I'll show you how to do this, son!

Hey Jigga,

I'm looking to start a consulting business, helping folks in low income housing save energy cost by bringing their buildings up to code with LEED. I've got a great concept and a business plan drawn up, but it's so hard to get a loan for seed money these days. It doesn't help that we live in an economically depressed area. Do you have any advice? How did you get your start?

Green Hakeem

Yo 'Keem,

Great Question. A lot of niggaz wanna know: How so, how Jay get up out of here? Well, I snatched purses; I purse-e-vered!  I had work, fiends purchased, it was clear. I was out there sellin hope for despair...

Yo J,

I operate a local repo business based out of our house. I grew up poor, and never went to college, so this was the only job I ever really knew how to do. With all the foreclosures, the repo business is in boom times; I'm doing great! Except, everyone else is struggling, and hating on me for getting paid. I want to live life and enjoy my success, but I feel guilty. What should I do?

Arizona Ron in Tucson

Repo Ron,

Don't feel bad, son. If you grew up with holes in your zapatos, then
you'd celebrate the minute you was having dough.
I'm like fuck critics. You can kiss my whole asshole! If they don't like how you're living they can press fast forward!

I'm far from a Harvard student, I just had the balls to do it!

Dear Hova,

I've recently been hired to work in Private Banking, I won't say which organization, but one of the biggest three in the country. I'm good at my job, but I don't fit in with the other folks. I mean, I'm from the hood! I'm worried that if I let on too much about my upbringing, people will doubt my work ability. Help!

Corporate Clint

C-Money,

Don't let those haters get you down, a ghetto childhood's an asset! When they give you work to do, just think:

This ain't no tall order, this is nothin to me. Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week. I do this in my sleep,
I sold Kilos of coke, (so?) I'm guessin' I can sell CD's. I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man. Let me handle my business, damn!

Dear Jay-Z,

Thanks for all the advice. Since my last letter, I did what you said and ended up getting that paper! I'm thinking about moving my family to Connecticut. It's safe, and they have baller schools. Will I be shunned because of where I come from? Have you had to deal with nosy neighbors?

Pablo Paper-Getter

P-Lo,

It's true how society don't want you to move into the penthouse building with spectacular views. They're like uhh, "He's a menace he could never be a tenant". I'm like ooh, what's a young nigga to do?
I'd bring the brothers to the building, give a feeling that you don't
give a fuck. We just chillin watchin chandelier ceilings high as fuck. Tell that old lady: don't blow my high, especially if you don't know my life! Don't make me bring Sharpton in it cause I'm dark-skinneded or
dude with the 'fro and the Rainbow Coalition!

Jigga,

Quick question: what should I get my girl for her birthday? I could spend whatever on it.

Ricky Romance

Slick Rick,

My women friends get tennis bracelets. Trips to Venice, get they winters replaced with.

I'm like Che Guevara with bling on. I'm complex!

Need some business advice? Email marcy2madison@gmail.com