The Dime Spot

Welcome back...I've got some writing to do...

2007-03-19T11:26:00.000-04:00

2. My reign at N.C. A&T ended in December. Seven years of fun, but I don't have much to show for it but a lot of experience and no job. Three and a half month later, I'm still combing the want ads looking for something to keep me stable. I moved back in with my grandmother, but I can't live for free there much longer. I'm almost willing to downgrade into a fast food joint to pay bills and get ready to re-enter school at the University of Phoenix, if my financial aid comes through.

3. I'm maintaining my blog on myspace, but I'm continuing to write here. I enjoy looking back on what I've written, and when I'm successful, I will enjoy reading this stuff.

4. I've got stuff I need to get done in the next few days. First, I need to get a job. Second I need to prepare to officially move out of my apartment.

I'm back home...well, most of me.

2006-11-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

Usually, I'm normally happy as hell to be home after a long road trip. But, of course, in a month that has seen Murphy's Law in full effect, right now, I am kinda pissed.

Somehow, mine and four other players' bags were misdirected on another flight! So I don't have any of my clothes and most importantly, my keys! I can't get into my new crib, and of course, I can't pay my bills cause I don't have my credit card. Oh, yeah, my cell phone is off. Which means I have to go home and hope my bag shows up tonight...or be stuck and miss another Thursday nite party...not good!

The trip itself was actually okay. The basketball team actually got better in each of the four games in some aspects, but in each game, there was a five minute stretch were they would get out of our rhythm and lose focus. It was unreal against both Stetson and Dayton, where they builtdouble-digit leads, and all of a sudden, shut down.

Our coaches have said that the players have only to blame themselves for not being able to finish down the stretch and close out the game. We had more talent on the floor than Army and Stetson, and played well enough to beat Dayton, even without two of our leading scorer.

But as Michael Prince's (the kid "touched" by Bobby Knight a couple of nights ago) father said, "Discipline is what our players lack today." After the Dayton loss, the players were reminded how they were the same size as they were when they arrived two or three years ago, and how that contributes to our lack of a physical presence.

The stats didn't lie. We gave up 50 points in the second half of the game, and at least 30 of them came on offensive rebounds. But we're still okay, I just hope that the players realize that they are as good as any mid-major or high major team, and not play the opponents uniform.

Vermont over Boston College
Butler over Indiana AND Notre Dame
Oral Roberts over #3 Kansas

These are the first set of upsets and the season isn't three Saturdays old yet.

So the pressure is on for the Aggies to go 4-0 over the next four games. All are winnable, and the players know it. Three of them are at home and two of them are NCAA Division II schools, so they will be a bit smaller than us. Bottom line, they have to stay focused and get it done without excuses.

They are tired of having to justify that they are better than their record, so the best way to do that is to get some "dubbs."

I'm in my office now, pissed and trying to figure out what I'm gonna do as far as tonight...

Mi Vida Loca

2006-11-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that I got through my move. Turns out I was able to take a spot on the same block where I was. One bedroom, new carpet, same rent per month...a freaking STEAL!! Plus I got to move for FREE!

So now comes the part I dread: turning over the utilities. Dealing with Duke Energy is the worst...but even so, it still has to be done, but now I have a week to do it.

The best part about all of this is that for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm officially on my own. No roommate, no set rules. I can live how I want, when I want, and I feel like I'm on my way to independence.

I'm in Columbia, Mo. right now, and I'm feeling great. The flights were quick and painless, and now I'm close to getting off my feet and getting some much deserved rest.

I just found out that Ed Bradley died today. He may be one of the most influential black journalists of all time. We will sourly miss the way he told the truth and wasn't scared to ask the tough questions.

My condolences to the Pata family...(UMiami)...it's a really sad story and I just wish that the culprit would be brought to justice as soon as possible.

What am I going through right now in my mind? I'm thinking that my feelings are growing stronger for a good female friend of mine. I'm not laying all my cards down on the table - yet. But as she reads this, please understand that I support her in everything that she does, and even though I want to be her man, I realize that relationships take time and should not be rushed.

She wants to have someone commit to her, care for her, love her for what she is and what she brings to the table, not only for her physical features. I really love how we can joke around and not hold anything back when we talk, like we're brother and sister. I know that I'm ready to sacrifice for her and be that guy, but I still have some growing up to do to be the best man I can be. I want to grow with her, and I think we'll do that.

The basketball team looks really good despite the fact they don't have four guys here. I think we can get one or two wins up here. That will be so good for the athletic department, which is going through a rough time in football.

I can't call any names out, but there are some females who I wouldn't mind seeing in the club...told ya I have some growing up to do, LOL!

I'm back...

2006-10-26T11:45:00.000-04:00

First of all, let me tell you that this blog is not dead. Let me explain:

I have three journals. In addition to this one, I have a blog on myspace AND a personal handwritten that has some thoughts that you can't see in either. This blog was actually supposed to comment on the things I see everyday, but then it got too personal. So now, I leave the truly personal stuff to my private journal. The myspace blog will focus on entertainment with a personal touch every now and then.

As a bonus, I even have stuff in my facebook notes as well.

With my job situation the way it is, I don't have enough time to sit and type...Writing is much faster and I can be as free as possible.

The last time I wrote here, I was in some serious trouble...because I wrote about some personal feelings I had about a lady who had a man, absolutely VIOLATING a well known man law. I've haven't really gotten over it, even though I apologized. I've moved on...even as far as to not look her in the eye. But I really do hop that all is forgiven.

Anyway, I'm getting along with the virgin very well. We talk everyday like we're relatives. Usually that means she's not that into me. Besides, she always has the guys she's attracted to over her place...well, I think they come over to be nice, but they already know that they aren't getting any...so any type of motivation they have is questionable.

I really want to be in a relationship with this woman...She's got a lot going for her; graduating with honors, she'll get a new job or go to grad school not far away. Her body is out of this world, but she remains pure (although I think she might not hold out until marriage) and quite honestly, I love that about her.

She will motivate me to be a better person and do greater things than what I am doing now. I need that as I approach the big 30. Quite honestly, I haven't talked to anybody else seriously since I met her in February. It took a while, but we are finally clicking.

I'm sooo ready to move. As we speak I'm arraging to cut my utilities off at the house and on at the new place. It's gonna be sad to see my house demolished, but it's for the betterment of the neighborhood.

Homecoming was okay for me...it should have been better...trust that I will plan better and enjoy everything a bit more.

I made my first visit to the Miller man law site...HILARIOUS. I even put my own Man Law in...

The Cowboys are going to be better with Tony Romo, but they won't make the playoffs unless Philly and New Orleans collapse.

Justin Timberlake is back...(I'm shaking my head).

By the way, Cassie's Long Way 2 Go is one of my favorite club joints, and I'm not a radio/commercial type dude...

I'm back here, so here we go...

Caught...Can I Get A Witness?

2006-09-07T14:08:00.000-04:00

Play with fire and you're bound to get burnt, kids...

Remember to always follow the code...NEVER, EVER, EVER, deal with another man's girl.

No thought, work, or deed is worth your well-being.

I'm out.

I am ready to tell the world...NOT!!

2006-08-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

I finally have a fresh cut, clean clothes and a great smile, but...I'm broke! So I might not go out this weekend (yeah, right). Well. the next two days are supposed to be filled with showers, so it's not like I'll be looking forward to the weekend.

If it really gets bad, the squad won't be here, which would kill the entire weekend. Considering that the game is the only event in town for the next two weeks, the "Boro will be party central.

Ok, so yeah, I'm ready to let out the big secret...almost. There's only one person at A&T that knows who it is, and she only got a small clue. The other person that knows...good luck finding him (if you know anything about me, you know who he is).

Nah, I'm not telling the world exactly who she is...I'm not chicken, I just can't do it without actually letting her know first. She's so guarded, it's hard to talk to her...or even find something in common to strike up a conversation without looking like a DUMB ASS.

I'm listening to the song "Hey Lover" more and more now. 'Cause that what this crush is like.

Onto another quick note: I HATED Dru Hill. I went as far as to call them out as a fake Jodeci. As a Jodeci fan, I wasn't shocked to see them break up kind of like how Jodeci did. I hated Sisqo, the most. But you can clown me if you want to on this, but his song "Your Love is Incredible" is the song I play went I want to get in the mood. The song is simple, but the beat is ridiculous, like what you would here in porn. I am not a fan, but when I hear that song, I'm ready to do some serious smashing. Ladies, if you here that song, "Call Me" (Too Short and Lil' Kim) and "Count the Ways" (Slum Village and Dwele), you know what I'm thinking about...

Speaking of...the squad (Me, Tha Carter, Willie, Mike H., and D.C.) will be reunited this weekend, so what's up? Holla at us...if we not booed up...WITH YOUR GIRL...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The Dime Spot....top 10 moments of Summer '06

2006-08-12T12:59:00.000-04:00

And my summer is over. But I actually had a few good times. Since classes at A&T and UNCG are going into fall session beginning on Monday, I'm going to use a dime spot to list my top moments of this summer.

10. The BK Stackers commercials (The meat, boss, the meat!)
9. My first bite of a Sonic Sausage Egg and Cheese Bistro
8. "The flip" - My official "Girls Gone Wild" moment at the N Club.
7. Super Mario Kart races on my SNES.
6. Rediscovering my Thundercats VHS tape.
5. The NBA Finals - D. Wade gettin' it done.
4. "There is no sex in the champagne room" - Chris Rock
3. Cassi's reponse to my blog on myspace.
2. Tiger's win at the British Open.
1. Summer Reign on July 16th - Drunken madness...bleeding eyes...the works.

Sports Takes

2006-08-03T10:24:00.000-04:00

The Floyd Landis and Justin Gatlin doping scenarios are an absolute embarrassment to the already disappointing U.S. performances on the world scene. It’s been a terrible four years on the world athletic circuit for the Stars and (tattered) Stripes.

The bronze medal at the Summer Olympics and the subsequent non-medal finishes at the World Championships.
The Ryder Cup losses.
The lack of an American on the WTA Tour top 5…in both genders
The terrible performance at the World Cup after all the hype
The World Baseball Classic…uh…Team USA? Not quite the best, even in its “national pastime”
The doping saga in Olympic Sports (In addition to the above two, the Lance Armstrong witch hunt, BALCO…you name it.)

Oh, yeah, the cheating, losing and out-and-out stupidity has infiltrated the college ranks. What the hell is (Oklahoma QB) Rhett Bomar doing taking money from a car dealership? $18,000? But oh, yeah…he even reported the money to the IRS! But Bomar wasn’t necessarily a good seed as he previous record entails (two underage drinking citations, and a nuisance party)…

You have to wonder what Larry Coker had to deal with before making those suspensions down at Miami…I have to give him credit. He runs a clean program. To suspend four starters, including the tailback in a conference game that could decide who goes to the ACC title…week one, Florida State, the be-all-and-end-all games of the year…shows a lot of guts. But actually, the punishment of missing Miami-FSU is stinging to any player in the rivalry.

Another week, another Tiger Woods romp, maybe…He’s already in the lead at the Buick Open after nine holes…

Speaking of golf, you’ve gotta love Michelle Wie…I want everybody to remember that she’s 16 and still learning the game. I think she’s relying too much on power and out hitting everybody else. If she takes a page from Tiger’s British Open book…lock out!

I see that Terrell Owens is playing it safe during week one of camp. I really do hope that he enjoys life with Bill Parcells. I can’t wait until he takes the field in that two tight-end set…pick your poison, defenses!! Go Cowboys!

On a personal note...I'm searching for a new lab...Good luck!

A work in progress

2006-07-20T20:16:00.000-04:00

Use your fingers to call me, don't wannabe on speed dial
Sitting on my throne watching my problems pile
Low five figure job, in debt up to my closed mind
Hollered at the man O-dot Credle, cause he told me I'm out of time
Life's colder than a reptilian smile
After all the wilding out, you still have to do the filing out
Writing my life story, what happened to all the glory?
Had the spotlight, then I switched my style like Norrie
You can have the fame and all the thighs
It all comes with the job when you advertise
Some say I turned my back on reality
No, the haterade's not in me, I just asked to be free

Crazy Weekend

2006-07-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

My weekend had a few twists and turns, but its all good. First of all, payday...which means run around, pay the bills, do as much as you can before you act stupid.

I figured I would pay the bills Monday, so I stopped at Citi Trends and grabbed some pants and a couple of nice Tees. Once I did that, it was on to get some pizza...until Walt, Maurice, and I realized that the Randleman store was remodeling...the idiots. Let somebody know on the marquee, please.

So we decided to eat at the mall instead...not what we wanted, but it worked out. But I was more pissed because earlier I had received a text message that this chick I was hollering at had a boyfriend out of state. I should have told you earlier hope that doesnt change things.

Weve been casually talking (about 70 text messages, three hour-plus good phone convos) for two weeks and then I suddenly get cut off...nothing for a whole week? No return calls, no texts, nothing! I knew something was up and pretty much figured I was out. She sent me a couple of texts this weekend for some b.s. conversation, so I got out of them with a naked joke.

Naked joke - Shes HIGHLY self conscious of her body, so when I feel like sticking a pin into her, I talk about her being naked. She hates that, so good. Im even.

Example: When she said that she hope that nothing changes my response: Two things that changes with you having a boyfriend is that 1. We cant be intimate. 2. I cant see you naked. Other than that, Im not disappointed.

I partied like hell that night, which was payday. I went to the GSO Ballroom for the first time all summer, despite the fact that most of my friends are there every week. I had a pure BLAST.

My Menu:
Hennessy on ice straight up
Two Smirnoff Ices
Two Bacardi Silvers
Screwdriver

The scene was live as hell, and my crush was in the building with a couple of her sorority sisters. I actually offered her a drink, but she refused, nicely at that. Oh, well. I can respect that. Besides, she was keeping the cool role, cause, later, her boyfriend came. Damn.

Okay, so I paid for it Saturday, as everything I tried to eat did a reverse. My favorite breakfast, grits, eggs, and sausage, didnt even make it to my stomach. So, I detoxed and watched Thundercats and Lupin the 3rd all day.

Oh, yeah...found out I had a bloodshot eye, too...couldn't throw up, so I popped a vessel. Yikes. Blood all over the lens. I can see fine, it just looks frightening.

Eventually, I got the sausage and eggs down at about 5pm and eventually ended up downtown at about 1am. Little did I know that I was going to have front row seats to a live viewing of COPS on Market and Elm. GSOs finest smelled weed on a Cadillac at the light and searched the vehicle, finding an open container and a pair of firearms.

The dudes, three blacks all under 22, were pretty cool considering the situation until the young cat of the crew talks trash to the cops, which caused a pure scene. Whats worse, I was at the hot dog stand and this is right there...bad for business.

Well, I did get a few kicks out of the deal. I met a couple of Cuban mamis that were at Greene Street. My homie had to get her picture...trust me, itll be up here soon, once he e-mails me.

Anyway, its going to be freaking 90-plus degrees all week! Im out.

477 days and counting...

2006-07-11T15:36:00.000-04:00

This is a double article (featured in both myspace and blogger)...
Yes, I have a ongoing streak of 477 days since I last did the deed. I have officially chosen to embrace the streak. Show up for work every day, do what I'm suppossed to do. Attend as many night clubs as possible, so on and so forth.
But in addition to that, I will add 10 things that have helped me maintain "the streak."
10. Always have something better to do than holla at a female. (I hate the whole prospect of the female having to actually feel you before something physical can go down. Can't it just be casual?) I would rather read a book, or...
9. Play old school video games. Nintendo, SNES, Genesis, N64. Super Mario Brothers, F-Zero, Goldeneye, NBA Live 95, Coach K Basketball, and Donkey Kong Country have maintained a dude.
8. Find a great regular movie. (There is a reason I use the term "regular"). Good DVDs are great substitutes, especially any comedy.
7. Go to the theater...this summer has been GREAT for movies. And with Miami Vice coming out soon, it should be even better.
6. Watch sports on TV. Can't do this for the next month, 'cause baseball can get boring and there's nothing on 'cept NASCAR. I will watch the All-Star Game tonight, though.
5. Lupin the 3rd. It's funny, because Lupin is always trying to get some booty. But he keeps on task even when he can't get some. Dude is a genius, and you have to be when you are the world's best thief.
4. 24. When I get the DVDs, people may as well not call me.
3. SEINFELD. People know not to call me between 7:30-8:00pm and 11:00-11:30.
2. The club. I'm dancing all night, sweatin' and getting my groove, not thinking about these chicks.
1. Listen to great hip-hop music. The Squad always has me on point...Underground hip-hop.com has been a great source at work.
So, yeah. I've embraced the streak. Because I would rather be doing all these things than waste time trying to break a woman down for an hour of pleasure. What's the point?
Why my attitude? Is it laziness, a lack of confidence? Not hardly. I just have had bad luck over the past year being nice and sincere to women. So, now, if they aren't worth my time, I'm out!

Found a friend in this blog space...

2006-07-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

One of the hottest models I've ever seen has a new blog here on blogger.com.
She just graduated from college and is making moves...gotta love and respect that.
Good luck Candra!

http://ckwhitley.blogspot.com/

Open the door to my life...do you like what you see...is it what you thought it would be? - Joe Scudda, "Door to My Life"

That has been my summer theme song. Seriously, that's why I'm registered on here and myspace. I'm doing this, first of all, to eliminate any doubt about my intelligence, wit, and sensitivity.

My life is an open book, and I actually appreciate all the love I've received. I think it's great that when my name is mentioned in circles, I get a positive reponse 99 percent of the time.

"He's so nice, he's so sweet, he's decent-looking, he can dress, he can dance."

I'm going to make my point right now. I was on the phone with a random girl last Saturday and she told me that she heard I was a ho...Whoa! This is becoming an annual thing. Different club, same rumor. So I can't be nice to girls or dance with them. There are so many haters spreading lies out there that people think I'm swimming in AZZ right now.

Oh...so not true. First of all, 477 days and counting...the streak continues, so if I've gotten any, it must have been in THEIR dreams. Second of all, there have 0 girls that have seen my bedroom since I've moved 3 years ago. That's right, ZERO, NONE, ZIP, ZILCH. Now, I would be lying if I said I would like to keep it that way.

It's kind of funny that girls approach me when it comes to something I can do for them, like buy them a drink in the club...ect. but we don't even speak on a regular basis...Like, I don't even have your phone number, you aren't one of my facebook friends, you would rather walk by me than speak to me...and you want a drink?

Quick recap on my rules of buying drinks.
1. I buy drinks because I want to, not because I'm obligated.
2. If I buy you a drink, 99 percent of the time, I think you are attractive (I have NEVER bought an ugly chick a drink).
3. If you came to me and I DON'T buy you a drink, I must be broke (sorry PJ, I was broke)...or you must be ugly.
4. I do buy drinks for my friends, fellas included. So if you know me and we're cool. Fine.

But I guess my only issue, socially is...do I want to settle down, have a girlfriend and focus on advancement? Or do just want to kick back, do what I'm doing now, and have all the fun I want?

That's a hard choice. It's starting to feel like "Failure to Launch."

Oh well, I'll get over it sometime...anyway, payday is FRIDAY!!!

So what to choose from...The White Linen party at Bryan Park, Summer Reign at the Ballroom...wow.

The new Busta Rhymes joint...

2006-07-10T16:31:00.000-04:00

New York ISHT...I actually like the song, but don’t get it twisted, D.J. Scratch actually did the beat, NOT Swizz Pine (I wish he wasn’t even on the song)...I want a remix with some underground emcees.

Busta did respect all the N.Y. emcees and producers, too. He even threw up Mantronix!!!

I’m ready to things really big this week. I don’t know if I’ll make the white party at Bryan Park, but something is going down.

I saw all I needed to see in the World Cup in about four minutes...that’s how long it took for Italia to win in PK’s.

Zidane...how sad is it to go out like that. Damn, main.

I heard something interesting this weekend. I have a reputation as a ho in the club...Wow. That’s news to me. But hey, let the ladies think that so I can shock them into reality...

Music to work by....

2006-07-06T15:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/searchresults.asp?searchby=Producers&keywords=DJ+Premier

This store has a huge catalog of Primo's stuff and guess what...NEARLY ALL SINGLES ARE IN THEIR ENTIRETY ON REAL AUDIO!!!

I have my own radio station now...Work is so much fun now.

A few rants and raves

2006-06-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

“Hey Lover” is real...

Ever wonder what it’s like to have a crush on someone that’s already taken? Well, from experience, it’s a trip. Yes, I’m bringing this up because I have a crush on someone and I can’t do anything about it...I just have to get her off my mind. The woman is everything I want, physically and mentally, but I don’t have the heart to tell her how I feel. What’s even worse, is that I know her man and he’s cool! I guess I have to listen to the “Hey Lover,” (Boyz II Men ft. L.L.), a classic joint about a situation like this.

Counting down the days...

Well, we are exactly 67 days from kickoff 2006. But I really do believe that July is the worst month of the year in sports. All you have is the end of the World Cup, baseball, NASCAR, and Wimbledon....YUCK! Not exactly TV friendly. I need to take advantage of the boredom to stock up on some DVDs...It’s bad when I spend more time playing my Super Nintendo than writing in this blog...Speaking of, there are some good games that I remember, like the racer, Top Gear 2...Classic! I need to do some hunting on ebay and grab a game.

The Broke Diaries

I spend too much time in the club, that’s why I’m broke...But with me being in the ‘Boro, I have to do SOMETHING...Maybe check out the Ballroom this weekend, since a lot of my homies will be there...I’m looking forward to the all white party on 7/15...I haven’t done that before and I heard it’s ALWAYS jumpin...And I just found three dope hip-hop shows coming to our spot, the Cats Cradle in the next few weeks. Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling, Diverse, Procussions...Talib Kweli...Boot Camp Clik...Wow.

New Chick in my Life...

Well, another young lady has stepped in my crosshairs...This one is taller than me (5’8 with heels), ridiculously cute, bangin’ body, light skinned, and very smart, PLUS she’s a country girl. I have seen her from time to time, but never got the gumption to introduce myself until we found each other at a Comission party at the Venue last spring...She’s been immediately put on top shelf status...After about 30 text messages and our first true conversation last night, I’m stepping up to ask her out today...

DEFINITION of Top Shelf: (Originally used by Ghostface Killah on Spot Rusherz)
1. The lady that I’m hollering at right now.
2. The girl that I end all calls for. Unless it’s my momma, daddy, or grandmother...and that includes my crew.

More rookies...

Anyway, I’m got my jam session going on at work, listening to Little Brother and other joints...It’s the final day of freshman orientation and the last day to get my look on at the new crop of ladies (I know I’m terrible)...Anyway, at least it beats looking at a computer screen for 5+ hours...

Wade Jones and the Miami parade fiasco

Miami sucks. Really. When a city councilwoman introduces the NBA Finals MVP as “Wade Jones” and the freaking owner of the team says “Stay White” instead of “Stay White Hot,” the Heat’s White T-shirt campaign motto...Highly hilarious. But, Miami, the great city that it is sports wise, just got its SECOND pro sports championship, so they aren’t used to this.

The “bloated waste of space”

So much for Renaldo being fat...congrats on achieving a record that theoretically is as symbolic as Hank Aaron’s home run record in soccer...He is the greatest player in the world and he set out to prove all the doubters wrong. Maybe he is overweight and not as aggressive as before, but 15 goals are 15 goals...No. 9 is the G.O.A.T. period. You make names for yourself in World Cup and he did that. Now he just has to lead that offense to another title.

This is hilarious...My mom just called me so she could buy a game boy advance and play ms pac man...

Quick Rant

2006-06-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

I’ve got to catch up on writing in this blog...

But so much has been going down in my so called life since I last wrote.

It’s been great being a sports fan with the NBA Finals, NHL Finals, World Cup, Golf’s US Open all going on at the same time...

Couple of points about the league championships...
The Hurricanes need to hoist the Cup tonight, or it will be an embarrassing collapse, AGAIN in the NHL Finals (They were up 2-1 on Detroit two years ago.)
Although the collapse isn’t catastrophic, but the Mavericks have seem to fall totally apart in the fourth quarter. Maybe they need to play from behind in the quarter. D. Wade may be the first of that famed ’03 Class (Lebron, ‘Melo) to hold a championship...
Phil Mickelson...You are good but you are NOT TIGER WOODS...thanks for confirming why Tiger is Tiger and everybody else still battles for second. I hate to say on a course like that, he choked, because I would have shot 100+ myself, but dude, but that’s what history will say.
Say what you want about the “bloated waste of space” that is Ronaldo, but he drew not two, but THREE defenders before his touch to Adriano for Brazil’s first goal against Australia yesterday.

The build-up this week for Super Jam X is going to be ridiculous on the radio...Tickets are approaching sell-out, but quite honestly, why is the station giving so many away? I know that the idea is to have a full crowd, but from a business standpoint, couldn’t you sell more tix and do another cash giveaway?

Actually, I’m going to have more fun at the show than I did last year.

Another Aggie Pro Athlete....

2006-06-08T11:16:00.000-04:00

Props to my homie Jeremy Jones for getting drafted by the Colorado Rockies despite missing this past season with injury. He's deserving and hopefully he'll be ready to go when it's time to play.

I know I have not written in over a month plus, but things have been crazy in the life. I have to do a list of takes (Jim Rome) and I'm out to A&T's frosh orientation.

1. NCAA East Regional: Faraign Giles and Amberly Nesbitt (South Carolina sprinters) are two of the finest and fastest women I've ever seen. Period! The regional was 70+ hours of work and the hardest part was all the preparation that went into the event. But it was a success and the big time schools appreciated all the work we did.

2. I went into a cave the week after the regional for some much needed R&R. So I practically turned off my phone and talked to NO ONE, 'cept for family. I even packed up my remaining stuff at my grandmother's and brought it back to the house.

3. I'm tired of women asking me for money, and that's all they call me for. If I wanted to drain my bank account, let it be on something for ME!

3. Who really cares that the Carolina Hurricanes are back in the NHL Finals? Women's softball is outdrawing them on TV everywhere except Raleigh and Edmonton.

4. Yes, I will buy the Vida Guerra issue of PLAYBOY which hits newsstands on Saturday. Vida, when I see her, I'm in love!

5. Jason Grimsley rolled on Major League Baseball yesterday. He will become a bigger rat than Gotti. Dude, unleaded and leaded coffee with amphetamines in the locker room? Yikes! BTW, baseball isn't testing for human growth hormone, so the game isn't clean. But you knew that, Bud.

6. Ludacris' take on Oprah is justified. "I respect her opinion, but she doesn't respect mine." I'm not supporting him as an artist, but the hypocracy of Miss Winfrey's views of hip-hop, no, rap music, is based on a person who is misguided and misinformed about the artists. I would like to see if artists like The Roots, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, etc., have been on Oprah.

7. Summer is here and the annual ghetto fest known as SuperJam is upon the 'Boro (June 23). My only take on this is that we men should all stay home on Friday night. The only sure way to avoid catching a R. Kelly case.

8. The NBA Finals start Thursday. That's all you need to know. I'm watching, best believe.

9. Kweli's new group, the Procussions, is out in stores, mightwant to check that out, along with Gnarls Barkley.

10. I'm on MySpace...new addiction

Could we be witnesses to an upset?

2006-05-18T12:55:00.000-04:00

Lebron James is amazing, I know that, but how can his team be leading 3-2 over Detroit after practially falling on their faces in games 1 and 2?

It is well known that Detroit has a tendency to be disinterested during games in which they should dominate. It's a large factor why they did not win 70 games during the regular season.
But just because you have bouts of poor play doesn't mean that you should underachieve during a 7-game series in the freaking playoffs!

Now let's add that Cleveland is short handed and is operating at a shooting deficit.

Here are some factors that have led to the Cavs taking the series lead and possibly a trip to the East finals.

1. Justin Hughes. The death of Larry Hughes's brother has unified the Cavs, spiritually and emotionally. Justin may have been just a teammate's brother to the average fan. But he was a symbol of faith and preserverence to the team. His fight through illness earned the respect and love of his team. The fact that the entire team went to St. Louis for the funeral speaks volumes about how together this team is.

2. The Cavs defense has been out-and-out better than the Pistons in the last three games. All of the Pistons shooters have been frustrated by the Cavs guards. Hard to believe when the only defensive standout, James, has been guarding Tayshaun Prince primarily. Credit should go to Damon Jones, Eric Snow, and Flip Murray.

3. Detroit's bench, which has been a strength all season, has been ineffective. Cleveland's 3-man tandem of Jones, Varejao, and Donyell (Ludacris) Marshall have done the job against McDyess and Hunter. Where is Tony Delk?

Well, the Cavs have the Pistons where they want them, in an elimination game at the Q Arena. If LeBron takes the next step now, in knocking off the Pistons, he could cement himself as the best player in the league right now. Period. Better than Nash, Kobe, and maybe even Tim Duncan.

Speaking of Dallas needs to go ahead and take care of business in game six at home.

It’s not how you start… – My NBA Commentary

2006-05-15T13:59:00.000-04:00

Quickly, before I get into my entry...I have enjoyed the second halves of practically every playoff game (with the exception of blowouts). Overall, the play has been pretty good.

Okay, my first statement will be a painful one for myself and the other UNC Tar Heel faithful. Vince Carter has reached his peak as an NBA superstar. After the two abysmal 4th quarter performances at home, I have begun to realize what many of his naysayers have complained about even when Toronto was a playoff team. He can’t step up when he absolutely has to. He can’t put his team on his back and put his team on that elite level. The Nets had a golden opportunity to steal the series from the Heat and absolutely laid an egg. Nice winning streak, nice second half of the season, but it was all for nothing. The bottom line is that: 1. Pat Riley still gets it done, the maverick. 2. Dwyane Wade wants to win a championship. 3. Jason Kidd’s inability to shoot the ball will cost him a ring.

I have not watched any of the three games of the San Antonio/Dallas series and that’s going to change tonight. What’s getting lost in the game play is that Avery Johnson has made some defensive adjustments in every game, and starting Devin Harris was indeed, brilliant. Dallas is allowing under 90 points per game in the playoffs (88.3). Wow. I wonder what would happen if they actually win the series and play either the Clips or Phoenix? Could be a classic series.

Labron James and Dwyane Wade will carry the East for years to come. Duh! I just wanted to say that because I like what they bring on both ends of the floor. When D. Wade pulled off a “gimme that” on Carter for a breakaway dunk, that pretty much summed up the series, so far. He did it again later in the game on Richard Jefferson. By the way, RJeff’s ankle injury may have been more of a factor than he and the Nets realized. ‘Bron’s triple-double may be delaying the inevitable, but it’s fun to watch, honestly.

The “Witness” campaign is the best promotion to come out of the Nike camp since Tiger’s “Hello, World” career launching ad. Simple, yet effective. People forget it’s the athlete we’re focusing on in those type of commercials, not the product. It’s the idea of Labron, not the shoes or the clothes.

Oh, by the way, the Miami Heat personnel have arrived. From Jason Williams actually looking like a point guard and absolutely burying treys, to Antoine Walker being Antoine Walker from deep, to Udonis Haslem beasting on the glass (and making free throws), to even Gary Payton, who hit a cold-blooded three to put game three away. Enough to give Flip Saunders some thoughts, eh? Detroit and Miami could be a Finals preview. Look at Miami’s team and measure against any of the four West teams in the playoffs.

Speaking of, Detroit Pistons may have the best team ever assembled over the past decade from player one to twelve. I know that may sound crazy with the Bulls and all, but really, look how good the Pistons bench is. Tony Delk is on the bench. Yes, the single game 50-point scorer, the defensive/offensive sparkplug is getting limited run in the D. Add that to a mix of the serviceable Antonio McDyess (you can argue that he could start), Dale Davis, rookie Jason Maxiell and Kelvin Cato, the Pistons are the strongest, most physical team in the playoffs.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The ’98 Bulls had three (yes, I included Dennis Rodman) of the top 25 players in the league over the past 15 years. And their record of 72 wins may never be broken. Michael Jordan would get his, but Scottie Pippen would be held in check by Tayshaun Prince. Rasheed Wallace would be the perfect counter to Dennis Rodman’s psychological games, and would eat up the Bulls on the perimeter. (A big man who can shoot outside gave the Bulls some problems, such as Sam Perkins, Larry Johnson, Chris Webber, etc.)

But the key to this argument is the bench, which would have a field day with the Bulls, who had no interior presence beyond Longley. In addition, Delk and Lindsay Hunter would have no problems getting their shots off against the likes of Steve Kerr. Both teams played terrific defense, so the only advantage the Bulls have is, well, Jordan, which supports my argument that from 1 through 12, the Pistons are better. I did not say that the Pistons would beat those ’98 Bulls. Now, the ’93 Bulls would probably match up better with the Pistons, because, the bench was better.

Onto another topic: Rick Adelman. I’m disappointed that the Maloofs made the move, even though it was the worst kept secret in the league this year. Adelman is a great coach, but has been stuck between a rock and a hard place in Sac Town. The coach has the ultimate responsibility for a team’s success or failure and I understand that, but, the dude wins…in the regular season, when it doesn’t matter. Until he gets the right pieces in the right spots, he will always be the coach that “can’t win the big one,” the worst label in sports terminology.

My life has been a whirlwind lately. I didn’t do a blog entry on my birthday because I was too darned busy! I admittedly did get some partying in, especially during Aggie Fest.

But now I can relax, especially since I get two days off, plus, almost all of my bills are paid. We still have the NCAA East Regional next week, but once that happens I will get about a month to sit back, relax and…do tedious media guide work for next year.

My Birthday...and other things...

2006-04-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

Now you know this is my favorite time of the year. I always get extra hyped around my birthday, simply because it seems to be the only day of the year where everything has gone reasonably well for me.

Lets talk about tonight. We had our athletic awards banquet, which is my favorite day of the year, hands down. All those fine athletes in dresses and skirts, looking totally elegant? A man's dream. I know I'm not suppossed to look, but I'm a man. Period.

I did things simple by my standards. My reliable collarless purple shirt with black pants and the wool suit jacket. That's right, I went without a tie. I took home my favorite polo shirt, but quite honestly, I didn't feel like ironing it. Lazy, I know. Plus, I wish I had my camera...of course, I didn't have any batteries so the thought was useless.

Facebook will be lit up with banquet pix tomorrow, anyway.

My annual gift of $200 is absolutely enjoyable...and I'm not gonna lie, I have a LOT of fun. (See the party run of last year). Plus, the NBA playoffs are in full swing, and I get to see the best basketball in the league every night. Believe me, when bad teams like the NY BRICKS and the Portland Smokers are out of the chase, the NBA drastically improves its product.

Oh, yes, the NFL draft weekend is on my birthday (Apr. 29-30). Everybody loves Reggie Bush, but if I can find some idiot to take him and give me half their future (1st two rounders for the next two seasons and cash) I would make the deal if I was the Texans' GM. That is, if I'm trying to win.

Here's why. Simply, the Texans need help on both sides of the ball. Bush doesn't play defense and he doesn't protect David Carr. I would trade down and double up on my offensive linemen and some linebackers that can tackle. I would also get a premier defensive back as well.

Now if I want to sell tickets, I would have Bush signed, sealed and delivered on Friday. Everybody knows that the Texans are using Mario Williams for leverage in negotiations. This whole Bush situation at USC with his family is nonsense. Even if they choose to do a Chris Webber (strip last year from the NCAA Record Books), Bush is still a multi-millionaire and will be a top two pick.

Rechodd came back to the "boro for Aggiefest, which was, in a word, WHACK! Really, really whack. I didn't even bother to go to the Venue for the step show after party, after what happened the previous night (chairs and bottles being thrown across the club...). The best party happened to be the predawn at Rumba Latina on Friday night, and I didn't even get in...it was just too damn thick!!! I did have plenty of legal beverages and had some crazy fun on Saturday night, even though we didn't make it to the club or Jeff's house party.

I was browsing through my past entries and I came to this particular one about Felecia. I miss her. I need to shoot her an e-mail. hink I'll do that now.

Softball tomorrow and Thursday, Baseball this weekend...Plus Bio-Life...AAAAAAAAHHHHH! Too much!

Last week's update.

2006-04-18T02:00:00.000-04:00

I’m still house sitting at my grandmother’s and I’m cool with it. It beats a lonely house. Looks like I’ll be here another week, and it’s actually nearly perfect.

Watching the Masters all day two Sundays ago (well, at least the third round and most of the final round) actually was relaxing. Even though Tiger didn’t win this time, he finished third, and collected a phat check, so I’m not hating.

The NBA Playoffs start this weekend and my grandmother's coming home, so I guess I'll be moving back to my house...where my uncle will be waiting for me. This is going to be a long week. Three softball doubleheaders and a track meet? Great.

I originally wrote most of this post on 4/10, but I never got to finish it because of PAYDAY weekend. I wish I wasn't such a spendthrift, but, oh, well.

Last Week…4/09-15
Sunday nite…After a few hours of Nintendo, I was headed to sleepville when I caught and ALL-TIME favorite episode of MARTIN…It was the one when Tommie and Pam "hooked up" by way of Martin, filling in as the love doctor. The expression on Martin’s face when he found out about the hookup was…in a word, priceless! I actually laughed myself to sleep.
Monday…I wasn’t ready to face the office when I got the phone call. My boss gave me the day off, so I sat in our student-union and chilled ALL FREAKING DAY today. I could have gone home, but those crazy dudes had laughs every minute, so I had to stay, until about 5pm, when everybody went home. I don’t know what the highlight of the day was…wait a minute…how could I forget Miss PKA. The best two minutes of the day happened when she walked past the crew to the Sit-In (which is basically a fast food stop). She was wearing a jean cut-off jacket with a nice white top and tight women’s ecko jeans…showing off, of course.
Now a true playa like me…nah let me stop…I was totally not ready for her. I almost hyperventilated (yes, I’m not lying.) It took me a few seconds to stop gawking. But even still, she walked back through and spoke to one of my 5th homies, who actually lives down the hall from her. I wish I could have seen my own expression on my face. Now readers, you know how I feel about Baby Phat, but let me tell you, PKA blows BPhat out the water. She may have an attitude (so she says), but I respect it. Ok, what the hell, SHE’S SO FREAKING FINE! Absolutely my type…you know, light skinned, chest, booty, flawless face, intelligent, classy (she’s a PNG pledge)…the works. I know that I shouldn’t even look her way, because she’s taken.
Actually, because of the holiday, Thursday was payday and it started out nicely. Took care of the bills (well, most of them), then bought the shoes I’ve wanted for two years: a pair of white on white ROYAL ELASTICS Frombies…the other K-Swiss Classic shoe. Not to be confused, but I did buy a pair of white K-Swiss Classics, too. Then I started to spend stupid money. I went to the Venue for the first time in a while and of course, it was jumping! I had a great time, even though the club shut down early. Plenty of girls, and I got to meet UNCG bricks city native Samirah for the first time. There’s a sassiness about her that I like. She fearless and just happens to be pretty as well. Of course, you know me…I got it poppin. I even treated my homie Ephraim to the club, just cause I felt like I had been faking on him. He was cool with it. I saw another lady I wanted to meet…Brittny. She looks like she came straight out of a video. Light skinned, thick as hell…I want to holler at her. But I may have to wait until I go to the Venue again or hit up UNCG to see her.
So I take a cab to my house, and hit the sack. Little did I know that when I got up the next morning and checked my pants: wallet, Altoids, keys…huh? No cell phone? AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! I must have left the phone in the cab last night. What the hell? This can’t be good. Later, I had Sparks call the phone so I could hear it possibly. No luck. So that’s an automatic $50 down the drain if I want to replace it. I should wait until next month and buy a new phone. Continuing with the bad luck, I get to my grandmother’s house, all mad...Somehow, my right lens of my glasses popped out. Ok. I can simply put them back in, no problem. Uh…nope. The connecting point of the bridge and the frame broke, so the bottom of the right lens is like a swinging gate. Ok…so, I went to the mall, hoping and praying that a sauntering iron could fix them. Nope. So now I’m without frames. Looks like my birthday gift has been decided for me. CRAP!!
In order to end the weekend on a positive note, I venture into the N Club on Saturday. It’s really slow, thanks to the holiday. But after midnight, it starts to get poppin…and I get to sip on my drink specialty, a Bacardi Limon Bomb…and what the hell? I see Baby Phat! We didn’t even acknowledge each other, but I know she saw me. I continued to hold things down, though. When the night ended, I took my losses and ended up over here at grandma’s the next morning.
So now…I know I have to pay the light bill, which I will do later today. But the phone? Hmm…my homie Rechodd is supposed to come down Thursday for Aggie Fest. I won’t be broke, but…I’m not stacking, either.

Taken, huh…story of my dating life. I think I have what it takes to get with somebody, so why am I single? Could it be…confidence? I don’t approach anybody, not even in the club. Yep, the classic poor excuse, I’m scared of rejection. Even though I know there’s someone that will feel me for who I am, I sometimes get to a point where I feel at a chick’s mercy. Then I start thinking about what I don’t have, and what these other lame dudes have. Not hatin’, but I know that chicks dig material things and I’m not a material dude (that was shameless, sorry Madonna).
A chick (excuse me, lady) like Miss PKA, I don’t have the heart to approach. She’s just…too fine. I would get so caught up in her physical features that I would forget why I wanted to have a girl in the first place. So what if I really do meet somebody like that and find out they are single. What if I run into Miss BPhat again? Do I choke out, or do I say what I have to say and move on?
"There is another." – Yoda, "The Empire Strikes Back."
Yes there is…and she might take the top spot because, as miracles do happen, SHE IS SINGLE !!! (Well, at the time I wrote this originally-ed.) And it could be that she may be the finest girl I’ve met, EVER. Now, I know how much I have bigged up certain women in this blog, but as far as pureness and just out-and-out perfect woman, this one may be it.
She has all the characteristics of Miss PKA, but she’s only 5’1 and has that long, stranded hair, and perfect doll baby eyes. She would be a model, no doubt, if she were taller. Most importantly, I like her personality. She’s not too playful, but she has a sense of humor that I can appreciate.
But there is one problem…she thinks I’m too old for her (and now, she’s TAKEN-ed.). She’s seen my I.D. because she works the door at Rumba Latina, and of course, she knows how old I am.

Still don't know what to do this week. But I guess I'll just wait on the phone and see what I can get from dear old mom and dad for the birthday.

I Can't Make You Love Me...

2006-04-07T14:05:00.000-04:00

Turn down the lights
Turn down the bed
Turn down these voices
inside my head
Lay down with me
Tell me no lies
Just hold me close, don't patronize
Don't patronize me
Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the darkin these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And I'll feel the power but you won't
No, you won't
Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
I'll close my eyes
then I won't see the love
you don't feel when you're holding me
Morning will come and I'll do what's right
just give me till then
to give up this fight
and I will give up this fight
Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark
in these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And I'll feel the power but you won't
No, you won't
Cause I can't make you love me if you don't

Yeah, I feel the bitterness...That's my life with women. Maybe I want it so bad that I don't realize that there is nothing there. I've loved hard and I've struck out so many times. Maybe I'm desparate and I've shown my hand too soon.

But sometimes I haven't spoken at all and I'm sure that's cost me at some point. I just don't know where that happy medium is. When to turn on the charm and when to back away.

Well, quite honestly, I'm so afraid of being embarrassed that I'm not approaching anybody. It's the end of the school year, so there's really no point. I'm ready to give up this whole process in terms of searching for a girlfriend now.

Anyway, being broke and lonely, I was hoping that Thursday night's party would brighten my spirits, it didn't. It had the promise of a great party, as the Executive Team/X-Factor was throwing a joint venture with Infamous Vizions and Poison IV. But unfortunately, no one but the females from the groups showed up. Everybody was at the Venue...

So I wasted 10 bucks, I'm officially broke for the weekend and now I'm doomed to stay home and watch THE MASTERS. Actually, that's not a bad idea. Oh crap, I just shed a tear, and it's not an allergy. I'm not depressed, just lonely. It's not sexual fufillment I'm after, I just want someone on my level to talk to and trust me.

Quick entry...

2006-03-31T10:18:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been running around like a headless chicken this week. I'm at my old place, housesitting for my grandmother, who is visiting my mother.

Mom went through routine surgery to fix her rotator cuff in her arm, which was damaged in some sort of fall she had. She's okay, but her arm's in a sling for 3+ weeks, which means that she will be pretty much shut down...and almost miserable. I feel bad for her, but at least she has an excuse to get as much rest as possible. I don't really call her that much, but with both my mothers up there, I have to call at least once a day.

Meanwhile, I have been able to take part in one of my favorite past times....OLD SCHOOL NINTENDO! Ninja Gaiden I and II, Tecmo Super Bowl, MegaMan 2, Tetris 2...I'm loving it!

Plus, cable TV in my old room is an absolute PLUS! If the house wasn't so far out, I would consider living there again.

Since it's Final Four weekend, I think I'm taking this time off to relax. No parties, no pigging out, just me, chillin'.

I'm still thinking about Cassie. Don't know why, but her flawless face is an image I can't get out of my mind just yet.

I believe in miracles....

2006-03-25T15:41:00.000-05:00

I wasn't too excited about today. Track meet, baseball doubleheader, tennis match...not exactly the quiet weekend I wanted.

But lo and behold, why did everything change in a matter minutes today. At the track, I went upstairs to get some results from the meet, and guess who I see. Cassi! I did a double take. Yes, it was really her, rocking a throwback sweatshirt from ANYTOWN. I didn't speak, but I should have, just because. She was standing alongside a friend from ECU or UNC Charlotte, but one of our track team members was in front of her.

I should have seized the moment and apologized for coming at her like a lame last year. That has soooo been stuck on my conscience since last summer. It didn't help that she was looking ridiculously fine as usual, just like I remembered her.

She wasn't particularly interested in talking to me, anyway. I could tell by the look in her eyes when she saw me. I regret not speaking to her...then the floodgates opened in my mind. The parties at Greene Street, the videos, everything. She may have been my biggest crush in years.

But why? I still don't understand why I wanted her so bad! Sometimes you just have to let go. I guess that I will get over it, but the what ifs...I never got a chance to say how I felt. Me not speaking is a part of moving on...

NCAA Tournament + 2 parties + Payday = 1 Helluva Week!

2006-03-18T10:39:00.001-05:00

The usual seven-day week starts on Sunday, but mine actually started Wednesday.

3/15 Payday. Baseball night game vs. Appalachian State.

Ok, so the plan was to get the stuff done after the game, get home by 9, 9:30ish, shower, change and get to the N Club at 11:00. Good idea, but the baseball team didn't help out...they went into extra innings to beat Appalachian State, 3-2. After writing and e-mailing the game story, I was flat out tired and decided to celebrate the next day. That turned out to be the best decision I made...the sleep was excellent!

On to Thursday. NCAA Tournament First Round

Our office has brackets up (no money), winner gets a nice dinner. First half of the day had a huge upset with Wisconsin-Milwaulkee winning. I didn't get that one, but I did get Montana, so at that point, I led by a point over my boss, who picked UW-M. He did get Texas A&M beating Syracuse (idiot me knew that was going to happen) + UNC Wilmington blew and 18-point lead and cost me nine points (We get points for whichever seed wins that we get right, giving more quality points for picking upsets). So before Friday, my boss led me by almost 20. I brought my TV to the office, so while I worked I watched the games at least until I took my extended lunch.

Not really much to do, even though I got snuckered into watching a tennis match. I didn't really get mad, because: 1. It was a beautiful day (81 degrees). 2. Our women's tennis team is pretty good. and 3. It's women in tennis skirts. So, no problem. I go ahead and watch the match, plus write the story for the website. and sprint home to get ready for....

Party number one: The Venue

Now I know this cool dude from Atlanta named KB. He actually promotes a party at the city's biggest single level club, the Venue, promising that the first 1,000 ladies get in free. (The club can hold 3,500 people, so that's easy.

But to add the icing on top, he joins the Executive Team and their sister crew, X-Factor (Now those are some BADDDDAASSSSSS CHICKS from each school.)

I get to the club at 11 pm and IT'S TOO SERIOUS!!! So many chicks! I know that the Venue is pretty packed, but wow. I had to pay VIP price ($20) and I wasn't mad at all. Countless girls I knew were there and I got my dance on.

Taking my cue from a Complex article, I threw on my old reliable sport coat with my favorite Chino pants and my Johnson & Murphy shoes....toped off with a nice French Cuff shirt. I'm super fresh. I have to do something to separate me from them wannabe thug punks in the spot.

Chicks love it anyway...It just makes me look better. I'm not overdressed, and I still crush my competition. Anyway, I danced with about 10 different ladies, none that I knew (even at an A&T party).

I even introduced myself to one lady ("I see you all the time, but I don't know you."). I do specialize in being seen, even at school. She had just given her number to some dude, so I wasn't trying to ask for it. I'll see her again anyway.

I finally make it home at 4am.

PARTY TWO: FIFTH SEASON

Earlier in the week, I talked with Keesha about where she like to go clubbing at. She told me Club Fifth Season, inside the Sheraton. I heard that the place is always packed, especially with ladies night and since she would be there, I may as well have some fun, even though I wouldn't get to chill with her when I'm there.

So, after the tennis match, I eat at Ruby Tuesday's, which is at the mall. So after I eat and freshen up, I'm in the spot and IT'S JUMPIN!!

I thought I was at A&T's homecoming. Most of the people there are 30+, so me, in full fledged fly mode (tweed sportcoat, butterfly collar french cuff shirt, chinos, classic J&M shoes), fit right in. I would have to say that I was probably on the top 20 list of best looking men in the place out of about 200. Trust me, they couldn't stop me. Things were dragging at first entry until Keesha walked in, fly and all...brown leopard print rayon blouse with a knee length skirt, and matching boots. I actually let her walk by me, then spoke to her later. She barely acknowleged me but I'm not thinking about it. Anyway, I actually played the back and watched all the people. Then I hit the dance floor and actually chilled. I did dance with a few older women there, but I noticed that I was watching Keesha more than I was dancing. Not exactly what I wanted to do.

Before the night ended I ran across my homies Katrina from A&T, and Chevelle from Page. Chevelle promptly gave me her number for today.

I didn't even know that last call was at 12:45. The place shut down at 1 am, over a hour early. How the hell did I go to a party that lasted until 3am with the college folks a night before? Even I was amazed. So much so that I accidentally set my clock an hour early than I wanted to today.

I didn't get too drunk, but I spent a good amount of money, so I'm gonaa have to hold off next weekend. But that's cool. Anyway, I'm going to the crib.

The (Non)-Smoking Gun...Puerto Rico..HO!!

2006-03-03T19:35:00.000-05:00

Puerto Rico has imposed a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places. Major props to the government. It's high time (no pun intended) to get the butt out all over the world.

Smoking sucks. It destroys lives. People did it just to blend in and be cool with their "friends," or other people that smoke. (Weed smokers, this includes YOU, too.)

I've hated smoking since day one. Both of my parents smoked, so now I'm stuck with asthma and an immune system that's okay, at best.

Speaking of my immune system, I need to start taking better care of myself. I've been feeling winded lately, and it's not just because of a cold. I haven't cleaned my room lately and half of my clothes are in a heap. Not good at all.

We won our baseball game today over Radford, so now I'm in the mood to rest, relax, and...wait until tomorrow's game. That sucks, too. I was supposed to go to Charlotte to party at the CIAA, but I guess that won't happen now. Hey, I needed the hours.

The basketball teams are in the play-in, again. Great. Now we have to work ALL of spring break (I had to, anyway, with a baseball game on Tuesday).

Should I go out tonight? Nope. I'm going home to stay. Peace.

Back on the Grind....

2006-02-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally get a moment to breathe, er, write, since Dilla's passing. I think I have, subconciously listened to at least one Dilla beat a day. He produced so much of the stuff that I really like and listen to on a daily basis.

Anyway, kudos to me for making my first true online purchase:

A 12" El the Sensai classic: "Keep it Live"
Dilated Peoples' first album: "The Platform"
and El the Sensai: "Forever" which is basically a compilation of all of his stuff on one disc.

I've dug El's voice since the Artifacts (circa '92), so this is a no-brainer. "Keep it Live" is one of our all-time favorites on the radio show.

I need to go ahead and buy Little Brother's "Chittlin' Circuit 1.5."

Props to the government and H&R Block for hooking me up with my federal tax refund early. I finally got some bills paid, and with my state check coming within the week, it's time to PARTY!!

I am going to put my 35mm camera to use this weekend. I may as well, I bought 5 rolls of film, so I better use it, even for myself if I have to.

I'm listening to one of my favorite albums: Question in the Form of an Answer by People Under the Stairs (LA, baby).

Finally went to the mall for the 1st time in about....2 months. I'm thinking about upgrading my wardrobe with my next paycheck.

It's almost tournament time, so I have some work to do. At least it's keeping girls off my mind...well, maybe not. After all, I am going to the club.

Dilla's legacy

2006-02-13T01:57:00.000-05:00

Artist Titles
(As Producer and/or MC):1st Down - No Place To Go 12" single 19931st Down - A Day Wit The Homiez 12" Single 1995 (Pay Day Records)Slum Village - Fan-Tas-Tic 12" single 1996Slum Village - Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) CD/LP 1996 (Donut Boy Recordings) 1997 (Sudden Impact)Slum Village - We Be Down 12" single 1997 (Sudden Impact) Jay Dee - Jay Dee Unreleased (Remixes) 12" EP 1997 (House Shoes Records)Slum Village - Somethin' For The People, All I Do (Remix) from "All I Do" 12" single 1997 (WB) Slum Village - Fantastic Vol. 2 CD/LP 2000 (Goodvibe) 2002 (Capitol)J-88 - Look Of Love (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Groove Attack)J-88 - Best Kept Secret 12" EP 2000 (Groove Attack)Jay Dee - Fuck The Police/Move, feat. Frank N Dank 12" single 2001 (Up Above)Jay Dee feat. Frank-N-Dank - Pause 12" single 2001 (BBE)Jay Dee - Welcome 2 Detroit CD/LP 2001 (BBE)1st Down - A Day Wit The Homiez CD 2002 (RonnieCash.com) Jay Dee - Instrumental Series Vol 1 12" EP 2002 (Bling47.com)Jay Dee feat. Frank N Dank - Take Dem Clothes Off/Off Ya Chest 12" single 2002 (ABB)Jaylib - The Message from Stones Throw Summer 2002 12" EP (Stones Throw) Jay Dee -Instrumental Series Vol.2: Vintage 2003 CD/LP (Bling47.com)Jay Dee - Ruff Draft 12" EP 2003 (Mummy/Groove Attack)Jaylib - The Red/The Official 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw) Jaylib - Champion Sound/Strip Club 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw) Jaylib - Champion Sound CD/LP 2003, and Champion Sound Instrumentals LP 2004 (Stones Throw)Jaylib - Raw Addict/Ice 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw)Jaylib - McNasty Filth/Pillz 12"/CD single 2004 (Stones Throw) Jaylib - Blaze Up, The Mission (Remix) from Stones Throw 101 Mix CD 2004 (Stones Throw) Jaylib - Popshit from Stones Throw 100 12" EP 2004 (Stones Throw)J Dilla - Welcome 2 Detroit Instrumentals CD/LP 2005 (BBE)J Dilla - Donuts: The EP 12" EP 2005 (Promotional)J Dilla - Donuts CD/LP 2006
MC only:Tami Hert - If You Were Mine (Detroit Demolition Mix) from "If You Were Mine" 12" single 1997 (550 Music)v/a - Fight Club, feat. Dilla, Nottz & Boogie from "Best Kept Secret Mix" CD 2003 (Bling47.com) Dabrye - Game Over 12" single 2004 (Ghostly International) Wale Oyejide - There's A War Going On 12" single 2004 (Shaman Work)Wale Oyejide - There's A War Going On from "One Day, Everything Changed" CD/LP 2004 (Shaman Work) Slum Village - Reunion from "Detroit Deli" CD/LP 2004 (Barak/Capitol)Pete Rock - Niggaz Know from "Soul Survivor II" CD/LP 2004 (Rapster /BBE) v/a - Do Your Thang, Stupid from "BR Gunna Presents Dirty District Vol. 2" CD 2004 (Barak)Phat Kat - Door from "The Undeniable LP" (New Version) CD/LP 2004 (Barak) Lawless Element - Love (feat. Jay Dilla) 2005Platinum Pied Pipers - Act Like You Know feat J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Ubiquity)Platinum Pied Pipers - Shotgun, Act Like You Know from Triple P CD/LP 2005 (Ubiquity) Sa-Ra - Thrilla feat. J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Sound in Color)Diamond - We Gangstas from Diamond Mine CD 2005Platinum Pied Pipers - Shotgun (Remix) from 12" single 2005 (Ubiquity)

Production Credits (by year):
1994-1995Da Enna C - NOW from "Throw Ya Hands In Da Air" 12" single 1994 (Up Top)Little Indian - One Little Indian 12" single 1995 (Premeditated) Poe - Fingertips from "Hello" CD/LP 1995 (WEA / Atlantic)

1996
5-Elementz - Whutchawant, Feed Back, Rockshows, Party Groove, Janet Jacme, E.G.O., Don't Stop, Searchin from "The Album Time Forgot" cassette 1996 (That Was Entertainment)A Tribe Called Quest - 1nce Again, Get A Hold, Keeping It Moving, Stressed Out, Word Play from "Beat, Rhymes, & Life" CD/LP 1996 (Jive Records) Busta Rhymes - Keep It Movin', Still Shinin' from "The Coming" CD/LP 1996 (Elektra)Busta Rhymes - Woo-Hah!! (Jay-Dee Bounce Remix), Woo-Hah!! (Jay-Dee Other Shit Remix) 12" single 1996 (Elektra)Busta Rhymes - It's a Party (Ummah Remix), Ill Vibe (Ummah Remix) 12" single 1996 (Elektra)De La Soul - Stakes Is High from "Stakes Is High" CD/LP 1996 (Tommy Boy)De La Soul - Stakes Is High (Remix) from Itzsoweezee 12" single 1996 (Tommy Boy)Mad Skillz - It's Going Down, The Jam from "From Where???" 1996 (Big Beat) Kieth Murray - The Rhyme (Remix), Dangerous Ground from "Enigma" 1996 (Jive)Natives Of Da Underground - Pack Da Hous/Brotha's Juss Don't Know/Whatcha Gonna Do? 12" single 1996 (ALR) Phife Dawg - Game Day from "NFL Jams" 1996 (Castle)Proof - Da Science from "Detroit Hip Hop Volume 1" 1996 Modern Tribe Proof - Vibe Session from "Anywhere" 12" single 1996 (Hip Hop Shop)Tha Pharcyde - Runnin', Bullshit, Splatittorium, Somethin' That Means Somethin', Drop, Y? from "Labcabincalifornia" CD/LP 1996 (Delicious Vinyl)

1997
5-Elementz - Sun Flower from "Yester Years" 12" EP 1997 (That Was Entertainment)A Tribe Called Quest - Get A Hold, Mardi Gras At Midnight from "Jam" EP 1997 (Jive Records) Brand New Heavies - Sometimes (Ummah Remix) from "Sometimes" 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)Busta Rhymes - So Hardcore from "When Disaster Strikes" CD/LP 1997 (Elektra)Crustation - Purple (ATCQ Edit) 12" single 1997 (Zomba)Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone (Ummah Jay Dee Revenge Mix) 12" single 1997 (Virgin)T Da Pimp - Why You Lookin Hard?/We Knowwe Rockit 12" single 1997 (Penmp) Tha Pharcyde - She Said (Remix) 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)Tha Pharcyde - Runnin (Remix), Y? (Remix) from "Drop" 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)Truz - True Dawgs/Routes To Hell 12" single 1997 (Ad Fam)
1998
A Tribe Called Quest - 4 Moms, Against The World, Busta's Lament, Da Booty, Find A Way, His Name Is Mutty Ranks, Start It Up, Steppin' It Up from "The Love Movement" CD/LP 1998 (Jive Records)A Tribe Called Quest - That Shit from "Funkmaster Flex Vol. 3" 1998 (Loud Records)Bizarre - Butterfly from Attack of the Wierdos 12" EP 1998 (Federation)Mood - Secrets Of The Sand (Remix) from "Snake Backs" 12" single 1998 (Blunt)N'Dea Davenport - Bullshittin (Remix) from "N'Dea Davenport" CD/LP 1998 (V2)
1999

5 Ela - You Ain't Fresh, Ain't No Love from 5-E Pt. 3 1999 (That Was Entertainment) Brand New Heavies - Saturday Night (Jay Dee Remix) from "Saturday Night" 12" single 1999 (Delicious Vinyl)Heavy D - Listen from "Heavy" CD/LP 1999 (Universal)Macy Gray - I Try (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Epic)Nine Yards - Always Find A Way (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Virgin)Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers 12" single 1999 (House Shoes Recordings)Phife Dawg - Bend Ova/Thought U Wuz Nic 12" single 1999 (Groove Attack)Que D - Underestimated, Supa Shit, Kilo, Cash Flow, Michelle, Rock Box, Don't Stop from "Quite Delicious" cassette 1999 and "Que D Limited Edition" CD 2003 (Royal Flyness) Q-Tip - 11 tracks from "Amplified" CD/LP 1999 (Arista)The Roots - Dynamite from Things Fall Apart CD/LP 1999 (MCA)The Roots - New Year's @ Jay Dee's from "You Got Me" CD single 1999 (MCA)Zooco - Butterfly from "Glow-Mellow-Flow" CD/LP 1999? (Columbia Japan)

2000
Black Star - Little Brother from "The Hurricane (Soundtrack)" CD/LP 2000 (MCA)Brand New Heavies - Sometimes (Remix), Saturday Night (Remix) from "Trunk Funk Classics" CD/LP 2000 (Delicious Vinyl)Busta Rhymes - Enjoy Da Ride, Live It Up, Show Me What You Got from "Anarchy" CD/LP 2000 (Elektra)Common - 10 tracks from "Like Water For Chocolate" CD/LP 2000 (MCA)Common - The Light (Remix) from "Bamboozled (Soundtrack)" 2000 (Motown)D'Angelo - various tracks from Voodoo CD/LP 2000 (Virgin)De La Soul - Thru Ya City from "Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump" CD/LP 2000 (Tommy Boy)Erykah Badu - Cleva, My Life, Didn't Cha Know, Kiss Me On My Neck from "Mama's Gun CD/LP 2000 (Motown)Frank N Dank - Me & My Man/Love (A Thing Of The Past) 12" single 2000 (McNasty)Frank N Dank - Everybody Get Up/Give It Up Pt. 2 12" single 2000 (McNasty)Guru feat. Bilal - Certified from "Guru's Jazzmatazz Street Soul" CD/LP 2000 (Virgin)Innerzone Orchestra - People Make The World Go Round (J-88 Mix) - 12" single 2000 (Planet E)Phife Dawg - Bend Ova, 4 Horseman from "Ventilation: Da LP" CD/LP 2000 (Groove Attack)Phife Dawg - Ya Heard Me from "Definition of Ill Compilation" 2000 bootlegRoyce Da 5'9" - Let's Grow from "Lyricist Lounge Volume 2" CD/LP 2000 (Rawkus)Spacek - Eve (Remix) 12" single 2000 (Blue)

2001

Bahamadia- One-4-Teen (Remix) from "Summer Sampler" CD 2001 (Goodvibe)Bilal - Reminisce from "1st Born Second LP" CD/LP 2001 (Interscope)Busta Rhymes - Genesis, Make It Hurt from "Genesis" CD/LP 2001 (Elektra)Chino XL - Don't Say A Word from "I Told You So" CD/LP 2001 (Metro Records)De La Soul - Peer Pressure (Intro & Outro Monologues by Jay Dee) from AOI: Bionix CD/LP 2001 (Tommy Boy)Lucy Pearl - Without You (Remix) 12" single 2001 (Pookie/Virgin)Mos Def - Can U C The Pride In The Panther? (Remix) 12" Single 2001 (Interscope)Que D - In Yo Face from "Still Bangin" 12" single 2001 (Up Above) and "Que D Limited Edition" CD 2003 (Royal Flyness) Toshi Kubota - Nothin But Your Love (Remix) 12" single 2001 (Epic)
2002

Big Tone - Party Crasher (mixed by Jay Dee) from Party Crasher 12" Antidote 2002Busta Rhymes - It Ain't Safe No More, What Up, Turn Me Up Some from "It Ain't Safe No More..." CD/LP 2002 (Elektra)Common - various production & instrumental credits from "Electric Circus" CD/LP 2002 (MCA)DJ Jazzy Jeff - Are You Ready (with Slum Village) from "The Magnificent" 12" EP 2002 (BBE)Frank N Dank - Push 12" EP 2002 (Mummy / Groove Attack) Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers, Don't Nobody Care About Us, Microphone Master, Big Booties, World Premier from "Dedication To The Suckers" LP/CD 2002 (RonnieCash.com)Slum Village - Hoes, Let's, One from "Trinity" CD/LP 2002 (Capitol)Talib Kweli - Where Do We Go, Stand To The Side from "Quality" CD/LP 2002 (Rawkus)

2003

ASD (Afrob & Samy Deluxe) - Komm Schon from "Wer Hatte Das Gedacht?" CD/LP 2003 (Eimsbush)ASD (Afrob & Samy Deluxe) - Wenn Ihr Fuhlt... from "Hey Du" 12" EP 2003 (Eimsbush) Common - Come Close "Remix" (Closer) 12" single 2003 (MCA)De La Soul - Much More/Shoomp 12" single 2003 (AOI)Fourtet - As Serious As Your Life (Remix) 12" single 2003 DominoFrank N Dank - 48 Hours CD 2003 (Bootleg)Vivian Green - Fanatic (Remix) 12" Single 2003 (Sony)Phat Kat - Dedication 2004, Destiny, Big Booties from "The Undeniable LP: Detroit Edition" CD/LP 2003 Barak RecordsQue D - Supa Shit 12" single 2003 (Royal Flyness)Royce Da 5'9" - Life Goes On from "Build & Destroy: Lost Sessions Part 1" 2003 (Trouble Records)Subtitle - Mark Luv Mixtape Song from "Greatest Hi$$" CD 2003 (Marks03 Recordings) T-Love - When You're Older, Who Smoked Sunshine, Chiquita, Long Way Back from "The Long Way Back" 2003 (Pickininny)
2004

5 Ela - Scenario 2004 from "The EP" 2004 (5 Elements)Amp Fiddler - You Play Me, Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly from "Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly" CD/LP 2004 (Genuine/PIAS)Amp Fiddler - I Believe In You (Jaylib Mix) CD/12" single 2004 (Genuine/PIAS) Brother Jack McDuff - Oblighetto (J Dilla Remix) from "Blue Note Revisted" CD/LP 2004 (Blue Note)De La Soul - Verbal Clap, Much More from "Grind Date" CD/LP (Sanctuary)DJ Cam - Love Junkee (Remix) 12" single 2003 (Inflamable) and "Liquid Hip Hop CD/LP 2004 (Inflamable) Elzhi - Days and Nights, Concrete Eyes, Love It Here, and Look At My Friends from "Witness My Growth" Mix CD 2004 (Libido Speedo)Frank-N-Dank - Let's Go, Okay, MCA from "Xtended Play" CD/LP 2004 (Needillworks) Lawless Element - The Shining 12" single 2004 (RMR/Fat Beats) Oh No - Move from The Disrupt CD/LP 2004, and The Disrupt Instrumentals LP 2005 (Stones Throw)Proof of D12 - Bring It 2 Me from "I Miss The Hip Hop Shop" CD/LP 2004 (Iron Fist)Prozack - Leisure Rules from "Death, Taxes, and Prozack" CD 2004 (Outofwork Records)Slum Village - Do You from "Detroit Deli" CD/LP 2004 (Barak/Capitol)
2005
Common - Love is..., It's Your World (Part 1 & 2) from "Be" CD/LP and "Be Instrumentals" LP 2005 (GOOD Music/Geffen) Common - The Movement from "NBA 2K6 - The Tracks" CD/LP 2005 (Decon) Dwele - Keep On from "Some Kinda" CD/LP 2005 (Virgin) Dwight Trible & The Life Force Trio - Antiquity from "Love Is The Answer" CD/LP 2005 (Ninja Tune) MED - Push feat. J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Stones Throw) MED - Push, So Real from "Push Comes To Shove" CD/LP 2005 (Stones Throw) Moka Only - One Time from "The Desired Effect" CD/LP 2005 (Nettwerk) Oh No - Move Part 2 feat. J Dilla & Roc C 12" single 2005 (Stones Throw) Slum Village - Who Are We from "Prequel To A Classic" CD 2005 (Barak Records) Spacek - Dollar 12" single 2005 (Sound in Color)Spacek - Dollar from "Space Shift" CD/LP 2005 (Sound in Color)
---

Rest In Peace...DILLA

2006-02-13T01:08:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have to realize that your life's greatest work may never be appreciated by the one who sorely needs it - YOU.

This is going to happen to one of hip-hop's most acclaimed and reliable producers, James "J Dilla" Yancey, who died on Friday, just days after his album, "Donuts" was released.

He was just 32 years old, but the last 10 years of his life meant so much to hip-hop. Just ask Busta, Common, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Keith Murray, or Madlib...

I loved the way he took the quiet, unassuming approach to the game. I hate that I'm in Florida, cause Walt probably dedicated the show to him. I should have been there, but that's another topic for another day.

Pharell Williams of the Neptunes has said on record that Dilla was his favorite producer in the game, period. Busta would not have a solo career if he didn't have Dilla, who produced some classics. He made the Ummah...

Sh*t, I don't know what to say. I have my own collection of Dilla-produced songs and when I go purchase the album when I get home - I know that his impact will be beyond the records.

He left behind a great legacy-Dwele, Slum Village, Sa-Ra and the Platinum Pied Pipers, Que-D and his crew, plus the Jaylib stuff and Adult Swim.

All of a sudden my problems are meaningless...I'm in tears writing this.

This Post SUCKS!

2006-02-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

http://www.ncatbaseball.blogspot.com

Our conference championship baseball team has a home on this particular blog website. It looks pretty good, for real. I'm impressed. I wish that we could promote those guys a little better. I will see plenty of baseball, as I will see nearly all of our 20+ home games, mostly in March.

Anyway, I'm in Tallahassee, Fla., and it's cold, really cold, like 40s and below. THAT SUCKS! We're in town getting ready to play FAMU, and I'm sooooo ready to go home.

I've officially dropped Cassi from my list...my homegirl Kelly told me that she was seriously involved with her boyfriend. Anyway, I should get a new dream girl...And since I can't think of one right now...THIS SUCKS!

Valentine's day is coming up, and for the 15th consecutive year, I have no valentine to speak of. Not even a great chick friend who would love to see me on that particular day. So, I'm going to bio-life after we fly back to Greensboro, get my $20 and go to my home and bed and sleeping. No parties, no nothing. Hell, I'm broke anyway. This SUCKS. And of course, I get paid the day after. I hate being paid on the 15th. All the good holidays except for christmas happen before the 15th. It makes me do what I hate having to do: SAVE MONEY. This means I can't do any last minute shopping or impulsive, go out and buy this NOW shopping either. IT SUCKS!!

Dilla's CD dropped on Tuesday and I don't have it: THAT SUCKS!

I'm STILL waiting for my W-2's to arrive. I tried to e-file and I can't finish filing until those W-2's come in. Well, it's a moot point because I can file a substitute form on Wednesday, anyway. THAT SUCKS!

I had an interesting conversation with one of the girls from Greene Street. Oh well, she has a boyfriend. Actually, all her crew have boyfriends. THAT SUCKS!

I just realized that I have to spend 3/4 of my paycheck on past due rent. THAT SUCKS!

I just realized that I know a lot of women, but I can't get a date...THAT SUCKS!

Well, I have a medial job (that I love, so I won't leave it), no car (so I can't drive to another place to get a better job), and no money (so I can buy the car to get the job to get more money)...THAT REALLY SUCKS.

Well, I still have my Little Brother albums with me. As a matter of fact, I have "The Minstrel Show is in my CD player."

Hip-hop may be the only way of getting over this lonely hump I'm at right now. Am I comfortable with this lonely phase? No. I'm writing about it, so I'm not happy. Could I be content with being single? Possibly, because I'm not actively pursuing women right now.

My predictions say that...

2006-02-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

I know what I'm talking about.

I only missed one prediction in my post yesterday. Jay-Z and Linkin Park won best Rap/Sung collabo. Everything else I got right, even John Legend.

Plus, I got some off camera bonuses with Q-Tip and De La Soul winning their first Grammys.

Now I know of the old rap adage, "blow up, but don't go pop." Yes, De La won with the Gorillaz, but I don't consider that a pop song. It's hip-hop!

Q-Tip actually has had some electronica experience and his joint with the Chemical Brothers is the best dance joint I've heard in years.

Super Sunday?

2006-02-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

I'm not all that excited about Super Bowl XL. Well, I'm a Dallas fan, so I never can get too excited about the game unless, of course, 'the Boys are playing. The game itself is an afterthought of the season, a victim of overhyped media coverage, pregame shows, commercials and players trying to make the game bigger than what it is.

Despite the closeness of the last few Super Bowls, I think that the Pro Bowl is more exciting, even with the restrictions imposed during the game. Bottom line, the players are better.

Pittsburgh and Seattle are the best two teams. I don't care about what people say about Indianapolis. Pittsburgh BEAT them at their own place and won two other road games. Period. A six seed getting to the game means that the ultimate goal of parity has been realized.

Free agency has changed pro sports. Curt Flood may have been the most influential man in sports, EVER! Look at today's stories. Players changing venues, making teams better or worse. Terrell Owens and Ron Artest. The salary caps have kept teams in line (baseball being the exception) and the rate of league turnover is about a three year average.

It's good to see some perennially bad teams win, like the Bears and the Clippers. It's good for the fans. I don't mind the Patriots dynasty or even San Antonio/Detroit's success, because it proves that in leagues of parity, the best coached teams win. Bill Bellichek, Greg Popovich, and Larry Brown/Flip Saunders are all great coaches who get the most out of their teams every night. I love watching them play.

Now on to the next week's big show: The Grammys

First of all, I'm a HUGE Kanye West hater. Always have been. I wouldn't be as bad if he wasn't so damn cocky. His attitude, especially after the car accident, has been one of invincibility. He acts like he's changed the game. Dude, people have been sampling and using soul records and pianos for years. Uh, the cats that YOU gave props to as far as his influences go, are still around making beats. So SHUT UP ALREADY. Yeah, he's a media darling with all of his wisecracks about topics he either doesn't have any knowledge of (George Bush) or the industry itself (dissing Maroon 5 after losing Best New Artist).

But after listening to How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, I actually may have a legit reason to vote U2 anyway. The group's sound is as cohesive as ever and even though their lyrical content has been drab at best, their songwriting has improved. It's one of their best spoken albums since Actung Baby. U2 has the experience, the sales, and the hardest working frontman in the world.

Hip-hop announced its official arrival with OutKast winning two years ago in a WEAK year for music. The sales have dominated for the last decade and are still rising. But is the genre good enough now to be considered with equality? I say not yet. Kanye is the favorite and the media is salivating to claim hip-hop as the number one genre of music. I can see XXL and The Source now. Late Registration is nowhere near any of the great albums of the '87-'88 golden era or the silver era of '93-'94. I don't even think it's the hip-hop album of the year, which should belong to Common's "Be" or Little Brother's "The Minstrel Show, " which should have been nominated.

The Academy may look to Bono's unbelievable crusades for humanitarianism which will carry the group over Kanye's crowd-pleasing, glory seeking antics.

Album of the Year: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2

My predictions in the Rap category

Category 31 - Best Rap Solo Performance (For a solo Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.)

Kanye's Gold Digger is up for record of the year...about an automatic winner here.

Category 32 - Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group

The Black Eyed Peas have their best chance to win here. This song carries the album and weak competition may earn this group their first Grammy win.

Category 33 - Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Bad picks in this category force me to go with the sentimental choice: Soldier by Destiny's Child featuring Little Wayne and T.I. This is the last time people will see Destiny's Child and the Academy is known for awarding sentiment.

Category 34 - Best Rap Song

An easy choice - Kanye's Diamonds from Sierra Leone. That track should be song of the year.

Category 35 - Best Rap Album

The candidate for album of the year almost always wins the category it's in. So I have to go with Late Registration, although Be actually is a better album. BEWARE: Eminem has an incredible track record with a perfect 3-for-3 in this category. He could steal this...

Also what to look for: John Legend to take home Best New Artist and Best R&B Album...

Kanye's G.O.O.D Music imprint can take home as many as 15 awards (John Legend has seven nominations, Kanye has five, Common has three) Plus Kanye shares songwriting credits for Alicia Keys "Unbreakable")

Interesting Points to remember: The 10 rap albums that have won Best Rap Album

95 - Poverty's Paradise

96-The Score

97-No Way Out

98-Vol II, Hard Knock Life

99-The Slim Shady LP

00-The Marshall Mathers LP

01-Stankonia

02-The Eminem Show

03-Speakerboxx/The Love Below

04-The College Dropout

Free Speech

2006-01-23T15:34:00.000-05:00

Is not necessarily free.

I'm watching The Best Man after the games tonight.

I just need some prospective on a few of my life issues.

Anyway, I survived on the job...This blog almost got me toasted. Oh, well, time to obey the letter of the law, and quite possibly, the spirit as well.

Pictures!

2006-01-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

I'm going to post a few pix from my road trip...

(Universal Studios.)

(The Marina Del Rey Marriot)

(Venice Beach Recreation Center. Home of the court where "White Men Can't Jump")

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

(Waikiki Beach, Hawaii)

Damage Control

2006-01-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it turns out that when you do things in acts of vengence, the truth will find you out, always.

Many of my archived entries from 2004-05 have been deleted from here, moved to my disk, where it will never see public light again.

I got a call from one of my good female friends whom I was in love with. She finally read my archives and was rightfully upset.

Although times have changed and I've moved on emotionally since I wrote those entries, I realized that by using her real name, I have tarnished her image and damaged her pride and her trust. And I may have put dynamite into a friendship that, in all, was very worthwhile.

I do not have a destructive personality, but I am a very jealous and vengeful person, traits that I didn't inherit from my mother or father. This blog has exposed me as a less than perfect man, so it has achieved the goal I set for it.

Was it really worth the price? For someone who values his friends, especially female ones, that's a very hard question to answer. But for someone who is a better man for it? My best friend, who will be Mrs. Ball, may very well be worth everything I have including my words.

Trip Photos...Coming soon

2006-01-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

I know that I've been on this site for nearly a year and I haven't posted any photos. The real truth is that I didn't take many pictures to begin with. Not that I'm camera shy, but, hell, I saw no need to post them.

Anyway after the trip to Hawaii, I have plenty of pictures of me and of LA and Hawaii to post here. Plus I got a Cruzer Mini jump drive as a reward for helping my aunt with her new laptop.

For every entry I will post two pictures from the road trip until I run out.

Remembering My Past...

2006-01-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

It's been an interesting couple of days since I've been back.

I've been reminded of my shortcomings with females, having seen three that I wanted to get with last year, all miserable failures.

Yesterday I saw Nia..(refer to my summer entries) and later on, Irena...All I can say is that I'm an idiot.

Well, to top it off...I checked out Kelly's (UMiami-Cassi's friend) page on facebook and she posted her New Year's pics on her profile. Of course, Cassi's in the photos (Now I'm wondering if I got clowned calling her during NY's.)

Oh, and by the way...Cassi's in the pictures with her "boyfriend," some dude I saw at her birthday party in June...

I guess these are the signs that I needed to remind myself that I must MOVE ON, PLAYA. Life is too short to be worrying about all the past b.s. that I've had to go through...because I haven't GONE THROUGH it!

Too many parties tomorrow night! Club Nine, Ballroom, Devereaux, Sky Bar...A lot of people will be out.

I will probably be in Burlington at Club Kryptonite...I need a change of club scenery.

Danger Mouse

2006-01-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

I bought my first DVD collection when I returned home from UMES. Turned out I couldn't pass up a childhood memory when I bought DangerMouse, seasons 1-4.

DM is a spoof of Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Dr. Who all wrapped up into an animated cartoon. It debuted (in the US) in 1984, as part of Nickelodeon's evening programming (You Can't Do That on Television, Double Dare, etc.) I loved the show, especially since the main character was a secret agent.

More on this later.

On my way out...but it's showtime!

2006-01-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

In a couple of hours, I'm off to the middle of nowhere...a.k.a Salisbury, Md.

It's time to get real...MEAC time. We're in conference for the rest of the season. We've played all of the B.S. non-conference games and haven't won. It's time to make this pay off.

The women's team has a shot of winning the title, because, this season, no team is dominant. We have the talent, but our only weakness is that we can only go seven deep. That will hurt us against teams like UMES and Howard, who go 10-12 deep.

We have two of the league's best players and when both are clicking, we can score points.

But can we stop people?

The guys, despite all of the injuries and player defections, can still win 14-15 conference games. We have to steal these two (UMES and DSU) on the road first.

I know what the real problem on the team is, but they have to figure it out for themselves and come together as a team and flat out execute for 40 minutes, like we did in Hawaii.

Bottom line, they have to make shots. Period.

Anyway, when I get back from Dover next week, I'll start posting my pictures from the road trip, provided they aren't ruined by the x-ray machines in the airport.

Props to my parents for the Philips portable DVD player and the two cameras (1 35mm, 1 tiny digital).

Home...Finally

2006-01-01T13:16:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year folks.

It was really nice to be away for a while, but I'm glad to be at the crib. Our women's team plays #3 LSU today...what a way to start off the New Year. But I get to go home...sort of..in a couple of days. We play Maryland Eastern Shore on Wednesday. Dad will be at the game, since it's just an hour's drive from Dover, DE.

I'm okay with missing the national championship game. Not that I don't like USC, or Texas, the two teams are VERY good. It's just that well, after Miami got smashed by LSU, the title game is anticlimatic...like who cares. Apparently some people in Dover do. I heard that DSU is moving their basketball game to 2 pm to allow fans time to get home to watch. That's pretty sad.

Actually I will get to go home this weekend, since we play Delaware State on Monday. Props to my parents for getting me the portable DVD player and the polo shirts.

I have to pay Sprint tomorrow (oh, great). My phone is actually cut off right now, so I have some work to do before I leave for Princess Anne, Md. with the women's team. What a great way to start the new year - with my phone cut off.

Game Time...

2005-12-27T05:25:00.000-05:00

http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu/pr.html?prid=13823&p=8

Well, 12:05 am (EST) is tipoff and guess what - WE FLY TO CINCINNATI after the game. Are you serious?

Talk about a serious case of jet lag...First, the guys play the game, then take a red-eye to LA, layover for four hours, then fly directly into Cincinnati? That's eight hours in the air. Meaning, we won't get to Cinci until...late afternoon, then PRACTICE?

"Get Real" - Mayce Webber (yes, that is his real first name).

Anyway...I'm ready to leave the Island. I'm tired of looking and not touching. It's just flat our WRONG to go through this torture.

We did check out some of Pearl Harbor and toured the historic (meaning mountainous) side of Oahu. The island mountains are high up, for rea. I actually got shook on the highway, 'cause we could see below the road.

I went into a club tonight. Bad signs that club is not going to be fun:

1. You are the only one of your race in the club...not even a bouncer.
2. The DJ plays the current hip-hop FIRST in a club that opens at 10pm.
3. The main scene is TECHNO...and nothing but the orient in the club.

Now, the ladies I didn't mind, but...the techno was a bit much. The nude woman on the plasma screens, ala the James Bond flicks was a nice touch. After two hours, I was done, danced out and disappointed...oh well, there's always New Year's Eve at home.

We saw the Hawaii Five-O headquarters and the palace of King Kamehameha (yes, DBZ fans, the Saiyan attack move is named after the Hawaiian king.)

Lupin the 3rd returns to Adult Swim on Jan. 3rd. YES!!!

Gotta pack in the AM...I'm tired as hell and I need to get some sleep...Maybe I'll take one last walk on the shore.

The Dallas Cowboys...

2005-12-26T16:05:00.000-05:00

will make the playoffs.

How can I say that? Well, the scenarios are as follows.

First, these things need to happen in the early games. Then Dallas needs to beat St. Louis.

1) A Washington loss to Philly (Phooey won't beat the Skins. Even I know that.)

or

2) A Tampa Bay loss to New Orleans AND the Giants loss vs. Oakland (uh...fat chance...The iants can win the division and pound Kerry Collins.)

or

3) A Carolina loss to the Falcons. YES! It's gonna happen. Michael Vick must come through for me. The Falcons always play the Panthers well at home and the game is early, too.

If the Falcons win (and I will watch the game), I will go to my grandmother's house on the double and watch the Dallas game. If the Falcons win, Dallas will take care of business.

X-Mas in Hawaii

2005-12-26T07:03:00.000-05:00

We're having crazy fun out here in Honolulu. But first things first, I need to go ahead, pay the $100 and buy myself a 3.0 Megapixel digital camera. I feel stupid walking around with two or three cheesy throwaway cameras. I know the pix that I took will be pretty good, but I need to be more advanced in my thinking and ways of doing things.

One thing I've learned from this trip is that it pays to be resourceful. When you go on trips like these, set aside money in advance, cause travel is EXPENSIVE!! Hawaii is one of the most expensive cities in the US, and LA is not that far behind.

The island, Oahu, is BEAUTIFUL. I've been to the beach before, so that aspect didn't excite me, until I sat along a coral reef. Seeing the mountains and the sun above the water brings scenery that can only be picked up on television. Standing alone and watching the waves was one of the most satisfying things I've done in life.

It's Christmas Day (well, now it's over), and I don't even feel it. My family and friends back home enjoyed themselves, I'm sure. But I do miss some of them.

The five-hour time difference has been GREAT. Watching football at 8am is something unreal. Even today with the two NBA games was unreal at 7am and 10 am. I fell asleep during the Kobe/Shaq duel...which was actually boring until the 4th quarter.

I did see one beautiful woman out on the beach, sitting under a lifeguard post. The one time I don't have my camera. Of course.

LA...was...LA. Actually, it's kind of overrated if you ask me. The most exciting part of the trip was seeing Jurassic Five's Chali 2na at a Buffalo Wings store at the edge of Venice Beach. 2na recognized me and was cool as usual. Now you know that I'm a hip-hop head for real and I know that I'm doing alright if I see one of my heroes on a road trip.

As far as the honies go, they were all at the mall, and there were PLENTY. I'm talking about all shapes and sizes. The rule is that everybody's beautiful out there. From the Cali girls I've met at A&T, that's almost true.

I enjoyed the scenic tour...until I realized that the team went on the same tour hours later and that I wasted $60 bucks...idiot. Coolest house design = Richard Gere's Sunset Blvd house.

After four days of the worst hair shape up in life, I finally cut my hair bald...and the clinching point was seeing the school chancellor coming to our dinner...with his incredibly beautiful daughter. But then I got probably the worst piece of news on the trip...she's dating a player on our team.

I didn't believe it...until I came back from a walk, sat and talked to her for half an hour, then the player calls her and comes down to pick her up. Talk about silently crushing my hopes and dreams. But hell, he's damn near a model type anyway...and has that Philly edge to him. I see how they get along, 'cause they are somewhat alike. I can't hate on him...cause he could have any chick on the yard. He stepped his game up to get at her and I respect that.

I wonder what my parents got for me for Christmas. What I really want to know is what's going on with my tax situation for this year. I put my stuff through Turbo Tax and it came out saying I OWE $600 bucks. That can't be right. I didn't make that much money.

Women...and their boyfriends.

2005-12-19T15:18:00.000-05:00

Yeah, this is another one of those hater, why me, why not me blog entries. I'm just writing this because I was looking on facebook and saw that one of my long time friends posted pictures of her boyfriend.

Now normally, if I wasn't all that interested in her, I would ignore them. But I see her happiness with him, her beautiful smile and her kissing him. He looks so cool and reserved, knowing he has a gril who is deveoted to him. He's out school, probably just got a job or is in grad school, and he's dark-skinned...her opposite.

I missed having that one girl that I could cherish. I miss Danica dearly. I haven't talked to her since the week before the Miss America Pagent. The rumpr mill had her being engaged to Bryan Scott of the Atlanta Falcons, which made sense, considering their background. Oh, well, I can't be mad at that.

My life is incomplete right now, and I need only two things to fix it. Financial security. The woman in my life would be a bonus. I'm not perfect and I'm not ready to handle a relationship.

But that doesn't mean I won't take it on. I can sit here and list all of my problems (I'm broke, in a dead-end job that I love, no car), but the main thing is that I'm here. I'm only a few months from my 28th birthday, meaning it's time to put up or shut up. My dad, since he's not going to get a college presidency before he turns 60, is on his way out and ready to retire. I have to show them that I can handle the responsibility of handling our property that we've aquired over the years. On top of that, I have to show that I can be more responsible and able to take care of myself. That's why I believe they allowed me to move away from my grandmother's house.

I know that I can work in any media relations environment in the country and could do a great job, but I need to take a leap of faith.

Back to the job at hand, it's pregame time...gotta eat.

I'm out folks...

2005-12-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

I'm ready to get up out of the 'boro. A two week "vacation," even though we are playing basketball games and I'm working.

This is a quick tour of where we're gonna be (date of the game, opponent)

Dec. 19 @ Nebraska - I was suprised that we aren't leaving until the day before the game. The flight is probably a quick one, and I think that Coach Eaves wants to get out of there as soon as possible. As far as the game is concerned, Nebraska just got blown out by Creighton on the road, and their star player, Joe McCray has gotten off to a slow start.

Dec. 23 @ USC - that's Southern California, folks. Yes, we're going to stay in LA for four days. USC has talented guards and can score with anybody. I like Lodrick Stewart, and Gabe Pruitt is a NBA talented guard. But the squad has not had an easy time with a rather pedestrian schedule, beating Alaska Anchorage by a mere point. They did blow out UC Riverside, a team built like ours, 81-48.

Dec. 27 @ Hawai'i - This team showed how good it can be, blowing out Michigan State in its opener, but also showed how bad it can be, losing its last game to Wisconsin-Milwaulkee. They are very athletic, though. Julian Sensley, their best player, can get it done inside and outside. But we can't focus all our attention on Sensley, or Matt Lojeski will kill us from 3-point range. I'm just glad to get four days in paradise. Some people never get to experience Hawai'i. I'm bringing back plenty of pictures.

Dec. 30 @ Cincinnati - Former teammates will meet again as DeJuan Morrison and Michael Hayes will go against their former Dudley High All-American teammate Eric Hicks. Dude has turned his career around. He nearly walked away from Cincy...to being a third team All-American and one of the best inside prospects in the country this year. The scary part is that his perimeter game hasn't fully developed yet. His performance at the U-22 Olympic Trials this summer showed that he can flat out dominate. But we have to deal with Jihad Muhammad, a slasher type who can shoot the ball.

Overall, I'm going to enjoy this two-week long trip that spans over 6,000 flight miles. I have to remember the time differences and talk to Brian of how we can report this stuff, especially with Brian in Miami and Louisiana.

It must be nice that you can start the season off with 10 of 11 games at HOME, like Nebraska, a below average Big 12 team. That's the difference between being a large school and a school of our size. We have to play these big schools just to meet our athletic budget and those games are on the road.

Over the past seven years, we've played the four North Carolina schools in the ACC at least TWICE (except NC State, and we've played Duke enough to make up for that). We've played Nebraska three times, Creighton, East Carolina three times, Miami (another ACC school) twice, Va. Commonwealth (which pays us a guarantee as much as an ACC school) and Charlotte.

We've gone 0-32 in guarantee games since 2000...but those games have contributed at least $750,000 to our athletic budget. Key word being athletic budget, NOT MEN'S BASKETBALL.
Some people may think that the smaller schools should have good teams because of the guarantee games. Others think that our school has a lot of money because we are breaking records in enrollment and giving has increased.

I'm sorry, but, uh...let's look at this through a true perspective. We're not going to beat the Dukes of the world or the Nebraskas. Bottom line is we don't get that type of talent here. Hell, not even Don Corbett could be St. John's or Georgia Tech, or N.C. State, but he wasn't expected to.

So we have to just make an enough effort to win our conference games. Say in a good year, our team goes, 12-6 or 13-5. That's only 18 games. You have seven guarantees you don't win, so now that's .500 AT BEST. Most coaches aren't going to win right away, so it's not a surprise for a black college division I coach to have a losing record.

Fang Mitchell, Coppin State, is very good, but hell, he's the athletic director of a school with NO football. So he can cut corners. Plus he basically recruits out of Baltimore and Philadelphia, two rugged basketball proving grounds. Oh, and he has to play 10 guarantee games, too.

Even MEAC defending championship coach Greg Jackson, who inherited a decent program at Delaware State, has to deal with recruiting issues outside of Delaware. He's a great coach, but cut his teeth in the CIAA, a conference packed with power schools in Division II.

Okay, enough of my rant...Payday's tomorrow! But I have a lot of stuff to do, like laundry, dry cleaning, and other stuff. Plus I gotta check the weather, too.

Two Days, Two Painful L's

2005-11-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like our basketball teams are going to be pretty good...next year. We have enough talent to win games, but we don't have the leadership to win games in the end.

I decided to stay home tonight after the men lost to Radford. I'm not feeling going out right now. Maybe because I'm getting that I need a chick itch again. I saw all the girls I wanted to see and then some at the game, and here I am, looking like...yuck. No haircut, in my gold polo shirt, I mean...no style whatsoever. My shoes were unpolished and it was really pointless for me to even look or glance at a cutie.

I have this defeated attitude when it comes to picking up women. I don't approach because I have to think of all of the negative things that surround me. 1. I'm too old. 2. I don't have a car. 3. I don't make enough money, and with the first two factors, I have to have more money.

Not having a car sucks, especially in Greensboro, where if I'm not downtown, I'm at least a $10 to $15 ride from a legitimate club. It's bad saying this but I think I have more fun paying $10 to dance and mingle then to pay $5 and see naked women at strip club. The strip club is okay in small doses. The women there know what to expect from any man in the club and the fact that he's there means that there's something missing in his life: enough sex.

Now, hold on...don't get me wrong, the more sex, the merrier, but coming from a guy who believes in being with one woman at a time, the player sh*t gets played after a while. I can't see myself being 40 and f**king 3 or 4 women at a time. Really.

But I'm bored with my life right now. I need to switch something up. The road trip to LA and Hawaii may be just what I needed. I enjoyed the trip to Houston and Albuquerque last year. I need to see some different women.

Well, I'm not going to talk about that depressing stuff (women...depressing? Yeah, I'm in a dry spell.)

PETE ROCK IS COMING TO RALEIGH!! (I better not have to go to Kentucky!!) I hope I can go see him. Even still, I have to go to Virginia Tech the next night, so I'll have a busy week.

I have to put up the accursed Christmas tree next weekend. The worst.

Well, I guess I'm going to do what I do every night: watch Lupin the 3rd and my tape of Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes. Loneliness sucks.

B**ch I'm a Star... L.E.G.A.C.Y.

2005-11-21T01:32:00.000-05:00

I'm in my office right now, getting ready for the 5:30am bus ride to Annapolis, Md. Our women's team is playing Navy on Tuesday night and the ladies will practice on Monday afternoon.

I was checking out my facebook profile and I was looking at all of the chicks I wanted to holler at, but never did. Now they're in relationships. Great. I could easily name them in this blog, but then, they would know who they are, and that ruins the fun of the game. I'm beginning to realize that the end of my career at A&T may be ending in just six months, so I should holler at everything moving. Rechodd did that his senior year and had a blast.

I haven't taken any pictures yet of myself. Not good. I need to buy a good digital camera for Christmas..that what I should ask my dad and mom for.

Anyway, I just put this entry in my facebook profile:

I'm pretty busy right now, travelling with men's and women's basketball, so when you see me, get at me. There are a lot of fine ladies here on campus, and even a man as smooth as me can't get them all...actually, I just want ONE. But it's all good, I know that I'm doing my thing, and I can get picky at times when it comes to women. I am very outgoing, yet I have my moments when I just want to be by myself. My job is my life for the most part, but I still find time to party and hit the clubs.

Being a radio deejay, I've had the opportunity to chill with some of hip-hop's finest (DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Jazzy Jeff, KRS-One, 9th Wonder, Dilated Peoples, Jurassic Five, Slum Village have all interviewed for the show.) So yeah, I love the REAL isht, the dope lyrics and hate the payola crap of the industry.

I've been single my whole life, so maybe it's time for a change...hmmm.... The only ladies I've come across are the hatin', money grubbin', triflin, f**king everybody but me, dressing up to go to the mall/cafe, the "You're so nice and sweet and such a good guy." types...yeah, those hoes. Judging by the opinions of their competition (other hoes) and dudes, 90% of those chicks are jealous, broke, sorry, and dumb-a$$ broads that aren't ready for a real man like me.

So, f**k 'em...maybe I will sometime. 'Till then, I'll see you in the club. "The only thing a man should be scared of is not being able to get some pu$$y." - Richard Pryor

That's how I feel...happy Turkey Day and Go Cowboys!

The Squadron...

2005-11-12T17:23:00.000-05:00

Of course, the show will be off the hook tonight. Anytime we do a concert, the show afterward is going to be jumping.

I'm pulling out all DJ Premier joints on vinyl, just for Walt. This will actually be one weekend I can relax, since I don't have a game at night. Volleyball season is OVER, thank goodness.

It's officially hoop time at A&T, with both teams tipping off on Friday night.

I may be going to East Carolina with the men's team, anyway. Brian doesn't want to drive to Greenville, back to Greensboro, then back to Raleigh in 12 hours. I agree with him. But one problem, the women play Elon on Friday night. It would seem easier for him to go to Burlington.

Looking through facebook, I know a lot of beautiful women at school, but I've been too scared to talk to them. I'm getting older now and maybe I need to focus on getting my car, another job, and a girlfriend. I guess the new job will have to come first, cause without that, I can't get a car, and without the other two, I can't get a girl.

Believe me, I would do anything to walk out of A&T into a better (higher paying) job. But I have to look at all the details. 1. Is it on the bus route. 2. How much do they pay, without the taxes 3. How often do I get paid.

I can't go back into the restaurant industry unless its for $7.00 an hour. So I may be better off working until my contract runs out in April.

Dad wants me to get out of my house, but then I have to deal with finding a roomate and all that other drama.

Again, I need to take some pictures of myself for facebook. Maybe if I carried my camera with me, we could handle that.

Rechodd's coming to Greensboro on Friday for the A&T/SCSTATE game. I'm thinking about going down there with him....if I had a hotel room.

Tuesday (payday) is almost here, so I guess I will go to the blind tiger.

Time 4 the show...see ya.

Partytime..Where to Go?

2005-11-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have three choices tonight. Do I go to :

1. The Sky Bar (Kappa Party), where I can get in free and see DJs Ev and Section 8.
2. Rumba Latina (Que Party), where a lot of my friends will be and likely will be the most folks.
3. Club Nine (Kwagi's party)

The downtown parties are going to be live. I have a few bucks plus Bio-Life tomorrow morning, so everything should be cool.

I think I'll hit up the Sky Bar, then leave for Rumba Latina.

Most of my research is done, so I guess I can party. Bio-Life in the morning, though...sucks.

DJ Premier at Scion Metro

2005-11-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

Chris Martin may be the best ever to pick up a DJ needle, period. He was the headliner at the Scion (yes, the custom car company owned by Toyota) Metro, a FREE function dedicated to showcasing the best in music. www.scion.com/metro

Of course, I meant DJ Premier, the producer of the Gang Starr Foundation (Jeru, Group Home, Big Shug, Freddie Foxx) and beat maker of so many hits.

So, I get this e-mail from my buddy down in Chapel Hill that gives me the RSVP for the invitation by Scion. I call up Walt immediately and we both RSVP'd. We get in the Jeep, gas up and roll down to this small club in the warehouse district, called Oxygen. The place reminds me of Blur, but bigger, with a pretty posh VIP section. Scion material was everywhere, and when we drove up, 9th Wonder greeted us.

Being that 9th and I saw each other at UNCG just over two weeks ago, he was already familiar with us (hell, he knows who we are.) So, eventually we see Cesar Comanche and meet up with Edgar Allen Floe (who's coming to Greensboro soon). I see Flash, Paradigm and Joe Scudda (who has one of the hottest verses on the Minstrel Show). And I also see DJ Soundmachine, who actually lives in Raleigh when he's not on 102 Jamz Smash City.

Flash and 9th traded sets as they warmed up the turntables and cued in 9th's precious ibook. Then at about 10pm, the party got started. Flash mixes some current underground joints and of course, Justus League joints.

As we walk through, I notice that the crowd is suddenly picking up. Then I see Sean Boogs and Khrysis, the other 2/3's of the Away Team. Phonte would eventually come in later...driving his Nissan Sentra (yes fans, he does have a Nissan that he leases).

Joe Scudda takes the mic at about 12 midnight and 9th hits the stage for his set. 9th killed it with classic Primo and Pete Rock cuts and even gave us some Al Green and some 80's R&B for good measure. But as a teaser, DJ Scene, who flew in all the way from Seattle, mixes a critical blend in his short (15-minute) set: Christopher Cross's "Sailing" over Lil' Wayne's "Go DJ."

At about 1am, the crowd sees Premier and goes nuts. He immediately drops his classics in no particular order:

Boom (Royce)
Wrekognize (Jadakiss)
MC's Act Like They Don't Know (KRS-ONE)
Unbelieveable (Biggie)
Real Hip-Hop (Das Efx)
It's All Real (Pitch Black)

He does a tribute to Big L...

Full Clip (Everybody was waiting for this)
Ebonics
Platinum Plus

Then he goes into his Gang Starr Set...

D.Original (Jeru)
Supa Star and Livin' Proof (Group Home)
Mass Appeal
The ? Remains
Rite Where U Stand
Skillz
Just 2 Get A Rep
Above the Clouds (this joint shook the roof off the place)

Primo then went into his old school set, pulling out Nautilus (Bob James), Mary Jane (Rick James) and some other breaks, like Impeach the President

Overall, the show was outstanding, considering that it was FREE! and I got to enjoy a Char-Grill burger before the show with Walt...a great pleasure. And we get this every month...Pete Rock on December 3.

The Show will be off the hook this week.

T.O. and get my chips....now!

2005-11-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

Good looking out by my dad for the extra funds, cause I was running on fumes. This may actually turn out to be a pretty good week after all. Kappa party at the Sky Bar on Thursday night, I can't wait...First time I get to go out in nearly three weeks...a milestone lately.

Speaking of hustling...my travel schedule will have me going up and down the east coast, even going down to Miami and Louisiana this year, sounds like fun.

My mom's birthday is tomorrow, and, of course, I haven't decided what I'm going to get for her. It will most likely be either a book or a season of a TV show on DVD. (Why hasn't Boston Legal season 1 come out yet?).

As far as my search for a girlfriend? I'm officially going to stop looking....right now. I know a lot of females who probably would be good for me, but if they respect who I am, I don't need to be wrapped up in that. Yes, I would love to have a physical/emotional relationship with someone, but going out of my way? Nah.

On to some more thoughts...Terrell Owens needs to be blackballed from the NFL. The idiot has gone over the top with his antics in the locker room (fighting Hugh Douglas) and calling the Eagles organization "classless" and his repeated shots at Donovan McNabb. The team has fallen apart, and things don't look much better in the ultra-competitive NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Redskins are solid shots to make the playoffs). I, and a lot of people (fans, owners, and players), are sick of his act. Steve Czaban (First Team on Fox Sports Radio - mornings in Washington D.C.) describe his act as a plot similar to George Costanza (Seinfeld) sabotaging at his job to get fired.

Is anybody watching the NHL? I'm really not.

Hip-Hop Albums to get: Smif-N-Wessun, Lone Catalysts, Danger Doom, Pumpkinhead, J. Rawls, Slum Village

It's a lot of decent music out and football kind of keeps me out of the loop in terms of the latest joints. But now, I'm back. More hip-hop and less drama in my life right now. I need to buy a new portable stereo to record our shows.

Meeting up with Big Dho (CEO, Hall of Justus Music Group, Justus League manager) finally got me some contact information so I can get Little Brother back here for Serendipity '06 at Guilford College.

I caught my first glimpse of Run's House, the reality show, featuring his five children, including his two cute daughters. Dude has a ridiculous spread with a basketball court in his house. As the president of Run Athletics, he's going to design athletic gear for Phat Farm. Can't wait.

Speaking of Phat Farm, Russell is supposed to be here with his new all female group, Black Buddafly at George K's on Saturday. He's also suppossed to be giving away some Selects, too.

Chris Martin is the illest hip-hop producer on earth, PERIOD. I love Pete Rock, RZA, and some others, but Primo does it for me. Those chops, man.

The Electric Company is the most slept group in Boston.

Dilated Peoples is "Back Again" for the new LP Mass Transit, coming soon.

"Just because she looks good, don't mean I'll hit it." - GURU "Discipline"

Broke Times, pt. 50

2005-11-05T09:16:00.000-05:00

I haven't been to the club since homecoming, my kitchen is running on fumes, my room is dirty, I need to wash a week's worth our laundry, and I'm down to about $10 including pennies.

But since I have God, my family, my true friends, hip-hop, a job and Seinfeld twice a night, I'm doing ok.

I'm beginning to discover that having a girlfriend is not necessarily a great thing. Meeting women is nice and all, but maybe I'm not ready for a relationship. I'm too selfish.

Would I give it all up for that one woman, yeah, sure, if she was the right one. It's weird that the people that I've come across in the SID office will all be married by this time next year.

I'm glad that Lanier (my co-worker and partner in the SID office for 5 years) is marrying his sweetheart of five year, Andrea. She's quiet, warm, strong, and polished...Just what he needs. But he has his own way of doing things (his proposal last week was THE LAST THING he needed to do before the wedding - they already had the date, the church, reception, and nearly everything all planned)...he even bought TWO rings.

I watched the Charlie Rose show two nights ago as he interviewed Jamie Foxx. Dude is as humble as he was day one on set of "In Living Color." He doesn't keep his Oscar at his home (his manager does) in order to not stay stagnant. He still feels that he has something to prove everytime. Even with all his success, he's not done. That's what young black men need to see. It doesn't stop at the top...you do have to STAY there.

"Practice...We're talking about practice.." A.I., those hours with John Thompson IN PRACTICE got you into the league. Practice is what's keeping you there, especially with Mo Cheeks at the Philly.

Gotta go...A&T men's b-ball scrimmage in 25 minutes.

Hoop Time!

2005-11-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

It's about time basketball season started. Trust me, I've been ready since week one of football season. I just feel like my life always takes a turn for the better when basketball season is upon us. College basketball is the best thing to watch in person and on television, so my weekends are going to be great. Hopefully A&T can put out a winning product on the court this year. The teams have the talent, they just need to put it all together.

Anyway, the one girl that I wanted to holler at just changed her tag on facebook, she now has a boyfriend. Okay, that's cool. I saw her today and I really didn't want that thought coming up in my head, so I just played it cool and spoke to her. I guess she was talking because she didn't speak back. I didn't really care. I just wanted to look in her direction. She never responded to me about my poem. I hope she read it, cause I thought it was really nice...oh well.

Who's next? Well for a while, no one. I haven't been to the club in a while ('cause I'm broke). But I really haven't seen anybody that I, uh, like. I'm okay with Keesha calling me, but that won't last. I guess I will head out to Club 9 this Thursday, if my money's right...or maybe I'll wait until next week. I don't know. But anyway, it's been a long fall...something's gotta give, sooner or later in the chic department.

Well, there's always Seinfeld and my man, "Denny Crane."

Little Brother Live at 103.1 FM - TONIGHT!!!

2005-10-28T14:07:00.000-04:00

That's right, Phonte, Pooh, and 9th Wonder will be in studio at UNCG's campus station, 103.1 FM doing a straight up interview and previewing songs from their album, The Minstrel Show, in stores NOW!

"The Hip Hop Trauma Center, hosted by DJs Ev and Section 8. FRIDAY night 10-midnight.

Special Guests: Waltbay Massacre and myself (DJ Bal' 1), hosts of Hangar Bay Radio on WQFS, 90.9 FM Saturdays, 8-10pm.

This is a history making show in which two of the dopest hip-hop shows in the city meet up on air. (Ev and Section have been on the come up for about a couple of years. Their DJ skills are underrated, but respected amongst city DJs. They are unofficial members of Kaos Mathematics, and often times, Jody (DJ SK) has given them the stage.

What more can I say about Little Brother? The coolest thing is that 9th Wonder's Future Flavas Disc, circa 2002, had some real exclusive stuff on the albums that followed: The JL compilation, National Mayhem, Dream Merchant, Chitlin' Circuit (both versions), Foreign Exchange, and of course, The Minstrel Show (he actually did his interview with Marley Marl over the "Become" track.) I have the disc, certain that he only gave a copy of that show to people he really respects...Walt and Me. I forever love that dude, man. 9th is ill, and he's just getting started in the production scheme.

My man Chris Lea gave them 5 stars in the latest Go! Triad Magazine, which was released in newspapers today. The album is that good, really. I know good music and trust me, it fits. Some detractors say that 9th's beats are repetitive and the subject matter is the same as The Listening, but really, just let the music be what it is.

Anyway, I wish we didn't have this swim meet today, but I can use the hours. That's going to put some extra stress on leaving and getting over to WUAG's station before 10pm.

Even though the album dropped to second on the WUAG playlist (thanks to the DJ Danger Mouse and Dr. Doom compilation), it's a great honor to have them on any college radio show. (How ironic, because college radio has given them the exposure that has gotten them where they are today.)

"I'm serious and If I offended you, I'm sorry." - L.E.G.A.C.Y

"Do you, do me, do it like we do it for TV....In case you haven't heard...Bitch I'm A STAR!" - L.E.G.A.C.Y.

Just Shoot Me

2005-10-20T15:41:00.000-04:00

Okay, I’m back, finally. I have to explain what’s been going on in different phases.

Phase 1 – Keesha

I’ve been in a “relationship” with Keesha on and off for about three years. I use that “r” word loosely, because, we do everything but have sex. I think that this girl exists to swallow up every dollar that I have and then when I’m broke, she’s nowhere to be found. But why do I fall for it every time? Why do I say yes to everything she wants, when I know it has to do with me spending my hard earned money. This girl has no respect for me, my feelings, and is totally selfish and conceited. “But I still love her.” – Kanye West.

I’ve done some stupid things in my life. But what I did last week may take the freaking cake. She asked me to send her a dozen roses to her job…to make some dude that she likes JEALOUS. And dumb, sucker me…I paid the $70 bucks and sent them. I’m a total idiot. She’s not even feeling me and yet she’ll come to me when there’s money involved. “Tyler, I need gas money. Tyler, let’s go eat.” Since I saw her at Wendy’s about a month ago, I’ve given her $40 for gas money, $20 just because she asked for it, taken her to Logan’s to eat, and the roses. That’s nearly $150 bucks and I’ve barely touched her yet. What the hell? Am I that desperate for female companionship?

Her son has nothing to do with this. I’m cool with that. But I want to have sex with her, and here she is using me to get the next man jealous. This dude has a girlfriend. He apparently likes her or is attracted to her, but he’s chilling. She has practically thrown the panties at him, yet he plays it cool. Meanwhile, I spend my time and money on her sorry ass.

But the whole irony of it all is that she asked me that infamous “why you don’t have a girlfriend question?” Damnit, why? She has known me for five years, she knows the answer. That’s a bullsh*t question. She knows I have the “nice guy” problem. She knows I want some pu**y, but she refuses. But yet I still call her and talk to her. Just kill me now.

Phase 2 – Homecoming ‘05

Homecoming was cool. I did get to see Felecia, and she looked as good as ever. But she still takes me in small doses, which is frustration, but necessary. I enjoyed those 10 minutes. It was nice to see all my undergrad friends at the Empire Room for two nights. I did enjoy that – I gladly paid the $65 bucks to get my dance on. I ate plenty of food, as usual, and the game, which we lost, was a non-issue. But as far as my search for some booty, I never really looked at homecoming that way. So, I kicked back and enjoyed it. This might have been my last one as an employee, so in terms of that, I was rather mild. I only had two Heinekens the entire weekend (double-fisted on Saturday).

Phase 3 – Money…

So much to do, so little time. I have to save up for the X-Mas rush, and also, the winter trips with basketball. But first I have to figure out what to do for mom’s birthday. I’m really not sure. But I know I will have Boston Legal, 1st season DVD on my list. Bio-Life will have to suffice for the next four weeks. I won’t have a problem saving money, though. There’s nothing to do for the next three weeks anyway. Everybody will be either in Winston or in D.C. this weekend, and then nobody parties until the first of the month. We may have something for the B-CC game next Saturday night, but that leaves me out because it’s a TV game (Gotta make my money from ESPNU).

Anyway..I'm cool for the weekend.

Homecoming...Flirting with disaster.

2005-10-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

This is going to be a very long post. So be warned. Things have not gone well since the Jazze Pha party, which turned out to be a near disaster. We actually ended up in the hole, which was actually due to a nice week of rain, and a downpour throughout the night.

Needless to say, I haven't talked to Ant, our lead guy, since then. But I did something really stupid the next weekend, while I was drunk. I called one of my homegirls and sent her a disrespectful text message. Her roommate's boyfriend is one of the members of our team, so he was pissed at me too.

As if things could not get any worse, leading up to homecoming, I washed my face one night, and went to sleep. I wake up to see a nice caked up rash across a quarter of my forehead. I tried everything to get it off, and it ws stuck there. Actually, my face is dried out and now, dead dry skin is falling off my face. I am still treating it with cocoa butter. The whole thing looks like excema.

I'll finish this a little later.

PARTYTIME

2005-10-05T10:23:00.000-04:00

Well, my venture in party promotions is in full swing, and we're doing it really big. For the first party exclusively promoted by 1st Class, we have superproducer Jazze Pha in Greensboro, in addition to the party promoted by 102 Jamz - the number one radio station in the Triad (by listeners per hour).

It's been a grind, especially dealing with the different personalities of the six-man group. But we all have pitched in to make Thursday a success. Nothing like good ole fashioned teamwork. Actually, doing this stuff is a quick way to meet a lot of ladies, as an added bonus. The flyer itself took nearly SIX hours to design, but once we got page one (on the left), page two was easy. I've gotta get a haircut tomorrow afternoon, after I sell my homecoming tickets. Plus, I have to pick what to wear. I guess we all have 1st Class tee shirts, which will look good on us. That's the party trend now, to see personal tees for a crew, especially one that does parties. I'm very excited, and can't wait for all of it to unfold.

Now to shift gears like the Nissan commercial.

Got a forwarded e-mail from Miss Jones, and old friend from Dover, who I secretly admired for a while. She's turning 30 (or has turned 30 already, I'm not sure. I get her birthday confused with my mom). She's like a cool sister, or a cousin to me. We share almost the same music tastes. She has an undying love for Prince, or TAFKAP, whatever you may call him...after Purple Rain and the Batman Sdtrks...I guess, I just kind of lost touch. I did like Diamonds and Pearls and of course, Musicology.

Miss Jones (I call her this for web purposes only) wears the colors of Delta Sigma Theta, which to me is irrelevant, but for some reason, she, her mother, and my mother (an AKA) have never been on a "totally" cool basis, but being in the same church, we all got along, I guess. But I always drew myself to Miss Jones because she was a great voice of reason, like Felecia is now. Yes, at times, I thought I was attracted to her, but it was only infatuation. I care about her very much still and I hope we'll talk again.

Anyway, back to the e-mail, I loved Cornel West's book, Race Matters. It tought me a lot about how we, as a people, are supposed to think, in terms of equality among our race and class. He wasn't on some "white's are the devil" type isht, but he gave respect where respect was due. His take on the New Orleans and Katrina situation was absolutely right. Black people were trapped; black people died in that travesty that should have never happened in the first place.
[Bad engineering, folks].

The baseball playoffs have started, and I watched ZERO games last night. Not good. I would rather do that then go to a club tonight, especially since its Clemens v. Smoltz tonight.

Party Promoters...

2005-10-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

I used to hate party promoters. But I realized recently that it's envy, not hate. If you're good, the spoils are unreal. The money, the women,... and if you make more money, you get more women. Some are trying to get in the club for free, some actually think you're ballin', some may think you're cute.

It's almost like any other job, it's just that success is more PERCEIVED, than actually ACHIEVED.

So, recently, I joined a group, 1st Class Enterprises, after, well, they had a pretty good jump off at Alexander Devereaux's last Thursday. I had been talking to our CEO (A.D.) all summer, trying to put him on to a spot, using my contacts, but after I lost my cell phone, we lost touch.

Meanwhile, he's stayed on the grind, politicking and getting a couple of breaks. Now, with the spot confirmed every week, and using my connects, we're going to have the jump off. But gotta go.

This lady...

2005-09-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

So how did I meet this girl...Well, I came across her with Rechodd at a party recently at Cheap Seats. Now I know that she rocks the pink and green , so I know she's fine, and that she's a real lady (thanks mom). Turns out she's more than fine. She's light-skinned and has a body to freaking DIE for. But she comes with an attitude, so they say. (Meaning she turned some cats down, so she's a bitch.) Not necessarily. It's like the Apple Jacks commercial. "I eat what I like." Well, then, she has a right to be that way without being called a bitch.

By the way, I was at the bus stop when these three boys, all still in high school, walked past me, talking about girls. I mean, when 16 and 17 year olds are calling girls bitches and hoes, it's pretty sad. Are the girls really out like that? Oh, but on the bus, I saw and heard 16 and 17 year old girls talking openly about sex and how some boys are trying to holler at them.

*********ALERT**********

The following rant contains hypocracy about sex and women. Please understand that as a man, I want to have sex. I just don't have to remind women that when I talk to them in person.

This degrading of women is frustrating to me. I'm not saying that we guys should go sweet on every girl out there, but damn, can we all stop participating in the stereotype, please? It's '05, players. Drug selling and promiscuity is as old as the beginning of time? Well, let me get hypocritical for a second. I do like to have sex, but I keep it in the appropriate context. My thang doesn't run my life, does it? HELL YES I noticed that the girl I want to holler at has a PHAT BOOTY and TIG OL' BITTIES for days. Is that a reason I want to get at her, only? No, because she can tell if that's all I want. It's not. Plus, I have good reason to believe that panty chasing gets me broke, fast...I want her to be someone I call when I read a great book, or watch good tv. I want to call her when I go out to the club, or listen to a great love song, or watch a movie. Yeah, I want to cuddle (I dodged the male friend bitch slap years ago). So can I hold out? Probably.

************** END OF HYPOCRITICAL RANT ***************

Back to the above story.

Anyway, RC could not stop talking about her ALL SUMMER. She lives like down the street from him in Alabama. I don't know if he tried to holler at her for real, or what was going on between them. They are cool, though.

Now hold it. I'm not trying to holler. Let's put a stop to all that right now. I just want to meet here and stop all this tensing up and sh*t when I try to speak to her. Okay, okay, BS. She's fine and yeah I want to holler.

This post is dedicated to the one...

2005-09-27T22:58:00.000-04:00

That I've had a secret crush on for a while...I hope she'll read this because I sent her the link.

More Than Just a Man

We've met, you and I, maybe once, maybe twice.
One of my friends leaked a word to me, said that you were nice.
Now, I'm not always forthcoming when I see an attractive lady.
I want to write this to you because you're skeptical, most men are shady.

I may not change your opinions with these words.
Time is king in this lifetime, so my actions will eventually be heard.
Yes, your real life picture is hard to describe.
But I know that everything that looks fine may not give off that right vibe.

You can't dress over your heart with diamonds and pearls.
In order to find a mate that's ready to give you the world.
Not saying that I'm that one, that's a tall order to fill.
You are ready to move to that next step in life, to find a relationship that's real.

I hope that every conversation we have, every secret we may share.
Will lead into something that you can give your all to, give you hope and care.
Next time we cross paths, please know and understand.
That I expect you to be more than a woman, and that I want to be more than just a man.

It's another weekend...

2005-09-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

And I'm bored as hell. I went to Club HEAVEN, which is run by the same folks who run the N-Club. It was cool at first and I did get to see a lot older crowd. But of course, 2+ hours of dry heaves set to bad music was absolutely enough. At 2am I had to get out of there and call it a night. Another bust. I should have bit the bullet and gone to Cheap Seats.

In comparison, I had a lot more fun at the pajama party at Club 9 on Thursday night. Even though the crowd was younger - a lot of freshmen and sophomores - I was holding my own dancing wise and the girls were much more attractive. It helped that some members of our basketball team were there. They draw crowds of girls on g.p.

Anyway, I'm deciding whether or not I'm doing the show. For starters, I'm going next week, and two, it's too much for me to rush home, catch the bus, then get off the bus on Friendly, then run like mad to Founders Hall to get there at 8pm. Besides, I'm not on the DJ list yet, so I legally can't sign the paperwork. I'd rather relax, get a drink, and go out to the club with my buddy Lance tonight. We don't have a meeting for three weeks, so it isn't like I'll be legal for a while anyway.

I'll fill in for Walt in two weeks when he leaves for Arizona.

I haven't done any takes on sports right now. But that's coming soon. I just need to take some time and get out what I have on my plate. Right now, I'm trying to meet women.

Later....

Imagine...

2005-09-21T15:28:00.000-04:00

Imagine if I had pledged in a fraternity.
Would I still be the same person known as me?
Would I attract countless amounts of groupies?
And end up turning away the one who really loved me?

Imagine if I had really dated the one woman I loved.
Would I still be devoted to her and love her as much as I did when we met?
Could I stand on my own and be a man?
And provide for our family and promise her each year that the best hasn't come yet?

Imagine if I had a girlfriend.
Would I be a devoted boyfriend who lives to make the relationship work?
Or would I still want to run to the clubs and do other things.
To keep her at bay and act like a heartless jerk.

Imagine if she said yes...
Did I ask the right question, did I think about her or just my erection?
Would I stay committed and let me be the best man I can be?
Do I really have a choice? Let my mind and heart guide me in the right direction.

The Minstrel Show that is my life...

2005-09-19T15:05:00.000-04:00

Yep, the album is still fresh on my mind (currently spinning the single, "Lovin' It").

Well, I realize that we do so many things to please "our massas," just to get in the game. It's sad that our only true sources of art, music and the written word, are controlled by the masters that be and our own words aren't even our own, unless we make enough money to buy them back, like P. Diddy.

Okay, so why am I so wrapped up in this album, when, in fact, it's on a major label that is known for its past cooning over time (see acts like Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Lil' Kim)? But even so, they put out Aretha, Ray Charles, [Mad] Skillz and the Artifacts. So many hypocracies, so much music.

First, to get on a major label does two things for an artist.

1. It gives them credibility, in this case not only for the group, but the whole Justus League.
(As much as I like ABB records, it's still an independent, meaning at the end of the day, people all over the globe may know you and your music, but they ain't BUYING IT).

2. Distribution is real. LB is in every store from WalMart to Target to Best Buy, and now people won't have problems finding the album. Maybe "The Listening" can get reissued. The world wouldn't be ready for a rediscovery of that classic album.

"Cause today's fan is tomorrow's rap critic" - Phonte.

Well, as far as my life goes, the club scene has been pretty wack. I did go inside of Much and did Heaven for the first time on Friday night. The atmosphere is cool and a rooftop bar seems like a fun place to be. There STILL was no room to dance, so I got a little cramped out.

N Club was wack on Wednesday and Saturday night, in terms of women. Not enough cute women. I may have to do Cheap Seats this Friday night.

Walt's birthday is tomorrow, so it's Blind Tiger night. We had a blast on our first radio show of the semester on Saturday night. It was totally cool to get on and afterwards, I got the verification that the show was dope - from my uncle. No amount of words expressed how I happy I was to hear that he liked the show. He is the one that introduced me to hip-hop. He gets the credit of why I listen to this music.

I went a little crazy spending my money this weekend, but now that I'm back on my Bio-Life schedule, everything's cool. Now I have to figure out how I'm going to pull off this trip to the LB show in Carboro and get ready for homecoming.

From the rumors, the LB album is seeing a lot of controversy, because some magazines have reportedly reduced their ratings before they went to print. That tells you people are listening. And that the hating has begun.

"I got the brand new album today..." Phonte Coleman

2005-09-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well, as you can see, I've been pretty busy. Right now, we're about 8 hours from kickoff from our third game in 11 days. I just bought the new album "The Minstrel Show." The reviews so far have been widespread. Rolling Stone gave them a 2.5? What the hell?

Anyway, I love this album, having burned through it. I'm really proud of Phonte, Pooh and 9th.

Due to the fact that I'm going to be spinning this album for about -- forever, Girls will officially be second in my mind, other than work.

I even bought a brand new CD player and new stereo headphones to hear this opus. They even got Elzhi from Slum Village on this!

Phonte and I rode the same bus when we were in high school (Page High Forever). I always remember him actually singing and not really rhyming. But he told me in '99 that they had go something started. I told him that if he needed some air play I had him covered. Of course, six years later (and about five shows at the Cats Cradle)....here he is with a major label debut.

I love this album!!!

I'm not even thinking about the bad night at the N Club last night. (I did have a ball at Cheap Seats last Friday with Rechodd.)

Of course today's payday...and I'm broke again. But I'm not mad about it!

Anyway, the album's great and A&T will beat Hampton. (Live on ESPNU at 7:30 PM)

We Lost to NCCU...Oh, Boy.

2005-09-05T21:32:00.000-04:00

By now, the shock...well, not really a shock, but the word is going around that NCCU beat A&T in football today. I'm not going to talk about it until tomorrow, but it hurts to be on the losing side. It's happened twice in the past two years, and those seniors will always have that pain...forever. Only a MEAC championship will take that pain away. Period, nothing less.

Only 13 More Days...

2005-08-31T13:32:00.000-04:00

'Til the release of what will be the best hip-hop album of the year...

The Minstrel Show - Little Brother (Atlantic Records)

They are making the review circuit and it's about to make me cry. XXL, Scratch, and now Entertainment Weekly has picked up on the crew.

Cesar Comanche's album drops a wek later (Squirrel and the Aces - ABB Records)

I'm so excited right now. It's about time that real music and real mc's get noticed among the Young Jeezy's and T.I.'s (who is also on Atlantic) of the world.

Damn, three days off and that's all I have to write about? Yep.

Just a freestyle cause I'm bored.. peace.

2005-08-29T18:23:00.000-04:00

It's time to spit at y'all again
Nadia gave you a perfect 10
But I'm hitting the match play
Life is crazy, I'm spinning off my freeway
Without no delay, I put the freeze on your ice trays
You cats are sweeter than frost flakes, that's special, K?
I'm doing this for solo, there can only be one king
Moved to the left but cats say I'm right-winged
Mentally relaxed before the Goose hit me
In the club honies get loose if you feel me
Yeah I dance so I got that booty swervin'
So later on I get to shape those curves in
If time is money, why does a clock have two hands?
So the left doesn't know what the right does, understand?
Slow learners are quick burners and that includes chicks
So I flip the game on 'em cause kids are for tricks.

Laundry Day...Again.

2005-08-27T17:21:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I am at it again at my grandmother's house doing laundry, over loading the blasted machine. I have to remember that I'm a big guy and I have to split my loads more when I'm using a regular machine.

Laundry days suck, because they are so freaking time consuming, especially when I'm not at the laundromat. But I have to learn to be more patient with it, and learn how to do it more effectively. Less is more, really. Or I should just save my quarters and do it that way.

I had a very long day Friday, coupled with the volleyball match in the evening. Then I had to get up and do this, plus get up tomorrow moring for early service. I will be so ready for Sunday afternoon.

Looks like I have to take the long way home tonight on the bus, since it's now almost 6pm. I don't have enough loot to take a cab home. Heck, it's looking more like 9:00 before I get this stuff done.

So, another weekend, another complete and total washout.

See, I told you....Leave My NAME OUT!

2005-08-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

I got a message in my facebook account from somebody who's name appears here. I was told to edit her name (first only), in my post about me dancing with her a week ago.

She has an unusual name and it picked up from, of course, Google. So, to no surprise, it showed up. I apologized to her and told her that I had just written about that yesterday.

Actually, I should go back through my posts and edit all the names in the blog. I will, in time. I would do it today, but I have a volleyball match tonight.

Speaking of last night. SO MANY CHICKS at the Sky Bar. The Kappas from A&T and UNCG plus the all new Secret Society rented out the place and brought a lot of females to the Sky Bar. But what was crazy was that down on Davie Street, Rumba Latina had a joint thrown by the Alphas that got promoted on campus. So downtown was crazy off the hook!

Now me, I usually don't holler at women at the club. Not my style. But I did get one number from a Bennett Belle. I'll call her after the match tonight, then we'll see what's poppin' off.

First Week...Dead Week.

2005-08-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

Yep, the first week of school is already over with, and I spent it bored to tears. It doesn't look like it will get much better, either.

Anyway, at least the athletic season is in full swing, with volleyball opening up on Friday against Appalachian State. Time for Aggie Mania to get in full swing. But get this: we have a real pep rally on September 8 at the Coliseum....oh, yeah, IT'S FREE!! It will be cool to see the turf field painted with the Aggie Mania logo on it.

For the first time in about two months I stayed home on Wednesday night. Maybe because I got caught up in playing Zelda - A Link to the Past on my Super NES, and John Madden Football '93. Or, maybe I was broke, and decided that there's no need to go out when I have no funds. Or, it could be that I'm going to the SKY BAR tonight!

I've been on the chill lately, as far as females go. I have seen a few I've wanted to holler at, but I went with my better judgement. I'm steady knocking out this blog when I should be making that walk to McNair Hall and redownloading those files I saved in the summer.

Cheap Seats is at it again on Friday nights. I'm not going there broke and not being able to dance because there's absolutely NO room. I'd rather be with my homeboys and have some spending change on me. Speaking of, I have to wait another week before I can donate to Bio-Life. I've got to have more protein in my body.

I'm glad that [THE GIRL] is back to finish school. Even though I don't make an effort to talk to her like I should, it's nice to know that she's there.

For some reason two pop songs have stuck in my head for the last couple of days: "Like You" by Bow Wow and Ciara and of course "Tell Me" by Bobby Valentino. I love Tim and Bob's string arrangement on the latter joint. Lil' Wayne doesn't really add anything to the song, he's just Wayne. "I'm so curious."

Things have not been the greatest on the home front. I have been eating crazily, and my uncle brought it up this morning. It's kind of hard for me to go to the store when I don't drive, and I thought we were splitting the grocery bill. But, even with a split, I've been eating nearly 3/4 of the food in the house and that is above my standards. He's right, it really isn't fair when he goes to the store, buys stuff and "watches it disappear." Ironically, John Witherspoon's voice from Friday is in my head. I've got to do better than this. Other than a little spat we had about the dishes, the house itself hasn't been a problem.

It really got bad for me this morning when I put in N.O.R.E., a CD I actually hated. But "Banned from TV" ft. The Lox, Big Pun and Camron actually woke me up this morning. It's the beat, seriously. Same thing with All About the Benjamins. It's a terrible song, but the beat is so sick that it's addictive.

I actually am just coming off an hour and a half staff meeting. Thank God we don't do that EVERY month.

I'm thinking about changing my style up for the blog, I mean, I already have a raw written version of my journal that I do almost every day. I think I'm going to keep my private stuff private and just dictate my opinion on various sports, life and style topics here.

Nah, that wouldn't be me. This is unfettered stuff here. My boss actually said in just "I would ask for your blog address, but I'm scared of what may be in there." That actually provoke me to think more carefully about what I put in here. Racy stuff is easy to write about and keeps people interested in some way, shape or form. But that's too easy. Almost like pulling the race card in talk radio.

Everybody doesn't necessarily need to know my life story...Yeah, right.

September 15 can't get here soon enough.

First Day of School..."I'm a Gigolo"

2005-08-17T09:41:00.000-04:00

Okay, to those of you who read my blog from A&T...Welcome to the wild charade that is my life. It's the first day of classes and...I have the day off from work, which means...I'm here, scheming on who I'm going to holler at. Ladies, it might be you (lucky for you if that happens).

Anyway, I'm trying to be a mellow, smoothed out kind of guy, who, with his charisma and charm, I run up on many a chick...nah, not to smash, though. I have a penchant for meeting women and I have that "nice guy" rep, that actually sucks.

There are two sides to me, and many of the chicas will meet the debonair, playa side who dresses well, can dance (see me in the club), and of course, hangs with the coolest people on the yard.

Working with athletes is not it's cracked up to be. Their personalities are what makes the job worthwhile.

As I said before, I do the club as often as I can. For real, I love to go out, dance and meet women. That's what I do.

Thoughts of a Predicate Flirt, Part II

2005-08-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

Well, we are about 22 hours from classes here (UNCG has already started) and I can't keep my head from turning. The overall crop of new ladies isn't that great (so far) but there are still some that will make a player hit the pause button.

Practice is going well so for both football and volleyball squads. No serious injuries, and it looks like everybody will be eligible. I can't believe that Aggie-Eagle is just two-and-a half weeks from now. NFL kicks off on 9/11, too. I need to go in on that NFL Sunday Ticket package with Steven and Brandon (my next door neighbors).

Volleyball has an intrasquad scrimmage on Thursday, which should be fun. Brian needs to get his laptop computer straight for scoring the games. Oh, yeah, I need to check the volleyball schedule, too.

I need a new radio, cause my old one is now stopping in the middle of playing CDs. Not good. Well, it is almost 10 years old. It's about time for a new one. Hell, I need a new computer desk, too.

Back to my thoughts. I have been speaking to the newbies here and I'll probably visit UNCG during classes tomorrow. The parties start 2nite at the Blind Tiger, then N Club on Wednesday.
The N Club will be HUGE, just because the summer is over and everybody's back. I think I am going all out for Friday night at Cheap Seats. For starters, this is Ronnie's last weekend in Greensboro before he goes home to Atlanta. Second, all the chicas that I will meet from now until the weekend will be at a club. Third, I need to take a week off from partying, because Rechodd is coming on 9/9. Gotta have some cash for that. This is a bad time to miss three weeks of Bio-Life. That's $150.

So much to do, so little time. 12 Noon, no messages, so I'm going to the cafe. Practice is at 3:30, so I'll see some more chicas. Maybe I'll get some numbers today.

Flava Flav is coming to A&T next Friday, along with BET's Mad Linx. Should be pretty cool.

First Weekend of School...

2005-08-12T13:13:00.000-04:00

Yep, freshmen move in on campus starting today. I've already seen several cars drive up the street to the dorms. Maybe I'll walk over to see some people as I'm on my way to football practice...(I know I'm devilish...)

I might not do Cheap Seats tonight. One, I don't have any money. Two, I actually enjoy playing my N64's San Francisco Rush and WCW NWO Revenge. Third, I talked to Rechodd, and he's coming down during the first home football game (9/10), so I'm not really trying to play out Cheap Seats by then...plus I'll have some funds.

Sky Bar was an absolute BLAST last night. I did get my groove on with a cutie from Turkey, [edited by request] .She's a part of the BP crew at Guilford College (a group of fun-loving, intelligent wild girls on campus). Nice to find somebody who's actually interested in me. I saw that from jump street.
Three other cuties, two from A&T were there.

I want to spend some time at a black event at UNCG, just to meet some UNCG chicks. That would be pretty cool. Then there's other girls that didn't really pay me any attention. I'm going after them now.

Thursday was a complete, I-should-have-stayed-at-home, kind of a day. And I did for the most part, missing practice for the first time. Heck I needed a day off. Brian hasn't written me back, so I guess he's cool with my work.

I just want to survive this weekend and my urge to go out. I'm thinking about selling my DVD player and my torchlight/tv/radio combo...Maybe I do need to be home this weekend. Payday is Monday. I should go to the library and do my resume after practice. But nope, I'm going to be hanging out, talking to girls.

Sorry, but I have to do what I do best. Charm is natural.

Dilated Peoples, Y'all!

2005-08-10T14:21:00.000-04:00

From L to R:
DJ Babu, Jayson Askew, Rakaa Iriscience, Me (flashing the NWO Wolf Pac sign), and Evidence.

This was taken at the Cats Cradle, after the world famous Word Of Mouth Tour, featuring Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Supernatural, and the World Famous Beat Junkies (Babu, J-Rocc, Shortkut, Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark)

Circa 2000. Easily the best show ever. (photo taken by Walter Gilmore)

It's time for another Cat's Cradle show. This time, it's Hieroglyphics, OC, Non-Phixion and the Boom Bap Project. I'm not as hyped, especially since I saw Heiro last year, and their leader, Del the Phunkee Homosapien isn't around this time. But I do get to hang with my main man, DJ Bro Rabb, the coolest DJ in the state. Not too many people can do both underground and commercial hip-hop with the same appeal and enthusiasm like he can. You are supposed to like one and hate the other. Bro Rabb can mix with the best of them, too.

If you like real hip-hop that's not an everyday turn on the radio, check it out on Friday night in Carrboro, N.C. at the Cat's Cradle. (9 pm doors, $15.)

"You're a Good Friend" - Felecia

2005-08-08T09:41:00.000-04:00

Yep, I can actually say that I got an absolutely beautiful e-mail from Felecia on Friday. I didn't read it until today, so I have to call her and say thank you.

This is an excerpt of what she had to say:

"...You seem to like me for me even though I am straight forward when I talk to you. Actually I think you may need a kick in the ass sometimes. Not cuz u're a bad guy or anything but because I think it's easy to get caught up in drama and everyday madness that some reality or perspective from someone who is not there is a good thing. Part of the reason why I had to get you down to the one time a week phone calls. And because you ARE a lust bucket and I needed to get you to calm down a little bit. Anyway I appreciate your friendship and hopefully you don't still call me just cuz you think I'm so beautiful(imagine that someone thinks I'm beautiful). If you do that's bad for real but who can fake for that long. You seem genuine so I'll go with it. Try not to be such a lust bucket it pays not to be believe me I know. And lust bucket thoughts are just as bad as doing it believe it or not..."

Wow...she's right. I do need a kick sometimes. That's why I need a girl like her in my corner. And ok, I admit, like I did three entries ago, I am in my lust bucket stage. I guess I should work my way out of that realm if I want any type of relationship that will last. Yes, ...by thought, work, and deed..." That is true. Thoughts are just as bad as the deed itself.

Damn right she's beautiful. I wasn't lying when I said it in the spring, and the exterior beauty is the icing on the cake. But really, I refuse to be shallow and if she didn't have anything worthwhile to talk about, I wouldn't talk to her as much. It isn't like I see her every day, and that's what makes her all the more attractive.

Well, the past few days have been a drag. Well, Steve (my neighbor) did have a get together for his birthday, and we went out to Cheap Seats...of course the place was supremely packed. On top of that, I had a Smirnoff/Kool-Aid mix, so I was live.

Meanwhile...the 'net* told me that Cassi and Jennifer are now working at Cheap Seats. All confirmed when I saw them both...Cassi with a tray, and Jennifer in shorts with Cheap Seats on the seat of her shorts. I saw them at the N Club on Wednesday night, but I was preoccupied with my dance crew.

Dorms open on Friday for the freshmen. Great.

The Sky Bar!!

2005-07-28T09:51:00.000-04:00

I'm ready for the Sky Bar tonight. I haven't seen the inside of the club yet, which makes it more exciting for me.

Yesterday was an absolute blast. I met an chick I recognized from A&T which changed my whole game plan. But it was worth it. Absolutely. I was supposed to go to UNCG to apply for a couple of secretarial positions that are available. But when I saw a fine light skinned lady with blue eyes and a tall, statuesque figure...I had to at least say hello.

Well, hello turned into a flat out conversation. I said I was going to the mall, but I was not going to let her pass without a foray of conversational skills. Turned out her name was Christen and she was a rising senior, but was in her "time off period." Meaning she was out of school for a while in oder to make some money to go back to school.

She's a Jersey Girl, ($17k tuition plus) and a preacher's daughter, so you KNOW what that means. She came to A&T in '99 and got crazy. She's got a tongue ring AND a nose ring. On top of that, she now lives with her "ex" boyfriend as a roommate (red flag).

So we talked, about my job, her college life, movies, etc. It was cool walking around with her at the Sheraton, which is the nicest hotel in Greensboro. I really would love to work there.

Anyway, we exchanged numbers and hopefully we'll talk later.

I talked to Krystal last night, which was great. Even though she has a boyfriend, she's super cool. I hope she has no problems with her financial aid.

I can't believe I've been blogging for over a year. It's time for a redesign. Even though I like the Greek format, I need to borrow an idea from some blogs and do a reference blog for all the girls and sports takes I have.

A New Day...A New Club, A New Job...

2005-07-25T09:24:00.000-04:00

I'm happy for Lance Armstrong. He said he was going to win and got it done. He even won the final time trial of his career for an exclamation point. Seven time champ, consecutively? That's ridiculous, by any means. Tour De France, have fun trying to get the world's attention again.

My boss told me that he was cutting my weekly hours, so that basically means, I'm outta here in two weeks, particularly if I find something I like either in the UNCG area, or at a hotel. I think I can handle being a receptionist at the Sheraton or the Park Lane. The UNCG secretarial jobs are pretty cool considering that I can make a little more money, working from 8-to-5 every day, and having my weekends off. But I have to apply right now, because the closing dates are next week. I f I can get the benefits, too, I wouldn't know how to act.

I'm ready to do the Sky Bar. Greene Street has been fun, and on occasion, I still may go there, but really, the Bar is a better venue and I get to see some new faces. I actually may rent DJ SK out and do Greene Street at homecoming, but I'll wait for the details.

I did go a little deep into my diatribe in the last entry, but I needed to let some of that go.

I want to see Steven A. Smith's show today, "Quite Frankly." Dude is great for the program, PERIOD. He hits harder than Mike Wilbon and has the demeanor of a poker player.

It's pretty bad when a team creats a clause around the league just because they signed you to an obscene amount of money. Yes, the Allan Houston rule is in effect. It allows a team to cut one player at any salary and not be forced to take a hit against the salary cap AND reduces the team's luxury tax. It's a one-time occurence and has to happen this year...Bad news for cats like Glenn Robinson, who will be let go by the Spurs. At least he got a ring.

Speaking of money...I'm not hating on Alex Smith (number one pick in the NFL draft). San Francisco paid what the market will bear for a top QB. Of course, that comes with its sacrifices and catch - he's got to play now and produce. I don't think you expect him to be a winner right away, but he must prove himself (50 starts) like Joey Harrington this season.

I've become addicted to Jim Rome again. The show is ridiculously good, and he has the best guests in talk show radio.

Holding Myself Back...

2005-07-23T13:28:00.000-04:00

Bloggers are getting book deals now. I just read up on the latest just now. This one's about a late 20's woman who, like me, struggling to find that special someone in her life. She's been going all out and has no qualms about her faults and her issues.

I love doing this so much, that I'm going to take this to another level. First of all, I do keep a separate, written journal...hell, a diary that began January 1st of last year. That diary has secrets that I have chosen not to reveal on here, like my sexual appetite, my incomplete academic career, my liking of the Howard Stern show, a longing for Junior's Cheesecake, my childhood, and some other things about me that I'm just not ready for the world to see right now.

The true reason is that although I want to be true to myself on here, I am not totally secure in sharing my life with thousands of people. I have never been able to handle constructive criticism well, and when I reach out to mass promote my blog, I know that the critics will come en masse.

I did talk in my very first entry on the one girl that I would give my blood soaked heart to, take a bullet for, and damn near live for. She is one of those topics that I keep very dear to my soul and my love for her is everlasting, even if we are destined not to be together.

Here I am, a 27-year old man, who still relies on his parents for money (on occasion), who writes to keep his sanity, and who so desparately wants to be totally independent and have that one female companion by his side. Yes, I know it seems like at times I could be a womanizing pimp (people already think I'm that, I'm in the club so much) - but in the end, I know that only two females (one was a well-endowed college classmate and study buddy, the other a maniacal sexpot) has ever seen any of my four beds since I turned 16.

Yes, I do have some sensitive moods and mannerisms of a woman sometimes and I have some crazy habits (like watching Sex and the City from first episode to last, watching Hav Plenty at least three times a week, rotating my Lupin the 3rd and Bugs Bunny toon shorts tapes every week.) - but right now, I don't know what I want...

"...and you can choose to f**k with that, or not." - Havilland Savage, "Hav Plenty"

I love R&B music, but I'm a hip-hop fiend. I am loyal to my friends and I keep my foes to an absolute minimum. I want to be loved by all, because fear creates animosity and hatred. I want every girl I come across as to think that I'm a nice guy, but I'm not scared to tell them what I think. Yes, I can be a bitter a**hole but I'd rather not.

I'm concious of my body (at 225 pounds being 5'7, I have a right to be). I obsess over my size, even to the embarrassing point of asking a female about it during sex. (A huge no-no). However, I enjoy walking around my house alone and naked, 'cause I can be lazy as hell.

When I meet a female, 85% of the time it's not about sex. But a lot of those females I could and would have sex with.

I'm tired of being constricted by these so called morals. But having morals and values are important because I'm going to be a father someday.

And now what I'm going to say is almost hypocritical (see, I am concious). But yes, I am a Christian, a well read one at that. I have taught Sunday School to high schoolers and I remain an alternate at my church.

I've ignored commercial radio for years, but I have found some radio that is actually o.k.

I have an addition to Southern hip-hop, but I know that most of it, by a lyrical standpoint, is mindless drivel.

I know that Nelly's Tipdrill video ignores and exploits women...But they made a choice to be in the video knowing the essence of the strip club. And yes, I do go to a strip club on occasion, and I went to school with a lot of strippers - high school and college.

Speaking of...I would love to meet Jake Steed and Wesley Pipes...two of the funniest mainstream "actors" in the business.

I still play video games - on my Super Nintendo and Genesis...and till have fun.

I am anticipating the arrival of the Steven A. Smith show....and August 1st...meaning I have to go back to real work.

I'm tired of my grandmother critizing everything my family does because we don't make time for things to do with her. But I do love her and respect her views and opinions because - she's right 90% of the time.

I've been away from my mom for almost 10 years and it seems like we like it better that way.

I love my father more than anyone else in this world. He is my best friend, my life. We were born on the same day (April 30) and have loved each other unconditionally ever since.

Yes, I do know what love is, and it came on February 15, 1993 (the day I met Danica Tisdale). It's a feeling, an exitement, a passion, a hunger...and so much more. I was just 14 years old...and nearly 15 years later, that feeling still exists.

I had no regrets from leaving Dover, Delaware. Greensboro, N.C. is my home and will always be my home. I live the city now, more than ever. The revitalization is what this area needed, badly.

My favorite music group of all time is the Wu-Tang Clan. I will always be a loyal fan and keep the group's five best albums (Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, Liquid Swords, Only Built for Cuban Linx, Ironman, Wu-Tang Forever) within arm's reach.

Good hip-hop music is like pure water...it takes a process to make, but when it's done, it's so damn good you want more...

There is one woman who I was so physically attracted to, I was almost her slave. I was so crazy about her, I gave her oral sex in her car in front of my grandmother's house - in the projects - in broad daylight. I've had her sit on my face while watching Do The Right Thing. I made her climax on my bed - yet when it came to intercourse, she said no. Didn't wake up until she had a baby and called me for pampers. We've talked twice since and the baby turned 2 this past May.

One woman told me that she didn't think I could handle her...and that was before she became my study partner in a summer school class. She would tease me with her short skirts and tight fitting tops over her 38 C breasts. when she would come study with me at my grandmother's house. I would love a shot at her now.

Quite the opposite with another girl who dated my best friend. She broke up with him and to get back at him, she had a tryst with me...after I talked to him. He said, go ahead. I was so horny that when she would walk out her dorm room and back into the room, my johnson would spring up every time -magically! She called me one night at 2am to have phone sex with me and she masterbated for the first time...crazy indeed when we both screamed and climaxed at the same time. This is the one girl that I had sex with during my whole collegiate career. That two weeks was one of the most fun I have ever had.

I do go to hip-hop shows and I have always had a great time when I go...but I always go to see the women. Women go to shows and love hip-hop, too.

Best birthday gift - A bottle of kiwi strawberry Arbor Mist for my 21st.

Best X-Mas Gift - my journal from Artworks.

Best Drink - Bacardi Limon with Red Bull energy drink. Makes a ccol neon gold color and you can drink lots of them.

Best out of town club I've been to - Cairo in Orlando, Fla.

Best Sports Venue I've been to - the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. 'Nuff said. I damn near cried in there when A&T played there in '03

Yes, there's more to me than meets the eye.

Laundry Day...

2005-07-23T11:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, I’m at my grandmother’s house doing laundry. I am NEVER going to wait a month between laundry again. I see that it’s better off to keep clean clothes all the time, than just let the stuff pile up. It’s not like I was going to do anything this weekend, since I’m broke, but I’m not mad about that. Heck, I get to watch free cable before I leave for the show tomorrow.
Anyway, I just discovered that Little Brother will be returning home on October 7 for the release party of the Minstrel Show. I have got to be there, period. I’m also doing the Heiro/Non-Phixion/OC show on August 12…
Anyway, I have a few thoughts on some things as NFL training camps get underway. I’m giving my take on TO, The Lions and my team, the Cowboys, too. Plus talk radio…

Terrell Owens… "They hated on Jesus"

First of all, we know that the comparison is Ludacris. However, his use of the term, "hated" is actually in the proper term. Yes, some Jews did HATE on Jesus. He was spat on, plotted against, and eventually killed. Yes, Jesus was hated by the chief priests And yes, that is biblical. Yes, Owens use of the metaphor was wrong, but his terminology was right.
Second of all, the Eagles have an absolute right to hold their ground. Yes, TO outperformed his contract, which is approx. $50M for seven years. Yes, this is an example of how employers get shafted everyday, even at the highest level. Everyday people go above and beyond the call of duty everyday, but if they ask for a raise, which is what this is equivalent to, they are highly unlikely to get it just because of one successful year.
However, 1. He signed a contract. 2. He had better deals on the table when he signed. 3. He shafted Baltimore to pull off this deal by taking less money. 4. It’s a common sense issue. Do the job, be the top receiver in the NFL, and win yourself a championship…then in the fifth year, MAYBE, approach the team president for a new deal.
The Eagles brought Owens to Philly to WIN the Super Bowl. Last year, they got there, and Owens was a factor in the game, but they did not WIN. Point Blank.
Out of the Frying Pan…Into the Lions Den.
Joey Harrington is on the hottest seat in the country. With all the tools as a QB (great passing arm, four WR’s, a 1k-yard caliber RB) to be successful now, in his third season, he’s approaching the magical 50 career start plateau. However, if he doesn’t put of the numbers similar to what playoff passers have done, he will be a bust. On top of all that, Jeff Garcia is breathing down his neck so hard, that Harrington may not have the job on opening day.
Dude had better up his completion percentage into the 60’s, throw TDs and stop tossing picks. Or he’s gonna be a $60M backup and probably traded.
The Boyz…Ring Around the Collar?
Well, Bill Parcells is no dummy. The first coach to take four different teams to the playoffs does things HIS way, and the fans had to accept that. He didn’t have time to do anything with his first team, so he got in their heads, and that team overachieved and made the playoffs. Prior to that, they had three straight 5-11 seasons, so they weren’t very good.
But Parcells is the right man for the job, and after a full season and a half, he finally is building his type of team by doing the following:
Getting smaller on the offensive line, like the Denver line.
Getting the bigger linebackers.
Drafting a solid running back (Julius Jones will be a 1,250-yard rusher).
Getting a real live QB. Say what you want, Drew Bledsoe is still good, when he’s protected.
Going to a pretty good tight end often (Jason Whiten finished fifth in the NFL in receptions by TE’s).
Most importantly, he’s made the team YOUNGER and more athletic.
I’ll accept last season’s disappointment, but I expect this year and the next three or four seasons to be solid, eight to 10 win seasons. This unit won’t win the NFC, but they will win games and be very good on both sides of the ball. I think he needs to get another downfield receiver threat.
HANGAR BAY RADIO…
Yes, I’m going to do it today. I will establish hangarbayradio.com on blogger and get our info out to the masses. It’s a done deal. I’m tired of this crap we are going through at Guilford. The fact that we could do so much more for our music is what’s challenging us. It’s time to gain a worldwide audience and get paid, Period.

Ah...The Kiss...Again (Gotta Love It)!

2005-07-18T08:28:00.000-04:00

Well, El Tige did it again. He pretty much imposed his will on all comers at The Old Course at St. Andrews, and won major number 10. Cool to see the Jack walk proudly across the Bridge before draining his last birdie in a major ever.

But of course, Tiger kissing the Claret Jug was the highlight...and thanks to me not paying attention to my church schedule I MISSED THE ENTIRE SUNDAY COVERAGE. AAAAH! Yes, I sat and suffered through the 8am service, knowing that Tiger was going to win. I know I shouldn't say suffer, because I didn't think he would tee off until about 11:00. He was being presented the trophy when I got home at about 1 p.m.

I did talk to Felecia (who said I misspelled her name in the blog earlier) on Friday evening, which was cool. She did most of the talking about her experience in the ZONE, a Christian movement by young people which is spreading all over the country. I love it when she talks, because it helps me to learn how to listen...Oh, yeah, and she says a lot of meaningful things that carry me when I look in the mirror.

That being said, I have a lot to improve on in order to being "the right guy" for someone. There's so many things that I want to do, but I let my emotions get in the way. I have a defiant nature and I'm a little headstrong, even in the office.

Well, I have a few more days until August 1st, when the athletics season begins. I'm ready for it, big time. For one, I've been bored out of my mind, and two, I have work to do and I want to get it done early.

On the music tip, I have been listening to T.I.'s Urban Legend. It's actually not that bad musically. T.I. is a better Tupac clone than any of these so-called rappers (Ja Rule, DMX), because he has a better lyrical structure.

I'm preparing to open up an official blog for the Hangar Bay...I know I've been announcing this blog online for the past couple of weeks, but now with eminient domain going on at Guilford College, we will need to get something online.

I'm going to work with greensboro101.com and look at some of the other internet radio programs.

Death to Sprint...

2005-07-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

Of course, my phone is off again. Why do you send a bill then add "hidden charges" to it? I guess it's a means of making sure you get your money.

I have a $125 preset limit...My bill, which isn't due until Monday, was just under $105. So why did I get that dreaded "we've cut off your phone" text message on Saturday morning?

Well, after calling Sprint, I saw that they updated their "system" on Friday, which included updated charges, like Internet phone use, some downloads, etc. I'm ready to stop using my PCS Vision, anyway. When Sprint and Nextel merge, I'm getting a new phone.

But bottom line is, I have to stop the extras and chill with the internet use.

By the way, last night at the N Club was pretty whack. There weren't too many chicks worth looking at and even still, I was just bored. With no Greene Street tonight, this may be the dullest weekend of the summer. Well, there is the matter of the British Open, and El Tigre has taken the early lead, hitting a 67.

Dude played one of his hottest stretches of golf, where he birdied seven of nine holes. He did have three bogeys, but his 6 under is a hot start.

Well, I guess I'll go to Bio Life and pay Sprint either today or tomorrow.

Then I'll play some Mario Kart and baseball on my NES. Love the Retro games...

Quick hitter: Concert Post

2005-07-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

Now I know I’m a grown man and everything, but I will be standing in line to see the August 25th show at the Greensboro Coliseum.

The following R&B performers/sex symbols/heartthrobs will be there:

Bow Wow (yes, the Jermaine Dupri child star is now 17, and is on tour).
Omarion (The most talented of the B2K clan that is solo now).
Marques Houston (He of the 2M contract with Playgirl for a photo shoot for his new album, Naked.)
Bobby Valentino (Dude has the hottest album in the country other than Common...I love it!)
Pretty Ricky (Fast talking rapper that has his chart hit Grind With Me)

I'm going for one reason and one reason only…THE LADIES, THE LADIES, THE LADIES!!!

Take Your Time, Ladies

2005-07-13T11:00:00.000-04:00

Quick take on the Girl Talk segment presented today by Afrika, the female co-host of the urban radio morning show at 102Jamz.

She had a interesting topic: People (women) who put time limits on their major life functions (marriage, children, so forth).

First of all, our generation (18-34), the sons and daughters of the "baby boomers," have different views on these topics, especially women. Women are doing more, making more money, and handling themselves VERY differently from times past. We men have been forced to either accept this movement or be left alone.

I have NO PROBLEM with women wanting to delay all of their life's events. Danica and I just discussed that two weeks ago. Interestingly enough, Afrika and Danica mentioned the same word, selfish.

Apparently, these baby boomers were under so much pressure to get married and have kids and be secure with their lives that those values were naturally pushed on to their kids, i.e. US.

Hold up. I'm not CLOSE to being married and I'm an eyelash away from 30. I love my single life, and yes, I'm selfish, and I still have things I need to do for myself before I'm ready to start a family.

There are plenty of women my age who are feeling the same way, including some who actually did get married and had children BEFORE their time. It's always rush, rush, rush and do this, do that, and do the other.

Women, please don't feel like you need a man to complete you (I know that a caller said this on the air, but that is a true statement). I feel the same way about a woman. I don't need a woman to define my existence as a man, I have other things that define me.

Key word here is COMPANIONSHIP. Yes, we may date, conversate, have sexual relations (I love that term), and do other things together, but most importantly, we are friends.

One thing about being truly independent is that you can set your own rules. So stick to them. If you don't want that child right now, simply stand pat. Love your parents and friends, but don't let them put the ring on the finger or let the sperm hit the egg for YOU. D.I.Y., baby.

Ok, enough about my rant. First of all props to my man Miguel Tejada (HR off of my boy John Smoltz, 2 RBI), the MVP of the All Star Game last night. He's an Oriole and heck, he helped turned two douple plays with his teammate Brian Roberts. Oh, yeah Andruw Jones freaking CRUSHED a ball off of the idiot of the month, Kenny Rogers for the first two NL runs. Despite the overall bore of the game, it did have some entertaining value with the home runs and the BoSox getting it done with the bats, like always.

Since the N Club is the only thing in town this week, I guess I better go tonight. I trimmed up my hair and edged off my sideburns. Now I have to pick a nice shirt. Simple polo, I guess. Gotta call up my homie Ronnie, who was actually in London when the bombings went down. He's okay, though.

I haven't really thought about Cassi lately, which is a good thing. No need to. I'll find another lady. Still, it would be cool if I see her tonight. I have to change my approach.

I need to get the Love Jones DVD...maybe Best Buy has it.

Post No. 100 - Thoughts of a Predicate Flirt

2005-07-11T11:35:00.000-04:00

Props to Blogger for finally updating the statistics. I did want to know how many posts I have done without counting.

As two jailed rappers come out (Tony Yayo and Project Pat), we say peace to one going in (Lil' Kim). All I can say is "Stupid is as Stupid Does." - Forrest Gump, '94

I'm a huge fan of Elliot Wilson (Editor in Chief of XXL Magazine), but I'm starting to lose my patience with hip-hop journalism in general. There has always been some sort of conspiracy of law enforcement targeting rappers (NYPD in particular). But why is it that oftentimes we PROVOKE the cops with the idiodic things we do. So why promote idiocy with a JAIL ISSUE? Yes, it is a story, but it's because we make it so.

Nickel Spot - Idiodic Things People Do...

1. Carrying a gun to the airport, WITHOUT a PERMIT (Alan Henderson, that may have been the Dumbest thing you have ever done in your life, and what's worse, you live on an NBA bench averaging six points and four boards a game.)

2. Smoking weed while driving. This incenses me. If I can smell your weed and I'm a full car length away, why shouldn't the cops be able to pick the scent up?

3. Patronizing prostitutes. Don't complain about them if you are tossing them your dollars, men. Women, if you kept your men at home, they wouldn't be on my block!!

4. Not Using Turn Signals while Driving / Tailgating. These things are equally disturbing and are the root of several accidents. Didn't the manuals say one car length and 200 ft. behind a bus? If you can't tailgate on the Autobahn, why the hell should you tailgate in metropolitan traffic!

5. Excessive Bass. I know that you spent five figures on your car, trying to impress the opposite sex. But it doesn't mean I want to hear that whack crap coming out of your $500 a pop speaker. I'm all for sound laws, even if they are meant to stop a certain color of people. It's flat out annoying hearing "Mike Jones" or 36 Mafia, or any of that Southern or West Coast Rap (with all that heavy bass in it) all day enough onradio. It's worse when it's being pumped out of a 1200 watt speaker. No wonder they don't concentrate on lyrics. You can't HEAR them!

Ok, enough of that. I had a very interesting conversation with Felecia. I was glad she had fun in Japan, she needed to get away from her taskmaster of a boss. But she hit me with a revalation that put me in check over the weekend and it came to reality later on.

She told me that I view women as pieces of meat. I said " Just because I like to shop doesn't mean I buy the whole menu." Which, in retrospect, damn near justified what she said. I guess it sounded harsh coming from her because I like her and I only want her to see me at my best. (Yes, lady, I said it, and I know you're reading this eventually). But she's got me by a couple of years, so she knows that by my actions I'm not as mature as I should be. I didn't think about the "pieces of meat" quote until Saturday, when I came across a lot of women. More on that later.

Second thing she hit me with was that I'm childish...Huh? She put it that way because my life has been Real Worldish, because of how I approach certain situations. She meant that I can be a brat. I'm spoiled and I want what I want right then and there and if it doesn't happen, I don't know how to react but like a child.

I want to marry someone like her, because she's a great woman, even with her flaws. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and tell me when I'm an idiot, and I love that about her. I don't think about her as a girlfriend because too much would have to happen, but I know she would be wonderful for me. Speaking of marriage, I asked her if she could see herself married. She said she could, not suprisingly. She's old enough, and has had her time with relationships. If the right man came along and was financially secure, she would go for it.

She reminds me somewhat of Havilland, the female lead in "Hav Plenty." But she's more down to earth, like Havilland's sister, Leigh.

It's a luxury to have a friend like that...I don't think about her sexually - and she just happens to be very attractive. That's a bonus. She was the type of person I hung around in high school, well, like talked to on the phone with.

Well, going back to my "reality," I was broke Saturday night, so I chilled over at Steven's crib. We went over to a house party and saw crazy chicks. A lot of them were at our cookout. Jessica, PJ, Tiffany, Blue Reign coreographer Morgan, and a few others. When I got home, I was going through my mental rolodex of who would I screw, and Felecia's comment flashed through my head. Feeling guilty as hell, I flashed back to Cassi, Tiffany (baby momma), and all the girls who I've met in the club. Felecia's right (as usual).

Maybe if I didn't take the "I'm a pimp" approach to dating and meeting women, I would get a real live date. If I just stepped up and asked somebody out and not be scared because I don't have a car, I would get some dates.

If I just stopped flirting and relax, I would be with a girl right now. But do I really want that? Do I have the time (no), the money (no), the patience (no), for all that? I want the best of both worlds: Screw all the time and have a steady girl. So that drops me down from absolutely sweet guy to borderline jerk and a-hole.

PlaY Ball? Uh...not quite...

2005-07-08T13:01:00.000-04:00

Diss out to the Olympic Committee for voting out baseball and softball for the 2012 Games in London. That sucks. MLB or no MLB players, the games are a part of summer and should be allowed. It really sucks for softball, which now has no exposure outside of the College World Series. Jenny Fitch gets the perfect timing award now. If she was in school three years from now, we'd never really know her.

It's unfortunate that terrorism is a way of life, and it just flat out sucks that innocent human lives are taken in such low regard...and that goes for all countries and all wars. I know that people have causes, but anytime lives are lost because of greed and power and control, it's a travesty. I know that I'm bringing this up because of what happened in London, but still, it goes for all of the attacks on human life.

Mothers, fathers, and even children died as a result of the attacks. But I know that the people claiming responsiblity feel the same way about their families who have been killed during the U.S. invaion of Iraq.

After saying those choice words, my life story may seem insignificant. So I'm not talking about the uneventful nights at the N Club and Greene Street these past couple of days. I think I'm going to take some time off from the club and hold my money. I need to do that anyway.

The club...

2005-07-06T16:35:00.000-04:00

Tonight is N Club night and I'm really trying to go. Why? Well, for one, I want to see Tiffany again. Also, Cassi maight be there. For those two, that's good enough reason to put on my hot threads and make that walk downtown. I have enough cash to go and if I can conjure up some nice outfit, I'll go. I do have enough shirts that I can re-iron or clean up. I also could go to my grandmother's and run laundry, but I'm not waiting for all of that.

Thursday's gonna be hell, and that's before Greene Street. Too much work to do, plus Bio-Life, and now I have to spend some time at my aunt Pam's.

I need to clean my room and make up my bed. It's in absolute shambles and all my clothes from last week aren't put up. I have to be more responsible with that. I could get lucky and have company.

We'll see 2nite.

The Dime Spot: The 2005 BET Awards

2005-07-05T14:55:00.000-04:00

This post is all about the now infamous 2005 Black Entertainment Television Awards, held last Tuesday night at the Kodak Theatre is Hollywood.

1. Is it me or did Lauren Hill looked AWFUL when she performed at the Fugess reunion? Shoot the stylist (No. 1) Oh, yeah...she missed a few notes during Killing Me Softly...therefore, killing the viewers softly.

2. Miss Knowles, you know you were absolutely WRONG teasing everybody with that lapdance you pulled off. And players, don't hate on the dancers, you know you wanted to be them, Jay-Z or not. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't have been able to hide my expressions...especially with all that on my lap.

3. Somebody tell Faith Evans that we know who is on those tatoos. Please, cover them up. LeBron had to do it, and so should you. For somebody who doesn't want people to know she still loves Chris Wallace, she isn't denying the man. It's still tacky.

4. Shoot the stylist no. 2 - Remy Ma. What the hell? and How did she win the best female rapper...hmm, no viewing of the candidates? Suspect to me.

5. Omarion and Marques Houston...the race for the next Sisqo has begun. Houston signed a $2M deal to pose nude for PLAYGIRL, so he's in the lead.

6. Hally Berry...Thank God she didn't win. Shoot the producer who let that typo go on screen.

7. Alisha Keys can be my boo at anytime, day or night. Period. Usher, she's the one man. Get her before she falls to some idiot like...Colin Farrell.

8. T.I. switched it up for y'all, but it looked bad when he couldn't keep up with the live band for Bring 'Em Out. Some songs should never be "jazzed up."

9. Will and Jada, Jada and Will, we loved ya. Thank you for bringing life to a dead awards show. We know y'all are freaks and we know Will tears that little bootie up. But you prove that even superstar husband and wife combos can do stuff together without coming off snotty, like, em.. Jessica and Nick, for instance?

10. The best part of the show was Gladys Knight. Period. In an era where class never meets style and substance, they put it all together for the lady who is the real queen of soul.

All in all it was a decent show with its share of stars. Stevie Wonder showed off, twice, maybe putting forth his bid for the next lifetime achievement award. But we all know who's going to get it.

The Dime Spot: R.I.P. Luther and other things...

2005-07-05T13:33:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a break from my so-called life to talk about some recent topics. I'm probably getting some reader flack because this blog has been way too personal over the past month. So to let the readers know I do pay attention:

1. Why are all of these rappers getting multimillion dollar endorsements that belonged to athletes exclusively?

Actually it's pretty simple. The search for the so-called "street credible" product and endorser have pretty much blurred the lines of music and sport. 50 Cent, whose commercial featuring Donovan McNabb, Manny Ramierez and "Winky" Wright is a perfect example of this. Dude is a thug with an athlete's body and incredible charisma, like his Reebok co-endorser Allen Iverson. If that isn't street credible, then what is? On top of that, rappers are seen year-round on TV, stores, and heard on the radio and in the club. Athletes are seasonal. Records come out all of the time. A season is a set amount of games and it's done for six months. Other examples include Missy Elliott's new shoe and product deal with addidas, Snoop Dogg's "Doggy Biscuits" line of footwear with Pony, Jay-Z (Rocawear and Rebook deals) and of course P. Diddy (who not only has his own clothing line, Sean John, but his new model is NBA star Dwayne Wade).

2. You know, it's sad when articles are written about why Tiger Woods DOESN'T win, even when he takes home a half a million dollar check for coming in second place, which he did for the second week in a row on Sunday.

3. Roger Federer may be the best tennis player EVER when it is all said and done. He is dominating tennis like Tiger did in 2000. Now if he can pull a calendar year Grand Slam...move over Borg and Sampras. Seeing him dispatch Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt like little boys was ridiculous.

4. I'm never big on the NBA draft, but a lot of teams made smart decisions...look for this draft to be like '97. The one that produced TWO NBA Finals MVP's (Thanks Chauncey Billups).

5. I remember when the local R&B station, 97.1 changed its format a few years ago from hip-hop. Every other song you heard was from Luther Vandross. They turned over the entire catalog of Luther hits until more CDs came in stock. That still is fresh on my mind as I remember him today. On another note, R.I.P to Obie Benson, one of the founding members of the Four Tops. I have two rare vinyl records, Keeper of the Castle and Main Street People, which were the groups first two releases after they left Motown ('72, '73). They still get heavy rotation when I see my dad.

6. The BET Awards is worth a dime spot alone...see my next post.

7. Everybody is talking about how Kanye West has revitalized hip-hop because he samples. Please, get over yourselves. This dude has the nerve to call himself the "Muhammad Ali" of the rap game right now. That is probably the worst indication of how today's hip-hop community thinks of itself. Kanye has not done anything new. Even he had to give props to Common's original production team of No I.D. and Dug Infinite. I'm cool with Rashid selling 500,000 to a million records, but for West to get all of the credit is sad. Reminder to all: Jay Dee (aka J-Dilla) was supposed to do this album until he got sick. Kanye can make all the hot joints he wants and sell records but his arrogance is hurting the culture, not saving it.

8. Maybe Mos Def does need to step away from hip-hop. The label fiasco that was The New Danger (remember, he was supposed to have TWO ALBUMS, folks, not one...Black Jack Johnson?) has got him caught up. Now if he goes back independent, he can cut one more classic before he is finished.

9. Is there anyone is anticipating the next Spike Lee/Denzel Washington joint? I know I am.

10. Props to the movie hits Batman Begins and War of the Worlds. Two movies that stayed true to the text and got it right.

Fantasia....Fantasia...and a SURPRISE!

2005-06-30T11:53:00.000-04:00

Ok, 102 Jamz had been giving away tickets to Fantasia Barrino's concert after party every hour since SuperJam IX ended. So basically 200 free tickets were given out (100 winners/ guests). So people already knew that the party was going to be ridiculous. Only thing was, I didn't know how serious things would get.

I was so excited, I took the day off (well, yeah). I went to the Record Exchange to sell back a few CDs for some extra cash. Then I pretty much chilled at Steven's, looking at "Streets Is Watching"

I got some sleep and then showered, thinking about what I was going to wear. I decided that if I'm going to be there, I'm going to be there as fly as possible. I threw on on of my favorite Polo dress shirts, dark blue blazer, beige tie, and khakis, with my Johnson and Murphy wing tips. Yeah, I was pretty clean.

Got to the Empire Room at about 8:00, and no surprise, Jackie was there, putting up flyers. She's the rep for Sony on campus, so with no surprise that she was involved. Now Jackie is ridiculously fine in her own right, and when she smiles, she shuts down a lot of people. Think a light skinned Jackie Reid (BET reporter).

A few fans came about 8:30, then the wait began...We waited...and waited...and waited....and waited....until Fantasia's family, business managers, and lawyers arrived. After they went in, and the ticket winners from 102jamz entered, the doors were opened. I gladly put down my $10 and proceeded to chill with DJ Soundmachine.

I actually got my dance on for a minute, as the crowd filled in. The 102 Jamz Posse (Brooklyn, the Wild Out Crew, Young Gee, Delight and Tap Money) rolled in and got their drink on.

At about 10:30, Fantasia walked in and took the stage, to the tune of some DC Go-Go....She welcomed everybody, looking like the average 'round the way girl who just got a record deal. She was ready to get drunk and probably had already a little taste after she finished performing.

But the party was just getting started. The ballroom had a projection screen onstage, playing all of Fantasia's performances on American Idol. By the time the final day came on screen and Ruben Studdard was on screen, I turned to my right and saw the big man himself, getting his freak on with Fantasia! He snuck in the back door and totally surprised 'Tasia. Ruben got his groove on and actually stayed for the main event:

Ricco Barrino. Infinity came out and took the stage, and performed their classics, saving "All This Time ft. Brandon D, You Already Know ft. Othaz Records star P-Wondah, and Make Love...complete with Fantasia on stage, singing the hooks as she was still in the band.

So at 2am, the party ends and people moved on to Sugar Bears, urged on by Fantasia herself. WOW! Of course, I had to work, so I'm walking up to the N Club and see Toya and her homegirl (June 16th) walking out. They joked about being mad at me because of the whackness of last week at Greene Street.

But all talking ceased...I mean totally ceased when I saw Tiffany come out of the club...this was my first time seeing her since that infamous fight at Devereaux's, about a year ago. I barely could speak to her, as she looked just as good as I remembered. She may have put on maybe five pounds, but she was fine, and she had that lifeguards shirt that showed off her scuds, which I swear had gotten bigger since the baby. Anyway...She seemed to be a little tipsy so I approached her carefully. Hell I was looking good anyway.

Me: Hi, long time no see.

Her: Hi. How are you?

Me: Chillin, how are you?

Her: Fine.

Me: I'll see you again sometime.

Her: Okay (Smiling and looking back as she walked off with Toya).

Okay, back to Toya, who I may end up hollering at anyway, I'll see her again, too.

Ahh...my life. Later.

Golden Chyld - Ras Kass

2005-06-27T08:39:00.000-04:00

I'm still in recovery from Super Jam IX.

First of all, thank you Triad for selling the show out nearly a week in advance. The block party was off the chain as the artists came through for a live interview and a guest appearance with Ron Artest.

I saw the entire 102 Jamz crew (I'm in love with Brooklyn and La La is fizzine, too.), old friends and some I would like to know. I chilled with DJ Soundmachine most of the time there and we bugged out.

But the coolest thing was seeing a young lady that I went to class with frosh year, named Shekeitha Burnette, who now works at admissions on campus.

So I waited until about 7:30 to walk in the coliseum. I missed all of Young Jeezy's solo act because there were SO MANY WOMEN in the building. I didn't walk in the check in line. I actually stood in line for about an hour, watching the women go by.

Of course, Cassi and her crew walked by me...as if I wasn't going to see them. I knew they would be there, cause Jennifer told me they had bought tickets. So all five of them, Cassi, Jennifer, Cassi's roommate, Kelly, and the white girl were in line. I was faking like I was on my cell phone and saw them as they waved to me. Cassi had on a turquoise dress with shades on. I barely saw her face. But she could see my smile was inbedded in. Why didn't I take Kelly's advice and get Cassi's phone number?

I'm just going to keep playing the background. All of her friends like me and think I'm cool. But why am I still struggling with this? She's not thinking about me, and I still have her party flyer on my dresser.

Seeing her was enough to make my night. But there's more. I sat next to a cool chick, Alvette, who also was in school with me. But I had to leave and go down to the lower level to see Trillville and Ying Yang Twinz, who were the stars of the show. When D-Rock pulled a moonwalk on stage, it was over.

Then after they gave away the $10,000 ticket, T.I. came on stage. He did a whopping ten songs, plus P.S.C. got three joints. He took advantage of the Game not showing up and the ladies went nuts when he went on the side platforms.

Now you know the groupies were out and after the show, High Point Road was packed for hours and miles. I simply walked across the street to Alexander Devereaux's. Eventually I got in for free (a $40 value), and got my dance on with some live chicks. Oh, yeah, I saw plenty of booty and danced with a chick that lifted up her skirt - NO PANTIES!! Damn right.

But the most fun I had was walking home with a chick that turned out to be the daughter of a nightclub owner -club Spoony's. She was mad cool and I think she was feeling me. Oh, well, she didn't call me this weekend.

So it's on to Wednesday night at Fantasia's birthday bash. I guess I'll be there, or at the N Club...nah, I'll put down the $25 or so bucks to go. Besides, Ricco will be performing, so there will be ladies there...unless I see Cassi walking in...that might change everything.

P***y always changes everything...throw all logic out the window and *poof* Even in a situation like this. Yes, i have a crush on this girl, but all signs point to leaving her alone.

I'm facing the truth that nothing may ever happen with this girl, but there is a glimmer of hope...

The Piece Maker - Tony Touch ft. Guru

2005-06-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

Game Six Final: Detroit 95, San Antonio 86
Next Game: Thursday 9pm, ABC.

Key Player: Rasheed Wallace. He took over the game's final six minutes, with San Antonio building momentum with every possession. Feeling the need to make up for his game six fatal mistake, he made several huge plays down the stretch to finish with 16 points.

A jumper from the baseline. A 3-pointer from deep, after two huge offensive rebounds by Tayshaun Prince. A put-back basket for a five-point lead, and then a clinching strip from Ginobili with 76 seconds to go.

Dude was the man he was supposed to be in Portland and in Washington. The guy making those plays at North Carolina several years ago.

The guards, Chauncey Billups (21 points, 5 three's) and Rip Hamilton (23 points) got Detroit what they needed at both ends of the floor. But that was table setting for Wallace, who by the way played the last quarter with five, count 'em FIVE fouls.

The good news is that we do get the game seven and my prediction is at least half right. The only problem is that in my heart, I want Detroit to win the series. Win for Larry Brown and Phil Ford. Win for Rasheed, Rip, and the fellas that busted their chops all year in the NBA "Leastern" Conference.

Expect the game to be close and tight from tip to buzzer.

DUDE, IT'S GAME SEVEN!! Something we haven't seen in 11 years.

Okay, my life over the weekend was rocked a bit by the news of the death of my homie's father on Father's Day Eve. I struggled to find the words when I called him on Sunday. He was happy to hear from me, so I'm good.

Met a chick from the club (oh, boy...) Nah, I don't want to be bothered.

Why is the consensus around the circle of my homeboys is that Cassi isn't worth a damn? Why is it that I'm starting to pay attention now - I mean, I'm going back to my regular mode. Today is another day of orientation. More chicks, baby.

Two more days til SJ IX...I can't wait...

N Club 2 nite will be poppin'
Greene Street will be poppin' Thursday...

Then...SUPERJAM IX!!

She Knowz What She Wantz - Gang Starr

2005-06-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

Okay, the weekend was cool, even though it started slowly. Detroit and Tiger Woods lost close ones, but it made for great TV on Sunday.

But let me tell about Thursday, which was pretty weird. I’m at Steven’s house, discussing details from the cookout. A few of the guys are there, including my new Morehouse homie, Ronnie. So, this white chick named Kelly was there. Now, Kelly has been coming over to the house for quite sometime, and I recognized her at Greene Street and from when she would drive Ronnie’s SUV over to the house.

Me and Kelly meet and we start talking. Of course, we were talking about Cassi and Jennifer (I told the guys about what had happened at the N Club)…Kelly’s eyes lit up.

Her: Cassi’s one of my best friends. You had to be talking about her when you said you were buying Michelob Ultras. [Cassi’s favorite drink].

Me: Yeah, so she knows I have this major crush on her. But I never really talked to her. So about three weeks ago, I got the urge to write a crazy text message in my phone.

Her: THAT WAS YOU?!?!?!?!? [Damn, she was the chick that saw the text message that night. Aw, hell. Good thing I was being really nice and cordial.]

Her: Well, I’ll tell her what she needs to hear. We’ll be at the cookout. What do you need for me to bring?

Me: Hell, we need some potato salad and some ice.

Her: Cool:

So, I’m like, this can’t be happening. I couldn’t have walked right into a better setup. Now I’m in good with TWO of Cassi’s friends. If this thing works….

So I change and get ready for Greene Street….but with Greene Street pretty much dead because of the Edwin McCain show (sorry, but $20.00 to get in after the show is ridiculous), Rechodd and I actually chilled at the crib. While he went home, I went ahead and got ready for the cookout.

Friday morning…after I cut the grass and went shopping, I went ahead and started the grills. Walt came through in the clutch, coming over with my homeboy Jermaine. What surprised me was that the two stayed and Walt ended up cooking pretty much all the meat.

We started at 6pm and got the food ready. Hell, Steven and I were full at 8, when the first set of chicks walk in. Eventually about 30 people showed up, half of them chicks. But one really caught my eye. A little bad brown skinned cutie named P.J…I introed myself and gave here some UV Blue Vodka. Good stuff. So at about 11:30, the chicks left and headed over to Cheap Seats, while we finished the liquor and followed.

We get to the club and it’s JUMPING, as usual. I only had some Bacardi Limon/Fruit punch and some diluted E&J, so I was feeling a little buzz. Of course I got my groove on. I damn near walked in the club on sight, thanks to my man Shakir (Nation Security). Meanwhile, I see Nia (and she was being bitchy to me…thanks to the idiotic text messaging after she said she wasn’t trying to holla). Oh, well, Sparks and I worked our way into the club (how do you run out of change?) By paying 2 x 2, we worked out 6 people in the spot.

I see some of the usual A&T suspects, but I really didn’t get hyped until about 1 am…

TIME OUT: Oh, snap…Nia and P.J. got into it at the club (I believe they were screwing the same dude), and eventually, it became a girlfight! And I was in the middle. Security got in, fortunately and kicked the girls out the bar…Nice.

Alright, back to my story, 1 am…that’s when I saw Reonetta, freaking the hell out of some tall dude (she makes anybody look tall at 4’11.) When she moved on to another dude, our eyes met and she gives me this devilish smile.

[Note: Reonetta and I talked for a little bit before school ended after I waited the whole semester to holla. She is a real club freak and loves it. I just like to watcher her dance, cause she is hot like that. I found out she has a boyfriend and they had just gotten back together over spring break. Oh, well.]

I didn’t even get a chance to dance with her, or rather, she shied away from me while I wasn’t looking. Gotta leave her alone.

Anyway, we got back to the house, pissed because of the fight, which pretty much made the chicks go home. Disappointed, we packed up and went to our cribs.

Saturday night was cool, but I chilled at Steven’s crib and watched video games. While making a beer run, I saw that Saturday night was actually live downtown, but I didn’t feel like going, so I stayed at home and played video games.

Sunday was cool, watching Tiger make a huge charge from 8 shots back, only to lose the title by bogeying the 70th and 71st holes. Oh well, Grand Slam next year, I guess.

San Antonio 96, Detroit 95, OT
Spurs lead 3-2, Next Game: Tuesday night at San Antonio, 9pm Eastern

Key player: Who else? Robert Horry, 21 points off the bench, all in the final 30 minutes of the contest. Hit five 3-pointers, including the game winner with 5.9 seconds left. Horry even posterized Rip Hamilton with a left-handed dunk for good measure. Everyone in the building knew that he was going to get the final shot. So why Rasheed rotated off the pass to double team Ginobili, I’ll never know. You could hear the crowd go: NOOOOOOOOOO as the ball went back to Horry, who threw the inbounds pass. Big Shot Rob does it again.

Well, next week is a killer, as Brian gave me my media guide duties. I definitely will get in my hours for the next two weeks. I did see a preview of the basketball schedule as well. Should be fun.

Tuesday night: Murray Street Band at Blind Tiger / Game 6 NBA Finals
Wednesday night: N Club, Bikini Contest Round 2
Thursday night: Wide Open Thursdays at Greene Street / Game 7 NBA Finals (if necessary)
Friday night: SuperJam IX, T.I. at Cheap Seats
Saturday night: Hip-hop at Blurr.

Above the Clouds - Gang Starr ft. Inspecktah Deck

2005-06-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

The good thing about payday is that I get my bills paid and I get to splurge a little bit.

So after I pay bills, I chill at the crib for a while, then I get ready to go out.

I went to the N Club last night with Rechodd. We walk in and see crazy chicks! Some I knew were from A&T and a bunch of AKA's were sitting at the front of the stage. So we walk around and catch up with my homies Black and BP (assistant coach at A&T). I catch up with my breaking peeps, who are chillin'. Then I took a look on the other side of the club, and who do I see? Tall chick 1 (the one who was passing out flyers for Cassi's party) She gave me the eye and talked to somebody! So I look around her and, of course, I see Jennifer and Cassi.

YES!!!!

Ok, let me keep my cool. So eventually I walk up to Jennifer and tell her about my cookout. She asks me should she tell Cassi.

Me: HELL YEAH!!!

So, she talks to her for a few minutes and we leave it at that. Meanwhile, the two put on a show. Now remember, Rechodd actually danced with Jennifer two weeks ago at Greene Street. I point her out to him.

Meanwhile, I'm headed to the bar and down a Bacardi 151 and OJ....QUICKLY! So I'm getting a slight buzz (Rechodd gave me a mix of Bacardi/mango/pinapple before we walked in).

Meanwhile, I get my groove on with a couple of miscellaneous chicks...while Cassi looking right at me. So, I move on to the other side of the club, and Rechodd sees a chance to jump on Jennifer. With me encouraging him, and Cassi urging on Jennifer, the two of them danced. Cassi and me barely looked at each other...I like it that way.

Later, I asked Jennifer if she told her about the cookout and what did she say. "Okay"

So if she'll be there' it's on!

But on to number two: Last year, I met Tiffany, a super cutie that I was near crazy about. She's had a baby since the last time I saw her: Devereaux's. How about I've seen her friend a couple of times at the club. But I get the gumption to meet her for the first time.

Her name's Toya, a dark-skinned big bootie chick. She wanted to holler at Rechodd, but she was scared. (Damn, this cat gets more scared chicks than anybody I know). But after I left the club, I called and talked to her for about 10 minutes.

Anyway, I'm buzzin' cause orientation is JUMPING. Cuties, cuties, and more cuties.

Greene Street tonight.

Put Up or Shut Up - Gang Starr

2005-06-15T14:19:00.000-04:00

Pistons 96, Spurs 79
Spurs lead 2-1, next game Thursday at 9 p.m.

Detroit did just that last night. They had to win and they dominated, just like they should have.
Rip Hamilton (24 pts.) got nearly every shot he wanted, and Chauncey Billups (20 pts) outplayed Tony Parker. But the big story was Ben Wallace (15 pts, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks) .

Oh, yeah, the Pistons drew up shades of '89 with the Bad Boys, practically bruising the Spurs. Ginobili got hurt in the first minute of the game and Tayshaun Prince shut him down (7 pts, 6 TOs).

I really don't feel link writing much today, especially since I have a lot of stuff to do in the next couple of days. This cookout is going to be a lot of fun, no matter who comes over.

I can't wait until Thursday at Greene Street.

Boom - Royce Da 5'9

2005-06-13T20:05:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm glad I was able to take a day off and get my clothes washed. I was literally down to my last pair of clean socks. I guess I'm set for the rest of the week.

Blind Tiger tomorrow, featuring my crew, the Oddities. (Some tight local hip-hop from High Point and Winston-Salem).

Wednesday is nclub night and I'm going, period.

You know where I'm at on Thursday night. (Greene Street)

Friday night it's all about Cheap Seats, after the cookout at the crib.

Oh, yeah, next week, something crazy called SuperJam IX is on 6/24. And yes, Cassi will be there! (Yeah, yeah, I know...it's getting old, but I'm keeping hope alive until she buries me.)

1/2 and 1/2 - M.O.P. Ft. Guru

2005-06-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

Note: "1/2 and 1/2" is a typical Primo banger, filled with bells and chops. It was recorded for the Blade soundtrack.

Spurs 97, Pistons 76; Spurs up, 2-0.

Ho-hum. Ginobili scores 27 points, Bowen hits four threes from the corners, Robert Horry adds a couple of threes and four steals, and Tim Duncan is Tim Duncan. Pistons don't stop penetration and also blow a bunch of easy layups. Hamilton is shut down by Bowen again.

Game was never close, except a 10-2 fourth quarter run by Detroit, which helped cut a 23-point lead down to eight with five minutes left. Ginobili put the game away with help from a huge 3-pointer from Bowen, who scored zero points in game one.

Well, the cookout is set for Friday afternoon at Steven's backyard. I'm ready to go all out on this, but it seems like I'm doing it just for hoping that Cassi will show up. Why do I like this chick so much? I guess I've fallen in that "light skinned trap" we dark skinned brothers fall into. She's so...attractive. Here's hoping Thursday will bring me some kind of luck.

I'm ready for Wednesday...payday, baby. But there's still too much to do. I'm at my grandmother's house washing clothes right now...great way to spend the day, right? I'm ready to go home.

Other than that, not much happened this weekend. I have to decide what to get for Father's Day.

"Step In the Arena" - Gang Starr

2005-06-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

Hip-Hop Note: "Step in the Arena" ('91) was Gang Starr's second album and first on the EMI/Chrysalis label. It features a hungry Keith Elam, known as the Guru, and DJ Premier. Beats and Rhymes, and that was what they brought to the table. The title cut and "Just to Get A Rep," which was used for a commercial two years ago, were the best tracks.

Spurs 84, Pistons 69

Well, it's pretty simple. Charles Barkley has been shouting Manu Ginobili's name for the last four years. 15 points in the fourth quarter? Dude just has some resolve to dominate the game when he needs to. But Tim Duncan was simply Tim Duncan, even though Rasheed made him work harder than usual (six blocks, eight rebounds, but just 6 points).

Defensive struggles, no doubt. The two teams were at 55-51 at the end of three quarters. But hey, you expect somebody to make the difference. Ginobili is steady making a case as the best player in the world, and you have to make that mark, as dude has been the best player the past year.

Last night at Greene Street was a rousing success, except for the fact that Mike Mann could not get in. Rechodd, Dee, Travis and DC rolled in and saw what I had seen earlier: CHICKS, CHICKS, and MORE CHICKS. A&T was all over the building, and some folks I really didn't know but I knew their faces. Kwashawn was there, so I was good for the night. I met a girl she has a phat booty and can really move it on the floor.

Dee told me her name, so about 130, I stepped beside her.

Me: Toya, right?

Toya: Yeah, how did you know?

Me: My homeboy Dee told me.

Toya: Who's Dee?

Me: You don't know Dee?

15 minutes later...Dee walks up.

Me: This is the Dee I was talking about, you might know him as Samuel.

Toya: Oh, okay.

Me: I asked him because i wanted to know.

Toya : Cool (note the dissmissive head shake, like she really didn't want to talk.)

Ok, so I move in the club and I see my stripper friends, who take over the stage as usual. Then I see Kwashawn doing her thing. [I made sure that I hugged her as we walked off].

I didn't really dance that much but I was happy that B-boy ENER-G came in and set the place off.

I couldn't hide my disappointment because Cassi wasn't there last night. Dude, let it go. She's NOT INTERESTED!

I guess I'm being very careful about who I approach in the club. For one, this Cassi situation kind of has me on pins and needles and I'm real cautious when I make my club rounds. Most of the time, I'm trying to chill and have fun. I don't holla at chicks in the club unless they are really, really attractive to me. And I still wait a while (maybe the second or third time I see them).

But the plan was set in motion. Steven and I are having a cookout on Wednesday. I may have to take the grill from my grandmother's crib. Then, it's on next week.

Tonight I'm going to see my homie Barber-Q and a fizzine lightskinned honey Velocity perform at a place called Teqilas. That'll work. I'll holla at Walt, too.

Now You're Mine - My NBA Finals Prediction

2005-06-09T12:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, San Antonio vs. Detroit. Game one tips off in just a few hours and I will be at Greene Street watching it unfold. The two teams split the regular season series, so that could be a sign.

So, here's a quick breakdown of the series and then my prediction.

Matchups:

Starting Five: Pistons (C. Billups, R. Hamilton, T. Prince, R. Wallace, B. Wallace) vs. Spurs (T. Parker, M. Ginobili, B. Bowen, T. Duncan, N. Mohammad).

Quite honestly, you won't find a more even matchup in the league. Both teams have offensive stars (Hamilton, Duncan), defensive whizzes (B. Wallace, Bowen), and the streak players (Prince, Ginobili). But if you look inside what they've done this season and in the playoffs (the best indicator), San Antonio has been more consistent offensively and has more options on the court. Detroit will have trouble scoring because on offense, it's essentially 4 on 5 until the ball is in the air. Ben Wallace will get his share of boards because he's quicker than the hobbling Tim Duncan. Rasheed Wallace can take Duncan outside and will also get open shots through the penetration of Chauncey Billups. Prince and Hamilton are the x-factors for Detroit. They MUST knock down open shots, because the Spurs will look to eliminate penetration. Billups and Parker will neutralize each other because both do the same things well and have similar weaknesses.

On defense Pistons can neutralize Duncan by zoning him outside of the block with Rasheed Wallace, then force the ball to their perimeter shooters. Of course, Bowen is one of the best in the playoffs from beyond the arc (.421 3-pt pct, up from .401 in the regular season). Ginobili is even hotter (.462). San Antonio will pick and roll the Pistons to death if Parker can hit the perimeter shot. Watch how Detroit plays the pick and roll, because that will determine the series. In the post, we know what Duncan can do (20.2 pts, 11.1 reb, 2.7 ast per game in the playoffs). Nazr Mohammad has come up dig lately, but he will have his hands full trying to score with Ben Wallace. Not that the Spurs really need his offense. If Mohammad can keep Wallace off his rebounding average, the Spurs will dominate the series. Detroit MUST win the rebounding battle on the defensive end. Oh, by the way, Ginobili is shooting .512 in the playoffs , and hit .494 from the field against the Suns. He is the x-factor for the Spurs. If he gets hot, San Antonio can get on some long scoring runs, which fuels their defense, which is already great.

Key Reserves - Detroit (A. McDyess, L. Hunter, E. Campbell) San Antonio (B. Barry, R. Horry)

These guys play separate but equally important roles in their 10-12 min. per game. McDyess and Campbell will be called on to defend Duncan (fouling, if nescessary, to save the Wallaces). Lindsay Hunter will have to be more consistent on offense (an ugly .282 in the playoffs, .267 from 3-pt range) because he'll be played off the ball. He can be a big factor if he makes above .40 percent from the field, because it would set up opportunities for a true post player like McDyess to score. For San Antonio, Brent Barry and Robert Horry are lanky, versatile guys who give the Spurs some shooting and some defensive help. Horry, who is going for his 6th championship (94-95 with Houston, 01, 02, 03 with LA Lakers), provides energy on defense and an occasional perimeter jumper if needed (Only Michael Jordan has more NBA Finals 3-point field goals). Hey can defend three positions as well. Barry, a controlled gunner, will have his hands full with speedster Carlos Arroyo or Lindsay Hunter . He's having a hot playoffs (7.5 ppg, .47o fg pct, .440 3-pt pct) and should get some open looks.

The Intangibles - Both teams have been there, done that. San Antonio, well rested (I don't believe in the too well rested theory. Good teams execute over four quarters.) will have to be careful early in the contest and not let Detroit get the momentum tonight. If the Pistons wins tonight, all the pressure will be on the Spurs, especially with the 2-3-2 format.

My prediction: Last season, the Pistons took game one and were a miracle Kobe Bryant three-pointer from taking both games. Then they dominated at home. Look for the two teams to split the first four and let the series become a best of three. I beleive that it will come down to a last second shot in game seven by Tim Duncan, who will bank it home for the Spurs.

Spurs in 7 , in one of the greatest series of the last decade, and possibly, all time.

It's All Real - Pitch Black

2005-06-09T10:35:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm going to being my blog titles with all DJ Premier (Gang Starr Foundation, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Rakim,KRS-One, Nas) produced beats. Primo is my favorite producer, just a notch above the RZA (Wu-Tang Clan). Dude brings the heat every time he steps behind the boards. He practically revolutionized the art of chopping samples and is the most influential beat maker of hip-hop's second era (post '91 to '99). The dude has had classic rhymes to go with his beats, as you can see.

The party last night was a financial bust for Cassi (welcome to the club, baby). But the 60 or so people there had a pretty good time. She had a true intimate party, complete with a birthday cake, and fellas chipped in and got her drunk.

So, what did I do? I went out like the man I am. First, I bought a POLYESTER tie and hankie (pink and black).
I bought her a drink, told her happy birthday, and apologized for how last week went down. I told her we'll "patch it up," and she said "ok."

The lack of body language towards me, the incident last week, the fact that she brought a dude into the club with her (the odds on that he's a cornball and don't be concerned - confirmed later by my source), AND just the feeling I get in general is that she's not interested and just leave her alone.

So, I'll do that. But I will get her drunk every chance I get, simply because I think she's ridiculously cute and that's what I do for cute women. Thanks to my bartender, Chris...I'm having much fun the rest of the summer.

Moments to remember: Jennifer coming to the DJ booth requesting "Tootsie Roll," and Cassi barely able to get get out her request for "Lovers and Friends" (she remembered who was on the song, but not the title). Plus, we all sang happy birthday to her at about 1:30 am. That was classic in itself. Cassi getting attacked by one of her girls, nearly losing her dress...Cassi's legs, which are incredible. Oh, yeah, "Quiet" Ray came in the building with Maurice and Ronnie (two of Steven's best friends) at the end of the night. Ronnie is Jennifer's boyfriend, supposedly. And of course, Cassi walking away from the club without looking at me, the only person left there.
She wants me to sweat her so bad, and my dumb butt is.

She is my weakness...lightskinned, almost exotic, with a beautiful body. I mentally shut down when I see someone like her...and she has two just like her in her crew. Turns out she's black and italian. Killer combo.

Update post for the new readers...

2005-06-08T11:01:00.000-04:00

I have joined a new local blogging group greensboro101.com , so for the sake of continuity and the new readers, I will do an update of the blog.

Who am I: I'm a simple guy with simple loves : God first then sports, women, sex (though I rarely get any), pizza, and clubbing, not necessarily in that order. This blog is about my personal rants and raves throughout my stay here in the Gate City.

My friends and what they do:

Walt: professor at N.C. A&T, radio show co-host with me at WQFS 90.9 FM, aspiring hip-hop producer, and most importantly, my partner in crime...

Rechodd: former basketball player at A&T, now taking his final class to graduate and take a job at Lockheed Martin close to his Huntsville, Ala. home.

Mike Mann: New York (Jamaica Queens) native, lightskinned 6'1 chick magnet, cool as an ice tray and will probably take Rechodd's place as my club rolling homie.

L. Free: A&T grad who works at Gilbarco, my white chick expert and bowling prodigy...

Steve K: Rechodd's teammate who's now a baby daddy, steadily maturing and is now at a crossroads of what he's going to do when he finishes school.

Steven: My next door neighbor and local chick connect. One of six in a prominent family (dad's a well known judge/lawyer) raised at Dudley High...

Recent situations:

I have a serious crush on a chick named Cassi, who I've been checking out at a local club since October. What's bad about is that I approached her and she dissed me, saying that I've tried to holla at four girls in her crew. I've been wanting to get back at her so bad and apologize, so I can either holla or move on.

Speaking of moving on, I have a good friend in Maryland named Felecia, who could possibly make me turn in my player card. She's that alluring. But she is busy doing her thing and I will have to adjust some things in my life to push any further, out of respect to her.

I have been combing the local papers for a new job, in case changes are made in the office where I work. I don't want to work at a call center, but the money may be too good to pass up.

I also have been counting my pennies, trying to take on the ultimate task of saving up for a car.