I'M KEEPING UP WITH THE HUXTABLES FEATURES ALL EYES ON ME

Sometimes when we do things it doesn't always make sense to others or ourselves. For many of us we are looking for a straight path to success, but our paths are not always nicely laid out for us. We go after dreams that seem far away, and sometimes it forces us to settle for things that simply seem easier. That's why this story touches my heart and is a perfect example of how you must go after your own dreams even when it appears that other choices make more sense.

Emeka Onyejekwe graduated from New York University Law School and is a practicing attorney that specializes in intellectual property litigation. At 27 Emeka is at an ideal place in his life that many young Black people struggle to get to.

But Emeka has a dream that takes him off of this "ideal" straight path. He has a dream that makes his roads a little rockier, and the steps he takes a little off balance. Emeka is going after his true love for Hip Hop....

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE(THANKS TO I'M KEEPING UP FOR THE FEATURE)

ALL EYES ON ME: OBAMA'S FIRST RAP MIXTAPE

REALITY RAP: ARE RAPPERS DUMB?

I found this opinion piece interesting. The writer asks a legitimate question. In a time where people are struggling to get by in this economy, rappers continue to floss, flash, and detail it all on wax....why? is it stupidity? Here's an excerpt from the piece

" In case rappers, particularly ones who only fall under the term only because they can rhyme words instead of penning their own lyrics haven’t figured it out, there’s a colossal economic recession going on. People are losing their jobs left, right, and center. Read the paper, dunny. It’s getting really, real.

As usual, hip-hop is late to the game by having artists still talk about the same shit that they were discussing in the late 1990s, when Cristal was flowing and every Escalade came loaded with rubies. But in reality, no one has money to buy albums anymore and if they did, would they really cop that new Puffy album to hear him talk about eating diamonds and riding around on a platinum tricycle?

Case in point: During Obama’s inauguration, Jay-Z hopped on Young Jeezy’s song “My President” and while he proclaimed the race of the new Commander-In-Chief, he also spent most of his verse taking about the color his $500,000 car and color of his diamonds. Way to celebrate the historic moment, Hov..."

READ MORE FROM GIANT MAG ONLINE HERE

REALITY RAP: ARE RAPPERS DUMB?

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER BROADWAY BOUND

Perhaps the most groundbreaking and definitely the "most successful music video of all time," according to the Guinness Book of World Records(9,000,000 copies sold) is going to Broadway. It definitely seems like a natural progression for the video, and hopefully it helps solve some of Michael Jackson's much publicized financial woes. Maybe I spoke to soon as I just read that the Director of the original video, Floyd Landis, is suing Michael for four years of unpaid royalties.

READ MORE ABOUT THE MUSICAL HERE FROM ROLLING STONE.COM
MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER IS BROADWAY BOUND

WATCH THE ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Michael Jackson - Thriller
Uploaded by hushhush112

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!!

A family of four was found dead in Ohio in an apparent murder-suicide. The reason... the father had lost his job. This story comes a day after a family of 7 was found dead in a murder suicide after both of the parents lost their jobs. Of course these aren't the first of such stories that we've been hearing as we sink deeper into an economic depression. The frequency is very alarming and the despair that leads to such actions are real. In the California case the parents made the decision together before killing their 5 kids and turning the guns on themselves. The Ohio case seems to be a result of the father not feeling that there was anything he could do to help his family survive. The fact that both of these families felt that the only remaining option was to kill themselves and their children is sad evidence of how REAL this depression is. These weren't bad families but no different than the average American family. We can only pray and hope that our new leadership turns things around soon.


CHECK THE STORIES HERE

OHIO FAMILY OF FOUR FOUND DEAD IN APPARENT MURDER SUICIDE

MAN KILLS HIMSELF AND FAMILY IN CALIFORNIA

FINANCIAL CRISIS SURVIVAL GUIDE

Need some help managing and surviving through this disastrous economic downturn? I came across this Financial Crisis Survival Guide on Investopedia and thought it would be good to share. There's a wealth of information here and definitely well worth checking it. I found The 7 Ways to Recession Proof Your Life and 4 Tips For Buying Stocks In A Recession particularly helpful.

READ MORE HERE:

FINANCIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE

STARBUCKS SLASHES JOBS AND STORES

If your looking for more evidence that we are in a real depression here it is. Many multinational companies announced big layoffs this week but this one resonates strongly. Greed is truly a terrible thing. Unlike the greedy Wall Street firms who got rich while leaving the economy in shambles,Starbucks is paying the price for its years of abuse. The chain which became famous for getting millions of Americans, many who didn't have the disposable income to afford a $5 cup of coffee, hooked on their products, is struggling. The chain announced that it would be cutting 6700 jobs and closing 300 stores, after a 69% plunge in quarterly profit from $208.1 Million last year to $64.3 Million.

CHECK THE ARTICLE FROM THE BBC HERE
STARBUCKS SLASHES JOBS AND STORES

CONGRESS PASSES OBAMA'S ECONOMIC PACKAGE

The US House of Representatives today passed Barack Obama's $825 Billion economic stimulus plan by a margin of 244 to 188. Not a single Republican voted for the bill, claiming it was too expensive and would not work. The Bill must now pass through the Senate where the Democrats hold a much slimmer majority. I applaud Barack for taking immediate action to turn the United States alone. I hope that the Audacity of Hope extends beyond party lines, and the Republicans don't let party interests prevent the Government from taking action to turn this economy around.

CHECK THE FULL ARTICLE HERE FROM THE BBC

CONGRESS PASSES ECONOMIC PACKAGE

IS LIL WAYNE THE NEW AXL ROSE?

Those of you who still pay attention to the music industry are well aware of Lil Wayne's widely accepted status as "the best rapper alive." Wayne decided being a rapper wasn't enough, and on the heals of his platinum in one week album The Carter III, he decided that he was going to make a rock album. Now if I were his manager, I would probably recommend against this risky and seemingly insane move. Wayne has no experience as a singer. let alone as a rocker. It's amazing how bold Auto Tune has made artists. Wayne also definitely needs extensive lessons to improve that glorified prop he calls a guitar. Now I give Wayne credit for having the cajones to pursue this passion project, and he may just have the talent to pull it off. However, I believe artists in general are going way too far with this Auto Tune. It ruined Kanye's last album sonically to me and will continue to devestate the music world until someone figures out a way to collect all Auto Tune related equipment and burn it. This article From MTV.com compares Wayne to another eccentric rock star Axl Rose. Decide for yourself if you believe Wayne has a legitimate shot to become a Guitar Hero Legend, by checking his first single, Prom Queen.

CHECK THE SONG
LIL WAYNE : PROM QUEEN

ARTICLE HERE
IS LIL WAYNE THE NEXT AXL ROSE

DEAR OBAMA MAKES NY POST'S "ULTIMATE INAUGURATION"PLAYLIST

To be featured by 2 of America's 10 largest newspapers within one week of each other is truly a blessing. To be recognized alongside much higher profile artists like Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Will I AM, and Ludacris makes it even more special. Thanks to the New York Post for recognizing this song. If you haven't heard Dear Obama, the lead single off of The All Eyes On Me EP. Check it by downloading the ep or by visiting http://www.youtube.com/mekkadonmusic.


* "Dear Obama," Mekka Don
"The track, an inspired remix of Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama" from the underground rapper's Obama-themed EP "All Eyes On Me," is a smooth, emotional letter to the president-elect."



CHECK THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

BARACK 'N' ROLL FANTASY: MESSAGE MUSIC MAKEOVER

ALONZO MOURNING RETIRES

Alonzo Mourning retired from the NBA at age 38, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, resiliency, perseverance, generosity, professionalism, and of course success. He may or may not make it into the Hall Of Fame, but Alonzo is recognized as one of the best people that the sports world has ever seen. He made tremendous impact by overcoming a kidney transplant, returning to the NBA, winning a championship, and developing one of the most successful charitable foundations in sports. I'm sure that Alonzo will continue to make a positive impact on the world as he moves into retirement.

STARTUP RAISES CAPITAL TO SEND TEXT MESSAGE ADS

Interesting how thinking about something too much may lead it into existence. Over the past few years as text messaging and emailing have become a regular activity in my life, I have been thinking about when companies would start exploiting the service cell phone companies provide to millions of consumers through annoying advertisements. Of course the time has finally come as startup company 4info has raised $40 million in start-up capital from the likes of NBC and Gannett(publisher of USA Today). Another convenience soon to be tarnished by overly eager corporations to increase brand awareness to consumers. I don't know maybe there's a silver lining here and the number of commercials during NFL and NBA games will come down substantially.


CHECK THE STORY FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES HERE

START-UP RAISES MONEY TO SEND TEXT MESSAGE ADS

Barack Obama's Blackberry Vs. United States of America: Blackberry Wins...Kind Of

Those out there who believe Blackberries are a drug seem to have more evidence to support their efforts in renaming the device the "Crackberry" So addictive is it's power that Barack Obama fought tooth and nail to keep his Blackberry, despite existing restriction on the use of email by Presidents. Barack Obama will become the first President to use email while in office in a compromise with the government. His use of the device is restricted; he is only allowed to use the device to communicate with certain White House staff and some personal friends. This seems like a great endorsement opportunity. Can Presidents have endorsement deals while in office?


CHECK THE FULL STORY HERE

SPOKESMAN SAYS OBAMA IS KEEPING BLACKBERRY

BARACK OBAMA: INAUGURATION SPEECH

Well the day finally came on Tuesday. I was there to witness history and make lifetime memories. It was COLD but for a moment I felt like the States were indeed united. If you didn't hear this truly amazing speech here's your opportunity to do so.

PART 1


PART 2

MEKKA DON SERVES AS CORRESPONDENT TO XXLMAG.COM AT INAUGURATION

With Barack Obama officially getting sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States minutes ago in Washington, D.C., XXLmag.com caught up with start up Ohio rapper Mekka Don, who was on the scene in the capital city all weekend long, to get details on what went down.

Mekka - who recently released a digital EP all about the country’s new chief executive - said the scene on the lawn of the National Mall was “unbelievable.” “People were crying, hugging, screaming uncontrollably, little kids screaming - I’m not even sure if they know why but they were. It was pandemonium,” he recounted..

READ MORE HERE FROM ELAN MANCINI

UP AND COMING RAPPER MEKKA DON DESCRIBES SCENE IN DC: "IT WAS PANDEMONIUM!"

THE SOURCE CALLS ALL EYES " YOUR OFFICIAL INAUGURATION SOUNDTRACK" !!!

"On a day like today, which can only be described as historic, many people wish those who’ve “passed on” could be here to witness the day’s events. Here at The Source, we’d love to know what Hip-Hop’s dearly departed coastal kings Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur would have to say if they were alive to see Barack Obama.....

CHECK THE REST OF THE REVIEW FROM SABRINA FORD HERE:

YOUR INAUGURATION DAY SOUNDTRACK: MEKKA DON AND MICK BOOGIE

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER COVERS ALL EYES ON ME

Philadelphia Inquirer Music Critic Dan Deluca wrote a feature covering Barack Obama becoming a pop culture phenomenon in a way no other President has. In the article he commits some ink to covering Obama's impact on Hip Hop. Of course that is where EP comes up.

"Obama has been critical of rap content, but hip-hop has shown him only love, with tributes from mainstream acts like Nas and Ludacris as well as underground MCs like Murs and Mekka Don, whose new Obama-themed EP All Eyes on Me recasts Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama" as "Dear Obama." "

READ THE FULL STORY HERE
HE'S EVERYWHERE

DALLAS FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM FEATURES THE ALL EYES ON ME EP

The Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram featured The All Eyes On Me Ep in another article !
"Mekka Don and DJ Mick Boogie last week released the online project AllEyes on Me, a mash-up of sorts featuring tracks from 2Pac — who often painted lyrical pictures of urban despair — with lyrics reflecting Obama optimism (see accompanying story)."
Thanks to Cary Darling for featuring the project in two different stories

SEE FULL STORY HERE

OBAMA'S ELECTION IS CHANGING HOW THE HIP HOP WORLD PRESENTS ITSELF

DR. JAYS BLOG EXCITED ABOUT THE ALL EYES ON ME EP

"Mekka Don is a NYC based rapper with a career path that may make your head spin.The 27 year-old Ohio native was a gifted football player in his college years who then went on to publish a book, model, act in film, practice law, and eventually focus on a career in music."


HERE'S A LINK

NEW MUSIC: MEKKA DON

KEVIN NOTTINGHAM COVERS THE ALL EYES ON ME EP

"Mekka Don takes on the role of Barrack Obama in this new EP conceptualized by Mick Boogie. With Remot on the boards flipping samples from Tupac’s All Eyez On Me, this album is sure to get some people listening. "

Check out the writeup on Kevin Nottingham's This is Hip Hop Blog. It includes the track listing and a brief explanation of the inspiration for each song. For all of you true hip hop fans you will really enjoy this site. Producers and DJ's pay particular attention to his digging in the creates section. Don't take my word for it the blog was voted "Music Lovers Blog of The Year" at the 2008 Online Hip Hop Awards.

CHECK OUT THE ARTICLE HERE:

MEKKA DON AND MICK BOOGIE THE ALL EYES ON ME EP

THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS COVERS ALL EYES ON ME

William Sherman, business writer for the New York Daily News did a piece on The All Eyes On Me Ep. We were expecting a small story but were surprised to see an almost full page story on our back story as well as an online version of the story. It was the most read story on http://nydailynews.com yesterday afternoon.


CHECK THE ARTICLE HERE

BRINGING CHANGE TO RAP

THE ALL EYES ON ME EP DROPPING MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

It's time for change in more ways than one. It's a new year; the country has a Black president; and Hip Hop is about to be shaken up by Mekka Don & Mick Boogie. Not sure what all the buzz is about? Check out what Urb.com calls a "beautiful stage show." The All Eyes On Me, EP is inspired by Tupac's epic sounds with Obama's promise. Change hasn't sounded this good in years.The All Eyes On Me EP will be released for free download on January 13th, 2009 VIA

HTTP://WWW.URB.COM






HTTP://WWW.THEPRESSPLAYSHOW.COM




HTTP://WWW.MEKKADON.BLOGSPOT.COM

URB LOVES THE ALL EYES ON ME EP

"Forget that commercial with the three easy payments -- here's your Obama Inauguration collectors' platter, courtesy of Mekka Don and Mick Boogie, who broadcast this one from inside the prez-to-be's dome. I'm not being the least bit sarcastic when I say this concept album (I'm not calling it an EP) would make a beautiful stage show. Sometimes it's the simplest ideas..."

Shout out to Michael Vasquez for writing this wonderful review and to everyone over at URB for supporting this project. They thought so highly of it that they have decided to host the download on their site!

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AND LISTEN TO A FREE LIVE AUDIO STREAM OF ALL EYES ON ME HERE
MEKKA DON'S OBAMA PSYCHE WITH MICK BOOGIE

THE ALL EYES ON ME EP TRACKLISTING AND INSPIRATION FOR EACH SONG

TRACK LISTING AND INSPIRATION

1. ALL EYES ON ME
The purpose of this track is to introduce the theme of the EP. With Barack Obama becoming President at such an important time coupled with his improbable victory, many “eyes” are watching his every move – even his supporters. This song examines many of the different people who are watching him, their circumstances, and the tough (and silly) questions he has faced or will face.

2. HOW DO YOU WANT IT
The rich want to get richer. The poor want to get richer. Survival of the fittest – nobody wants to sacrifice. In this song, Barack Obama explains that in order for America to regain its supremacy, people must be willing to compromise. He acknowledges the different needs of different Americans and admits that he is not perfect and that he will not be able to deliver everything that everyone wants.

3. HEARTS OF MEN
Although there are probably more Presidents that influenced Barack Obama, this song examines four Presidents in particular that Barack was influenced by and how he was influenced by them. The four Presidents are Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton.

4. SCANDALOUS
In Barack Obama’s eyes, he has always been the same guy representing the same ideals and values. However, there are many people who cling to him now who haven’t always been at his side. In this song, Barack explores peoples’ scandalous actions since he has become the President, but also explains that he is not resentful. However, he is aware and he wants everyone to know.

5. TRADING WAR STORIES
There are several American soldiers in Iraq, and many of them have different stories. This song examines three different soldiers’ stories of how they got into the Army and into Iraq. All of them are looking to Barack to help get them out of there. The third story is a true story. The victim in the verse is Mekka Don’s cousin.

6. COME SEE ME
Contrary to popular belief, everybody is not enamored with Barack Obama. This song examines two totally different people’s perspectives. The first verse is the voice of a young black man who is from the ghetto. The second verse is the voice of a racist white man who is a member of the KKK. Neither one of these guys are fans of Barack. Although disturbing, this is reality and it’s an important piece to the overall “All Eyes On Me” theme.

7. PICTURE ME ROLLING
This song is probably the most “fun-loving” song on the EP. In this song, Barack Obama talks about his journey through life and into the Presidency. He also boasts a bit about what it is like to be the President of the United States and relishes in some of the perks of the job. Although we may never hear Barack say these things in real life, he is only human and therefore must be proud of his accomplishments.

8. LIFE GOES ON
After listening to Barack Obama’s speeches, it is very clear that his mother and grandmother were tremendous influences on him and his life. This song is dedicated to them primarily but also is dedicated to all the people who have passed away who have influenced Barack’s life. Finally, Barack recognizes that although he will always hurt from these deaths, he has an obligation to them and to the world to keep going strong and be the best man he can be.

9. BONUS TRACK: DEAR OBAMA
This song serves as an open letter to Barack Obama from three different Americans who are going through three different struggles. The letters capture the emotions and difficulties that many Americans are facing leading into the election. Each American is a Barack supporter who is suffering through an issue that they are hoping Barack will be able to fix. Tough love.

THE ALL EYES ON ME EP SYNOPSIS AND BIO

SYNOPSIS
The concept behind "All Eyes On Me" was birthed by DJ Mick Boogie, Terry Urban, and M.O.V.E. LLC's CEO, Viswant Korrapati. After a successful release of "Dear Obama", the three decided that Mekka Don was equipped with the talent, knowledge, voice, and passion to complete such a daunting task. As Barack Obama moves into office, there will be many eyes on him domestically and around the world. On this EP, Mekka Don essentially became Barack Obama and documented the difficulties of what may be the most important position in recent American history. Additionally, Mekka Don chronicled significant events in Barack's life that have aided in his journey to become the President of the United States. This EP is more than just Hip-Hop. Rather, it is a complex memorialization of one of the most significant events in World History.




MEKKA DON BIO
At only 27, Mekka Don has accomplished feats that would take many people a lifetime to achieve. He is a lawyer, published author, model, and lyricist, who recently left the legal profession to pursue his true passion – Hip-Hop. In less than two years of his pursuit of a career in Hip-Hop, Mekka Don has already been featured in a national ad campaign for Jeep Wrangler, made Cornerstone's Top 10 (#6) list for "Dear Obama", released a mixtape with DJ Mick Boogie, and been featured in XXL Magazine and the American Bar Association Journal, and released his own reality show and blog online

MAN FAKES DEATH TO AVOID FINANCIAL FRAUD CHARGES

A pilot wanted on financial fraud charges parachuted out of his plane over Alabama and allowed the aircraft to crash in neighboring Florida in an apparent attempt to fake his death, sheriff's investigators said on Monday.

Authorities launched a manhunt for the pilot, who survived and checked into an Alabama hotel, and then fled, the Santa Rosa County, Florida, sheriff's office said....

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE FROM REUTERS
PILOT BAILS OUT OF PLANE TO FAKE DEATH

Well I guess you can't blame him for trying. Unfortunately he lost his plane and still has to face charges.

TONY DUNGY RETIRES

Tony Dungy retired from a 31 year career in the NFL Today. Dungy became the first coach in NFL history to lead a team to the playoffs 10 straight years, and also was the first African American NFL head coach to win a Super Bowl. Although Dungy's accolades on the field were numerous it was his genuine good nature that made him so special. Everyone that met the man, worked with him, for him, played with him, or played for him left better for it. Congratulations on a great career, and good luck in retirement.

READ MORE HERE FROM THE NY TIMES:
TONY DUNGY STEPS AWAY FROM COACHING