Fresh into this new age bracket of "25-30" I expected to just magically be "old" lol. I still feel youthful. Youthful in creativity. Youthful in being able to adapt to situations with ease. Youthful in imagination. In contrast I have also slowly witnessed my change in thought process. Change in attire. And change in music selection. It wasn't much of a change at all though. More of an evolution. With my thought process I learned to be less selfish. Realizing your decisions aren't just about you anymore. Realizing that your choices can directly have an impact on the people around you. People that mean a lot to you. People you care a lot about. The last people you want to disappoint are the people that support you the most and want to see you do great for yourself.
As I type this post I've been listening to Erykah Badu's latest release "But You Caint Use My Phone". The way today's music as a culture has shifted its hard for me to find music that I actually enjoy. Lyrics, rhythm, overall sound. I've discovered a huge appreciation for neo-soul. Erykah Badu, The Internet, Bryson Tiller, Alina Baraz, Sam Smith, Jill Scott have all been in my ears the past few months. I got asked the other day "what new music you listening to" by a friend and it was hard for me to answer. I knew he wouldn't understand me breaking down The Internet's latest tape or how Erykah has something dropping in a couple days. I can't keep up with today's music. There's a new mixtape in rap every week! Don't get it confused. I still play my Fly U, Dom K, Migos, Drake, Jay, Ye, Cole and Future when it's time to brighten my mood but I find myself wanting to have my mind at ease after long days. 75% of the time I just want something soothing to listen to as I smoke my cigar and drink my Crown Black. I just want to relax. Neo-Soul puts me in that comfort zone.
The clothes I wore about 2-3yrs ago are getting throw out the closet. I would call it a spring cleaning but I can actually still fit them. They just don't represent the person I am and the places I want to go. 3 years ago I was a manager at Journeys and a key holder in Huntsville's first street wear boutique. Believe it or not Diamond Supply, Pink Dolphin, Stussy, 10 Deep, and all your other favorite brands that are hot now were almost sitting on the shelf for weeks then. The trend of streetwear now was what I wore in 2010. It all repetitive and lacks originality. After my closet cleaning I only own about 3 graphic tees. Mostly Stussy and Obey. Nothing obscene with wacky colors. Classic and clean cut. Though I am still an avid sneaker lover I haven't been making the same purchases I did years ago. I don't buy the Jordans every weekend. I'm not up all night waiting for Yeezys. I have had my eye on this one particular pair of brown double monk strap Aldo's though! Being in the army my wardrobe has downsized dramatically. I don't have to worry about what I'm going to wear tomorrow. It's the same ACUs (Army Combat Uniform) as yesterday and the day before. I can't wait for the weekend or some type of event to actually wear clothes. I only purchased 4 sneakers ALL of 2015. If you know me you'd think I was lying because I used to get 4 pairs in 4 weeks. Progress. Evolution.