Ravens' embarrassing loss makes playoff road much rockier

On the day after the Ravens were annihilated by the San Diego Chargers on Sunday Night Football, critics, fans and commentators remain shocked by what they witnessed and concerned about what lies ahead for the Ravens.

The Ravens entered the game ranked third in total defense, fifth in pass defense and hadn't allowed more than 250 passing yards since facing Andy Dalton and the Bengals four weeks ago. Last night, Phillip Rivers demonstrated pin-point accuracy by hitting large receivers Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson, who accounted for 180 of his 270 passing yards. Floyd and Jackson were matched up against Ravens cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams for the majority of the game. Smith and Williams, who only have 18 career starts between the two of them, appeared as inexperienced as they truly were, biting on double moves and giving up multiple deep passes. The defensive backs did not receive much help from the rest of the defense that failed to sack Phillip Rivers and allowed over 150 rushing yards.

Although the Ravens' offense started off the game with a few good runs from Ray Rice and sustained a few first-half drives, they couldn't drive down the field against the two-deep safety, zone defense the Chargers played for the majority of the game. Flacco finished the night 23 of 34 and 224 passing yards but the statistics belie the restraint they wrestled with. Flacco was sacked seven times, four by former Baltimore Ravens Antwan Barnes. He threw two interceptions, both in the center of the field, to linebackers Takeo Spikes and Shaun Phillips. The team's second and final touchdown came on a 36 yard touchdown pass from Flacco to receiver Torrey Smith at the end of the game when victory was out of reach.


Last night's loss knocks the Ravens down to the fifth seed, where they will likely remain unless the Steelers lose to the either the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams or the Cleveland Browns and the Ravens win their final two games. In order for the fifth seed to outlast the playoffs and appear in the Super Bowl, they must visit and defeat their opponents on the road. All of the Ravens' losses have come on the road this season, however, those teams all had losing records. Needless to say, the Ravens must squander their propensity to lose on the road if they want to get anywhere in the playoffs as the fifth seed.

The loss to San Diego shrouds confusion and uncertainty on the Ravens playoff picture. The Steelers, nor anyone else in the league, are guaranteed wins in the NFL. They could lose one of their final three games, regardless of how unlikely that may be. However, the Ravens are no longer in control, they must hope and pray their division rivals slip up somewhere along the way. Next week they play the Cleveland Browns in M&T Bank Stadium for their final home game of the regular season. It need not be said this is a must win game. A ticket to the playoffs is already in hand but the reins to their momentum is not at the moment.

There is a three-letter solution to this problem: w-i-n. Win next Saturday against the Browns and win against anyone else whom they face until they're face-to-face with the Lombardi trophy.

Lloyd- Be the One (Official Video)

Rapid cuts of Lloyd, Jeezy and Trey Songz luring various women into being "the one" for the night. Apparently, Lloyd is the most recent genius to tattoo the sides of his head.

Drake- Make Me Proud featuring Nicki Minaj

If the ingredients make a good product, why change anything? Drake hooks up with producer T-Minus (I'm on One, She Will) again and fellow Young Money labelmate Nicki Minaj for the next single from his sophomore project Take Care.

With "Headlines" currently the number one rap song in the nation and "Make Me Proud" coming to radio soon, Drake is on schedule for his November 15th album release date. 

Miguel- Girls Like You (Official Video)

Has Miguel had an incredible 2011 or what? Album singles "Sure Thing" and "Quickie" raided the radio waves earlier this year keeping him in constant rotation. Girls Like You sounds different than any of the other singles but that's the beauty, it's eclectic.

In the video he sings into his signature microphone while split screen images of he and various women are shown.

Week Five Progress Report

Courtesy of Getty Images

First, allow me to apologize for the barren blog as of the last two months. Other obligations and occupations burned me out. Now that we've gotten that out of the way let's talk Ravens football.

The attitude of satisfaction resides over the purple city. In the fifth week of the regular season, the Ravens are enjoying their bye with 3-1 record. The defense has been strong-arming opposing offenses and the offense has displayed potential to deliver a potent passing attack. Star players expected to succeed like Ray Rice and Terrell Suggs have continued to be daunting forces on their respective sides of the ball. Others like Cary Williams and Ed Dickson have been pleasant surprises becoming dependable position players in lieu of shocking off-season moves and injuries.

To be expected, injuries abound. Cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who spent last season on injured reserve last season for a torn ACL, returned to the same list for the same injury that has not healed properly. The Ravens acquired wide receiver Lee Evans through an off-season trade. After an impressive preseason, Evans has only caught two passes for 45 yards in the first two games, the other two he spent inactive as he nursed his ankle injury. Rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith, whom the Ravens have high hopes for, hurt his ankle on a special teams play in the season opener against the Steelers.

After the Tennessee Titans loss, I was convinced the Titans showed the rest of the league how to exploit the Ravens porous, inexperienced secondary. However, no quarterback has surpassed 200 yards on the defense since week two.

Experts around the league like former head coach Brian Billick and Peter Prisco agree that this Baltimore Ravens team is one of the best. I must agree and last Sunday night's display legitimizes that notion. Even with Joe Flacco putting on a mediocre performance, the team still defeats Rex Ryan's New York Jets convincingly. It's only week five and a lot of things can change but if the Ravens remain as competitive as they are not only in the AFC North division but in the conference, they will have favorable chances of reaching their goal of playing in the Super Bowl.

In the coming weeks look for Torrey Smith, who had an impressive coming out party during week three against the Rams, and 2010 second-round-pick Sergio Kindle to steadily contribute more as the Ravens attempt to infuse young talent while still getting good play from theirehind veterans.

J. Cole- Workout (Official Video)

J. Cole's affinity for basketball and a pretty girl are well represented in the video for this cool summer jam.

Common- Ghetto Dreams featuring Nas (Official Video)

The raw and ever-so-lyrical debut single of Common's new Believer album, "Ghetto Dreams", has now been illustrated with a mostly black-and-white video. I still marvel at how monumental this collaboration truly is.

Big K.R.I.T- Happy Birthday Hip Hop featuring Yelawolf (Prod. by Big K.R.I.T)

Two of the South's most talented up-and-coming rappers, Big K.R.I.T and Yelawolf, created this ode to hip hop music when they first met in Atlanta over a year ago. Still sounds as jazzy and monumental as ever...

Who's behind Flacco on the depth chart?

Does the name Tyrod Taylor ring a bell?

The Ravens drafted Taylor in the 7th round of the draft in the 2011 draft. He is strength is his mobility both in and out of the pocket. Some teams evaluated him as a quarterback as well as a wide receiver because of the speed he possesses.

Former Carolina Panthers Hunter Cantwell is listed as the third quarterback and with a little luck and a lot of hard work could elevate above Taylor on the depth chart. During his first preseason, the 25-year-old delivered an underwhelming performance, finishing those four games with a 57.2 passer rating.

Unless the Ravens resign Mark Bulger or sign another veteran quarterback to backup Joe Flacco, this is your man. If neither comes to fruition, this will mark the first time in Flacco's career in which he is the most experience quarterback on the team, the mentor not the mentee.

Diggy Simmons- Copy, Paste (Official Video)

In case you didn't catch the video on BET's 106 and Park (you probably didn't if you're over the age of 18), here is the video for Diggy Simmons first single "Copy, Paste". It has been done for weeks but made premiered to the world today.

J. Cole- Can't Get Enough featuring Trey Songz

When J. Cole and Trey Songz get together, of course, they're gonna talk about the ladies. Unfortunately, it's not quite as wonderful as I imagined a collaboration between these two would be.

Four notable veterans headed to free agency

 
Today the Ravens announced that four key veterans of the past few season will be released to free agency. Wide receiver Derrick Mason, running back Willis McGahee, tight end Todd Heap and defensive tackle Kelly Gregg will all hit the open market this Thursday.

Each player has at one point topped the depth chart at their position and left pleasant memories in fan's minds.

At age 36, the game has usually caught up with an NFL player, they themselves have physically slowed down and he finds himself incapable of competing at a top-notch level. Mason does not fit in this category. He finished last season with 802 receiving yards, a number that may signify a decline to the average eye, but is actually a testament to how undeniably good his route running and catching skills still are. In an offense where Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap competed with Mason for passes from Flacco and Ray Rice dilligently ran the ball and caught passes from backfield, a decrease in yardage from the previous year could have been just as much a sign of more equal distribution of the ball as it could have been a decrease in production. Regardless of what you want to believe, there will be a market out their for the veteran once he officially hits the market.


The Ravens signed Willis Mcgahee in 2007 as a replacement for the departed Jamal Lewis. In his debut as a Ravens, Mcgahee ran for over 1200 yards and score a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive weeks of the season. Never again did he tally up that many rushing yards in a single season but he did score 12 touchdowns in the 2009 season as one-third of the three headed monster, made up of fellow backs LeRon McClain and Ray Rice. Mcgahee's release was not a surprise to many since most of his reps have been taken by Ray Rice and his return would have costed the Ravens about $7 million.

Todd Heap's release, however, took me for surprise. Heap is the Ravens' all-time leader in touchdown catches and second all-time leader in receiving yards, behind Derrick Mason. Heap has proven to be a tough, resilient athlete during his tenure. He suffered several injuries during the 2010 season but remained a reliable target, finishing the season with 40 catches, 599 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. During the first three years of his career, Joe Flacco often looked in Heap's direction for a bailout when in trouble. At times it has led to drive saving first downs and other times game-changing mistakes. Number 86 has forever cemented his name and number in Ravens lore as a consistent receiving tight end and good locker room player.

For almost 10 years, Kelly Gregg has been known as a big stud holding down the Ravens offensive line. The 320 pounder was never a great pass rusher but always gave opposing run offensive trouble. The Ravens have remained a top-run defense for as long as Gregg has been around. Pairing up Gregg with 2006 first-round draft pick Haloti Ngata ensured the Ravens a sturdy presence up the middle.

The ironic thing is any of these four players could be signed back if he is willing to accept a lighter paycheck. These men were cut not simply cut because of their ages but because they are costly to keep. The organization has rookies to sign and free agents they are targeting; these players cost money.

Wale- Globetrotter featuring 2 Chainz

When Wale joined the Maybach Music I knew he'd collaborate southern rappers he's never worked with before but a song with 2 Chainz aka Tity Boi wasn't on my radar. "Globetrotter" isn't Wale's most meaningful or conscience track but works well because his and 2 Chainz's deliveries differ so much.

Wale's sophomore album "Ambition" is set to be released on February 2nd 2012; we'll see if this makes the cut.

DJ Khaled- It Ain't Over Til' It's Over featuring Fabolous, Jadakiss and Mary J. Blige

DJ Khaled's We The Best Forever compilation album hit stores yesterday so it's only right that his label (Cash Money Records) release another video to further promote the project. This time New York/New Jersey is represented by rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss and the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" Mary J. Blige. Fab and Jada's names were never know to be acronyms but if you ever wanted to hear a meaning or comment pinned to each letter in their abbreviated names, you're in luck.

Chris Brown trying his hand at rapping... again

Is there another dimension to Chris Brown? He has already done a good job returning from a dark period in his career. He is arguably, the best singer/dancer in mainstream music once again. Brown began a series called "Real Hip Hop Sh*T" back in February but has come back with the third and fourth installments this week. Even though I don't want to admit it, his verses are rather impressive. Of course, he has the majestic instrumentals of 9th Wonder to rely on but it doesn't take away from his lyrical performance, only adds. Below are the third and fourth parts of his rap series:

Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 3 (Produced by 9th Wonder)





Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 4 featuring Kevin McCall (Produced by 9th Wonder)
 

Prepare for the lockout to be lifted

Besides updates on the efforts to lift the lockout, this summer has been full of overly saturated stories about  rudimentary details like James Harrison's disparaging remarks about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall's comments about the killing of Osama Bin Laden and guestimates of where various soon-to-be high profile free agents will land. Obviously, the media has had no free agency or offseason trades to discuss so they have been left to argue over minor occurrences but if the lockout ends this week, as some are predicting, many of the activities that usually occur during the long eight months of down time will happen in quick succession.

DJ Khaled- Future featuring Ace Hood, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Wale and Vado

Songs by a collective of upcoming artists is neither new nor foreign to DJ Khaled's fan. Each of Khaled's last three albums have featured rappers with enough buzz to disqualify them from being underground but enough obscurity to keep them from collaborating with the likes of Lil' Wayne and Ludacris; "Future" is no exception. Each featured artist is a celebrity in their regions but none is such at a nationwide level, except maybe Big Sean whose debut album just sold over 87,000 copies in the first week. Their lack of widespread fame is by no means correlated to their talent, in fact, each has a potential to be hip hop's next A-lister.

Ace Hood should be excluded from this company because he's prepping for the release of his third album in the latter part of the summer. He has not become a prominent rapper in the rap world and probably never will. His appearance on this track can only be explained by his relationship with DJ Khaled. The rest of these artists have either yet to release a formal debut or have only released one. Regardless, this cut is definitely a bright spot on DJ Khaled's We the Best Forever project released today.

BTW: I don't why J. Cole is no where to be found but he belongs in this group.

The Making of Common's "Ghetto Dreams"

A look into "Ghetto Dreams" w/Common&Nas - B.Kyle from B.Kyle on Vimeo.


I am usually not a fan of videos chronicling the making of a certain song or video but this video explaining how "Ghetto Dreams", performed by Common and Nas and produced by No I.D., came about held my attention for the entire duration. The mutual respect the two legendary rappers display when describing how highly one thinks of the other is captivating.

Should I purchase Big Sean's album?

 
In today's society, music fans have a choice of doing the honest thing and buying music or resorting to the more deviant route of illegally downloading. I try to make it a habit of purchasing my favorite artists’ recent work and I consider Big Sean to be one of my favorite commercial rappers of the moment. Despite my motivation, is his debut album, Finally Famous: The Album, worth buying in the store?

Obvious by the superfluous number of times it’s played on the radio, the album's lead single "My Last" is doing exceptionally well on the radio; it was the fourth most-played song on nationwide radio market during the week of June 27^th through July 3. Sean and Chris Brown had the opportunity to perform the song at the 2011 BET Awards. "Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay" featuring label head Kanye West and Roscoe Dash is set to be the second single. I enjoy both tracks and wouldn’t mind hearing "Chardonnay" on the radio a few more times.

Critics criticize Big Sean's affinity to change his style to seemingly accommodate the guest feature on the song as a lack of identity. Music critic Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania of Rap Reviews wrote, "there is no consistent narrative voice, as Big Sean modifies his own voice to accommodate his guest, or adapts to the original tone of the song's influencing artist.” I disagree because what he may consider lack of identity, I call diversity. The subject matter and delivery in "Don't Wait for Me" are different than those of "Dance (A$$)".

The production from No I.D, The Neptunes and others give Sean a great platform exhibit his talents.

My other concern is the brevity of the album. There are only twelve songs on the basic copy, 16 on the deluxe edition. Even if the disk is $9.99 in stores, I’m still wary about whether or not I will be getting my money’s worth.

Nonetheless, I am feeling propelled to do my part as a fan. Physical album sales are declining while digital sales are increasing. I’d rather be part of the solution than the problem. Plus, it’s nothing like having an ink-covered plastic disk and decorative case in your hand.

Raekwon- Rich and Black featuring Nas (Official Video)

"Rich and Black" is the second single from Raekwon's Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang album. It features QB legend Nas trading verses with The Chef; this track is being considered one of the best hip hop singles in more recent history. Although the video is unsophisticated, it's good to see the camaraderie between two of hip hop's most respected MC's.

Donnis- All I Need

Even though Donnis' most recent mixtape Southern Lights is still playing perpetually on my iPod, he has apparently moved on to this pop sounding song about the possessions he desires. The track is produced by Japanese producers Nippon Sounds. Can't say this is one of his better songs but it's different.

Lupe Fiasco- Out of My Head featuring Trey Songz (Official Video)

From the first time I heard this song, I knew it would receive significant airplay on the urban radio stations, I was right. "Out of My Head" is currently the number nine song on the rap charts. The video, as you would imagine, is about a beautiful lady Lupe can't stop thinking about. It is a farcry from the serious, politically charged "Words I Never Say".

Alicia Keys etched into history with wax

On June 28, Alicia Keys became the next celebrity to have a wax figure formed to her likeness revealed in Times Square. I have visited Madaam Tussaud's impressive wax museum in Washington D.C and was amazed by how detailed the figures are. Sometimes, the figures can be a little off but the replica of Alicia Keys' seen above is spot on.

Dazzling pitch by Cirque de Soleil performer

I'm not a fan of baseball but I enjoy watching celebrities botch their "first pitch" at a baseball game. What this Cirque de Coleil performer did outtrumps any pitch I've ever seen. Watch above.

Eminem- Space Bound (Official Video)

The latest video from Eminem's multi-platinum Recovery album features former porn star Sasha Grey and a self-inflicted shot to the head from a handgun. You're gonna have to watch this one several times to grasp what's going on.

T-Pain- Booty Work (Official Video)

Bet you wish this was your street! T-Pain and Kevin Hart take a simple stroll to the car but along the way they see ASStronomical booty's bouncing to this club jam.

Will injured Ravens be ready for season?

As fans, players and league associates alike hope the negotiations between the league and the players result in the end of the lockout, two Ravens, cornerback Domonique Foxworth and safety Ed Reed, hope their physical health can withstand another season, full or abbreviated.

At the very beginning of last year's training camp Foxworth severely injured his right knee during non-contact drills. He spent the 2010 season on IR (Injured Reserve), healing and recovering from knee surgery. The lack of OTA's and possibility of losing training camp could be disruptive to Foxworth's gradual return to the field. Before his injury, Foxworth started all 16 games at the right cornerback position in the 2009 season. He probably won't be able to contribute that way immediately but should be worked back into rotation and eventually a starting position.

Reed's situation is a little different. He played through a painful hip injury during the second half of the season after his PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) tag expired. Despite playing in only 10 games, Reed ended the season with a league-leading eight interceptions. Reed has recently come out and admitted that he is ready for the season mentally but not physically. Reed is capable of missing preseason activity and playing at a high-level, evident by his 2010 performance.

Lloyd- Naked

Singer Lloyd is releasing his first album as an Interscope artist, King of Hearts, in early July. Surprisingly, Lloyd got Dr. Dre to produce a sexed-up slow jam for him. The result? Arguably the best leak from the album so far.

Jeezy- Ballin featuring Lil' Wayne (Official Video)

In case you didnt know, ballin is a homonym in the rap realm, both meanings are displayed in this video. "Ballin", the first single from Jeezy's possibly forthcoming Thug Motivation: 103 serves as a soundtrack to a cinematic video. Wayne appears in the video strictly for his verse, not to act in the storyline.

BTW: Some things never change (Jeezy's still rocking the bandana)

Frank Ocean- Novacane (Official Video)

Frank Ocean's "Novacane" has grown on me during past week or so. It's being played more and more on the radio and now has a mystical video with a surprising ending to accompany it.

Cyhi tha Prince- New Girl featuring Trey Songz

Atlanta native and G.O.O.D Music representer Cyhi tha Prince's new mixtape Royal Flush 2 hit he internet yesterday, eight months after the first installment of the series was released. One of my favorite tracks from the project is "New Girl", a collaboration with Trey Songz produced by Lil C. In this slow-tempo track, Cyhi explains what kind of girl he wants to find and where he may find her.

Wale- 600 Benz featuring Rick Ross and Jadakiss (Official Video)

Very simple video for "600 Benz" from Maybach Music Group's Self Made Vol. 1 album. To my surprise, Jadakiss was present for the video shoot. Then again, what else would he have had to do?

Mavericks vs Heat meet for a sixth episode of the series

I usually pay no attention to the NBA but this year's finals series, being played by the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat has been but nothing short of thrilling.

The heroic last few minutes of Dirk Nowinski and his Dallas teammates in games 4 and 5 left me on the edge of my seat. Lebron James' surprising inability to take control at the end of games has left me equally shocked.

Right now, the series is tied at 3-2 (The Mavericks lead the series) and a pivotal game in Miami tips off tonight at 8 p.m. If the Mavs win tonight, they take the series and the 2011 NBA Championship. Players like Nowinski and Jason Terry will be propelled in stardom only yielded to champions. Their Miami opponents will go home dissapointed and upset. The controversy Lebron James and Chris Bosh's move to the city created will not have seemed to balance out.

A victory by the Heat tonight will extend the series to seven games, something the close final scores and back-and-forth competition prevalant throughout the entire series as led many to forsee.

Yelawolf- Daddy's Lambo (Official Video)

Six months after the release of his mixtape/album Trunk Musik: 0-60, a video for "Daddy's Lambo" surfaces online. As you can imagine, Yelawolf does drive a Lamborghini after hooking up with a drunken, seemingly rich, white girl. Rob Dyrdek's cousin Christopher Pfaff, commonly referred to as 'Drama' on Rob and Big and Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, produced the track and appears in the video.

Big K.R.I.T- Country Sh*t featuring Ludacris and Bun B (Official Video)

Big K.R.I.T is finally gaining some mainstream steam after months and years of being one of the South's best kept secrets. "Country Sh*t remix", from his most recent mixtape Return of 4eva, has gradually been more and more demanded on radio and other platforms.

The images in the video are not innovative but the collaboration itself and K.R.I.T's production make it something worth watching. Ludacris seems to be more focused on the chicken wing he's nibbling on than either K.R.I.T's or Bun B's verse but it's all good!

Beyonce - Party featuring Andre 3000

Beyonce's "Party" tracked leaked today to the joy and excitement of her fans, and rightfully so. This track was instantly one of the anticipated when the masses found out Andre 3000 was featured. We haven't heard from Andre 3000 since he hopped on to the remix of Ke$ha's Sleazy.

The Queen B definitely didn't disappoint this time. In addition to grabbing one of hip hop's most beloved and elusive rappers, she got Kanye West and Consequence to handle the production. The 80's influence is very apparent and the 808 drums meet the trunk-knocking needs of today's listeners; I envision this song becoming a large summer hit in the next few months.

4 is coming out in two weeks on June 28.

Eminem & Royce da 5'9" (Bad Meets Evil) - A Kiss

Royce and Em use their rapid flows to boggle minds over Bangladesh's heavy beat. This track is almost all rapping and no chorus. Hell: Sequel, a nine track EP, hits shelves next Tuesday.

Nipsey Hussle- Keys to the City (Official Video)

Nipsey Hussle always tries to represent his hometown Los Angelos; this time he is rapping about the luxurious life and having multiple women at his disposal (real original right?). "Keys to the City" is featured on his most recent mixtape The Marathon, released in December of 2010.

Killer Mike- Ric Flair

 


Alongside sound bites from braggadocios wrestler Ric Flair, Killer Mike raps about escaping the hood and reaching the lavish life. This track is one of my favorites from Killer Mike's Pl3dge, released on May 17th.

Eminem & Royce da 5'9" (Bad Meets Evil) - Lighters featuring Bruno Mars

 

Eminem, Royce and Bruno salute the haters for motivating them to fulfill their dreams. The slower-tempo collaboration is probably the most thoughtful song to leak from the EP so far but thankfully doesn't lack the clever wordplay and lyrical essence. Having superstar chorus man Bruno Mars is a plus.

Bad Meets Evil's forthcoming EP Hell: The Sequel will be released June 14.

'Leanna' shows the world money has no age limit

15-year-old Leanna Archer used a family hair pomade recipe to develop a flourishing hair and body product company that earned over $100,000 in sales last year.

Archer articulated the origin and foundation of her business with sophistication in her CNN interview posted above. "Leanna's All Natural Hair Products" began as a few hand-to-hand sales in Archer's Central Islip, New York community.

Years ago, her grandmother, of Hatian descent, "concocted" a pomade that was later passed down and sold to the public. Today, nine products are on sale at the website.

The cans and bottles sold are colorfully decorated with Leanna's pink logo and a photo of either herself or close family members. Customers can order on the website, through mail or telephone.

I was delighted to hear her mention the support of family and friends as the main reason her company is prospering. You come to expect a young entrepreneur to say that but the thought never looses it's potency no matter how many times it is said sincerely.

Apparently, Leanna and her business have appeared in various other media outlets before but this is my first time hearing about it. This story proves that one is never too young to start a profitable business if determined, prudent and able/willing to tap the proper resources.

Wale- The Cloud (Official Video)

Short house party visual for Wale's "The Cloud" from his most recent mixtape More About Nothing, released in 2010. College student, guitarist and singer Tiara Thomas sings the chorus and is responsible for the production.

Nicki Minaj - Did it on em (Internet video)

A few show clips and Young Money cameos on-stage and backstage provide images for another one of Nicki Minaj's successful singles from her debut album Pink Friday. This is not an official video but more of a promotional video.

Diggy Simmons- Copy, Paste

After building a considerable fan base with his two mixtapes, Diggy Simmons' still unnamed debut album is scheduled come sometime later this year. "Copy, Paste" is heavily auto-tuned but is a refreshingly different from Simmons catalog.

Kirko Bangz- What's Yo Name? featuring Big Sean, Bun B and Wale

I'm wasn't a fan of the original single "What Yo Name Iz?" Kirko Bangz released in February but the addition of Big Sean, Wale and fellow Houston rapper Bun B for a remix makes this club record more appealing.

Kendrick Lamar- Hiipower (Official Video)

In this politically charged track produced by J. Cole, Lamar address the demons he faces and calls listeners to abandon everyone else and be themselves (but in a much more eloquent fashion).

Maybach Music Group- Pandemonium (Official Video)

Although Rick Ross' literal use of the word "Pandemonium" is a little off, each person of this trio (Wale in particular) excel at bringing their own style to the track. This song is featured on Maybach Music Group's debut album Self Made Vol.1, released yesterday.

Ryan Leslie- Glory (Official Video)

This track from Ryan Leslie's upcoming album has truely grown on me so I'm sharing it with you.

I wish someone "whipped and chained" my eyes out of the socket last night...

Last night Rihanna and Britney Spears performed "S&M remix" together on the Billboard Music Awards. Despite a considerable ovation at the performance end, I was left extremely underwhelmed.

I am somewhat fond of the song but I expected Rihanna to do something more animated than pose provocatively on stage while handcuffed and male dancers dressed in black arise from beneath the stage to hover their hands around her body. She obviously missed a few notes during the hook/chorus and joined Britney Spears in five measly seconds of pole dancing. The most ridiculous part was the pillow fight to close out the performance. Britney and Rihanna both appeared as if they knew the part was silly and didn't put a lot of effort into it, making it look rather lame.

'Macho Man' Randy Savage dies at 58.

The end of a classic match between Macho Man Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat


Iconic professional wrestler "Macho Man" Randy Savage, whose real name is Randall Poffo passed away at age 58 yesterday as a 'medical episode' caused his vehicle to veer off the medium and crash into a tree in Seminole, Florida.

Poffo is believed to have suffered a heart attacked but that will not be confirmed until the autopsy is released.

'Macho Man' established himself as a recognizable fixture in the wrestling world in the 80's. While sporting sunglasses, bright colors and tasseled, he dazzeled audiences with his classic matches with other popular wrestlers of the era like Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior and Ricky Steamboat. At the end of the 90's, Savage left World Championship Wrestling (WCW) only to go on wrestling hiatus for 5 years. He returned to appear in two Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling Pay-Pay-View events in 2004.

He transfered his rapsy-voiced character to Slim Jim commercials in the 90's. Those who never followed wrestling remember identify his prescence in Slim Jim commercials belting the product slogan, "Step into a Slim Jim".

His wife, Elizabeth Poffo, was in the car during the wreck but suffered only minor injuries.

Ric Flair shared his thoughts on Randy's passing:

“He just had a phenomenal career and to have this happen is just really, really sad. The thing I feel worst about, of all of the guys that are available and eligible to be in the WWE Hall of Fame — there must be something that I’m unaware of that’s gone on and they’ve never inducted him because Randy certainly was a major player for the WWF in the mecca days of the eighties and nineties.”

Keri Hilson- Lose Control (Official Video)

Keri Hilson shakes, winds and rolls to a Stargate beat similar to Rihanna's What's Your Name. Nelly drops a feature verse here.

Donnis- Get Up, Get Out

A high tempo track full of synthesizer chords produced by Needlz from Donnis' Southern Lights mixtape. Just happens to be one of my favorite.

Here Donnis talks about abandoning laziness in exchange for work aimed at acquiring wealth. The title and topic is similar to "Git Up, Git Out" by fellow Atlanta rappers Andre 3000, Big Boi (Outkast) and Cee-Lo from Outkast's debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

Will early leaks drive 'Maybach Music Group' to dissapointing sales?

Almost every song on Maybach Music Group's upcoming album Self Made Vol.1, schedule for release on May 23, has been leaked in the past two weeks. This is a daring marketing strategy by the label to "tease" fans before it is released next week.

Because this project is heavily anticipated, the leaks will deter people from buying the project. No need to buy the project when the songs were leaked two weeks before the release date.

"600 Benz" featuring label members Wale, Rick Ross and Ruff Ryders rapper Jadakiss is the first official single from the album.

The Maybach Music team featured in the project includes Rick Ross, Wale, Pill, Meek Mill, Gunplay and Teedra Moses.This collaboration of talented rappers spanning from various parts of the East Coast is very impressive. Producers like Lex Luger and The Incredibles were well-utilized to give the project diverse tones and tempos.

Yelawolf and Trae tha Truth- Shit I've Seen (Official Video)

Yelawolf and Trae the Truth explain how their past has shaped their present.

Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Waka Flocka- 848

The mixture of the lively beats Waka Flocka has made a habit of finding and the swagger of harlemites Jim Jones and Juelz Santana. The track sounds similar to a few songs featured on Jim Jones latest album Capo. FYI: the beat is not produced by Lex Luger but by South Side-- an upcoming producer on the Brick Squad label.

Common performs at White House poetry event

Common recites some poetry for the audience at the White House's poetry night. See, he wasn't that political or controversial. What was all the hoopla about?

Big Sean- I Do it

"I Do It" is said to be Big Sean's next single from his upcoming debut album Finally Famous: ; it is co-produced by No I.D and The Legendary Traxster, two Chicago natives. He takes one of his most renown ad-libs and repeats as a chorus. Original right?

Lupe illuminates The Colbert Show with 'Lasers'

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 Lupe Fiasco jumps and head-thrashes his way through an energetic, enthusiastic performance of "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now". You know what they say, it wasn't a good performance unless the performer finishes with sweat on his/her brow. If that rule applies, this is one of the best I've seen. This was a web exclusive performance; Lupe performance of "Words I Never Said" with Skylar Grey appeared on the show last night.

Shouts to Lupe for putting The Colbert Show on the map for more hip hop fans.

Pac Div- Rollin (Official Video)

In Studio Session: Pac Div "Rollin" from 3 Little Digs on Vimeo.


While in the studio, west coasters Pac Div records video for "Rollin" from their most recent mixtape Don't Mention It, released  late April.

Why Brett Favre needs to be left alone

I noticed 'Brett Favre' was trending on Yahoo searches this morning so I researched what the hoopla was about.

What appeared in search results were articles many of which read "Why Brett Favre..." For example, the Bleacher Report has two listed pieces titled "Brett Favre: Why Brett Favre is destined to Fail as a Football Coach" and "Why Brett Favre Would Be a Perfect Fit for a Studio Show". The title of another result, on the same page mind you, read "Why Brett Favre is the most overrated".

All three of these were published online between April 29 and the last hour. This is likely because Favre recently expressed his interest in pursuing work in coaching or television work.

The last time I checked Brett Favre retired for the final time after the (6-10) Minnesota Vikings finished their 2010 season. Favre suffered a shoulder injury that kept from playing in week 14 against the New York Giants and subsequently ended his tremendous consecutive starts streak at 297 games. He finished the season with 2,509 passing yards and 69.9 passer rating. After closing out his career in that fashion, he deserves to look toward a future beyond playing on the gridiron.

Perhaps we've become so accustomed to talking about Favre this time of year that it has become second nature to mention him. Most newly retired players use their football knowledge and media exposure to land a job on television or as a position coach. He has done nothing more than disclose his future options... nothing exciting or newsworthy. Favre needs to be left by his lonesome.

Movie written by Tupac? Not exactly...

It’s amazing how deceased celebrities live on through their work. Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G have had several successful posthumous albums years after their deaths.

Recently, a screenplay, written by Tupac while he served time in jail for weapons charges titled Time 2 Tell, was acquired by Nstar Media Studios.  The production budget for the film is set at $11 million. For more details, click here:

My concern will be the liberty directors and other hires will have to adjust and edit the script. The original may be written by Tupac but once the final script is completed, the ideas may be totally different. Tupac isn’t going to check in-and-out of his grave to approve of any edits made to his screenplay. Eventually the dialogue, plot and other aspects will be changed; that is how the movie business functions.

The film will be successful regardless of how far the final film averts from the late Pac’s vision. The prospect of a movie “written by Tupac” in theaters 15-16 years after his death is a strong motive for many to spend money on it. It wouldn’t be the first time Tupac’s name will be used to make significant profit, ask Suge Knight.

Willis Mcgahee cuts a rug!

This is funny beyond explanation! Willis Mcgahee tears up the dance floor for Fox Sports.

Eve & Timbaland- Nothing to Say

Yesterday marked the return of Timbaland Thursday. Tim took a few weeks off from the series but revived it with Eve's unreleased Nothing to Say. Eve and Timbaland recorded this before Fabolous' picked it up but the song was never released and remained in the "vault". The familiar instrumental evolved into Fabolous & Ne-Yo's Make Me Better, a hit single back in 2008.

Consequence no longer making G.O.O.D music

Rapper Consequence has officially announced that he is dissociating from Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music label and his cousin Q-Tip.

Consequence expressed his dissatisfaction with both men's lost of interest in his album Cons TV. Originally both West and Tip were going to co-produce the album but as time passed their attention was pivoted toward their own work. Consequence was left high-and-dry with no new album and limited sources of income.

At the end of "Man Purses", a track produced by J. Dilla, he declares that his crew [G.O.O.D Music] hasn't been the same "since Amber Rose and Taylor Swift", alluding to Kanye West's relationship with ex-girlfriend Amber Rose and highly-criticized interruption of young country singer Taylor Swift's acceptance speech during MTV's 2009 Video Music Awards.

Consequence has only released one official album under the G.O.O.D music label,  Don't Quit Your Day Job, back in 2007. He only released poorly promoted singles and underground work since.

BET's 2010 Hip Hop awards hosted a cypher exclusively featuring rappers from G.O.O.D music. Kanye West, Common, Cyhi tha Prince, Pusha T and Big Sean all participated but no Consequence. He has never appeared in any of the cyphers the award show has presented in years past so his absence could best be explained by the recent distancing between he and the label.

Consequences' exit leaves rappers Big Sean, Cyhi tha Prince, Common, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, and singer John Legend on the roster. As much as I hate to say it, he will hardly be missed. The diverse talent in G.O.O.D music overshadows a rapper like Consequence whose inability to appeal to a large audience limits his marketability.

This change does not mean listeners will not hear from him again. He will continue to create music and market it through Band Camp Records, Consequence's own label imprint. However, the number of Kanye West/Consequence collaborations may be soon dwindling.

J. Cole- Disgusting

Listen/Download J.Cole Disgusting (prod J.Cole) mp3

J. Cole leaked this track on Twitter a few hours ago. The title accurately describes the grimy instrumental and lyrics that frequently reference sexual escapades and defecation. New music from Mr. Cole is a rarity these days but we, the fans, are still anxious to hear his debut album.

Diggy Simmons- Click Clack Away

With the help of Bruno Mars and his production team, Diggy Simmons may have his first summer hit. Despite the apparent potential, Simmons said this song is a leak, not the first official album single.

Tech N9ne- Worldwide Choppers featuring Yelawolf, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Ceza, JL, B. Hood, Uso, D-Loc and Twisted Insane

This is a collaboration of mind-boggling proportions. No doubt every rapper featured has at one point been told "you rap really fast". The track will appear on Tech N9ne's 6's and 7's album set for release on June 7.

T-Pain- You Copying Me

A scatterbrained, fast-paced summary of T-Pain's journey into the music business. Production courtesy of the Tha Bizness.

Chris Brown- She Ain't You (Official Video)

Chris Jackson... I mean, Chris Brown channels the King of Pop in this luminous video for the fourth official single from his F.A.M.E album.