[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. REGINALD FOOTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to a young man who continues to have a positive impact 
on the young people of my community through his heart-filled and 
uplifting music about his home borough. Mr. Reginald Footman, also 
known as Barshem, is a recording artist from the Bronx who hopes to 
steer hip hop back to its roots, providing inspiring messages over 
hard-hitting beats.
  Barshem's love of languages has helped him to develop as a lyricist 
and become the skillful emcee he is today. He began by writing poetry 
and small rhymes, but it was not until his cousin made his first rap 
record, that Barshem saw an opportunity for a career. At the young age 
of 11, he started his own group: ``Energy Posse'' which evolved into 
another group named ``Alpha Omega.'' In the mid 1990's, the group 
became widely known and performed with other notable artists such as 
Jay Z, Lil Kim, Big Pun, and Fat Joe.
  In the late 90's, Barshem made his acting debut in the movie Above 
the Rim, working as a stand in for the late Tupac Shakur. He would 
later accept roles on the television show Third Watch and a short 
appearance with Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in The 
Manchurian Candidate, but his love for hip hop kept him focused on his 
music. He has written title tracks for movies such as: Rock the Paint, 
Marci X, Bull's Night Out and Full Clip.
  After many years of acting and rapping, Barshem met Allen Boxer, an 
investment banker with whom he partnered to create B&B Records, LLC. 
And now, one year after his first song was recorded, Barshem & B&B 
Records, LLC are set to release Barshem's debut album: Ghettonometry 
which includes a hit single dedicated to the borough of the Bronx.
  Throughout his career, record executives have pushed Barshem to 
produce violent and misogynistic music; however, he has consistently 
stood his ground and refused to compromise his belief that music should 
empower, not destroy. Fortunately, his hard work has finally paid off 
and he is set to release an album that he can say he did his way.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the district that gave birth to 
hip hop and it is my hope that today's hip hop artists will remember 
the spirit of self-empowerment that once characterized this music genre 
and realize the tremendous positive influence they can have throughout 
the world.
  I applaud Barshem for staying true to these principles and never 
forgetting his roots in the Bronx.

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