Just when I felt comfortable enough removing Ghost from my 'top 20 mc's of all-time' list, he goes & does this. His latest album, 'Apollo Kids' is a another example of his incredible consistency. Enjoy.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
50 Cent shuts down World Star Hip Hop?!
So today WSHH got shut down & 50 Cent is taking full responsibility for it. Here's a clip of a radio convo that took place between Fif & this dude named Q of WSHH. Haha @ 'don't whassup me, you sucka!'
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
NFL Conference Championship Predictions
Is it too early to call myself a guru? After going 3-1 again last week, I've assured that I'll finish the playoffs over .500! I know, I know, what an accomplishment. Enough about me & my wise ways, though. There's two more games on the horizon today & I am determined to nail both of them. Let me say a quick prayer & get to these predictions.
(Home team in CAPS)
Green Bay Packers over CHICAGO BEARS
I picked GB over Atlanta last week but I had no idea it was gonna go down like THAT. You're probably sick of hearing how brilliant Aaron Rodgers was so I won't beat you in the head w/ that. The Packers as a whole, though, are peaking at the perfect time. Yeah, they're on the road & the Bears have played them tough this season, splitting their previous two games. I'm just not a Jay Cutler fan. He looked good last week but that was against a poor Seattle defense. The pressure Clay Matthews & the gang will bring will not allow him to be as comfortable. Like I said from the start of the post-season, GB will be in the Super Bowl.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS over New York Jets
There are toss-up's, and then there are TOSS-UP's. This is the latter. Although both teams beat formidable opponents last week, the Jets were way more impressive beating the Pats in Foxboro. Pittsburgh needed every break they could get against a Ravens team that went into halftime with a two touchdown lead. Granted, the Pitt defense is responsible for some of those Baltimore mistakes but if you saw the second half, the Ravens essentially gave that game away. What Mark Sanchez has been able to do in two years is nothing short of remarkable. FOUR road playoff wins? Wow. I just can't see him getting a 5th when the other guy throwing the ball is Big Ben, he of the 9-2 playoff record & two Super Bowl rings. In a close game, look at the QB match-up for the tiebreaker. I hope I'm wrong about this, though.
So there you have it. Packers vs. Steelers in the Super Bowl. A possible 8-2 record on the line. It doesn't get any better than this, folks. Enjoy the games!
(Home team in CAPS)
Green Bay Packers over CHICAGO BEARS
I picked GB over Atlanta last week but I had no idea it was gonna go down like THAT. You're probably sick of hearing how brilliant Aaron Rodgers was so I won't beat you in the head w/ that. The Packers as a whole, though, are peaking at the perfect time. Yeah, they're on the road & the Bears have played them tough this season, splitting their previous two games. I'm just not a Jay Cutler fan. He looked good last week but that was against a poor Seattle defense. The pressure Clay Matthews & the gang will bring will not allow him to be as comfortable. Like I said from the start of the post-season, GB will be in the Super Bowl.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS over New York Jets
There are toss-up's, and then there are TOSS-UP's. This is the latter. Although both teams beat formidable opponents last week, the Jets were way more impressive beating the Pats in Foxboro. Pittsburgh needed every break they could get against a Ravens team that went into halftime with a two touchdown lead. Granted, the Pitt defense is responsible for some of those Baltimore mistakes but if you saw the second half, the Ravens essentially gave that game away. What Mark Sanchez has been able to do in two years is nothing short of remarkable. FOUR road playoff wins? Wow. I just can't see him getting a 5th when the other guy throwing the ball is Big Ben, he of the 9-2 playoff record & two Super Bowl rings. In a close game, look at the QB match-up for the tiebreaker. I hope I'm wrong about this, though.
So there you have it. Packers vs. Steelers in the Super Bowl. A possible 8-2 record on the line. It doesn't get any better than this, folks. Enjoy the games!
Friday, January 14, 2011
NFL Divisional Weekend Predictions
Predictable wild-card weekend. Every road teams wins except... the Seattle Seahawks?! Can't complain, though. Even with that, I still managed to go 3-1. I prefer to post these predictions as late as possible so I can have every single fact & detail before kickoff but let's be honest here... I'm celebrating my birthday this weekend & the level of intoxication I figure to be a part of will surely prevent me from making any rational decisions (and I'm not just talking football-wise, either). So here's a lil early preview to whet your appetites before the big games.
(Home team in CAPS)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS over Baltimore Ravens
What's this... I picked a home team?! WTF! This one should be punishing, as well as delightful! Ray Lewis, T-Sizzle, Big Ben, Hines Ward... the cast of characters in this one is endless. These AFC North rivals split their two previous match-ups this year, each winning on the road. Since this game appears to be so even, I looked at their overall and home/road splits to see if I could take anything from there. This only left me more confused. Both teams went 12-4 with the Ravens going 5-3 on the road & the Steelers going 5-3 at home. So much for any advantage there.
To say these teams are battle-tested is an understatement. Joe Flacco has an impressive four road playoff wins already in his young career & in most cases, that experience gives him the upper hand. However, Big Ben has a lil something we like to call super bowl rings. Two of them, actually. Both teams are notorious for having tough defenses but while Pittsburgh stayed elite, Baltimore took a step (albeit a small step) back this year. They only ranked 21st in opposing passing yards. Hell, even Ryan Fitzpatrick lit them up through the air in week 7. I don't like the Baltimore secondary's chances against Ward & especially speedster Mike Wallace. Gimme Pitt in a squeaker.
Green Bay Packers over ATLANTA FALCONS
I told you last week that if the Pack beat the Eagles that I'd ride them to the Super Bowl & that's exactly what I intend to do. This seems like it'll be their toughest test before they get there & it's a shame this game isn't the NFC Championship game instead. If there's something that makes me hesitant about this decision, it's that Atlanta was 7-1 at home this year. But that's not all, folks. Falcons QB Matt Ryan is a staggering 20-2 at the Georgia Dome in his career. 20-2! And let me tell you something, he's not the only one that loves some dome! Yes, I was referring to myself. These teams met in week 12 in the aforementioned dome & the Falcons won by 3 on a last-second FG by Matt Bryant.
So why the Packers? Truthfully, it's a gut feeling. If you need some supporting evidence, though, just take a glance at their last three games. Victories over the Giants, Bears & Eagles. All must-win games, all tough opponents. Their biggest weakness heading into last week's showdown seemed to be their running game. That is until James Starks became a man. While Atlanta is solid against the run (10th in opposing rushing yards), they can be beat through the air. We already know the weapons GB has at it's disposal. It's just not the big names either, as Greg Jennings & Donald Driver weren't on the receiving end of any of Rodgers' three TD's last week. They just seem to be peaking at the right time.
CHICAGO BEARS over Seattle Seahawks
Not only does Seattle have to be feeling great after their trashing of the defending champs last week but they also draw the weakest of the NFC teams left. The Bears were 5-3 at home this year but one of those losses came against the Seahwaks in week 6. That also equaled half of Seattle's wins on the road this year, as they went a putrid 2-6 away from home. Now seems like a good time to mention that even with last week's win vs. the Saints, the Seahawks are STILL not .500.
I took a look at these teams closely to try to find anything that they do great (at least on a consistent level). You know what I found? ONE thing. And unfortunatly for Marshawn Lynch, it's the Chicago run defense. They ranked 2nd in the NFL this year, allowing an anemic 90 yards a game, meaning it's gonna be up to Matt Hasselback to continue the magic he had last week if Seattle has a chance. Not saying I have supreme faith in Jay Cutler as he's more than capable of throwing more touchdowns to the opposition than his own teammates. But I just can't see Matty doing it two weeks in a row, especially since he's on the road.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS over New York Jets
You know what a rivalry is? It's when someone on one team says fuck the guy on the other team, and that's exactly what Antonio Cromartie said about Tom Brady this week. Rex Ryan added to the verbal barrage with his own tough talk. Anybody care to remind me what the score was the last time the Jets went to Foxboro? Oh yeah, it was 45-3. The Jets did hand the Pats one of their two losses this year but that was all the way back in week 2. I'm sure the Jets are still having nightmares about the week 13 massacre. They weren't alone in that regard. The Pats beat everyone that stepped in their domain, going a perfect 8-0 at home this year.
It's hard to see a glaring weakness in a 14-2 team but if there is one for New England, it's their young secondary. True, they played better as the season went on but they were still the 3rd worst unit in terms of passing yards allowed. Fortunatly for them, they're not playing a great passing offense. Mark Sanchez is adequate, at best. In the Indy game, he looked awful until that last drive where he finally looked like an NFL QB. To beat New England in Foxboro, you have to be nearly flawless because they don't turn the ball over. Brady has thrown an NFL-record 335 passes without an interception. Sanchez is bound to cough the ball up at some point & when he does, Brady's going to make him pay.
And that's all I got. With the way things have gone this season, if I finish the weekend over .500, I'll consider it a huge accomplishment. 7-1 would be nice, too.
(Home team in CAPS)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS over Baltimore Ravens
What's this... I picked a home team?! WTF! This one should be punishing, as well as delightful! Ray Lewis, T-Sizzle, Big Ben, Hines Ward... the cast of characters in this one is endless. These AFC North rivals split their two previous match-ups this year, each winning on the road. Since this game appears to be so even, I looked at their overall and home/road splits to see if I could take anything from there. This only left me more confused. Both teams went 12-4 with the Ravens going 5-3 on the road & the Steelers going 5-3 at home. So much for any advantage there.
To say these teams are battle-tested is an understatement. Joe Flacco has an impressive four road playoff wins already in his young career & in most cases, that experience gives him the upper hand. However, Big Ben has a lil something we like to call super bowl rings. Two of them, actually. Both teams are notorious for having tough defenses but while Pittsburgh stayed elite, Baltimore took a step (albeit a small step) back this year. They only ranked 21st in opposing passing yards. Hell, even Ryan Fitzpatrick lit them up through the air in week 7. I don't like the Baltimore secondary's chances against Ward & especially speedster Mike Wallace. Gimme Pitt in a squeaker.
Green Bay Packers over ATLANTA FALCONS
I told you last week that if the Pack beat the Eagles that I'd ride them to the Super Bowl & that's exactly what I intend to do. This seems like it'll be their toughest test before they get there & it's a shame this game isn't the NFC Championship game instead. If there's something that makes me hesitant about this decision, it's that Atlanta was 7-1 at home this year. But that's not all, folks. Falcons QB Matt Ryan is a staggering 20-2 at the Georgia Dome in his career. 20-2! And let me tell you something, he's not the only one that loves some dome! Yes, I was referring to myself. These teams met in week 12 in the aforementioned dome & the Falcons won by 3 on a last-second FG by Matt Bryant.
So why the Packers? Truthfully, it's a gut feeling. If you need some supporting evidence, though, just take a glance at their last three games. Victories over the Giants, Bears & Eagles. All must-win games, all tough opponents. Their biggest weakness heading into last week's showdown seemed to be their running game. That is until James Starks became a man. While Atlanta is solid against the run (10th in opposing rushing yards), they can be beat through the air. We already know the weapons GB has at it's disposal. It's just not the big names either, as Greg Jennings & Donald Driver weren't on the receiving end of any of Rodgers' three TD's last week. They just seem to be peaking at the right time.
CHICAGO BEARS over Seattle Seahawks
Not only does Seattle have to be feeling great after their trashing of the defending champs last week but they also draw the weakest of the NFC teams left. The Bears were 5-3 at home this year but one of those losses came against the Seahwaks in week 6. That also equaled half of Seattle's wins on the road this year, as they went a putrid 2-6 away from home. Now seems like a good time to mention that even with last week's win vs. the Saints, the Seahawks are STILL not .500.
I took a look at these teams closely to try to find anything that they do great (at least on a consistent level). You know what I found? ONE thing. And unfortunatly for Marshawn Lynch, it's the Chicago run defense. They ranked 2nd in the NFL this year, allowing an anemic 90 yards a game, meaning it's gonna be up to Matt Hasselback to continue the magic he had last week if Seattle has a chance. Not saying I have supreme faith in Jay Cutler as he's more than capable of throwing more touchdowns to the opposition than his own teammates. But I just can't see Matty doing it two weeks in a row, especially since he's on the road.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS over New York Jets
You know what a rivalry is? It's when someone on one team says fuck the guy on the other team, and that's exactly what Antonio Cromartie said about Tom Brady this week. Rex Ryan added to the verbal barrage with his own tough talk. Anybody care to remind me what the score was the last time the Jets went to Foxboro? Oh yeah, it was 45-3. The Jets did hand the Pats one of their two losses this year but that was all the way back in week 2. I'm sure the Jets are still having nightmares about the week 13 massacre. They weren't alone in that regard. The Pats beat everyone that stepped in their domain, going a perfect 8-0 at home this year.
It's hard to see a glaring weakness in a 14-2 team but if there is one for New England, it's their young secondary. True, they played better as the season went on but they were still the 3rd worst unit in terms of passing yards allowed. Fortunatly for them, they're not playing a great passing offense. Mark Sanchez is adequate, at best. In the Indy game, he looked awful until that last drive where he finally looked like an NFL QB. To beat New England in Foxboro, you have to be nearly flawless because they don't turn the ball over. Brady has thrown an NFL-record 335 passes without an interception. Sanchez is bound to cough the ball up at some point & when he does, Brady's going to make him pay.
And that's all I got. With the way things have gone this season, if I finish the weekend over .500, I'll consider it a huge accomplishment. 7-1 would be nice, too.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Super Marshawn Bros.
One of the greatest runs in NFL playoff history meets one of the greatest video games of all-time
NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions (Part 2)
If you would've told me I would go 1-1 in my predictions yesterday but the game I got wrong WASN'T the Jets, I would've thought you were loco. Somehow that's exactly what happened. Didn't expect Matt Hasselback & Marshawn Lynch to make the entire Saints' defense their bitch. With a chance to go 3-1 & brag that I am wiser than any NFL expert ever, here are my predictions for today's games.
(Home team in CAPS)
Baltimore Ravens over KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
I know, I know. Although this wouldn't be nearly the upset that Seattle over N.O. was, this still feels eerily similar to yesterday's game. Home team as the underdog although they have one of the strongest home fields in the league. Road team that looks superior & has faced & beaten stiffer competition. Yikes. Will I make the same mistake twice?
The Chiefs were an amazing 7-1 at home this season. Here's the thing. Guess how many playoff teams they faced there? Two? Nope. One? Not even. That's right. They faced ZERO. They beat up on the likes of Buffalo & Arizona. In fact, they've only faced two playoff teams the whole year (win @ Seattle, loss @ Indy), making their 10-6 record very deceiving. Meanwhile, Baltimore is battle-tested, going 12-4 this year w/ road victories over the Jets & Pittsburgh. Yes, KC has been successful running the ball, averaging an NFL-best 164 yds/game, but the Ravens can counter that with their 5th-ranked rushing defense. The crazy look in Ray Lewis' eyes should be enough to pump some fear into Jamaal Charles' heart.
Green Bay Packers over PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Yeah, I'm a Giants fan but I promise you, this is a bias-free post! GB sucked it up on the road this season, only managing a 3-5 record. One of those losses, a 7-3 defeat to the Lions, happened when Aaron Rodgers got concussed & missed the entire 2nd 1/2. Their next road loss happened a week later at New England, where they only lost by 4 despite playing without Rodgers entirely. Throw in another loss that happened in OT & that 3-5 road record could've looked very different.
What Mike Vick has done this year is major OMG status. People seem to be focusing on the fact he has an INT in his last five games while he didn't have any in his first seven. Fair enough. But the dude also has 10 passing TD's & four rushing TD's in that same span. Whether he's a lil dinged-up or not, that Philly offense is still extremely dangerous. The problem for Vick is he's facing a GB defense that has certified studs (in the metaphorical sense, not physically), including potential Defensive Player of the Year Clay Matthews. GB's offense is no pushover either, featuring one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. I'm more confident that the Packers can slow down Philly on offense than vice versa. If GB can pull this one out, I like them to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
So the quest to 3-1 continues. Yes, I realize I picked all four road teams to win this weekend. Hey, shit happens. Besides, this is the NFL, where a 7-9 team knocks off the defending Super Bowl champs.
(Home team in CAPS)
Baltimore Ravens over KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
I know, I know. Although this wouldn't be nearly the upset that Seattle over N.O. was, this still feels eerily similar to yesterday's game. Home team as the underdog although they have one of the strongest home fields in the league. Road team that looks superior & has faced & beaten stiffer competition. Yikes. Will I make the same mistake twice?
The Chiefs were an amazing 7-1 at home this season. Here's the thing. Guess how many playoff teams they faced there? Two? Nope. One? Not even. That's right. They faced ZERO. They beat up on the likes of Buffalo & Arizona. In fact, they've only faced two playoff teams the whole year (win @ Seattle, loss @ Indy), making their 10-6 record very deceiving. Meanwhile, Baltimore is battle-tested, going 12-4 this year w/ road victories over the Jets & Pittsburgh. Yes, KC has been successful running the ball, averaging an NFL-best 164 yds/game, but the Ravens can counter that with their 5th-ranked rushing defense. The crazy look in Ray Lewis' eyes should be enough to pump some fear into Jamaal Charles' heart.
Green Bay Packers over PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Yeah, I'm a Giants fan but I promise you, this is a bias-free post! GB sucked it up on the road this season, only managing a 3-5 record. One of those losses, a 7-3 defeat to the Lions, happened when Aaron Rodgers got concussed & missed the entire 2nd 1/2. Their next road loss happened a week later at New England, where they only lost by 4 despite playing without Rodgers entirely. Throw in another loss that happened in OT & that 3-5 road record could've looked very different.
What Mike Vick has done this year is major OMG status. People seem to be focusing on the fact he has an INT in his last five games while he didn't have any in his first seven. Fair enough. But the dude also has 10 passing TD's & four rushing TD's in that same span. Whether he's a lil dinged-up or not, that Philly offense is still extremely dangerous. The problem for Vick is he's facing a GB defense that has certified studs (in the metaphorical sense, not physically), including potential Defensive Player of the Year Clay Matthews. GB's offense is no pushover either, featuring one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. I'm more confident that the Packers can slow down Philly on offense than vice versa. If GB can pull this one out, I like them to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
So the quest to 3-1 continues. Yes, I realize I picked all four road teams to win this weekend. Hey, shit happens. Besides, this is the NFL, where a 7-9 team knocks off the defending Super Bowl champs.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Brooklyn style, bitch!
I really try not to post ignorant shit. Seriously. But a couple of big girls fighting in a small diner? Ahhh I can't help it!
NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions (Part 1)
Oh, so you thought this was just a hip-hop blog, huh? We versatile up in this bitch! I'm a huge football fan. Watch it religiously, root for my Giants, play fantasy football... I gets it in. With so much parity in the NFL, an even wilder wild-card weekend is upon us. I'll be predicting the outcomes of the games throughout the playoffs to see how I stack up against these so-called experts. Let the madness begin!
(Home team in CAPS)
New Orleans Saints Over SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Did the 7-9 Seahawks deserve a spot in the playoffs? Under the NFL rules, yes. Under life rules, hell no. Not while two 10-6 teams watch from home. But they're in & facing the defending Super Bowl champs. This is the one playoff game that everyone is expecting to be a blow-out, including Vegas, who has the Saints as a double-digit favorite despite playing on the road.
The one point I've heard about why this game might be closer than expected is that the Saints are a dome team & Seattle is notorious for being a tough place to play. However, looking at the Seahawks' home schedule this year, they only went 5-3. Their most impressive win was a 27-20 victory over San Diego in week 3 (the Chargers are known to be slow-starters). While their five wins came against non-playoff teams, their three losses all came against playoff teams in which they lost by a combined 68 points. Add to the fact that the Saints went 6-2 on the road & I don't see how this game is closer than two touchdowns.
New York Jets over INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Peyton Manning's 5-1 record vs. Rex Ryan defenses (the one loss in a game he sat out the second 1/2). The remarkable Jets playoff run last year where they won two road games w/ a rookie QB. The absence of Austin Collie & Dallas Clark. The presence of LaDanian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes & Antonio Cromartie. The Colts are clearly the hotter team, winning four straight & coming back to take the AFC South from pesky Jacksonville. The Jets, albeit against tougher competition, have lost three of their last five. All these things have been running through my head while deciding who I would pick to win. This is the definition of a pick-'em.
In last year's AFC Championship, Peyton was able to pick on any Jets' cornerback not named Darrelle Revis as Pierre Garcon had the game of his life. That won't happen this time with Cromartie there. The way to beat the Colts is through the ground & the Jets were #4 in rushing yards this year behind the two-headed monster of LDT & Shonn Greene. Sure, the Colts had the #1 passing offense in the NFL this year but the Jets were #6 in passing yards allowed, despite having their All-Pro CB either banged up or out earlier on. I just can't pick Indy when the Jets look like they're clearly the more talented team. It's time for them to show & prove.
So for today, I'm going with the two road teams. I'll be back tomorrow morning to recap today's games & offer my predictions for the Ravens/Chiefs & Packers/Eagles showdowns.
(Home team in CAPS)
New Orleans Saints Over SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Did the 7-9 Seahawks deserve a spot in the playoffs? Under the NFL rules, yes. Under life rules, hell no. Not while two 10-6 teams watch from home. But they're in & facing the defending Super Bowl champs. This is the one playoff game that everyone is expecting to be a blow-out, including Vegas, who has the Saints as a double-digit favorite despite playing on the road.
The one point I've heard about why this game might be closer than expected is that the Saints are a dome team & Seattle is notorious for being a tough place to play. However, looking at the Seahawks' home schedule this year, they only went 5-3. Their most impressive win was a 27-20 victory over San Diego in week 3 (the Chargers are known to be slow-starters). While their five wins came against non-playoff teams, their three losses all came against playoff teams in which they lost by a combined 68 points. Add to the fact that the Saints went 6-2 on the road & I don't see how this game is closer than two touchdowns.
New York Jets over INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Peyton Manning's 5-1 record vs. Rex Ryan defenses (the one loss in a game he sat out the second 1/2). The remarkable Jets playoff run last year where they won two road games w/ a rookie QB. The absence of Austin Collie & Dallas Clark. The presence of LaDanian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes & Antonio Cromartie. The Colts are clearly the hotter team, winning four straight & coming back to take the AFC South from pesky Jacksonville. The Jets, albeit against tougher competition, have lost three of their last five. All these things have been running through my head while deciding who I would pick to win. This is the definition of a pick-'em.
In last year's AFC Championship, Peyton was able to pick on any Jets' cornerback not named Darrelle Revis as Pierre Garcon had the game of his life. That won't happen this time with Cromartie there. The way to beat the Colts is through the ground & the Jets were #4 in rushing yards this year behind the two-headed monster of LDT & Shonn Greene. Sure, the Colts had the #1 passing offense in the NFL this year but the Jets were #6 in passing yards allowed, despite having their All-Pro CB either banged up or out earlier on. I just can't pick Indy when the Jets look like they're clearly the more talented team. It's time for them to show & prove.
So for today, I'm going with the two road teams. I'll be back tomorrow morning to recap today's games & offer my predictions for the Ravens/Chiefs & Packers/Eagles showdowns.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Snoop Dogg & The Top 20 MC's of All-Time Debate
In June '09, I was asked by one of my industry pals (that sounds so douchey) to come up with a list of the best 20 mc's of all-time. Now, I'm an 80's baby so my knowledge on older mc's like Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel is limited so it wouldn't be fair to include them on my list. I keeps it real! Being a true lover of hip-hop, it was a diffucult challenge at the time. I played with the list more than I'll ever admit.
Fast forward to 2011. After having Dr. Dre's 'Kush' in heavy rotation, I started thinking about Snoop's place in history. Originally, I didn't have him on the list, but why the hell not? Sure, he isn't the most skilled lyricist out there but there's a lot more to being great than just being a lyricist. It's the same reason mc's that only focus on lyrics tend to be boring. Flow, charisma... these things matter. They also happen to be two of Snoop's biggest strengths and reasons he continues to be relevant nearly 20 years after he first graced the scene. Factor in that longevity & the fact he's has a classic album in his catalog & he has a good case for being on there.
Here's the original list I presented a year & a 1/2 ago (in no particular order):
Jay-Z
Notorious B.I.G.
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Eminem
Nas
Rakim
Ice Cube
Black Thought
Redman
2 Pac
LL Cool J
Big Pun
Ghostface
Kool G Rap
Scarface
Common
Lauryn Hill
Andre 3000
Prodigy
I've mentioned Snoop as someone who probably deserves a spot on there. Kanye has made a huge case since then w/ his latest album. DMX had one of the greatest runs in hip-hop history when he first came out. Shit, the fact that I don't have Kane on there would make some people not take this list seriously.
The only one on the original list I'd feel comfortable swapping out is Ghostface & even that's not easy. For now, let's do that & put Snoop in his place. However, if Kanye keeps this up, he's bound for a spot on there sometime in the near future (bye bye, Prodigy?) And thus the list is ever-changing. We'll re-visit this topic in another 18 months when I'm sure my list will look completely different.
Fast forward to 2011. After having Dr. Dre's 'Kush' in heavy rotation, I started thinking about Snoop's place in history. Originally, I didn't have him on the list, but why the hell not? Sure, he isn't the most skilled lyricist out there but there's a lot more to being great than just being a lyricist. It's the same reason mc's that only focus on lyrics tend to be boring. Flow, charisma... these things matter. They also happen to be two of Snoop's biggest strengths and reasons he continues to be relevant nearly 20 years after he first graced the scene. Factor in that longevity & the fact he's has a classic album in his catalog & he has a good case for being on there.
Here's the original list I presented a year & a 1/2 ago (in no particular order):
Jay-Z
Notorious B.I.G.
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Eminem
Nas
Rakim
Ice Cube
Black Thought
Redman
2 Pac
LL Cool J
Big Pun
Ghostface
Kool G Rap
Scarface
Common
Lauryn Hill
Andre 3000
Prodigy
I've mentioned Snoop as someone who probably deserves a spot on there. Kanye has made a huge case since then w/ his latest album. DMX had one of the greatest runs in hip-hop history when he first came out. Shit, the fact that I don't have Kane on there would make some people not take this list seriously.
The only one on the original list I'd feel comfortable swapping out is Ghostface & even that's not easy. For now, let's do that & put Snoop in his place. However, if Kanye keeps this up, he's bound for a spot on there sometime in the near future (bye bye, Prodigy?) And thus the list is ever-changing. We'll re-visit this topic in another 18 months when I'm sure my list will look completely different.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Don't act hard on facebook!
So THIS is what happens when you try to be a thug on a social-networking site and your uncle finds out. Good to know.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Homeless man w/ the golden voice
Homeless people are talented, too! Hopefully something positive can come out of this.
You're not a single lady!
Ok so I'm aware this is about 10 months old but I'm seeing this for the first time & thought it was hilarious. If you're not one of the 5 million people that have viewed this already, enjoy. For the record, I co-sign the dad's actions.
Skillz '2010 Rap-Up'
Resolutions & a clean start aren't the only things that come w/ the new year. For hip-hoppers like myself, it also means the arrival of a brand new 'Rap-Up' from VA rapper Skillz. I've had the pleasure of interviewing him & it's amazing how he's been able to generate buzz annually through this concept. Genius even! Check out the 2010 edition here.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Strong E 'Bullies' (Video)
Check out this new video from my dude Eli aka Strong E. Dude is young & has a lot of potential. He was in 50 Cent's 'Before I Self Destruct' movie as well as had a cameo in one of my own vids, 'My Statement (Part 1)'. I wish this song had come out when I was younger... screw you bullies! >:(
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My favorite 50 songs of 2010
Welcome to 2011!
Hope everyone has a healthy & blessed year
One of the things I wanted to accomplish in '11 is starting up a blog. What better day to start than the first? Now all I have to do is get rock hard abs & win a fantasy football championship & my year will be complete. Since 2010 has just ended, I felt it's appropriate to start my blog w/ a countdown of some sort. Initially I wanted to do my favorite albums of the year but the truth is I don't have the time (or interest) to sit down & listen to every shitty CD out there. Besides, it's pretty much a consensus that Eminem & Kanye hold down the top two spots.
Instead, I'll do something more interesting & run down my top 50 songs of the year. Now before you read this list & bitch, remember it's my FAVORITE songs, not the BEST ones. That list would look completely different. Qualifications are simple: these are the songs I played the most in my Sony Walkman (fuck an iPod). Am I proud of all these selections? Honestly, no... but that's why God created guilty pleasures.
Ok enough talking, here's the list (in reverse order):
50. Justin Bieber feat. Usher 'Somebody To Love (Remix)'
49. Lady Gaga 'Alejandro'
48. Aloe Blacc 'I Need A Dollar'
47. Laws feat. Emilio Rojas & Big K.R.I.T. 'Hold You Down (Remix)'
46. Chiddy Bang feat. Q-Tip 'Here We Go'
45. Shawn Boothe 'Poor Boy'
44. Rihanna 'Only Girl (In The World)'
43. Duo Live feat. Snoop Dogg 'Lay Back'
42. Joe Budden feat. Joell Ortiz 'Follow Your Lead'
41. Cee-Lo 'Fuck You'
40. Michael Jackson feat. 50 Cent 'Monster'
39. Kanye West 'Lost In The World'
38. Bruno Mars 'Just The Way You Are'
37. Dirty Money 'Hello Good Morning'
36. Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi & Raekwon 'Gorgeous'
35. Fat Joe feat. Young Jeezy 'Ha Ha (Slow Down)'
34. Joell Ortiz & Novel 'Defying The Predictable'
33. Ron Artest feat. T-Pain 'Champions (Remix)'
32. Paloma Faith feat. Ghostface 'New York'
31. Sheek Louch feat. Joell Ortiz & Termanology 'This Is Hip Hop'
30. Drake feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Jay-Z 'Light Up (Remix)'
29. B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars 'Nothin' On You'
28. Gyptian 'Hold Yuh'
27. Donnis 'Gone'
26. Jae Millz feat. Chris Brown 'Green Gobblin'
25. Drake 'Find Your Love'
24. Clinton Sparks feat. DJ Class & Jermaine Dupri 'Favorite DJ'
23. DMX & Busta Rhymes 'Yall Don't Really Know'
22. Rihanna feat. Young Jeezy 'Hard'
21. Kid Cudi 'Marijuana'
20. Kanye West feat. Pusha T, Keri Hilson & CyHi Da Prince 'Take One For The Team'
19. Miguel feat. J Cole 'All I Want Is You'
18. Omarion 'Speedin'
17. Drake 'Over'
16. Lil Wayne feat. Eminem 'Drop The World'
15. Vado feat. Cam'ron 'Speakin' Tongues'
14. Bruno Mars 'Grenade'
13. Rihanna feat. Drake 'What's My Name'
12. Dr. Dre feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg & The Game 'Kush'
11. B.o.B. feat. Eminem & Hayley Williams 'Airplanes (Part 2)'
10. Eminem feat. Lil Wayne 'No Love'
Heard 'Drop The World' & instantly loved it, yet Em & Weezy somehow managed to surpass that w/ this collabo off Em's 'Recovery' LP. When you can sample Haddaway's 'What Is Love?' & make it a banger, you deserve a spot in the top 10.
9. Drake feat. The-Dream 'Shut It Down'
Words can't describe how much I disliked this song when I first heard it. Probably had a lot to do with being one of the first songs leaked off of Drake's album, which I had incredibly high expectations for. After a few listens, I can't deny that this is a sexy ass song.
8. Nelly 'Just A Dream'
Like you, I assumed Nelly was done making music. Or at least music that people cared about. But he caught me completely off-guard with this catchy-ass song that rejuvenated his career enough that he inexplicitly performed this before a Manny Pacquiao fight.
7. Joell Ortiz 'Project Boy'
If you know me well, these are the type of songs you probably expected to fill the list. My favorite MC of the moment with my favorite producer (Primo) of all-time? You damn right I love this!
6. Fat Joe 'I'm Gone'
Primo strikes again! Fat Joe is severely underrated. I don't know what the hell most people have against him except the fact that he's Latino. Racist bastards. Could've done without the five-minute rant at the end but even with that, this song just feels right.
5. Red Cafe feat. Fabolous 'I'm Ill'
People don't realize how long Red Cafe has been out. I remember getting a video of his about ten years ago. Apparently the hard work paid off. I don't go clubbing but if I did, this would have to be on the playlist.
4. David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi 'Memories'
Make fun of me all you want but I like Kid Cudi. I can't help it, it's something about his melodies & hooks that make him infectious. While I didn't care for this sophomore CD, this song off David Guetta's CD bangs. The perfect song for the morning after a crazy night.
3. Eminem 'Cinderella Man'
The gem off the best CD of the year. I'm in a bowling league & right before I hit the lanes, this is the song I play to get my blood boiling. Has it helped me? Not particularly, but that doesn't change it from being an awesome track.
2. Shontelle 'Impossible'
Not gonna lie, this could've easily been my #1. I'm much more of a hip-hop dude but this is a beautiful R&B masterpiece that will stay in my rotation for a long time. It didn't hurt that Shontelle retweeted me on Twitter. If you're reading this Shontelle, I love you girl!
1. Nicki Minaj feat. Eminem 'Roman's Revenge'
My memory is asscheeks. Like really, you have no idea. I can't even memorize my own raps. However, for the past few months I've been walking around saying 'I am not Jasmine, I am Aladdin...' while bystanders shook their heads. Fuck 'em. This instantly made me a Nicki Minaj fan. Plus it's only fitting Eminem has a piece of the top spot since he's the artist on the this list the most.
And there you go, folks. This is the type of stuff you can expect from my blog so I hope you enjoyed. And by 'type of stuff' I mean things I spend entirely too much time on so three of my closest friends can read it. FML.
Happy Que year, people!
GeeQue
www.twitter.com/geequenyc
Hope everyone has a healthy & blessed year
One of the things I wanted to accomplish in '11 is starting up a blog. What better day to start than the first? Now all I have to do is get rock hard abs & win a fantasy football championship & my year will be complete. Since 2010 has just ended, I felt it's appropriate to start my blog w/ a countdown of some sort. Initially I wanted to do my favorite albums of the year but the truth is I don't have the time (or interest) to sit down & listen to every shitty CD out there. Besides, it's pretty much a consensus that Eminem & Kanye hold down the top two spots.
Instead, I'll do something more interesting & run down my top 50 songs of the year. Now before you read this list & bitch, remember it's my FAVORITE songs, not the BEST ones. That list would look completely different. Qualifications are simple: these are the songs I played the most in my Sony Walkman (fuck an iPod). Am I proud of all these selections? Honestly, no... but that's why God created guilty pleasures.
Ok enough talking, here's the list (in reverse order):
50. Justin Bieber feat. Usher 'Somebody To Love (Remix)'
49. Lady Gaga 'Alejandro'
48. Aloe Blacc 'I Need A Dollar'
47. Laws feat. Emilio Rojas & Big K.R.I.T. 'Hold You Down (Remix)'
46. Chiddy Bang feat. Q-Tip 'Here We Go'
45. Shawn Boothe 'Poor Boy'
44. Rihanna 'Only Girl (In The World)'
43. Duo Live feat. Snoop Dogg 'Lay Back'
42. Joe Budden feat. Joell Ortiz 'Follow Your Lead'
41. Cee-Lo 'Fuck You'
40. Michael Jackson feat. 50 Cent 'Monster'
39. Kanye West 'Lost In The World'
38. Bruno Mars 'Just The Way You Are'
37. Dirty Money 'Hello Good Morning'
36. Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi & Raekwon 'Gorgeous'
35. Fat Joe feat. Young Jeezy 'Ha Ha (Slow Down)'
34. Joell Ortiz & Novel 'Defying The Predictable'
33. Ron Artest feat. T-Pain 'Champions (Remix)'
32. Paloma Faith feat. Ghostface 'New York'
31. Sheek Louch feat. Joell Ortiz & Termanology 'This Is Hip Hop'
30. Drake feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Jay-Z 'Light Up (Remix)'
29. B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars 'Nothin' On You'
28. Gyptian 'Hold Yuh'
27. Donnis 'Gone'
26. Jae Millz feat. Chris Brown 'Green Gobblin'
25. Drake 'Find Your Love'
24. Clinton Sparks feat. DJ Class & Jermaine Dupri 'Favorite DJ'
23. DMX & Busta Rhymes 'Yall Don't Really Know'
22. Rihanna feat. Young Jeezy 'Hard'
21. Kid Cudi 'Marijuana'
20. Kanye West feat. Pusha T, Keri Hilson & CyHi Da Prince 'Take One For The Team'
19. Miguel feat. J Cole 'All I Want Is You'
18. Omarion 'Speedin'
17. Drake 'Over'
16. Lil Wayne feat. Eminem 'Drop The World'
15. Vado feat. Cam'ron 'Speakin' Tongues'
14. Bruno Mars 'Grenade'
13. Rihanna feat. Drake 'What's My Name'
12. Dr. Dre feat. Akon, Snoop Dogg & The Game 'Kush'
11. B.o.B. feat. Eminem & Hayley Williams 'Airplanes (Part 2)'
10. Eminem feat. Lil Wayne 'No Love'
Heard 'Drop The World' & instantly loved it, yet Em & Weezy somehow managed to surpass that w/ this collabo off Em's 'Recovery' LP. When you can sample Haddaway's 'What Is Love?' & make it a banger, you deserve a spot in the top 10.
9. Drake feat. The-Dream 'Shut It Down'
Words can't describe how much I disliked this song when I first heard it. Probably had a lot to do with being one of the first songs leaked off of Drake's album, which I had incredibly high expectations for. After a few listens, I can't deny that this is a sexy ass song.
8. Nelly 'Just A Dream'
Like you, I assumed Nelly was done making music. Or at least music that people cared about. But he caught me completely off-guard with this catchy-ass song that rejuvenated his career enough that he inexplicitly performed this before a Manny Pacquiao fight.
7. Joell Ortiz 'Project Boy'
If you know me well, these are the type of songs you probably expected to fill the list. My favorite MC of the moment with my favorite producer (Primo) of all-time? You damn right I love this!
6. Fat Joe 'I'm Gone'
Primo strikes again! Fat Joe is severely underrated. I don't know what the hell most people have against him except the fact that he's Latino. Racist bastards. Could've done without the five-minute rant at the end but even with that, this song just feels right.
5. Red Cafe feat. Fabolous 'I'm Ill'
People don't realize how long Red Cafe has been out. I remember getting a video of his about ten years ago. Apparently the hard work paid off. I don't go clubbing but if I did, this would have to be on the playlist.
4. David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi 'Memories'
Make fun of me all you want but I like Kid Cudi. I can't help it, it's something about his melodies & hooks that make him infectious. While I didn't care for this sophomore CD, this song off David Guetta's CD bangs. The perfect song for the morning after a crazy night.
3. Eminem 'Cinderella Man'
The gem off the best CD of the year. I'm in a bowling league & right before I hit the lanes, this is the song I play to get my blood boiling. Has it helped me? Not particularly, but that doesn't change it from being an awesome track.
2. Shontelle 'Impossible'
Not gonna lie, this could've easily been my #1. I'm much more of a hip-hop dude but this is a beautiful R&B masterpiece that will stay in my rotation for a long time. It didn't hurt that Shontelle retweeted me on Twitter. If you're reading this Shontelle, I love you girl!
1. Nicki Minaj feat. Eminem 'Roman's Revenge'
My memory is asscheeks. Like really, you have no idea. I can't even memorize my own raps. However, for the past few months I've been walking around saying 'I am not Jasmine, I am Aladdin...' while bystanders shook their heads. Fuck 'em. This instantly made me a Nicki Minaj fan. Plus it's only fitting Eminem has a piece of the top spot since he's the artist on the this list the most.
And there you go, folks. This is the type of stuff you can expect from my blog so I hope you enjoyed. And by 'type of stuff' I mean things I spend entirely too much time on so three of my closest friends can read it. FML.
Happy Que year, people!
GeeQue
www.twitter.com/geequenyc
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