Born in Portland Oregon, JJ went to the University of Oregon where he was an outstanding Track & Field star who was destined for the 1988 Olympics but an unfortunate injury broke that dream. He was one of the first prototype track stars to successfully “walk on” and excel at football for the Oregon Ducks. Despite being the 216th pick in the 1988 NFL draft with a size of 5’10 157 lbs., and plenty of doubters, JJ’s still went on to played 9 productive years in the NFL. (JJ’s NFL highlight film www.jjbirden.ws )
#SpotlightInterview| Dean Perretta Meets Academy Award-Winning Artist and Political Activist Che “Rhymefest” Smith
As a writer, artist, activist, political organizer and teacher, Che “Rhymefest” Smith has cracked glass ceilings and shattered negative stereotypes about hip-hop. In 2005, Rhymefest won a Grammy for co-writing the mega-hit “Jesus Walks” with his childhood friend Kanye West. In 2006 he released his critically acclaimed “Blue Collar” Album on Clive Davis’s J-records.
