If You Try

If You Try

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Finish What You Start Well

mountain climber Pictures, Images and Photos



It's easy to start something. It's hard to finish with just as much passion as you had when the endeavor began though. We get easily bored and are ready to move to the next thing. This is especially true of my generation. Finishing something takes discipline, focus,determination, and will. Sometimes we have to drop the "good" distractions in our lives that keep us from completing the projects we begin. It is important for us to master the art of finishing well because if we don't we will never reach our full potential, nor will we cultivate trust in ourselves and we will have a hard time getting others to believe in us. Stop trying to complete more than one thing at a time if you have trouble completing projects. Hone in on one area to finish by the end of the year and complete large projects one phase at a time. If you are like me and get new ideas very often that make you want to abandon what you are currently working on, just write the new idea down and come back to it later. You will develop more confidence in yourself by finishing one small thing than starting and not completing something huge.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Develop the Art of Being Vulnerable

broken heart Pictures, Images and Photos


Being vulnerable is something that goes against the fiber of our present day society. I went through my phase of being super guarded due to being hurt and taken advantage of. I didn't realize that closing myself off to people in this way to avoid further heart break would also prevent the good, other people had to offer my life as well. I am not suggesting that you totally let your guard down or intentionally let people take advantage of you. That would be stupid. What I do advise is that you allow people that show themselves to be genuine and good into your life in order to develop relationships with them. Some people get to the point where they try to live life all by themselves in isolation. This has to be one of the most unhealthiest places to be. We were created to live in community with one another. Furthermore, if you plan on doing anything great in life, it will be done through the vehicle of community. You will have to be the judge on whether or not the environment you are in allows you to be vulnerable (it needs to be a place of both physical and emotional safety). Yet don't go through life and not risk opening your life to people. Take the risk and it will make you a richer human being as a result, and that my friends is an element of greatness. Realize that people will let you down, but remember that your happiness should not come from other people, that is something that you gain on your own. The purpose of being vulnerable is allowing others to see the real you so in turn they will be more willing to be the real them.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sharp Skills Update on New Album!!!



What's up family. I'm excited to let everyone know that I am in the beginning stages of releasing a new album. For those that have been patiently waiting, I want to thank you for your continued support. I feel that I am at a place where God is beginning to allow me to express myself musically once more. He is slowly but surely opening some doors. As of right now, I have 30 written and completed songs that are potential album material. Since I want this to be my best work to date, I will write until I reach the 50 song mark and select the best from those. I look foward to sharing my heart with my fellow R.E.B.E.L.s musically again, trust me when I say I have a lot to say. I have so many topics to discuss and address.I really hope this album will be strength, especially for gifted and ambitious young men. I don't want to give too much away. But over the course of the next several months, you will be getting little updates here and there. Just be on the lookout, Sharpie is moving. May Christ be forever praised! Peace.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Flame, formerly of Cross Movement Records, launches new label" Clear Sight Music"!




Flame, formerly of Cross Movement Records, has launched out on faith and has started his own label "Clear Sight Music". Check the kid out at clearsightmusic.com

Sunday, October 31, 2010

My Pastor on the List of Top 10 Most Powerful People in the City of Long Beach




My Pastor, Wayne Chaney Jr. was listed on the 2010 list of top ten most influential people in Long Beach. Not only is he the only minister on the list, he is also the only African American. This is proof that you don't have to sell out or try to the conform to the world's system in order to have mass influence. Please check out the link below!
Long Beach Top Ten Power People

Sharp Skills Talk 200/KLBC Radio Interview Teaser (Full Interview coming soon)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sow Seeds of Greatness

seeds Pictures, Images and Photos

A wise man said (my pastor) that everything that you hear, watch, and speak is a seed that is being planted in your heart. I've heard the seed principle before but I guess it is just now hitting home. It really tripped me out to think that anything that I watch on TV or the movies and any music I listen to is leaving a deposit in me, good or bad. What's more, the very words that I speak and allow others to speak to me are also seeds being sown in my heart that will one day yield a habit. Now I am more determined to be more cautious about what I allow to enter the gates of my body and to be more proactive about planting the right stuff inside me. They say a person's true character is revealed when either great success or tragedy comes to them. Everything that they have put inside themselves and who they are is revealed in those defining moments. I want to be able to have good things flow out of me when either circumstance reveals itself.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Masculine Soul (Volume 1)

Strength of a Man Pictures, Images and Photos


Before I begin, I should warn all readers that this blog post is highly subjective and is written by an author with a broken heart at this point in time.

It is my personal opinion and heartfelt conviction that we are living in a time where the masculine soul is under vigorous attack in the spiritual realm. I know that's deep. Follow me, over the years we have witnessed the downward spiral of manhood. A huge part of this problem stems from men. We must take a great portion of the blame for why we are losing our identity to street life, crime, prison, homosexuality, drugs, alcohol abuse, infidelity, greed, hatred, etc. We have given up our rights and privileges and position to the enemy and have allowed him to take over our homes, education system, churches, businesses, leisure activities, and government. The good news is, is that if we will wake up from our slumber, we have a great opportunity to change direction and get back on the path we were created for. Men, we must look ourselves in the mirror everyday and examine ourselves to see if we are still connected with our God, families, and communities. We must be brutally honest with ourselves, if we are not, we stand to lose a generation (which we are very close to). We must make the tough decisions that will lead to our healing. Only once we do this can we be reinstated back into our rightful place! Kings, Warriors, and Priests before our God, families, and communities.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Two of Sharp Skills'songs featured in promotions for hit tv show "Nikita"

Listen to Sharp Skills' songs "Take My Life" and the "Mountain Movement" featured in these promos for the tv show "Nikita".




Friday, September 17, 2010

It's The Law!!!

lawyer Pictures, Images and Photos


Good Morning friends and family. My beautiful and intelligent wife Menzelle Jacobs is in the process of going to law school and as many of you know, law school carries a hefty price tag. We are asking that if you know of any scholarships of other aid (besides FASFA),please send that information to us. We know that there is money out there, we just need your help to find it. Also if you are moved to do so yourself, there is a website that we will be setting up in the next couple of weeks that people can donate to for this noble cause. Please foward to your respective networks. Who knows, she may be representing you one day in the court of law. Thanks for your seen and unseen support!!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Lose Yourself to become Great

Skydiving at Sunset...my plan for the next bday yrs to come!! Pictures, Images and Photos

As I continue to mature into adulthood,I notice that many of my peers are in pursuit of greatness, myself included. A lot of us go about it all wrong though, myself included. Greatness does not lie in how much money I have, nor how much influence I am able to flex, nor how many accomplishments I make. Greatness is found in caring about others in such a way that you put the good of others before your own. I don't mean neglect yourself or be weird and feel like you have to save all of humanity at your own expense. It's really simple, let go of your ego sometimes and be willing to serve people. Service comes in many forms. I have recently seen the profound impact of just accepting and letting other people give me advice (which I have a hard time doing). That does wonders for people, just to know that their point of view is valued. Another way of serving is allowing others to lead you even when you feel you are more qualified (or maybe just ready to get out on your own). I'm still figuring out this whole losing yourself in order to be great business. Even though it is painful to swallow my pride,it is so refreshing when I see the impact it has on other people and even to my own peace of mind.I encourage you to find and area that you can stand to lose and sky dive into this practice (let go of yourself). That is where you will find your greatness.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Balancing Life and Maintaining Perspective

Animated Animals Pictures, Images and Photos


Life produces a series of emotions that causes us to make certain decisions. These decisions lead to outcomes that will determine our quality of life and our very destiny. Due to the dynamics of life, a person must balance many roles, responsibilities, and relationships. Some of this is pleasurable and some aspects are painful and it's not always easy keep correct perspective. In my own life, I experience many outside and internal influences vying for my time. Sometimes roles, responsibilities, and relationships get blurred. The only single element that keeps me anchored is my relationship with God. With this relationship kept in place, it makes it much easier to view other elements of life through the proper lens. I think my definition of a successful person is beginning to change. In my opinion, the person who is able to balance the responsibilities, roles, and relationships of life well,while maintaining proper perspective is the successful person.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

What's Motivating You

motivation Pictures, Images and Photos

Usually, when people begin a pursuit, our hearts are pure and motives are honorable. We simply love what we do and enjoy the pursuit. Yet as time, experience, and new circumstances mount, our pure hearts and motives dwindle and our reasons behind the pursuit are divided. This is actually quite natural. This can be both good and bad. With this said, it is a good practice to re-evaluate why we do what we do, or better yet, what are the newly developed motives behind our pursuit. Were they altered? Why were they altered? If we get to a place where we are pursuing that original something based off the incorrect principles of: hate, greed, envy, jealousy, bitterness, revenge, etc.,then we have lost our way. More times than not, life's circumstances and what we have negatively encountered from other people during the journey of our pursuit have caused us to alter our original motives. It is a fight to keep our motivations pure and we often deceive ourselves into thinking that they are what they once were. This is not to say that our original motives cannot be expanded. They can and should through wisdom, knowledge, precision, and experience. We should be able to better execute what we do as we move closer to our pursuit. I can't act like I've obtained the art of keeping my motives pure, I'm not even sure If I can. But I am in a place where I evaluate my motives, am brutally honest about them, and realign them with the correct principles that were the most prominent when I began my pursuit.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

How to Stay Creative

creativity Pictures, Images and Photos

Creativity is a state of mind that always needs to be nurtured. It can blossom into something beyond your wildest imagination or wither into bitterness depending on how you care for it. In order to stay creative, one must be willing to constantly experience new things, hang around new people, and launch out into the unknown. One must also continue to fill his/her mind with fruitful information because this is food for the creative brain. We can't live free of every negative person (everyone is negative from time to time), but we can limit the amount of time we spend with such people. If you are able to do such, then do it. Continue to work on your ideas, your diligence in this will act as a creative lifeline. If you stop working on your ideas, they will began to collect dust and die all together. Us creative types get bored easily, so it is important to remember that. Instead of trying to move on to the next thing before you finish the current thing, expand upon the current and find a new way to work on it. This does two things. It keeps you focused and set to complete the current task as well as indulges your need to innovate and improve.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Greatness: Coincidence or Choice?

Climber, Mountain Biker, Hiker Pictures, Images and Photos

Have you ever had one of those moments in life where you pause and ask yourself how did I get here? When I say "here", I am speaking of your current condition in life, positive or negative, heck, maybe both. When you mentally rewind all the events that have led up to your present, did you notice a trend? I am coming to find that greatness lies in ones will to improve, perfect, learn, master, study, risk, and grow day in and day out. I'm sure there are many other words that can be added into that mix, but these stand out the strongest to me personally. Greatness means (my personal definition) that you stand out from the crowd because of a unique set of character traits and skill sets that highly influence the lives of people who you come into contact with. I believe that greatness lies in every human being, but some chose to tap into it and others forfeit it. Sometimes great circumstances thrust people into becoming great and others take it up on themselves to find it within. What type of person are you?

Friday, June 4, 2010

How are you progressing in life?

Missing U Pictures, Images and Photos


I often find myself so busy in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that I forget to reflect and re-evaluate how I'm progressing toward what is most important. I have discovered that life truly is a balancing act once you become an adult and there are many hats that you have to wear. It is wise to sit down somewhere quiet for about 20-45 minutes once a week or every other week (if you have A.D.D.like me, ha ha) and just think about your highest priorities. Think about how you are fairing in achieving/accomplishing what you set out for. If we are not careful, our lives will be based merely on putting out fires if we aren't proactively keeping our road map in front of us. When you take the time to reflect on "what you actually do" in your day as opposed to "what you think you do", you may find a stark contrast that reveals that you are off course. Or you may find that you are on course, but too many "other things" have gotten in the mix and they are slowing you down. Reflection allows you to make the necessary adjustments.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Be Different

black sheep! Pictures, Images and Photos

Many of us growing up felt the pressures of conforming to a certain code of conduct in order to fit in with a particular group. It is no different as we become adults. The same rules and regulations that turn people into mindless clones are still prevalent and the masses follow suit. I write this particular blog for people who have always stood out from the crowd. Not necessarily because they are weirdos (which I do not consider myself), but because they are just different. Perhaps you are wise beyond your years, or while everyone was playing basketball you were working on business plans, while others were busy trying to chase girls, you were reading books on how to have a long lasting and satisfying marriage. These are the types that I'm speaking to. You'll know if you are different because more than one person has said it to you numerous times. Therefore, it is important to cherish your uniqueness and not give in to the thought that you need to become someone that you are not in order to become great. It is your uniqueness that will make you great. Those that cave in from fear and hide their specialness, end up losing it and being unfulfilled in the end. Not so with you. Accept that you may not be invited to certain parties, you may be talked about, you may get looked over, you may be misunderstood, but that's okay. In the end, if you stay true to yourself and who the Creator made you to be, you'll be much happier and be able to lead the way for a generation who is the same boat that you were once in.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Breaking News---Sharpie Doing it Real Grande on the Radio this Weekend!!!

audio Pictures, Images and Photos

Be sure to check out the lyrical assassin of the West coast, Sharp Skills, on the radio this weekend, May 8th and 9th. Sharpie will be giving his fans a taste of some new material from his upcoming projects and more! Don’t miss out on the heat. The R.E.B.E.L. will also be speaking his mind about controversial topics such as interracial dating, dog rape, and witchcraft in the music industry. Whoa!!!!! If you are not in the city that these stations are broad casted in, you can listen over the internet. Check the info below and tell a friend!

Saturday May 8th, 2010
Talk 200, KLBC.org, KLBC 1610AM (Long Beach, CA)---10am-12am Pacific Time

Sunday May 9th, 2010
Inside The Music, Klay1180.org, KLAY 1180AM (Seattle, WA)---7:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sharp Skills Taking Over The Radio This Weekend!!!



Your R.E.B.E.L., Sharp Skills, will be tearing up the air waves this weekend with interviews, new music, and freestyles. See what the R.E.B.E.L. has to say about; moving back to Cali, his outlook on hip hop today, the film “Takers”, married life, his run ins with the law, and what new projects he’s cooking up. If you are not in the city where these stations are broad casted, check them out online.

Saturday May 8, 2010
Talk 200, KLBC.org, KLBC 1610AM (Long Beach, CA)---10am-12am Pacific Time
-Sharp will be on around 11am

Sunday May 9, 2010
Inside The Music, Klay1180.org, KLAY 1180AM (Seattle, WA)---7:00pm-7:30pm Pacific Time
-Sharp will be on around 7:08pm

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Ruler of Much When Faithful With Little (The Ant Principle)




A wise man once told me that the little things you do have the biggest impact in life. Doing the little things speaks of integrity and character. The grandiose things are the result of several successful little things leading up to that point. I myself procrastinate when it comes to doing the little things. Actions such as finishing up "additional" paperwork, ironing out the "little" details of a deal I'm working on, making phone calls, returning phone calls (hmmm...), picking up this little thing, and doing this little task, etc. Today I actually took the time to complete some of the little tasks that I needed to get done. And maaaaan, let me tell you, just that little bit of effort that I exerted led to some big results. Those big results are the things that I love doing, yet those results could not take place without the little ones. In honor of the NBA playoffs, I'll use a basketball analogy. It is that player that spent a little extra time after practice working on his game that shows up biggest in the actual game. Therefore we need to view the little things in our life as the preparation, practice, and foundation for our all star performance in life. I'll end this post with one of my favorite proverbs:

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Identity Theft: Don't Let Others Define You

125-thumb-A list of All Credit Cards in USA-100


Many people find themselves living life according to the way other people feel they should. This leaves us depressed, unfulfilled, dependent, and weak. People will always try to define who you are in order for them to fit you into their little boxes so they can manage you better. It is up to you to paint the internal picture of who you are and stay true to it even when others try to attack and mold your person into something else. Who you are created to be is a lifelong discovery process that belongs to only you and God. There may be a select few who are chosen to embark on the journey with you, but you are the captain of the ship and their affirmation should only be confirmations of who you already know you are. If you let others define you, you are giving up the power of pursuing your own destiny. It is tough not to buy into what family members, friends, bosses, pastors, teachers, spouses, and the media say about you. But you must develop an internal strength that resolves to be all you were made to be regardless of peoples opinions.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Take Charge of Your Life (Or It Will Take Charge of You)



Opinion: I am a person who believes that a lot of what happens to a person in their life is the result of decisions that they have made.
-Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs

Your locus of control level, meaning the degree to which you agree with the opinion above, will shade how you interpret this blog post. With that said, lets begin.

Life is full of external circumstances that are out of our control. Yet we can control how we react to these circumstances and what we let them shape us into. Notice I said "control", we do have a great degree of power in how our lives turn out. Whether disadvantaged or privileged, black or white, tall or short, rich or poor, this is a common gift that the Almighty has blessed us with,the gift of pro activity. We can be the catalyst in our own lives that helps us to experience all life has to offer, better yet all we have to offer (potential wise). But we must make a conscience effort to be this (day in and day out). Life can be full of hardships, turmoil, pain, and suffering. Yet we do not have to be the victim of it. I personally believe and have become convinced that through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, persistence, and dedication we can all have a high quality of life. Your definition of a high quality of life may differ from mine, but that is irrelevant. As long as you are in a place where you are at peace, you have achieved the high life.

Therefore, it is up to the individual to decide to take life by the horns and produce all that they were created to produce. Indecisiveness, too much partying, lack of focus, laziness, being irresponsible, and letting others think for us will lead to deep sorrow in the long run (though it may bring temporary pleasure now). People that have the greatest joy and fulfillment are those that take active roles in charting the course for their lives (though this may bring temporary pain now).

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Growth is Pain (But turns to Strength)

oak tree Pictures, Images and Photos

The benefit of the end result is what most people envision and desire. We are motivated by reaching a better quality of life mentally, physically, spiritually, financially,relationally, etc. I could go on and on. The hard truth though is that we must undergo some pain to reach greater heights. The painful process involved in realizing our potential has the wonderful affect of making us humble, appreciative, and level headed (at least it should). Growth in any area of life makes us vulnerable and this is why most people are unable to grow. They don't want to go through the humiliation, confusion, sorrow, and loneliness (sometimes) that growth requires. It is human nature to run from pain and pursue pleasure. But there is no way we can escape experiencing pain in this life. Furthermore, no one could know real pleasure without going through pain. Think of a time that you overcame a painful time in your life. Didn't it make you stronger? Doesn't it give you greater confidence knowing that you overcame? Well then, a challenge I pose to you friends (as well as myself) is to attempt to embrace pain and realize that it is a fundamental and imperative component of our growth. I know it's easier said than done. Even as I write this, I shudder to think of having to undergo more painful experiences. But in the end friends, we will be as strong and beautiful as the oak tree, able to provide shelter, wisdom, and strength to those who look up to us that are also going through their growth process.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Man Up Soldier!!!

Conquer

The old saying goes "You reap what you sow". Yet many people don't want to face the consequences of what they have planted. Or they don't want to sow what is necessary for future success. To be specific, there are many young men who get girls pregnant and don't want to take on the responsibility of raising the child. Further, there are people who love to shop with borrowed money, but do not want to deal with paying their debts back. The point is, we have to get to the point where we embrace accountability for the choices we have made and deal with them, rather than waiting on others to rescue us or choosing not to deal with them all together. One sign of maturity is being willing to accept the outcome of one's actions whether good or bad. We do ourselves and others a tremendous disservice when we refuse to take ownership of our choices. Proof of this is found in all of the single mother homes, failed relationships, failed business ventures, etc. We all at some point have to Man Up and face reality. Only when we do this, can we walk a higher path that is worth being emulated by others.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

New Beginnings in Long Beach

Hey Friends, just wanted to give you guys a little update on what's going on in my neck of the woods. My wife and I just relocated to the beautiful city of Long Beach. We live downtown, right in the thick of it all, which is my cup of tea. Maybe some of you have been wondering why you haven't seen a blog or tweet from me for a minute, well now you know why. We are still settling in, so my communication may be a little slower over the next couple of months, but rest assured I got plenty of ideas and new inspiration to deliver to everyone when everything comes together. This is a very exciting time for me and it feels good to be closer to my origins. With that said, thanks for the love and support. Stay tuned.

R.E.B.E.L.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Keep Your Vision in Front of You

How does one stay consistently motivated? By keeping their vision in front of them. Be sure to give time to your passion on a daily basis.Don't allow your dreams to collect dust,and if they have, dust them off and get back on track. Your vision will not fulfill itself. It takes dedication and perseverance. Talk about your vision often with people whom you can trust and read books that inspire you toward your vision. If you envision who you want to be and where you want to be, you can get there. Life has an interesting way of making us lose sight of our pursuits. We get entangled with problems, worries, bills, jobs, and forget about our passion. No wonder why so many people are miserable! Don't let that happen to you. Spend at least 10 minutes a day working on your passion, increase that time once it turns into a habit. The more you let your vision consume your mind,it will feel as if the opportunities that get you closer to that vision appear more frequently. Stay with it!!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Narrow Your Focus to Achieve Maximum Results

Many people try to be a jack of all trades. The problem with this is that when you are good at several things, it is impossible to be great at any one of them. It is tempting to try to do everything yourself, perhaps you feel more productive when you juggle multiple projects at one time. But your results will be minimal if this pattern persists. To achieve maximum results you must narrow your focus, zero in on your present project, and lock in to what is necessary to do it well. It is better to complete one tasks well and then move onto your other interests once it is complete. Now if you are one of the unfortunate souls, like me, who are not in the position or have the luxury to just concentrate on one task at a time, what you can do is budget your time for the different tasks you are working on. The time that you budget to each task is only for that particular task, you don't concentrate on any other ones during that period. Using this method may cause you to take a little longer in finishing your work, but you will produce better work, which is what your goal is right?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Empower Others and Increase Your Influence.

The best leaders are those that empower those that follow to become leaders themselves. True leaders want those that follow them to become independent so that the leader is no longer needed by them. Not that the main leader loses his/her value, but they have raised their followers to fly on their own and to teach others to do the same. That is the mark of great leadership. Leadership is not about hoarding power or making others submit to you. It is about casting vision, leading by example, and producing lasting results. A position or title does not make you or I a leader,influence does. Influence must be earned by demonstrating skill,integrity, reliability, and strength in your day to day activities. You must first be granted permission to influence those you seek to influence (even if you've been given a position over them).