So Proud

A Friend of mine named Mike Mac has been slaving away, learning the ups and downs of record production for the past few years. Mike, while very young suffered a horrible injury. Here's how he described it on his blog:

Before I became a musician (Music Producer) I was a high level basketball player. I played against Professional Athletes at a young age as well as being part of club teams and street ball clubs.

Basketball was my life and continues to play a major role in my life to this day. However, when I was 15 years old and a sophomore in high school in California, I suffered a career ending and severely traumatic injury.

During a high school basketball game I was going up for a layup when I was low bridged. I fell on my back extremely hard and was not able to brace my fall. From that fall I tore two ligaments and suffered a blood clot on my spinal cord from C7 (Cervical 7) to T3 (Thoracic 3).

I became PARALYZED from my chest/arm down to my feet Jan. 13 2003. I was told I would never walk again and never be able to be independent. At 15 it was way tough to hear this. But when I did, all I could do was stay positive and work hard...

I did, and 3 months of intense rehab and a extremely positive fighting attitude I was able to walk out of the hospital on fore arm crutches. Since then, I have continued my success in rehab just like music. I work hard for results in every aspect of life and take every moment serious, because it could always end up being your last.

I live by the motto "Cant Stop Me" because the only person in the world that CAN stop me is myself and I will never let that happen.

As you can see, Mike has already been through one of the worst experiences imaginable. But the story doesn't end.

I met Mike about 3 years ago. His mother was my Junior High School Spanish teacher. She tracked me down through the beauty of Social Media communication (aka The Internet!) and sent me a wonderful note. She told me that she still considers me one of her favorite students. I had to laugh at that. I can't imagine anyone considering me one of their favorite students. Most annoying maybe. But favorite?

She asked me if I'd meet with her son. She didn't even mention that he had such a tumultuous history, only that he was looking for some advice regarding a future in the music business. Now I do this all the time. I will happily give advice to anyone that will listen about how to navigate the music business. Usually I'll tell them just to avoid it all together, but no one ever listens to that!

Mike came to meet me at the old Fanscape building. He was waiting for me upstairs and we sat and chatted for about an hour. I connected with Mike instantly. He had such a glow about him. He was so positive. He told me he wanted to make music and that he idolized the great hip hop producers. He wanted to learn. He would do anything to realize the dream of producing music, the dream that had replaced his someday playing for the NBA. I couldn't help but be moved and inspired by Mike.

Over the past few years Mike has stayed in touch. He has sent me copies of his music (or as Mike calls it, "his beats.") Mike really does have talent. But he's in an incredibly competitive field and he has bumped into some VERY shady characters. And each time he hits a road block or experiences a setback, he soldiers on.

Today I opened my inbox and Mike had sent me a link to a feature on ESPNmag.com. They profiled him and showcased him and his remix of the USC Fight Song.

I'm so proud, I just had to write about it.

We'll be seeing a lot of Mike Mac in the future. I guarantee it!