Winter Reading

If you're a fan of The Wire, and you probably are - check out this new author. Click the link below to read the reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Grace-After-Midnight-Felicia-Pearson/dp/0446195189/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197607834&sr=1-1

http://allhiphop.com/stories/reviewsbooks/archive/2007/12/13/19002036.aspx

No child left behind

(Click to enlarge)

What the fuck is wrong with our public school system when a child turns a paper in like this and gets an F? "The gentle concerto will continue as the cup is suddenly and ironically filled with a steaming shot of fecal matter from the anus of the primary character" I got to give it to this kid for having the balls to turn a paper in like this. If the teacher had even the slightest bit of a sense of humor she would at least give him a C. This is refrigerator quality work. There seems to be no end to the internet sensation that has become known as "2girls1cup"

Mitchell & Friends

Count Bass D - The Slugger of Louisville


Nah, not implicating old buddy Kevin Mitchell in the Mitchell Report, he was probably more into that Lindsay Lohan. I just miss him, remember that fun barehanded catch in LF? Rather, for the second night/morning in a row I'm still awake to catch the beginning of Mike & Mike. Last night it was the below-average, rip-off of Hostel, Turistas, which was still apparently involving enough to keep me up til 5:30 am. Today I was actually doing some work, before a late-night viewing of the Bucks sloppy, but quality win over the Magic. Mike Redd an assist away from a triple double, Yi looking very good and Charlie Bell showing signs of life. All nice things.

Mike & Mike this morning got me to thinking about the forthcoming Mitchell Report though, which is at most about 7 hours from dropping. I've always been one who stayed away from the steroids issue for the most part, not because I don't care, but more so for the over-reporting of the story. That being said, today may end up being a seminal day for the sport of baseball and potentially the American sporting landscape. Or maybe not. But as the moment approaches the rumors of higher profile players being named in the report have increased. I'm not sure how I'll react, though a mention of Ron Gant may bring a tear to this guy's eye. If nothing else, when this blog has been abandoned, a week from now or in 5 years, this moment might be a prelude to some crazy shit.

Bird's the Word

NYGz - 3 Man Weave (ft. Reef, Hustle & Mic Ock)

P and AZ

Master P - 211


So, we have two new videos here with really no connection, but both noteworthy for different reasons. First up, old friend Master P:


Master P - Gutta Time

To start, this is Percy's 2nd (at least) video with a basketball connection. Who can forget the bright lights, big tanks and fundamental ball of "Make 'Em Say Ugh". Yes, a better time for P and his No Limit friends, I'm sure Mystikal specifically enjoyed not being in jail. Nevertheless, the man enjoys his hoops, evidenced by publicity stints with the Hornets, the Raptors and the CBA's Fort Wayne Fury. And yes, his son Lil' Romeo recently committed to play ball starting next season for USC, but no, I don't give a shit, as he appears to be another Miller banking on his fam name. If I was a USC fan, however, I'd draw a lot more excitement from Demar DeRozan, who besides his 5-Star rating, clearly has a name that makes him sound like he'll be dope.

The video itself is interesting on a few fronts. Not really for it's use of the KKK though. Their inclusion seems to be more of an excuse to get some AND 1 dudes dressed up in sheets, play some ball and spoof some classic Hip Hop video moments. P may or may not claim to be making some social statement with the video, but I feel like the only shine the KKK gets these days is in shit like this. I mean, doesn't their enrollment have to be at an all-time low at this point. Not to say that the racist and hateful characteristics that they embody don't still exist, as they certainly do, but the group itself is mostly considered the punchline at this point, not the catalyst to discuss real issues of race relations.

Beyond any pseudo-social commentary, it definitely doesn't fall in-line with the responsibility in Hip Hop content hypocrisy that P was spitting at his congressional testimony a few months back. That being said, dude looks more like this version of himself in the video, as opposed to the relatively recent look here. Maybe it is a somewhat old video just getting out now. As for the song itself, the production is actually pretty good, with the average to bad rhymes P and his associates usually bring to the table.


AZ - The Hardest (ft. Styles P) (Prod. by Large Pro)

Not much controversy here, just a dope song and video, which while likely shot on a low-budget has some cool things goin' on. Large Pro with the beat, pretty good from him per usual, though the instrumental joint he just put out was unimpressive. I slept on AZ for far too long, at least partially due to occasionally questionable beat selection, but The Memphis Sessions is one of my favorites of the year and has given me proper perspective on Mr. Cruz. A thumbs up to OnSmash for both vids.

D. Miles Nonsense

Kokane - Can't Funk-Shun



First, remember Slam Ball? I think we all watched it a couple times to see what it was and catch a glimpse of what had become of Arthur Agee of Hoop Dreams fame. Well, it was entertaining for a few minutes and then pretty quickly became some stupid shit. Nevertheless, Slam Ball has left Darius Miles speechless and left to resort to his trusted head pound to exclaim his wonder. D. Miles, by the way, is still recovering from microfracture surgery but has begun working out. I'm pretty sure the Blazers are in no rush to bring him back, but in the meantime he can be the stunt double for Slim Charles. Word to True Hoop.

The Roots & 2 Girls, 1 Cup

The Roots - Boom!



Props to Nah Right for this one, these reactions continue to be funny. And hey, apparently they're watching the full version of the video, so good for them.

The Wire Prequels

AZ - This Is What I Do

Much will be said on this blog about the greatness of The Wire over the next several months. For now, I'll just encourage you to cop the Season 4 DVD, likely the best yet. It'll also be On Demand next week.

Below are three brand-new prequels from the show. They don't serve a huge purpose, other than reinforcing some qualities of main characters, but are a nice tease for the upcoming season. Also, McNulty's a lot more entertaining when he's drunk...as he will be in Season 5.







When Bunk Met McNulty


Young Prop Joe


Young Omar

Bak Inda Buildin

Redman - Bak Inda Buildin

Yep, back in the fucking building. I took 19 months off to gather content and drink. This will be a collabo blog, so look for multiple contributers. Oh and Shawn Kemp never signed, the NIT still doesn't matter, Charlie Bell couldn't be further from that trip dub, and that DOD album was pretty average. Good.

Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp to the Mavs? We'll find out soon, but in the meantime, peep this ridiculous mixtape of his greatest dunks.