From Freddie Gibbs to Grammar Lessions, My 2014 Resolutions Posted by Lucas Garrison on 12/19/13 | Filed under Opinion

Earlier today, Nathan wrote a piece about trying to better himself by making smoking more weed one his resolutions, and because I don't want to look like the blogger who can't get introspective and better myself, I had to come up with my resolutions as well.

Listen To Rap Outside My Comfort Zone

One of Nathan's resolutions was to listen to more stuff that isn't hip-hop. I have always had a diverse palate and feel as though I am well rounded enough in grabbing from different genres, but when it comes to hip-hop, I think it would be good for me to really try out every kind of style and sub-genre. In 2013, I got really into southern hip-hop, which I never really dug before. Everyone was high on K.R.I.T, but aside from a few songs, I just wasn't too big on him; sure he was great, but it just wasn't what I considered, "my thing". Well I really forced myself to listen to him (specifically "Return Of 4eva") and before too long Krizzle was one of my favorite emcees in the game. I have even gotten into more southern hip-hop like UGK, Tito Lopez, and Big Sant too. It is a culture and style I have really grown appreciate, and I am so glad I gave it a chance.

We hip-hop heads are very opinionated and stalwart in our beliefs, but sticking your head in the sand and blasting that new underground rapper and nobody else is only hurting yourself. There is so much music out there and in the right context and with a little effort, you can appreciate and even love stuff that you never would have even considered before. So for me, I am going to try my best to put the backpack aside and really give everything an earnest listen. It might be a chore sometimes, but it will definitely make me a better connoisseur of the cadence. First on my list is Freddie Gibbs. I love his voice, but the content, isn't exactly my thing. I have listened to a few songs here and there (only the ones I love) so I am going to start of 2014 by really listening the shit out of Freddie. Who knows what doors will open or what you can find when you get out of your box.

Proofread More/Better

It has been a hell of a year for me and tomorrow will mark my 6-month anniversary as a daily writer here at RefinedHype. Going from a RefinedHype/DJBooth reader to writer is surreal. Sometimes I have to marvel at the fact that I am getting paid to write about Kanye and compiling the best Chappelle's show skits; it is a dream come true.

I have learned a lot but still have much to improve on. One of those things is proofreading. I typically don't respond to comments about it because getting in an internet war with a guy who created an account to tell me how much I suck does nothing, but I have been working at getting better. Anyone who writes for 10 hours a day (especially if that someone has a writing/learning disability) is bound to make a mistake here and there, but still, I know that to make RefinedHype the best it can be, I have to be extra aware and mindful of my errors. Part of me says "F it, its just a rap blog, not like a legal journal or anything" and while that is true to some degree, when the conversation goes from something in the article to a spelling or grammatical error it doesn't do any good, and the best way to avoid that is to stop it before it starts. There are a million things to during the day, but taking an extra few minutes to make sure all my shit is in order is worth it and I need to remind myself of that in 2014.

If any of you grammar professionals want to be RefinedHype's copy editor for free though, you are more than welcome too.

Expand My Vinyl Collection

Back in June, I got a old, but functional set-up off Craigslist and started crate diggin. Sadly, the last time I went to the record store was in August, so I have been really slipping on my new found hobby. Part of the blame goes to being busy, part goes to the cost, but truth be told, it can be kind of fucking daunting walking into a store filled with records and not knowing what the fuck I am doing, but the only way to get better is to sack up and do it. I have been watching alot of the Crate Digger series and the Rythm Roulette and it has reignited my desire to get into vinyl. Hearing how some of the best producers started with nothing like I did made me want to get back into it. My set up kind of sucks, but I figure if I start collecting now, and really committing the time, it will be beneficial down the road, whether it mean I am on the next crate diggers or just have a really dope ass collection it is something I really want to do. Fuck eating right, exercising, or reading books, I need more vinyl in my life.

If 2014 goes like we planned, you will have two pot-smoking, Freddie Gibbs bumping, grammatically correct bloggers on your hands. Heres to hoping! Since RefinedHype Nation is the best community in the world, I'm sure you all will help call us on our shit. Like if I misspell something, be sure to remind me of this and if Nathan isn't eating enough Cheetos, I'm sure you will let him now. Together we can become the most powerful, well-rounded rap nation known to man.