EXUDE MAGAZINE: STYLE STAR - ANDRU MAHIGA A.K.A DRU YORKIAN

Style Star: Andru Mahiga

BY: Kinya Harte

With a popular blog, three jobs and a developing t-shirt line, EXUDE’s first Style Star, Andru Mahiga, is hard at work with no intentions of slowing down.

In 2004 Andru Mahiga, 24, had an itch to leave his home country of Tanzania, to attend college in the big apple with one goal in mind—aim to be different. Growing up along the coast of Tanzania in a city called Dar es Salaam, Mahiga remembers it to be much of a party city. “I wouldn’t have accomplished as much there as I would have here [NYC],” Mahiga said. “The only way to get noticed is to spend money, party, go to expensive restaurants—just ball. Everyone has to be the same in Tanzania, not comfortable in their own skin.”

Mahiga started right away towards his goal by chance. While shopping on Karmaloop’s (a Boston, Ma.-based boutique) online store, he stumbled upon a link to become a team representative. He started a Facebook group for his repcode, where he messages all members, alerting them of new arrivals. He had even gone so far to make a trip to Boston to to Karmaloop’s flagship store, to participate in photo shoots for the site. Although his Facebook group was a success, he started to expand his scope of marketing (he's pursuing a master's degree in marketing) by starting a blog, Dru York, to promote Karmaloop. Noticing the amount of traffic to his blog, he started add other posts and videos daily in addition to alerts on new Karmaloop arrivals, which made his amount of followers double in size. “People in Brazil are checking out Druyork.com,” said Mahiga. “Who would’ve known?”

After graduating in 2008, he knew because of the economy, getting a job would be close to impossible, so, he started looking into internships to build experience. He landed an internship at Complex Magazine in the fashion department, but of course, not without a few hurdles, “I applied online four months before graduating and I felt defeated when I never got a call,” said Mahiga. “I visited their office and demanded the number to someone in the fashion department.” He credits his time as a team rep. for Karmaloop for his job at the magazine; for, “they would’ve passed me by,” he said. With his same guerrilla tactics, Mahiga landed an internship concurrently with clothing line 10 Deep, aiding in their brand re-launch, and marketing heavy using social media platforms.

Although Mahiga loves style and fashion, favoring lines like 10 Deep, KR3W, RVCA and ORISUE, he tries the see the bigger picture. “I just want to be different. I want to be some type of influence on people and it starts with the way you look. But I could never give style advice.”

Via Exude

A Message From Odysseus

Now where was I!?

Back from a hiatus, hi haters. Even I hate us! How ya’ll been? What an eventful 2 weeks I’ve had. I’m trying to remember what happened so I can share it all with ya’ll. My bad if I sound all over the place on this - but that’s how I am in real life, all over the place.

Well I applied to one Grad school last week, applying to another one next week. Then it’s waiting and praying. It’s not in my hands after that. I went to Washington, D.C. last weekend, to meet up with my sister. Ended up only seeing her on Sunday, the same day I was leaving. Anyway, at least I saw her. And she’s in NY now so we’re bonding.

I have to give ya’ll a brief rundown on what she’s doing out here. My sister is my biggest inspiration in this world. No blog, website, book, teacher or global leader can inspire me like my sister can. So TIME Inc. has this mentorship program every where they train and work with business women from all around the world, on how to become more effective leaders. My sister was nominated by some people back in Tanzania and was awarded an opportunity to attend this 3.5 week program in the United States. In a nutshell, she just attended a dinner recently, attended by TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the world. Yup, THOSE people. My sister was IN there! I don’t know what else to say about her but just keep an eye on her because she never seizes to impress me, even though I say that everything she does can’t impress me anymore. I really think God has a plan for that woman, that mankind cannot control or dictate. Amen to that!

Back to your boy’s grind. I’m trying to work on a trip to Las Vegas in early June. Some of you might remember that I told ya’ll I met Russell Simmons with my boy Hasheem Thabeet a few weeks ago? Well, that’s as much as I’ll tell ya’ll about this Vegas trip until it’s finalized. Don’t want to get ahead of myself. Just know that this won’t be any ordinary opportunity for your boy(s).

What’s everybody doing this summer? Honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing so I want to kindly ask ya’ll to stop asking me! Live your lives! Thank you.

I thought I was going to lose my mind last week. A lot was going through my mind. I mean, A LOT. Shit that was even too much to handle and I think that I’m a pretty strong minded person. I say that because I’ve been living alone and taking care of myself for a very long time. And I’m only 24. But last week might have been the toughest week of my life. I still have a lot on my mind but I think I’ve gotten over that mental barrier of worrying. I’m thinking more clearly. Hence how I’m even able to write this note to ya’ll today. I was really not inspired to write or blog about anything. I just wanted to lock myself in a room and get in a comma for a while. That wasn’t going to happen so I stopped feeling sorry for myself.

I’ve been listening to Young Jeezy’s ‘Trap Or Die 2’ mixtape for the past couple days and I have to admit, that shit is the best mixtape to come out this year so far. That shit probably single-handedly helped me get off my depressed state of mind and GRIND! I’m even listening to it right now as I type this. True story. I suggest you download it if you haven’t already. It’s on either one of our blogs.

I’ve been thinking, a lot people (well, maybe not a lot but a few that matter) come up to me and ask me for advice.- people I know and some acquaintances. Advice on whatever they do, but mostly on stuff that they know interests me. Stuff like music, fashion, lifestyle, business, things that attract smart, young people basically. I have very good conversations with these people and I end up learning a lot about them and their ideas. I was wondering if I should be getting serious about being a lifestyle consultant. I feel like I share great ideas with people but don’t gain anything. I know it sounds like me being selfish but I really feel like if you believe in your abilities, deep down in your heart, then you should be getting paid for those abilities. YOU SHOULD GET PAID FOR YOUR PASSION AND NEVER SECOND GUESS IT. Period! I feel like my conversations with people will be more fruitful that way. It will also remove me from talking to people who really are not putting me in the right direction in life. Pointless convo is annoying. I don’t know, it’s just a thought. That’s what this post is supposed to be about anyway right, my thoughts? Ok then.

Before I leave this bitch, I want to give a huge congratulations to my brother Losi for graduating University (tomorrow officially). The trilogy is finally complete! We’re about to step on ya’ll necks with spiked cleats! Ungh! Look out for Losi, Andrew and Daudi (L.A.Ds). It’s a brand name, like Pepsi! You loojers! I love my dudes. I love my circle of influence. Nothing but genuine minds and hearts. Oh yeah, our boy Amour might just be the President of this shit. Why not!?

Has this been my longest note yet? I think so. Well you guys deserve it for being so patient with me. Hope you enjoyed the meal. Ha! I’m trying to tape another DruYork TV episode but ya’ll are sucking at giving me ideas. Who the hell do I look like, God!?

I just put on my jetpack. Wait until I get back!

Uno.

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

P.S. I want to wish my mother and all the mothers or mother-like figures out there a happy Mother’s Day for Sunday. I don’t know where this world would be without them. Dru-ey sends unconditional love your way!

A Message From Odysseus

BEFORE.

AFTER.

"Let's play 'Pictionary'. Picture me next to "Real" in the dictionary. Close your eyes and then picture me as a visionary." Reporting live from the 20/20 Club! Ha!

My dudes and dudettes, what is really up? I've been on my 1-week hiatus from making a blog post for the Martian but it's been a crazy week. I lacked the energy to write anything. Plus a million and one things were going through my mind so my post would have really sounded confused if I had decided to write all of them down.

Anywho, it's Sunday afternoon. I'm at home having a BLT sandwich and drinking tea, waiting for some NBA Playoff games to come on. Big news, I took my GMAT exam yesterday. That shit is HARD, don't let anybody lie to you. It's not hard as in the questions are tough (which they are), but that the time you get to complete them is insane. You really can't think over an answer for more than 2 minutes. If you got it right, move on. If you got it wrong, STILL move on. I didn't do as well as I wanted to in that exam so I'm not sure how much that will affect my admission into Grad School. I might have to re-take the exam. I'm Ok with that, can't stress over it too much. Stress will stop me from moving ahead. There are others things I need to worry about and get done besides that GMAT.

On another note, I'm reading this really good book that was referred to me by a friend. It's called 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferrazzi. I'm about 30 pages in, but the book is basically talking about building relationships and networking with people, to make it where you want to in life. No man is an island, we need people to help us get places. Even asking for favors if we need to. That favor will return to that person who gave it to you in one for or another. Keith Ferrazzi grew up in a working-class family, but managed to make it to Yale and Harvard Business School through the networks he built. He later became the youngest CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) of Deloitte & Touche. This book is great for a person like me who wants to get into a marketing career, but I think anybody can relate to it because building relationships is key for anything you do. So yeah, go cop that!

DruYorkTV has been quiet for a minute. I apologize for that. I'm only one man. I DO have a great idea for the next episode but I need more material before I discuss it. Do a little homework, think harder. The topic is basically discussing people who should have capitalized on something when it was popular - either a brand or a moment in time. A good example is when Rihanna came out with that "Umbrella" song a few years back. I think Jay-Z should have released a line of Rocawear umbrellas. They would have sold like hot cakes. Even Hov himself admitted regretting doing that. So you get where I'm trying to go with this next episode right? Good. Get to thinking!

Aight great minds, I'm out this bitch. I need to work on my personal statement for Grad School. Need to touch it up, hit the bullseye with it. Good thing I didn't drink too much last night so I'm feeling fresh. I took the above pics yesterday, a few hours after my GMAT. "Pictures say a thousand words" huh!?

Fix your face! You're not special.

Uno.

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

"Loojers tryina' get my attention, wowzers! So I acknowledge them once and go bonkers. Then everything is LOX'd up, Yonkers!"

LOL. I was waiting to drop that line the whole day today. I don't even know when I came up with it. Just some silliness for you. What's good world? Man, I'm glad I didn't write this note earlier today because I woke up in a really bad mood. Like I was grumpy as shit today. Not even coffee was helping. But the day gradually got better. Did some productive work at Complex, chatted to some people who cheered me up (Shout outs to the girls on twitter who kept me laughing).

My weekend was chilled. Locked myself at home on Friday night and hit the books. Saturday was chilled. Went skateboarding with my boy at a really nice skate park right next to the new Yankee stadium. I had never been to the new stadium so that was a dope experience. Even though I live here, I felt like a tourist for once. And of course I didn't skateboard because I can't do that for shit. And I'm too old to be breaking any bones right now (What up Losi!? HAHAHA).

Went to a spot in Brooklyn later on Saturday night. Matter fact, we first went to a Japanese restaurant for dinner. Had some good Japanese beer. But I gotta tell ya'll, from what I've drank so far, I think Thailand has the best Asian beer. I don't remember the name of the beer I had but it was madd smooth. Loved it. Then we went to a live performance of an indie band from Manchester, England. The guys are really good. I wish I could remember their name. Matter fact, I'm not remembering a lot of names from this past weekend come to think of it. Brain overload man! It's funny when I think about it because I was probably one of only two black dudes in there but I felt so in my element. Like I was getting down! LOL. Good times.

If you haven't noticed, I really don't have a special message for ya'll today. LOL. I'm just writing what comes to me. It's 12.07am so I'ma probably go to bed after this. I could have written this tomorrow but I would probably be rushing and making even less sense than I am right now.

Oh yeah, there IS something I just remembered. This is for the Hip Heads. I don't know if some of ya'll heard about the mini "beef" that Jae Millz has with the XXL Magazine Freshmen of '10 cover, talking about half of the dudes on there don't deserve to be there blah blah blah. He said his boy Vado should have been on there instead. If you don't know Vado, he's a rapper from Harlem who rolls with Cam'ron heavy. Dude probably has more songs with Cam'ron than he does by himself. Anyway, so I had heard about dude but not really paid attention to him. Plus, I live in Harlem and I pretty much know how Harlem dudes sound like so I wasn't too excited to look for his stuff. Anyway, I downloaded his 'Large On The Streets' mixtape today and have been listening to it the whole day. Not bad at all. I underestimated dude. Plus the mixtape is about 30 songs long. I like mixtapes that have a lot of songs. Makes me feel like I didn't waste my time downloading it. So if you haven't got it, you can download it here and make your own verdict on dude. Cam'ron also has some ill lines in there too. You gotta' love Cam for his uniqueness.

Ok folks, this note is a lot longer than I wanted it to be so let me say my goodbyes right now.

Stay hungry, stay thirsty, stay positive.

Deuces,

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

"They say the early worm is out that bitch before the birds fly in." This has been a high-five moment brought to you by Dope Blog Fresh ®, reporting live from the ass-crack of Mother Nature.

My peoples, I've been up since 6am, slept at 2am. I don't even know why I'm up this early but something was bothering me so I couldn't sleep. My thoughts race at times and I can't control them. So I decided to take this opportunity to write a blog post for The Martian and also do some GMAT studying.

If you watched the videos on my blog, you will pretty much know how my weekend was. CRAZY. A lot of drinking and Tom Foolery. My boy Samalu was in town and we held it down more than I expected we would. Really shut shit down for 3 days. I'm paying the consequences for that right now though. No regrets, no surrender!

How is everyone doing out there? Man, my phone crashed the whole day yesterday so I missed a lot of important phone calls and messages. I think that's one of the reasons why I woke up so early this morning - to try and fix it. Which I did. But I had to re-boot it so I lost a lot of my numbers which I didn't have saved on my simcard. So if you try to holla at me and I ask who you are, forgive me. To be honest, I don't think I even want my phone to be on for the next couple weeks. I feel like I need to zone out and get lost in my own head. It's crunch time. We'll see how things go.

How was everybody's weekends? I hope you lived a little. Life is too short to not live. I was thinking last night that the older we get the less stressed out we should be about things because those things that stress us out might outlive us and we'll go to our graves even MORE pissed off. So I say, say fuck it as much as you can, but have a clear head when you do.

Speaking of which, I hope you guys got to read my 'A Conversation With "The Fat Lady"' note I posted on my blog and facebook last week. I can't even front, but that's some of the deepest shit I've ever written. First of all, because of how randomly it came to me, and also just how heart-felt the message was. And also the light nature of it. Like you can read it to just enjoy it or get something serious from it. I hope it didn't go over your heads.

Anyway my muses, I just made some coffee and I want to ride on this caffeine high before I crash and end up going back to bed. Full speed ahead! Thank you guys for reading this, whoever does get to read it. I realized that I don't say thank you a lot, but thanks. The amount of love I get from blogging random shit really encourages me to keep doing this shit. At times I couldn't care less. That's when you guys come in and grab the wheel and tell me to hit the gas.

All systems engaged..

We have lift off...

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

Hiiiiiiiiiiii theerrrrrrrrreee yooooouuuuu!

It is I, Odysseus. Here to fuck up your Time-Space Continuum, you fuck ups.

Man, I kill myself. How is everyone doing though? Me, not so well at the moment. I think I'm getting sick. I'm guessing it's the sudden weather change out here coupled with Spring time, which equals pollen and allergies. I don't really suffer from allergies that much but I get these random sinus attacks once in a while.

Anyway, I'm happy to be alive. My weekend was so-so. Nothing too big to talk about. Went out last night to a nice, chilled lounge. Beautiful women. Afro-centric might I add. That's always refreshing. I NEARLY ended up driving a friend (and his friends) to New Jersey because he was too drunk, but we killed enough time arguing for him to sober up and be able to drive again. SUCCESS! Good thinking huh!? Picture me waking up in New Jersey today, with no money and a hangover. Nah-uh son!

Nothing major has been on my mind lately but Grad School and my GMAT. I actually have a window open right now, with some test questions, which I'm about to tackle as soon as I'm done with this post. It's funny but I'm not nervous about Grad School. As in, It's in my head because I want to do it, but it's not bothering me that I may not be as prepared as I think I am for it. Or that IF/WHEN I start Grad School, I might be living a very broke and simple life (which is not far from what I'm doing right now ANYWAY) because I won't be able to hold down a job and be a full-time Grad student. Like I can't be making dough like how I know how. I guess I'll just have to get on a super-grind and figure out other ways to make money.

But I look at it this way, if I'm in school for an MBA, the MBA program will teach me about business (making money). So in a way, I won't be working, but my mind will be working on how to make WORK even more profitable. Dig? And maybe I can hustle classmates and kids on campus while I'm at it. I mean, it's New York City. SOMETHING gotta' give, son!

So yeah, I'm excited for the challenge. I feel like challenges are what have made me who I am today. What have made me so involved in so many different things. If things came easy to me, I would be, in the words of Lil Duval, "A basic nigga." LOL.

This coming week will be much of the same thing. It will be a little shorter though, because I plan on taking Friday, Saturday and Sunday off work because my boy Samalu is coming to visit me from Cali. Gotta show homie a good time and that will require me getting drunk and not being able to go to work. Pretty much. Yup!

Spring is officially here people. This means things blossoming. New ideas. New life. Act like it! I want to leave you guys with a quote I read on a rapper's twitter page. Actually two rappers. One if from Grafh and it said, "My goal is to be better by the hour. You have 24 times a day to be your greatest. Try not to suck at being you." The other is from CurT@!n$; he said, "Most people have a winners vocabulary with a losers work ethic. Say less, do more. That's all." Heavy words right? I know!

That. Is. All.

Peace Up, Up & Away!

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

THE DRUg IS JUST S'KNOW BUSINESS X DRUYORKTV EPISODE 10: ALTERNATE CAREERS

My family, Dru York is going to be featured on Exude Magazine's first "Style Star" feature. This is such a great look for my dude and I'm proud of him for staying on his grind and constantly raising the bar and most of all, inspiring the younger generations. For more info on Dru York's feature and Exude Magazine, check out DruYork

Peep some of the footage from the shoot.




DOPE-ERY!

DruYorkTV Episode 10

A Message From Odysseus

"Stupid people are marketing tools. So just milk their bullshit for all it's worth. That's if they're not lacking the lactose already."

Ha! Another week is upon us. I'm still alive! Amen. What it look like my people? How was the weekend and all the other in between moments? Mine was boring right up to Sunday. Well, it was raining the whole weekend so it was going to be boring regardless. I did my usual work thing on Friday, came back home tired as hell. I probably had a beer, got online and knocked out. Saturday was a day full of more work. I went to my job and managed to make it through the rain to the 10 Deep sample sale downtown, where four other brands (Mighty Healthy, Acapulco Gold, Rocksmith Tokyo and In4mation) were also having sales. If you haven't heard of these other clothing brands, I suggest you google them. They make good underground gear. By now ya'll should know I don't rock Louis, Prada, Gucci or any other clichés.

So yeah, I went to that, helped out with the 10 Deep guys a little. I thought I was going to buy some gear but all the dope stuff was probably all sold out from the day before so I left empty handed. Didn't want to waste money on something wack just because it's on sale. I actually took video footage of the sale but I don't feel like putting that video up. I don't know why, I just don't. I don't want to be ODing with videos every week. I don't wan't ya'll looking at me like that. I'm still a private person. Besides, I got some good video footage on Sunday - which I'm about to talk about right now.

Well, I don't think I need to talk much about Sunday since I blogged about my day at the Photo shoot with Exude Magazine. So just peep my blog to get updated.

I don't know why, but I feel like this week will be calmer, more relaxed. It's weird I'm saying this because my schedule this week is exactly the same as previous weeks which stressed me the F out! But maybe it's because I did a lot (let me not lie, SOME) reading this morning while at Complex Magazine and I learned some new things. Learning something new always calms me down and gets me more focused on particular things, instead of my thoughts racing every 5 minutes. I honestly think that I have a thinking problem. As in, I over-think things and it paralyzes me, as far as me not doing anything but just sitting and thinking. Thinking is not such a good thing at times if you don't act on those thoughts. So I guess what I mean is, reading someone else's thoughts, stops me from being lost in my own. Know what I mean? Good!

I know this might be a little late since his exams are probably nearly over, but I would like to wish my brother Losi goodluck on his mid-term exams. This is his final semester so it's crunch time. I know that feeling when there's no, "I'll get better next semester." These are the grades that will forever be in your transcripts, now matter where you go in the world. This is it (Shout outs to Michael Jackson. LOL). My bad for the extra pressure Capo! Hehe. I'm proud of you family.

Ok, you guys have dove in my head enough for today. Get the fuck out!

I'm gone for another 7 days.

Miss me already.

Ignition. Transmission. Expedition.

"The DRUg is just s'Know Business."

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

"Front me a wack blogger Friday, and he'll be done by Saturday. He might even be dead today!" #Yucky.

Since Losi is all bent on making great intros, I'ma have to be hitting ya'll with something every week too! Fuck that.

How are ya'll doing though my beautiful people? Another week is upon us. Time just doesn't wait for anybody does it? What the heck! How was last week and the weekend? Anything you think I should care about? Feel free to let us know. My week was madd busy. I know that because I actually fell sick on Friday and I'm guessing it was from fatigue. Like it felt like the flu, but it also felt like my body was just weak from running a marathon or something. I'm doing much better today though. I actually went out on Saturday night so I guess I was feeling better from that day. Ha! The night was a success. Good times which I cannot tell ya'll about because breaking hearts is not my forte. Teh!

I got a lot of good music last week. That really kept me going. From mixtapes to singles, everything was on point. One of those rare weeks where all the music I find or my boys send to me is fire. I don't remember what I blogged about but check out my blog and you'll get all the dope tunes I've been bumping to lately on there. There is one rapper who I had come across a long time ago but didn't really pay attention to until I heard him bumping the whole day at the 10 Deep photoshoot I was helping out at on Thursday (by the way, shout outs to 10 Deep. That photoshoot was ill. Look out for when the collection drops). The rapper's name is Diz Gibran. A west coast dude who sounds very east coast. Maybe that's why I'm feeling him. So google the kid and look for his mixtape with Crooks & Castles (That's the only music of his I have on my iPod anyway at least).

I'm just giving ya'll a heads up that March may not be the most exciting month for me. I'm going to be very busy and my days are probably all going to be similar. Unless some crazy shit happens over the weekend and I get excited about sharing with you guys. Most of the time, I don't like sharing my crazy shit. It's that "bragging" thing that some dudes do, which I try to differentiate myself from.

I just had a mean-ass meal, fixed by yours truly, ME. And now I'm about to hit the avenues, on my way to work. Before I leave, I'd like to wish all the women out there a happy International Women's Day, and for you dudes, I hope you take the time to wish your mothers, sisters, aunties, girlfriends, whoever it is, a happy day. The women in my life mean the world to me so I take this day a little more serious than most of the world (just check my twitter if you don't believe me).

Ok Thespians, until next week, put on a good show for me. Make daddy proud!

Stay safe & hungry - fuck it, STARVING for knowledge.

"Mr. 0.5"

- Dru-ey.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

What up Dukes, what it look like? It is I, Dru-ey. How was everybody’s weekend? Mine was splendid. A lot of work and a little play. Nothing too eventful happened last week. I just worked a lot. Had my first week at 10 Deep clothing. Real dope. We’re working on releasing the new Spring 2010 line and planning on doing a Photo shoot for it this week - tomorrow if I’m not mistaken. The NYC weather hasn’t been on our side though, with all this snow that keeps falling. But look out for those though, real dope stuff. I’m proud to be involved with it all. I can’t wait to dig my feet into more work with them. Looking to help them with their social networking more than anything, that’s where I feel my strength, is.

Anywho, besides meeting the 10 Deep fam, nothing much of major importance happened last week. Just steady grinding. I’m actually on a train typing this, on my way home from work. My typical days are about 12 hours. Leave the crib t 9am, get back home at 9pm. The story of my life.

A big step I’m trying to make this week is pay for my GMAT test. I want to take it in mid-April, God willing. It’s a little sooner than most people advise, but I feel like it’s now or never. I need to get over this huddle. I believe in myself, that’s all I need. I’m just going to grind it out this month and God will take care of the rest. He has done nothing but bless me and my family so shout outs to the man upstairs.
I’m trying to write a more positive message than I did last week. How am I doing? LOL. Speaking of last week, a few people told me that they read my message last week and thanked me for it. I would like to say thank you to those people. It’s always good to be appreciated for the little things you do or say just as much as the big things.

Ok folks, I’m nearly getting to my subway stop and I need to shut down this laptop before I leave the train. Just wanted to say a few words, let ya’ll know that your boy is still alive and LIVING (there’s a difference). Catch ya’ll next week with a new update. Not to mention DruYork TV is always there for your viewing pleasures. Ha! Fucks with me maaaaan!

I love each and every one of ya’ll. Yes, even you with the screw faces, Thespians.

From 0.5 of the only Bloggers that the Bloggers watch,

Blasting off, Tango 1 Charlie!

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

P.S. A special prayer goes out to Gangstarr's Guru who is currently going through surgery after suffering a cardiac arrest yesterday. Let's keep him and his family in our thoughts.

DRUYORKTV: EPISODE 9: PERSONAL ESSENTIALS

A Message From Odysseus

Foolish men and Jewish men, lend me your eyes for a minute or two.

What's good my peoples? It's another week, another story to tell, another page in the history books to write. Steady does it. How was everybody's weekend? This past weekend was VERY chilled for me, just like I wanted it to be. I did enough damage the weekend before that.

I need to get some shit off my chest today. I'm going to try to make it as general as possible, to not offend anybody because if I offend somebody, then I'm not teaching them, but angering them. And it's all about teaching, progression. Feel me?

I see a lot of young cats - and some old ones too - that really don't appreciate (or have) a sense of history. What I mean about this is not recognizing that there were people who came before them that made it possible for them to do what they're doing now. To "brag" about all the shit they have. Childish bragging too. As much as people think I'm a "cool" dude or a "trend-setter" of some sort, I really wouldn't be the person I am if it wasn't for me looking up to some influential friends and family members in my life. I am NOT the originator of anything. If any credit is due, it is to them. To the OGs that taught me game, taught me how to hustle, taught me how to stay ahead and how to be different, not necessarily better (because you can't measure BETTER). People like them make me more humble and more hungry.

God forbid, if I was to ever lose everything I have today, I would know how to get it all back. That shit has been instilled in me. I look at some cats today and ask myself, "If they were to lose all the superficial shit they talk about, would they know how to get it back? I doubt it."

To be honest, very few people impress me. And trust me, the ones that DO impress, are doing it subconsciously; meaning they're not even trying to. And I've passed the point of just talking shit about other people without lending them a helping hand, to be better individuals. If I don't do that, then I'm just as bad as them. But remember this, I will stick my hand out to help you, but I won't hold your hand. So it's up to you to be humble enough to stick YOUR hand out. Just like how my friends who are older than me, showed me the ropes. I guess this statement goes to mostly young dudes, who have a lot to learn. I probably have A LOT more to learn than them, mostly because I want to be a leader, not a follower. And I believe leaders always seek a little more knowledge to get them to that pedestal.

With all that said, I AM a very outspoken dude. I speak my mind when I feel it is necessary. So if you continue saying or doing stupid shit, and especially try to involve me so I can somehow acknowledge you or give you "props", then you WILL be hearing some ignorant shit from me. Some "fuck you, eat a dick" type shit. Grow up!

I'm good now.

I got a great week ahead of me. Starting at 10 Deep on Wednesday. Mad excited about that.

I had to make the time to write this, but I gotta' get back to work. I hope whoever reads this, took something from it. Even if it was my last ignorant shit. Maybe that's what you needed to take.

Love,

Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

Beam me down Scotti, I need to have a few words with these folks!

What a f*cking weekend I just had. I was really on beast mode partying in the city since Friday night. I'm not particularly proud of that but I have no regrets. We live and we learn. I spent a lot of money doing it though, that is my only regret. But then again, I spent it on my peeps and not random strangers. I don't think I've done anything that eventful this week besides the crazy weekend. If I did, I cant remember it right now. LOL

So how are ya'll doing out there? It's 11.12pm, I'm at the crib playing PS3. I was about to go out tonight for some Fashion Week after-party but I think I'm going to pass. 3 days in a row is enough for me, I'm getting old. LOL.

Oh yeah, remember I told ya'll last week about my new internship with 10 Deep clothing? Well, I'm officially going to start working with them on February 24th. I'm looking forward to that! My weekly schedule is going to be even tighter with this new internship so I might not be blogging as often as I want to. But I promise to still hit ya'll with extra dopeness from my adventures in this concrete jungle. I've realized the busier I get, the more I plan my life out as opposed to having free time on my hands which I feel like I don't use it as constructively as I can. Just a thought...

How was everybody's Valentine's Day? I share Losi's sentiments about that day, I'm not a fan of it. I find it pointless and a reason to waste money. But to those who spent it with a special someone, I hope ya'll enjoyed it and remember, "Love conquers everything."

I missed most of the NBA All-Star weekend because I was out and about but I heard it wasn't as good as previous All-Star weekends. Which is weird because they had a capacity crowd of over 108,000 people, so you would expect a bigger crowd to breed a bigger event. Oh well, I guess not EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas! #BANG Cowboys!

Ok guys, I need to drink a lot of water and maybe go to bed early. A new day begins tomorrow, no slowing down.

Thanks for lending me your eyes and ears, I hope it was a good one. Until next week,

"Your Blog Sucks & Swallows." I'm only kidding, don't be so sensitive...

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

Beam me up Scotti! Beaming....beaming....beaming....GONE!

A Message From Odysseus

Earthlings, how is the view from down there? LOL. I kid. I'm back with your weekly message. I had actually forgot about this today but Losi reminded me. I really have nothing MAJOR to talk about today but I'm going to keep typing until something comes up. As expected, I'm nursing a hangover, so I cracked open a beer to kill the buzz. I don't set a very good example, I know. I hope my mother doesn't read this. SMH.

Ok, Im back. I actually wrote the above paragraph last night. I'm at the office typing this. Tired as hell, hungover as hell but work is work. I went to a South African wine bar last night. Great place, I like its vibe. If you're in NYC I suggest you check it out on Sundays. It's called 'Xai Xai'. It's on 51st street and 9th avenue.

I apologize if I'm not coherent, I'm tired as a muh fucka and my day just started. It's also the first of the month which means rent and other bills are due. Your boy has to get on his tippy toes.

I'm trying to remember what I did last week. I don't think it was as eventful as the week before that. Pretty normal stuff. Mundane shit. BUT, I WILL be taping another episode for Dru York TV tonight. I was having a hard time coming up with something to talk about but I was thinking about it last night and I think I have something. I'll basically give people access to my blog. What I mean about that is if you have a talent, a craft or do anything unique, I will feature you on my blog. All you need to do is e-mail me a bio about yourself and your work and I'll put it up there. I've come to realize that I know a lot of people who are gifted or talented but the world doesn't know about them yet so I want to use my blog and social networks as a way to promote them. Pro Bono - until they become millionaires, then I will demand my cut. Hehehe. "Pro Bono," I've always wanted to use that phrase. BANG! LOL.

Ok, I need to get to work, time to open my mind up. Until later, GRIND.

Don't forget to take your daily lumps of The PricelessCreativityDRUg (Shout outs to my boy Alpha for coming up with that sick name. Get it? Sick, DRUg? Oh Lord!) It's good for you. The Surgeon General co-signed it. BANG!

Uno.

- Odysseus.

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

What's good family, friends, acquaintances and enemies. How are you living? How was everybody's week? Mine went smoother than expected. Put in some good hours at work, did some meaningful work at that. As some of you might know, I intern at Complex Magazine. I began interning at the fashion department in September of 2009 but have moved to the advertising/marketing department this year. I did this because Marketing is what I eventually want to get into as a career path. It is also what I want to do for my Masters degree, which I will talk about in a minute.

Back to Complex. So I was at the office on Friday and halfway through the day, I was called in to the Managing Director's office. Met the guy, he's really cool. Not as old as I expected either. I will withhold his name, I don't want to cross any professional boundaries. Anyway, I helped him add up some numbers and figures for the advertising that will be paying for ad space in our next February/March issue coming out next month. It was some pretty exciting stuff because I have never had to do anything like that before. After that was complete, he called me back in to help him gather some checks and to mail them out to various people and companies. During that time, we chatted. I told him about myself and what I want to do as a career and he told me about his life. Let me say this; for a 40 year old, his experience in the Magazine industry is THROUGH THE ROOF. Great looking resume.

Anyway, I was just excited to be engaging this man, picking his brain a little bit. That was probably one of my most exciting days of this new year. It was very inspiring. I can't WAIT to get back to the office on Monday.

More good news happened this week. As I mentioned above, I want to get into Grad school in September of this year to do an MBA. To get into an MBA program in the United States, one needs to take the GMAT test. It's like the SATs but for Business Schools. Anywho, the GMAT is not an easy test and studying for it (alone at least) can be a little daunting. Long story short, I've found a study buddy. A friend of mine also wants to take the GMAT and is going through the the same slow procrastination that I'm going through. So we've decided to meet every Saturday or every other Saturday at a public library or Barnes & Noble for some intense studying. It will be more of a morale booster than anything. I'm looking forward to that.

Well folks, this message has been a little longer than I expected, but I just wanted to share these thoughts with ya'll. Give you a "Behind The Scenes" look into my life. I hope it was a good read. I just fixed myself a drink. I need to unwind. Cheers to positive energy! Until next week, let's not slow down. Time is our only enemy.

Deuces.

- Dru (Odysseus).

Blog.

Twitter.

A Message From Odysseus

What's good Martians and Earthlings. So my boy Losi and I have decided to have a weekly post on each other's blogs. Nothing major, just a and update on how we're doing or what we're doing. It's all about showing each other support on everything we do.

With that said, I don't know what the fuck to talk about! LOL. I've been home the whole day. Went out last night and got pretty wasted. I lost my ID which was not very smart. Now I don't know if I can go out tonight without one. I don't want to go out with my passport - that's never a good idea unless you really need to. I lost my bank card 2 weeks ago so I'm hoping this doesn't become a habit. Very irresponsible Dru-ey!

How was everybody's New Years? Began working on the resolutions? I hope so. Get to it! I didn't make any this year. Well, I kinda did, but my resolutions are limited to this year, they are more like life choices. For instance, as I grow older, I'm hoping to listen to people more and take their advice. I tend to be a very closed and stubborn person. I never ask for advice or help. Which at times could lead to my downfall. I think I need to listen to people's opinions more. The right people, not everybody. That would be my big resolution (in HD. Blu-Ray type shit).

Oh yeah, changing topic. I watched 'The Book Of Eli' yesterday. GREAT movie! Ya'll should check it out. It's not all action as I was expecting it to be. The message it sent was powerful. It took me until about halfway through the movie to figure out what the "book" was. Great job by whoever wrote the script.

Ok people, I gotta' run. I need to get some food and maybe have a drink. It's a holiday tomorrow so I'm taking advantage of the day off. Shout outs to Dr. Martin Luther King II!

Until next week, God bless.

Uno.

- Dru.

Blog.

Twitter.

DRUYORKTV: EPISODE 7: PREDICTION FOR THE NEXT DECADE

Hit up druyork.com and get your vote on.

DOUBLE DRUYORK TV: EPISODE 5: "ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, FLY ON THE WALL", EPISODE 6: SEASONS GREETINGS

Episode 5

Episode 6

I know, I know I'ma little bit late with posting my dude's episodes but it has to be done. My apologies.

DRUYORKTV: EPISODE 4: BOOKS

Wuss good martians? How y'all been? Well, Dru York delivers once again and this is not only an interesting episode, but an educational one too. I've discussed a few books and recommendations with him in the past and we pretty much got the same books but he did put me up on Outliers, haven't read it yet but i'm definitely going to do it as soon as I finish the Robert Greene books I got lying around on my table. Anyways, hope y'all enjoy the episode, drop a comment on my blog, or check him out at DruYork and drop a comment, suggestion, reviews, whatever tickles your fancy, haha, just wanted to say that. Well, the boys are moving and we dropping jewels for y'all, and I believe y'all know the rest, PICK EM UP!! Shout outs to Dru york.

DRUYORKTV: KIXCLUSIVE STORE SOHO NYC

Wuss good martians? So, it looks like my boy Dru York has officially aimed for the skies and with this type of commitment and efforts, the skies might just have a new name and definition, yes, I said it, I'm hypin my boy up, I suggest you do the same. Anyways, here's a dope ass exclusive episode, shot at the new Kixclusive store and it's DruYorkTV's first interview. So, next time you in new york, check out this dope store in SoHo.






For more info, check out DruYork