tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80194293956413812012024-03-06T02:30:00.744-05:00Bite My Tongue for No One!Hip Hop, Baltimore Ravens, and more.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.comBlogger655125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-23744556260995192202012-08-14T17:00:00.001-04:002012-08-14T17:02:34.560-04:00Is the journey from underground to mainstream a T.R.U story?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyzjZPfLLmzHK01S9l_gzlyXQhCLOYhP6QaHAZeZeWM8oeeMWMPoUCWYUHwe0rUdJxBJowP5C__MAO4-CK3S5UW6fQ9fOnauN-_bVYylThwsEspA691VHTiw2Dkbsrvd3CezaRSQrQJI/s1600/2-Chainz-Based-on-a-T.R.U.-Story1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyzjZPfLLmzHK01S9l_gzlyXQhCLOYhP6QaHAZeZeWM8oeeMWMPoUCWYUHwe0rUdJxBJowP5C__MAO4-CK3S5UW6fQ9fOnauN-_bVYylThwsEspA691VHTiw2Dkbsrvd3CezaRSQrQJI/s320/2-Chainz-Based-on-a-T.R.U.-Story1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz's long awaited debut solo album <i>Based on a T.R.U. Story</i> hits stores nationwide today.<br />
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After months of working beside the biggest names in the rap industry on their respective projects, 2 Chainz's own album showcases his ear for spectacular bass-heavy beats and ability to take on the role of main event as fellow industry companions serve as the feature artists. One of the most noticeable pleasantries of the project is the diverse body of featured artists. From soul crooner John Legend to Chicago native Cap 1 whom he has collaborated with on his mixtapes, the collection of tracks are designed to appeal to a larger audience while maintain the trap music tone his music catalog epitomizes.<br />
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2 Chainz was believed to be the latest addition to G.O.O.D Music group after appearing on number hit "Mercy" with Big Sean, Pusha T and Kanye West. Chainz has dispelled those rumors but continues to collaborate with members of the clique, particularly label head West who contributes a verse to "Birthday Song".<br />
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The relationship between West and he is a recent development but the body of work 2 Chainz has built over the last ten years as a solo artist and one half of duo Playaz Circle make his strong work ethic and reputation of consistency hard to deny.<br />
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He appeared on BET's 106 and Park yesterday evening to promote his new album and was surprised by a litany of rappers and singers who stopped by the show to express their support and share stories about 2 Chainz long journey from unknown underdog to inescapable icon of popular rap music. <br />
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Expect fans who have been dedicated followers since Codeine Cowboy to cough up ten dollars and buy the project since 2 Chainz represents the rare underground star who successfully transitioned to the mainstream without neglecting the very virtues that catapulted his or herself.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-77891969056940442802011-12-19T21:41:00.000-05:002011-12-19T21:41:23.708-05:00Ravens' embarrassing loss makes playoff road much rockier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-66764507818615090722011-12-19T21:00:00.000-05:002011-12-19T21:46:04.903-05:00Lloyd- Be the One (Official Video)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="311" src="http://www.freeonsmash.com/videos/embed2/rsrtmbblnq3y1bzx" width="500"></iframe><br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-72531618960327064462011-10-14T12:19:00.002-04:002011-10-14T12:19:57.509-04:00Drake- Make Me Proud featuring Nicki Minaj<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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 <i>Take Care.</i><br />
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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. <i> </i>LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-57435429404747455762011-10-14T12:08:00.002-04:002011-10-14T12:08:39.914-04:00Miguel- Girls Like You (Official Video)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="311" src="http://www.freeonsmash.com/videos/embed2/vek7mtrtl1v5rflj" width="500"></iframe><br />
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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.<br />
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In the video he sings into his signature microphone while split screen images of he and various women are shown.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-14027132410160110312011-10-08T19:44:00.000-04:002011-10-09T01:21:15.981-04:00Week Five Progress Report<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnTshkSpl8uN-RILPTMATiPgmbAHE5WF6Xg5ePM8JLSjWMrYueerOoA3H9ipz4FEcTM_VSAnn9DkbPcAZDsYebDH0zbCPmjBNlHlri4CcEfg8texH2Yqq2jSi6eWWLIOtBADQSQIq-lc/s1600/ray+rice+vs+jets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnTshkSpl8uN-RILPTMATiPgmbAHE5WF6Xg5ePM8JLSjWMrYueerOoA3H9ipz4FEcTM_VSAnn9DkbPcAZDsYebDH0zbCPmjBNlHlri4CcEfg8texH2Yqq2jSi6eWWLIOtBADQSQIq-lc/s320/ray+rice+vs+jets.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Getty Images</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Experts around the league like former head coach <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/powerRankings">Brian Billick</a> and <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/powerrankings">Peter Prisco</a> 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.<br />
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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. LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-72547433922665472022011-08-15T13:27:00.002-04:002011-08-15T13:27:48.611-04:00J. Cole- Workout (Official Video)<object style="height: 390px; width: 480px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v5fpkcIY6kk?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v5fpkcIY6kk?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="480" height="390"></object><br />
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J. Cole's affinity for basketball and a pretty girl are well represented in the video for this cool summer jam.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-57089158679580711882011-08-13T16:07:00.000-04:002011-08-13T16:07:00.752-04:00Common- Ghetto Dreams featuring Nas (Official Video)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Qiudw2Rg2v4" width="480"></iframe> <br />
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The raw and ever-so-lyrical debut single of Common's new <i>Believer</i> album, "Ghetto Dreams", has now been illustrated with a mostly black-and-white video. I still marvel at how monumental this collaboration truly is.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-35040008607284633192011-08-03T20:40:00.000-04:002011-08-03T20:40:20.439-04:00Big K.R.I.T- Happy Birthday Hip Hop featuring Yelawolf (Prod. by Big K.R.I.T)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97sWo7dg8ZX1474fwL83M271SWexwuGQ2MtxzVNZcFSYUJJX-5Mnn4VNUwyTYsun9BWWVaYxsLDHRZ2m-TmeqDzPv30PnYgl9TvaNy8_W4JgFWVOw1fk_3q2UjrdwqPwu8yE5Oo-iSDU/s1600/big_krit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97sWo7dg8ZX1474fwL83M271SWexwuGQ2MtxzVNZcFSYUJJX-5Mnn4VNUwyTYsun9BWWVaYxsLDHRZ2m-TmeqDzPv30PnYgl9TvaNy8_W4JgFWVOw1fk_3q2UjrdwqPwu8yE5Oo-iSDU/s400/big_krit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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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...LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-16932146083844717622011-08-01T10:18:00.000-04:002011-08-01T10:18:37.732-04:00Who's behind Flacco on the depth chart?Does the name Tyrod Taylor ring a bell?<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-87840151245121455452011-07-30T00:31:00.000-04:002011-07-30T00:31:32.700-04:00Diggy Simmons- Copy, Paste (Official Video)<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="http://rapdose.com/wp-content/themes/rapdose1pt5/embed/embed_video.php?src=http://youtube.com/v/qU9HdAduDvY&img=http://rapdose.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Screen-shot-2011-07-29-at-9.10.20-PM-703x422.png&lnk=http://rapdose.com/2011/07/29/diggy-simmons-copy-paste-2" width="480"></iframe> <br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-9362316502379675982011-07-27T12:16:00.001-04:002011-07-27T16:56:52.310-04:00J. Cole- Can't Get Enough featuring Trey Songz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9hZHvkvsw-j2POcK3PtE328g-FGM8PVUNlzkylyHDNeIoEkZClVEBj-8DQMtBnQkBs5vep-mMWTZtOQurkelnQO4WLIc2oSVjQJWODE6-UrMJ2rI0JdWq089ZcmChJI-Bw9FWfBK08s/s1600/j-cole-fuse-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9hZHvkvsw-j2POcK3PtE328g-FGM8PVUNlzkylyHDNeIoEkZClVEBj-8DQMtBnQkBs5vep-mMWTZtOQurkelnQO4WLIc2oSVjQJWODE6-UrMJ2rI0JdWq089ZcmChJI-Bw9FWfBK08s/s320/j-cole-fuse-3.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-29295210879935178742011-07-27T00:35:00.000-04:002011-07-27T00:35:59.271-04:00Four notable veterans headed to free agency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYz89eTNsc2bTVqERyVGsTXokbZ2leroD2EsLKby20e71-_iNTJjI6yFlce2Rg-aTcR3QOoUJsrmCkTgjbr9NqqJ3b44as3Weng02P50mvBxqRsrvcvADZfTKtEEQ5oli6Zf_Cr85m8hI/s1600/heap+vs+chiefs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYz89eTNsc2bTVqERyVGsTXokbZ2leroD2EsLKby20e71-_iNTJjI6yFlce2Rg-aTcR3QOoUJsrmCkTgjbr9NqqJ3b44as3Weng02P50mvBxqRsrvcvADZfTKtEEQ5oli6Zf_Cr85m8hI/s320/heap+vs+chiefs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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.<br />
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Each player has at one point topped the depth chart at their position and left pleasant memories in fan's minds. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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 <a href="http://youtu.be/t_rd4WAyGDU">mistakes</a>. Number 86 has forever cemented his name and number in Ravens lore as a consistent receiving tight end and good locker room player. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-19297621588323761582011-07-21T15:14:00.002-04:002011-07-21T15:18:44.389-04:00Wale- Globetrotter featuring 2 Chainz<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1pky5PdOUjk" width="480"></iframe><br />
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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. <br />
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Wale's sophomore album "Ambition" is set to be released on February 2nd 2012; we'll see if this makes the cut.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-60074038555090861752011-07-20T19:21:00.000-04:002011-07-20T19:21:47.165-04:00DJ Khaled- It Ain't Over Til' It's Over featuring Fabolous, Jadakiss and Mary J. Blige<object height="311" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.freeonsmash.com/videos/embed/b2bm9nwxdfkewywg/"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.freeonsmash.com/videos/embed/b2bm9nwxdfkewywg/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="311"></embed></object><br />
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DJ Khaled's <i>We The Best Forever</i> 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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-56749893299198629072011-07-19T17:25:00.003-04:002011-07-19T17:29:45.992-04:00Chris Brown trying his hand at rapping... againIs 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:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 3 (Produced by 9th Wonder)</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nptyaCcAx6U" width="485"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 4 featuring Kevin McCall (Produced by 9th Wonder)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xQmuAJXa3V8" width="480"></iframe>LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-85919281874600628582011-07-19T17:09:00.003-04:002011-07-19T17:11:21.778-04:00Prepare for the lockout to be lifted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3_wwMIbX8SRx8doPvQhF-2JdDqBkT5RsAUkik-O17KTzuGUBSfYrRsKuxQlag4rK3s2wZF5Yfb_N3lTOE_lDqZBuxNWXo3qaRUCRCt7J7_fhTPKkYtXBsRqnq-z3teeuH6JFY4WqAv4/s1600/league+vs+players.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3_wwMIbX8SRx8doPvQhF-2JdDqBkT5RsAUkik-O17KTzuGUBSfYrRsKuxQlag4rK3s2wZF5Yfb_N3lTOE_lDqZBuxNWXo3qaRUCRCt7J7_fhTPKkYtXBsRqnq-z3teeuH6JFY4WqAv4/s320/league+vs+players.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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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.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I'm sure teams have analyzed what the assets they have, which ones they still need and how to acquire them in an abbreviated offseason. April's NFL draft allowed teams to select young, talented players at positions each team knew needed to be revamped or upgraded. The Baltimore Ravens selected two wide receivers, one in the second and one in the fourth round, because they recognized the urgency of getting younger at the position. Four of the top twelve picks were quarterbacks taken by teams with losing records. Why? They hope a young first-round quarterback they chose can ignite a change of culture in their organization. <br />
Beyond the three-day draft extravaganza, no other NFL events or transactions (besides the rookie symposium) have been permitted. In fact, those drafted have yet to be signed because no contracts can be agreed upon while the players are locked out. The entire summer has been fueled by speculation. Watching NFL Live on ESPN has been a drag.<br />
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Not only will the end of the lockout end this dry spell, it will bring about changes to the league. The way in which rookies are payed may change. Over the past few years, the numbers on the paychecks rookies are being handed have increased exponentially as they are paid for they work they are prospected to do rather than what they have produced at the professional level.<br />
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<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-nfl-instant-replay-rules-for-scoring-plays-could-lengthen-games-071711">Reportedly </a>the replay rules will change this upcoming season as well. Every time a team scores, the replay official will automatically review the play. This rule was made in hopes of preventing mistakes like Calvin Johnson's end zone catch (or non-catch) in week 1 of the most recent season.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-56482453440868938802011-07-19T16:35:00.000-04:002011-07-19T16:35:34.492-04:00DJ Khaled- Future featuring Ace Hood, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Wale and Vado<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nrupoCLAN8U" width="480"></iframe><br />
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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.<br />
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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 <i>We the Best Forever</i> project released today. <br />
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BTW: I don't why J. Cole is no where to be found but he belongs in this group.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-90683368654722199102011-07-14T15:42:00.001-04:002011-07-14T15:42:28.618-04:00The Making of Common's "Ghetto Dreams"<iframe frameborder="0" height="355" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26338579?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/26338579">A look into "Ghetto Dreams" w/Common&Nas - B.Kyle</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/giftedfilms">B.Kyle</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-25600104989835290822011-07-11T19:33:00.000-04:002011-07-11T19:33:24.717-04:00Should I purchase Big Sean's album?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJuJRdFuYPmC-yqqX-6vFwBT6_e6-Xq3AudIJQzj2F3FKZc2WbiHNLT2GErmfcFEUr2CDf0r_11Ct56Qm6GrW3iW8lw4T3OCb16FPjCTg7m-AxhEkGI6sn42ZnHBuu-hyvmzwGRaWUuo/s1600/Big-Sean-Finally-Famous-The-Album-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJuJRdFuYPmC-yqqX-6vFwBT6_e6-Xq3AudIJQzj2F3FKZc2WbiHNLT2GErmfcFEUr2CDf0r_11Ct56Qm6GrW3iW8lw4T3OCb16FPjCTg7m-AxhEkGI6sn42ZnHBuu-hyvmzwGRaWUuo/s320/Big-Sean-Finally-Famous-The-Album-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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, <i>Finally Famous: The Album</i>, worth buying in the store?<br />
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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<sup>th</sup> 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.<br />
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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 <a href="http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2011_06_finallyfamous.html">wrote</a>, "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$$)".<br />
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The production from No I.D, The Neptunes and others give Sean a great platform exhibit his talents.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-89745576386773074332011-07-07T14:29:00.003-04:002011-07-07T20:59:33.027-04:00Raekwon- Rich and Black featuring Nas (Official Video)<iframe width="480" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1WFTDSx_-uk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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"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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-53359612296038498242011-07-06T18:53:00.000-04:002011-07-06T18:53:27.023-04:00Donnis- All I Need<object data="http://on.hulkcdn.com/static/embed.swf" height="24" id="2704919" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450"><param name='movie' value='http://on.hulkcdn.com/static/embed.swf' /><param name='FlashVars' value='soundFile=http://hulkshare.com/ap-nkykj7gkh9lz.mp3&titles=Donnis - All I Need.mp3&skin=sheep&dllink=http://www.hulkshare.com/nkykj7gkh9lz'><param name='quality' value='high'><param name='menu' value='false'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></object><br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?ynycrvf661tilum"></a><br />
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Even though Donnis' most recent mixtape <i>Southern Lights</i> 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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-64122571998852378692011-06-30T15:49:00.000-04:002011-06-30T15:49:51.022-04:00Lupe Fiasco- Out of My Head featuring Trey Songz (Official Video)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x3NaVE73lpc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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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".LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-26368605191702323502011-06-30T15:34:00.003-04:002011-06-30T15:35:30.988-04:00Alicia Keys etched into history with wax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyRyi9UDZyvPoZnX5A2uSV_EHg6IJDB-2HlXpivOn75IarKhMUM1nkJM0s24DWvl9dnwnCEITkPr377Tvto8rAXvVSBgMHCoQGB4BZ6ADJzretLWEykbDkM4JWLe4VsoMMnDCOp1VXd8/s1600/alicia+in+wax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyRyi9UDZyvPoZnX5A2uSV_EHg6IJDB-2HlXpivOn75IarKhMUM1nkJM0s24DWvl9dnwnCEITkPr377Tvto8rAXvVSBgMHCoQGB4BZ6ADJzretLWEykbDkM4JWLe4VsoMMnDCOp1VXd8/s320/alicia+in+wax.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8019429395641381201.post-48585256479624388962011-06-28T15:07:00.001-04:002011-06-28T15:08:01.058-04:00Dazzling pitch by Cirque de Soleil performer<object height="254" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=16343535&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=16343535&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
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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.LoneRavenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299466822235307127noreply@blogger.com0