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Career Alternatives for Attorneys: Rapper?

Mekka Don.jpgHaving just discussed Janet Jackson (or her breasts), we’re going to remain on the subject of music. This installment in our continuing series of open threads on career alternatives for attorneys — i.e., “things you can do with a law degree other than Biglaw (or contract attorney work)” — is inspired by lawyer turned rapper Mekka Don.

There are many attorneys out there with musical side projects. When do you decide to take the leap and dive into your music career full-time? According to Mekka Don, the answer is “after one year at Weil.” He wrote to us in March:

My name is Emeka Onyejekwe (aka Mekka Don) and in the spring I left my job at a top ten law firm in order to help save Hip Hop. I graduated from NYU in 2006 and worked at the firm for a little less than a year. Many people (probably including you, lol) think I’m crazy, but I believe it was a calling from God. I’ve begun to memorialize what I am doing through a reality show.

He may be too late. According to Nas, hip hop is dead! But good luck with that.

ABA Journal’s July issue has a profile piece on the “legal hustler.” Taking the struggling artist career route sounds challenging. To make ends meet, Onyejekwe is “modeling, event planning and sports marketing along with running a small legal practice with his sister.”

Does a legal background help much in this career? Once you make it big, those contracts classes may come in handy. It also looks to be useful in the comments on the ABA piece. Someone questioned Mekka Don’s use of “Law & Order” for the title of his mixtape, and he responds by citing the “fair use” doctrine.

More on Mekka Don, after the jump.

A day in the life of a rapper sounds a bit better than 12 hours of doc review. Here’s the description in his e-mail to us:

A typical day in the life of Mekka Don can involve a Phat Farm photo shoot in the morning, then hitting the movie set in the afternoon where he is playing a lead role in an independent film. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without laying some tracks in the music studio then popping into one of Mekka Don’s parties at night. Add in negotiating a contract or litigating a case for a legal client and Mekka Don earns his additional moniker - “the Legal Hustler”.

In the ABA Journal piece, Mekka Don says he doesn’t regret law school, and that he loves the law, but that he hasn’t been getting a whole lot of support from the legal community.

Q: What sort of reaction are you getting from the legal community?

To my face they say it’s cool, but behind my back there are a lot of negative responses. Some black lawyers think this is the worst possible thing I could have done in the black community. But almost every piece of criticism is from someone who’s never heard my music.

So one downside to pursuit of your music dreams is fellow lawyers making fun of you… until you make it big! Then they’ll all be lining up to represent you.

Street Legal [ABA Journal]

Earlier: Prior Career Alternatives posts (scroll down)

Comments

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1 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:23 AM

Good for him.

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2 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:24 AM

Bad for him

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3 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:28 AM

he's lying .. its the hours that drove him to music

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4 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:32 AM

#1 seconded

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5 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:33 AM

Classic example of when bad ideas happen to good people.

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6 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:33 AM

His name rhymes with tekka don. I wonder if he will rap about sushi.

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7 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Word, I heard he can bust dumb crazy rhymes yo.

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8 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:35 AM

Shiiiieeeeeeeeit dawg bling bling yo what up bitches TTT in the hizz-ouse!

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9 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:39 AM


Kash, could I represent you?

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10 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:39 AM

11:35(2) should be shot.

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11 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:40 AM

in america its all bling bling

but out here its bling bang

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12 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:41 AM

Why do the black lawyers think it is bad for the black legal community? I support Mekka Don's choice!

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13 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:43 AM

dumbass

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14 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:44 AM

not to be a troll but underwear guy from the last contest is "leaving" his firm! maybe they only wear boxers over there....

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15 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:44 AM

11:35(1) and 11:35(2) BOTH need to be shot.

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16 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:46 AM

Affirmative action in action, my friends.

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17 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:50 AM

So, let me get this straight: God told him to save hip hop with a reality show?

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18 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:50 AM

"So one downside to pursuit of your music dreams is fellow lawyers making fun of you... until you make it big! Then they'll all be lining up to represent you."

Umm, you do read the comments sections, right? You might as well cross out music, as all "dreams" will earn you derision, including legal ones.

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19 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:52 AM

Young gentlemen at my preparatory academy were wont to bust dumb crazy rhymes, and the matter scarcely occasioned comment.
Fraternity Lothario

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20 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:55 AM

Rappers are HAWT!

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21 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:08 PM

Rapping about law school is just about the most tool-ish thing I can think of.

22 Posted by t14lawDOTblogspot | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:08 PM

If on-campus interviews don't go well, look for me to try my luck with the country music scene.

Thanks for the idea, Mekka

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23 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:11 PM

less than 1 year in big law? seems like he really believed working there would be like his SA job.

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24 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:13 PM

"So, let me get this straight: God told him to save hip hop with a reality show?"

He sounds like a black Eric Cartman.

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25 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:20 PM

Yes, almost every piece of criticism is from people who think quitting your career to become a meaningless pop star and annoying self-important jackass is a bad thing.

To quote Bugs Bunny, what a maroon.

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26 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Summary of the comments in thus far: I like myself a lot; black folk--not so much.

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27 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Lemme translate this arrogant jackhole for y'all:

"A typical day in the life of Mekka Don"
---I paid my cousin to write this for me on our kitchen table.

"can involve a Phat Farm photo shoot in the morning,"
----where I stand around outside and go, "C'mon man, lemme in! Hey! Mr. Photographer! Let me be a model! Please!" Then I go home at look at the pretty pictures.

"then hitting the movie set in the afternoon where he is playing a lead role in an independent film."
---My cousin (again) doing a stop motion action figure remake of "Shaft" on his home video camera. I'm doing the voice of cop #3.

"Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without laying some tracks in the music studio"
----rapping into a cassette recorder in my bathroom while my sister bangs on the door trying to take a shower

"then popping into one of Mekka Don's parties at night."
--Starring me, my cousin, my barcolounger, Budweiser, and a little entertainer known as Adult Swim, bitches!

"Add in negotiating a contract or litigating a case for a legal client"
----I got my cousin's traffic ticket reduced, yo!

"and Mekka Don earns his additional moniker - "the Legal Hustler"."
---Y'all know that "hustler" is slang for "full of it", right?

This guy is a dork with a superiority complex.

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28 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:28 PM

Yes, #23, but he had been told that he needed to stay as close to a full year as possible to maximize his ability to lateral successfully into the hip-hop world. Those A&R guys see that you only stuck around for 3 months, you will *never* get signed. Three years at Cravath and you walk into any rapper job on the market, easy.

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29 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:29 PM

With that logo, Dick Wolf's gonna sue him into oblivion.

Kinda funny a "high powered attorney" would make such an obvious copyright infringement error. Oh wait, this is an aa lawyer. nevermind.

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30 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:30 PM

23: how is it different?

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31 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:35 PM

Fraternity Lothario pwns Frat Stud!

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32 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:39 PM

Couldn't he lateral into entertainment law if the rap thing doesn't work out?

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33 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:39 PM

No fair use for TM infringement.

And even the (c) fair use argument is weak.

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34 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:43 PM

I'm pretty sure that this guy was at WGM.

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35 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

I'm pretty sure that this guy was at WGM.

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36 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

The negative comments on this board will be up front and center on the inevitable VH1 Behind the Music episode...

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37 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:44 PM

#27, if you knew anything about the underground hip-hop scene, you'd be humming a very different tune. Any emcee working with 6th sense has talent.

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38 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:46 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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39 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:46 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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40 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:47 PM

Comment No. 7 be on point yo. 7 mile. Reppin the streets and the mad beats. One

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41 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:50 PM

# 23, should people stay only a full year to have the best lateral opportunities? I heard you should stay at least two. Serious question ...

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42 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 12:57 PM

Doesn't Ice Cube call himself Don Mecca?

All I'm sayin is wa wa watch my feet, watch my feet

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43 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:02 PM

27, balls on. Could you also translate a hypothetical boast about Mekka having his own clothing line? And maybe how he's also a producer?


This guy's truly too busy posing to work a day job. I love it. Oh well, it's not like some middle class white kid would have done anything better with that NYU law school spot.

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44 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:04 PM

He suffered a controversial loss in the "Iron Mic" contest in high school where he rapped as Eli Porter before he became the Mekka Don.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKKxPtP6XjQ

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45 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:05 PM

Does anyone know if comment 7 was on point, or if 7 mile has been reppin the streets and the mad beats?

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46 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:15 PM

If there's one thing NYU classmates know about Emeka, it's that he's not afraid to self-promote. We were once forwarded a link to a novel he wrote and published in 2004, which you can find at http://www.amazon.com/Grime-Glory-Emeka-Onyejekwe/dp/0975546201/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216660281&sr=1-2

My favorite part in connection with all of this:
"About the Author
Emeka Onyejekwe is a law student at New York University School of Law in the Class of 2006. He graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University after three years of study with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During his undergraduate years, he was a varsity football player, a member of the Homecoming Court, and an Honors student. Currently, he is also a professional model, a musician, and an athlete, and has been bestowed the honor of being called a "Renaissance Man". Emeka is the youngest of his parents’ four children. Inspired by Emeka’s experiences as a college athlete and the accounts of many of his friends, Grime and Glory is the first novel from this young and aspiring author."

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47 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:39 PM

I see a huge problem:

This guy is OFFERING SECURITIES in a small oil deal to RETAIL INVESTORS, on commission.

He is also OFFERING INVESTMENT ADVICE to unsophisticated people like athletes.


Is he LICENSED to do any of that?

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48 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:43 PM

Thisguy is such a loser! And we all know the positive comments on this board are being left by him.

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49 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:45 PM

Ditto #46. Even with the self-promotion, though, Emeka was basically a good guy. I hope the Mekka Don thing works out for him.

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50 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:46 PM

"No fair use for TM infringement."

False.

"And even the (c) fair use argument is weak."

Naive, underinformed.

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51 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:46 PM

"No fair use for TM infringement."

False.

"And even the (c) fair use argument is weak."

Naive, underinformed.

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52 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:47 PM

He's clearly an arrogant prick, but aren't all rappers?

And to be fair, I've seen him perform twice at NYU and he's talented. Too much God stuff for me, but his lyrics about law school and being a lawyer are hilarious.

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53 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 1:52 PM

self-promotion is probably necesary to succeed at what he's trying to do. more power to him.

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54 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:00 PM

Is Don Mecca the brother of Ugonna Onyekwe (former UPENN basketball star)? Any updates on U?

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55 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:13 PM

"#27, if you knew anything about the underground hip-hop scene, you'd be humming a very different tune. Any emcee working with 6th sense has talent."
---#27 here. Yes, if I knew anything about the underground pop music scene and who is the best articulator of forgettable fluff, you're right, I would know something about whose producer dick he was sucking.

Oh! Snap! Holla!

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56 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:16 PM

"Oh well, it's not like some middle class white kid would have done anything better with that NYU law school spot."

Yes, some middle class kid who actually deserved the spot would be either working in a non-profit for a noble cause or becoming a great lawyer and earning his spot a law firm, not getting his spot due to his color and then wasting it becoming a pop musician.

Loser.

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57 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:17 PM

I think ever poster here is required to use the slang phrases "holla," "phat,", or "yo," seeing as this is about some poseur chart climbing wanna be.

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58 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:18 PM

He'd probably respond to these criticisms with some typical cliche nonsense, like "stop playa hatin'! [sic], because, of couse, we're only jealous. Riiiiiiight.

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59 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:20 PM

Ugly, stupid, talentless. Like every other rapper.
NEXT!

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60 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:40 PM

Glorifying hip-hop and street culture is completely retarded. Yeah, we really want to encourage loser-punk aggressive because they're "cool". Its sort of like glorifyng the mafia.

If the world were fair, everyone who goes around trying to be "cool" and act like a gangster would get beaten up and mugged so they can see how "cool" it all is.

When these same gangsters are broke-ass losers (99.999% of the time), we can all agree that the "street" culture is retarded. But when those very few people manage to make some money glorifying being arrogant aggressive pricks, then suddenly everyone loves killing, stealing, and a general disregard for manners.

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61 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:46 PM

Why is this bad for the black legal community? Easy! There are enough under-educated black men in the world who can only see sports and entertainment as a way up in the world. A good-looking, articulate, well-educated man like Emeka could be doing a whole lot more for his community, by putting those legal and/or political skills to use. Instead, he gives it up in order to become "Mekka Don," to any casual observer the epitome of a modern-day minstrel. He opens himself up (deservedly so!) to mockery by those who would use him as an example of what is wrong with affirmative action, and deprives the black community of his legal talents. Lou Rawls is turning over in his grave today.

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62 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:51 PM

The rappin' lawyer. Why do I see him instead getting a court show soon?

One thing's fo' sho' Judge Joe Brown would kick his ass.

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63 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:51 PM


Mekka, aside from his UPL-equivalent financial crimes, is not a criminal and doesn't glorify violent crime. He's just a diplomat's kid and poser.


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64 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:53 PM

Hmm, why do I suspect he went to Jerry Springer U.? Northwestern's sure got some classy, intelligent graduates. lol.

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65 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:56 PM

this guy should get together with that guy who sent the video to UBS for recruiting. Their lies and insecurities would force them to have an ego battle-to-the-death---
-----THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE! MUHAHA!

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66 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 2:58 PM


Mekka, aside from his UPL-equivalent financial crimes, is not a criminal and doesn't glorify violent crime. He's just a diplomat's kid and poser.

But #61 has a good point.

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67 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:00 PM

http://www.onyejekwelaw.com/main.html

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68 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:06 PM

can't find confirmation that he actually passed the bar on the NY state bar website - either he didn't pass or i don't know what i'm doing (quite possible)

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorney/AttorneySearch

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69 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:11 PM


Thanks for the website, 67.
This guy actually calls himself a "Senior Partner" in his firm with his sister, who is also a "Senior Partner." There are no other attorneys. I can see someone calling himself a partner when he owns half the practice, but what's up with calling yourself "senior" when you're not senior to anyone in the whole firm?


Poser, poser, poser. 56 hit it on the head.

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70 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:17 PM

#68, he passed the NY Bar in '06. I fail to understand why this is so troubling to most here. He passed up what most of us consider a dream opportunity to work at a NY BIGLAW. He's got the balls to do what he REALLY wants. Most of us don't. More power to him.

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71 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:21 PM

#68
Why would you insinuate that he didn't pass the bar? Since you were so quick to run a NY attorney search, you could at least checked the NY Bar exam website before making your post!

http://www.nybarexam.org/706_OR.htm

ONYEJEKWE, CHUKWUEMEKA NNAMDI= 1st time passer.

-I'm just sayin'

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72 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:36 PM


Hey, I'm just saying his dad's a Nigerian diplomat and now he's "hustling" oil deals. I assume these oil dealmakers seek him out because of the expertise he gained in brokering deals as a 1st year at Weil . . . no, wait, could it be something else?

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73 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:37 PM

He doesn't have balls. He just doesn't have brains. Or morality. Or integrity. Or self-esteem. Or common sense.

So he's missing much more than his balls.

p.s. that picture on his "firm"'s website is hilarious. He looks 12. I wouldn't let him take me across the street, let alone take my case.

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74 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:38 PM

Only douches like this would be proud to be a hustler.

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75 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:41 PM

lol. check out the picture on his site regarding "personal injury." This guy apparently believes that picking up a box and hurting your back=personal injury lawsuit. In other words, AMBULANCE CHASER!

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76 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:42 PM

Yes, #70, we would all like to be bad musicians/bad actors/wanna be celebrities. Unfortunately, we are just too smart to make fools of ourselves doing it.

NEXT!

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77 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:42 PM

Just one more example of Title IX's brilliance.

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78 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:43 PM

71 - probably because of the typo on his own website. He claims that he was admitted in 07 rather than 06.

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79 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:44 PM

whoops, 77, you meant affirmative action. Get it right.

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80 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:44 PM

you mean he's not a girl?

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81 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:45 PM

Not sure if he's a girl or not, but he's definitely a little bitch. lol.

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82 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:48 PM

78, way to dime yourself out for not being admitted in NY. After I take the NY bar (knock on wood) in July I will get a score in November. If that score is passing I will go get sworn in in January, 2009.

So he passed the '06 bar and got admitted in '07. It's complicated, I know, but some states are just tougher to get admitted in than others.

No go back to your divorce case.

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83 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:50 PM

#37, rappers don't hum. takes too much talent.

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84 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:52 PM

Some white guy goes on the Bachelorette and it's ok. This guy (who happens to be black) gets on this board for trying to start a career in entertianment and he is an AA hire.
Sad.

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85 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

82, we all know you're mekka lekka hi mekka heinie ho (or whatever your silly little stage name is) in disguise, don't get your panties in a bunch. I know you think NY is just so great, but bear in mind, your sister (and co-"senior partner", lol) is only a dirty Jersey lawyer.

Go back to YOUR divorce cases.

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86 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

I am not going to comment directly because if I say something positive I will be labeled an ego stroker and if I leave a negative comment i will be labeled a hater. The truth is that I see a lot of comments coming from uneducated angles. I will say this I've listened to Mekka Don's music and he's not a gangster rapper. He seems to be making a genuine effort to promote a positive lifestyle directly opposing traditional hip hop artists. Is that the best way for him to use his law degree maybe maybe not. However, if his music does become successful it will have an impact on those young kids being influenced by the blatantly tasteless and damaging music that's out there now.

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87 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:54 PM

yes, 84, it's ALL RACISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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88 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:56 PM

#84, way to make it a racial issue...being on an internationally syndicated tv show is not quite the same thing as having your bud video tape you busting rhymes and posting on youtube. Nice logic, I'm sure you did awesome on the lsat. YOU are racialist.

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89 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:57 PM

86:
"He seems to be making a genuine effort to promote a positive lifestyle directly opposing traditional hip hop artists. Is that the best way for him to use his law degree maybe maybe not. However, if his music does become successful it will have an impact on those young kids being influenced by the blatantly tasteless and damaging music that's out there now."
----Thank you, Mekka lekka Hi Mekka Henie Ho's groupie. His "music" will have no impact, much like none of these "artists" have any impact. he is just another cheap little pop star, trying to get some undeserved fame and accolades for making 3 minutes of forgettable and trite rap/rock/disco, just like millions of others have tried over the last 50 or so years.

Back to coding wit you!

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90 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 3:58 PM

don't bother arguing with #84, everything is racist, and if you argue, you are a racist. And if you point out that most blacks who get into law school are worse students than everyone else because of aa, you are a racist.

people like #84 won't be satisfied till whites are in slavery. Then all will be "fair."

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91 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:00 PM

who said going on the Batcherlorette was ok? Those guys are just selling themselves like cheap hookers. But this guy is promoting himself as some sort of world beating genius and businessman--going over the top way more than the batcherlorette's himbos. If you can't spot the difference, you're a complete moron.

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92 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:03 PM

this is why I listen to polka. they cut out this posers so only the REAL artists remain.

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93 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:03 PM

HEY MEKKA DON! QUIT POSTING ON HERE! WE KNOW IT'S YOU: #37, #53, .....

Shouldn't you be writing flow or something? By the way, that hat looks stupid on you. It's too big and you look like a midget. Wait.....maybe you are a midget.

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94 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:04 PM

emeka is a very intelligent, entrepreneurial guy who isn't afraid to take chances re: his career. how many of you racist, trust fund babies can say the same?

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95 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:05 PM

#90 needs a hug.

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96 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:05 PM

73 says "He doesn't have balls. He just doesn't have brains. Or morality. Or integrity. Or self-esteem. Or common sense."

Balls - he left NY biglaw ($200K+); Morality - he says he believes in God, do you have contrary evidence?; Integrity - where has he lied? show evidence; Self-esteem - what a laugh. he does this BECAUSE he has self esteem; common sense - why? b/c he doesn't choose your path? Ye, the torch-bearer of common sense?

Lots of hate in here. I would/could never do this, but that's cuz I don't care for rap. But you gotta respect the guy for following his dreams.

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97 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:07 PM

#88

Stop your silly talk. Being a contestant on the Bachelor, posing for Playboy, et al. are *also* silly ways to use your law degree but no one screams legacy. So let's not go there.

#78

I passed the bar, but it took over 6 months for me to be admitted. I know others who passed the bar exam but have taken a year to be admitted. So it is highly likely that it was not a typo (this is LSAT material).

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98 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:08 PM

a mixtape is a promotional album used to create buzz. If Mekka Don was selling "Law&Order" there would be a real legal issue but since he's not there isn't one. Its just like Miller being in a Budweiser commercial . I would be really scared to hire some of these people to be my lawyer.

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99 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:10 PM

otrageous- he took the seat of someone that WANTED to be a lawyer. This is why affirmative action admissions should stop.

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100 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM


I actually watched some of the youtube videos (yes, Mekka's "movie" is actually a collection of youtube videos).

I'll give 86 this: the guy's not violent, not a gangster at all. His raps are harmless.

But he still deserves his shots here on ATL because of the factors in posts 91, 61 and 69.


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101 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM

This way he'll probably stand before a judge a lot faster than if he had stayed a lawyer.

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102 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM

96:

1. As a first year associate, you don't make 200K. Considering he's been concentrating on being a rapper/actor/producer/whatever in his spare time, he didn't bill enough for the bonuses to cross 200K. Case closed. Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash. Thus little debt, so not too risky to jump ship. Big balls==EPIC FAIL.

2. Integrity: becoming a meaningless pop musician after stealing a spot in a law school class from someone who deserved it. Joining an industry rbuilt on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness. Yeah, very stand-up guy. (sarcasm). Integrity=EPIC FAIL.

3. Self-esteem: basic psychology 101. People who are loud mouthed braggarts have low self esteem and exaggerate their claims of greatness and seek publicity-filled, empty careers to quell their inner insecurity. QED. He does this to assuage his tiny penis, not because he is self-assured. A self-assured man wouldn't feel the need to brag like a 12 year old making crap up. See: Donald Trump/Puff Daddy. Self-Esteem=EPIC FAIL.

4. Common sense: odds of making it in pop music/acting: 1 in 100,000,000. Odds of making a success after NYU law/big firm: 1 in 2. Common sense dictates you play the odds. He;s not. he's playing the lottery. Common sense=EPIC FAIL.

5. I love when people use the "hate" term, as if that answers all comers. that kind og thought terminating cliche is laughable, simply because it admits that the speaker has no logical argument for the millions of mounted up reasons why he or his heor is a massive, massive tool. Using the term hate=EPIC FAIL.

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103 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM

Anytime it comes out that somebody left the law for something they might actually "enjoy" douchebag law students and lawyers get nervous and fidgety because 90% of them are just in it for the money. That's when the haterade comes out.

And if y'all weren't jealous, and you really didn't care, then why are you taking such time to post? If you really didn't care, you would just be like, 'ok, not a good choice, moving on'. Pathetic posts like 102 show that most law-people are trapped in a profession they hate and it bothers them that some are following their passions.

And y'all whining that "somebody lost a spot at NYU" are just stupid. Soembody who wouldn't have gotten a job at a big firm just did. So shut up.

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104 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM

98: Please, it's called "trademark dilution." If a trademark is used on a non-related product, even if promotional, you can be sued, as you dilute the meaning of the original trademark. And let's not get into the copyright rules.

It's scary you think you know the law. Please be my opponent in all future cases. Thank you. Now, back to your internship, 2L.

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105 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:22 PM

#102 People who post long, anonymous diatribes on ATL should be fired immediately. Black or White.
Tool!

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106 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM

I'm sorry 105, for having disturbed your contract review.

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107 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM

#99

First, he didnt pass the bar exam then he find out he passed on the first time.

Now because he is black then he must be an AA admit and the next deserving student wasn't black. Methinks this poster doth assumes too much.

From your logic, I can see that you scored poorly on the LSAT and come from a TTT school. Please take yourself to autoadmit.

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108 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:24 PM


I think that if I started out as a teenager spending 2 hours/day flexing in the mirror, and then just never stopped, I'd be Mekka Don.

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109 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:25 PM

82 - I can't say that I really have the foggiest idea of what it means to dime one's self out, but apparently I did just that - - I am not admitted in NY, and I never intend to be.

Things work differently in IL: I took the exam in August, received my score in October, and was sworn in in November.

I also fail to see the connection between the delay in being sworn in and the relative difficulty of the NY bar exam. But you are real smart (and almost a real lawyer), so I must be missing something.

Good luck on the bar.

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110 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:27 PM

102:

1. "Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash." Racist and baseless-- your logic is wanting.

2. "Joining an industry built on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness." Ignorant and over generalizing-- you're probably listening to Eminem non-Vault 100 firm right now.

3. Your rant about lack of self-esteem is also exhibited in your tremendously judgment post. Hypocritical and self-righteous.

4. Finally, sound logic. Nevertheless, it screams with envy behind one's decision to leave the sure bet job. Grow a pair.

5. Don't speak on logic-- if you think YOUR post was logical then I'm glad people like Emeka "took" spots from people like you at the prestigious law schools.

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111 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:27 PM

102:

1. "Considering he's black, he probably got $10,00000000 in scholarship cash." Racist and baseless-- your logic is wanting.

2. "Joining an industry built on being a dirt bag and bragging about your so-called greatness." Ignorant and over generalizing-- you're probably listening to Eminem non-Vault 100 firm right now.

3. Your rant about lack of self-esteem is also exhibited in your tremendously judgment post. Hypocritical and self-righteous.

4. Finally, sound logic. Nevertheless, it screams with envy behind one's decision to leave the sure bet job. Grow a pair.

5. Don't speak on logic-- if you think YOUR post was logical then I'm glad people like Emeka "took" spots from people like you at the prestigious law schools.

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112 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:28 PM

103: "That's when the haterade comes out."
--And in one sentence, 103 shows he thinks speaking like Stewart Scott is commendable. EPIC FAIL!

"And if y'all weren't jealous, and you really didn't care, then why are you taking such time to post?"
--Maybe because he's a loud mouth braggart tool who needs to be taken down a few pegs? Nah, it must be because we're JEEEAAALOUS! Thank you for analyzing us, Dr. Freud! EPIC FAIL!

"If you really didn't care, you would just be like, 'ok, not a good choice, moving on'. "
----Ah, yes, because you know the appropriate human responses to this situation where an arrogant jackass forces himself upon the public with the demand that we bow to his greatness. LOL! EPIC FAIL!

"Pathetic posts like 102 show that most law-people are trapped in a profession they hate and it bothers them that some are following their passions."-
--Or they show that if you post long enough, Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho will start to cry and start angrily jamming his moronic hands on the keyboard while rapping and acting to his heart's content! EPIC FAIL!

"And y'all whining that "somebody lost a spot at NYU" are just stupid. Soembody who wouldn't have gotten a job at a big firm just did."
---No, some other AA hire just go the job because the firm lost its quota. Thanks, aa, for putting more stupid people where they don't belong! EPIC FAIL!

"So shut up."
---Awwwwww, i think we hurt Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho's feelings, y'all

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113 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:29 PM

#99

First, he didn't pass the bar exam then *we* find out he passed on the first time.

Now because he is black then he must be an AA admit and the next deserving student wasn't black. Methinks this poster doth assumes too much.

From your logic, I can see that you scored poorly on the LSAT and come from a TTT school. Please take yourself to autoadmit.

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114 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:30 PM

NYU? Weil Gotshal? Wow. Avon Barksdale really got his act together.

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115 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:34 PM

111:

1. How many minority scholarships are out there v. how many scholarships for non-minorities? Please. I REST MY CASE.

2. Yes, because meaningless pop music is famous for being so deep and interesting and meaningful and not cheap and meaningless and exploitative. You're right, Tupac is going down with Beethoven. lol.

3. Dude, are you the kind of person that when guys actually brag about how many women they've been with or what they did with a girl, you BELIEVE THEM???lol.

4. That's right, envy. You ask me to show you how he fails in common sense, and I do. Therefore I am envious. Non Sequitor, much?

5. If you think I'd like to have the empty lifestyle of a pop musician or actor, you clearly still live in a world where you think Madonna means everything she says and that 50 Cent really did get shot 500 times and old drugs and was a gang banger. So, in other words, the depths of your delusion are so great it is not worht plumbing them to pull you up even an inch.

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116 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:34 PM

this post is scary. i attend nyu and have never encountered anyone i thought would posit such racist views. it's disheartening to know that at least some of my colleagues harbor such feelings.

at any rate, i applaud emeka for risking it all and following his dreams. for all of you hiding behind screeenames and "guest" tags, you could take a courage lesson or two from this guy.

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117 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:36 PM

115:

I'm thoroughly convinced that you're a MORON. lol!

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118 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:38 PM

113: No one could find his name. then someone did. Since he's obviously a braggart, it makes sense that his so-called "accomplishments" would be called into question. And the search was legitimate, someone corrected it. Get over yourselve, Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho.

And let's see. Blacks riot/protest if there is even a hint of AA going away, thereby admitting they can't hack the admission standards at the same level as everyone else. Ergo, the blacks in law school are suspect for not living up to the required standards of everyone else. So yes, it's safe to assume someone so insecure about their intellectual accomplishments was an AA hire.

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119 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:38 PM

117: right back at you

116: Head of the Diversity Committee. And Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Heinie Ho groupie. lol.

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120 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:40 PM

im a Mekka Don fan as a result of the ABA piece on him. I discovered his XXL feature as well(which I found out was the #1 hip hop publication) I found out his mixtape was available for free download and i downloaded it and was impressed

http://www.zshare.net/download/98451222968fb9/

I also found a lot of positive content and blog entries on his blog space

http://www.mekkadon.blogspot.com

Finally for those hating for no reason check his show

http://www.youtube.com/mekkadonmusic

http://www,myspace.com/mekkadonmusic


Yes I am a fan and I encourage all of you to att least give it a chance

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121 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:41 PM

116: "at any rate, i applaud emeka for risking it all and following his dreams."
--Translation: I am afraid to ever criticize black people ever.

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122 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:42 PM

120: smart people do not have a reason to follow the career of a pop tart.

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123 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

Why did we need to know what the hell XXL was, #120? I know you're his manager, but try to be so obvious with the name dropping.

Ooh, you found positive content. You mean we and his cousin filled up the comment section, like you're doing here?

"Finally for those hating for no reason check his show"
--Ah, again with the made-up insult of hating. Sure to be said by someone who is a total tool and has no comeback for the logic of why he is a tool.

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124 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

#64, how is this a Northwestern thing? Wow you really hurt Dean Van Zandt's feelings on that one.

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125 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

Ugh, this board went from being a really funny way to bust on NYU/Weil/Mekka to being a serious thread where people are pissed about AA and stuff.


I think this board needs a professional negotiator to come in and settle things. And I have just the guy:


EMEKA ONYEJEKWE, Senior Partner
Emeka Onyejekwe is a founding Member of Onyejekwe and Associates, LLP. Upon graduation from law school, Emeka practiced as an associate at Weil, Gotshal, and Manges in the Intellectual Property/Media Litigation and General Litigation Departments. His practice areas include Negotiation.


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126 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:44 PM

118:

I'm glad "Blacks" riot (riot?!...cite?) and protest when there are threats of AA going away. I can't argue with you seeing as though you know how an ENTIRE RACE responds on any given issue. What do "Whites" do when they don't agree with something?

My guess is that 118 and 119 both made subpar LSAT scores and think Emeka took their spots when in reality they weren't even on the radar. Don't blame Emeka, blame your two stupid parents for procreating.

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127 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:45 PM

ATL sure has a way of writing articles about insufferable jerks.

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128 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:46 PM

122 you obviously do! lol

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129 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:47 PM

Northwestern=total TTT.

And 126: I don't know, ask Reverend Wright. Or Jesse Jackson. Or Al Sharpton. Or Carol Mosley-Braun. Or any other black leader--they love to tell us all how whitey acts in unison to hold blacks down.

Kinda bad when it's on the other foot there, eh?

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130 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:48 PM

Yes, 128, discussing an article about someone = following their career. Nice logic, paralegal.

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131 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:49 PM

Do you think Pee-wee will sue him for stealing the name of his Genie?

I'm just sayin'!

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132 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:50 PM

118-
It was not difficult to go to the website. He is the only "ONYEJEKWE, CHUKWUEMEKA NNAMDI" listed! So if you are going to trash someone, at least be correct.

People are just tired of every discussion turning into a race/AA debate. If you want to clown his choice then do that. Just because you went to a TTT school, you don't have to infect ATL with your baseless assumptions.

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133 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:52 PM

129:

It naturally follows that because 4 out of 40 million Blacks hold a view, the whole race follows suit. LOL...sound logic, buddy.

Your post basically said that Reverend Wright, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Carolyn Mosley-Braun...and YOU are complete idiots. I agree.

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134 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:54 PM

Look, pop music is all about image, not talent. It's tough to say if this guy will prosper. He has already absolved himself of "street cred" and being a tough guy due to his known biography, so his other option is being some kind of intellectual/businesses "superman", which is what he is trying here (a la Mos Def).

But he's coming off as WAY too arrogant and laughable in his claims- at least to us, adults with higher ed degrees. But remember--pop music is mostly directed towards kids and ignorant adults, who are much more gullible to these claims.

If he can fool enough people with this image, he'll have success, much like the Rolling Stones have found success fooling people into believing they're a bunch of hedonistic lower class tough guy rebels instead of LSE educated, image conscious, calculating businessmen. If not, he'll be as flat as Vanilla Ice, ice baby.

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135 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:57 PM

aw, yes, 133, those black leaders are morons, yet no black contradicts them. When black leaders stop making conspiracy theories and marchign withese racists and starting race riots and protesting the end of AA and voting lock step with left-wingers, maybe THEn i'll have some nuance, too.

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136 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 4:59 PM

135:

Does your next President contradict them? How about the lone Black Justice?

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137 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:05 PM

136:

I know you can see the future, but try to keep it a secret for the rest of us, k? ;)

No, Obamamessiah does not contradict them. He only rejects them after they personally attack him and threaten him with bodily harm in transparently orchestrated events. He goes to their chuches for 20+ years and listens to their bile and their happiness over Sept. 11 and marches in their parades and nods along.

As every black person in law school told me, any black who doesn't agree with the left wing democratic base isn't black.

You mean the black S.C. justice who not only writes the best opinions since Holmes, but who also represents, percentage wise, a larger portion on the court than the entire black population? That black S.C. justice?

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138 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:07 PM

I love how 136 emphasizes "lone", as if racism keeps that percentage down and blacks deserve more. Right, because 10% of the populations "deserves" to have 9 justices on the court. Personally, I'd rathe rjudge on brains, not color of skin, but hey, you AA heads have your own loopy illogic.

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139 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:09 PM

can we keep this thread on topic? Making fun of arrogant moron poptarts!

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140 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:11 PM

137:

As far as Thomas goes, what's your point? Because he doesn't represent what YOU THINK is the popular Black view, he's not Black? I see some very flawed circular reasoning going on...

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141 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:11 PM

135 and 138 can you put a sentence together? Dag! Perhaps you should go back to high school.

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142 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:18 PM

AD the Voice (HLS grad) is much, much better.

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143 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:18 PM

AD the Voice (HLS grad) is much, much better.

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144 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:19 PM

140: Actually, idiot, I was being, ahem, *sarcastic* Seriously, though, are you arguing that Thomas isn't reviled by black leaders (and their sheep) because he dares to cross their long cherished beliefs?

Are you trying to tell me Thomas or Rice or Powell are black leaders (in terms of black followers) on the scale of Sharpton, et al.? Please. When CNN cuts to a "black leader", its always some nutjob like Sharpton. If you want to blame CNN, fine, but I don't see any mass of blacks rushing to correct CNN and say, "no, i'm with Thomas/Sowell/more conservative blacks." Blacks are perfectly content being represented publically by Sharpton, so spare me your mock anger.

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145 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:20 PM

141:
"Dag!"
---said in a vain attempt to attack my use of the English language.

EPIC FAIL!

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146 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:23 PM

144

Actually, I prefer Dr. Dyson or Dr. West but CNN wants ratings so they put on Al Sharpton. He's easier to marginalize.

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147 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:23 PM

134 has it right. As somebody in Biglaw and hating every miserable second of it, I can't wait until I eject. The money is great, but unless you're willing to make the firm 100% of your life, it's probably not going to cut it.

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148 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:26 PM

146:
Gotta disagree. Cornell West (I assume that's the Dr. West you're speaking of) is incredibly easy to marginalize. Just looking at his CV shows a dearth of intellectual activity and a long list of showboating and crying racism. And once he opens his mouth, he confirms it.

Still, He's got the pedigree and Al Sharpton has Tawana Brawley, so I can see your point.

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149 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:27 PM

140, it's not flawed. The reasoning works like this: All blacks [should] think alike. If you don't think like other black people you're not black.

It's pretty simple. You just can't say it unless you're black. Unbeknownst to the Republican president who appointed them, Colin Powell and Condi Rice weren't the first black Sec State, the first black Nat'l Security Advisor, and the first black woman Sec State.

Obama's only half-black by blood, and not descended from former slaves, but because he thinks the way the most black people do he's all-the-way black.

Bill Clinton isn't black at all, but because he adhered to the platform of Jackson, Sharpton and other self-appointed black leaders he is known as the first black president.

It's too easy.

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150 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:27 PM

144:

Please correct me if I'm misrepresenting your attempt at logic:

1. Thomas, Rice and Powell are not Black leaders even though they are Black and leaders.

*I'm Black and I follow Rice, Powell and Thomas-- do I not count? Why? Are aware of the collective Black opinion? Is there a collective White opinion on any subject?

2. Because CNN cuts to nutjobs like Sharpton when referring to Black leaders, Sharpton IS a Black leader.

* I won't attempt to dismantle this silly argument-- I trust you're cringing at having submitted it yourself.

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151 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:28 PM

Kudos to Lat/Kash/et al for this numbering system. Makes yelling at people all the more easier!

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152 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:29 PM


Uh, I'm not the same person as 144 and I didn't just copy it verbatim. But great minds apparently think alike.

-149

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153 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:31 PM

I personally know Mekka. And I understand how passionate he is about what he is currently pursuing (he's damn good at it too!). He made the right choice for himself, and I'm quite proud of him. I hope to see him do well!

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154 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:33 PM

last year in my con law class (undergrad) a black girl asked the teacher "CT is black, why isn't he a democrat?"

the whole class and the teacher just looked at her.

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155 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:34 PM

150:

1. Thomas/et al are leaders who happen to black. However, they do not "lead" blacks as black leaders. Al Sharpton leads black in that whenever there is an issue concerning blacks he is the go to guy on the issue--not Thomas/Powell/Rice. If you want to mince words on the term "black leader", play that game and try to hide behind it, but like most things you do, you'll be playing with yourself. :P

2. Yes. If Blacks truly didn't follow Sharpton--if a substantial percentage opposed him---they'd be up in arms over him and his ilk representing them on CNN. Do you see that at all? From a group of voters that votes 90% Democrat every time, its pretty clear evidence that the reaction to Sharpton demanding he be recognized as a "leader of the black community" is either "yes, he represents me" or "no, i don't disagree with his being leader." This, despite his being a total wingnut.

3. You count as a human and a follower, but considering there is no mass movement, you are a tree falling in the wilderness. If you want to argue Condi's leading a whole mass of blacks that CNN/FOX/MSNBC/every blog in America is ignoring----and that a 90% Democratic voting record doesn't prove/back up what blacks believe in----you can drink that Kool-Aid, but I'll pass.

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156 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:34 PM

149:

LOL. Another ignoramus.

"If you don't think like other black people you're not black."

From whose perspective? So, if Blacks don't think like Clarence Thomas they're not Black? You get where I'm going with this one, ass.

"Obama's only half-black by blood...."

Meaning? How many African-Americans are 100% Black? FYI, they're called Africans, ass.

"Bill Clinton isn't black at all, but because he adhered to the platform of...self-appointed black leaders he is known as the first black president."

Say who? Let me guess...CNN. LOL

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157 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:35 PM

153: Pee-Wee's genie under a pseudonym

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158 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:37 PM

Great point 154. And that vignette settles the issue folks. Please do us all a favor, go drink cyanide.

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159 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:37 PM

please, 156, perhaps you forget all the criticism Condi gets for "acting white" and black leaders not criticiszing her for not understanding how black people live? Condit had to come out and slap down the morons, telling them she doesn't need them to tell her what it's like to be black.

You lefties love to confuse the issues, don't you? "oh there are right wing and centrist blacks with large followings--they don't show up at polls or on TV, but you're racists for saying otherwise!"

lol.

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160 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:38 PM

Good grief, every single time there is something on ATL remotely concerning a black person, the AA flame war starts up. I guess this is where all the xo refugees came after that place became too much of a liability to post on...

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161 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:38 PM

anybody dumb enough to say that Sharpton/Jackson/West don't represent American blacks doesn't look at voting records. Period.

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162 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:39 PM

The level of vitriol on here indicates someone has a personal vendetta. These aren't the usual droll, dispassionate ATL posts. There's plenty of make fun of here, but someone here has gone overboard. (E.g., lol!).

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163 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:41 PM

Judging from this guy's name, he is Nigerian. His parents are probably having multiple heart attacks at his decision and wondering what kind of "kressness" (craziness) has entered into his head.

Until he makes it big of course, then he will be the pride of his family, extended family, and anybody with the last name Onyejekwe.

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164 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:43 PM

155 & 159:

You still aren't substantiating your point beyond what you see on major news outlets! Because CNN gives Sharpton airplay, he's the de facto leader of a whole race? Have you ever entertained the thought that the networks benefit from this marginalization?

What if I called American Whites, yes the ENTIRE race, idiots for electing Bush twice? After all, Blacks didn't vote for him right? I'd sound as dumb as you pricks sound now.

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165 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:47 PM

154 hit the nail on the head for all you people who don't think Sharpton represents blacks today in a large majority.

Now maybe there needs to a groundswell of conservative black leaders--not merely rabble rousers/individualists like Sowell/Rice/Thomas/Sowell, but groundswell from preachers and businessmen and leaders---blacks tired of being represented by boobs like Jackson and criminals like Sharpton; blacks who recognize that conservative and anti-black are not the same; blacks who socially and politcally veer to the right; blacks who are tired of being anti-American, pro-welfare state, anti-law and order and pro-gangster rap simply because the Democrats are offering a few crumbs of graft. Blacks who recognize that AA harms them more than helps them, that, in the long run, it has left them still straggling out of the ghettos.

Perhaps the day will come. Socially, most black voters actually veer to the right: most go to church, believe in God, support school choice, believe in local control of education, dislike abortion and gay marriage, don't like gay adoption, and want more cops in their neighborhood. A few good black leaders could smash the stranglehold corrupt lefties like Sharpton have and create a more centrist or even right wing black voting block---a block that, as undecided voters, would represent a significant and very visible field that would cause Democrats to stop taking them for granted and Republicans to start catering to their needs.

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

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166 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:48 PM

A lot (well, maybe just a few persistent trolls) of people are making the point that the kid is arrogant. What makes someone arrogant: thinking you're awesome and actually saying so OR thinking you're awesome, being afraid to say so in public, then hiding behind a guest moniker and dressing down other people? Both? Dunno, seems like there is some serious hypocrisy here.

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167 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:51 PM

164:

the difference being, of course, that there is a whole host of white leaders, swinging from very conservative to very liberal. Whites have shown remarkable different choices in political leaders.

Blacks have not. Black elected leaders vote liberal Democratic ways 90% of the time, and 90% of blacks vote straight line left wing ways (which is usually Democrat).

Remember---facts matter,. Please show me a few conservative leaders of the black community who wield the same influence as Sharpton, et. al. and I will gladly revise. But I'll be you can't....

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168 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:52 PM

164:
You do realize that America is made up of yellow, red, and brown, not just black and white? That's why you can't Some hispanics and native americans and east asian Americans and South Asian Americans voted both ways. So your comparison, like the rest of your argument, is completely wrong.

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169 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:53 PM

166: lol. Yes, what is more boastful and braggart-like: telling everyone you're great or not?

hmm, me thinks your little attempt at irony failed there...

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170 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:56 PM

Why do lefties always make the argument that it's black v. white? How many black comedians make jokes about being followed around Korean grocery stores and not getting picked up by Arab cab drivers? Or how statistics show Hispanic gangs target blacks for shakedowns?

Blacks aren't just facing problems with whites, perceived or not. It's not just white people who are to blame.

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171 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:57 PM

Isn't the sky your limit in this country? What's with dissing the guy because he wants to pursue his own dreams? And he is not a gangsta rapper -- far from it. Try listening to his lyrics before spewing ignorant nonsense on here.

And all that nonsense about him posing on his website? Guess what? to get any kind of serious business as a lawyer, you have to do some posing. Ask the biggest rainmaker in your law firm how he/she started out. He/she will tell you that he/she basically had to act and talk like he/she had more experience than he/she actually had. If you sit around limiting yourself because you haven't got experience, you will forever remain an associate.

Many people who go off and start their own practices ultimately do better than associates in law firms. Working as an associate at a law firm is not the be all and end all of legal practice. But, success in starting your own practice requires some street smarts, a go-getter personality, and some serious posing.

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172 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:58 PM

171: I'm glad you're giving us career advice, mekka lekka hi mekka heinie ho. I'm sure you're sooooo good at rainmaking.

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173 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:58 PM

164:

Do black people ridicule Jackson or Sharpton for being the scheming shysters that they are?
If there are any such black people, then they're drowned out by the horde crying "Uncle Tom".

Do white people ridicule Bush for being an ignorant stubborn product of nepotism?
Go check the news any day for the past 7 years.

Black people need to start confronting their so-called "leaders" if they want to distance themselves from being associated with them.

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174 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:59 PM

169, so it's better to hide behind a moniker and tell everyone else how much they suck? Well, if that's the case douchebag, I'll play along too. Please read carefully next time, comprehend what's written, think through your arguments, then post something useful. Otherwise save your 'wit' for your TTT. Very truly yours.

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175 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 5:59 PM

171:"What's with dissing the guy because he wants to pursue his own dreams?"
--Looks like Stewart Scott is posting here, yo!

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176 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:00 PM

173 nailed it, I'm done.

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177 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:01 PM

I'm a little disturbed by the direction the posts have taken.

If you think the whole lawyer/rapper thing is silly ........*shrug*

But why is someone's decision to take an unconventional path a sign of stupidity? If Emeka had left Weil to start a successful hedge fund (just as difficult as launching a successful career in hip-hop, if not more so) would the comments here be as racially-charged and dismissive?

I don't buy into the hater concept, but I suspect that there is something deeper behind the reaction that I've seen here.

Also, can we agree to abandon this 20th century "darkies are taking my spot" foolishness once and for all. No one has a property right in admission to a specific law school (at least no one in the middle class). Law school admission is a privilege, not a right.

Nonetheless, any graduate of an elite law school will tell you that their class was overwhelmingly white. NYU is/was no exception. That observation, though anecdotal, leads me to believe that qualified whites have no trouble securing "their" spots in elite law schools. So let's stop with the silly and extreme hate speech.

Also, someone mentioned that black people and other minorities only want to maintain affirmative action because they are too stupid to succeed otherwise. I think you have to have a very limited understanding of human nature to reach that conclusion. Whether you agree or disagree with AA, you have to admit that it is a privilege. Since it is a privilege, it makes perfect sense that beneficiaries of the privilege would have an interest in protecting and preserving it. Self-interest reigns supreme.

Anyway, I wish Emeka well.

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178 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:01 PM

174 just pwned himself. amazing.

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179 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:02 PM

"But why is someone's decision to take an unconventional path a sign of stupidity? If Emeka had left Weil to start a successful hedge fund (just as difficult as launching a successful career in hip-hop, if not more so) would the comments here be as racially-charged and dismissive?"
---No, unless he had absolutely no experience doing it AND he went and startiing bragging his ass off at how good he was at it.
Face it, the dude's a tool. move on.

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180 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:04 PM

177:
"That observation, though anecdotal, leads me to believe that qualified whites have no trouble securing "their" spots in elite law schools. So let's stop with the silly and extreme hate speech."
---Tell that to the 10 people rejected because they needed diversity from dumber kids. And I love how pointing out the truth==racist. nice going, 177. Power to the people!

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181 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:05 PM

177: "Also, can we agree to abandon this 20th century "darkies are taking my spot" foolishness once and for all. "
---Not when it's true, 177. If Law school claims to be a meritocracy and a training ground, then a dumber person taking a spot is taking a spot. Simply because you don't want the truth to BE the truth doesn't make it ANY LESS TRUE.

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182 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:09 PM

you know mekka lekka hi mekka heinie ho is watching this board like a hawk and crying into his sippy cup. I find that oddly uplifting.
Cartman: "ooh, yes Scott, your tears are sweet."
Schaudenfreude!

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183 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:16 PM

LOL, nice try 178/169. Not my fault that you can't read. Your TTTness is self-evident. (Oh, and anyone who complains that they were 'denied' admission to a law school b/c of AA is a total TTTer. Those of us who actually got into YSH don't bother with such trivialities. Stop embarrassing yourselves.)

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184 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:26 PM

#181 -- Truth is a funny thing. It should be objective, but rarely is. What you call 'truth' I call backward thinking, you probably feel the same way about my truth.

I think the fundamental issue is that you live in a world that isn't all that different from the world a 5-year-old lives in -- things are either black or white. As a law graduate or student, however, you should know that the world is full of grey. But, by all means.......continue your tantrum.

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185 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:34 PM

183: AA keeps deserving students out of YSH and puts undeserving dumb ones in. And yes, 184, that is defined as a dumb person taking a smart one's spot. Stick your head in the sand all you want, it'll still be there when you pull it out.

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186 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:48 PM

183 and co. I worked my butt off, got superb grades, scored highly on the LSAT, etc. I got into YSH and all of the remaining Top 10s. No minority took MY spot and no credible person in my classes even cared about this issue. If you didn't get into ANY of YSH (or the others), that's likely on YOU. I'm convinced that AA griping is a TTT issue. Sorry, that's MHO.

And those who said this guy doesn't have balls are morons. If nothing else, he's got balls (yes, it's $200K+ as a second year, plus other crap). Doesn't mean that's a good thing per se, but he surely has 'em. :)

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187 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 6:50 PM

wow, you people are cranky today.

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188 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 7:09 PM

He looks a lot like Common

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189 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 7:15 PM

his rapping is pretty good in my opinion

best of luck to him

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190 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 7:42 PM

Lesson of the day:

ATL (and probably law in general) is full of closet racists, miserable people, ignoramuses, and "haters" (yes, I said it - it's a real thing).

Now to everyone else: please stop responding to the racists! stop feeding the trolls!!!

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191 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 9:28 PM

lesson of the day: 190 is a tool.

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192 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 9:30 PM

someone should call inspector renault:

"I am shocked, SHOCKED that anyone pointing out the plain fact that AA admits are dumb would be called a racist by the Obama worshippers on ATL. Carry on."

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193 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 9:31 PM

190's rules:

1. If you agree with me, you are right.

2. If you dare disagree with me, you are a troll. I am always right.

3. AA is not filled with dumb people who couldn't earn their spots.

4. I believe using made up terms like "haters" that have no meaning is a valid argument, mostly because the man I am defending is a massively talentless tool, as am I.

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194 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 10:08 PM

Considering that fact that most of these comments were posted during the hours most you should have been either billing hours or studying for the bar exam I'd say you all should stop taking yourselves so seriously and thank the lawyer turned rapper and Kashmir for giving you a reason to jump up on your soap box, i.e., procrastinate.

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195 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:18 PM

If I became a rapper, I'd call myself DJ Law-n-some.

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196 Posted by guest | Permalink Monday, July 21, 2008 11:21 PM

guys at my high school used to patiently wait for a proper FRAT STUD posting, it was no big deal.

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197 Posted by guest | Permalink Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:10 PM

I TRY to keep a low profile. Maybe you see me in the hallway but don’t know my name. Say hi to me in the coffee room but don’t really know me. I break my silence now because of this election mess. Before the primary in Pennsylvania this week, Bill Clinton was doing magic tricks — now you see the race card, now you don’t. Geraldine Ferraro and Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, have been complaining that Barack Obama is leading in the Democratic presidential campaign only because of his skin color. Multimillionaire TV pundits are lecturing “the common man” on how outraged they should be about Mr. Obama’s elitism.

It’s all hokum, and I should know. For it is I, The Guy Who’s Where He Is Only Because He’s Black.

Most folks don’t know much about me, apart from the feeling of injustice that hits when I walk into the room with my easy charisma and air of entitlement. I understand. It’s weird when your government passes legislation, like equal opportunity laws, that benefits one single person in the country — me, The Guy Who Got Where He Is Only Because He’s Black.

People think I have it easy, but it’s surprisingly difficult being The Guy Who Got Where He Is Only Because He’s Black, what with the whole having to be everywhere in the country at once thing. One second I’m nodding enthusiastically in a sales conference in Boise, Idaho, and the next I’m separating conjoined triplets at the Institute For Terribly Complicated Surgery in Buchanan, N.Y., and then I have to rush out to Muncie, Ind., to put my little “Inspector 12” tag in a bag of Fruit of the Loom.

It’s exhausting, all that travel. Decent, hard-working folks out there have their religion and their xenophobia to cling to. All I have is a fistful of upgrades to first class and free headphones. Headphones That Should Have Gone to a More Deserving Passenger.

Guns? I wish I had a gun! Ever run out of truffle oil before a dinner party and have to go to Whole Foods on a weekend? It’ll make you want to spread a little buckshot around, that’s for sure.

Look, we’re all hurting, trying to make ends meet. I have serious overhead with all the résumés I send out. The postage is one thing, but I also like to print my résumé on a nice creamy bond. I think it sends a message. Then there’s the dry cleaning and the soap — I prefer to be clean and articulate in my interviews, put my best foot forward. I think it’s working. People are responding to how I present myself.

I know some folks feel bitter about me, as bitter as the first dandelion greens of the season. Yet these people are not without hope, hope that is drizzled on those dandelion greens like a dash of sweet pomegranate vinegar. Do they begrudge the scorpion its sting, or the duck its quack? How can I be other than what I am, The Guy Who Got Where He Is Only Because He’s Black?

Frankly it’s a lot better than my last two gigs, The Guy Who Left the Seat Up and The Guy Who Took the Last Beer, although I do suffer from a lot of work-related injuries, as you can imagine. For all this jibber-jabber about how I don’t understand a working man’s problems, you should take a look at my medical chart. I have carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, miner’s lung, scapegoat rash and vintner’s dropsy, and just last week I burned my thumb making horseshoes. The funny thing is, I didn’t want to be a blacksmith. But I heard they had an opening and I couldn’t help myself.

I put in a good day’s work, unwind with a little Marx, and then settle down for some well-deserved rest. I have a nice bed. It is a California king. It is stuffed with gold doubloons, the treasure I have accumulated by gathering the bonuses and raises that would have gone to Those Who Would’ve Gotten It Except for That Black Guy. The bed is quite comfortable. I sleep O.K.

It makes the head spin, this talk of who’s elitist and who’s not. I’m confused, myself. For years, they said you can’t have this because you’re black, and then when you get something the same people say you got that only because you’re black. I mean, here I am, The Guy Who Got Where He Is Only Because He’s Black, and yet the higher up you go in an organization, the less you see of me.

It’s as if Someone Out to Prevent Me From Getting What I Worked For is preventing me from getting what I worked for. If only there were something — a lapel pin or other sartorial accessory — that would reassure people that I can do the job.

Some people say Barack Obama and I get everything handed to us on a silver platter. But we don’t let it bother us. We’re taking those silver platters and making them our canoes. Then we’ll grab our silver spoons and paddle to a place where people get us. North Carolina, maybe. Or Indiana. I hear Oregon is nice this time of year. We’ll paddle on, brother, paddle all the way to the top.

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198 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:15 PM

197, I don't know what that was all about, but I'm pretty sure you're the guy that kept me out of HLS. As Al Pacino would say... Yousonovabitch!

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199 Posted by guest | Permalink Wednesday, July 23, 2008 1:16 PM

why did he steal CL Smooth's self-imposed nickname? Does he think most rap fans are too young to recall the original Mecca Don? Oh, wait, they are.

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200 Posted by guest | Permalink Thursday, July 24, 2008 4:35 PM

200

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201 Posted by guest | Permalink Friday, July 25, 2008 1:46 PM

Screw the politics of all this. Everyone's missing the important issues--his rapping sucks.

He came to an NYU event and it was like a junior high talent show flashback. When someone leaves the legal career to do something they love, and do it well, I salute them (like Demetri Martin). But leaving your career to be a crappy artist? Fo' shame, Mekka.

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