The Gripes of Business

HEAVY SIGH

I'm in that mood again…

It's not a particularly bad mood or anything, but too much of it would be bad for me. Most certainly. It's just hard not to think of all the many possibilities and outcomes that could’ve happened had things gone the way they were planned. But this perpetually exhausted energy I've been feeling lately is what brings me to this entry. Welcome. I'm Shiloh Ci, musically known as Khari X, and I have a few things to get off my chest…

* * *

Since the inception of TSE, I've been headstrong in ensuring all facets of the company would be hammered down and Ironclad. From the usual legal documents and certifications, to officially laying the groundwork for the company, True Soundz has been through many phases. I like to call them “eras”. I knew early on that business wasn't as easy as it was made to look in the movies. I made sure to study various elements of incorporating a business and took hours of my time to develop a CEO mindset.

I've always had an interesting relationship with money, having lived both poor and lower-middle class. As a kid, I knew I wanted to be known for something related to money or that I wanted to make a ton of it. However, it wasn't until 2018, when I graduated high school, that I realized I needed to set up a foundation for myself. Whatever it may be, it had to be something that had the potential to be a phenomenal money-maker.

And what better avenue than music?

* * *

I started this company as just a record label. That's it. No big plans for a film studio, in-house engineering team, clothing lines, or anything. 2017 TSE was as bare as bones could be. I had a “business partner”, who shall remain anonymous, but they showed their true colors. And not the True Blue that we rep. I had just me, myself, I, and The Diamond. “Rocky beginnings” is an understatement. I don't want to get too deep into the early stages of TSE, as there was an on/off hiatus for a few years before we really got the ball rolling again. I wanted to go back to that mood I mentioned before.

I'm tired. So…damn…tired.

I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the relatively slow progress. We're still a small company, though I always treat it as something much bigger. Because it is. The label is just a stepping stone for bigger projects and businesses down the line. However, I can't deny the physical reality that is set before us. Growth is stagnant, our artists are dragging their feet, our connections have gotten disconnected, not only from us but from what I refer to as “The Bigger Picture”, and it seems like every step we take is only bringing us back down a peg or two.

See, you come into this industry with a few expectations. How big or small they may be is entirely dependent on your personal situation. But, nonetheless, we all have to jump through a few hurdles when crossing into this hostile and somewhat remote territory. And with that comes the pre-expectation that things aren't always going to go your way. That there are most definitely forces beyond your control. At the end of the day, it's how you maneuver through these forces that ultimately dictate where you stand in the industry, and in life. Now and onward.

I don't want to spook you away with any surface-level theories of Illuminati rituals, sacrifices for fame, dances with the Devil, or any of that sort of stuff. At least not yet. Not here. What I'm getting at is a mixture of disillusionment, temptation, and desire. You desire to become something special in this industry. Then you are greeted with temptation through resources, connections, drugs, sex, lavish items, a rich lifestyle; whatever your heart desires. These are the things that may even lead you to your goals. But then, after the truth is revealed, you get hit with disillusionment. What comes after may be bitterness, depression, fury, or something extreme. I try my best to stay centered.

We've gotten into beefs, legal trouble, personal lives have crossed over into business more than once, I've been scammed, taken for granted, played for a fool…. Death threats, legal action, eviction, betrayal, rock bottom.… It's been a lot. But we made it and we will continue to make it. My stresses come purely from a desire to build something everlasting. I can't let negativity and drama infect my mind to where I lose focus of my vision. Because my vision involves helping many others. This isn't about me. It's about us.

* * *

It sucks coming to realize you may have to bend your morals and principles for the sake of achieving greatness. But that's exactly why I do everything in my power to keep myself and TSE as pure as possible. I feel like I've gotten good at that. Not much can tempt me into a lower state of Being anymore. We all have our slip-ups but I've never slipped so hard that I would ever consider selling my soul. Certain adversaries, I can't speak for. Only assume. My crew, however, are solid. I have no worries about them. The company isn't in any present danger either. So that's good.

So many ups and downs but I'll be damned if I ever let this label/company fall into obscurity or the darkness of the industry. I strive to be the best CEO I can be and I WILL make sure my people are good. All that matters now is preserving our integrity as well as our legacies.

• Sincerely yours, Mr. Mogul 💎