The END in to the BEGINNING...

December 31, 2010

Life

If there is one thing that I truly learned this year is the saying that “all good things must come to an end”. This time last year I was a senior in college, a college basketball player preparing for a basketball tournament in LA and a radio personality on WERS 88.9 FM going on air for New Years and now I sit here a year later with none of those titles. Even though I do not officially hold those titles it doesn’t mean that I am not still those things. Anyone who knows Jeremy knows that I ALWAYS have been and will ALWAYS be a basketball player. It is a lifestyle and mentality that I’ve adopted that will never go away. To be able to hit the court and compete against your opponent both as a team and individually is a feeling that I’ve lived for and continue to carry over in my everyday life and also on my pursuit of a career in entertainment. I am also still a student, I love to study, comprehend and apply theories, information and knowledge that I gain in any field that I focus in. The personality part of me is something that is really natural for me to embrace because even when I was on the radio or in front of the cameras I NEVER put up a façade or created a name that didn’t truly resonate with who I am as a person in REAL life.

What I’ve also come to realize is I’m just another person in this world who is trying to maintain, move forward and make it big. So I won’t be surprised if only 5 people read this blog post when I do post it but my ultimate goal is not for 1 million people to read it right away but eventually, over time. But as long as it motivates at least one person when they read this, it serves its purpose. Everything that I have the power of creating in life and entertainment is done with a purpose to build up to where I really want my life to be and the same goes for my brand. I want those who read this now to grow with me on my journey in life to become the best person I can be and on my journey in entertainment to influence a generation of people and show them my development from someone young who had a dream to becoming someone with major success. This part of this blog post is called “Life”. “Life” right now is literally unbelievable! We lived in 2010 where the 1st BLACK PRESIDENT held office! I’ll say it again BLACK PRESIDENT, when less than 50 years ago the Civil Rights Movement was a massive struggle for African-Americans in this country. I don’t mean to involve race but I reference that story to say this, anything in this world is possible, PERSEVERANCE and DIRECTION is EVERYTHING!™ That goes for people of all races, from all parts of the world.

Basketball

2010 was the last year that I ever played organized basketball for accomplishment and advancement to a next level. If you have read my previous blog posts’ you would know that I was prepared for this time to come 4 years prior to my last game as a college basketball player as I had considered not playing in college. So, now that the time had finally come I felt like I was more at peace with letting go. I knew this time was coming soon and that my dreams to me an NBA player were not attainable a while ago, which is why I chose to attend Emerson College and play for one of the smartest coaches in the country, Hank Smith. My last semester this year was one that I will never forget because I played EVERY game like it was my last, through injury and all. But the experiences I had at practice laughing with my coaches and teammates are what really matter at the end of the day. I’m just glad that I got to set some records in my league as the 1^st player to EVER win both Defensive Player and Player of the Year and also the first player ever to have 1500 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists. I’m not writing these accomplishments to brag but basketball has been my life since I was in the cradle. I could have gone to higher level schools and done well but Emerson College is where I chose to go and those are the accomplishments that I attained that no one before had been able to do and I am proud of that. I believe that those accomplishments mirror my work ethic more than just the talent that was given to me because I busted my ass on both ends of the floor every possession of every game!

This year I got 2 opportunities to play basketball over seas in Romania and on top of the offers not being great, my heart was just not into basketball anymore. I say that to bring light to the fact that I am one of the lucky young men who has an opportunity to do be successful in something other than playing basketball and that’s due to the support system my parents and family have given me which I thank God for every day. But so many of my friends and other young men that are my age didn’t have that support system. So what do they do when basketball doesn’t work out? Its not just basketball players but those kids who don’t have support systems or opportunities is the reason why I chose not to pursue a professional basketball career but begin my journey to provide a positive role model to kids in my community and eventually provide positive opportunities for people all over the world.

Jeremy

As I said before, I’m just another person in this world who is trying to maintain, move forward and make it big. To all the young and independent ladies, keep your head up because y'all are the future. To every woman that I've ever loved or shared feelings with, it was for a reason, know that I'll always be here for you if you ever need my help. To all my nillz that are gone, RIP. To all my nillz still here, real recognize real. Everything that I’m doing on my journey to be successful in life and in entertainment are things that other people are doing and that YOU CAN DO, #MYOL. But behind the scenes of all the entertainers, celebrities and sports figures we all love is a person and sometimes fans forget about that. Sometimes we get to see that person and sometimes that is kept personal. 2010 is the year that I made that transition into establishing my brand and what parts of my life I will allow the world to see.

So this is Jeremy Shannon, I’m a person just like you. This year I had my heartbroken by my 1^st love, basketball. I went through a couple of months of depression because of that and life experiences from love, family problems, bills, deaths, etc. I had great times and bad times in 2010. On my birthday this year I had to attend a funeral for my dear friend and basketball fanatic, Dwayne Broadus. Like his name, my love for basketball will always live on, RIP Butta! I say all these things because I’ve studied and seen how the world reacts when someone decides to chase their dream in entertainment. The hate, love, fair-weather fans but at the end of the day I want everyone to know that I let you know who Jeremy was before anyone knew who J.Shannon is.

"Make Your Own Lane"™

2010 and Beyond!

Farewell 1st Love, "New Lane, New Power" Vlog #2

"Rumble young man, rumble / life is a trip so sometimes we gon' stumble / you gotta go through pain in order to become you / but once the world numbs you / you'll feel like there's only one you / now you got the power to do anything you want to / until you ask yourself is this what its all come to / looking at life through sunglasses in the sunroof / until you have the power to get out from up under you"- Hov

These words perfectly describe the way I'm feeling right now, thats why I chose this track to edit too. Since I could remember I've had a basketball in my hands. Basketball is my first love and always will be. Today August 31st, 2010, I sit here after chasing my dream of playing professional basketball without the results that I had wish to reach. I have offers to play overseas on the table but to me they are not worth going overseas to play somewhere I don't really want to be. So now I'm facing the day I hoped would never come, the day that I no longer play ball full time. But I didn't post this blog to complain because my life has been truly blessed and when you come back from 4 years of college you realize the state of your community and that the people, friends, family and the youth are facing real hard times. I feel like its destined that I'm not suppose to play ball but use the influence I have through playing ball to help the youth. I been editing footage for almost 5 years now and I've never put out a promotional piece of me balling exclusively. I never did that because I never been one to brag about whether I was good at ball or not but this time I did something light to show my ball and editing skills. I don't care what anybody says I know I'm nice. NBA, Overseas, D1, D2, D3 and you name it players from Cali to MA$$ and everywhere in between know I can ball, theres a lot of nasty ballers in the world but what I think sets me apart is my work ethic and perseverance on the floor to play D full court all game. I'm goin to carry that into my life on this mission to make these lanes and make these movies. So here are just a couple highlights from college and this will be the last organized basketball highlights of my career. Like my man D.Jones, the ballin' part of me is dead but I might still play in summer tourneys here and there but basketball is no longer my main focus from here on out.

"My socket was out the plug / now its time to get the power back / I seen people use power, abuse power, misuse and lose power / power to the people at last, its a new hour / now we all ain't gon be American idols / but you could at least grab a camera shoot a viral, hah?"- Yeezy

As I enter this new lane, I want everybody to enter it with me. I'm no different than anybody that has a dream and is trying to chase it. The way I am going to be different is I'm going to allow the people to take the journey of making these lanes with me and I want to do the same with anybody whose willing. Lane Makers Entertainment is a documentary filmmaking and entertainment lifestyle brand created through the personification of the brand lifestyle of pursuing a career in entertainment, not for fame but to extend opportunity. LME accommodates clients to actively create promotion channels by documenting and promoting their entertainment lifestyle in real time. So just know I'm on this mission not just for fortune and fame but for opportunity thats what "Make Your Own Lane"™ means. The first brand venture on LME is Beast Boyz Music, Priest Da Beast and Frank Vocals. Even though I'm all about making lanes best believe we its movie time when we are all in the building.

WIN OR DIE, CHEEEEEEKKKKKSSS!!!

What a lot of people misunderstand is I never went to Emerson College to play basketball. c'mon son! (Ed Lover Voice) I couldn't went a lot of place way better at ball but I went to EC because I knew the day ball was over I'd have everything I need to make these lanes. Whether I ever was going to play pro ball or not, creating lanes for kids to score in life and making movies with stars, not for fame for life advancement that's what we're about over here so no matter who you are or what you do perseverance and direction is everything...let make these lanes! Bottom line is if you think you can do or have something than it can be done but what are you willing to do to get it?

"Make Your Own Lane"™

Follow my lane @ www.twitter.com/makeyourownlane

Finally, I want to say good luck to this year's EC team and every team after that. EC's the best ball program in the nation, not for ball but for the lessons you learn from Coach Smith that help you succeed in life. A team that is on the same page is way better than any individual player, so know that and accept what coach is trying to teach you.

Beantown to Chi-Town-"Thank Me Later, Really" Vlog #1

On June 15th, 2010 Drake's long awaited debut album "Thank Me Later" dropped and it was also the same day I went to Chicago to chase my dreamof becoming a professional basketball player. I have been filming my personal documentary "Make Your Own Lane: The Other Jay" since December 31st, 2009 going into the new decade. I stopped filming for the documentary on June 9, 2010 (my littile brother's birthday) and I'm currently editing the piece which I plan to release in early September. Here is my 1st video blog since filming the documentary, it is simply my trip from Boston to Chicago starting with a J.Cole drop and "Who Dat" snippets followed by Jeezy's "Illin" snippets and I tried to keep the soundtrack with new artist but I haven't heard a hook like that since Pac was alive! Next is Wiz Khalifa "The Statement" snippets, clearly the best song off of his Kush and Orange Juice mixtape and it fit the visual of the plane so well and last but not least Drake's"Thank Me Now" snippets. I'm not dissing him by titling the video "Thank Me Later, Really" I'm simply asking you all to thank me later as I promise I will give the people entertainment they love and are inspired by. So big up to Drake on all his success and I felt I had to document this day in Hip Hop History as well as my life history as I chase my ultimate dream as a child. Look for video blogs coming weekly and bi-weekly. P.S. I was cheering for the Celtics in this years finals because I'm from MA$$ but I was happy to see Kobe get his 5thtoo because everyone doubted him when he was with Shaq. Oh yeah and my dude Ron Ron, I wanted him to get a ring too, not only that but it launched his rap career because "Champions" is the hottest track he ever made! You can not like the C's but no one expected them to get to the title and they are already Champs, never underestimate the heart of a champion...thank me later, really.

Shannon scores 1,500 career points to make GNAC history

Shannon scores 1,500 career points to make GNAC history

02/11/10

Guard Jeremy Shannon '10 just became the sixth player in the history of the Emerson College men's basketball program to score 1,500 career points, since Emerson joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1984. Shannon accomplished the milestone in the February 6 game against Albertus Magnus College. Shannon entered the game needing 21 points to surpass the mark, and dropped in 20 in the first half. He hit a layup within 47 seconds of the second half for career point numbers 1,500 and 1,501. Shannon is the first men's player in the history of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) to score 1,500 points, grab 500 rebounds, and dish out 300 assists. He is the most honored Emerson basketball player since three-time All-America Rob Hennigan '04. In his first three years, Shannon has been an All-Conference performer three times. In 2008 and 2009, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in the GNAC and was also the Conference Player of the Year in 2008. Following his junior year, he was named the Emerson College male Student-Athlete of the Year. Prior to this season, Shannon was named a pre-season All-American, by D3Hoops.com. "Jeremy was being recruited by Division I programs until he hurt his knee in high school," Emerson Coach Hank Smith said. "After that, he kind of fell off their radar. We're extremely fortunate to have someone of his talent at this level." In the February 6 game, Shannon had 29 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and three steals. He also had a 29 point/12 rebound game the prior week. He is currently the only player in the Conference to be ranked in the top 15 in seven different individual categories. As impressive as his point totals are, his rebounding skills are even more eye-opening. Shannon is third in the GNAC in defensive rebounds. He also leads the Conference in assists per game and is second in steals per game. As he nears the end of his career, however, Shannon's ultimate goal—a GNAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament—is yet unrealized. The Lions are currently in third place in the GNAC standings by virtue of a tiebreaker with St. Joseph's College; and if the current standings hold over the last four games of the regular season, the Lions will have only one home playoff game as they pursue that dream. But playing on the road doesn't faze Shannon. He has scored 22 points at #2 St. Joseph's College and 18 at #1 Albertus Magnus College this season. Shannon hopes to continue to play basketball after graduation and has been in discussions about playing professionally in Europe. Smith feels that is a strong possibility. "Jeremy is so skilled in so many different parts of the game any team would be crazy not to want him…he can score from inside and outside, he's a great passer, an extremely intelligent rebounder, and obviously a superior defender. What coach wouldn't want a player like that?"

Statik Selektah...100 Proof: The Hangover Drop/Interview

If your really love Hip Hop go and support Statik Selektah's new album, 100 Proof: The Hangover! I want to give a big shoutout to Stat and the whole Showoff Records crew for coming through to WERS 88.9 and representing MA$$. Check out more footage coming soon including the Statik Selektah interview and the 100 Proof: The Hangover Listening Party and Album Release Party!

1,000 pts, 500 rebs & 300 asts

The 2009-2010 basketball season has truly set itself apart from the rest. The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has had three athletes shatter GNAC basketball records thus far. Earlier this month, Iman Davis (Emmanuel College) and Jessica Mellen (Rivier College) each broke the women's 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 300 assists record. Now, Jeremy Shannon from Emerson College is the first male basketball player to reach the accomplishment.

Although injured early in the season, Jeremy Shannon, did not let anything get in his way of the basket. As soon as he was back on the court, he scored 22 points, tallied 11 rebounds, and totaled six assists to earn him a spot on the GNAC weekly Honor Roll. In eleven games, Shannon has scored 140 points averaging 12.7 per game. Also he has totaled 82 rebounds, 58 assists, and has a free throw percentage of .57.

Before the season began, Shannon was well known in the GNAC and across Division III. He was named to the D3Hoops.com Honorable Mention All-America team, which is only received by 25 Division III players nationwide for pre-season honors. Also during his basketball career, the 5'11'' guard earned such accolades as two-time GNAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2008 GNAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as well as three-time All-Conference selection.

-Natalie West

Communications Specialist

Haiti Earthquake Reflection

BLESS THE PEOPLE OF HAITI, SUPPORT WYCLEF JEAN'S FOUNDATION OR ANY DONATIONS WILL HELP... J BONZIE, "CHANGE" ON THE SOUNDTRACK...

RIP Teddy Pendergrass, B-Ball & Avatar (Jan 9-18)

On January 13, 2010 an R&B icon, Teddy Pendergrass, passed away. He was a legend! A pioneer in R&B that helped many of today's artist develop their style by setting the precedent. "You Can't Hide From Yourself" is my favorite Teddy P song as it is the song that I came out of the locker room to at home games for my whole college career at the request of my Head Coach Hank Smith and one of the truest statements I ever heard. This interview was shot on January 18, 2010 a couple of hours after my college basketball team won our 6th game in a row. Although I was not playing up too the standard that I hold myself to, getting a WIN is all that is important when I hit the floor. On another note I finally saw AVATAR! It was a great movie, not so much because of the storyline but because of the one of a kind visuals and graphics. James Cameron's time was well spent on this project!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Decade Introduction (Dec 31-Jan 8)

Welcome to the Lane Makers Entertainment Documentary! This blogumentary will give you a first hand look at the journey of Lane Makers Entertainment CEO and Emerson College senior, J.Shannon. Jay is an Honorable Mention Division III Basketball All-American, WERS 88.9 FM's 1st Urban Assistant Program Director and CEO of Lane Makers Entertainment. You will see his life day in and day out from Dec 31st, 2009 throughout his last semester at Emerson College into the New Decade (2010) and beyond! The documentary will feature analysis and developments in Jay's life and interviews from the people and role models that have had an influence on his life. Again, welcome to the Lane Makers Entertainment Documentary!

P&V, "ON OUR WAY UP" ON THE SOUNDTRACK...