12 Black Men To Watch
Everyday we are bombarded with news and reports that talk about our men in a negative light, but rarely do we get to read about the millions of our beautiful men who are beating the odds and putting stereotypes to rest. We invite you to meet 12 of them who are definitely on their way up the ladder of success.
Current Gig/Occupation: Editor-In-Chief of Scheme Magazine
Motto: Everyday is a new day
Favorite Quote: “I love this way cause I got it as a kid” (c) Common
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
We bring honesty to our magazine, and we keep it there. We leave all the gossip to the other mags. We believe that there has to be more to our hip-hop generation and culture than what mass media informs us about. If you care about rumors, beefs and money you know where to go. If you want to learn something and be inspired check for Scheme.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Anything is possible. Our culture is looking and searching for the truth. In addition to that, technology and media are very powerful tools that can be used for a variety of things. To sum it up–I would say some people accept what is fed to them because it’s force fed. I’ve learned that we can do the same thing and force feed them another viewpoint from an authentic place.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Jay Dee aka J Dilla. I started writing a few months later after he passed away, and I would have loved to sit and have a five hour conversation with him about family, life and music. Such a genius that was looked over, and to this day, people still don’t get it, and I would have loved the opportunity to expose him a little bit more to the world.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Wake up around 6:30 a.m., lay in bed for a sec and kiss my wife good morning. Head to the train and get to work around 8:45 a.m. Do some office work and then sneak in a lot of magazine work. Close shop around 5 p.m. head home and crack open the laptop and get to my real work, may have some interviews to do, grab some dinner that my better half has cooked. Write some reviews and interviews, hit up Myspace, check my email and call it a night around between 12:30 and 1 a.m., thank God for the day, wake up and do it again.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
(laughs) We just started this magazine in February of 2007, and people are still finding out about us. This magazine is an extension of my partner Khary Campbell and our love for music that can inspire and change thought. We can’t wait to see our magazine sitting next to Fader, Rolling Stone and Wax Poetics.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Journalism with integrity–we just don’t put anything on our site. We want to be the first mag that throws events, conferences and concerts with Apple, Microsoft, Black Enterprise instead of Heineken and Tangueray. There are plenty of mediums that focus on everything that is mainstream from Jay-Z to Lil’ Wayne. We focus on the whole culture across the board from Nikki Giovanni to Sa-Ra, Pete Rock and Jeff Chang. We do our best to encompass the whole culture. One of the major things we’ve learned is that there is so much more culture and music in the hip-hop realm out there to learn about, and that’s what we try to bring to the forefront.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Sitting in Scheme’s office somewhere in New York so we can have access to everything and everyone with a staff of eight or so dope individuals who are all on the same page and fighting for the same mission. I can give them 401k’s, and they can wear dunks and vans and work hard and play hard. Also, I hope to have one or two children by then (laughs) and a place my wife and I can call home.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Balance, between family life and pursuing dreams. I watched one of Questlove’s YouTube spots and he had to miss his Moms b-day because Pharrell called him in to hear the beats that he did for the “In My Mind” remake. I can’t have that. I would have to pick up my mom or something, she wants to meet Pharrell anyway (laughs). So, just balance and finding that co-existence.
Current Gig/Occupation: Editor-In-Chief of HipHopDX.com/Activist/Journalist
Motto: If I Haven’t Caused You To Think Twice, Then I’m Not Doing My Job
Favorite Quote: “We Must Be The Change We Wish To See In The World” (c) Gandi
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. Hopefully, it’s because I’m bringing new and thought provoking ideas to the table and proving that real journalism lives in Hip Hop culture. The days of activism, artistic integrity and good ass music needs to come back. I want to be that spark that ignites the inferno of upcoming great thinkers, and if I need to be watched in order to influence that, so be it.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
What you may consider unpopular is only that because you haven’t said/done it yet. There are probably millions of people who share the same likes, complaints and interests as you but as long as you remain quiet, you’ll never find each other.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Che Guevara and Malcolm X…together for brunch.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Wake up at 8:30 a.m. and go through what feels like an endless stream of emails while editing, creating ideas and concepts, writing, handling phone calls, listening to new music, instant messaging up to 20 people at a time and all before noon. If I get lucky, I can sneak a meal in. The rest of my days consist of plotting to take over the world one person at a time.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a nerd yo…and not one of these “Hey I want to be a nerd because Lupe/Kanye/Pharrell made it cool” nerds. I read graphic novels (slick way of saying comic book), I play video games often, I watch wrestling, bump 80’s music (Journey, INXS and Depeche Mode holmes!) and all of this has been a part of me since birth.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
An alternative and innovative way of thinking. I always say what people think but cannot articulate or are fearful to say because of it being “unpopular” opinion. Whether it be musical, political, social commentary, etc. I’m bringing the voice for those who haven’t been spoken for.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
My life is so scattered now, I don’t know where I’ll be. Hopefully, HipHopDX will prevail as the #1 hip-hop website and my evil genius will have influenced others to create new media outlets to provide an alternative way of thinking for those that have been brainwashed by corporate interests and bad television shows. I’d love to be mentoring a bunch of young kids who are ready to take that step.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Balancing work with life. I yearn for the days when I can concentrate on friends and loved ones and still be able to do my job (which I also love) effectively. Who knows if I’ll ever overcome it as there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Current Gig/Occupation: CEO/Founder of Konsole Kingz
Motto: N/A
Favorite Quote: “I can’t say I totally agree with that.” and ” You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I am one to watch because I created the only true video game lifestyle brand for the urban audience. Konsole Kingz is the only urban content provider with a channel on Microsoft’s XBOX Live service for the XBOX 360.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Network. Network. Network. Always take advantage of networking opportunities. In my experience they always comeback to reward me in some form or fashion.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
My Mom and Dad’s parents. They pretty much passed away before I could hold meaningful conversation with them. I only have three memories of my Mom’s mother and none from my other grandparents. Now that I’m older, I would love to sit down and have a conversation with all four of them.
Q: Describe a typical day.
A typical day consist of a 10 a.m. wake-up with no breakfast. I check my Blackberry for all the missed messages that have quick replies and perform my daily SPAM removal ritual while driving to the office. Once I’m in the office, I reply to all the important emails that required more than three sentences of typing on the Blackberry. After that I map out all the actions items that I would like to get to during the day. I get lunch, and my day starts at 1 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. I am doing a combination of the following: in a meeting, on a conference call, working on a proposal, producing content for konsolekingz.com or XBOX 360 Playing XBOX 360 (research…you know), working on ways to expand the Konsole Kingz brand, researching new media technologies and platforms, getting a second lunch, networking at an event and power napping at the computer.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Are you trying to get me in trouble? I’m a dedicated to New Orleans Snowballs. Shout out to Just Loaf’n
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
A brand that is solely dedicated on serving urban video gamer. Many video game companies have marketed to urban gamers, but there has never been a reliable trusted company they could partner with to accomplish their goals.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
On a vacation abroad.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
A harmonious work-life balance.
Current Gig/Occupation: Neurosurgery Resident. Duke University Medical Center
Motto: Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead, and no man yet to be born can do it any better. (c) Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
Favorite Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (c) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
In my opinion, I am one to watch because I am going to be an extraordinary neurosurgeon. I am ambitious, focused and determined to make a difference in the lives of my patients. I hope to be the next Ben Carson, making the impossible…possible!
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Surgeons commonly are compared to God because we hold people’s lives in our hands. However, I have learned that when one [surgeons] feeds into this belief, more mistakes are made and his patients and his family become victims of malpractice. It is important for us to remember that we are not God, but are vesicles that make God’s power possible.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
If I could meet anyone, I would want to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so that I could thank him. It is his dream that provided the opportunity for many African Americans to achieve their dreams, including me.
Q: Describe a typical day.
A typical day begins at 5:00 a.m. with morning hospital rounds. The rest of the day is spent in the operating room and/or providing patient care. My day ends around 8 p.m.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My second passion in life is criminal justice. I hope to one day join the FBI or CIA and use my medical knowledge to help solve criminal crimes.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I bring diversity, sincerity, compassion and a belief in a higher power. I believe in the power of prayer and I am not afraid to pray with families who share the same beliefs.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be in the final stages of my neurosurgery residency training and evaluating different job opportunities.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
The balance between fulfilling my duties as a husband and as a neurosurgeon without compromising either one.
Current Gig/Occupation: Artist/Producer
Motto: You can’t do anyone else better than you can do yourself!
Favorite Quote: “I’ll know I’ve made it when all the haters say ‘I hate it!’”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
Well first off, I’m extremely flattered that I’m being considered “one to watch.” Other than the obvious reasons of maybe catching me trip down some stairs, one might find it interesting to see me attempt to make a major musical social impact in popular music doing the same thing I’ve been doing since high school. I think people will enjoy the slightly left-of-center ear candy that I, as well as my crew, the Honor Roll, have to offer. In this new media climate, almost everything that was traditional about creating a successful career as a musician is up in the air. I’m hoping that a fre$h new business and creative approach will prove a winning combination.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
It’s funny because ever since I decided to pursue music as a career path, I’ve learned so much everyday. There are many things I can speak of, however, they all seem to point in one direction. The music business is just that–a business. What’s even funnier is, while I was an undergrad at the University of San Francisco as a business major, I realized that figures, negotiations, power lunches and legalese were not things I was interested in dealing with everyday. Now, it seems that in order to make sure I maximize the reach of my creative potential, some of these have crept their way back into my daily grind. But still more important is the music–it’s originality, integrity, honesty and with popular music, social relevance. Without these, there’s no reason to be in business.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
I’d love to talk with Stevie and J Dilla and ask what planet they’re from! I would love to have met my grandfather. He came to the U.S. from the Philippines and was in the Navy during WWII. I’d also like to sit down with James Brown just to see if I could smell the funk! There are too many people to name …
Q: Describe a typical day.
Three days a week, I instruct high school students around media literacy at Youth Radio, a non-profit based in Oakland, CA. Its real interesting getting teen perspectives and insight on what they’re into.
As far as the creative process, the best time is at night, so I’m usually in the studio for at least six to eight hours from the night till the early morning. In between everything, I’m usually at the gym, or dividing all the money I make between shopping for records and clothes. Anytime you’re in the process of making something go, a lot of things get put on hold. I don’t really know what “free time” is any more!
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love the outdoors! I grew up going backpacking during the summertime in the mountains. My father used to work in the California State Park system before I was born and was always interested in nature. If I weren’t so attached to the cityscape I would be in the mountains or on the coast. Wherever I settle, the number one factor is the natural regional aesthetic.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I think one of the major things that I bring to the craft is accessibility. I was the type of music consumer that didn’t know where to find the type of music I was interested in. I was fortunate enough to have people around me who would put me up on game, playing me all different types music that I may or may not like. From there, I was able to search out the all types of mediums to go out and get it myself. Either way, I was able to make informed decisions about what I liked, having more than one radio station format to choose from. The fact that I make a different, but familiar brand of “hybrid” music is great for people who aren’t up on a lot of my influences. I want to make sure that people are aware that the world is “bigger than hip-hop,” and ultimately bigger than whatever is in their comfort zone. I like to listen to a lot of different things a lot of people aren’t into simply because it hasn’t been presented to them. I think I’m a bridge of sorts between musical aesthetics, with a main focus to get all different types of people in the same room and party. One nation under a groove and all that, lol…
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
It’s funny because today I’m not even in the field I thought I’d be in five years ago. As far as the music goes, I’ve never had huge aspirations. I’m just excited to be here and have these opportunities. As far as the future though, I hope to be respected as someone who’s earning a good living doing what they want to do. I’d love to see the Honor Roll do very well. There’s nothing better than having fun while making money with friends. On the hedonistic side of things, I’d love to own a few pieces of property (around the globe!), a nonprofit organization for teens aspiring to become successful business people and a bunch of muscle cars… Camaros are my favorite!
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I’m still trying to master my own creative process! Honestly, I’m not sure it’s something that can be perfected. Anytime I make music or write songs that I truly love, I don’t know how to repeat it. Inspiration is something that just comes and goes as it pleases. There have been so many instances where I’ve lost it, so now I’ve learned to drop everything in attempts to capture it when it hits.
Current Gig/Occupation: I’m in artist management (Currently: Trackademicks, Josie Stingray, The Honor Roll .. Formerly: J*Davey, Che Grand .. I luh all you fools!) and I’m also a freelance graphic designer (J*Davey/Puma, Okayplayer.com, Blacksmith, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club), I’m “A&Ring” Che Grand’s debut album “Everything’s Good Ugly” and Donwill of Tanya Morgan has crowned me “Idea Consultant” .. that’s my favorite job, probably cause I don’t do much of anything in that one!
Motto: “Miss me with that shit.”
Favorite Quote: “At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since.” (c) Salvador Dali
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
See, I don’t really see what I’m doing as anything the would make me “one to watch,” I just love what I do, and hopefully, folk will love it to.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Wash dishes as you dirty them … don’t let ‘em pile up–cause then it becomes such a task. Oh and hang your towel up after every shower, if not–it gets that nasty damp smell. Oh, how important the simple things are.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Just one? I’d have to go with Serge Gainsbourg. He had sex at Dali’s house on top of Picasso paintings. Slept with Bardot and Birkin (what gems!). Wrote songs and poetry, composed music, painted, had a song banned by the Vatican and told Whitney Houston he wanted to fuck her on live TV. Now that’s living. I’m sure he’d have a ton of crazy stories to tell.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Wake up at around 8 a.m. so I can see my girl out to work. Take my ass back to bed. Get up around 9:30 a.m. Shower. Check emails, make calls…by the time I’m done with emails/calls it’s usually close to noon. Get lunch (I gotta cut down on the beef patties with coco bread and cheese). Design for the majority of the afternoon. Hop on calls for a chunk of the evening since some of my clients are on the west coast. Dinner. TV. Sexy time! Sleep. Somewhere in there I manage to find time to play with and train our new puppy and scratch my balls … not at the same time tho. I should add lunch with psuedo celebrities to make my day look like more fun, huh?
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I served a small stint for Uncle Sam, in the U.S. Army right out of high school. I shipped out three days after graduation. It wasn’t the career for me but it definitely was a valuable experience. Plus I got a really dope army jacket out of it … but I lost the jacket so I guess that’s not a win.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
Nothing. I don’t usually believe people when they act like they’re bringing something new to the table. Most every thing has been done already. I think there are still people that put their own twist on things but I don’t really buy the brand new bit. I just work hard and only work on things I really believe in. Unless it’s design–I get my whore on with design … get paid with whatever the client wants, and that allows for room to do what I want on my own time.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In exactly five years I want to be on vacation in the Galapagos Islands with my darling and hopefully our lil munchkin. I know this was one of those questions about where I want to be in my life/career in a broader sense but fuck that. I wanna be riding giant turtles.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Eating right. I can’t seem to overcome my need for fried, fatty and greasy foods. GOTDAMN they taste so goooood. Burgers, Fries, mozzarella sticks! Thank God my darling loves my lil belly.
Current Gig/Occupation: Emergency Medicine Resident Physician — John. H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County (Chicago)
Motto: “Give 110% to each task you are involved in”
Motto: “No Man is an Island”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I remember when I was in medical school, a black doctor gave a group of my fellow black colleagues an inspirational talk, and in it he said, “A lot of patients are dying for a good black doctor”. This is a goal of mine, to promote more youth in the black community to strive to be that good black doctor. I am one to watch because I will be aggressive in breaking down all barriers– be they educational, financial, or psychological– that may impede our community from producing more good, black doctors.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
I believe the most important lesson I have learned is via direct observation of a mentor of mine in Saginaw, MI and that is to always be genuine. By being genuine, you have productive interactions with all people, no matter their financial status, no matter the prestige they have attained, which ultimately, help you grow as a person.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
I would want to meet Harriet Tubman. She is a symbol of perseverance as well as ingenuity. She led hundreds of slaves to freedom, inventing new ways to avoid capture, despite suffering from the after effects of a severe head injury as a child. I think that a five minute sit down with Ms. Tubman discussing leadership qualities would be more beneficial than five self help books that Tony Robbins could put together.
Q: Describe a typical day.
A typical day is anything but the sort in the emergency room. We work in shifts which randomly rotate, from day, evening, and night throughout the month. So, you may come in at eight in the morning one day, midnight another. On arrival, we have sign out where patients from the prior shift are re distributed to the oncoming shift. Then the organized chaos begins. Anything, anyone and any situation can present to the emergency room. On any given day, you may have to resuscitate a person with late stage lung cancer who is unable to breathe, suture a laceration suffered when a patient was stabbed with an object, give a 12 month old a breathing treatment because of reactivation of there asthma or let an unassuming new mother see the pictures of a bedside ultrasound of her eight week old fetus. It is hectic, but with all these differing presentations, it provides a work environment, that is fun, exciting and challenging
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That, I too, can do the Superman. Though hip hop is at a rough stage right about now, it just is something about that song and that dance, that when I see it on BET, I gotta get up and do my thang.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I believe I bring a sense of comfort to patients who I see in the emergency department based on my attempt to “stand in their shoes”. I understand to begin with, a patient may feel vulnerable at the fact that they have an ailment that they cannot cure on their own, and now must come to a hospital where they may have had previous bad experiences, to allow a stranger to cure their problem. With this in mind, I try to enter the room, introduce myself and shake hands prior to any interaction in an attempt to lessen some of these vulnerabilities. I try to simplify medical terms and describe illness in a way that a patient can explain to there family members as well as involve family members in treatment plans. I believe that with decreasing numbers of home physicians and increasing numbers of patients without insurance that more frequently in the emergency room, we will have to bring a level of comfort because more times than not, we will be their only link to health care.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I see myself practicing emergency medicine in the South. At the five year mark, I also see instituting an outreach program focused on self esteem, self awareness and preparing for academic excellence that myself and some classmates from medical school initially developed in Detroit, to black youth in middle and high schools on a regional basis within the South.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
The interesting thing of practicing medicine is that it is always evolving, new methods of treating previously incurable diseases, new information to learn to promote better practice of medicine. I believe an exciting challenge that medicine affords me is that learning will be lifelong.
Current Gig/Occupation: Owner/Creative Director of The Brooklyn Circus Nyc, The Bkc Collection, The Brooklyn Circus SF, and Rich Yung.
Motto: RPD: Respect,Passion and Discipline . . .
Favorite Quote: Talent without discipline is worthless, discipline without talent is worth something.
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I’d have to let the people answer that. I have a vision to bring the world to The Brooklyn Circus and The Brooklyn Circus to the world so, that in itself should be a show to see.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Do your homework and show up on time. People’s integrity and what they believe, that says a ton about who they are and what they will be. That’s a great lesson in doing good business vs. bad business.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Not interested in meeting any dead people, but if I were alive in the 60’s, I’d have to say Malcolm, Martin, JFK and Henry Kissinger. Today, I am very interested in being friends with, not just meeting, Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Lauren, Steve Jobs and Jay Z.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Wow! Having a company like The Brooklyn Circus, there’s never a typical day. I sleep about 5 to 6 hours a night. Wake up, watch the news, to reaffirm my sanity. Monday: Check email on the hand-held, shower, eat breakfast and head out to The BKC showroom/office in Brooklyn. There, I meet with my staff about the upcoming week. My assistant goes through my meeting calendar for the week. I’ll normally add or delete from it at that time. I go through store performance sheets with my NY store manager; he also handles shipments and product allocation to our other doors (Chicago: The Brooklyn Circus x Solemates), our SF store, our Japan distribution and all the other stores that carry our brand.
I normally take in a meeting with our production manager and designers about line direction, calendar, production samples and corrections. That meeting would be followed by a meeting with our field photographer about what our goals are for the week. Once all the meetings are done I jump on the phone to speak to potential distributors and buyers. In summary, a typical day includes: meetings, planning, product development, proofing and approving samples.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I am tougher on myself than I am on the people around me. Also, that I enjoy being alone a lot more than the social settings that I am a part of.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
100-year plan, lifestyle and dedication to the past and the future. Not a simple interest to be rich without a legacy.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years on the cover of DNR, Black Enterprise, Inc. Magazine, Oprah, MSNBC, for receiving a CFDA award and giving Ralph Lauren something to stay in business for.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Still trying to master the art of balance: work, family and my personal life. I’d love to add to my current family and be as devoted to them as I am to The Brooklyn Circus vision. My girlfriend will be happy to read this; she helped me see that as my weak point, and I love her for it.
Current Gig/Occupation: Media Director at Burrell Communications
Motto: You Like It I love it….
Favorite Quote: “It’s not enough that we do our best, sometimes we have to do what’s required.”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
In my opinion, I am the one to watch because I hope to be a change agent in the way that marketers and advertisers handle marketing and media.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
One of the most important life lessons I have learned thus far is that trusting your instincts is invaluable. No matter the outcome, it has prepared me in several ways, whether it’s understanding how to do things better next time around or building the confidence within myself to push forward through to the next stage or challenge in life.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
If I could meet any one dead or alive it would have to Leonardo da Vinci because of his vast knowledge and appreciation of art and science. It’s rare to find any one that has a strong passion for things that are seemingly so polar opposite.
Q: Describe a typical day.
A typical day for me is very layered with several different types of meetings from client conference calls to sales representatives. The work flow usually includes juggling client requests, meeting with my team and project managing integrated marketing ideas on behalf of Toyota. Another essential part of my day includes bringing media properties together to create unique and distinctive media campaigns. This also typically includes meetings with key figure heads within respective media companies to discuss how to separate Toyota marketing efforts from it’s competitors.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
The one thing most people don’t know about me is that I plan on being fluent in Spanish by the end of 2008.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I will not claim to bring something to my craft that has NEVER been done before, however, what I have provided is a different prospective that has led the Toyota team at Burrell to all-time highs. Our recent successes with connecting with the targeted demographic and pleasing the Toyota client is a direct result from enforcing positive change within the African American media landscape. During my tenure at Burrell I have adjusted some roles and responsibilities internally, but more importantly I have challenged the African American media companies to evolve with current state of the industry and provide marketers with smarter and richer thinking that is more reflective in the Hispanic and General media spaces.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In the next five years, I hope to leverage my years of experience into a my own venture specializing in integrating marketing and co-branded alliances.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
One thing I still trying to overcome or master is remain grounded and centered within all aspects of my life.
Current Gig/Occupation: Director / Co-Owner Desedo Films
Motto: See everything. Don’t fear anything. Read more. Sleep less.
Favorite Quote: Besides hip-hop lyrics, many of my favorite quotes were written on bathroom walls and are probably not fit for print, but I saw this one once: “If I saw you on the street I don’t know if I’d kiss ya or kill ya. It probably wouldn’t matter to you anyway.”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I’ve got a sharp wit and a pair of dancing shoes to match.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Never trust a man who wears white shoes. (sneakers excluded).
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
I’m looking at a three way toss-up between Curtis Mayfield, Malcolm X and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Q: Describe a typical day.
You mean after I step out on the streets looking fresh? (ya heard?) It’s to the office where I’m usually short on sleep and time trying to catch up with all the ideas buzzing around among the team. Creative work is funny in that way. There is always the impulse to create things, to be on to the newest and freshest idea, but that impulse has to be balanced with the discipline to finish projects–to add the polish and details that make one idea stand out from the others. When I’m in my creative space it’s all about questioning and polishing–whether that be writing scripts, treatments, etc., or in the edit room with footage that we’ve shot.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m undefeated in the game Boggle since age 16.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
I want to know where the soul meets the intellect and study that place with a camera rolling.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Living on the beach outside Barcelona, or on a hangman’s noose, or in a bungalow on a Hollywood lot or right where I am except with a few more employees and still riding my skateboard. Somewhere remarkable.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
I wish there was only one thing. The self is a wondrous thing and in some ways it’s all we have, but I’d really love to master leaving the self behind–to simply be.
Current Gig/Occupation: Former Attorney/Co-Founder of Zippyjobs.com
Motto: Impossible is nothing.
Favorite Quote: “If you believe it, you can achieve it.”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?
I consider myself someone to watch because I believe that my passion for life, confidence in my ability, and determination to achieve my goals will allow me to achieve everything I set my mind to.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned is that you cannot do ordinary things if you want an extraordinary life. You’ve got to follow your calling and have faith that life will provide you with all of the necessary resources, even if they are not apparent when you have to make the tough decisions. You must see the world and your life as it can and should be, and not just for what it is right now. If you continue pushing towards that goal, the world will provide you with whatever you need to get to that end goal.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Marcus Garvey or Richard Branson
Q: Describe a typical day.
Up until this week, I used to wake up at 6 a.m., work with programmers until 9:30 a.m., go to work at the firm from 10-8 p.m. and then return back home and work on Zippyjobs until 1 a.m. Fortunately, I am now able to run Zippyjobs full-time, so now all of my energies are completely focused on my passion.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I bungy jumped from the world’s highest bungy jumping point. It’s located at Bloukrans River Bridge, South Africa and is 216m above ground.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?
The ability for students to easily link with households, small businesses and corporations to make money while they are in school.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
In 5 years, I plan to continue growing Zippyjobs in other markets in the United States and easing the financial burden experienced by students across the country.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
The one thing that I wished I did better is to find more balance in my life. I have not been very good at balancing my determination to follow my passion and pursue my dreams with making time to foster worthwhile relationships with the women that I have dated.
Current Gig/Occupation:Engineer/Event Planner/Concert Promoter
Motto: Only The Best
Favorite Quote: “Never ante up to buy champagne. Poppin’ bottles is not a team sport. It’s a lifestyle.”
Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion? If you like exclusive events, phenomenal music, trendy concepts, star power and a quality social atmosphere, check for us. We are expanding to various major markets with events across the US with exclusive membership clubs, so stay posted to the live roll out of our lifestyle sites: www.urbanlifestyleent.com and www.digunderground.com
Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?
Live every day as your last, because one of these days will be your last. That is one thing that is guaranteed.
Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be? Many people. There is a lot of knowledge and talent in the world. But for the sake of answering this question, I would say Ghandi.
Q: Describe a typical day.
Emails…phone meetings…callbacks….meetings…emails…proposal writing…financial projections…artist booking…venue booking…contract writing…who needs lunch?…emails…booking travel…selecting catering…concept brainstorming…other than that, it’s pretty chill.
Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a big on healthy living, for the most part.
Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft? We are alchemists of urban luxury and organic culture. From concerts to exclusive trunk shows, we customize a variety of trend-forward events that mix a diverse crowd of professionals, execs, athletes, thespians, entertainers and other cool people that you wouldn’t typically expect in the same room. We couple this with an unparalleled level of guest innovation and customer service. All of our guests are treated with the utmost importance and we strive to make all events have a very intimate personalized feel, no matter how many people. Your enjoyment is our pleasure.
Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?
Living well, in good health, and on top of my game.
Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?
Being in more than one place at the same time.
big ups to my homies, ouigi & tresvant! these are definitely 2 men to watch and be wowed by. much love fellas!
shout out to clutch for highlighting successful, aspirational black men. if we don’t showcase the positives in our community nobody else will!
Great feature! Def 12 Men to watch! Each one is different and dope at the same time.
can I get Isaac K’s number lol?
ok no seriously, all the gentlemen featured are definitely ones to watch…great job Clutch and kudos to the guys :)
This is definitely a great feature and a fresh look at our young men doing positive things in their communities and beyond.
damn fashionation! what time does YOUR day begin??
Much love to Tres- keep being one to watch! Remember, this ain’t what ordinary gets ya….
Some good looking guys doing big things!!! Can we find out their status as far as single, looking or taken? If that Bobby is single I am down. I like the finer things in life and that includes him!
Another great feature Clutch! It’s refreshing to see our men striving and doing big things!
Great feature Clutch!!! I like hearing about Black Men getting goals accomplished and thinking of master plan. This needs to be framed for the world to see.
I love this feature! It’s nice to see a couple of familiar faces, but even nicer to remember that these 12 represent *many* more Black men who are out there doing their thing in a positive way.
This made my day! I agree that our brothers never get their accurate “shine”. Please keep doing this feature!Oh and I agree there is some eye candy up in here too.
The Black/Brown men deserves some love. Love this! Hopefully - I can pull me a “man to watch”…lol
Young, Gifted and Black (c) Nina
Impressive profile.
I so love to see things like this! Keep striving bruhs.
Pleased to see my people Dale and Dre being represented..both editors at a couple of sites that appreciate Hip-Hop and its purveyors as an art form
Man - I LUVS me some intelligent, driven BLACK MAN! Thanks Clutch for always putting them on a platter.
So inspiring. Congrats brothers.
I agree with everyone - another inspiring, classy and fly piece Clutch. Thanks.
This is nice. Happy to see sisters showing love for us.
It’s some top NOTCH up in here. Damn. Black Man are doing it..huh. I’m trying to be on here next year.
All flavors of intelligent Chocolate!
we need to pass this article out to the inner city kids that don’t have a ton of positive role models so they can see there are black men that are successful without doing something wrong, illegal, or immoral…shout out to my man Ouigi
Keep doing ya thang…Its great to see positive influences in our communities
Man…I appreciate the love. Hopefully I can live up to the expectations.
Shout out to the rest of the brothers on this list…I’m flattered to be in the same company as all of you.
Nice list of Black man. I Will look for these brothers.
Respect to my man Mike T! You inspire me.
This issue raised both my level of awareness and my appreciation for young black male achievement. Too often I only read the negative facts. Keep publishing; you now have a new reader from the “old school”–64 years old.
Black men on the positive. Keep it up. Love ya.
Guys keep on doing a great job and service to this world. I really liked Jimson Smith and everything he had to say. We need more black doctors, considering the health crisis in the black community.
Thank you Clutch for featuring these very fine Black men. I enjoyed reading about their success. I am proud when I read about strong Black men.
Jasper, FL
Peace,
It’s inspiring to see these men in their fruition for progression in life, which i can only aspire to. My many blessings to them. I’ve met Ougie of The Brooklyn Circus, and his work ethic is die hard !! Great to see him being watched. Wish you well Ougie.
-Troy P.
Shout out to The BKc crew as well.
Thanks for the shot out Clutch!
Much respect to clutch for shinning light on the brothers mentioned. Its good to see positive black men get their recognition in occupations out side of being “a rapper”, “actor” or “athlete”. We have so much more to offer society. Kudos
Also, much respect to brother Ouigi. Who has been an inspiration in the fashion game.
Peace
i love this ..
respect to all the other cats included.
i’m flattered & humble to be a part of this.
thank you so much.
Glad to see Dre on this list! He’s definately one to watch! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ANDREAS!!
Very good article, especially the interview with Dale Coachman, Scheme Mag. He is definetly one to watch out for in the near future. Keep up the good work Black Men and Clutch Mag.
Rhonda, Atlanta
ill article.
Good list! and nice to see black and brown man(Spanish) on this list. We are all descendants from proud Africans.
@ Tanner. I agree.
congrats all around guys
Clutch you have really out done yourself. As I started to read this piece I thought womp womp, but then you started to Jazz up the piece by the end. The men in this piece are diverse and deserved to be praised for being so positive. Thank you for this article!
Fyi, my favorite is Mike Tresvant. Brother, it appears that you have it together. (…Hermano usted lo tiene junto. ¡Buena suerte con dominar español!) :o)
-2cents
I expect nothing but extraordinary from my friend Dr. Karikari. He is a phenomenonal man with great potential. Thank you for featuring him; definitely someone to watch out for!!!
This was awesome!
wonderful wonderful wonderful
raafi. dude. feelin your films “walls…” etc
BKcircus. keep it fresh to def.
im feelin y’all all the way down from Mem. 10
Hey. This makes me soooo proud to see so many *BLACK men as there own *BOSS
The majority — the vast majority — are involved in the entertainment industry in some fashion, and the other two are doctors, lol.
Interesting.
@ 47 - I disagree - you have online entreprenuers, lawyers, engineers, a media (advertising) director, clothing brand/boutique owner and more….indeed interesting in a great way!
Okay Dale!! I love it. I LOVE SCHEME and am blessed to see you and Khary bring your dream to fruition. Dope article clutch!!!
How can you disagree with a fact?
Great list regardless of what they do! Let not start dissecting their accomplishments and their field of work. This was to highlight Black Men for once. I am proud of each one!
I think its a great list; and a wonderful highlight to some exceptional great men, but I think the next list should highlight men that are available; to renew hope into the black dating scene….these are men to watch, doesnt say anything about them being men to watch that are also available…lol
but, all in all kudos to Clutch; you cant please us all!
Such a great group of talented brothers. Much success to all!
Mike Tresvant - you are the best… Keep up the good work.
[...] have redeemed yourself, though (thank you Dede for pointing this out) I do appreciate you using the up-and-comers for that horrid excuse for innovation you presented us with in If Looks Could [...]
[...] Check out Bobby in our annual “12 Black Men to Watch” list. [...]
This is dynamic! Our black male youth need to be hip to these types of articles. This too can be their inspiration!
great post