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. 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.

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.

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. The Growth was applauded for its production and the balance of mainstream, hardcore and conscious rap, receiving recognition from each/all of those audiences. Fourteen of the fifteen tracks on the album were produced by DJ Phonetic.