A DAY IN THE MAKING OF "I'MMA PROBLEM"
I can't go into much detail about the 16 hour shoot for Litefoot's second video "I'mma Problem" without giving it away. But I will tell you this, there was no diva attitude from Native America's hottest rapper, as previously stated by some hatin' fool whose central preoccupation is to publicly belittle Litefoot and everything he stands for. Hi hater, I'm talking to you.
Between the gorgeous Native American women cast to be in the video, Winter Benton getting a tattoo of the headdress microphone logo on his bicep, 'Fable' of Rock Steady Crew working the cam with his pop and lock energy, and not to mention the director/producer vision of Charlie Osceola, this piece of modern Native American art is going to be timeless. Generations will see this piece 50 years from now and it will still be relevant. It was and is...history in the making.
Even though he was extremely busy, he still found time to have a little conversation with me:
Neyom Friday: How are you feeling today?
Litefoot: Good, excited. Ready to do this video and see the end result but I know that's gonna take a few weeks.
Neyom Friday: How long did it take to come up with the concept for this video?
Litefoot: I think off and on we worked on it for the last two months. So I mean its been just streamlining and we worked on it up until last night. It's just, you know, tweaking things and polishing the ideas and we'll probably do more of that today.
Neyom Friday: How important is prayer in your success?
Litefoot: It's the essence of it. It's the most important fundamental aspect of what has allowed me to be successful and what has given me the strength and perseverance to continue to push, grow and overcome obstacles. For the most part, other peoples ignorance on a lot of different levels through the years.
Neyom Friday: I've noticed that you follow Rev Run on your Twitter and I started following him too.
Litefoot: He's an inspirational dude.
Neyom Friday: Yea, he really is. I ran across a tweet the other day where he said "Don't hang around people that belittle you". So between his tweets and yours and other people that I admire, they've really helped me put into perspective what I want to do and where I want to go.
Litefoot: I think we all need people like that in life and the world is constantly trying to tear you down...redefine who you are.
THE TRUTH
Always pragmatic and relevant with a clear and articulate perspective, Litefoot tells the crowd "You can be anything you want; you shine the brightest when you accomplish things. Stay focused and make your plans".
Litefoot's 17 year career is a constant reminder that if you figure out what you want and go for it, you can achieve it.
In the past five months that I've seen him around South Florida for the 'Reach the Rez' tour, he is everything that he speaks to the crowds about. He wholeheartedly delivers a message with a conscience effort to lift the spirit. The goal here is to reach everyone, not just a few here and there. But everyone. On one level or another.
Whether it be through one of his live performances or talking one on one with spectators, Litefoot is there because he cares. One day, on the side of the road on Hollywood Reservation in Hollywood, FL, he was doing his regular hustle for Native Style. My family and I stopped by to talk and see what's up with him. He took the time to have a conversation with us that I will never forget.
We stood in the high noon of the day and got bit by ants. We talked about drugs and alcohol for which he has no problem with. We joked around about how all the girls are in love and infatuated with him. We talked about a support system and all the work he did throughout his career.
Then, the conversation turned to religion and spirituality. Between getting bit by ants and the humid sun of South Florida, I caught this revelation. Litefoot explained that he is on the road out of conviction and that everything done is much bigger than the motivational speeches. So just to be sure of what I was hearing, I said, "I understand everything you're saying, but just so I'm clear, are you saying that everything your doing now is God's will?" He said "Yes". We all stood silent. He shook his head and said "Yes". Litefoot, my sister, her husband and myself stood in silence.
UNSTOPPABLE
Now, I've seen him around, heard him speak and take the time to meet and greet. I've seen him tired and Twitter all his travels. The lyrics to "I'mma Problem" couldn't be more closer to the truth. But the one thing that stands out the most is that I've never heard Litefoot make excuses for anything. He moves forward. Nothing has stopped him from pursuing his dreams. And it'll be that same spirit that makes anything he does, is involved in, puts his hands on...thrive.
