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Making It Up with Purpose
Every guess gets me closer
Corey Lightner
April 17, 2025 • Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
People often mistake me for someone who knows exactly what he’s doing.
Spoiler: I don’t. At least, not in the way you might think.
Sure, I know what I want—I’ve got big aspirations and I’m intentional about mapping out the steps to get there. But truthfully? I’m just following what feels aligned. Sometimes I’m closer, sometimes I’m way off—but I’m always in motion, and that’s what counts.
A connection on LinkedIn recently asked me, “How are you so determined?”
I told him the truth: I just don’t want to be the same person I was yesterday.
I want to grow—into a better artist, a better storyteller, a better leader… a better me.
Right now, that looks like diving into music production and trusting my gut on what sounds good to me. I know my taste, so I’m letting that lead—pulling from the sounds I love to build something that feels fresh and true.
Here’s a shot I snapped of my good friend Evan, fully locked in. In just five hours, we cranked out four tracks. Are they finished? Not quite. But the momentum? Very real. And we’re proud of what came out of that session.
I can’t wait for you to hear what we’re making. It’s all new territory for me—and honestly, that’s what makes it so exciting.
Collaborating with Evan in the “stu“
📣CASTING CALL📣
🎬 It’s that time — casting call is officially OPEN!
We’re on the lookout for fresh faces and bold energy for our next 98&GR8 project.
Think you’ve got the vibe? Here’s what to do:
📧 Shoot us an email at [email protected] with the subject line: “Next 98&GR8 Project”
📎 Include your name, a link to your reel, and a headshot.
🗣 And don’t forget to tell us a little about yourself—we want to know who’s behind the talent.
Let’s make something dope together.
FAVES OF THE WEEK
Favorite Tune To Tune Into: Usher’s got a new prodigy under his wing! Check out “I’ll Be Good” by JayDon — a rising star recently signed to Mega, the new joint venture label between Usher, L.A. Reid, and Gamma.
Here’s the kicker: the track samples Usher’s “How Do I Say” from 8701 (yes, the classic), and you can even hear Usher’s vocals on the intro. It's a full-circle moment and a must-listen for my R&B heads.Stream-Worthy Selection: Number One On The Call Sheet, created by Kevin Hart and Jamie Foxx, is a two-part documentary celebrating the trailblazing Black artists of Hollywood. Through candid interviews, some of the industry’s biggest names share their paths to leading roles—highlighting their breakthroughs, challenges, and visions for the next generation.
As a Black filmmaker in LA, I felt deeply inspired after watching. I even gave it a perfect score on Letterboxd.
Quick shoutout: Eddie Murphy has been my favorite entertainer since I was about 8. But Bernie Mac? My favorite comedian of all time.
At 8, my Mount Rushmore of influence was Jim Carrey, Bernie Mac, Eddie Murphy, and John Witherspoon.
At 27, it’s Donald Glover, the entire Wayans family, Quinta Brunson, and Ryan Coogler.What’s your Mount Rushmore of influence? Drop it below—I wanna see something.
Something Stimulating, Shocking, or Silly: As a self-development nerd, I follow a bunch of minimalist-minded folks—and Matt D’Avella has been one of my go-to's since college. One of his practical gems? The Two Day Rule: a simple but powerful mindset shift to stay consistent without burning out.
Give it a look—you might find it’s exactly what your habits have been missing.
Not even a full month has passed since my last newsletter, and I already have a ton to share. Honorable mentions incoming…
🎧 I made you a playlist! It includes every track I recommend—even the ones I don’t shout out directly here. Tap in and let it ride.
🎥 If you’re a Disney adult or you were impacted by A Goofy Movie (like I was), do yourself a favor and stream Not Just A Goof on Disney+. Trust me—you’ll love it.
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