Grace Cathedral's Youth Revival

      Last night, September 23^rd 2011 I went to a gospel concert that inspired me to live my life more for Christ. It was at Grace Cathedral International, which is a church that is known for their live church services, amazing concerts and warm welcoming people.  At the concert, I had the pleasure to see Richie Righteous perform and I must say that listening to every lyric of all the songs he performed, it was the spirit of conviction that overwhelmed me because I wasn't living my life fully for Christ. 

 With swag like no other, Richie Righteous is a Gospel rapper that makes sure that the audience is having a good time praising the Lord. Performing hit songs like Do Wut It Do, and Who You Representin from his latest album called R.I.C.H., which stands for Resting In Christ's Hands, Richie Righteous’ main objective when performing and in life is to spread the gospel.
         The youth that was at the revival were not only enjoying themselves, but wanted to rebuild or start a relationship with God, especially after Richie did an alter call for those who wanted to seek God.
         Because his performance stunning performance, I just had to take a picture with the  man himself and of course buy the album.

Me cheesing pretty hard, a little too hard.


                                         Here's a song, Who You Represent? off his latest album R.I.C.H. 

                                      

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

   

The youth of Grace Cathedral

Man of the Hour: Richie Righteous

Kids dancing to Richie's single Who You Representin'? 

People patiently waiting for Richie Righteous to perform 

                         

New Music: City of God

Daniel Foganhol

        While many 25 year-olds are in school going for their Masters’ degree, looking for a job or trying to start their career, lead singer, Daniel Foganholi is on tour with his band called CIty of God. Performing their pop songs in prominent venues, such as Webster Hall, Daniel is following his dreams with five other band mates. Four years ago, it was just Daniel, Daniel’s brother-in-law, Tiago, as the DJ, and Raphael as the drummer. Later on joined Moracco, the bass player, Gunner, the guitarist  and Daniel’s sister Stephanie, who’s also the band’s lead singer. Looking up to music's icon like Jay-Z, John Legend, Kanye West and N.E.R.D., City of God still remembers their Brazilian heritage, and use their roots as inspiration. Now, City of God is taking underground music to a different level; they’re not only changing the underground music, but is taking it by storm.

From left to right: Daniel, Tiago, Stephanie, Gunner, Morraco, and Raphael

Q: How did you guys get your name?

A: Because most of us are Brazilian and that’s how we started out, City of God kind of stuck with us since the beginning, which is also a famous city in Brazil. It’s also based on a movie that was based on the city. Saint Augustine wrote a book on [City of God] in 5 A.D., and the book really spoke about the difference between having the love of great things in life or the materialistic things in life. We related to that a lot because we love making great music and just being positive. And instead of looking at the negative all the time, we like being that positive vibe to music and being energetic and we thought that name fit perfectly for us. 

Q:  So you and your sister are the lead singers of the band, how’s the chemistry between the both of you? Is there any sibling rivalry?

A: [The chemistry between us] it’s different. Me and my sister, first of all, are best friends. We get along great. I think it’s different because it’s sort of like, I can be a little more tough on her sometimes, as she can be the same to me. We’ll get into it, but that’s because we’re brother and sister. But it certainly helps in a lot aspects because the communication is always open and we have a different communication system than everybody else. 

Q:  I see you guys have a mixtape. What’s the art cover about?

A: The name of the mixtape is called Spaceboi Mixtape Volume 1. Tiago is in the band and he’s actually an artist as well and he paints a lot. When we first started out, I remember he started this painting and it had a little guy to it. And I said ‘it should be the logo for the band and we should stick to that’. Since then it’s been called ‘Spaceboi’ and he’s just been the logo and stamp on everything. 

Q:     What’s your favorite song on the mixtape?

A: Mine personally is called Gasolina. It’s more funk and has a lot of flavor as to what we’re doing now. The difficult thing was we were trying to figure out what were we doing as a band, but now we have that place to have funk and being Brazilian. We have that incorporating of being Brazilian and we embrace it. That was one of the songs that we took to the extreme and really made funk that thing.

Q:     I see you mention to your culture a lot. Do you have any songs that refer to you it?

A:  A lot of our music! We have this song called Freaks, that song is funk. A lot of people don’t know about funk music because it’s underground in Brazil as well as over here. People wouldn’t know about it right away. That rhythm that people feel, we have a lot that in our music because people feel it. People don’t want to think about music any more, they just want to feel good and that’s a secret weapon that we have.

Q:  If you weren’t in a band what would you be doing right now?

A:  I would be a Marine Biologist. I’m just playing, I wouldn’t know. I was thinking about sports, but I’m not the biggest of guys, so it wouldn’t work out. I don’t think I can do anything outside of music, it’s such a passion. It doesn’t matter if its management or writing, or whatever the case is it has to be music. That’s the weird thing about having a passion for something.

Q:   What are some of your dreams for yourself and for the band?

A:  We share a lot of personal dreams. I feel that a lot of my dreams are for the band. To change the world and to share our music with people. I feel that a lot of people think on a small scale when it comes to music, and I like to dream big and aim big. The potential with these guys I feel that we’re unstoppable. 

Q: What’s your worst moment as an artist?

A: I remember me not having a job. Hands down, when we signed our first recording contract last year. And it was that feeling of being on a label and not knowing when you’re going to come out. Not knowing if you’re music is good enough. That feeling of not knowing was the worse feeling. 

Q:   Are you single, dating, looking?

A: I’m single, but I don’t know if I’m looking. I ask myself that every day. It’s weird, especially in this industry. I’m a confused kid, but I’m always open. If the right one came along, I’ll know.

Q:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: At the beach somewhere retired sipping some Bahama Mama. No, but hopefully touring and being the Beyonce of bands. Our goal and vision is doing what no band has ever done. There’s no band that can compare to Beyonce or Justin Timberlake, because bands aren’t entertainers these days. And we feel that we want to be entertainers.


BE sure to go to City of God's website to check out new music! You can also follow them on Twitter & their Blog.

Check out their performance during the Jive Records Intern Showcase!!

Life In The Fastlane!

So, for those who want to know what I do for a living, besides being a student, I am a swim coach and I absolutely LOVE my job and the team I coach. I actually don't consider coaching as a job, I think of it more as a hobby. Although waking up bright and early 4am everyday to be at practice at 5am can be a bit strenuous, I look forward to coaching, pushing and motivating the kids to the best of their swimming ability.




Village of Hempstead Swimmers

 
The team that I coach is called Nu Finmen Swim Team & Village of Hempstead (that's basically one team) .August 11th, we competed in the village summer championships and we unfortunately lost first place by a mere 6 points! However, that is not the message in this post.

This post is all about doing what you love! Now in life, some people know for a fact what their purpose in life is, while others are trying to figure that out now. For those who know me or know of me you guys should know that I am a 'people's person'. I love working with people. Whether its group projects, working out or simply just doing choirs, I love working with people, which is why I seem to love my job. As a team, people accomplish more than if a person was to do something alone.




Our head coach Bob Trotman giving the team a pep talk



What gives me drive is knowning that each and everyone of these kids has potential. Although, very few of their talent may not be swimming, I know that they have a specific purpose on the team. Motivating them and giving them a pep talk coming from a sincere place has a greater effect than yelling and just telling them to go and win.



   

 

Senior girls striking a pose

 

What I also love about my job is knowing that the kids has the same drive as the coaches, which is achieving success. With success as our common denominator it makes achieving our goals easier. There are times that when a team works together so well, being number one becomes irrelevant, instead teamwork is the objective.  

Overall, whether you've received that college degree or not its all about being happy what you're doing. And the way you'll know you love what you're doing is once you stop second guessing your career choice and is looking forward to going to work and you don't consider work as work, but more as a hobby.  And I, without a doubt, is looking towards my third season with Nu Finmen! =]




Senior boys & Kyle (the short kid)

 







Senior boys celebrating their last village meet









The Senior Girls working it!

 

Happy Birthday to ME!



Happy Birthday to me!

Sorry for the delay to all my readers and followers, the past couple of weeks has been HECTIC!

Two weeks ago, on July 26, I was blessed with the opportunity to see my 20th birthday. Now, unlike many others who goes all out and has 'Birthday Extravaganza', I woke up, thanked the man above, and did what I loved the most, WORK! Now im not really saying this sarcastically, but I really do love my job. For those who are curious as to what I do, I am a swim coach/ teacher. But thats besides the point. The two weekends of my birthday (before and after) you can say I had the time of my life, thanks to my dear friend Alex (thanks girl!). It was also my boy, and Alex's brother, Rudy's birthday so it was great for me to party with the veteran himself (lol). The weekend after my birthday, a couple girlfriends and friends of mine went to Pacha, a club out in the city, which was by the way my first club outting. 



Chris & I getting Down!

Now, luckily for me the theme of the night was 'No Pants', meaning inorder for someone to get in for free they would have to take off their pants. ;)








The birthday kids! Rudy & I

The weekend before my birthday was a-whole-nother ball game. Alex threw a party for a childhood friend of mine name Nick & boy was it fun!



say CHEESE!



Me receiving a lap dance.. ohh boy!



The Birthday boy Nick & I

Although there are lots of pictures here, I can't finish this blogpost without sharing what I have learned. I've realized that while others go all out for that one special day, I realized that we should celebrate everyday as if it was our birthday. I dont mean it by going out to the club every weekend and spending money frivolously, I mean to always enjoy everyday as your last. When you wake up everyday feeling grateful and blessed you tend to enjoy and see things in a different perspective. You also don't have to spend a ton of money to have the time of your life. Just spending time with family and friends should suffice, and if it doesn't, you should maybe reevaluate who you surround yourself around. But one thing for sure is to  always treat yourself . Whether its a quick get-a-way trip to the beach,or go out of town and possibly go to Atlantic City. Just keep in mind that you should enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Travis Quarless: Uniondale's Rising Star



Andrew Quarless kissing his Super Bowl trophy



          The year 2010 was a memorable year for the Quarless  family. Andrew Quarless , the son of SUNY Old Westbury Chemistry Professor and Uniondale native, was drafted as the 124th player, 5^th round pick into the NFL by the Green Bay Packers from Pennsylvania State University. Playing as the teams tight end and as number 81, in his rookie year Quarless’ team became the 2011 Super Bowl XLVI Champions. However, Andrew isn’t the only one making moves in the Quarless family.
           I had the opportunity to talk to Travis about his future endeavors, religion, school and his love life. Born June 25, 1991, Travis is currently a sophomore and a business major at Fresno City College located in Fresno, California. Born and raised in Uniondale, Long Island NY, Travis is playing as an outside linebacker for the Fresno City College Rams’ football team as number 15, the 20 year-old is looking to having a career in the business world as well as following his older brothers’ footsteps into making it in the NFL. With football camp that started June 13^th, Travis is also taking African American courses for the duration of the summer.



Travis representing the Green Bay Packers



Me: Congratulations on your brother winning the Super Bowl. How did life change after the super bowl?

Quarless: I actually got to go there, so seeing my brother accomplishing something like that and to see where he came from and to see how far he’s been, it changed my life individually as far as being there. It’s hard to describe that feeling. Seeing my brother win a super bowl in his rookie year is crazy.

Me: What’s your favorite NFL team?

Quarless: I would have to say my favorite team is the Packers, but I’m a big Jets fan, off the fact that's where I’m from.

Me: So let’s say two to three years from now you were to get drafted, what dream team you would like to play for?

Quarless: My dream team would have to be the Packers, just the feeling of being able to play with my brother. Truthfully, I’d be thankful if I get drafted in any team I go to, but as far as if I had to pick a team, it would have to be a team with my brother.

Me: What are some professional accomplishments you would like to achieve?

Quarless: I want win International Business Man of the Year. I want to become All-American but that’s not professional, that’s still college. I want to become a pro-bowler. I also take school very serious, so even if I make it into the NFL I plan to have some business ventures. I think business is going to play a role in my life either way.

What’s your favorite song out right now?

Quarless: My Last by Big Sean.

Me: One thing about you people wouldn’t expect?

Quarless: I’m quite. I’m a fun person to be around, but I like to sit back and watch what’s going on.

Me: So this is for all my girlfriends out there, are you single at the moment?

Quarless: Yea, I’m single.

Me: What do you look for in a girl?

Quarless: There are so many different qualities. She has to be down to earth, and has to have a cool personality.  I don’t like it when a girl has too much of an ego. I’m not a big looker on girls. I’m more into the inner beauty of a girl.

Me:  Are you currently looking?

Quarless: I’m focused right now. I’m not saying there’s not room for any girls right now. I’m just at a point in my life where I’m trying to take my life to the next level and I feel like if I focus on school and other things I can get through it.

Me: I heard you go to a friend of mine’s church, what are some of your favorite bible verses out there?

Quarless: My favorite bible verse would have to be Psalm 73 verse 26.

Me: What does it mean to you?

Quarless: ‘God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’ It just assures me when I fail at something that God is always behind me. I know God is my strength and my reassurance forever.

Me: What’s your favorite gospel song?

Quarless: I’d go with Smokie Norful ‘God is Able”. I’d also go with Marvin Sapp with ‘The Best in Me’.

Me: Does the time change have a toll on you?

Quarless: The time doesn’t have too much of an effect on me. My first time was kind of crazy. My biggest problem is when I’m calling people at nine when it’s like two a.m. in New York, but I handle it pretty well.

Where do you see yourself doing in five years?

Quarless: In five years, I see myself in China doing business out there. I see myself hopefully in the league because that has always been a dream of mine, and if I keep working this hard I think I can make it.

Holy Hip Hop: Canton Jones

With the type of music that has been mainstream in the past couple of years, many people wouldn't think that this particular song is gospel. A lot of people tend to think that gospel music is boring, has to be slow, or the artist is shouting on the record praising the Lord. Well Canton Jones' type of music is breaking barriers. Although he has been on the music scene for quite some time, this record stood out to me because of what it stands for.

Now don't get me wrong, there's a lot of gospel heavy hitters that has been in the game for countless amount of years, such as the one and only Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Smokie Norful and my personal favorite Marvin Saap, but Canton Jones uses his youth as a factor in his music by making it more relevant to today's generation. This song 'Window Over Your Head' is from his latest album 'Dominionaire' which was released Febuary 1st of this year.

Press play and hear for yourself.

To find out more about Canton Jones just click the hyperlink.

Jawan vs Justin ??

I think Justin Bieber might have a little competition! For those that want to know the cure for the "Bieber Fever" that every teenage girl has been sick with for the past couple of years, his name is Jawan Harris.

Released  June 6, Harris has a new song out called "Keisha". Inspired by the late James Brown, this song has the same 60's beat as Brown's song "A Man's World". The 14 year-old also happens to mention Brown in his song as well. And to put the cherry on top, YMCMB star Tyga teams up with Harris and drops a couple of nice bars on the track.

For those who don't know who Harris is, he released his first single featuring Chris Brown called "Another Planet". Harris is cute, has swag, he can dance and he can sing, what is there NOT to like about him? There's nothing like seeing and hearing new, upcoming artist get their inspiration from old school music.  Keep it going Harris! To see for yourselves, check out Harris' video below.

For more info on who Jawan Harris is, check out his fackbook at Jawan Harris.