Intro to Poet G: I Soy Latino

Hola Mi Gente. This is The Poet G and I want to introduce my blog and inform you on whats cookin in my stove top oven....

Most to all of you know me as Gabriel Irizarry. You have caught me at family reunions, parties, Met games, happy hours, the GabElie mansion and of course La Esquina and other live events throughout the city. Nicknames include G, Ito, Mav. Willy Wonka and G Diddy. As some know I've spent a great deal of time in recent years producing, developing and promoting. I truly believe that this passion and talent was inspired and built by my father. As a father as well as a coach my father always had an incredible knack for identifying talent, putting together the right pieces and developing a mentality built on success. He won numerous championships as a coach in the Inwood Little League and most importantly has inspired countless individuals in his community to do better and work to their potential. This is exemplified through the constant waves and handshakes as we stroll through the hood. This as well as the undying support from my beautiful family and positive group of friends led to the creation of Cepa Entertainment, which has contributed to the development and has successfully promoted many talented artists out there. It is recognizing the gifts in the Ron Kains and the Homeboy Sandmans. It is spreading the word on the Akil Dasans, Rebel Diazs, and Anthony Moraless. It is knowing who the great players are on the field you play on and turning the double plays that win games. In every player lies a fan.

A 4 Life brother Jeremy aka Jay aka Hovi says, "G, I respect what you do investing your time, energy and money in these talented people. I respect your vision and what you work to bring to light. But recognize that you yourself are a talent. Do not forget to invest in yourself. Everything else is out of your control. You could only navigate your own destiny." One of the many 4 life heart to hearts. Thanks Jay look forward to the many more to come.

I started writing poetry my senior year of college. It was a rainy night when me Juanca and PJ and Vaughn went to support a good friend named Anthony Morales at the Nuyorican. Democracy Democracy Dem-Mocking-Me!!! Wow!!! When Ant went up that night I was in every word, stunned like Ricky Hatton with every punchline, I saw the imagery in his words on the very walls of the venue, I felt the aggression but was eased by the humor...Ant came in 3rd that night...I was so tight I wanted to get igggnniiinnntt in that place! I boo-ed my ass off like I was at Shea Stadium (Don't worry I've grown a little since then). Ant was already a proven winner. I really was the biggest winner that night despite not being a participant. The writing started that same night and continued with freestyle battles over IM with an old friend throughout that year. I have not let go of the pen since. O yea and the keyboard.

I now have embarked on a journey to tell my story and share my soul through Spoken Word. I have teamed up with photographer extraordinairre Celofus aka Anastasios aka AC to create "I Soy Latino." Why AC? I will first say why not. Not because he is the 1st friend I ever had circa 1st grade. AC is a teacher, photographer, designer, coach. AC has made huge contributions to Washington Heights/Inwood. AC is not afraid to give. He is not afraid to lend. He has seen it as I have seen it and this is embodied in every photograph. The goal is for the book to hit press by years end. We will do our best to share as much as we can along the way. It has already been a beautiful journey. Of course I will be dedicating a section to guest art as no project is a good project for me if I am not supporting the vast talent out there. Dale.....

Randomizations: Mets need to trade one of their studs for pitching. Citi is not a hitters ball park. I take credit for discovering Manny Pacquiao pre 1st Barrera upset. Ask my brother Jamal. Kobe is a role model through basketball doesnt go any further. Cotto Cotto Cotto!!! If you know me you know where I will be from Noon to Midnight this Saturday. 3 Splendas are best in coffee. Dogs are mans best friend. Eminem needs to show versatility and experiment with different producers. Yea I said it!!!

Shouts: To my soon to be born nephew Little J with God on our side. Pops you are my rock homie. Elie aka Puchi you teach me. Jay you know I got your back. E Double you did it! Ant Mo without you there is no Poet G. Micaela miss you. My little boy Bryce. Mi familia en Puerto Rico los extrano! Marquis I see you....those I missed I always get you next time....

"Pride is a unified force institutions can't divide!"

-The Poet G

"You + Motivation = Success"

- Jim Valvano (Thanks Vic. you are a blog in yourself)

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