Upcoming Shows

2008 PANELIST

Shadeed Eleazer

Mr.Shadeed possess the rare combination of sound technology background and music industry experience to lead the music industry into the New Digital Information Age. As the Organizer of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest growing Microsoft technology group, Mr.Shadeed regularly performs technology-focused lectures as well as evaluates and recommends cutting-edge technology well before its release to the general public. Mr. Shadeed formerly held the position of Vice President of Marketing for Microsoft's largest technology group in the Mid-Atlantic region. In the music industry, he currently serves as Senior Editor for Deviate Publishing based in Atlanta, GA. His innovative approach to the music business lead to pioneering the "Digital A&R" concept in the hip-hop industry through Indie Planet Television, which he serves as Program Director. He is the Founder and Organizer of The Music Business and Technology Workshops, and VP of Information Technology for Rock and Roll TV, which has produced over 180 episodes to date. Mr.Shadeed currently operates in the role of New Media Architect, in which he consults record labels, media outlets, and artists in the Entertainment Industry on the best practices and strategies to harness the power of Digital Technology in their day-to-day operations. He is also a regular Digital Technology Contributor on numerous radio shows across the United States. For questions and inquiries or to book Mr.Shadeed for speaking engagements: He may be reached at mr.shadeed@gmail.com

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Matthew Lesko aka "Mr. Free Money"

Twenty years ago, Matthew Lesko was working out of his bedroom with one phone line helping Fortune 500 companies get information on commodities - until he got bored. Today, Lesko is a best-selling author, appears regularly on network television shows and travels the country appearing on virtually every newscast in the top 100 markets. His stage antics, as well as his sound consumer advice has made him a favorite guest on Larry King Live, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jay Leno, Letterman and The Today Show.

Lesko’s wardrobe is as much a part of his appeal as his frantic message - colorful clothes, like his suit covered with neon question marks, his mismatched bright socks, wild bow ties and a seemingly inexhaustible collection of eyeglasses in every color of the rainbow. He even drives the only Lexus with yellow polka dots. Matthew loves his work.

Matthew Lesko has published over 100 books showing everyday people how to get free services and products from the federal government. He has had two New York Times best-sellers and two national best sellers, Getting Yours and Information USA. In addition, Lesko has twice received the prestigious “Best Reference Book of the Year” award from the American Library Association and has written syndicated consumer columns for Good Housekeeping, The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune. His company, Information USA, publishes massive reference books Free Money to Pay Your Bills, Lesko’s Info Power III and Free Money to Change Your Life as well as popular consumer books: Free Stuff for Seniors, Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff, Free Health Care, Free Legal Help and Info-Fobia.

When Lesko isn’t on the road, he lives in Kensington, Md. with his wife Wendy Schaetzel Lesko, an author and lecturer, and their two sons, Max and Morgan. Matthew’s own boyhood was spent in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. He received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, then went to Viet Nam as a navigator for the U.S. Navy. When he returned he earned a master’s degree in computer science from American University in Washington D.C., then started his first business as a management consultant helping Fortune 500 companies uncover information. One day he had an idea: why not publish the names and numbers of federal programs that offer free and low cost services and money programs for taxpayers. Writing his first book Getting Yours was a national best seller and today, Lesko publishes six or more books each year.

Perhaps USA TODAY said it best:

“Matthew Lesko is becoming the best advanceman for the federal government since Uncle Sam.”

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Felicia Pride

is an author, speaker and voice of her generation. Her acclaimed book The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs (Running Press, 2007) has been hailed as a “Chicken Soup for the Hip-Hop Soul” and has been used as a tool of engagement by various educational venues around the country. Felicia’s other books include the young adult anthology Hallway Diaries (Kimani Tru, 2007) and two chapter books for children—Everybody Hates First Girlfriends and Everybody Hates School Politics—based on the award-winning television, Everybody Hates Chris.

In 2004, she founded BackList, www.thebacklist.net, an organization dedicated to harnessing the power of words to uplift individuals and their communities. BackList conducts writing, publishing and other creative workshops and seminars for all age groups; curates community events; develops creative initiatives, resources, and content; and consults with writers, artists, publishers, and organizations.

Felicia speaks on an array of topics including writing, publishing, hip-hop, media, and literacy. She has been an invited speaker at schools, universities, and venues around the country including George Mason University, New York University, Philander Smith College, Bennett College, and the United Nations Association. She also has been featured by USA Today and NPR’s “Talk of the Nation.”

Felicia is currently the book blogger for AOL Black Voices, a website that garners more than 3 million monthly visitors, the managing editor of Mosaic literary magazine, and a contributor to Publishers Weekly. Her writing about hip-hop, books, publishing, and pop culture has appeared in various publications including VIBE, the Baltimore Sun, Popmatters.com, and the Baltimore City Paper.

She is currently an artist-in-residence for Baltimore City Public Schools and serves on the board for the Literary Freedom Project. She has an M.A. in writing and publishing from Emerson College (Boston, MA) and currently lives in Maryland. Visit her online at www.feliciapride.com.

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Domination

An American rapper that is currently signed to his label Gangsta Flip Records. He was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens New York. He is currently in a group with Bang 'Em Smurf called Silverback Guerillaz. Domination used to rhyme as part of a crew called "The G.R.I.T.S" The Greatest Rappers In The Streets. Other notable members of The G.R.I.T.S included Skyzoo, Stack Bundles, Young Neen, Ghetto Star and others. All of them have moved on to do solo projects and/or ghostwriting for many others in the industry. CEO of Gangsta Flip Records is a record label that was started by Domination and Bang 'Em Smurf. The first signing was of the 16 year old underground rapper Young Dice. It was distributed through Koch Entertainment from 2004-2006. It is now distributed through Universal Music Group.

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Rahfaeal Gordon

His little brothers had been in the basement with the dogs for about a month when Rahfeal Gordon was sent down there, too. Most of the time, their dad was easier on Rahfeal because he managed to stay out of trouble. But one day, when Rahfeal (pronounced RAH-fee-al) was 15, he had failed to come up with money for the electric bill. His father beat him before shoving him downstairs with his three siblings. The dogs in the basement weren't vicious, but it was no place for anyone to live. There was no heat, so they used to stay warm by sleeping on the clothes dryer. It was one of the few times during his childhood that Rahfeal and his brothers had a home. Their mom, long struggling with crack addiction, had recently left for good. For years, she and her four boys drifted in and out of homeless shelters in Newark. There were days she never picked them up from school and they had to sleep on park benches. Rahfeal's dad once abandoned him at a crack house. His life is filled with stories like these. But few people heard them when he was growing up.

On music and a prayer

Throughout his nightmarish childhood -- with three younger brothers to watch -- he acted like nothing was wrong. He didn't let them see the small Bible he carried with him everywhere. Despite hopping from school to school, Gordon graduated from Arts High School in Newark, finding solace in music and prayer. He formed an event planning company called Infinite Productions, and now he's a senior at Montclair State University with his own apartment in Hillside.

"People thought that I was raised in a healthy family. People didn't think I struggled," says Gordon, who recently turned 25. "But now I want to let people know. I want to be a poster child for those who were less fortunate. I made it and so can you. I knew I was better than where I was at." As a motivational speaker, his message is simple. "Your location isn't your destination," says Gordon. It's the motto of his performance, "Hip Hop Saved My Life." On stage at local high schools, colleges like Juilliard and venues like the Hard Rock Cafe, Gordon shares his story, which is filled with lines from hip-hop lyrics. One of his favorites is "Juicy" by the Notorious B.I.G. You know very well who you are don't let 'em hold you down reach for the stars. Hip-hop gave him encouragement when no one else would. "You don't have to live a thug life to be hip-hop," he tells audiences. "You can be yourself, help others and still be hip-hop."

Life choices

His two youngest brothers, Alfonso and Isaiah, made a different choice. They found a home on the streets, dropping out of school by ninth grade. Alfonso, a drug dealer, was murdered two years ago at 19, gunned down in Irvington. Isaiah, 19, was jailed on drug and weapons charges in October. Another brother, Janvier, followed Rahfeal's footsteps and is about to graduate from Delaware State University with a degree in accounting. Like Rahfeal, he feels a heavy sense of guilt and responsibility for his brothers' fates. "We had to carry them, especially Rahfeal because he was the oldest," says Janvier, who is 23. "We understood more. They just felt the pain. What happened to Alfonso, I know it hurts Rahfeal a whole lot, but he hides it sometimes because he doesn't want me to know. When he thinks I'm not looking, he has so much pain in his face."

In Hip Hop Saved My Life

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TERRANCE J

Chosen from thousands of applicants in BET’s nationwide “New Faces” search, our party boy is definitely a natural.

Terrence’s determination is is one of the main reasons he landed the gig. After auditioning for the “New Faces” search in New York and not making a good impression, he wasn’t about to let that get the best of him. He headed to the next audition in Atlanta, where he would eventually win over BET executives. Terrence has a swagger about him that has 106 all over it, and with that and his infectious personality he was able to land the opportunity of a lifetime.

Terrence was chosen as one of 10 finalists in the “New Faces” search, and it was then that he knew the pressure was on. Being surrounded by nine other hopefuls – many having already landed commercial gigs or having worked in professional radio – Terrence had to go extra hard. “I put everything on the line for this…my job, my company, my home, and I couldn’t leave empty-handed,” said the new 106 host. “lt’s amazing what you can do when you have no options, and the only choice I had was to win.” Terrence made the final cut to become one of five future stars.

Terrence is no newcomer to the world of music. While attending North Carolinia A&T, Terrence led a radio show, hosted parties, fashion shows and other local events around campus, all under his promotions group, Team Dolla. After graduation, Terrance landed a job in Florida as an account executive with motor sports giant, NASCAR, and soon after made his way down to the ATL to continue his quest for stardom.

In addition to working the job of his dreams, Terrence still grinds with his many side hustles, enjoys hitting the late-night scene and loves to meet new people. As a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. get used to the energy this young Q-Dawg has to bring.

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GRINEHOUSE PUBLISHING WORKS

Michael L. Martin Jr. and Dashawn White are Songwriters and Producers. In 2006 they established their joint venture company, Grinehouse Publishing Works.Primarily a Music Publishing and Talent Management Company, at Grinehouse LLC, we are about empowering creative people and giving them access to the industry. We are not a record company. Grinehouse LLC is a conglomerate of major and independent recording artists, songwriters, production companies, independent record labels, publicity, multi-media, marketing and public relation firms, publishers, disc jockeys, agents, managers, consultants and more that have come together for one common cause, which is to expand the independent and break artists.

myspace.com/grinehouse

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DIAMOND D

Diamond was a member of Ultimate Force, along with Master Rob and together they appeared on the Jazzy Jay album Cold Chillin' In the Studio, released by Strong City/Uni/MCA Records. They also recorded an album together titled I'm Not Playing" which. After Ultimate Force split in 1992, he was a founder of the Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.).

He has worked as a producer on some classic hip hop records, including A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory, The Pharcyde's Labcabincalifornia, The Fugees' The Score, and Mos Def's Black on Both Sides

In 1997, Diamond D started his own record label, Diamond Mine Records, from which he has released his two latest solo albums.

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Kev Brown

Kev Brown's soulful style of production has earned him comparisons to revered producers such as Pete Rock, who incidentally helped Brown's career gain some momentum after introducing him to Grap Luva. The pair then went on to collaborate on "What Ruling Means", from Marley Marl's BBE Beat Generation installment Re-Entry (2001). His appearance alongside Grap Luva left an impression on the underground and he subsequently contributed a track to De La Soul's AOI: Bionix later that year.

Kev Brown continued to build his resume with contributions to DJ Jazzy Jeff's The Magnificent (2002). As a then-member of Jazzy Jeff's production-for-hire unit A Touch Of Jazz, Brown contributed no less than 7 tracks to the project yet it wasn't until his remix of Jay-Z's The Black Album, aptly titled The Brown Album was released in January, 2004 that he began to receive recognition.

As the first producer to do so (to date there are more than 100 submitted remixes of the project), Brown made use of Jay-Z's starpower and commercial appeal. Although his time in the spotlight was somewhat overshadowed by DJ Danger Mouse's The Grey Album (2004), a remix project of the same album noticeable for its use of The Beatles' White Album (1968) as a soundbed for Jay-Z acapellas, Kev Brown was nevertheless able to garner enough of a following to embark on a solo career.

After numerous productions and collaborations with artists throughout 2003 and 2004, Brown made his debut in 2005 with I Do What I Do through the independent Up Above imprint. The single, "Life's A Gamble", followed in early 2006. Among his current projects are a forthcoming EP titled Random Joints, and a full-length collaboration with rapper LMNO of The Visionaries called Selective Hearing: The Beat Tape, which was released in February 2008.

Production Credits

* 2001: "What Ruling Means" - Marley Marl, from the album Re-Entry

* 2001: "Special" - De La Soul, from the album AOI: Bionix

* 2002: "Branded", "Da Rebirth" - DJ Jazzy Jeff, from the EP The Magnificent EP

* 2002: "How I Do", "Know Ur Hood", "Rock Wit You", "Scram", "Shake It Off", "Travelz", "We Are" - DJ Jazzy Jeff, from the album The Magnificent

* 2003: "Catch 22" - Raheem De Vaughn, from the album The Love Experience

* 2003: "Wallflower" - Critically Acclaimed, from the compilation Hidden Hits Vol. 1

* 2003: "Young World" - Cy Young, from the compilation Hidden Hits Vol. 1

* 2003: "Who Programmed Us Anyway?" (Remix) - Grand Agent, from the album Fish Outta Water Remixes

* 2003: "Get Down", "Games" - Biz Markie, from the album Weekend Warrior

* 2004: "The Ultimate" (Remix) - Lone Catalysts

* 2004: "Walk The Walk" - Kenn Starr, from the Halftooth Records compilation You Don’t Know the Half

* 2004: "Another Private Conversation" - Critically Acclaimed

* 2004: "Doubting Destiny", "Exposed" - Wayna, from the album Moments Of Clarity: Book 1

* 2006: "Best Friend" - V, from the album The Revelation is Now Televised

* 2006: "Good Rap Music", "Reign" - Bahamadia, from the album Good Rap Music

* 2006: "1%" - The Visionaries, from the album We Are The Ones (We've Been Waiting For)

* 2006: "Relentless", "Never Too Late", "Another Day" - Kenn Starr, from the album Starr Status

* 2006: "Batida" - Kev Brown, from the Dopeness Galore compilation The Timeless Interpretations

* 2006: "That's My" - Wade Waters, from the album Dark Waters

* 2007: "Pen Just Cries Away" - Eric Roberson, from the album ...Left

* 2007: "Bophelo Hame" - Tumi, from the album Music from my Good Eye

* 2007: "The League (Remix)" - Wildchild, from the album Jack Of All Trades

* 2007: "Power (Cars Drive By)" - Cy Young, from the album Exactly

* 2007: "Simone (Louder)" - Hassaan Mackey, from the album Soul For Sale

* 2007: "War" - Hassaan Mackey, from the album Soul For Sale

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Paul Gardner

Since Attorney Gardner began the Gardner Law Group to specialize in entertainment and business law matters. Attorney Gardner has been the legal advisor to some of the following sample high profile clients like Actor/Comedian Tommy Davidson; the Prince of Fashion Travis Winkey; and many others such as:

OutKast & Michael “Blue” Williams, Da Bloc Incorporated and LOS, Scola,

Kevin “Young City Chopper” Barnes, DJ P-Cutta and Ryan Banks:

Belinda “BiBi” McGill, Kiku Collins, Elan Extreme Magazine & Crunk Magazine

Cylk Cozart, Darkroom Productions, Ty James and more

Mary Nichols aka (DJ Fusion) - FuseBox Radio Broadcast/BlackRadioIsBack.com

Since 1998, DJ Fusion has been doing her thing in the New Jersey, New York and DC Metropolitan areas on the radio, club and mixtape ends, with DJ sets ranging from mixes of Hip-Hop (Commercial & Independent), Breakbeats, Reggae, Funk, Acid Jazz, Soul, House, Disco, DC GoGo, Electronica, Rock and Classics. FuseBox Media LLC, engages in freelance article writing for various Internet and paper publications and do various music projects (music production, mixtape mixing and hosting, etc.).

In October 2007 FuseBox Radio Broadcast launched, BlackRadioIsBack.com (http://www.BlackRadioisBack.com).

Besides DJing for the radio and doing mixtapes, DJ Fusion still plays live DJ events in the New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia & DC Metro areas. Some of the clubs, lounges and stores in NJ, NYC and DC she has done set at include SOBS, the National Black Theatre in Harlem NYC, the Bowery Poetry Club, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Barnard College (@ Columbia University), Rutgers University, Club Platinum, Rebar Lounge, D'Palace, African Globe Studios, the National Black Theatre, Flava Lounge, Hunter College, NY Brands Clothing Store, Laila Lounge, Halcyon, 169 Bar, Court Tavern, the C-Note, DJ Hut, the Remote Lounge and other various locations.

Fusion has spoken at panels at locations and events such as Rutgers University, Slip-N-Slide DJs Conference (Tampa, FL), Word In The Streets/Hood Hard DJs Hood Hard Day 3 (Charlotte, NC), Streets Mos Magazine Music Conferences (New York, NY), Columbia University and more. Fusion was the President & Founder of the Rutgers University Student

Community of Hip-Hop (aka RUSCH, the 1st Hip-Hop organization @ Rutgers University) from August 2000 - August 2002.

Current FuseBox Radio Broadcast Stations:

Rutgers University Radio, WRSU 88.7 FM, UrbanNetwork.com's The Mix Internet Radio Station (Urban Network Magazine), ConspiracyUK.com, FONYE Radio, VI Radio, MyBlockRadio.net, Beyond.FM, Sprint Radio Extra/mSpot, DurdeeSouth.com, PlanetUrban.com.au, OKRP.com, BlockJams.com, AmalgamDigital.com, ReeWineMusic.com, SouthBound.FM,

TheBestJams.com, CrackAudio.com, DeadBeat Radio, WWACN/Worldwide Alpha Communications Network, FlyTunes.FM, StreetsD.com - Street Mos Magazine Radio (coming soon) and BlackCoffeeChannel.com (coming soon)

Miesha L. Rice

CEO of Rice Marketing & Artist Development in Atlanta, GA. RICE Marketing & Artist Development’s goal is to work very closely with a team that the corporation or entertainment company already has in place. If there is not a team in position, i.e. promotions, PR, etc., we can assist in putting a team together. Furthermore, we offer consultations to those individuals or companies who are just starting and need guidance as to which direction they need to go in order to achieve and maximize their successes in the corporate and entertainment world.

Dashawn Taylor

a Trenton, New Jersey native, is best known as the runner-up of BET's Ultimate Hustler hosted by Dame Dash. Dashawn is the CEO, Co-Founder, and publisher of Real-HipHop.com, LLC Print, Internet Magazine, and the "Got Lyrics" freestyle movement. He recently released his first book entitled From Poverty to Power Moves. He is currently the co host of the TV show Scouting for Talent-DC.

Pork Chop

WERQ Radio personality on the BIG PHAT MORNING SHOW on WERQ 92Q in BALTIMORE, MD

Shannon Emamali

Exec Director of the D.C. Chapter of The Recording Academy for the GRAMMY AWARDS.

Kelly Connelly

Co founder and columist of Music Monthly Magazine.

DJ DNA,

Founder of Roundtable Entertainment, he has released industry exposure mixtapes, the harmcity mixtape album he is also a regularon xmradio 66 RAW

Mike Mcintosh

Ceo of Architects Entertainment also Studio Engineer for many artist in the Mid Atlantic Area. Works with many national and independent recording artist

DJ Johnny Blaze

From WHUR in Washington, DC

DJ HEAT

Winner of Best Mixtape Team at the 2006 Justo's Mixtape Awards. DJ and radio personality for DC HOME JAMS radio show on WPGC 95.5 in Washington, DC.

DJ Lil Mic

National Radio DJ (djlilmic.com). Named the Baltimore City Papers' Best DJ in 2002. He currently has radio shows on XM Satellite Radio 67 The City (Nationwide), Air Tran Airlines, WEAA 88.9 in Baltimore/DC (Strictly Hip-Hop & Friday Night Jazz Club), KJMM 105 K Jamz Tulsa,OK (4.5.6 Mix), KQIZ 93.1 The Beat in Amarillo, TX(4.5.6 Mix) and DJ's shows for Jive Record recording artist Raheem DeVaughn’s band.

David Andler

C.E.O./President of the Baltimore-based record company, distributor and music media manufacturer Morphius Records, Inc., the company he founded in 1993. Over the last 15 years, the Morphius label as signed urban artists such as Rod Lee, Little Clayway, and Labtekwon, and rock/punk artists such as X, The Pietasters, and Pere Ubu. Morphius currently distributes more than 10,000 releases, all of which are available on www.morphius.com. MorphiusDisc Mfg handles CD & DVD manufacturing as well vinyl pressing for high profile companies like Armani Exchange, ReR Megacorp, Club Kingz, and many others throughout the North America and Europe.

An experienced recording & mixing engineer, David spends some of his time working as a producer in Morphius Records' in-house studio facility Lord Baltimore Recordings. Since the early nineties, he has produced a wide variety of recordings for many nationally known artists (see www.lordbaltimorerecording.com). Over the last two decades, David has done literally hundreds of performances in touring bands such as Octopus, National Razor, and Boneclub, and with internationally known rock singers like John Stabb, David Thomas, & Shawn Stern and many more.

MIKE FLIGHT