When I think about quiet confidence versus bling bling success, I’m reminded of two famous figures in hip-hop. One is Jay-Z – often hailed as the ultimate mogul, a man whose wealth, power, and business legacy scream success. The other is Snoop Dogg – a legend in his own right, but with a very different vibe. Jay-Z might have the Forbes-list accolades, but Snoop? Snoop just lives. He’s authentically himself in every situation, whether he’s rapping on stage, cooking with Martha Stewart, or narrating nature videos. As mentioned in a previous post, Snoop “shows up as himself, unapologetically” and radiates joy in everything he does. He embodies success on his own terms, without needing to constantly tout his achievements. Luc Besson, the Director instant classic movie, The Deep Blue, said something similar. He mentioned how an appreciation letter from Spielberg meant so much to him, and potentially more than an Oscar.
This contrast illustrates a powerful truth: real empowerment is quietly bold. It doesn’t always announce itself with fanfare. Snoop’s confidence isn’t in-your-face, but you can feel it – it’s in his ease, his smile, the way he carries his identity proudly. He doesn’t need to drape himself in excess to prove his worth. This kind of self-worth is like an internal flame. It’s steady, not flashy, but it can light up a room. And the thing is, you don’t have to be a celebrity to have that kind of quiet boldness. We all know people who have that “something” – a presence, a self-assurance. Maybe it’s a grandparent who never had much money but walks tall and speaks with unshakable dignity. Or a friend who dresses modestly and drives an old car, yet exudes such passion and confidence that everyone respects them. Their power doesn’t come from what they own; it comes from who they are.
In a world that encourages us to broadcast every accomplishment on social media, choosing humility can be a radical act. It says: I know my value; I don’t need you to validate it. That’s not to say we should hide our success or play small – not at all. It simply means we aren’t dependent on outside applause. We can celebrate our wins and enjoy nice things, but our identity isn’t tied up in those external markers. When you have self-worth, you can wear a $10 shirt or a $1000 suit and feel like the same person inside. You could have a million in the bank or ten bucks, and your head stays just as high.
New Money is about capturing that feeling and making it tangible. Think of it as bottling up that quiet confidence – the kind Snoop embodies, the kind you strive for – into a scent. The fragrance doesn’t hit you over the head; it’s memorable but not overpowering. It stays with you like a trusted friend, not a noisy crowd. When I wear it, I’m reminded to carry myself with that quiet boldness. I don’t need excess to feel important. The boldest thing I can do is be unapologetically myself, grounded and empowered. And ironically, that kind of confidence tends to draw genuine success and respect like a magnet. Empowerment over excess – that’s the new flex.
The Black Negotiator 