The Date: Sunday, 8/19/2K12
The Locale: BB King Blues Club & Grill, New York City
Pioneering rap trio Whodini - the first hip-hop artists to achieve Platinum record sales - the first hip-hop act to incorporate dancers in their live shows - the first hip-hop 'sex symbols' - were honored with the Icon award for the incredible body of work that they've produced throughout their legendary career. Doctor Ice, the honorary fourth member of the group due to his long-time association as one of their dancers during their successful run in the 1980's, made his presence felt by spitting a mean dancehall reggae verse for the enthusiastic crowd during the award presentation. 'The only thing that's ever made Whodini strong and stand the test of time in the Hip-Hop game is that we've always had the love of the people. That's what carried us through this long and that's what's gonna take us to our graves.' said group member Ecstacy. A well-deserved honor from the underground music community!
Some of the most talented, up-and-coming artists rocked the stage, such as female R&B group Main Girl out of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, Hip-Hop acts QuesFire from the Bronx, New York City and Move Nation, a talented and energetic male duo out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just to name a few. R&B/Pop singer Cocoa Sarai, rising hip-hop male artists N.O. and D.Chamberz, and talented femcees Kitana Blade and Sonja Blade (not related...lol) were among the big winners at this year's ceremonies. The night also featured a fantastic fashion showcase of the Bag Lady Inc. Collection, modeled by the gorgeous women of Blue Ice Entertainment. The fashion show was sponsored by Soul 2 Soul Music Buzz ( a division of Urban Threshold), which recently launched its debut website, www.soul2soulmusicbuzz.com. Urban Threshold/Underground Music Awards CEO/Founder Jesse Atkinson and his team continue to do amazing, inspiring work in helping talented individuals that don't get the mainstream accolades the recognition that they deserve for their hard work and dedication in putting out the best quality product out to the masses who appreciate their grind and unique musical direction. DJ Swerve did his thing on the 1 and 2s supplying the music throughout the evening, and the talented and lovely Ms. Chia Schonberg did a great job as the hostess! All in all, the 10th annual Underground Music Awards was yet another success across the board! For the complete list of winners, log on to www.undergroundmusicawards.com.
Since turning pro in 2K4 after a fantastic run as an amateur, 26-year-old Los Angeles native Cleotis 'Mookie' Pendarvis has done nothing but impress in the ring with lots of success thus far, holding the title belts in both the IBF/USBA WBC/USNBC Jr. Welterweight and WBF/USA Intercontinental Welterweight divisions with a current record of 15-3-1 and 5 KO's. With his possession of sheer drive, determination and passion, Mookie is aiming to become one of the next great pugilists in the history of professional boxing. Pendarvis took timeout from his busy workout schedule to chat about the sport of boxing, his words of widsom for aspiring young athletes and more.
RG: If you had to compare your style of boxing to two legends that's ever done it in the ring, who would they be?
CMP: Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker and Meldrick Taylor.
RG: What are your feelings on the current state of men's amateur boxing here in the USA, especially with our disappointing performance in this year's summer Olympics in London? What needs to improve in order to regain respectability again around the world, in your opinion?
CMP: I just think that they need to take the politics out of boxing, and let the best fight the best.
RG: For boxing fans that are looking for the 'next big thing' in a sport that has struggled over the past few years - how would you promote your brand to convince them that you are the one to watch for the 'now' and for the future of boxing?
CMP: I want to be great both inside and outside the ring. I believe that how you conduct yourself outside the ring is what fans will connect with. I have lived a lot, seen a lot and having experienced what I have has helped me reach an awareness in the public by sharing my stories in such a way that others can find some comradery with me. I'm in the 'hurt' business and that's what I do every time I step in the ring. It's all about the victory in both my profession and my life. People are rooting for me and that's what motivates me to be all I can be. My brand is 'It's Doable' - all things are possible and I am living the dream. If I can do it, anyone can if they set their mind to whatever it is they want to do and achieve in life.
RG: You've sparred with some of the greats to ever do it in the square circle, such as Oscar De La Hoya and 'Sugar' Shane Mosley, just to name a few. How important were those experiences for you in your development early on?
CMP: First of all, I'd like to say it was a privledge to even be invited to spar with guys that have championship pedigree. Sparring with them showed me that I had what it takes to hang with the best, I had the talent and heart that it takes to be on their level and I had the talent it takes to one day be a champion. Looking across the ring and Shane Mosley or Oscar De La Hoya is looking back at you - it's a surreal thing - almost like 'Should I be here?'....It's amazing, and both of those guys said very encouraging things to me and said that one day I'd be a champ....What do you say to that?....I was both speechless and humbled.
RG: Do you worry at all about the risk of serious injury in this brutal sport? Do your children and loved ones worry about the physical danger that's involved in boxing?
CMP: I don't worry about it, and I don't say that to be flippant. I mean, if I worry - that takes the focus off the job at hand and off my opponent who's coming to beat me. Does it cross my mind? - Yes, but I train hard to not get hit or badly injured. I'm a WARRIOR, not a WORRIER!
RG: What's the best advice you can give to an athletically-talented young man/woman who has high aspirations to not only become a professional boxer in the future, but also become a successful citizen in the game of life?
CMP: I would tell any young male or female athlete to do everything it takes to be the best. Stay focused and healthy...Train hard...Dedicate yourself to your craft, and the rest will follow. Don't get sidetracked with distractions...Understand the measure of sacrifice it takes to get to the top....Don't let anyone or anything hold you back, and in life, treat people with respect and kindness. Take a few minutes to talk to a fan or sign your autograph on their picture because you never know what that gesture can mean to someone....Give your time to others and they will give theirs to you!
RG: What advice do you give to your two young children now that will benefit them in being the greatest adults they can be in the future?
CMP: I tell my children every day to be a leader, not a follower. Don't surrender to peer pressure, and always be kind to people. Education is a big thing to me....I want my children to go to college and get degrees. I want them to have fruitful lives, and I will always be in their corner, God willing. My children are great, smart and funny....They already have the foundations to build a bright future for themselves.
RG: Are you involved with any charities at this present time?
CMP: Right now, I am looking for a charity that will best suit my message. It will more than likely be something in the foster care system. I also want to do some type of fitness program and get kids and families involved in working out, eating right, etc. I want to also go back to my former high school and lend my name and support to them in anyway I can.
RG: In five-to-ten years from now, with God's will, Cleotis 'Mookie' Pendarvis will be -
CMP: The champion of the world in and out of the ring.....Living la vida loca (Laughs).....Healthy and being able to take care of my family the way they deserve to be! I'd like to thank my team: Warren Wilkerson, Pitbull Energy drink, Pitbull Boxing and my publicist Rachel Charles of Pitch INK Media! (Twitter.com @PitchINK)
www.pitbullboxing.com
Facebook.com/Cleotis 'Mookie' Pendarvis fan page
Twitter.com @MookieTheBoxer
The Date: Late June 2K9
The Locale: Joe's Pub, New York City
The Event: VSessions Music Showcase (VIBE Magazine)
RG: What's your opinion on the music of today compared to years past?
TR: It's simply different....Music evolves and it also retracts back. Some people like to follow trends; some like to create their own flow. As long as I keep doing what I do, then I'm providing some variety. There's certain music that I don't necessarily like, but I appreciate the fact that it's providing some variety...People like to have choices.
RG: Best advice you can give to someone trying to get into the music business and succeed in it?
TR: Be true to who you are. Your uniqueness and determination will get get you further than trying to go about it in a strategic method. People think it's a 'textbook' way and it really isn't.
*Rich's most notable hit song is 'Noboby Knows' from 1996 under 'The Tony Rich Project' moniker.
R.G.'s Question: What's the best piece of advice you can give to someone aspiring to be successful in life?
*Jean Chatzky, Financial editior: 'Find something that you are passionate about and do it every day...Stay in school. People who go to college and get their diploma/degree under their wings actually make $1 million more over the course of their lifetime than people who don't go to college.'
*Lashell Griffin, Gospel music recording artist/co-sign of Oprah Winfrey: 'To first serve someone else. Stay humble and stay grounded....Whatever your craft is - study it, learn it and let it become a part of you. Surround yourself with positive people...Believe in your dream and it will come to pass.'
*Keke Palmer, actress/singer: 'Believe in yourself and work hard....Never give up!'
*Hannah Storm, ESPN sports anchorwoman: 'Believe in yourself and your dreams....Be brave and work hard!'
*Kelly Bensimon, reality TV star (Real Housewives of New York): GO FOR IT!
*Suze Orman, financial analyst/author: 'To be as happy in your sadness as you are in your happiness.'
*LuAnn de Lesseps, reality TV star (Real Housewives of New York): 'To succeed - if you don't think you're great, nobody else will. Just think that you're great and you will succeed and keep going!'
*Kathy Griffin, comedian/actress: 'Follow your heart, but get ready to back it up when you get in trouble for it, because that's what I do!' (Laughs)
*Melissa Rivers, author/actress/daughter of legendary comedienne Joan Rivers: 'Never take anything for granted. No one's entitled to anything....My mom says to enjoy every moment because time goes so fast!'
*Alex McCord, reality TV star (Real Houswives of New York): 'Don't take yourself too seriously....Look beyond the opportunity to see where that can lead you....Keep your eyes open because even things that can happen to you that might seem like they are negative, it can actually teach you something and know that even if whatever it is that scares you and wakes you up at night and it's a terrible thing that happens, you'll get through it and learn from it - as long as you don't die!' (Chuckles)
*Peter Hermann, actor/husband of actress Mariska Hargitay: 'Believe in yourself....Ask the hard questions, try your best to drown out the noise of the world and listen for the answers.'
*Mariska Hargitay, actress (Law & Order TV series): 'Don't quit! It's a numbers game so many times.'
*Nugget, member of 'Ringmasters' dance crew (Brooklyn, NY): 'It's not always good to fit in; sometimes it's good to stand out from the crowd. Follow your dreams and what makes YOU best.'
*Grandmaster Flash, Hip-Hop music icon/Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer: 'You must have integrity and preseverance, most importantly.'
*Eric B., Hip-Hop icon (one-half of duo Eric B and Rakim): 'Stay in school and if you're going to have kids, get married first and don't have them out of wedlock.'
*Cynthia Horner, legendary entertainment journalist: 'Have integrity and be willing to work very, very hard because nothing comes easy. You also must have a good work ethic.'
33-year-old Olympic champion Angelo Taylor put up a great fight running the anchor leg for the U.S. of A.with a lead down the stretch in the 4X400-meter final, but could not hang on, as Ramon Miller from the Bahamas surged past him to win the gold medal. The U.S. settled for a disappointing silver, but did pretty well for a lineup that had to be put together due to significant injuries, namely to Manteo Mitchell, who broke his leg during the semifinal heat help qualify them into the final. Taylor also finished in fifth place in his signature event - the 400-meter hurdles, in which he won the gold in 2008 Beijing and also in 2000 Sydney. The gold medal this year went to Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic.
Despite not ending on the winning note that he had hoped for in this his fourth and final go as an Olympian, Taylor has had an incredible and inspiring run at it. Along with the gold medals he won in Syndey and Beijing in the 400M hurdles, Taylor also won the gold as member of the 4X400M relay teams in 2000 and 2008, and that's what made it difficult to lose out on a third gold medal to the Bahamas in London and settling for the silver. Congrats to Angelo Taylor on his amazing accomplishments in representing Team U.S.A. as an Olympian, and wishing him continued success in whatever he does going forward!
'They come to us with flash and stamina and skill, racing and spinning down the court as effortlessly as you or I take a walk down the street - the best women amateur basketball players in the world ready to become the best professional basketball players in the world. They show up to the draft, ready to showcase their skills on a global platform that reaches homes in more than 200 countries and territories.
These are the women of the WNBA, and it is easy to see them as we meet them - as athletes that are able to compete with the very best. But no one is born so lucky or so skilled. Behind the fluid dribbling and effortless jump shots and soaring blocks are years of sprints and drills, countless defeats and hard-fought victories, long bus rides, and the echo of a basketball in an empty gym as they lobbed thousands of shots to perfect their form.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX and all it has done for women's athletics and for women in the United States of America - and, by extension of inspiration, all around the world - it is imformative to remember that Title IX was not always what it is today. Title IX is 'grown up' now - an 'elite player' that has acted as the figurative 'point guard' for two generations of women, 'dishing assists' to help them reach their full potential - but it was not always so.
The legislators who passed this act, as bold as they were at the time, knew that they were hardly waving a magic wand when they signed this law. They pushed title IX into position, like a rock ready to be rolled uphill, but then they moved on to other pressing matters of governing, and it was up to the gigantic, collective effort of thousands to get it to the top.
And they did. Countless women - with the help of a lot of men - slowly, steadily built the cultural acceptance of women's sports that we enjoy today. They did not have giant arenas to play in, nor the backing of corporate partnership dollars. There was a time when the head coaches at major women's college basketball programs treated injuries, drove buses, inflated balls and laundered uniforms. They played the roles of doctor, driver, event coordinator and coach, building success, one taped ankle at a time - slowly growing the prestige and on-the-court success that justified the day-to-day support that the men's programs had long taken for granted.
So today, in a world in which a women's professional basketball league not only can exist - but does exist; not only can thrive, but does thrive; not only can thrill fans from coast to coast, but does! I want to thank not only those who had the forsight to spur a culture of change through visionary legislation, but to those who have pushed that boulder up the hill. As I think you know, we're not quite at the top yet, but we're a long way from the bottom - far enough that the crash would disrupt the world, well beyond women's sports if we were to let go of the rock and let it plunge to the bottom of the mountain. Let's make sure that doesn't happen. I invite you to join us as we continue to push up that long hill to the summit. The view from the top - I'm sure will be fabulous!'
With the moniker of 'Today's R&B Artist,' KASHA is a rising musical talent that is to be reckoned with for years to come. Her style combines the elements of Old School Soul with a New School Swagger, and is without a doubt THE REAL DEAL! Kasha's current single ' I WANT YOU,' produced by Mark Wilson, best showcases her immense, all-around music artistry with amazing vocals, catchy lyrics and melodies. I caught up with the lovely Brooklynite via e-mail to chat about music and more.
RG: What best describes you as a person?
Kasha: A lover of God, who is focused on consistent self-improvement spiritually, physically and emotionally. I am also a person trying to help enhance the lives of others through my talent and experiences.
RG: You lost your beloved mother when you were just 14 years of age, and she was a huge part in planting the seeds of love for music within you. Briefly share with me your feelings.
Kasha: I was blessed to have a talent that was not only inherited from my mom, but she supported. I was shy and quite an introvert when I was young, and she encouraged me to be proud of my gift.
RG: With you being a songwriter, how important is it to write quality, well-structured songs that will connect with people all around the world, both lyrically and musically?
Kasha: We live in a very diverse world, but we all have many things in common, as we are all human. Most people want to be loved, appreciated and understood. Life is not the same everyday. We experience ups and downs, highs and lows. It is important to me that my songs convey messages of positivity such as happiness, and also interpreting life lessons without being demeaning.
RG: What do you think is sorely lacking in the current landscape of R&B/Soul music, in your opinion?
Kasha: There are a lot of exceptionally-talented recording artists that are not exposed to the masses. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, it seemed to be more about the music and less about presentation. People would have a favorite song, and not know what the artist looked like.
RG: What does 'performing live' mean to you?
Kasha: Performing live is more of a way to keep your fans in-tune on the sound. Real fans of music look forward to hearing the live performance that sounds the same as the CD, along with the entertainment aspects as well.
RG: What upcoming projects can we anticipate from you?
Kasha: More singles, a new video, more appearances. I am excited and anticipating all of the opportunities coming my way!
RG: What's the best advice you can give to a talented young lady who can both sing and write her own songs, and aspires to parlay those skill-sets into a successful career?
