Shihan The Prototype

A Lower East Side of New York City native, Shihan began his writing career in 1989, when he received a full scholarship to the Williston North Hampton School in Massachusetts for creative writing. In 1993, Shihan was signed to MCA Records as an artist/writer. He went on to record an album with the hip hop group The Lost Tribe of Boodah, but, the album was never released. During his stay at MCA, Shihan went on to write for the NBA Jam Session series as well as creating the theme for Reebok's ' Blacktop' campaign. Shihan was dropped the day before Thanksgiving, 1994.

Never losing sight of his goal to make a living doing what he loved, Shihan quickly regained focus and found work writing for the very popular Schoolhouse Rocks compilation series. And co-writing one of MTV's most popular Rock The Vote campaigns ' Tic Toc.'

Shihan has written for hair cosmetic giant Sebastian International and their 2002 Escape Mediocrity Tour which brought Shihan's words to 4 countries and translated into 3 languages. Shihan was also the spoken word/host of the show which was described as a cross between the Matrix, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Cirque de Soleil.

Shihan lent his spoken word talents to soft drink giant Pepsi for their 'Slam' national television and radio campaigns, which he co-wrote.

Recently, Shihan toured the country as the 'Street Poet' for the Nike Battlegrounds One-on-One Tournament.

As a performer, Shihan has established himself as an accomplished artist. In 2004, Shihan finally took home the National Poetry Slam Championship trophy. He also earned Grand Champion titles at the 2001 Los Angeles Finals and the 2000 Hollywood Finals Shihan was also a core poet on the Grand Marnier sponsored Slamamerica Bus Tour which toured 30 cities in 30 days. He's been featured throughout the United States including the 2000 Tony Awards after show in NYC and the 1 rated show on Oprah's Oxygen Media ' As She Sees It.' Shihan has been featured on all five seasons of Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry and also serves as Talent Coordinator for the show. He was recently featured at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, CO, The Essense Music Festival in New Orleans(in which he opened for Alicia Keys) and the Soul Beach Music Festival( in which he opened for Musiq Soulchild .) His ability to transcend cultural and genrational boundaries have made Shihan a much sought after talent. He is currently touring as a cast member in the Def Poetry Jam International Tour in the US and throughout the globe.