Last week, I had the honor of being invited to participate in the Hearst Publication’s Ultimate Prom 2009 kick-off.
Each season, MyPromStyle.com plans a dream prom for a high school in New York City, complete with red carpet, celebrities, and big prom concert! Last year, St. Francis Prep earned the prom with performances by JoJo, Ashanti, and Lloyd. This year, the students at the School for Fashion Industries earned the party and to my surprise, chose me as their guest. When I got the invitation, I absolutely had to accept.
When I turn on my radio, I hear plenty of songs about being paid, getting money and spending it on the luxuries of life. The hope, the promise and the potential that I witnessed that day in the eyes of those students reminds me that it’s just as rewarding to pay it forward as it is to get paid. Though we often take it for granted, time (especially time spent encouraging one another) is a luxury that we can all afford to spend!
Last month I visited Shade 45 Radio and announced that I’d be “launching the most unprecedented on-line campaign anyone has ever seen in history”:
I’ve watched labels and artists take advantage of the blueprint that I laid out in 2005 on ns4life.com and I’m happy to see that some have enjoyed incredible success with that model. Somehow, no-one’s been able to do it like we do it at NextSelection…you know, daily video updates from the artist. I stress DAILY, VIDEO, and ARTIST. That’s why I’m back to do it the way it’s supposed to be done.
I’ve read all the comments around the blogosphere (good and critical) of my album cover (shot by my friend Armen Djerrahian) and I say – it’s about the MUSIC. I know what I like – and if you like music that makes you feel good, I’m sure you’ll get into my album and into this right here:
When you watch the video again, make sure you look for the following NextSelection friends and family (in order of appearance): Zina Star, Rich Dollaz, Joy Leslie, Steven Galgano, Evan Rogers, Steve Graham, Brandon Fletcher, Willie Caba, Mike Norris, the top of Ed Woods’ head, Shiv Pandya, Yamill Vallecillo, Fabrizio Brienza (blurry on the couch), Noémie Lenoir, Jose “Jaq” Quezada, Debbie Weinberg, & Daytona Jones.
…And on my album cover – shout out to Corey Shapiro for the vintage Ray-Ban frames, Lyndon Mackenzie @ Reiss for the v-neck, Roger Hinds (my tailor in Boston) for the jeans, Dean & Dan Caten (as well as Rigo Lora and Anna Voorhees) of DSquared2 for the chain. Frida Giannini from Gucci…though I’ve yet to meet you, I respect what you’re doing at Gucci so I’m rockin’ your belt.
Looking for more? New to the Ryan Leslie experience? Make sure to check out the About Me and About My Site sections. Want to stay in touch? Put your info in my BlackBerry. Want a “Diamond Girl” tee? Get one in my store. Stay tuned and God bless!
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