Everyday Struggle: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

2018 was….a little rough lol. I think I actually went through a bit of a quarter life crisis. It seemed like everyone around me was getting married, starting families, buying houses and traveling all over the world. Meanwhile, student loan debt is looming over my head as I struggle to simply get a job in my desired career field!

I was lowkey panicking to be honest. How long before I get that job? Should I just start freezing my eggs at this point!? Will I end up living in a cardboard box on the street!???

Okay, super dramatic I know, but I was nervous about my future! I became extremely discouraged, but after a few therapy sessions with family and friends, I decided to abandon my defeatist attitude and start looking at the glass half full instead of half empty and be more optimistic—turn lemons into lemonade! Like my guy, Joe Budden did!

2018 was an incredible year for New Jersey broadcaster and former rapper, Joe Budden. Joe announced a partnership with Diddy and his media company, Revolt, he produced two new shows (State of the Culture & The Pull Up), and inked a deal to bring his popular podcast to Spotify.

And to think he entered the year unemployed after being fired from the Complex web-series, “Everyday Struggle,” which he co-hosted with DJ Akademics & moderator, Nadeska Alexis.

News of his departure shocked & infuriated fans, myself included! But evidently, Joe had a plan.

“I created that show…I’ll create another if need be…& another & another…it’s when you CAN’T create that you move WITHOUT INTEGRITY”.

Controversies surrounding “Everyday Struggle” inadvertently brought more attention to his podcast, which features raw, unfiltered conversations about music culture from Joe and fellow hip hop enthusiasts Rory & Mal.

During my “quarter life crisis” I found much joy and laughter in listening to the Joe Budden Podcast every week. I even went to one of their live shows in Philly this past summer! If you’re a rap nerd like myself, or just love great content in general, then I highly recommend tuning in.

The Joe Budden Podcast helped me out in more ways than one this year. Not only did it make me laugh during semi-tough times, but listening to Joe’s growth and watching him overcome adversity was truly inspirational.

His outspoken, passionate opinions which once labeled him a “hating one-hit wonder,” ultimately catapulted his career to where he is now regarded as a respected hip hop media mogul.

Joe Budden challenged corporate notions and created his own platform founded on his creative spirit and vision. Talk about motivation! Getting paid to create content and have conversations about music!?..Wow, issa dream job!

I would love to do what he does and have a career in the music industry, and I will get there one day. But I won’t get there looking at the glass half empty. Only positivity, persistence, and consistency will help me move forward— an attitude & mentality I hope to carry into the new year.

Look forward to more frequent content from me this year and #keepdopealive. Happy New Year!🥳🥂