The Epidemic

Disclaimer: This is merely based off my personal opinion which has been formulated through eye witness accounts and professional associations. It may offend some, and if it does, you just might be part of the Fake Hollywood—OR, a groupie of a Fake Hollywood member. No harm intended—just take it for what it’s worth.

It’s great to finally see the DMV make very major strides over the past 3 years I’ve been living in the area. Coming from western Pennsylvania, I know what it is like waiting for that moment to put your home turf on something other than the geographical map. However, what has always stood out to me about the DC music scene is the delusional world of local celebrities and others who are changing their attitudes because of the little light that is being bestowed upon them. Yep, this is what I call the “Fake Hollywood.” And, I’m sure it’s not only happening in the nation’s capital…bet, it’s a widespread epidemic.

Fake Hollywood consists of those who believe they are getting more shine than usual and have allowed it to go to their heads—in turn, clouding their reality of the current situation. Some of you are probably sitting there saying, “She’s just a hater, she’s jealous, she’s this, she’s that, etc, etc, etc.” Like Jay Z says, I can’t knock the hustle. But, what I will knock is how I’ve witnessed many people change up because of this so-called glamour life. Simply put: People are forgetting to take their humbleness with them.

For example, this is what someone (won’t mention any names for the sake of not putting people personally on blast) posted on twitter the other day: “ I think I'm about to just start getting superstar arrogant on bamas and shut they whole sh#% down immediately. Ahaha!”

No, it doesn’t stop here. The DC Hip-Hop mover and shaker goes on to say…

“In the meantime...let's talk about these 67 pull-ups I just did in my draws while somebody is at work w/soggy socks and slippery shoes on”

So, what if someone is sitting at work—that just means they haven’t gotten to the level GOD intended them to be yet. Or, it just means they are happy where they are. Or, it could mean they have to keep that part-time (or full-time) to even begin to manifest their dreams. Regardless of the reason for a person holding down a taxing job….SO, WHAT! Since when did GOD deem Fake Hollywood (or Hollywood, for that matter) the right to judge where a person is at? Do you think Russell Simmons, Diddy, or even Oprah—to just name a few—got to their current status by talking that mess?? Please step into reality.

Most of the people who are REALLY doing something in the DC music scene are winning major awards—like Grammy nominations, SEA awards, numerous shows, etc. You don’t hear these people talking about how arrogant they will become or visibly see how they change up. They stay grounded and humble. Less talking means more progress. Oh, and did I mention that they don’t try to fit in with the perceived popular? They are comfortable with themselves—relying only on their skills and talent. Not someone else’s success or coattails. They don’t produce a few mixtapes, a few tracks, pop up on a few blogs, and stake claim to how they are “taking over.” The best part, they don’t try to follow the Hollywood status model (which doesn’t work for most people anyway).

Sure, there is nothing wrong with believing in what you do. Sure, there is nothing wrong with personally acknowledging your strides. Sure, there is nothing wrong with having confidence. But, when your confidence turns into blatant arrogance—so much to that point that you have been sucked into an imaginary world—that is an issue. Unless God called FedEx and overnighted your success to you, there is no room to look down upon others. Hell, even if you were built overnight, you at some point in your life started with nothing! Just like you were briefly given your shine…it can be stripped from you just as fast. If this happens, not only will you really be FAKE; but you will be BROKE Hollywood!