The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/277771
10 Spring 2014 W π A Spectacular Path rap sheet O MARI O'NEAL MCPHERSON '08, MS '10, considers himself a natural-born engineer, set to reimagine the world at a young age. From dabbling with Legos and toy cars to dismantling radios, dreams of mechanical engineering formed for him around the 5th grade. ¶ British born McPherson emigrated to Connecticut in 1994, and his academic journey eventually brought him to WPI, where his interest diverged between engineering and his musical muse. For McPherson, the WPI campus community offered ample opportunities to explore his talents outside the classroom. ¶ Take a look at the creative path this young alumnus has followed since leaving WPI… 2010 Releases in spring Rap Is Just A Game "because I felt like my pursuits in the 'rap game' had become futile and I should just have as much fun as pos- sible playing the game." Graduates in summer with MS degree. Releases Heaven is a Mile Away. "That album was inspirational and full of a hope that one could experience heaven on earth through faith." Leaves Worcester to start career as engineer at Verizon Wireless HQ in New Jersey as a part of its three-year leadership development program. 2012 Begins videography as side gig. Opens photography studio in Jersey City. Shoots Caged Black Woman, frst of a series of collaborations with poet Kof Genf. Launches House of Lords LLC. Graduates with a BS in mechanical engineering. Releases EP called Spectacular Ever After. "Since all fairy tales end with 'Happily Ever After,' I thought it ftting that my own story start from the end." Begins master's in marketing and technology innovation to fuel desire to become an artist. 2008 2013 Directs and stars in short flm Soda Pop Love Dreams (sodapoplovedreams.com) Co-directs The King Has Fallen with Kof Genf. Reignites spark as recording artist on a trip to Jamaica. Records a number of songs that evolve into most recent album Til Shiloh. "This album is a tale of my life up until my son, Shiloh, was born in December." Releases Manifestations of Grandeur, an experimental body of work that explores different philosophical and biblical themes concerning creation of the inner and outer worlds. WPI_spring14_FOB.indd 10 3/9/14 11:55 AM