I can’t say I’m a big fan of Vince Carter as a player but as a dunker I think he is the best overall dunker of all time. That means in-game, dunk competition and streetball! You might have seen the in-game and dunk competition dunks but if you have never seen what Vince can do playing streetball then check the video below! I was in the building for that game at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx and it was the craziest dunk I’ve EVER seen in person. The best thing that Vince could do besides dunk is score, I really expected more from Vince as a fan with all that athletic ability. Not everyone has that killer instinct and championship caliber though. But I did want to show love to the greatest dunker of all-time as he he scored his 20,000th career point this week! Check out the video below the Rucker Dunk to see what Vince was about in his younger days, it’s VINSANE!
If you happened to read my blog posts for week one (Jan 1st-8th) you would already know that Blake Griffin is my unanimous choice for Slam Dunk Champion this year. If you STILL don’t know who Blake Griffin than you HAVE TOP go back to that post and watch the video below, TRUST ME! The ironic thing is that Blake is only really known for being a high-flying, super strong dunker at this point but people need to realize this boy can play! As a rookie Blake has dropped 47 points in a game, the highest total points by any individual player this year. Oh yeah, not to mention his 14 rebounds to go along with that which gave him his 22nd consecutive double-double and a total of 33 on the year! This year is only half way over, it his rookie season and he’s looking like the best power ford in the game. Any objections? Lets see how the rest of the season pans out but regardless this Rookie is a problem!
D.Rose was the only Point Guard in the NBA that made the #MYOL #pointgod watch last week. This week he repeats that with this first career triple-double dropping 22pts, 12asts, 10 rebs! Many people have D.Rose at the top of their MVP list to this point as he has lead the Chicago Bulls to 3rd in the East and 5th overall in the league with both Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer missing majority of this season with injuries. The Chicago Bulls haven’t had someone this electrifying since the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan. Last week’s numbers of 28pts, 10rebs were dominant so I don’t even know what to call these, but it definitely deserves this week’s #Pointgod Watch!
There are no words that could describe the feeling I got when I first saw this picture. Its almost as if President Obama and Dr. King were actually at the same table, but one thing is for sure they shared the same vision. Last year I spoke in a video blog about Martin Luther King Jr. and how he has affected my life. One year later I feel the same way, I think that a one day celebration is not enough for a man who is the most influential figure in American society's history. He is the reason that young black men can even aspire to become entertainers and professional athletes so my question is why aren't more young black men trying to be like Dr. King? Then it hit me, he is who I want to be like. Both he and President Obama are major figures in the African-American community because they are strong, influential African-American men but their fight for civil rights and justice is for people of all races. I am a young African-American, Dominican and Irish man and very proud of all of the races I come from. Although I want to have a major influence in the African-American community, I want to help and motivate men and women of all races all over the world. I've heard the phrase "if you want something done, do it your self". That is exactly what I'm going to do, so instead of asking "why aren't more young black men trying to become like Dr. King?", I will become more like MLK and dedicate my life to improving the lives of children and fighting hate all over the world. Because I have a dream to but I'm not going to tell you about mine, I'm going to show it to you! Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rest In POWER!
Fresh off winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy and BCS National Championship, superstar Cam Newton declares for the NFL. Similar to Tim Tebow, many critics are saying that Cam is not ready to play quarterback in the NFL. During the season he was faced with allegations that his father actually sold his son’s talents to the University of Auburn. Cam stayed strong through all the accusations and led his to tem to a championship. Now its time for him to take his talents to the next level, so lets see what Cam Newton does in the NFL. But for him to win the Heisman and BCS Championship through all the controversy Cam Newtown earns a spotlight in this week’s #MYOL News!
Its no secret 50 cent is a genius! After getting shot and becoming the highest selling debut Hip Hop artist 50 has taken his money and become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the last decade. After signing a deal with Reebok (G-Unit Sneakers), Formula 50 Vitamin Water, The 50th Law and much more Curtis Jackson has enterted more ventures! 50 continues to reinvent himself as an entrepreneur, he is definitely a major influence in my pursuit to be an entertainment entrepreneur. Check out the video and find out why 50’s got the spotlight in this week’s #MYOL News!
In 2010, I got the pleasure of interviewing the 5 mic MC Bun B aka Professor Trill (Check out the video below). In my short time speaking to him it becomes evident that he is a very articulate person almost immediately. These days that isn’t something that is expected due to the rappers that are constantly thrown in our face that have set bad examples like Waka Flaka Flame and many more. On January 11, 2011 Professor Trill taught his first class at Rice University in the “Hip Hop and Religion” course ! Truly Hip Hop History and a major accomplishment for Professor Trill aka Bernard Freeman both as an MC and more importantly a man. As a Hip Hop artist becoming a teacher at a prestigous university like Rice, Bun B definitely deserves a spotlight in the #MYOL Hip Hop History spotlight!
On Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 (1-11-11) Jay-Z and Kanye dropped their first single off their upcoming album “Watch The Throne”. Honestly, I had some speculation before I even heard the track simply because of the title. Didn’t Roscoe Dash come out with a song called “Goin’ Ham” and now Jay and Kanye come out with “H.A.M.”? So my first thought was, damn is this what the game has come to that legends have to steal phrases from a Hip Pop artist? Maybe they don’t care but either I knew I’d like this version way better than the Roscoe Dash version. Kanye does his thing on the track but Jay definitely gets him on it, which is a change from the last couple of tracks they’ve done together recently. Although, the track is hot it seems rushed as Jay and Kanye only drop a verse each and they definitely aren’t what I expected off the first single from the Hov vs. Yeezy album setup. Sadly, with all that said it is definitely hotter than majority of the Hip Hop music that has come out this week.
First and foremost shoutout to Statik Selektah who has been holding it down and been the #1 Lane Maker in the Hip Hop game out of MA$$. I got to interview Statik last year when he dropped his 100 Proof album, check it out in the “Statik Selektah - 100 Proof: The Hangover Drop/Interview” blog from 2010. Lets be clear there is no coincidence to why Statik is where he is today. The Showoff/Clockwork team has been particular and very strategic in the moves that they have made throughout their careers. Work ethic and talent are major factors in why Statik and his team has been so successful. With this EP collaboration with Freeway, Statik and his Showoff Marketing have displayed what has put them where they are today, great marketing/strategic ideas and work ethic. Lets not forget about Freeway who was a major part of the Roc-a-fella Records reign in the early 2000’s and legendary MC who’s flow will never be duplicated. On January 10th, 2011 at 5 pm Statik and Freeway began recording their EP entitled “Statik Free” with XXL, Karmaloop and more documenting the entire process while live on UStream. Although the live feed was a great idea, the length of the project may have caused a negative affect in fans sticking around as they didn’t finish recording until after 2am after starting at 5pm. With that being the only possible negative, MC’s like Termanology, Mac Miller, Lil’ Fame, Reek Da Villain, Jack Frost and more made special guest appearances. Whether you’re a Freeway or Showoff fan or not you have to respect the hustle! If you are a true Hip Hop fan who loves crazy beats, dope lyrics and artists who love their craft, cop that “Statik Free” EP!
Last week I referenced Diggy Simmons in the blog post “Hip Hop History: Peter & Cory Gunz Freestyle w/ Sway on Shade 45” as he is in a rare of class of son’s of Hip Hop legends who are NICE at spittin’ rhymes. If you don’t already have it make sure you download his 2010 mixtape “Past Presents Future” hosted by DJ Premier! The mixtape is dope as Diggy kicks rhymes over classic beats like Shook Ones, Electrinoc Relaxation and more. Pure and simple the kid has skills, no disrespect to Jojo but he is definitely the one who inherited the Hip Hop gene from Rev Run. He doesn’t rap about selling crack or busting his gun but he just uses his talent to put words together to describe what he’s going through in life, his aspirations and the bloodline/legacy he promises to carry on. As far as his age group and generation he is better than any of the younger rappers on the Young Money label and definitely the future of Hip Hop. He is definitely a breath a fresh air for Hip Hop as he comes from the lead MC of the first Hip Hop group to bring the genre to the crossover audience, Run-DMC (for all you non-Hip Hop fans). Not only is he the offspring of a Hip Hop icon but the kids got SKILLS and that’s we his in the #MYOL Hip Hop History spotlight!
Damn talk about lyrical heavyweights! In my opinion this is the most lyrical group/label since Wu-Tang (no pun intended lol) but the crazy part of it is, there’s two white MC’s! Yeah, not one but TWO white MC’s! Obviously when you hear white MC the first name that comes to your head is VANILLA ICE, haha sike. Eminem is arguably top 5 MCs of all-time and it wouldn’t matter if he was Asian, the way the man can rap is legendary! Don’t get me wrong it’s a major move that Em has signed Slaughterhouse but the real Hip Hop History here is that the best white MC of all-time signing the best white MC since. From a marketing standpoint, its genius because Em’s fans are automatically going to embrace Yelawolf and it is the most promising position he could be in as a Hip Hop artist but honestly those are big shoes to fill. I haven’t heard any music from Yelawolf but his persona and look will have to be changed in my opinion. I don’t think the country bumkin’ haircut and the dirty look well go over well with the true Hip Hop or Pop crowd. The question is can he have a career like Em’s or more like Bubba Sparks, either way there is one thing that’s for sure white boy can rap! Check Yelawolf in the 2010 BET Cypher below and Em’s words on signing Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf. This is definitely the first time ever in Hip Hop that this has happened and that’s why it deserves an #MYOL Hip Hop History spotlight!
“Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, it’s kinda phase two of Shady,” says Eminem. “It’s the new generation of Shady Records and as we’re trying to rebuild our label, it’s exciting for hip-hop and with all of these forces coming together and with what everybody’s capable of on the mic, it’s gonna be fun.”
After recent struggles coming into the new year with a blowout loss to Miami on Christmas day and being publicly criticized by their 11-time championship coach Phil Jackson after 2 more losses in a row, Kobe and the defending champs have begun to turn things around. To those who don’t understand the game of basketball it may seem as if teams are hot and cold as last week I blogged about the Heat’s 20 of 21 game wi ning streak but basketball is game of runs. Wins and losses in the NBA are parallel as things like road trips, consecutive games in a matter of days and injuries can affect the wins and loss columns of our favorite teams. The Lakers are by far the most talented team in the league on paper especially with their off-season additions of playoff tested veterans Matt Barnes and Steve Blake. When the Lakers get focused and play team basketball they are the best team in the league and they deserved an #MYOL NBA spotlight for the week of January 9th – 15th. Hopefully, they can keep it going so they can lose to the Celtics in Game 7 of the 2011 NBA Championship (I’m calling it NOW!).
In the summer of 2005 I played against Derrick Rose, I was going into a post-graduate year and he was going into his sophomore year. After seeing the size, athleticism and natural NBA talent of someone 4 grades younger than me I knew that the NBA was a long shot. Now about five years later he is doing the same thing in the NBA. When you first look at the numbers he dropped on the Pacers they look like stats that would be put up by Dwight Howard. This speaks to the athleticism of the early twenties super-athletic #pointgod who is only suppose to be a senior in college. He has clearly become one of the best players in the league, Chicago’s leader and franchise player. With 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists D.Rose is the spotlight in the #Pointgod Watch!
The definition of a Lane Maker is someone who creates opportunity for others. There is no question that Oprah has helped me define my brand. Now she has done it again by starting The Oprah Winfrey Network. There are no words that can describe her journey from a poor black girl born in Kosciusko, Missississppi in 1954 to a multi-billionaire dollar female OWNing her OWN television network in 2011. My favorite part of her staring the network is the name, OWN! Although it stands for The “Oprah Winfrey Network,” the acronym already has a meaning in itself and more importantly a message. For everyone aspiring to become better, whether its in business, a certain craft or just life in general! OWN! Own yourself first and foremost, don’t let anyone control your dreams and aspirations!
Speechless. That was the only word that could describe how I felt after watching this documentary. The series “Masters Class” and who it features is iconic but for Oprah (who isn’t a fan of Hip Hop) to choose a Hip Hop artist to headline her first episode really speaks to how impactful and undeniable Hip Hop has become worldwide. Not only is Jay-Z my favorite rapper (as I’ve gotten to witness him grow as an artist from the beginning) but he is also my favorite entrepreneur as he literally created everything he currently has from nothing solely through his dedication and intuition to listen to himself when many tried to alter his vision. Through all the years that Jay-Z has been in the public eye he has never spoken so in-depth about things like his failures, his relationship with his father and other very personal issues he has had to deal with throughout his life. In this documentary he does not give you Jay-Z the rapper but rather Sean Carter the man. For fans of his music and entrepreneurial career this is a must see and for those who don’t like “Jay-Z”, this documentary might give you a different opinion on a man who was marked for failure but did not accept what was given to him and followed his dreams and ambitions to influence children and adults of all races around the world. If there is an ultimate example of #MYOL, Sean Carter is it.
This story is nothing less than truly amazing and is the prime example of the impact that the World Wide Web can have on the instantaneous promotion that any story or person can obtain during these Internet driven times. Over the years that have been many examples of both positive and negative stories that have spread like wildfire due to video uploading sites like YouTube & UStream and social networks like Facebook & Twitter. This story was about a bum in Ohio who used to be a radio personality in college. Due to drug and alcohol addiction he never got to pursue the career he dreamed about. One day a videographer from the Colombus Dispatch, a local newspaper in the Colombus, Ohio area decide to record this man doing his radio voice. After the dispatcher uploaded it to YouTube, within days Ted “Golden Voice” Williams’ life changed from being a bum with no money to a radio personality with 10+ offers on the table. He became a superstar literally over night and was invited to numerous radio and daytime television talk shows! Again, this shows the power of the Internet and viral media, but it is a double edge sword! What are you posting to the Internet? Does it represent what you want to be portrayed as? Either way if you have an idea that you think can get some feedback grab a camera and upload it just like the dispatcher and maybe you could change yours or someone else’s life forever. #MYOL
One of my idols! A Hip Hop and entrepreneurial icon, Russell Simmons is the definition of #MYOL! Last week he released his sixth book titled “Super Rich”, don’t let me tell you what its about, check out the link below and get yourself a copy!
Swizz Beats came on to the scene in the 90’s with his grimey street anthem New York City beats like “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” and a bunch of other album cuts that MCs like DMX, The Lox and Drag-On lyrically massacred. Then he went on to signing Cassidy in the early 2000’s he produced club bangers like “Hotel” and “Get No Better” and many other hits like “Bring Em Out”, “Check On It” & “Ring The Alarm”, “Touch It” and many more. In 2007, he dropped his first solo album, One Man Band Man and has worked with music icons like Whitney Houston, Will.i.am, Usher, Bono, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and more. His latest project in 2010 has been his website basquiatmusic.com and “Monster Mondays” where he premieres new tracks he’s produced with everyone from Estelle to Rakim. In recent years Swizz has let the public in on his personal life and the growth that he has experienced during his marriage and child with R&B superstar Alicia Keys. Now, Swizz has reinvented himself once again as he has become a painter. His first piece titled “Young Brazil” was unveiled in the first week of 2011 and is amazing. Swizz has set a tempo for Hip Hop, both literally and figuratively over the years and he has shown that Hip Hop artist aren’t just that. With this beautiful painting Swizz shows that growth amongst the superstars we look up to comes with age and that expression can simply be channeled in anyway you determine and that’s why he is one of the highlights in this week’s #MYOL News.
In 2010, Nicki Minaj was the talk of Hip Hop as she carried on the baton, which was passed to her by label mate Drake. She broke many records like becoming the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard 100 simultaneously, the first woman MC to ever collaborate with Eminem and perform at Yankee Stadium (sold out) amongst other record breaking accomplishments. With all those in the bag, Nicki has achieved her biggest accomplishment by far as she has gone certified platinum on her debut album Pink Friday less than two months after its release. After having the highest first week sales in Rap/Hip Hop for a female MC (Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is categorized as R&B genre with 422,000) Nicki came out of the gate on fire even though Lil’ Kim tried to put it out with her diss track “Black Friday”. I’d really like to see these two queens come together and make even more Hip Hop History but regardless Nicki Minaj is the hottest femal rapper in the game right now and is breaking records left and right and as Jay said “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t”. With the numbers that Micki is putting no one can take that crown from her as the queen of Hip Hop right now and it definitely helps that she’s got the creativity, artistry and most importantly bars to back it up! (That’s not the only thing she can back up though! DAMN Nicki!)
Sway is no stranger to Hip Hop History In The Making as he’s been around the game for 10+ years with interviews from everyone from Biggie to Snoop. This time he does it again early in 2011 with the best lyrical father/son rappers of all-time straight from the birthplace of Hip Hop, The Bronx. I was wondering when this would finally happen as the father/son thing hasn’t happened a lot in the genre of Hip Hop due to it being so young but now in 2011 it is something that is happening more and more (Peter/Cory Gunz, Rev Run/Diggy Simmons, Will/Jaden Smith). Its really a beautiful thing to see happen because as Biggie said “they never thought Hip Hop would come this far” and hopefully it will be something that continues to happen even more in the future. But lets be clear about one thing, just because you’re the son of a Hip Hop legend does not automatically make you a rapper. You still got to be hot, real talk. In this freestyle I think pops might have gotten son as Peter is better with the lyrical content but Cory’s flow is crazy as usual. Check out some Hip Hop History In The Making!
“Money got me excited, I’m cumming 4 or 5 times/the 45 for you n***** with 9 lives/penthouse on Collins, money long as Ocean drive” ... “countin’ money stacks, yours counterfitted/I made my money back when your accountant didn’t” - Rozay
“I could keep a secret with Vicki/have a Minaj with Nicki/and be out in London with Lauren while tellin’ Megan Goodmorning/catch me Rowland with Kelly/around the Hilton with Paris” - Meek Millz
“I can't see your album coming that’s just like a sucker punch…write my s*** so vicious y’all like snitches, y’all can’t see the pen/always on my newshit CNN/shit on you n***** like I need the pins” - Wale
Rajon Rondo is simply a #pointgod in everyway. The Celtics PG had 12 points, 22 assists, and 10 rebounds for his 11th career triple-double, adding six steals to help Boston beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-103 in a matchup of the NBA's top two teams. Rondo's 22 assists were the second-most in his career; he had 24 in an Oct. 29 game against the New York Knicks that was his only other triple-double this season. His six steals were a season-high and one off his career-high. Rajon is in the perfect position with the Hall Of Fame bound starting five Boston Celtics. As a natural point guard, Rondo’s stock has risen since he has really become the leader on a team with great players. He has everything a pure point could ask for from shooters, slashers and post players that you can both dump the ball into and can finish at the rim. 22 assists is unbelievable, but it takes two! The Celtics were on fire specifically Ray Allen which helps spread the floor and lets Rondo have his way with the defense as they continue to back up and let him get into the lane. Since he’s enterted the league he has been a great rebounder for a point guard. The question is can Rondo continue to put up these type of numbers when the Hall Of Famers are gone? We shall see but regardless the ability to find players for 22 assists along with 12 points and 10 rebounds deserves a #pointgod spotlight!
On the night that Amar’e Stoudemire returned Pheonix, Ray Felton stole the spotlight. Ray produced the first triple-double of his career to lead the Knicks’ 121-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Felton produced a #pointgod game with 23 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Knicks win their 21st game of the year. I’ve been a fan of Felton ever since his days at UNC and although I did not watch him during his tenure with the Bobcats I knew that he was a prototypical NBA point guard since college. At 6’ 2” he defends full court, protects the ball and runs your offense efficiently. This year he has flourished in coach Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system, especially in the pick and roll with early MVP candidate Amare Stoudemire. Ray Felton hasn’t been one of the NBA’s premiere point guards over the years but it is clear that New York is a great system for him and his 1st career triple-double is worthy of a #pointgod spotlight.
The Staples Center in Los Angeles will host four first-time contestants for the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest. The Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, the Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings, the Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka and the Washington Wizards' JaVale McGee. This is the first Slam Dunk Contest in recent memory that only one guard is a contestant and a point guard who’s hardly known for dunks at that. Although, Ibaka and McGee are power dunkers I can’t see them matching the power or explosiveness of the obvious favorite Blake Griffin. The real question I have when it comes to the dunk contest is why hasn’t Lebron James entered yet? Is he really too high profile to do the dunk contest. I think it is a slap in the face to all the fans, the league and all the legends that have won the contest for Lebron to have not entered in his 8 year tenure. Because of the lack of superstars entering this year as well as prior years the NBA has had to resort to different media hoopla to increase fans interest. This year Griffin will match up with TNT analyst and two-time Slam Dunk participant (1990, 1991) Kenny Smith; Jennings will practice with NBA Legend Darryl Dawkins; McGee will work with NBA TV/TNT analyst and five-time NBA All-Star Chris Webber; and Ibaka will prepare with Thunder teammate and 2009-10 NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant. Fans will be able to keep up with the latest development in the series by viewing the latest weekly episodes of possible dunks that will be used at the contest at NBA.com/Dunk. Blake Griffin, is my choice as well as probably 99% of the country. For those of you who don’t know who Blake Griffin is or what he can do, watch the video below, sit back and get your popcorn cause you will want to watch it again! TRUST!
The Miami Heat have won 8 straight and 20 of its last 21 after a 9-8 start to the 2010-11 NBA season. During the 9-8 start rumors were flying about Heat head coach Eric Spolestra being replaced by GM Pat Riley, Lebron not being happy with his decision to go to Miami and Chris Bosh possibly being traded. A couple months later it looks like what Riley, Spolestra and the Miami hopefuls hoped for is coming to fruition. Along with the new Big 3 of the NBA, veterans Carlos Arroyo and Zydrunas Ilgauskus complete the starting five. A handful of other mediocre, non-playoff tested players like James Jones, Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony get major minutes. While newly acquired free agent Erick Dampier, sharp shooter Eddie House and seasoned veteran Juwan Howard round out the bench while former champ Udonis Haslem and former All-Star Mike Miller are out with injury. During their streak all of the Big 3 are shooting over 50% and averaging at least a double-double, clearly carrying the load as there is a lack of talent on the rest of the roster. The Heat are 2nd in the NBA in offensive efficiency (111.4 points per 100 possessions) and close 3rd defensively (100.8). The critics who said that this wasn’t the year for the Heat to possibly win it all have obviously have to reconsider. In just a matter of months the Heat have gelled and are playing championship level basketball, which a lot of critics thought wouldn’t happen until next season. The scary part is that the rest of the active roster is full of players out of their prime or strictly role players, which may help or hurt the Heat during this year’s playoff run. But with the domination of the struggling defending champion LA Lakers on Christmas Day, the injury ridden Boston Celtics and more than 3 months to gel before the playoffs the Heat are looking like a major threat to every championship contender. Oh yeah, there is always the off season to add better pieces and the next couple years as the Big 3 signed for multiple years. DAMN!
And the show begins, 2011 is here! This will be the first year that I will fully dedicate my time and energy to giving the world a glimpse into my vision as a brand, entrepreneur and artist. I am an aspiring actor, screenwriter and model but current documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur. Since I was a kid my 1st love has always been basketball but music and entertainment was never far behind. I would study icons like Russell Simmons, Sean Combs and Sean Carter as they set trends and influenced music and entertainment culture. While most kids were simply following the trends they set I was one of the kids who would always look into why, when, where and how these influences occurred. Instead of just asking how can I become a part of the trend I always challenged them and asked myself what would I do differently and what would I keep the same. Although my dream was to be an NBA player I always knew that if I didn’t make it that one day I would want to be a motivator and innovator of my own. Well the pursuit of that dream starts today.
Music & Entertainment
I’ve always been a fan of music, it has been my 1st love alongside basketball. Due to me always playing ball my whole life I never got a chance to be involved in music or art & entertainment. I never got to play an instrument or learn how to produce music but it is a passion of mine and a dream to get involved with music one day down the road. I’ve written rap lyrics here and there and have always come up with them in my head because it was something that has come to me so easy but I am not a rapper. Or as I like to say I’m a rapper who doesn’t rap. As a kid the first genre of music I fell in love with was Hip Hop. I remember my older cousin’s taking me along with them to the store to buy Nas “Illmatic” album when I was 8 years old. From then on I was hooked and every word that I heard and didn’t know I would look up in the dictionary so I could understand everything that Nas said on that album. Literally, I let “my tape rock, until my tape popped” and then Notorious B.I.G. dropped “Juicy” off the “Ready To Die” album and I never looked back. I became HIP HOP! In that song Biggie talked about Kid Capri and other legends he had listened to growing up and that’s when I became a HIP HOP HISTORIAN! I listened to KRS-ONE, BIG DADDY KANE and many more as a 10 year old. I’ve always listened to old school Hip Hop from back then along with current Hip Hop in my tape deck, CD player and iPod up to today! Although, Hip Hop is the first genre I fell in love with, Rhythm & Blues is the genre I fell the most deeply in love with. Living in Ma$$achu$ett$, I grew up on was New Edition and Bel Biv Devoe as Michael Bivins was one of the main catalyst behind the New Jack Swing Era. Then as I did with Hip Hop I looked back into the genre and discovered legends like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5 all the way back to legends like Billie Holliday and Louie Armstrong! R&B and Hip Hop are my favorite genres but I love all types of music. For someone to be able to put words or feelings to different types of sounds and instruments and produce a product that makes you feel a certain way is amazing!
Although I love music and it’s my ultimate dream to get involved in it one day, I don’t feel it’s my best path to help make these lanes at this time. Even though I’m just starting to embrace it I’ve looked back into my childhood and realized that I’ve always been an entertainer. Whether it was making people laugh, impersonating actors in certain movies or putting on a show for the crowd watching me at basketball games. Over 2010, I finally came to the conclusion that acting, hosting and producing is the first move I have to make in my career in entertainment. The same way I watched legends like Diddy, Russell and Hov do their thing, I watched icons like Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Jaime Foxx. Those guys have inspired me and in studying their careers I learned something real valuable, it is a LONGGGG road to superstardom. There are a lot of hardships and struggles you have to get through in order to become a star. Its real motivating to see the actors from MA$$ that have been doing MAJOR things in 2010 and prior like Pooch Hall (Derwin Davis, BET’s “The Game”), Mark Wahlberg (The Other Guys, The Fighter, etc.), Ben Affleck and Slaine (The Town). This is the year that I will start my journey in music and entertainment, my first plan to get into music is to learn how to DJ. Not computer DJ-ing, real DJ-ing I mean Kool Herc/Kid Capri DJing! As far as acting/producing my goal is to learn to write scripts and get involved in acting classes and theatre. This is what I feel I need to do and what I am going to do! PERSEVERANCE and DIRECTION is EVERYTHING!
J.Shannon
The world is going to see a side of me that those who are close to me already know. The determined, funny and entrepreneurial visionary that few get to see will be broadcasted to the world. One thing I can never do is not be true to myself and the fans that I acquire along the way. I do want to apologize to some of the people who were close to me that I’ve hurt in the process of trying to find my path in this industry. There were a lot of things I did and changes I had to make that affected some of the most important people in my life. But when your young and trying to “chase fame” you don’t realize how you affect certain people. But I did those things so that during my pursuit I wouldn’t have to make more drastic changes along the way and I could stay true to myself as much as possible. If there is a clearer way I could explain it, it would be similar to the last verse in Maino’s song “Fame” he dropped in 2010. Back to the topic, you can find reviews on entertainment development from music, movies, entrepreneurial deals and more right here on my blog and twitter (@ makeyourowlane). Thanks for reading and I hope you take this ride to create this lane along with me because that is the purpose behind everything I do and please tell a friend! Look out for the MYOL Documentary: The Other Jay, coming June 1, 2011 to an internet site near you!
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