Entertain, Enlighten, Uplift
There is an unspoken code between island children. It was starkly different to the American kids we interacted with everyday. Although many of us were first generation “American,” the music, food and discipline we were fed ran deeper than our ancestry and island roots. The Music Who doesn’t remember the first time you heard the […]
The NFL has the Super Bowl… The NBA has the Finals… But for speakers the pinnacle of success (for me) has always been making it on a TED Talk. Now for those of you who have no idea what a TED Talk is, by definition they are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, […]
It’s an honor and a humbling experience to be considered one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction. When I began writing books and trying to uplift our youth with positive visions of our culture, I never expected anyone to stop and take notice. It’s refreshing to have a publication such as this that is […]
Aquanza, We are THRILLED to officially let you know that your application has been approved for IMMERSE 2017. If you love discovering new and meaningful things, then IMMERSE, presented by the Creative City Project will awaken your spirit of adventure and unlock the creative secrets of Orlando. Interactive, Immersive, Inspiring Saturday, October 21, 2017 More […]
Nerd Nite Orlando Join me on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Geek Easy for another evening of thinking and drinking. PRESENTATION #2: “Sneakernomics – The Untold Story” by Aquanza Cadogan Sneakers have always served as a status symbol for inner city kids. Footwear, Kicks, tennis shoes… no matter what you call them the bottom […]
Dear Aquanza, Thank you for submitting a proposal to Art in Odd Places Orlando 2017: NOISE. We enjoyed reviewing your work and would like to invite you to participate in this year’s festival, which takes place November 10-12, 2017. We are very excited about your participation. As you know, AiOP is an artist-led initiative to […]
Say It Loud – A Truth Teller Experience is a dynamic literary exposé featuring Author and Orator – Aquanza Cadogan. Say It Loud is the modern day revival of the artistic and literary explosion which defined the 1920’s otherwise known as the ‘Harlem Renaissance’. True to its name the ‘Harlem Renaissance’ was an awakening and […]
Available now! Paper Back
Parenting didn’t come with a manual or a blueprint. It wasn’t a distinct sound, note or call for action or change. Meet the Thompson family – A simple family catapulted into uncharted terrain called “fame.” Gray Thompson, a Jazz musician who’s Harlem origin is both acclaimed and criticized as his fame fades with time. Join […]
None of this matters anymore, but 48-hours ago it was a huge deal! When my boy “D” texted me and said, “Got us on the list to see Jordan’s new store.” I thought to myself… thank god, because I was completely over this obsession with sneakers, and the gasoline being poured on the bonfire culture. […]
Who am I? For month’s I’ve walked around with my copy of the Cornel West Reader, a book written by a man whom I consider to be the greatest philosopher of my time – Cornel West. He opens the book with three fundamental questions: 1. What does it mean to be human? 2. What does […]
You have to believe in the Universe putting you in the right place at the right time. I recently hit a road block on my newest novel “Sketches of a bluNote,” which is a modern story of Fatherhood using Jazz music as the catalyst for parenting. Sure, a topic like that may not move a […]
“Leap and the net will appear.” Available now: Summer Session Alumni
He now led the largest media distribution corporation in the world while being one of the youngest self-made millionaire’s in the world. His tainted college past could be the biggest price he would have to pay for lasting success. They say your not suppose to choose favorites but… Marquel Howard was conscious, responsible adulthood. A story for brothers to […]
Caesar Gibson, a pretty-boy basketball legend, has his career cut short by a jealous sports agent who was driven by greed and power. The sneakerhead , graffiti artist and retired lady-lover returns to the hard-wood to coach the team he lead to championship status decades ago. I was fortunate to spend some time out West between […]
Quintin Bennet, the New York domino legend! His dad was a legend, and his dads, dad was a legend. They ran the underground gambling circuit in the tri-borough for decades. Until he relocates to college life in the south bringing his luck and fortune to an uncertain future. Why Queens, NY? (Aren’t you from Brooklyn?). […]
Harlem Best was created from every bottle of cream soda and kola champaign we consumed as kids. Every soca, dancehall and rockers song ever played at our parents island feté. Characters aren’t created they are born. Born from experiences, born from happiness or sadness and as a writer I’m fortunate to live their lives in the books I create. […]
Words and Melody – Two of the most powerful and emotional forms of communication became the foundation for my second book Alumni. The real challenge was: how could I do something different and unique for my readers that hadn’t been done before? In Summer Session, I gave the gift of a quote for each chapter. […]
Before I offend any of my fellow Urban Fiction writers, just think… The books we write, the characters we create and stories we tell are in essence time capsules left behind for future generations to unearth, research and learn from. Knowing this, I ask you one simple question… If someone discovered your book, how would you be perceived? – better yet, how would the world perceive […]
My top 5 Urban Fiction Books The genre that inspired me to read, the books that inspired me to write. 1. The Coldest Winter Ever – Sister Soulja 2. Milk In My Coffee – Eric Jerome Dickey 3. Addicted – Zane 4. Street Dreams – Kwan 5. The Maintenance Man – Michael Baisden
Way before “Hotlanta” became the new “Black Hollywood,” it was the place of an annual exodus for my family and I in the 90’s. Atlanta Carnival, the memorial day trip that became a second home, a weekend of laughs, fun and unforgettable memories. So why Atlanta? Certainly not because of the Hawks, the Falcons or […]
So I’m currently in between books and finally decided to start using this site to my advantage. Let’s face it, the last thing I want to do after I’ve spent hours crafting chapters, characters and dialog is write more, but I have a rare opportunity to speak directly to you – my fans. It sounds […]
There just isn’t enough hours in the day… If there is one thing I’ve learned about myself over the past year is – I just try to do too much. I’m sure we all suffer from this common sickness and I’m not talking about “hard work.” The ailment I (we) can’t seem to cure is the pursuit of “success.” […]
Independant – I thought I knew exactly what that word meant the day I left my parents house for college. Free from parental oversight, tyranny, rules and regulations. But in realty… Independence is really a bitter, cold thief that muggs you the minute you step outside the door. Of course I tried the traditional style of […]
Alumni available in paperback and digital copy.
The wait is over! Add Alumni to your cart today and get your paperback copy shipped before release day!
No one ever wants to give away their art for free, so how does $.99 sound? Meet the characters that started it all – Marquel Howard, Caesar Gibson, Harlem Best and Quintin Bennet. $.99 (eBook) on Google play now!
Aquanza Cadogan returns with his sophomore novel, Alumni, a refreshing sequel to Summer Session. Four unique friends grew-up and grew-apart only to return years after graduation by one unique bond – friendship.
The Air Jordan 1 “Royal” is the last Jordan Retro I remember attempting to purchase before retirement. In an effort to slow down the “bot” epidemic (a computer program used by on-line sneakerheads that enables them to add how many pairs/size /shipping and payment info automatically without them having to be present on […]
5 Urban movies that shaped my childhood: 1. Coming to America 2. Love Jones 3. Dead Presidents 4. Mo’ Better Blues 5. Scarface
Summer Session available now on Google play.
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. – Charles Dickens
Jay-Z – “Where I’m From” In My Lifetime, Vol.1 97′
“Who you like in the Hip Hop game right now?” That’s always a difficult question because the climate of the music is always shifting. The winds from the South still continues to influence the industry and the music itself. But with artists like Kendrick Lamar blowing in from the West and a roster of new talent coming in […]
The Desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise. – Maya Angelou
With the highly anticipated release of his second colorway, I’m still not sure how I feel about the new design of Durancula’s seventh signature model. The KD IV (4) & VI (6), both designed by Leo Chang, were groundbreaking designs (in my opinion) and the expectations for model VII (7) was extremely high. My first reaction […]
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. – Jimi Hendrix
It was worse than and ice cream headache… slightly beyond a migraine, the never ending pounding was consistent like Money May’s jab right between the brow. What am talking about is the day I missed my routine cup of coffee. America’s new legal drug, the caffeine laced liquid, had me feeling like Pookie in New Jack City once the withdrawal began. It doesn’t […]
Who can forget Vanessa’s hangover from the infamous drinking game (chug-a-lug… chug-a-lug) or the episode when Denise returned from Africa with a new husband and step-daughter? Kids will test your very last… so which Cosby daughter do you think caused Cliff and Clair the most problems?
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. – Thomas A. Edison
When it comes to being a court general these guys know how to get buckets! (in no particular order). 1. Kyrie Irving 2. John Wall 3. Stephen Curry 4. Chris Paul 5. Tony Parker Honorable Mention: Derek Rose Russell Westbrook Damian Lillard
“I pledge alligiance to the flag Of the United States of America And to the Republic for which it stands One nation Under God Indivisible With liberty and justice for all.”
For a second there I thought F.R. 50 was too focused on spending his Vitamin Water proceeds and perfecting his baseball pitch than working on music. Foolish me! Curtis has finally posted bail from the Shady/Aftermath/Interscope label and officially released his first album as a solo artist. Animal Ambition marks his fifth full-length opus and probably his best, […]
You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it. – Albert Einstein
Also known as “Grey Toes,” this Air Jordan XIII silhouette hasn’t been spotted in the Jordan Retro line up since 2005. Some sources say it may make a return this year (2014) but the chat board buzz hasn’t sounded the alarm just yet. Sneaker retirement sucks!
Who can forget the Brownsville native that stole our hearts in the first season of X Factor? Brian Bradley, better known as Astro… a.k.a. “the astronomical kid” even had me quoting “Stop Looking at my Moms!” after he hit the stage with his hip hop swag. But after his elimination from L.A. Reid’s group (the Boys) with […]
Serendipity – Noun, Finding something good without looking for it.
It’s very rare that a Writer/Journalist gets any acclaim. Notoriety of that form is usually reserved for Ball Players, Actors and Musicians but from a Writers perspective “Scoop” Jackson is my hero. The Chi-Town native and Xavier/Howard grad has written in basketball and hip hop magazines for over 15 years and a large part of why I […]
It’s true that music of the past remains the most memorable. Possibly because radio airplay wasn’t a necessity for success or the sound of that era came from a different place. Regardless, there are some albums that will remain timeless and ATCQ – Midnight Marauders is one of them. Top 3 Tracks 1. Electric Relaxation 2. Lyrics […]
Nike Air Huaraches Believe it or not, I do wear sneakers other than Jordan’s. If I had to put together a top 10 or maybe even a top 20 you better believe the Huaraches are in the top 5 of that list.
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