limit largely african american events.. (This Promoter's Ordinance things is strictly to change how BLACK PEPOLE kick it)When my company has tried to do some different things we've taken huge losses despite an event that looked quite successful... NYE '08 we held a party at a movie studio with Dwele performing live.. had 1500 people attend and broke even.. Great Risk... NO Reward.. July 3rd we spent again to try Rainforest Cafe and the traffic beat our ass there... Great Risk... NO Reward

It was something different, great look, but not profitable... I can afford that though because I have a 9to5 that pays the bills and then some.. Promotions is the money I blow on Hyper Dunks and DVD's so it doesn't hurt me but in defense of brothers who do this to pay their mortgages... they may not be able to do that... Selfless Plug..

If you need a dope flyer holla at me.. (People do use the same 3 people to design everything in Chicago.. ) lol.. Peace and Blessings Ladies and Gents..