From Rapper to Doctor

Roxanne Shanté (born Lolita Shanté Gooden) grew up in the Queensbridge Housing Projects in Queens, New York.  At the age of 14 she became a prominent member of the legendary hip hop group the Juice Crew.  Along with Marley Marl and DJ Mr. Magic Shanté put out a song entitled Roxanne's Revenge.  The song was an answer to UTFO's song entitled Roxanne Roxanne.  Shanté put out 2 albums Bad Sister in 1989 and The Bitch is Back in 1992 before retiring at the age of 25.  Shanté decided that she wanted to further her education to better her future.  Unlike most artist Shanté had a clause in her recording contract that stipulated her record label would pay for her entire education.  After some time of fighting with her record label to honor the contract Shanté was able to graduate from Cornell University with her doctorate in psychology.  Click the link to read the full article on the New York Daily News website.

Allyson Felix Wins Third World Championship in the 200M

Allyson Felix of the USA once again defeats her rival Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica by winning the women's 200M race at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. Felix ran a 22.02 while Campbell-Brown ran a 22.35. Felix's win gave her a third world championship gold medal in the 200M holding her as the only woman to ever accomplish that feat for that event.

USA Takes Silver and Gold in the 400M at the 2009 World Championships

LaShawn Merritt of the USA just eliminated the competition by winning the 400M race by .54 seconds at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. Merritt ran a 44.06. Jeremy Wariner of the USA came in second place with a time of 44.60.

Usain Bolt New World Record Holder of the 100M & 200M

I know that I am days late with this post, however, greatness is etched in stone. Usain Bolt of Jamaica has done it again breaking two world records during the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin. Anyone who follows track knows that these feats are extremely hard to accomplish. I wonder if Bolt has more strength, speed and stamina to surpass himself in the history books. I say this because he just turned 23 on August 21st.

NEW WORLD RECORD 19.19 200M


NEW WORLD RECORD 9.58 100M

the Fray - Heartless

The FRAY - Heartless from IE HAGY on Vimeo.

I love the Fray in fact they are one of my favorite bands right now if not the favorite. Here's the Fray covering Kanye West's song Heartless.

U2 - Stuck In A Moment (2000 Throwback)

U2 Stuck In A Moment Boston 2001
Uploaded by Captain_Moby. - Explore more music videos.

U2 is a great band. Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of is a great song which describes my present atmosphere. This is a live performance from U2's - Elevation Tour in Boston, MA in 2001.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini was such a mindblowing, touching story I am now a fan of the author. The compelling story of two women, their bliss and plight in Afghanistan is saddening. Although the novel is fictional many points are made at the way women are treated in comparison to men in other cultures. To imagine living in such squalor and fear of the unknown that plagues your city and inner dwelling is very frightening.

Andrea Bocelli - Con te Partiro (1997 Throwback)

I love this song. So soothing. The single is from Andrea Bocelli's 1995 album Bocelli. This video is from the 1997 performance on DVD entitled A Night in Tuscany.

Outkast - B.O.B. (2000 Throwback)

Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad
by hushhush112

Outkast is one of the greatest groups ever. They can make you dance, bounce and vibe all with substance in their lyrics. Did I mention they do their own tracks and opened their own studio years ago. Intelligent.

LJ's First Stand Up

Man I went to high school with LJ he was funny then and he is still funny. Check out his first stand up routine - hilarious. It's about time man!

the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

A friend recommended that I read the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I was captured by the story from the opening chapter. Khaled Hosseini's portrayal of Afghanistan before and after the entry of the Taliban is amazing. His direction of life through the native eyes of a young man dealing with his own iniquities, and trying to be the man his father loved is amazing. The novel is well written and I recommend this to everyone as it was recommended to me. I am going to read Hosseini's second novel now A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It

Click here to Buy Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It!

I was introduced to this album by my boy. I always liked Raphael Saadiq back in the Tony! Toni! Toné! days. As a solo artist Saadiq continues to show his extreme talent album after album. Not to mention he is as great a producer as he is an artist. The Way I See It is inspired by the soul era which brought us many classics and structure for R&B of today. Raphael Saadiq hits the nail right on the head with this album by creating not only a classic in modern day music, but would have everyone and their momma's shaking back in the day as well.

On anther note I would love to see Raphael Saadiq and Ryan Leslie do a song together. I believe that would be a great record. Come on guys make it happen for us!