Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Ravens cannot afford to trade any linebackers

I have heard the talk about the Ravens scavenging the market for a cornerback and being willing to acquire one my almost any means. Many have proposed a scenario where the team trade one of their linebackers for a starting cornerback. As desperate as the Ravens look for solid cornerback depth, they do not have alot of disposable talent at the linebacker position. 

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cassidy- Drumma Bass



Cassidy and Swizz Beatz supply the club with another bounce with "Drumma Bass, song suspected to be on Cassidy's next studio album CASH (Cassidy is a Straight Hustler). The heavy bass tune kind of follows a tired formula that rappers think fans have not already begun to reject. This song would have gotten some significant attention perhaps in 2006 but it is a new day and the mainstream is looking for new concepts and new people.

Although it is not Cassidy's best work, it is better than some of the recent commercial music he has released in the past few years (Henny & Bacardi).

Rihanna is tied for the most number songs in history

In a short five year career, Rihanna has already accomplished a remarkable feat of making or featuring in six number one pop songs according to Soundscan. Her name rose even higher on the list when Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie", a song in which she is featured, shot to the top of the charts two weeks ago and remains the incumbent.

The 22 year old pop star has four of her own number one hits and vocally contributed to two more. Songs: S.O.S, Take a bow, Umbrella and Rude Boy were all her own solo works while T.I's "Life Your Life and current number one "Love the Way You Lie" by she and rapper Eminem are all songs carved in her impressive discography.

Congratulations to Rihanna as she can hold her own next to the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey in the record books.

The players to watch for Thursday night.

The Ravens are playing their first preseason game this Thursday versus the Carolina Panthers. This game is significant only to those paying attention to the depth at each position on the roster. Most do not expect to see a championship performance by the first team offense/defense as they won’t play beyond the first quarter.
Below are a few players to keep an eye on:

• Tom Zbikowski- By the looks of things Ed Reed will not be returning in the near future so the free safety battle is a crucial one in this training camp. Zbikowski started four games at free safety on this defense last season and grabbed two interceptions in the process. He worked hard during the offseason to improve his already above average speed and quickness. His performance and effectiveness in the defensive backfield will be monitored as he competes with veteran safety Ken Hamlin for a starting position during the regular season.

• Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden and Jameel Mcclain- To the surprise of many Jameel Mcclain has started with the first team in several training camp practices this year. This move is a testament of the faith the coaching staff in his ability to play inside as well as outside linebacker. The battle is not a two man battle despite Gooden starting next to Ray Lewis in the first couple week and Ellerbe starting in both playoff games even after Gooden returned from his injury. Expect each of these men to get as many reps as possible in this game.

• Billy Cundiff and Shayne Graham are both aiming for the sole kicker position on the roster. It's pretty fair to assume the Ravens won't do as they did during the 2008 season and keep two kickers on the roster. There will be a winner and a “not winner” (not necessarily a loser). However in this first game they will probably alternate so the two can be compared in the same game, in the same conditions.

• Second year defensive lineman Paul Kruger has converted from outside linebacker to 3-4 defensive end. He gained some weight so his body could effectively perform at his new position and has performed moderately well in the 1-on-1 drills in training camp. He will be watched as he takes the field probably with the second team to rush the opposing quarterback, who may possibly be rookie Jimmy Clausen.

Fabian Washington is an intriguing player coming back this year from a season ending injury ACL tear but was exclude from the list above because there is a serious likelihood that he will not see any action in this first game as trainers and coaches encourage a slow comeback. He has been practicing only once-a-day during training camp so he not quite physically ready for game action. Expect him back in action toward the end of training camp.

Monday, August 9, 2010

John Legend and The Roots on GMA

Grammy award winning R&B singer John Legend and eclectic hip hop band The Roots have joined forces for an album called Wake Up which they are promoting in the following videos. "Hard Times" is an upbeat revelatory song about the difficulties of everyday life. "Shine" is more reminiscent John Legend's past work because of the slower tempo. Both songs are set to appear on the album dropping on September 21.

John Legend and The Roots- Hard Times


John Legend and The Roots- Shine

Friday, August 6, 2010

Drake- What If I Kissed You

Drake- What If I Kissed You | HipHopDX.com

Drake is preparing the world for his new R&B mixtape with a couple internet leaks. One of which is "What If I Kissed You". It's not clear if this song will be one of the cuts included on the tape but it is definitely a radio friendly ballad.

The Ravens cut cornerback Walt Harris

The Ravens organization has decided to cut 35 year old cornerback Walt Harris eight days into training camp. Harris has had trouble contributing during camp because of his limited availability. Harris alongwith Terrance Cody both failed the conditioning test on their first attempt. His physical ability may have

This news comes almost simultaneously with that of the signing of rookie free agent Curtis Hawkins, former LSU standout. Harris was nothing more than an extra body on the roster and has essentially been replaced. Plus Fabian Washington seems to be making a steady recovery shedding the non-contact jersey a few days ago.

Update-2:27: Correction, Walt Harris has not been cut, he has been placed on the training camp Injured Reserve list (IR). His struggle with injury has made it hard for him to practice so he will be given time to properly prepare his body for game action.

Eminem and Rihanna deliver after weeks of anticipation



Eminem's lyrics serve as a dialogue for the action we are witnessing between the two main characters trapped in a paradoxical  relationship as a red-headed Rihanna brings passion and emotion to the chorus. Definitely Eminem's best music video in years. The main characters are not only played by Megan Fox (Transformer films) and Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings and Lost tv series) but raging flames join them in the forefront.

The story illustrated is one some relatable to numerous people. "Love the Way You Lie" may just become one of biggest records of Eminem's career and part of that credit would be given to this music video directed by Joseph Kahn.