Saturday, March 21st the world lost an amazing songwriter, singer and American icon: Kenny Rogers at 81 years of age. According to a rep for his estate, he “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family.”
Rogers was a country singer, but if you understood the music, you would know that country music is just like Hip-Hop. As a tribute to Rogers, let’s look at lessons we can pull from his signature song, “The Gambler.”
“KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ‘EM, KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM, KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY, KNOW WHEN TO RUN“
Hip-Hop is known to go hard. But sometimes, you might not win the battle— keeping your eyesight on winning the war. Don’t compromise your leadership credibility or how people see you, by sticking on an issue that really is a dead cause. You have to know when the fight ain’t worth it, or you are just beat. Pick simply have to your battles and also know how to take to yourself and hold your plans, next plans, strategy to conquer the world to yourself. It all works out in the end of your benefit.
“YOU NEVER COUNT YOUR MONEY, WHEN YOU ARE SITTING AT THE TABLE. THERE ‘LL BE TIME ENOUGH FOR COUNTING WHEN THE DEALINGS DONE.”
Never be pressed. Take your time and handle your business in private. You have to evaluate your gains, your losses or current stable staus in spaces that will not allow others to look and have either influence… or plot on you. Again, don’t be pressed and let people know that you want people to know what you go. #FlashinessCanMessYouUp
“NOW EVERY GAMBLER KNOWS THAT THE SECRET TO SURVIVING, IS KNOWING WHAT TO THROW AWAY AND KNOWING WHAT TO KEEP. CAUSE EVERY HANDS A WINNER AND EVERY HANDS A LOSER AND THE BEST THAT YOU CAN HOPE FOR IS TO DIE IN YOUR SLEEP.“
It really is not about right or wrong. Good decisions or bad decisions. It really is about how you play the cards that you get. It is about are you holding these truths to your vest or throwing them away carelessly, not respecting the energy of strategy. Every outcome is ultimately up to you.
Rogers’ song “The Gambler” was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2018. The 1978 country hit “The Gambler” birthed five popular TV movies.
