I mentor several young men in my life right now, including R&B crooner Marcus Cooper better known as Pleasure P. I was very influential in jump starting Marcus’s solo career, and some of you may remember him as the lead singer in R&B music group “Pretty Ricky.” Marcus aka Pleasure P is currently 25, and I mentor him a great deal in his career. Whether its pointing him in the right direction for art on a album cover, coordinating a event, aiding with business proposals, or something as small as referring him to someone I have worked with in the industry, who will look out for his best interest. I met Marcus in a club in 2007 through a mutual friend, and we immediately clicked. I took him under my brotherly wing, and we have a close bond. In addition to being Swagga Entertainment business partners, we have similar personalities, and are both genuinely great individuals, who are determined to achieve our goals in life.
Also, I am currently mentoring one of my groups ‘The Freshmen’ who are signed to my record label Swagga Entertainment! ‘The Freshman’ are collectively a group of young, intelligent, charismatic guys that are extremely talented. The members range in age from 18-21, and they are Devin Lewis, Achilles Lewis, Dantrell Felton, and Johnathan Fugerson. I have watched these dudes grow up since they were much younger; and they are practically like family! I sincerely care about them, and want the best for them in the music industry, and beyond. I believe with a little cultivation, and general grooming, they will be the next BIG thing in the Hip-Hop world.
During my off season; I will be working with them on a day to day basis adding touch ups to their upcoming album, and working on basic media training. These are techniques that I have picked up throughout the years, on and off the field. I plan to provide them with all the basic mentoring skills, that I have been able to gain knowledge of, while growing up and attending college. I also hope to empower these young guys with business, musical and socials skills.
I personally feel like I make a change every day, that is just the type of person that I am. I’m all about self-empowerment, building individual self-esteem, and pushing my friends, and family to the next level. Anyone who knows me professionally, or personally knows that when you are around me, it’s all about a naturally good time. We should all be having fun, enjoying life, and success and an abundance of laughter!!!
I believe mentoring isn’t honestly about “a certain age bracket” or “torturing” a teenager with information and guidelines to life that you – yourself do not even follow. I believe the act of mentoring is more “ACTION MORE THAN ANYTHING, don’t TALK ABOUT IT…BE ABOUT IT.” If you want the youth to look up to you, you have to embody personal leadership skills, originality and carry yourself with dignity and respect at all times.” I have people my age that I graduated from college with tell me all the time that; something I may have said, or done in a encouraging manner got them through the day, or assisted them through a tough time in their life.
One of the ways that mentoring has changed my life would have to be, just being accountable for my actions, on an everyday basis. I know since I am a athlete as well as a respected business man; that I have to present with myself in a professional manner at all times; I am a firm believer that whatever you put out into the atmosphere; you will get back….if you wake up every day thank GOD and feed out positive energy and a “straight forward attitude” you will have no choice but to have a pr
