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NOW PRINT & DIGITAL
THE
SUCCESS
JANELLE MONAE
ISSUE
SPONSORED BY:
Oct. | Nov. 2013 iamtopflight.com 1 3.2 Vol
CONTENTS
features Pg 6
Birdman on Gaining and Maintaining Success Pg 8
Pg 12
Kill Procrastination
Meeting The One - The Only Tamar Braxton Pg 14 Floyd Mayweather Beating All Odds
Pg 20 Are There Laws To Success? A Look Inside History & Philosophy Pg 26 COVER STORY Let’s Jam! Introducing Janelle Monae as the Electric Lady
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FROM THE EDITOR Who are you? What do you want to do with yourself? I mean… you’re alive so that’s a viable question to really think about. Here’s a moment for you to sit back and ponder on that concept. Floyd Mayweather took the time to answer that question for him-self. He’s proven him-self to be an outstanding and accomplished boxer. Before that, he came to a crossroad where he had to make a definite decision about his future. Did you know that Mayweather was an inch close from being taken over by the streets? Did you know that another great in physical combat named Bruce Lee came to a point where he had to ask himself that same question? “Who do I want to be?” Well, in Lee’s case he answered that question by writing it down in the form of a Definite Chief Aim; Lee then took action to make it happen! Action is the key, make no mistake about it! That was the same point Brian “Baby” Williams (of YMCMB and Cash Money) made when he discussed how he became successful. He said he makes a plan and then works that plan. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “work” as, “a job or activity that you do regularly especially in order to earn money”. Let’s take a deeper look inside this definition (I see key words: job, do, regularly, and money). Now, I have a new question: What activity are you doing regularly to make money? [I think we’re getting somewhere now]! As for Singer Janelle Monae, she recently released her new album “The Electric Lady” and now she is currently working on tour! She performs regularly for her earning! What are you doing regularly to earn yours? I hope you’re pumped up now! Welcome to the success issue of Top Flight Magazine! Get energized to read the success stories of Floyd Mayweather, Bruce Lee, Brian Baby Williams and Janelle Monae! In these pages you will find how these different figures enjoyed the fruits of their labor by consistently working their dream. The good news is that you can do the same thing. As you read, feel free to get comfortable and get out a pen and pad. Jot down some notes and apply their success advice to your life; or just enjoy some good ‘ole magazine reading! As always remember to write the plan, make it clear and let’s get motivated!
Journalistically yours,
Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Photographer Dede Jackson Contributing Writers Das’Ja Thomas Mohammed Luwemba Nia Annesha Bria Brown Art Director Tyrone Owens, Jr. Sales Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com 248-783-6037
Cryss Walker Chief Editor @iamtopflight topflightmag@gmail.com
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-JAY Z "PICASSO BABY� Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) - Motivational Song of the Month
" I just want a Picasso in my casa, no, my castle! " I just want a Picasso in my casa, no, my castle! 6
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Photo Credit: Birdman Official 7 iamtopflight.com Facebook Page
Birdman on Gaining and Maintaining Success A Top Flight Mag Research Story
“It was like we were living a dream. I was 21- 22-years-old, with $40-50 million...I’m more of a hustler than a spender. I like to let my money sit and make more...go get more!” -Brian Baby Williams rguably one of the most commercially successful labels in history, Cash Money Records is ran by two brothers from New Orleans, Ronald “Slim” and Brian “Baby” Williams. Music Industry veteran Vernom Brown (who worked with them for over a decade) says they don’t like to lose. Artist like Lil Wayne, who sold one million records in one week, helps to keep Cash Money relevant and on top.
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Both Cash Money Executives and Wayne say it comes from hard work. When Baby was independent, Cash Money Records distributed an album every month! Those albums would sell between 30,000 to 100,000 units- generating almost $1-2 million dollars in two months time according to the self-proclaimed Birdman. Suitors, such as Universal Records, saw their progress and offered them a deal.
It’s been quoted by inside sources that Baby does this for image purposes. It’s apart of his plan and he has a reason behind every thing he does. He agrees that having money brings on different problems, but he’s happy to be able to take care of his family. Baby says he manages his money by surrounding himself with good people and he stays “getting money” because he felt that one day he would need to fall back on his money and that day surely came.
The Birdman admits that he was a victim of Hurricane Katrina, where he lost 20 houses and 50 cars. The Williams Brothers picked themselves up and diversified their brands with ring-backs, ring-tones, digital downloads and by producing different music genres (such as signing Rocker Kevin Rudolph and Rap/Pop artists Nicki Minaj and Drake). Slim says that Cash Money adapted to the era of multi-media; and as a company, they The Williams Brothers wanted ownership of their continue to strategize on ways to capitalize in the Masters and 85 percent of their royalties, which industry. lead to a $30 million distribution deal. They demanded it! They wanted dollars, not pennies. Now, they enjoy an unapologetic lavish lifestyle (hood rich if you will)! Baby said when he was younger he always had dreams of jewelry and cars, so he went for it- and flaunts it. 8
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Kill Procrastination: It’s Time and The Time Is NOW!
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hat did you want to do when you woke up this morning? Was it going to the store, paying bills or visiting your sick grandmother? Did you do anything you planned on doing today? If not, I hope there is a good reason for it! Here are a few tips that may help you slowly discipline yourself to meet your goals, one small step at a time.
1.
Make success apart of your daily routine: Start with small, manageable task for the day. You can do this by making a list when you wake up in the morning. Put the smallest task first (i.e. get gas, go to the grocery store or pay bills). End your list with the heavier things (i.e. start on a term paper, apply for jobs or research business ideas)
2. 3.
Give yourself a reward for completing your mission: What do you like after a long day of work? Is it enjoying a glass of wine, your favorite TV show or a hot bubble bath? Whatever your guilty pleasure is, make sure you reward yourself with that!
Decrease going out on a “whim”. Plan your task and execute! Planners are winners! I guarantee you that whatever President Barack Obama has to do on any given day, it’s planned! He wins because he plans and thinks ahead. You can do the same, in your own little way!
It’s time to WIN! Winners don’t procrastinate! Get it done, then reward yourself with a little fun!
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Photo Credit: Tamar Braxton Official Facebook Page
Meeting The One - The Only Tamar Braxton By: Bria Brown
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etroit Seafood Market housed the intimate meet and greet for Tamar Braxton. The cover of her second album Love and War graced the walls and tables, while the fifth track, ‘All The Way Home’ filled the atmosphere. A crowd under fifty sipped and mingled while waiting for ‘The One’ to arrive. When her white truck pulled up quiet whispers began to grow louder.
and greet was coming to a close and Tamar’s team asked for people who hadn’t been able to take pictures earlier to take them then.
Everyone was excited for the highly anticipated album, and couldn’t wait for it to drop. Love and War ranked in the Top 10 on soul albums in the first week. This is not a shock to her true fans (who have been with her every step of the way). In the end, the The Absolute Princess, a radio personality for HOT intimate brunch made you love Tamar that much 107.5 took the mic to announce Tamar Braxton. As more. She did that! Braxton entered the room, the crowd rushed to be closer. Surprisingly, Tamar was very calm. Before it was time to meet her fans, Tamar thanked HOT BriaBrown 107.5 and Detroit for always showing her love. & Tamar Braxton None of her slang came out until it was time to capture the moments! Though she was “dressed down” from what we normally see the fashionista wear, her ripped skinny’s with a nude flowy camisole, layered with a brown cardigan and platform nude heels- showed off her post baby body. Throughout the intimate setting Vince, Tamar’s spouse, was popping back and forth into the restaurant letting his wife soak up all the lime light. Every now and then, someone would inch over to Vince and ask for a picture. This power couple works hard in everything they do, which shows why they are on top. Detroit Seafood Market prepared a buffet style meal which included a salad, battered shrimp, rice, and sesame chicken. While everyone ate, Tamar and Vince relaxed in a comfy booth filled with drinks. The meet 13 iamtopflight.com
Photo Credit: Floyd Mayweather's Official Facebook Page
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FLOYD MAYWEATHER
BEATING ALL ODDS A Top Flight Mag Research Story
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is father went away to prison and he was approached by a friend to get in the drug game. Floyd Mayweather replied saying, “I’m with it, let’s go”. He and his friend traveled to another guy’s house and something inside of the young Mayweather told him to turn around. His friend continued and the boxing champion admits that his friend is now dead. He is pleased with his decision to walk away from a future in the streets and triumphantly states he made a way for himself, despite societal opposition. “I beat all odds...I’m better than you because of how many weight classes I’ve been to! Mentally, I’m ready. Physically, I’m ready. The Money Team is in full effect. It’s money, power and respect.” He said that it’s about the money and being the best of all time. He’s building his legacy and it means the world to him. It’s about winning for Mayweather who says he’s not like any other athlete, because he works harder than any other athlete.
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According to “Pretty Boy Floyd” all work is easy work to him, as he holds an undefeated 16-yearrecord. He loves boxing, he says it’s what he does best. The boxing champ states that he was built for it and likes the smell of the gloves! This is the passion that drives him and with every punchnow he’s number one in his weight class in the world! He literally “beat” all odds! Clap for him.
Photo Credit: Floyd Mayweather's Official Facebook Page
To purchase an ad or for advertising inquiries, email topflightmag@gmail.com or call 248.783.6037
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-JAY Z "PICASSO BABY� Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) - Motivational Song of the Month
" Marble floors,
gold ceiling, Oh, what a feeling... I want a billion! "
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ARE THERE LAWS TO SUCCESS?
A Look Inside History and Philosophy A Top Flight Mag Research Story
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isualize where you want to see yourself (successful, rich, prominent or otherwise), and write it! There are old concepts that have been written over history that outlines what it takes to be successful. In recent times, people have called it the “secret” and in biblical principles it’s called “faith”, but Author Napoleon Hill (of Think and Grow Rich) calls it science.
II. Write it down. After you have figured out your purpose, take out a clean piece of paper and a good flowing pen! Write down your “definite chief aim” and make sure it’s dated. This will help you to remember the first day of your future and the last day of your past!
III. Sign your statement! Make it official. Take what you wrote seriously, just as serious as you “I say empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like would take any legal document and write your sigwater. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes a nature on the document. cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it into a tea pot, it becomes the tea pot. IV. Place your new written purpose where Now water can flow, or it can crash. Be water my you can see it daily. This will allow for the idea of attraction to take place! This will be your daily friend.” reminder that you are purpose driven! - Bruce Lee V. Read it aloud to yourself at least once a After over 20 years of research, Hill drafted the day. This will help your mind absorb that purpose, “The Laws of Success”, which is a detailed, 500-plus visualize it and over time, produce the behaviors page outline on how to get exactly what you want which result in the fruition of that goal! out of life. The laws are then applied to your “definite chief aim”, which is a basic mission statement *NOTE: Hill states that this process is intended to be done on a consistent basis. He notes that it will for your life that echoes your purpose. not work if only performed every so often. This In 1973, Martial Arts Actor Bruce Lee wrote out would require some restructuring and discipline… his “Definite Chief Aim” and embarked on a jour- by the way…which is something you already have, ney to realizing almost every word. In it he clearly if you believe so! stated his life’s purpose and goals. Although Lee died before 1980 (which was the year he predicted “When I look around I always learn something and to make $10 million), his goal of becoming Amer- that is to be always yourself and to express yourica’s first highest paid Oriental Actor came into self…to have faith in yourself. Do not go out and fruition. If you possess the desire to be the author look for a successful personality and duplicate it... of your own fate, follow these steps and put Hill’s how can I be me?” theory to the test! -Bruce Lee I. First you need to figure out your “Definite Chief Aim”. Think about what you really want to do in life. Is it being a teacher, parent, philanthropist, actor…or otherwise? Take a few moments of seclusion and self-analyze what makes you happy. Think about how you want to make a living and what you need to do achieve that goal. 21 iamtopflight.com
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-JAY Z "PICASSO BABY� Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) - Motivational Song of the Month
OH what a feeling, aw, f*** it, I want a trillion!
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SOCIAL MEDIA www.iamtopflight.com I Am Top Flight
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LETS JAM! Introducing Janelle Monae as the Electric Lady By: Cryss Walker
She’s only 27- years- old with the soul of a baby-boomer. She’s not new to the scene, but she has a new album! She was on one of the biggest hits of 2011, featuring on Fun’s “We Are Young”, which proves she’s made her way up the musical ladder, that’s planted on a strong foundation. She’s the “Electric Lady”. She’s Janelle Monae.
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his petite- energetic Elle sure knows how to no cracks in those vocals! Much zeal returned as move a crowd and rock great hair; plus she she crooned about a past love and said, “Whew! sings, raps and really loves to dance! We were rock and roll; like king and queen”. The crowd gathered and performed the Electric-Slide, Janelle Monae surely has a delightful spirit, with as if we were kin at the family reunion. We danced humble beginnings. She spoke on how she worked until we sweated. It was an experience. at Office Depot while living in Atlanta, GA by way of Kansas, with big dreams and even bigger talent. Even with her confident and self-in-tuned demeanor, Janelle Moane says she gets down someHer dance moves are just as electric as her song times; admitting that she cries and may even have with Solange Knowles- where J.M. says, “Some doubts. From that feeling she was inspired to songs are made to jam to, and this is one of them!” be “Victorious”, which is another track from the “Electric Lady”. That was just right. “Electric Lady” is that and more…made to energize the soul of music lovers- “To be victorious you must find glory in the little eccentric and beyond. The passion is definitely things. Live life as though you don’t know when clear. She had the floors shaking! Literally! you’re expiration date is, so dance like it’s the apocalypse. *Smash! Smash! Bang! Bang! Don’t stop! In a private studio in Oak Park, MI, Monae deco- Cha-lang-a-lang-a-lang! (*last line from her track rated the place with real grass, candles and flow- “Dance Apocolyptic”) ers. It was an invite-only event and she made every one feel welcomed. The only thing that wasn’t -Janelle Monae welcomed was shoes. Black and white socks were provided- as spectators paced the floors, awakening the visual aura of piano keys. In a gracious tone she described her album “Electric Lady” with a glare in her eyes and passion in her words. She painted a musical picture of life, love and woman-hood. Beyond the music, the hair was everything! Her signature French-roll styled hair- with a curl draped at the top of her head, like a beautiful center-piece on a table, she confidently turned the music up to the max and boastfully belted, “Let’s jam!” Her small-yet curvaceous build got to moving! Janelle Monae’s excitement was so high that it transferred and made the coolest get up and dance! That was the feel of the album. That was the feel of her spirit. Her voice was flawless! Yes! She sang her single “Primetime” (featuring Miguel) live and there were
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-JAY Z "PICASSO BABY” Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) - Motivational Song of the Month
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