In the Phone Booth with Kaliesha West

October 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment

By: @medafORACLE

The “Wild Wild West”. We all know the story in our history books. Better known as the “American Frontier”, our books tells the story of the creation of communities, land usage and the politically and correctly worded “formation of states” or “the merging of people and cultures that gave birth and continuing life to America”   In short; land was taken from native tribes and overran to create America. However you choose to word our history, our subject will be of a new one. A new West is upon us. Filled with beauty, strength, equal sacrifice and a fight to claim what is rightfully earned. Follow me on this journey as we discuss the culture of a new West. Here to discuss said subject is the beautiful, Kaliesha West.

Lets step In The Phone Booth……..

 

@medafORACLE : Miss West! First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to step In the Phone Booth. It’s appreciated. Let me start off by saying, I’m a fan; in more than one way. Tell the readers how the name “Wild Wild West” came about.

@Kaliesha_West : My father started boxing before me, and his name was Juan Wild Wild West because he was super crazy in and out the ring, I want to keep the name going, so I said I’m next. People, who know me, know I’m wild, but in a good way, like my pops.

 

@medafORACLE : 4X World Champ, amateur accolades in ABUNDANCE and an overall amateur record of 98-10….impressive to say the least. Aside of hard work, what is the engine behind such a respected career?

@Kaliesha_West : Thank you. Well, I always wanted to prove to my pops I can do it. At first he inspired me, I admired him, and that’s why I picked up the gloves. Then I found a love for it, where now, it’s a part of my life, always will be. I find peace in a gym. I’m a competitive person over all, I never settle for less than GOLD. Whether it be a cross country varsity runner, varsity track runner, honor student, or anything that has competition written on it. I’m going for gold. My stubborn personality and my motive to be the best is what drove me to be.

 

@medafORACLE : In The Phone Booth the gap between boxing and music is forever bridged so, what do you listen to; to get yourself amped up to train?

@Kaliesha_West : Oh hell yeah it is, who you kiddin? The most memorable moments were my come outs. We always had custom raps and mixes my uncle DJ Meach would hook up for us. We go hard. In the dressing room or just working out, I’d like to say I’m very diverse. I can go from DMX/NWA, to modern rap like Drake or Kid Ink.  All depends on the mood. But no doubt I NEED my music.

 

@medafORACLE : Same question but in reverse. You walk in the gym and what’s the one song that can absolutely KILL your mood to train?

@Kaliesha_West : Hahahahaua SLOW JAMS, LIKE love songs…don’t get me wrong! If I walk in the gym, and some Pretty Ricky is playing, I will not want to train.

 

@medafORACLE : Lol yeah, Pretty Ricky is probably the kill switch for any activity. Sadly, in Hip Hop there is this dreadful plague of bias toward male emcees in being the representation of the culture. In boxing unfortunately we have the same issue. When mentioning boxing greats no one shouts the name Ann Wolfe or Laila Ali in combination with B-Hop and Ray Robinson’s of the sport. What do you think it will take for you along with greats to be looked at as boxers opposed to “female boxers”?

@Kaliesha_West : It will take equal promotion and TV opportunities. They have to stop separating and favoring  men, and just promote talent regardless…. If boxing created a market for women like MMA did, there is no doubt that we would sell…. We need a real promoter who knows the industry for women.

 

@medafORACLE : So let’s say women in the sport get that deserving recognition of equal sacrifice and skill and you make it to that PPV or major TV stage….what song would you come out to for representation of that moment?

@Kaliesha_West : A custom song made for me by Rae Sremmund 🙂 like lol

 

@medafORACLE : If you could create your own coed dream card with past and/or present fighters, who would be the main event and who would be the 3 undercard fights? Keep in mind, us fellas will need some eye candy, so don’t be afraid to throw yourself on that card, please and thank you. Lol

@Kaliesha_West :

1. Floyd Mayweather vs Chavez as the main
2. Muhammad Ali vs Mike Tyson
3. Laila Ali vs Anne Wolfe
4. Kaliesha West vs Jackie Java

 

@medafORACLE : That card without a doubt merits the crown for BEST FIGHT CARD EVER!! Ok so front street time! Imagine you had it your way and you were part of an all woman card and instead of ring girls there were ring men. What three boxers would you choose as your ring men?

@Kaliesha_West :

1.Saul Alverez “Canelo”
2. Miguel Cotto
3. David Haye

 

@medafORACLE : Miss West, thank you ever so kindly for stepping “In The Phone Booth” it was an honor and pleasure. Tell the fans what they can expect from you next and where they can follow you on any social media links

@Kaliesha_West :

IG: KalieshaSWest
Twitter: @Kaliesha_West : 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialKalieshaWest

Expect another fight sooner than later 😉
Appreciate the support, thanks for taking the time!

Kaliesha_West

Filed Under: Boxing News, In the Phone Booth Tagged With: , , , , ,

In the Phone Booth with Michelle Rosado

September 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment

By: @medafORACLE

Legendary. Rare. Beautifully elegant. Forever searched for but never found. Since antiquity such words have been used to describe this creature. Often when said word (creature) is heard, humanity’s thoughts often travel to a descriptive world of words such as “Ugly”, deformed, or an abomination but; never have these words been used to describe a Unicorn. A non “scientific” definition of a unicorn is a female every man searches for. Beauty. Brains. Sane. Funny. Hard working. Loyal and in my case…..a boxing head. As bearer of good news and history, I am here to tell the fellas they do exist! And I had the pleasure to talk to one. Ladies and gentleman, I bring you; Michelle Rosado better known as Raging Babe. Let’s step “In The Phone Booth“…….

 

@medafORACLE : Michelle, welcome to the phone booth! Its more than an honor to have you join us. For those who dont know who you are, introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself; where you come from and what you stand for, hopes, dreams, blood type, bra size……juuuust kidding. Who is Michelle Rosado a.k.a. Raging Babe?

@M_RagingBabe : Well, “Michelle Rosado” is a full-time engineer and a full-time boxing enthusiast. I wear many different hats. I work with various boxers, promoters, and managers. I provide branding, marketing, media relations, and financial acquisition services. A “Raging Babe” is a lover, fighter, and a survivor. She is ambitious, passionate, strong, and determined.

 

@medafORACLE : So when did you first fall in love with boxing?

@M_RagingBabe : I tell people that it was Mike Tyson who grabbed my attention. He was a character. He was intimidating. He was controversial. You never knew what was going to come out his mouth or what he would do in the ring. But, I fell IN LOVE with boxing in the mid-90s when Felix “Tito”Trinidad really hit the scene. His pride, heart, passion, and charisma were undeniable and captivating.

 

@medafORACLE : You have an online store with boxing gear and novelties. How did that come about and what sparked the idea?

@M_RagingBabe : Women love boxing and are just as addicted to boxing as men however; it was always difficult to find cute boxing tees and tanks for women. There is a void for everyday boxing apparel in general. My creative juices started flowing and about a year later, we have a shop at www.ragingbabe.com!

 

@medafORACLE : Alright, so; here “In the Phone Booth” I like to bridge the gap of music and boxing. What are you riding to in the whip right now?

@M_RagingBabe : I keep it old school. Today’s music gives me headaches and I’m not sure what the heck they are talking about. I’m still rocking out to old NAS, Biggie, Jay-Z, Big Pun, DMX. Old school salsa too such as Hector Lavoe, Jerry Rivera, and Marc Anthony. I also listen to Jasmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Musiq Soulchild on the regular.

 

@medafORACLE : Music is often known for triggering emotion, good or bad and connecting us to memory. What song reminds you of your favorite boxing moment?

@M_RagingBabe : Has to be “Twinz.” Big Pun and Fat Joe rapped that live for Tito Trinidad at the Garden. That same night, Oscar De La Hoya came out to “Bailamos” by Enrique Iglesias. Now that was funny!

 

@medafORACLE : Ironically I like “Bailamos”….horrible song to come out to though. In Hip Hop it used to be all about the skill. Today things have changed though. Out of today’s boxers from a skill set perspective, who would you say is the “Plies” of boxing today?

@M_RagingBabe : K9

 

@medafORACLE : Pretty accurate! Ok, if K9 is Plies, who would Andre Ward be?

@M_RagingBabe : Currently, he’d be NAS. Flow for days, almost effortlessly, nobody can touch him, but unfortunately  can be inactive in the game.

 

@medafORACLE : Every era of Hip Hop has had a super group being it was a super producer and emcee duo or a gang of dope emcees in one group from Sugar Hill Gang to Outkast to Wu-Tang to now currently, Slaughter House. If you were a boxer and could create a “super group” for your corner and team, who would it be?

@M_RagingBabe : Nacho, Ann Wolfe, and Mike Rodriguez (on the cuts). My manager would be the first lady of boxing, Jackie Kallen and Bruce Trampler would match my fights.

 

@medafORACLE : Now from what I understand, you’re a reality TV fan. Ok, imagine they made a “Real Boxers Of Vegas” show. Give me a group of fighters who would make you want to watch it.

@M_RagingBabe : Brandon Rios, Danny Garcia, Amir Khan, Victor Ortiz, Gabriel Rosado, Deontay Wilder, Roy Jones, and Keith Thurman. That show would win an Emmy!

 

@medafORACLE : I would without a doubt watch that show! I would throw Paulie Malignaggi on the scene too. So let’s say we live in a perfect world where you could be doing anything you want in the sport of boxing, what would it be?

@M_RagingBabe : I’d love to take Raging Babe Radio to another level and be on-air every day. We’re working on re-formatting and re-launching the show now, and seeking sponsors. But deep down, my gut tells me that I’d love to go back to Philly to promote local cards. Boxing is like a religion in Philadelphia, it’s a lifestyle. That’s where my heart is.

 

@medafORACLE : Same question, but in reverse. What would you absolutely refuse to be a part of in the sport?

@M_RagingBabe : Throwing a fight.

 

@medafORACLE : Ok last question but surely not least…… Will you marry me???

@M_RagingBabe : No, I’m sorry. I’m married to boxing.

 

@medafORACLE : Lol And they say females aren’t loyal these days! Michelle, as usual it’s always an absolute pleasure and abundance of smiles. Thank you so much for stepping “In the Phone Booth“! What can we expect from you coming in the future and where can you be contacted via social media or for business inquiries? And do you any last words for us?

@M_RagingBabe : This was so much fun! Thank you for the love! Stay tuned for Raging Babe Radio and follow me on Twitter @M_RagingBabe and on Instagram @RagingBabe

Michelle_photo

Filed Under: Boxing News, In the Phone Booth, Music Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the Phone Booth with Leezy Soprano

September 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

By: Gordie Tamayo

In the “Fight Game”, #Champions are forged through years of blood shed and everlasting battle wounds. And although the harsh reality of making the choice to eventually walk away may appear simple, hanging up the gloves from a journey that built one’s identity and unearthed capabilities unknown to most mortals, is like cutting out a piece of the soul. 

We have seen many greats push the inevitable to the brink. Refusing to call it quits and in the midst, become stepping stones for the next generation. On occasion we come across an anomaly. The exception to the rule if we may. One who manages a resurgence just when the public thought they were done; a rebirth of sorts. But let’s be honest, not everyone was molded as Bernard Hopkins. However, the #ChampionWithin any future legend, draws them to push the limits to the brink. Shattering misconceptions or at minimum, creating a conscious awareness that calculated risks are worth the pains.

The same can be said in the #HipHop game. Any seasoned vet can testify to the temptations of the limelight. The rush from stepping on a stage and deliberately controling a raging crowd by their vernacular, can derail even the most humble of artists if they are not careful. Following popular trend and abandoning what made them pursue their artistic inclination from the beginning can be an internal battle all it’s own. But taking the road less traveled can come with rewards that earthly currency cannot compare to…establishing a legacy for one.

We invited hip hop artist Leezy Soprano “In the Phone Booth” for a number of reasons: persistence and maintaining true to his craft to name a few. The Tacoma native has been putting it down for his city for the better part of his career and has embraced the daunting task of illuminating his city as a force to be reckoned with. No one said being a visionary was easy and Leezy appears to know that. He may just see something others cannot and that’s enough to keep him pushing to be “The One“. Knuckle up; it’s time to step “In the Phone Booth“.

@TheTitleFight: Leezy, after dropping your latest project “Never Enough” you are officially six projects in. What’s keeping you on overdrive? Like many, you may be attracted to provision, but there has to be something greater than paper urging you to press forward. Talk to us.

@LeezySoprano: I’m just a huge fan of music. People even complain to me that when I’m writing or listening good music, I space out and its hard to have a conversation with me. I want to be so great and go so far in this game that I know its gonna take more from me. Being that where I’m from the odds are slim.

 

@TheTitleFight: Who are some of your influences inside and outside of #music and what forged you to pursue this route?

@LeezySoprano: My earlier influences were Ghetto Boys, Biggie, 2pac, Jay Z, Nas & Andre 3000 – pretty much all the greats.

 

@TheTitleFight: There are many parallels between ‘the fight game’ and the #music industry. One of those being following a well thought out road-map to reach the proverbial pinnacle of success. What has been your mantra or strategy in developing your brand?

@LeezySoprano: Making sure I stay current, relevant and everything i do is quality from the music to my videos. Also, just having a good online presence because it’s definitely an online game.

 

@TheTitleFight: Speaking of brands. You’ve been rockin’ Y-Lyfe apparel for a minute. Where did that come about and who came up with the concept?

@LeezySoprano: I always knew I needed a clothing line eventually because its good for marketing. Shirts are like walking billboards and are a very important tool in branding, My homie Junpacc is the frontman for the clothing. Him and (3rd Eye Design) teamed up and came up with a lot of the concepts. The KILLA concept came from a word I use often in place of N*gga. The YLODT line is a an abbreviated quote I said in songs meaning Y-Lyfe Or Die Twice.

 

@TheTitleFight: Juggernauts of the music industry are no strangers to diversifying into boxing, but they are strangers to finding a successful formula. 50 Cent has tried only to come up short and now Jay Z and Roc Nation have made headlines by placing their name in the hat. Give us your insight as to why you believe The Roc has jumped in.

@LeezySoprano: Well, I don’t know one hip hop artist who isn’t a fan of boxing. It’s referenced in hip hop songs and boxers even come out with artists. When you’re at that status like a Jay Z or 50Cent, you’re just looking for new ways to invest your money. Boxing makes big money, so I believe that plays a major part.

 

@TheTitleFight: The business of boxing can be a gauntlet of gimmicks and politics around every corner (Roc Nation may have already witnessed their first dose of it) and the #music industry can be a similar battlefield. What do you think is missing in boxing to elevate it to ‘mainstream’ status stateside?

@LeezySoprano: Lack of great heavyweights. Lack of white contenders (as far as corporate people who run everything see it) I’m sure, but the internet kills television anyway so boxing isn’t suffering at all. But, it would be cool to see a boxer glorified on TV like you see athletes; maybe one day.

 

@TheTitleFight: On your track The One you say: “I spit it, they embrace it, success is close I taste it, I’m living with no limits, I’m dodging bullets the matrix“….”Gotta be the one, ain’t a choice for me“. One get’s the sense you are referring to putting your city on the map. Is this what you were referring to and if so, enlighten us as to why you choose “the path less traveled”.

@LeezySoprano: Although I’m striving to make it big, I’m still out here dealing with the circumstances of being from where I’m from. With every good move made, I feel a step closer.

 

@TheTitleFight: Let us give you props for killing it on For the Heads! You mentioned on this track “You don’t gotta like me, but you will respect the fact that I’ve been working“. The message is clear that even listeners who may not agree with your lifestyle or choice of vocabulary, have to acknowledge the fact that you’ve been putting in work towards your craft. How have you managed to persevere so long in an industry that is notorious for breaking down even the most ambitious?

@LeezySoprano: Appreciate the props. It always feels good to hear someone feel where you were coming from when you release a project. My family, my team and my listeners who believe in me keep me going and they all expect me to keep topping my last move and release.

 

@TheTitleFight: We have to drop a few gems in here and test your boxing IQ. Who in boxing are you currently keeping tabs on and why?

@LeezySoprano: Floyd Mayweather. He’s fast and has the best defense in boxing. Adrien Broner is also quick and has a cold right hook.

 

@TheTitleFight: If you were to compare your style, delivery or overall approach to marketing yourself to a current fighter, who would it be?

@LeezySoprano: I’d say Floyd Mayweather because I try to be the best at what I do and I feel like I can’t lose doing that.

 

@TheTitleFight: In boxing, it is rare if not almost impossible for any fighter to independently establish a presence and have a successful career. In music, the independent route is becoming more popular and many are finding lucrative ways to profit from it. What is your opinion on the independent route?

@LeezySoprano: You just have to have free music available and generate a buzz to receive show money. That’s the formula these days.

 

@TheTitleFight: Before Father Time cashes in what do you hope to accomplish?

@LeezySoprano: Become an established artist big enough to make tour money for the rest of my life, like a Rock Band lol. Also, to be remembered as one of the greats.

 

@TheTitleFight: And before we sign off, are there any last thoughts, shout-outs or plugs you want to leave readers with?

@LeezySoprano: People either have to believe you or wanna be you ……….. follow me on twitter @leezysoprano , Instagram @herculeezy , like my Facebook fan page Facebook.com/leezys and log onto www.leezysoprano.com.

Filed Under: Boxing News, In the Phone Booth, Music Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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