swishism

A personal fav for a few reasons,
1) I’m a sucker for inner meter

2) I often say things I  wish I could rephrase.  I’m learning to appreciate that there is grace in being allowed to catch yourself saying something dumb. This won’t go away completely, but hopefully it will happen less  (the dumb stuff, that is–not the grace)

3) Hubris can seem an occupational hazard in hip-hop; as Shad put it like this in addressing his dejected self on the instructive ‘New School Leaders‘.

[master] …but you got to have confidence,
[mentee] but what about humility?
[master] well I’m not saying be pompous, kid
just recognise your ability / ’cause a real emcee knows if  he’s competent / you feelin’ me?

I’ve been giving out flyers over the last couple weeks for O&U, outside gigs and the like - been trying to do more than just thrust A6 bits of card into the flames of gig afterglow, but I have to say it’s extremely hard work. I find myself chattering, striking up conversations and putting my foot in my mouth.  Add to that the arkwardness of being a creative**, and the oh-your-not-a-wasteman relief that comes across some faces when they discover you are not just a ‘flyer guy’ and it can seem daunting.  But heck, can’t complain I got a swishism out of it, eh? Plus, I’ve realised that what I’m actually doing is networking (thanks Kamau), the icing on the cake is getting to share with someone a beautiful piece of artwork (the flyer, thanks Inua) and some imperfect words from a dude on the grind. ‘I aint no perfect man, I’m tryin’ to do the best that I can…‘ - D.Smith.

I know I’m quoting a lot, remember that imperfect thing.

**’Wanting to be “creative” is a bit like wanting to be loved. It’s a universal desire, but for SOME REASON it’s something we’re embarrassed to talk about’ - Hugh Mcleod

swishism entry hubris, humility, love, words