JONATHAN VILMA TRADED TO NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Well there was big news for my good friend All-Pro Linebacker Jonathan Vilma. His request to be traded was granted and he will be joining The New Orleans Saints. He is very happy about the deal and looks forward to playing for a contender. He will be joining my boy from Ohio State, pro bowler Will Smith. Jon I'm sure you have fond memories of Will from the 2002 National Championship Game against Ohio State. If you can't beat them join them, lol. Super Bowl 43 Champs? That team is about to be scary next year... Make sure to check back soon as Jonathan will be featured as our legal hustler of the month for March. He's not only a great player on the field but also a great businessman, and community activist off of it. His work with the United Way will definitely help New Orleans in its rebuilding effort. Congratulations Man and Good Luck.

ARTICLE:

JETS TRADING VILMA TO NEW ORLEANS

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS WITH YOU TUBE

This is an interesting article I came across and it is very timely with the premiere of my reality tv show series, The Legal Hustler on You Tube. Check out the article it gives some very good tips and documents some success stories. Also if you haven't checked the trailer for "THE LEGAL HUSTLER." check it out and let me know what you think...

http://www.youtube.com/mekkadonmusic



ARTICLE:

LIGHTS! CAMERA SALES!

TIPS ON CREATING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

So you and a a friend or colleague come up with a great business idea. Before you start working on bringing the idea itself to fruition take the simple steps of evaluating your business partner. My business partner, V, and I are best friends but we also share the same vision and have taken the time to separate the two relationships. Here are a few simple tips from the Wall Street on creating a successful business partnership. We have been burnt in the past by going into business with people we shouldn't have and experience has proven that the people you work with are more important than the business itself.


BEFORE YOU TIE THE KNOT.....

SEMI-PRO OUT TODAY

This movie looks hilarious. Will Ferrell is one of the funniest people ever and I'm looking forward to seeing it . Shout out to Andre 3000; Do your thing!!!. As far as I am concerned he's one of the top 5,if not the best, MC, to ever touch a microphone. He's also been gaining critical acclaim as an actor.


WEBSITE:

http://www.semipromovie.com

ESTELLE FT. KANYE WEST AMERICAN BOY

UK artist Estelle has been creating a lot of buzz, being the first artist signed to John Legend's(yes he's from Ohio) new label. THis is her first US video featuring Kanye West, American Boy. I like her voice and her style is refreshing.... Thoughts

BUCKEYES RALLY IN SUPPORT OF OBAMA

The race for the democratic nomination has hit my home state of Ohio. I am a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University. I was an athlete, playing football for our Buckeyes. I am glad to hear that two former Buckeye greats, Eddie George and Greg Oden are rallying in support of Barack Obama. I am especially proud to hear about Greg Oden. Greg is only 20 years old and organizing and speaking to young voters in Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio. Ohio State does produce great individuals both in the game and off the court. I see you Barack striking a pose. I encourage all of you to go out and vote even if its not for Barack. YES WE CAN!!


ARTICLE

OBAMA LOOKS TO SCORE BIG

100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

Those of you out there looking to go the corporate America route I'm not mad at you. Simply advice you to take the time in your job search and pick the right company for you. Fortune Magazine may be able to help point you in the right direction. Take a look at their list of the 100 best companies to work for 2008. Good luck for those on the job hunt...

ARTICLE:
FORTUNE's 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR 2008

APPLE NOW # 2 MUSIC RETAILER IN THE US

Apple today announced that iTunes is now the number two music retailer in the US, trailing only Wal-Mart.* The iTunes Store — now with over 50 million customers — has sold over four billion songs. In fact, it sold an incredible 20 million songs on Christmas Day 2007 alone. And with over six million songs from all of the major and thousands of independent labels, it offers the world’s largest music catalog. (www.apple.com). Apple continues to prove that digital downloads are not only viable but will soon overtake traditional retail outlets for the sale of music. New artitsts better understand how to maneuver in the world of digital music. We've tried to absorb as much information as possible as we prepare plans for the release of my music. Good article for those interested in music distribution.


ARTICLE

APPLE NOW #2 MUSIC RETAILER IN THE WORLD

MAYWEATHER TO GET $20 MILLION TO WRESTLE

I used to love the WWF as a kid. It was very entertaining and honestly I did believe it was real. I had thought wrestling's popularity had diminished in recent years with all of the out of the ring issues plaguing. I don't remember the last time I watched a wrestling match. I guess it is now the WWE. Apparently the money is still piling up as they have paid the best pound for pound boxer in the world, Floyd Mayweather $20 million to wrestle "THE BIG SHOW". I am not sure exactly how the 5'8" 150 pound boxer is going to wrestle "THE BIG SHOW" who stands 7' and 430 pounds but its all good entertainment. Congratulations to Floyd on the big payday. Floyd is definitely maximizing his earning potential. His spending habits are a bit questionable but he does work hard.


ARTICLE

MAYWEATHER TO TRY WRASSLIN' AS PART OF WWE's WRESTLEMANIA

THE FUTURE OF SATELLITE RADIO...BRIGHTER

Satellite Radio has been around for a few years now and I wanted to see how it was doing. Sirius Satellite Radio continues to gain subscribers and its losses continue to shrink. Sirius has gained 2.3 million subscribers over the past year putting its total number at 8.3 million. Consolidation seems to be coming as Sirius has made a bid to buy rival XM Satellite Radio. I think Satellite Radio was a great idea and I hope that it continues to grow and eventually become profitable. Artitsts need as many reliable outlets as possible to have their music heard and Satellite Radio is definitely one of them.

ARTICLE:

SUBSCRIBER GROWTH NARROWS SIRIUS LOSS

IN THE STUDIO SATURDAY NIGHT

Well I went into the studio Saturday Night to Record 2 new tracks for my upcoming mixtape Law & Order. I was recording in my man Talonted's studio. My mood going into the session was anger and frustration. I'm frustrated with what's going on in Hip Hop today. Music is a profession just like anything else. Someone who is not a lawyer can't be one legally, someone who doesn't have a medical degree can't be a Dr. I love hip hop and a big part of the reason I'm in the game is because I am deeply annoyed with the lack of respect current artists have for what it means to be a rapper. If we don't respect our own profession no one else will. If you don't have a passion for rapping and are doing it as a hustle, please quit!, your hurting the game for people who really care about this. Look out for the Hit 'EM UP REMIX when I drop Law & Order. Big Shout out to to Talonted for taking time out his crazy schedule to help me record some fire. Hurry up and record your vocals on that track we have a deadline cus. ONCE AGAIN THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT, I PROMISE I'LL MAKE IT RAPPN'

A NIGHT WITH STARS OF PHONE AND RAP

Here's a recap of HOT 97's WINTERFEST 2008 that took place last Friday at the Nassau Coliseum in New York with a feature performance by SNOOP . The article serves as a good framework for the current state of Hip Hop. The title says it all. I was disappointed and a little angry reading this article about the lack of professionalism and respect for the craft that exists today. I was pretty angry when I went to the studio this Saturday and all of you will hear it on my upcoming mixtape. For this music to stay relevant we're going to have to make an effort to make a good product. I hope my efforts can help bring respect back to the game. Stay tuned...

ARTICLE:

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS OF PHONE AND RAP

HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES ! HE MAKES MOVIES!

After reading and writing about 60% of NBA players going broke 5 years after their retirement it is refreshing to read this story on NBA star Baron Davis. I have gotten to see him live a lot more recently and he is definitely one of the best players in the entire NBA. Baron Davis did not have the greatest life growing up. He grew up in a bad area in Los Angeles, both his parents were drug addicts, many of his friends died in the street life. However, Baron Davis used basketball to get himself out. He also realized that basketball was not the be all and all and he had to think about life after basketball. He has taken his passion for movies and has made an investment in becoming a producer and critic for films. He has made some big moves. Athletes remember your life is not a box that only consists of your on field activities. Do your thing Baron!!! Check out the article its great.


HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES ! HE MAKES MOVIES!

TAX DEDUCTIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW

I just filed my taxes this weekend. I advise everyone to take the time to do your taxes early and to also take steps to insure a good refund. A good first step is to save all of your receipts and organize them. I have always managed to get myself a pretty nice refund and I am by no means a tax guru. This article from Yahoo finance gives all of you who haven't done your taxes some tax deductions you should be aware of. Even if you have an accountant it is good to know these things and ask your accountant about them. GOOD LUCK!!!!


ARTICLE:

DON'T OVERLOOK THESE TAX DEDUCTIONS

IT'S NOT JUST WHAT YOU DO ON THE FIELD THAT COUNTS

I am very happy for Darren McFadden. He performed extremely well in the NFL combine running a 4.37(for those who dont know that's really really fast) and helped establish himself as the #1 prospect talent-wise in the NFL. However, he also hurt himself with some issues off the field. McFadden has been involved in 2 fights outside of bars in Arkansas and also informed a team that he had two children by two different mothers on the way. Athletes need to start realizing that your talent alone will only get so far. Every decision you make affects you in some way. He has definitely hurt his marketability and opened himself up to teams questioning whether he is worth a $30 million gamble. He also made Rashard Mendenhall look like a better investment. They both have equal talent, but Mendenhall came across as "humble and personable." I am not trying to cast McFadden in a negative light, I am a fan. However, it is important for him and others to understand in sports as in any other career you must take steps to maximize your earning potential.

CLINTON CAMPAIGN DISTRIBUTES NEW PIC OF OBAMA

According to the Drudge Report The Clinton campaign has distributed this picture Of Barack Obama dressed in tradional kenyan attire upon his visit to Kenya in 2006.If this is true the Clinton campaign should be ashamed of itself for using such tactics. Politics is definitely a dirty game but this is uncalled for.

FORBES: THE WEB CELEB 25

Forbes put together a list of the top 25 Internet celebrities. Most of these individuals run blogs or independent websites. Who knows maybe the Mekka Don blog can pick up enough steam to make this list next year (half joking)... The article was very interesting though I had never heard of a lot of these people but I took some time to browse through the sites and made some good discoveries check it out.

THE ARTICLE WITH PICTURES
FORBES: THE WEB CELEB 25

BEST CITIES FOR JOBS 2008

Here is an article from Forbes Online detailing the top cities for Jobs in the US in 2008. For those of you out there looking for a change of scenery or change of career take a look


ARTICLE:

BEST CITIES FOR JOBS 2008

BILL O'REILLY SPEWS RACISM AGAIN!!!

I do not watch Fox News. It is such a blatantly racist news source with personalities who have no qualms spewing hate live on national airwaves. I can't wait for the opportunity to get on air with this clown and put him in his place. Here are comments he made about Michelle Obama recently with video footage. Its unfortunate that even when an African American man has a legitimate shot at becoming our next President, a media personality with great influence can make statements like this with no repercussions. YES WE CAN BARACK !!! What do you guys think?


COMMENTS: "And I don't want to go on a lynching party against Michelle Obama unless there's evidence, hard facts, that say this is how the woman really feels. If that's how she really feels -- that America is a bad country or a flawed nation, whatever -- then that's legit. We'll track it down"

COMMON AND LINCOLN LOOKING FOR MEKKA DON TOO? ?? LOL

Lincoln inked Common to a 1 year marketing deal this past year. I know many of you have seen the commercial. I think its cool, and I like the direction Common has been taking with Hip Hop with his last 2 albums. Anyways they are looking for an unsigned artist to submit an original song with no profanity by March 17th.... The winner gets $10,000 and a chance to open for Common in 2008. Check out the article for more details


COMMON SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON UP & COMING RAPPERS W/NEW MUSIC CONTEST

IS GENE SIMMONS LOOKING FOR MEKKA DON???

Gene Simmons and legendary rock band Kiss are models of how to stay relevant in the music industry for decades. Gene Simmons is widely recognized as one of the smartest business people ever to enter the music industry. He sat down for an interview with ALL HIP HOP last year and here were some of his statements about rap.

GENE SIMMONS: "But rap better figure out something new, because the next group of guys who say "Wassup" is not gonna be original enough. Very soon that clock will stop ticking, and it's gonna have to move to that next step, or something else will come and push it out of the way as well. Also I'd like to hear a rapper who can really speak English exceedingly well, somebody who can pronounce every single word, doesn't make up his own language and just is a breath of fresh air. Someone who comes in with a suit and tie and really comes off as well dressed [and] well educated just to be different. "

AllHipHop.com: Well Jay-Z did that actually…

Gene Simmons: Actually no, that's not Harvard. I'm talking about somebody who can cross-collateralize and fiduciary duty along with the best of them, who can speak White language better than the White man and do it to music. The reason I'm saying that is just to be different, because if I'm gonna be exactly the same then every single person, including White people, are gonna say, "Yo wassup, my hood, my gang." It's a cliché on top of a cliché, so the next guy that wants to come along and make a difference, be different. When I heard Sean Paul I immediately picked up my ears because I heard Jamaican, I couldn't understand what he was saying, but I didn't care because it was different. He didn't say "Wassup."

I don't know but its pretty weird, his description is dead on to everything Mekka Don represents. I speak English exceptionally well(Lawyer), I can pronounce every single word, I am rocking a suit on the cover of my mixtape, I didn't go to Harvard(NYU) but I can cross-collateralize and fiduciary duty with he best of them... Now some may think his comments are racist but it seems he's just saying that hip hop needs a new movement COMMENTS???

MEKKA DON PICTURES

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PEOPLE WERE ASKING ABOUT PICTURES SO HERE's A SLIDESHOW OF SOME PRINT ADS I HAVE BEEN IN

MORE MUSIC !!!!

We haven't quite figured out how to get the music posted directly onto the blog. It seems that it isn't an option with Blogger.... I love everything Google does but I hope they fix this soon!!! In the meantime here is another song for you all to listen to...Shout out to the Kickdrums again... Please let me know what you guys think by leaving comments. Your feedback is always important. THANKS

HERE IT IS


MEKKA DON "KICK IN THE DOOR"

FINALLY SOME MUSIC!!

I'm sorry for the delay but we will begin posting music. The first song up is Ghetto. Those who have been to my myspace page have probably heard it. However, those who haven't check it out! Shout out to the Kickdrums for blessing me with this crazy beat and production. I appreciate your patience...




MEKKA DON "GHETTO"

ANNIVERSARY OF MALCOLM X'S ASSASSINATION

February is Black History Month as most people know. It is a time to rejoice in our history. However, on February 21st, 1965 we lost one of the great civil rights leaders in our history, Malcolm X. If you all are not educated on this man read his autobiography,and watch the Spike Lee Film. I have posted a link to his wikipedia page. Shout out To Malcolm X!!! Rest in Peace, and thank you for sacrifcing your life for our Civil Rights! We might have the first African American President in 2008 and we can not forget your efforts in making it possible.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X

60% of NBA PLAYERS BROKE 5 YEARS AFTER RETIRING

HERES THE ARTICLE: 60% OF NBA PLAYERS BROKE...
This is a very irritating story. I have several friends and associates who play professional sports and unfortunately I have first hand knowledge of athletes who make exorbitant amounts of money and blow it. The fact that the number is so high in the NBA,the sport with the highest paid athletes, is especially troubling. In the debate about whether NBA players should go to College it is very rarely mentioned that an 18 Year Old probably has no clue how to manage money. I understand that circumstances cause some athletes to choose to enter the NBA. However, if you choose that path it also means you must take on the responsibilities of a mature adult faster. One of the things every mature adult needs to take responsibility for is their finances. I care about this issue because the majority of players in the NBA are African American and we have to stop this cycle. If we don't care about ourselves no one else will! Here are a few tips off the top of my head for all of you athletes.

1.) Become an active participant in your financial situation from day one. If you have a financial adviser make sure you earn their respect early on by getting involved and taking it seriously. If they respect you they are far less likely to take advantage of you. Also don't make yourself believe you are incapable of learning money management.
Finally, take your time and pick the right financial adviser. Don't immediately go with the guy your agent pushes you towards. Often times there are finder's fee agreements between agents and financial advising companies and they are not making a decision in your best interests but theirs.

2.) Develop a good relationship with your accountant and make sure he knows your overseeing your spending. The article mentions some accountants charging players $100,000 just to prepare their taxes. Don't get hustled!

3.) Develop a plan for what your going to do off the court and for when you retire.Every career calls for retirement planning. As an athlete you may feel your invincible but one injury can end your career. Also your actual career is much shorter than most. You have many more years of retirement to plan for than the average citizen. Make sure you invest and also find something your passionate about to transition your talents into. You do not want to be bored out of your mind do you?

4.) Develop relationships that add value, not ones that diminish value. People see athletes as easy prey to be exploited. These people include agents, girls, business advisers, car dealers, jewelers, and even family. You have the right to say no and make sure that you exercise this right. If people know that you aren't a push over than they won't try to take advantage of you.

5.) Save more Money than you Spend!!!

R&B LIVE NEXT TUESDAY LUDACRIS AND DTP

Shout out to my boy Dante Simpson & DSA Media for promoting, and JACQUIE LEE AT CIROC FOR SPONSORING THIS EVENT.For all of those who are in New York Tuesday Nights, this is a great event to network and listen to great music in an intimate environment. Please get there early as it reaches capacity quickly.

HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN DOCTORS

A good article highlighting some of the historically significant African American Doctors. These people have had tremendous impact on all of us and are recognized as pioneers in their field. They maintain and save lives, but don't get the headlines or the glory that we give entertainers. My brother and sister are both physicians and I have the utmost respect for their talents. Trust me the $$$$$ is right too. For those hip hop heads this article compares each Dr. to a historically relevant figure in hip hop. If you haven't seen the movie Something The Lord Made with Mos Def as Vivien Thomas I highly suggest you do.

Article:
LEADING THE WAY: AFRICAN AMERICAN PHYSICIANS

TVT RECORDS TO FILE CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY

Definitely a shocker. TVT records has been one of the most successful independent records labels over the past decade is filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. TVT is the current home to Lil Jon, Pitbull, and The Ying Yang Twins.Becoming successful is the first step. Managing and maintaining that success seems to always be a problem for us in the hip hop world. Not sure what happened but TVT definitely was bringing enough revenue in...

TVT FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY

ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING :(

When will this stop? When we stop giving these people attention? When we stop allowing citizens to buy guns? I don't know but these incidents have become far too common and they need to stop. While we spend millions have hearings on Roger Clemens and The New England Patriots, real issues continue to get overlooked.Parents can't even feel safe sending their kids off to college anymore!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/us/15shoot.html

I'M OVER 30 and HATE HIP HOP

Very interesting piece from ALLHIPHOP.com. Hip Hop definitely needs to grow and a new movement needs to start It seems like everyone wants to jump on the hip hop is dead bandwagon. People advise me that hip hop is no longer a wise career path to follow. I have a lot of choices when it comes to my career but I choose HIP HOP because I think its still a very powerful tool for the voice of African Americans be heard. We do need to promote something new and I hope to do that with my music.



http://allhiphop.com/stories/features/archive/2008/02/12/19277874.aspx

NY GIANTS SUPERBOWL PARTY!!!

Well as you all know my boys in the Big Blue won Super Bowl XLII. We had to throw a party for them!! All Hip Hop came by and covered the event from Nikki Beach in Midtown Manhattan

JAYZ/STEVE STOUTE START TRANSLATION ADVERTISING

Jay-Z continues to use his brand to diversify his business. The latest venture is a collaboration with Steve Stoute, Translation Advertising. The consulting company will help marketers reach multicultural consumers. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jay as both a musician and as an entrepreneur. Here's the article


A NEW VENTURE FOR JAY-Z

STATE FARM AND CIROC GIANTS SUPERBOWL PARTY

Well the Giants did it on Sunday and the week long party had to get started all right. I had to step out and celebrate with the boys. I also got an opportunity to meet and speak to hip hop legend Kurtis Blow.It was definitely an honor. Here's a picture of me DWard, V, and Kurtis Blow. I realized that being recognized as the best is definitely worth celebrating. Hope to achieve it in my music career! Shout out to Jacquie Lee and Ciroc for putting together this event, it was crazy .Make sure you all come out to the party we're throwing for the Giants at Nikki Beach this Thursday

MICROSOFT OFFERS $44.6 BILLION FOR YAHOO

Now this is what I call gangsterization(TM). Microsoft decided to make an unsolicited offer for the struggling company in an attempt to gain ground on giant Google. Federal Antitrust officials are going nuts. Now this is the type of move I want to be making one day.

HERE's THE STORY
http://www.cnbc.com/id/22947600

CHRIS BERMAN GOES CRAZY

ALLEN IVERSON AND JIM MORA HILARIOUS !

NEW JAYZ AINT I,,,,

Jay obviously doesn't need the money but can't leave the game alone. I'm not mad can't let anyone take away what you love. He also brought Timbaland out of rap retirement for the beat... I took a listen and I like it...Thoughts?

http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__music/archive/2008/01/31/19220084.aspx