Isaiah Collier

Jazz Revivalist Isaiah Collier Announces ‘The World Is On Fire’ LP With The Chosen Few

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Neils Gether

Jazz revivalist Isaiah Collier announced his new project with The Chosen Few, The World Is On Fire, with a release date of October 18. It’ll be Collier’s final project with the quartet, following this year’s The Almighty. The Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist refocuses his aim on this upcoming LP, taking on the current civil unrest in the nation. It’s a tribute to individuals like Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Sonya Massey, and more whose lives were stolen by agents of hate.

In the press release announcing the new album, Collier explains, “This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time. Through my music, I strive to capture and personify the profound impact of the challenges we face.”

“This 8 year journey with The Chosen Few is coming to an end,” he continues. “It’s almost ironic given the circumstances of the times. In the past eight years I have experienced two extreme presidents that have changed the world for me. Just as they have changed policy, so has my music. I can’t say it is a bittersweet thing for I have had this project since I had graduated High school. In an ironic sense I feel like I’m graduating again but into a new musical exploration and perspective. I have given as much as I can to this concept of sound that I can. I thank my musical ancestors John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and many more for being my muse in addition to being a vessel and conduit for their impact. Now I’m finding a new muse in sound and look forward to sharing with you all. For change is inevitable and I pose this question to the world: ‘What’s the point in doing something if you are not going to change it?’”

The World Is On Fire is due on 10/18 via Division 81 Records. You can find more information here.

USC Denies That Ticket Hike Is A “Bronny Tax”

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USC Men’s Basketball team is in an intriguing position. In 2021, they went to the Elite Eight of March Madness. However, a year later, they crashed out in the first round. But they could be about to bounce back given their 2023 recruiting class.

The big name is obviously Bronny James, ESPN‘s #19 prospect and the son of NBA legend LeBron James. He’s the star power, Mr. Hollywood, the poster child. But he’s not the premier prospect in the class for the Trojans. That would be Isaiah Collier, ESPN‘s #1 prospect. Together, along with the rest of USC’s young core, the Trojans could be looking at their first Final Four appearance since 1954. However, questions are starting to be asked about some of the things that USC is doing in light of this major recruiting class.

USC Dismisses Claims Of A “Bronny Tax”

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 07: Wheeler guard Isaiah Collier guarded by Sierra Canyon guard Bronny James during a high school basketball game between Sierra Canyon and Wheeler in The Chosen-1’s Invitational at Galen Center on January 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

There’s no denying that Trojans tickets are about to become a hot commodity. “There is an added tier here, an added level, for sure, with the family ties Bronny comes with and the friends that not only he has but that his family has. And the following that could follow him and come to games on any given night,” USC Chief of Marketing Craig Kelley told ESPN. “It’s up to us to prepare.” Among that, Kelley acknowledged that ticket prices at the Galen Center are set to rise. However, he objected to the price hike being seen as a “Bronny Tax”.

“I know it’s going to be hard to believe, but with or without Bronny, the prices were more than likely going to go up by a few percentage points just because that’s just the nature of the business,” Kelley said. “Most teams are increasing their prices 2% to 3% annually. We’ve actually been flat for quite some time. And so we were going up in price just because the team has just gotten better. And you do add some notable name players.” Furthermore, USC has never shied away from high-profile students. Their 2023 graduating class included Sasha Obama and Princess Salma bint Abdullah of Jordan. However, that won’t be much comfort to the Trojan faithful who are going to feel a bigger pinch of their wallet next season.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Mikaylah Williams and Isaiah Collier Named 2023 Morgan Wootten National Players of the Year

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Mikaylah Williams and Isaiah Collier Named 2023 Morgan Wootten National Players of the Year

One of high school basketball’s most esteemed awards, the 2023 Morgan Wootten National Players of the Year, has been awarded to Mikaylah Williams of Parkway High School in Louisiana and Isaiah Collier of Wheeler High School in Georgia.

Both athletes, who were chosen by the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee and the Wootten Family, uphold the history of greatness established by the award, which honors all-star achievement not only on the court but also in the classroom and in the community. On Tuesday, March 28, Williams and Collier will compete alongside the other 2023 McDonald’s All American Games finalists at Houston’s Toyota Center.

Past winners include LeBron James (’03), Dwight Howard (’04), Candace Parker (’04), Maya Moore (‘07), and Azzi Fudd (’21).

“This award means so much to our family, as my father always sought to create well-rounded basketball players. It was just as important to him to coach a person who succeeded in the classroom and community, not just on the court,” said Joe Wootten, Chairman of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee. “Mikaylah and Isaiah truly represent my dad’s legacy as 2023 recipients of this award. They are such good people who are also amazing basketball players. I know they are going to continue to do great things in the future.”

Mikaylah, an LSU commit, promotes diversity at her school by working with students who have disabilities and planning events all year long.

Isaiah, a USC recruit, is active in his neighborhood and gives his time to feed and provide supplies for the homeless in downtown Atlanta.

You can learn more about the McDonald’s All American Games here.

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