9 days and 9 lbs later

Beginning Weight (May 2): 208 lbs
Current Weight (May 11): 199.2 lbs

If there’s any one thing that this hunger strike has taught me, it’s the importance of staying the course when it comes to pursuing a goal. I can’t tell you how many times frustration has led me to consider taking the easy way out— even if only for a few seconds. There was one day when I thought I was ready to quit altogether (let’s just say I narrowly escaped a close encounter with a couple of verrrry persuasive, totally unsupervised chicken nuggets).

Progress Report: All of our featured artists are definitely still on the grind. R-N-R and JosephusIII are taking the show on the road. If you’d like to check either of them out at their next events, simply click their names above to be linked directly to their respective events calendars.

The UpRite Lions, on the other hand, are focusing on finding quality management and finishing their new album. (Trust me…you haven’t heard ANYTHING like what they’re putting together! Those of us who’ve gotten a sneak preview are having a hard time keeping our mouths shut and not spilling the beans).


Questions of the Week

Q: “… How did you select the artists you’re featuring ?” Are they just a bunch of your friends?"

Kelly S., Eastern Shore, Maryland

A: Good question— I guess I never really explained that part. I’ve got varying levels of interactivity with each of these artists. While the UpRite Lions and I are pretty close (we talk almost daily) I’ve only ever had the privilege of speaking to Rugged on one occasion. And as far as JosephusIII is concerned — well, let’s just say that he and I are like oil and water (and that may well be the understatement of the year). The moral of this story — being a friend of mine had no bearing on the selection process.

Although I think that they are all wonderful people in their own rights, I selected them based on their visible work ethic and level of dedication to their craft. If they’re not actively working to put together shows, recording or promoting, they’re taking their love of music and spoken word to schools and art programs to enrich their communities.
I’ve worked alongside quite a few industry big-wigs who don’t have half the commitment and drive (or character, for that matter) that UpRite Lions, R-N-R and Josephus exhibit, Quite frankly, they have earned all the support I can give them, and so much more.


Q: “Is Crystal really 208 lbs?” (Question asked to B-Star of UpRite Lions)

Mira B., Providence, RI

A: No Mira…Crystal is 199.2 lbs –BAM! Lol! No, seriously… I really did start this campaign at a whopping 208.5 lbs. Although I normally average around 150-160 lbs throughout most of the year, it just so happens that I am fresh off a long winter full of warm and yummy baked goods. Here’s what I looked like about 8 months ago, as compared to the round-faced look I’m sporting now (you'll have to excuse the hair...had to let it run wild so I could start my locks).

THEN



NOW


Q: "Are you seriously not eating? How do we know you’re not cheating, or making the whole thing up?"

Praneep M., Atlanta, GA

A: I’m not eating. Seriously. Does this look like the face of someone who can go out right now and improve their mood with a slice of pizza? I think not.

If that sounds slightly bitter by the way, it’s because I am lol! This not eating stuff is hard. But I’m only fighting the good fight for a few weeks…these guys have been starving for their art for YEARS. I’ve no room to complain.

All jokes aside, I can’t cheat and sneak a bite or two. I’ve made a commitment to support this project and these artist,s and that’s something that I take very seriously. Not to say I don’t get tempted (about every 30 seconds). But if I can’t stand on my word — especially for something as important as this — then really, what can I stand on?



Q: "How can I get involved with the Starving Artist Project?"

Kween, Greensboro, NC

A: That’s the easy part. We’re not asking for a single dime – just your support. All we ask is that you help us spread the word. If you’re following the blog, pass it along: Diggit! Yahoo Buzz it, Google Bookmark it, post the link on your Myspace page, or forward the press release on to everybody in your address book – every little bit helps!

There will also be other opportunities for you to join in the movement. We’ll be asking people to come check out events as they occur, and will even be giving people a chance to join in the strike as a show of support. If you’d like to keep up-to-date with the latest info, subscribe to the blog, or follow us on Twitter!