Eeb's Mind

i am happy.

2011-05-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

even if it is just a facebook status update or a simple tweet. how you feel can all begin with words. words are thoughts and thoughts are merely ideas. who's to say that the way you feel can't stem from a written idea?

recently i've been tweeting the way i've been feeling, not to gain sympathy or comfort from folks i don't know, but simply to journalize my feelings. i realize that twitter is public forum, but sometimes opening up and showing your vulnerability and relatedness, whether it be to 1 person or a 1 million people, helps with the growth.

i guess what i've learned, is that instead of journalizing my current mental state, why not suggest to myself how i want to feel in the not so distant future? we make 5 year plans, that involve our careers, family and overall quality of life, so why not make a short term goal of how we want our mind to feel?

saying or writing down goals or ideas of any kind is one thing, practicing what you document is another. but everything begins with an idea. if you didn't become a rock star by the age you aspired to be one at, do you give up? i would hope not, but many do. that in mind, if one choses to persevere past their expiration date the possibilities can be endless and could result in either success or failure. who knows.

who's to say that things will happen by a certain date? can anyone accurately predict, through complex mathematical equation, when the world will end? obviously not.

*tangent*

turn your thoughts into words and your words into action. go.

if this entry reaches you, i hope it helps. and if it doesn't help, that's ok because i'll just read it over again and hone in on the words "i am happy." :)

e.

stick and stones *pause*, my words will always heal me.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2011 and then some :)

E.

It's been a while...

2010-10-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Life happens and updating all your million and one social networks becomes difficult.

I did a new video for you guys and hope you dig it:

InshAllah, everyone in your world, including yourself, are keeping well :)

Ebrahim

Live Sessions Volume 2!

2010-05-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

BPD (By Popular Demand - cool acronym huh?)

To anyone who still reads this blog, this one's for you. My Live Sessions Volume II Mixtape:

Ebrahim - Live Sessions Volume II by eebsofresh

In addition to the Live Sessions, I also threw in 2 exclusive tracks that won't be available on my new album.

Much love!

Beat Making 101

2010-02-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

I often get asked what equipment I'm using to create my YouTube videos, so I figured I'd give you a glimpse into my 150 sq ft. home studio as well my creative process.

The KORG Kaossilator is a recent addition to my gear family, although it's been on the market for a couple years now. I'd rate it 3 out of 5 stars as it's easy and fun to use, but is also very limited in functionality.

NERD out.

BANGER¡

2010-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

It's been 4-5 months since I last blogged and so I just wanted to say "Hi".

I've been traveling a little and have been blessed to have met and worked with some amazing people in the last couple months.

My new album is basically done. Now please forgive me for the word selection I'm about to use, but it's a BANGER.

Thank you for being patient as you know I'm just trying to get this right.

Zebrahim

Kanye East - 909's and Disc Brakes

2009-09-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

I intended on writing a little something on the whole "VMA Fiasco", but paused for a minute to absorb all angles of the situation. Without jumping on either the "Bash K. West" or "Console T. Swift" bandwagons I decided to approach this from another perspective and present to you something completely irrelevantly relevant:

KJ - Repeat (Slakah the BeatChild remix)

Cut the judgmental bullsh!t and long live REAL music.

Theordor Seuss Geisel is Youer than YOU!

2009-09-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself, any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss

Looking back at his work, 20 years later, tells me 1 of 3 things:

1) brilliant before his time
2) hallucinogen overdose.
3) both 1 and 2

Cheers, Seuss Dizzle!

Before the glitz and the auto-tune...

2009-09-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

...there was this:

.:DOWNLOAD:.
Drake - Between Us (ft. Slakah the Beatchild) produced by Häzel

Drake
Häzel
Slakah the Beatchild

Proud to know these boys and privileged to share this track 99.7% of you haven't even heard :)

sneezy

Ebrahim MixTAPE?

2009-07-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

A lot of you have been asking if my YouTube videos are available as mp3's, so you know I had to piece together a little "mixtape" for you. I don't even know why people call them "mixtapes" anymore, since we've long surpassed tapes, now onto CDs and soon moving on to some new form of audio technology.

So in the spirit of keeping it street/hood/ghetto, here's the link to my exclusive Live Sessions MixTAPE:

Ebrahim - Live Sessions Volume I by eebsofresh

Get it, share it and enjoy :)

zebrahim

I'm not going to lie...

2009-07-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

...but this is pretty cool:

okayplayer link

True, I've been nominated for a Juno, featured on MTV and Britney Spear's website, but you have to realize...I've been following Okay P since I was 18. To finally be featured on their site, in whatever capacity, is a huge honor.

Respect, Shamz.

O.H. be sure to leave a comment @ the okayplayer link!

One of my most favorite people :)

2009-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's a privilege to call him my friend.

We teamed up on 6 songs for my last album and we've joined forces, yet again, for my new piece.

Do what the song says.

bye

"Stop with the politics and stick with the music"

2009-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Let me break it down...

The purpose of my blog is not to talk 100% music, 100% of the time. If you stumbled upon this blog expecting me to discuss all topics music, you've come to the wrong place. My statements in my blog are not "informations to my fans" as much as they're pieces of my mind.

So to the dude who responded to my "Now don't get me wrong" post, you've obviously missed the point of what I was to getting at and that's cool. And if my reply to your reply seems harsh and rude...I'm human and I'm entitled to feel the way I feel just as you are about me.

blah blah blah

Michael Jackson + Aaliyah = Rock Rock On

2009-07-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

eeb out

Now don't get me wrong.

2009-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

I 100% sympathize for the innocent victims caught in the crossfire of the recent Iranian political standoff. What I'm finding difficult to grasp is why the world has turned to a blind eye to Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and countess others. It's as though "people are looking for something to stand up for RIGHT NOW vs. something ongoing and unmentioned." - a friend. Do we need visual proof of human suffering in order to take a stand? Have we forgotten about the images of the Palestinian father who was shielding his son from point blank, enemy fire, only to find them both left for dead?

Love me or hate me for this I really don't give a shit, but don't just stand up for one thing while forgetting about the rest.

My tears hold no solidarity to one particular nation or region. Neda Soltani's untimely departure was just a sad, but (un)necessary reminder of human injustice world wide.

Concerned Citizen

Enough about me!

2009-05-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm usually talking about MYself in MY blog, so I decided to shift things up.

For the last little while I've been hearing a lot of people say stuff like "Man, there's no good music these days" or "I'm making hits over here, playa! RECOGNIZE!" Seriously though, whether it's crap or a gem...it's something. There's an audience for it and whether you choose to listen to it or not is entirely up to you.

This leads me to a find Häzel put me on while back. LITTLE DRAGON. The band is exceptional and Yukimi is possibly one of the best front(wo)men on the planet, to say the least. You decide, but if you don't like it I don't like you :P

e to the...

Almost forgot...

2009-05-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

...that I had a blog! hahaha Twitter, Myspace, Facebook annnnnnnnd a Blog?! Please computer tech N.E.R.D.S. of the world, do not create another online networking platform. I'm running out of a headspace!

Needed to take a breather while working on my new album so I pieced together this little funbag for you:

Oh ya...so where's my "VIDEO" at?! Well, it's been pushed back a little. I promise we're going to come correct with it though ;)

Thanks for watching and listening!

peeeeeeeeeeeace

No video?! No problem!

2009-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to apologize for the lack of frequency with the updates! If you've visited my site lately and scrolled down the NEWS section you probably read that there were to be two music videos coming to you last fall. So where are they?! Haha Well, just like anything else, life has its unexpected moments, so there has been a little delay. I promise you, however, what we are about to deliver is truly special! For the time being you can visit www.youtube.com/eebsofresh and watch me act a fool...haha

Oh and I have a new one for ya...

Peace

Ebrahim and Britney Spears...WHAAA?

2009-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hahha no no no not what you think. I was little on the decline inspiration wise for the past little bit, so I took precious moment, pulled out my sampler and a mic, and decided to take a Britney Spears oldie and add a new twist to it. THAT'S RIGHT: Britney Spears! I haven't gone soft on ya, but I just needed to do a little something to get me lifted.

Check it out. Let me know what you're thinking:

Oh ya...Ms.Spears also added the vid to her little blog: http://www.britneyspears.com/videos/

p...p...p...peace!

Lest we forget

2009-01-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

In the midst of this current mid-east crisis it seems like things such as upcoming album drops and new singles releases are completely insignificant. Without getting preachy and doing my best to remain neutral, yet maintaining my solidarity, all I ask is for you to just take a moment and educate yourself on the situation. It's the least you can do.

This is one world and we're all part of it. Just because this is happening thousands of miles away doesn't give us the right to stand there with our hands in our pockets.

In spirit of this, I decided to share a song I wrote a while back called "I'm Free".

P.S. No this is not my form of shameless self-promotion rather than simply a means to help you recognize your significance to the world :)

Ebrahim

"Our villains are our best teachers"

2008-06-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sitting out on the back porch, catching up with some good friends on a cool crisp night. Discussing and politican about what's next on the horizon, but maintaining contentment with the current plane. My beautiful friend introduced me to this fantastic metaphor to life. "You know how you sometimes see a lone eagle, carefree and majestic in the sky?," she asked. "Occasionally you might witness a couple disgruntled crows who come and try to interrupt the eagle's flow." Who knows why the crows do this, but maybe they're just bitter, jealous or maybe they're just a couple of fools who grew up with a nasty upbringing. Whatever their intentions are, were and always will be, the eagle will always remain unphased and hip to the fact that he (or she) is the cream of the crop, the pick of the litter. Without bragging or boasting eagles have this way about them that almost seems effortless, humble and even God-like. They are, after all, God's creation so I guess it's an innate quality. We all have these qualities within us, so next time ask yourself: Are you an eagle or are you a crow?

Thanks Xochitl xoxo

In the Water - lyrics

2008-05-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know I told everyone I'd be posting lyrics on a regular basis, but things have been a little crazy as of late. Please forgive me.

So by popular demand here are the lyrics for "In the Water". For those of you who bob your head and sing along with this playful tune, please note this song is my little commentary on the political state of affairs going on in the U.S. Thus, the usage of G.W.B. intro. But don't let that keep your heads from bobbing! haha

Enjoy and I'll be back soon.

Peace

In the Water
-E. Lakhani, R. Barbaza-

Verse
He’s got
One hand on the trigger, man
Tail on this throne
Just light a fire on oil, watch him go
He’s a simple soul made of blood and gold
Just ask his daddy like he did two minutes ago

Pre
See it’s his party and he’s gonna make us watch him cry
We’re all invited whether we like it so hold on tight

Chorus
Something in the water tells me
That he is not alone
Million other fires are burning
But we just standing stone

Give it up, give it up, give it up give it up ba duh
Give it up, give it up, give it up give it up ba duh…yeah
Give it up, give it up, give it up give it up ba duh
Give it up, give it up, give it up give it up ba duh…yeah

Verse
Maybe I’m a fool while this dude is fresh
Although I can’t recall when I last burnt flesh
Like fishing on Sundays or driving on fairways
Maybe I’m going crazy

Chorus (2x)
Something in the water tells me
That he is not alone
Million other fires are burning
But we just standing stone
Something in the water tells me
That he is not alone
Just seen another mother crying
But we just let her go

Breakdown

Chorus (2x)
Something in the water tells me
That he is not alone
Million other fires are burning
But we just standing stone
Something in the water tells me
That he is not alone
Just seen another mother crying
But we just let her go

Tired of being tired

2008-03-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm tired, man. I'm tired of this constant struggle between my heart and my brain. My heart tries to pull me to the left, but my brain somehow finds a way to pull me right.

After numerous conversations with friends I'm left with the conclusion that no matter how much advice I take, the only one who can determine the outcome is me. But that just leads me back to the whole "heart vs. brain" struggle. I just need to figure out which ME I'm going to listen to.

You're probably like "what the hell is Eeb talking about?!" haha It's all good. I'm just talking to myself right now, hoping that maybe I'll come to an answer by the time I finish typing this blog.

My homeboy said something the other day that really stuck with me. It was something to the effect of "...it's the whole responsibility of actually being GOOD". We all have our insecurities, it's a matter overcoming them that I find the most challenging. I just need to remind myself of why I got into this whole thing in the first place. Should I aim to please or should I just aim?

I DO believe in myself, but I only wish I could see what others see in me. This is where my struggle begins and ends.

Still searching for an answer.

Peace

It's been a while.

2008-03-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

So looking at the date of my last "blog", it's been some months now. It's a new year ( 3 months in as a matter of fact), a lot of changes. Some setbacks, some miletones, a little bit of everything, but in the end I'm still the same ol'Eeb.

Rather than delve into the happenings of the past several months, I just wanted to touch on a little something as a reminder to myself if nothing else. Like I said things have been "busy". But what do I seriously mean by that? Was I so wrapped up and consumed with myself, trying to get my hustle on that I forgot about everything else around me?

My uncle passed away just yesterday ( God rest his soul ). He was a beautiful man, loved by every soul he ever touched. His passing served me as a reminder to never lose sight of family and loved ones no matter how consumed you may get with your own pursuits. We all get selfish sometimes, but there's a difference between selfish and forgetful. I think I've been a little of both lately. Not a good combo, Eeb, not a good combo.

To those of you who know me, whether we're blood, good friends, distant acquaintances or if you're just a random blog reader. I appreciate you. I'm not reborn or a new man or anything like that. I'm just in state of realizing all the things and people that are important to me.

Thanks for your time.

Peace

Lyrics, lyrics, lyrics!

2007-10-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

So, I've been getting tons of messages and emails about putting up lyrics for the songs that aren't in the booklet. I figured I'd do you all a service and provide a new song lyric each day.

Let me start from the top and begin with "E to the..."

Boys Choir
E to the…the B to the…H – I – M
E to the…the B to the…H – I – M

Talking
What you are about experience
Has not been influenced by corporations or suits.
This music is pure, unfiltered musical goodness
Inevitably reaching you at a pleasurable state
If you prepared to take a such a journey
Just sit back…

Verse
They call me E to the B – R – A – H – I – M
Hopefully you will know who I am
By the end of this song if you got any questions
Don’t be afraid to ask them
See I’m the nice guy with the nice smile
Most of the time I try to not lie
I’d like to think that my mama raised me right

They call me E to the B – R – A – H – I – M
Tip my hat to all my fam and friends
You’ve been saying it right from the very beginning
And for that my love I’m sending
Cuz that’s the name that my folks gave me
Growing up people called me Eeb
Now you know that my name is Ebrahim

Boys Choir
They call me E to the…the B to the…H – I – M
(R – A, R – A, R – A)
They call me E to the…the B to the…H – I – M
(R – A, R – A, R – A)

(and for those of you who think I don't know how to spell my own name...ya ya ya. Lets just call it "artistic freedom" ok? hahaha)

.............................

To all my Canadians, I hope you all had a pleasant long weekend! To everyone else, hope you all are taking the very best of care.

Peace

P.S. To Mr. Ryan Barbaza...miss you, bro! Bring me back a chocolate jock strap!

Big thanks!

2007-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey, all...

I just wanted to take a minute to personally thank everyone who has supported my album.

I'm in the process of getting ready to go on tour, so please keep checking this "blog" for detailed tour dates.

Forgive me if I'm not so good at this blogging business, but bear with me so I can get up to speed.

Peace