What Fuels your Drive?

Simple. Music. Growing up I had a mega - fascination with the hip hop culture and community. It started with my brother introducing me to Tupac and Biggie at around 11 years old (might have been too young) which led into me playing club basketball in communities in which hip hop was one its main influences, such as neighborhoods in Harlem, Yonkers and the Bronx. Hip hop inspired me to get into basketball and basketball exposed me to communities and extremely important people in my life I would have never met if it wasn't for this game. What this did was for the first time I saw what it's like to be as paranoid and hungry for success every damn day, before this all I knew as comfort which I am very fortunate for; however, I needed to see what vulnerability and passion looked like in front of my two eyes. The immense dedication I saw these kids take part it showed to myself; no matter what I go into I am going full steam ahead, even if I sacrifice hanging out or sometimes even family events I am not going to be freaking mediocre.

Fast forward to 2019 I am absolutely obsessed with working out and all things self-help and motivation. Now, let's take a closer as to what starts my day.

• I immediately turn on Beethoven's Sonata No. 14 and realign my mind to sharpen my clarity for the day, from the jump, Beethoven runs through my speaker as I take my cold morning shower.
• Next, my zen playlist which often times is solely the sound of waves runs through my ears as I map everything out.
• For work & school-related material, I turn on a dynamic flurry of chill house, alternative rock, and some rap along with motivational words from David Goggins, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Joe Rogan.
• My commute to the gym and at the gym is ever so consistent of my favorite hype music in which contains music from the likes of my favorite rapper, Nipsey Hussle, Drake, Future and Meek Mill.
• Throughout the day I go through literally everything. I listen and follow my moods and whatever my brain/body needs to help me maintain a certain harmony of peace & motivation.
• As I wrap my day up my zen playlist nurtures me to bed.

Music is what catapults me every damn day! In a way that I have become reliant on because of how it has drastically affected me as a person and is continuing to develop me as a young adult and young professional. It keeps me humble, aggressive, peaceful and caring. Music is what fuels me... what fuels you?

This Article is dedicated to the ICONIC Ermias Joseph Asghedom or known to the masses as 'Nipsey Hussle'. You have motivated myself and countless others to shoot and act upon their dreams every day, to push yourself and the people around you to your limits on a daily basis and to stop at nothing short of greatness. You were loved by your family, friends and peers.

"Longwinded, running through this life like it was mine

Never settling, but setting every goal high

One thousand burpees on the path to my own destruction or success

But what is a mistake without the lesson?

See, the best teacher in life is your own experience

None of us know who we are until we fail

They say every man is defined by his reaction to any given situation

Well who would you want to define you?

Someone else or yourself?

Whatever you do, homie, give your heart to it

And stay strong"

• Nipsey Hussle

Thanks for reading,

Benny 6/30