Anthony Shears

Anthony J. Shears (born November 12, 1983) is an American rapper, and along with his partner DJ Phonetic, founded the hip-hop, rock and jazz record label Shears Music Group, of which he is president and CEO of Shears Music Group. [ [http://www.shearsmusicgroup.com Shears Music Group - Anthony Shears ] ] He works in the Pacific Northwest and is known for candid lyrics and his blending of street, poetic, and popular styles. Shears often composes his lyrics in public areas. [ [http://gigleader.com/state/washington/ Washington Bands, Musicians and DJs – Hire, Book WA Live Entertainment on Gigleader.com ] ]

Biography

Anthony Shears opens his backpack, and poetry books tumble out. A slim volume by Richard Hugo. A fat red anthology of world poetry.

He carries books everywhere, like he used to carry his basketball. For most of his life, Shears lived, breathed, dreamed basketball. School was just a means to that end. But this year, he gave it up, the hardest decision of his life - and the most beneficial. "You can't really change the world playing basketball," he says.

With words, he's found he can move people. One of his poems was selected for an anthology of student work published by Seattle Arts & Lectures. He won the top honor in literature in this year's Seattle PTSA arts contest. He's also played varsity basketball, competed in the high jump at the state track championships and helped start an African-American-history class - offered off campus, but for credit.

Shears says his biggest accomplishment is simply making it this far. "A lot of people banked on me not being here, being in jail," he says. "I want to set an example for all the kids who hear more times than they should that they're not going to make it."

Keys to success: He cites his family and three teachers who believed in him. One of those teachers, Elaine Wetterauer, says: "He's determined. He's a fighter. He hasn't really found his place in the world, but he will."

Shears' proudest moment: Taking first place in a talent contest at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy. He was up against a number of accomplished students in a summer program there. But he brought the audience of 600 to their feet with a dramatic reading of his poem, "Lady Liberty Needs Glasses."

- Linda Shaw

Originally from Yestler Terrace Housing Project in the Central District, Seattle, Washington, Shears was abandoned by his father when still an infant. Shears attended Nathan Hale High School; during his junior year, Shears also attended Ballard High School and the Phillips Exeter Academy.

Shears wrote his lyrics on loose paper and stored them in boxes in his closet, eventually borrowing space from his mother. In 8th grade he penned a rhyme that won his school over $450,000 worth of K-Swiss gear which also resulted in his first music video.

Former UW student Anthony “Johnny” Shears was found guilty of two counts of second-degree felony assault on March 19. He was tried by a jury in the King County Superior Court and the verdict was handed down by King County Judge Richard Eadie. Shears will receive his sentencing May 19, said Dan Donahoe of the King County prosecutor’s office.

Shears was arrested for assaulting two 20-year-old women at a party at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity April 12, 2007. The incident started as an argument between Shears and one female party guest, according to the testimony of the victims at the time of Shears’ arrest.

[ [http://thedaily.washington.edu/2006/1/20/seattle-born-mc-returns-to-the-uw/ Seattle-born MC returns to the UW - The Daily of the University of Washington ] ] cite web | url = http://www.shoreline.edu/ebbtide/archive/v43/02/feat/feat2.html | title = Spittin' The Truth | date = 2007-10-1 | publisher = The Ebbtide | last = Hunter | first = A | accessdate = 2008-03-30 ]

Albums

Welcome 2 Seattle

While his peers were unable to land a record deal, Shears created the Shears Music Group as his own independent label. Shears released his debut project "Welcome 2 Seattle" with assistance from producer DJ Phonetic.

The Growth: My ENDtroduction

Shear released his second album, "The Growth: My ENDtroduction", on November 14, 2007. The album managed to debut at #50 overall, and #28 at the lower Queen Anne Easy Street Records.Fact|date=March 2008 The Growthwas applauded for its production and the balance of mainstream, hardcore and conscious rap, receiving recognition fromeach/all of those audiences. Fourteen of the fifteen tracks on the album were produced by DJ Phonetic. [cite web | url = http://www.indie911.com/directory/hip-hop/anthony-j-shears | publisher = Indie911 | title = Anthony J. Shears | year = 2007 | accessdate = 2008-03-30]

References