What's the deal GLC fam? Still moving around, still staying true to what we do no matter where we are. Was in the Windy City last weekend and ran into a lyricist by the name of Shawn Crutch. He heard about the movement we are gaining in Michigan and wanted to show some Chi-Town love. Hip Hop is a beautiful thing. I love the fact that the art of storytelling and the thirst to hear it is still alive. Look no further than all the response Kendrick Lamar got for simply calling out rappers to step their BARS up!! Lyricism is on the upswing and that can never be a bad thing.
Shawn Crutch is a guy with a story to tell. I don't need to tell it, he can do so perfectly fine himself. Crutch started making a name for himself in Chiraq(Chicago for those not in the know) battling on the south side. Check out the videos below!! #GLC
You got BARS?? submit something to goodlifecampaignmusic@gmail.com
If you are a follower of our site, you know that we are avid sports fans. Boxing happens to be a sport we follow closely because it serves two purposes for us. Excellent entertainment and an opportunity to continue showing what is the best in our state. It just so happens that the best fighter in the game is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Whenever we get the opportunity we try to become apart of this unique experience. Whether it is going to Vegas for the fights, supporting basketball showcases, or in this case, going to the press conference.
Floyd Mayweather made Grand Rapids one of the stops on his 11 city press conference tour to promote the super-fight between himself and Mexican megastar Canelo Alvarez aptly named "THE ONE". Both fighters are undefeated and the winner will be considered mostly likely boxing's best. This fight is projected to push astronomical numbers and threaten the PPV all time record number for any fight. That record of 2.4+ million buys belongs to Oscar De La Hoya and Mayweather. It was quite funny to see Grand Rapids in the mix along with cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, but Floyd Mayweather insisted on bringing this press conference back home.
Grand Rapids is a fight city, and it was a treat for all fight fans that came out to support the hometown kid, or the Mexican challenger(when you watch the video that will make more sense). Not only were the two combatants on display, but it was also an opportunity to meet another big names in the sport. Oscar De La Hoya was also in attendance, along with the World Middleweight Champion, Grand Rapids native Peter Quillin.
While waiting in line for the event(no we haven't tried to use the media card yet) we met a cool kid that was in line right before us. When we got there, he was one of maybe 10 people in front of us. Soon the line was around the block. As we waited in line, I started to poke fun at the kid for wearing Beats by Dre headphones. The point I was trying to make was that kids nowadays just want things because other kids have them and don't know the origin or history of them. I often use Jordans, or Beats by Dre headphones as a prime example.
I tapped the kid on the shoulder to quiz him a bit. I asked him his name and what does he know about the creator of his headphones. His name is Ulysses Campos, and he proceeded to tell me about Dr. Dre's first album and how Dr. Dre helped put on Snoop Dogg and Eminem. I was proved wrong, but it was pretty cool!! Found out that Ulysses is an aspiring boxer and a huge Floyd Mayweather fan. He trains at the same gym Floyd began his boxing career at, MGGA gym. Seeing the excitement in this young man's eyes was something I wish the entire world could have seen. He was proud to be there. Proud to be from Grand Rapids, home of the best pound for pound boxer in the world.
I see a lot of hate, or people that discredit the things that Floyd does, because he is from here(Grand Rapids). They always want to speak on some of the wrong they may have seen, or say that he doesn't do enough to give back to this area. I didn't see any of those people here at this FREE event. I seen a community of people supporting the champ, along with some rooting for the challenger. I also seen so many young people soaking up the entire experience. From the inflatable events, to the music, to the prime seating, Mayweather focused on showing the youth of Grand Rapids that he cares. You never know what spark he may have ignited that Wednesday morning at Houseman Field. Sometimes all it takes is to really see someone from your hometown do it, in order for you to know that you can do the same. Floyd spent some extra time after the press conference to sign autographs for those that stuck around. I was happy to see that not only did Floyd Mayweather sign Ulyssess's gloves, he also brought him up on stage and gave the young teen some words of encouragement.
This is one of the reasons why the GoodLifeCampaign will always support Floyd Mayweather Jr and all endeavors he is associated with. Is he without fault, no. But he is real. To be honest, Floyd Mayweather is just another guy from Grand Rapids. What is different about him is that he seen his dream and did everything in his power to make it happen. He did not let anything hold him back and he became as successful as he wanted to be, despite being from a conservative Western Michigan city. I see him as motivation not only for boxers in the area, but artists also. Anybody that wants something, do not let where you are from define you or your success. Make it happen!! Thanks for the added motivation. #GLC
Below is the video we took from the fan perspective at the press conference. Enjoy!!
Jan. 1, 2009, Oscar Grant III was shot in the back by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer. He was unarmed, and lying on his stomach at the time of the shooting. Video of the incident was caught by on lookers and went viral sparking national outrage and protest. Fruitvale Station is a film about the events leading up to Grant's untimely death. The film has recently won the highest honors at the Sundance Film Festival, and many critics are also talking Oscars!! Opening nationwide on July 26th 2013, the timing couldn't be better. It gives a very human depiction of a victim we have grown to know all too often. A young black male whose death was unjust, and the punishment for those responsible all too lenient. It's hard not to think that the value of their life is respected when things like this happen. The officer who shot Grant only spent 11 months prison. What I hope people get from this film is that Grant was real. Not just a media, headline grabbing, race dividing topic, but a father, a son, a good guy. He wasn't perfect, but who is?? The story is very real, and makes me more aware of how all too often we forget about those affected in tragedies like this. We suggest that you google Oscar Grant and learn a bit about the story if you are not too familiar. Below is a trailer of the film. Check your local theaters and make time to check this out!! #GLC
Kind of ironic that the Legend's birthday happens to fall on Father's Day. Being serious many artists became inspired to pursue hip hop based off of this man's work. The late great Tupac Shakur would be celebrating his 42nd Birthday this weekend.
Screenshot from "Poetic Justice"
Tupac was more than a rap artist. Several things we are seeing done today, the influence hip hop artists have in American Culture today, is a direct after effect of the work Pac put in years ago. He successfully showed versatility not only in the rap arena, but also gave powerful, unforgettable performances as an actor. He was outspoken, charismatic, and vulnerable. His music had a sense of reality that EVERYONE could relate to. He made Thug Life universal. Henny the cognac of choice. Throw up Westside, who do you think of??
Famous Screenshot from Movie "Juice"
Many young folks may not know or understand the effect on the game Pac had. Why do so many people still put him in the Top 5 dead or alive category?? I say if you don't know, Google, and really dive into the albums. Me Against the World is still a personal favorite. Hit Em Up is still the best diss song ever created(Nas Ether is second).
The untimely death of Tupac was my first "where were you at when.." moment. Watching several people you don't know crying, hugging each other, mourning the death of someone they did not know personally, it was powerful. As an artist, I hope many strive for making something timeless, and not just be passing time. Again, Happy Birthday Tupac. Thank you for all you have given to the game. #GLC
Both Soundtracks contained great music!! Google and check them out!!
Attention Jordan fanatics and sneakerheads alike!! Just one more day
until the catch of the summer, The Air Jordan V "Black Grapes", are
released Saturday morning June 15th. This shoe will only drop at select
Jordan Brand stores. Check your local stores to see if these
shoes are dropping there. So, what do you guys think??
Cop or Not?????
What's the deal GLC fam? Still moving around, still staying true to what we do no matter where we are. Was in the Windy City last weekend and ran into a lyricist by the name of Shawn Crutch. He heard about the movement we are gaining in Michigan and wanted to show some Chi-Town love. Hip Hop is a beautiful thing. I love the fact that the art of storytelling and the thirst to hear it is still alive. Look no further than all the response Kendrick Lamar got for simply calling out rappers to step their BARS up!! Lyricism is on the upswing and that can never be a bad thing. 
