Filed under: NBA, Sports | Tags: Carl Landry, Dirk Nowitzki, lost teeth, NBA, toughness, wacky injuries
In tonight’s Mavs-Rockets game, Dirk Nowitzki took it hard to the rim and his elbow spanked Carl Landry in the grill. Landry went down with 5 lost teeth and one of those teeth was embedded in Dirk’s elbow! Dirk had a foul shot to take, so naturally he knocked it down – left handed. He left the game after and the Mavs lost in OT. Here’s an update on Landry and his missing chiclets. Dirk got 3 stitches and a $1 from the tooth fairy.
Filed under: NBA, Sports | Tags: advice, basketball, blocks, Dr. James Naismith, Dwight Howard, time machine
The R&S sleuths have made a startling discovery and intercepted a letter from the long deceased Dr. James Naismith, inventor of basketball, addressed to the man-child Dwight Howard. I guess Doc Naismith hooked up with Doc Brown and his Delorean, because he came to the present time, dissected Dwight’s game and then decided to share his opinion on how Dwight could change his defensive style and revolutionize basketball in the process. Here’s the letter from Naismith to Superman 2.0:
Dear Master Dwight Howard,
Today, as I was perusing the daily sports newsreel, I came across a collection of highlights which bamboozled my Basket Ball intellect. These highlights I speak of showed you aggressively and wantonly swatting opposing field goal attempts into the realm of the paying spectators. While physically impressive, I fear it to be cruelly misconstrued.
You may be aware that I invented the game of Basket Ball using very modest means in a mere 14 days. And while I know that my game has evolved over the years to include such unbridled displays of athleticism as the alley-opp, no-look pass and cross-over dribble, I am troubled by your consistent desire to squander your physical gifts and reward the opposing team every time you block their wayward attempts at the goal. After careful contemplation over a mug of sarsaparilla, I believe I have just the tonic to cure your malady.
The next time a panicked opponent fails to acknowledge your presence in the painted area and attempts an ill-advised shot, you should leap to the heavens as is your custom and clutch said shot attempt with both hands, therefore retaining possession for your team and more appropriately punishing your opponent. Think of the rewards for you and your fellow teammates if you gained possession of the ball from every such instance. You may reference the great Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics basketball club for copious examples of this stratagem, as he was a master of this defensive mastery for which you have all the physical tools to equal and surpass.
I would wish you to have the satisfaction of becoming the most imposing force in the glorious history of my favorite past-time and therefore have decided to share my insight with you in this formal manner. I marvel at the power of your still burgeoning skills and only wish that you reach your potential while helping to transform the way defense is played in modern Basket Ball. Please consider my modest advice.
Yours respectfully,
Dr. James Naismith
Filed under: NFL, Sports | Tags: accident, Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals, dead, NFL, R.I.P.
It’s a sad day in the world of sports, specifically the NFL. The worst fears of the Cincinnati Bengals and the family of Chris Henry have been realized. The Bengals wide receiver passed away this morning as a result of the serious head trauma he suffered in yesterday’s tragic truck accident.
While Chris Henry was most known for some brushes with the law and incurring the wrath of Commissioner Goodell in his younger days, he had made remarkable progress and appeared to be living a far more productive and positive life.
Henry’s NFL legacy includes 119 career catches and 21 touchdowns.
R.I.P.
Filed under: Comedy, Gear, Images, Sports | Tags: fad, fashion show, retro, slideshow, terrible fashion, workout pants, zebra print, Zubaz
Seriously, with hipsters rocking fanny packs, wolf t-shirts, skinny jeans and frogskins, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if I see a hipster bike past me this spring on a 10 speed rocking some Zubaz. Believe it… one of the late ’80s – early ’90s most reviled fashion fads is back. I would have preferred a return of the half-hoop shoe, half-light brite LA Gear’s, but Zubaz will do.
Most famous for a brief stint as officially licensed NFL gear and being the favourite pants of the Legion of Doom, Zubaz were started in the Midwestern US in the late ’80s. Originally intended for gym monkeys who needed maximum crotch room and no doubt inspired by MC Hammer, the distinct Zubaz pattern became a beacon for low-enders everywhere. And just like herpes, they have returned.
If you want, you can buy your Zubaz straight from the source at Zubaz.com. But before you go ahead and decide to ruin somebody’s Christmas, watch this Zubaz fashion show.
Filed under: Movies | Tags: 007, action star, Filipino, primordial dwarf, rap, Secret Agent, Weng Weng
Standing only 2′9″, Weng Weng was a Filipino movie star in the early ’80s. Born in 1957 as Ernesto de la Cruz, Weng Weng was a primordial dwarf. In fact, he is the shortest actor to ever hold the lead role in a major film. Due to Weng Weng’s unique stature he became a sort of minor celebrity and often hung out at the Presidential Palace with the Marcos family. He was actually named as an honorary Filipino Secret Agent, and this real-life event inspired his most famous role as Agent 00 in 1981’s “For Y’ur Height Only”.
“For Y’ur Height Only” was an obvious James Bond parody and is one of the most popular Filipino movie exports ever. Unfortunately, it was also the apex of Weng Weng’s career, and he only acted in a few more movies before his life began to spiral out of control. After a period of hard times and heavy drinking, Weng Weng died at age 35 of a heart attack. He remains one of the most popular Filipino exports (besides dried mango slices and Manny Pacquiao). He is probably the greatest “little person” actor ever. Seriously, has anyone heard a Mini-Me rap as good as this?
Filed under: Athletes F'ing Up, Comedy, Music, Sports | Tags: cheater, funny, remix, slow jams, Tiger Woods, voice mail
Hahahaha. This remix is up there with the David After Dentist remix and Bill O’Reilly remix. Let the torrent of Tiger Woods parodies continue indefinitely.
Thanks to Lauren G for the hookup.
Filed under: Comedy, Kicks, NBA, Sports, Television | Tags: commercials, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, MVP, MVPuppets, Nike, We're back
Nike has brought back their hilarious Kobe and Lebron puppets, no doubt dreaming of a Cavs-Lakers Finals that would cause Phil Knight’s head to explode.
“I got two words for you: King of the Jungle.”
And for those scoring at home, Kobe is leading the MVP race this year, looking to reclaim it from LBJ. If Kobe keeps hitting insane buzzer beaters and Lebron keeps losing to the Grizz, the Black Mamba will be adding to his trophy case this offseason.
Filed under: Comedy, NBA, Sports | Tags: broken kneecap, cornrows, Greg Oden, injury, Shane Battier, weird head
I was hit with an instant bout of serendipity this morning as I was reading more about the unfortunate injury to Portland Trail Blazers big man Bill Walton, Sam Bowie, Greg Oden. I noticed that one particular picture of a downed Oden appeared to show his kneecap in complete collapse mode, resembling a moon crater. The voyeur in me decided to zoom in for a closer look when I was met with a secondary discovery of mildly epic proportions. Greg Oden might be the only NBA player with built-in cornrows.
Look at the top of his dome, it looks part Shar Pei, part Klingon. This phenomenon has occurred before, with Shane Battier and Al Harrington being two prime examples. But they have nothing on Oden. He has supreme definition and maximum length, making his natural cornrows the envy of every Allen Iverson, Latrell Sprewell and Brad Miller wanna-be in the NBA.
If I was Greg and I was looking at another six to eight months of rehab, I’d contemplate growing out a little ‘fro before someone comes around looking to make a topographic map of my head.
Can’t basketball fans in the Pacific Northwest catch a break? Oden down for the year and Kevin Durant playing like an MVP for the Zombie Sonics. Double gut punch.
Filed under: Boxing, MLB, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Sports | Tags: Antonio Gates, best athlete, Bo Jackson, bo knows, Dave Winfield, Deion Sanders, Jackie Robinson, Jim Brown, Jim Thorpe, Lionel Conacher, Macho Man, Multi-sport, Randy Poffo, Randy Savage, Roy Jones Jr., Two-sport
10) “Macho Man” Randy Savage - Wrestling/Baseball
Including the Macho King on this list is admittedly a stretch. Maybe I put too much stock in his six WWF/WCW Titles, hundreds of Flying Elbow Drops, The Mega Powers and incredible Slim Jim commercials? Maybe Bill Goldberg, The Rock or Brock Lesnar could have been used as better examples of wrestlers with multi-sport supremacy? However, I kept coming back to Randy “Macho Man” Poffo. Unbeknownst to many, he played in the minors for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds, reaching his baseball zenith in 1974 for the Single A Tampa Tarpons, where he knocked in 66 RBIs while playing DH, OF, 1B and C. Maybe the most amazing fact from his baseball career is that he tore muscles and ligaments in his throwing shoulder in ‘73, then taught himself how to throw left-handed and returned to baseball the next year. The injury limited his effectiveness and effectively ended his pro baseball dream, but his perseverance and dedication continued as he became one of the most popular and beloved pro wrestlers of all-time. Oh yeah! The Macho Man is number 10, barely beating out Brian Jordan.
Bonus points were awarded thanks to this.
9) Roy Jones Jr. - Boxing/Basketball
Roy’s athletic career is definitely in its twilight, but at its peak, RJJ was one of the most dynamic and electrifying athletes ever. The 1990s Boxer of the Decade, Roy has won eight world titles in four weight classes, became the first fighter to start his career as a junior middleweight and win a heavyweight title and should have won a Gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics (he was robbed by a corrupt judge and settled for the Silver). Anyone who watched him fight in his peak knows he had incomparable hand speed, foot speed and punching power. If you doubt his skills, ask Montell Griffin. Jones cemented his multi-sport legacy in 1996 when he became the first athlete to participate in a pro basketball game and a pro fight in the same day, scoring five points playing in the USBL in the afternoon and knocking out Eric Lucas to retain his Super Middleweight title later that night. At 5′11″, Roy probably didn’t have the height to play in the NBA, but he is the only man to complete such an epic feat, earning him the 9th spot on this list.
Roy also got bonus points. For this.
8) Antonio Gates - Basketball/Football
My first exposure to Antonio Gates was not as the San Diego Chargers future Hall of Fame tight end. Before he terrorized defenses in the NFL, Gates terrorized the paint playing Div. 1 college basketball for Kent State. Antonio was no bench-warmer at Kent State, leading the Golden Flashes to a MAC Championship and the Elite 8 as a junior and being named a Honorable Mention All-American as a senior. His stats during college are impressive, averaging 16.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.2 spg and shooting better than 30% from 3 for his career. Since scouts considered him too short to play in the NBA, the 6′4″ Gates arranged an NFL tryout. The Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent and he has been one of the NFL’s best tight ends ever since. He is now a five-time Pro Bowler, has over 50 career TD catches and his current trajectory will probably end with him being enshrined in Canton as a NFL Hall of Famer. If he was 3-4 inches taller, Antonio might be on a similar trajectory in the NBA. To be such an impressive NFL player in the modern game without playing college football is absolutely incredible. Tight end prototype and former NCAA power forward Tony Gonzalez almost took this spot (and not just because he has a hot wife). Tony can ball, but he wasn’t the best player on his Cal basketball teams. Gates was. Throw in the fact that Gates lept to the NFL without the seasoning and football maturation of college ball and the arguments over.
7) Charlie Ward – Football/Basketball/Baseball
For those of you that only know Charlie from his career as an above-average journeyman NBA point guard, you might be surprised to see him on this list. Don’t be. Ward played basketball at Florida State, leading the Seminoles to the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 in back-to-back years and eventually breaking the school record for steals. But he also was the quarterback for the football team… and he won the friggin’ Heisman trophy. Not only was he named the best player in college football, but he also led FSU to a National Championship in 1993. Seriously. He is deservedly in the College Football Hall of Fame and was even offered a contract to back-up Joe Montana with the Kansas City Chiefs. He declined to play for the Knicks. On top if it all, he was drafted as a Shortstop/Outfielder by both the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees, even though he hadn’t played baseball since high school. Didn’t excel as a pro, but was one of the best all-around athletes ever and is the only dude ever to win the Heisman and play in the NBA.
6) Jackie Robinson - Baseball/Football
While Jackie is best known for breaking down baseball’s colour barrier in 1947 and being one of the greatest players in baseball history, baseball was actually once considered his worst sport. At UCLA, Jackie lettered in four sports: football, basketball, track and baseball. In fact, he is the only athlete in UCLA history to accomplish such a feat. He showed his greatest promise in football. Jackie was named All-Pac 10 while at UCLA, lead the nation in kick return yardage, led the Bruins in rushing and passing yards and eventually played semi-pro for the Los Angeles Bulldogs of the Pacific Coast Football League. After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour, Jackie was forced into military service, which cut short his football career. After the war he began to concentrate on baseball and after winning MLB’s inaugural Rookie of the Year award in 1947, Jackie’s career blossomed. He was a six-time All-Star, won the MVP in ‘49 and a World Series title in ‘55. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and his jersey number 42 was retired by all MLB teams in 1997. More accolades continued posthumously, as he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He might have been the most influential athlete on this list from a cultural perspective, but his athletic merits alone would put him on top of any self-respecting “Greatest Athlete” list.
Click to continue reading the Top 5
Filed under: Comedy, Hip-hop, Music, Videos | Tags: awful video, Major Lazer, PeeWee's Playhouse, Ponce De Floor, terrible song
Holy shit. I was reading the always hilarious Hot Chicks With Douchebags blog when I stumbled upon this monstrosity. Here is the quote they used to entice readers to click the link:
PeeWee’s Playhouse just got weird once they adapted it for B.E.T.
The headline alone let me know it was something worth clicking, yet my eyes nor my ears were prepared for the blitzkrieg they were about to deal with. This song is awful and the video might even be worse. My brain is a jumbled mess after watching so I can’t even tell.
Please help.
Filed under: Comedy, Movies, Music, NBA, Sports | Tags: Cleveland Cavs, Eye of the Tiger, Phoenix Suns, pre game intro, retro, The Warriors
“Pheeeonix. Come out and play.”
I saw this on The Score tonight and couldn’t believe it. Great tribute to The Warriors, a great film, and you can’t miss with Eye of the Tiger. Varejao and Ilgauskas also rated high on the comedy scale. Combine that with some slick retro jerseys and a win over the Suns, and it was a good day to be a Cavs fan.
Shaq really loves his Cyrus. Don’t forget, this isn’t The Big Replicators first crack at “Can you diggg it!!”
Filed under: Movies, Sports | Tags: 1995, Apartheid, Clint Eastwood, Francois Pienaar, Jonah Lomu, Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Nelson Mandela, Rugby World Cup, South Africa
The latest film by legendary tough guy/director supreme Clint Eastwood, entitled Invictus, is a biopic about Nelson Mandela and his role in South Africa’s epic triumph at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It delves into Mandela’s life after he was released from Robbin penitentiary, his rise to become President and his role as master motivator for the South African Springbok rugby team as they overcame the odds and won the world’s 3rd largest sporting event (after the World Cup and Summer Olympics).
The film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela, Matt Damon as Springbok captain Francois Pienaar and Zak Feaunati as New Zealand All Black ubermutant, Jonah Lomu. I can’t wait for this flick, given my memories of this remarkable sporting event, the social ramifications of the victory and Eastwood’s track record as a compelling and gifted director. Should be great stuff. Damon even sounds like he nailed the Saffer accent.
The Springboks were heavy underdogs in the tournament, and faced off against a legendary New Zealand squad that featured explosive winger Jonah Lomu. Lomu was ahead of his time, a 6′5″ monster who could run a sub 4.4 40m and would knock would be defenders aside like they were bowling pins. He was even offered a contract to play in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys after his performance at the World Cup. Sadly, a rare kidney disease cut his career (and almost his life) short. Don’t know Jonah Lomu? Now you know…
Filed under: Clips, Comedy, NFL, Sports, Television | Tags: Chad Johnson, Child Please, Esteban 85, Hard Knocks, HBO, Kiss The Baby, Ochocinco
Nobody thought the Cincinnati Bengals would lead their division this late in the season, and a big reason has been the inspired play of Chad Ochocinco. Along with Cedric Benson, 85 has been instrumental in the Bengals success (and single-handedly keeping my fantasy football team alive). In the preseason, HBO filmed Bengals camp for their show Hard Knocks. While the show in itself is great, editing out everyone else except the former Chad Johnson is a glorious and ingenious move. Child please.
Watch the Hard Knocks Ochocinco remix in 3 parts below:
Videos via TheScoreBlog
Filed under: Comedy, Music, Television, Videos | Tags: All Through The Night, Ante Up, Beaker, Bohemian Rhapsody, Escort, Grover, Jim Henson, Muppets, music videos
The Muppets are burning up the internet right now, and with good reason. The Muppet “Bohemian Rhapsody” is amazing, with Gonzo, Animal, Beaker, Miss Piggy and crew straight killing it. But this isn’t the first time Jim Henson’s creations have taken to song, and R&S is here to recap the greatest moments in Muppet musical history. Without further ado, we bring you the 5 Greatest Muppet Music Videos.
5) Beaker – Ode to Joy
Beaker is one of my favourite all-time Muppet characters, so I had to feature him on the list. Who knew that someone who was so vocally challenged would be such an accomplished musician?
Honourable Mention: Beaker singing “Yellow” by Coldplay
And more Beaker: singing “Habanera”
Update: Another forgotten gem, Beaker singing “Feelings”
4) Grover and Stevie Wonder
Stevie and Grover… what else is there to say. Two 20th century icons team up… puts the Jay-Z R. Kelly collabo to shame.
Honourable Mention: Cab Calloway sings “Hi De Ho Man” with the Muppets
3) All Through the Night – Escort
Classic music video right here. Brooklyn, NY electro outfit Escort hit pay dirt with this one. Great track too.
Honourable Mention: Cookie Monster raps about “Healthy Food”
2) Bohemian Rhapsody
The gangs all here, and in sparkling HD no less. The highlight for me is Beaker at the 2:02 mark, I almost fell out my chair the first time I saw it. A classic song, a great interpretation. For comparison, check out the Queen original here. And don’t forget Wayne & Garth.
1) Ernie & Bert – Ante Up
M.O.P. have never sounded or looked better. This really should be the official music video for this all-time club banger.
Filed under: Athletes F'ing Up, Comedy, NFL, Sports | Tags: commercial, Pickle Juice Sport, Title Sports Drink, Ronnie Brown, Vontae Davis, homoerotic, UFL
I was flipping channels and came across a UFL game. The Las Vegas Locos versus the New York Sentinels. I really wanted to watch the epic QB battle between Quinn Gray and Tim Rattay (JP Losman was out with an injury) so I decided to watch for a bit. Then the commercials hit and the football gods rewarded me. Thanks to Ronnie Brown, Vontae Davis and Title Electrolyte Performance Beverage.
I know that it must be hard to bust into the sports drink market. Between Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water and Pickle Juice Sport, that cooler is full. But are homoerotic commercials the answer?
And do all the kids in the Davis family have the initials V.D.? Because the t-shirt ideas with STD references are endless.
Filed under: Hip-hop, Music, Videos | Tags: Carried Away, Double K, People Under The Stairs, Thes One, Trippin' At The Disco
Is this not the freshest hip-hop video you have seen in a minute? Unbelievably awesome. People Under The Stairs have always brought the heat, and their new album Carried Away doesn’t disappoint. Pick up the limited fanclub edition and you’ll also get all of this:
The 1st pressing of the physical release will be wrapped around a die cut O-card and a fold out “PUTS Party Safety Guide” poster. Each CD also comes with a special VIP (Very Important Partier) lanyard that will allow fans to acquire exclusive material at the upcoming People Under the Stairs World Tour kicking off in September (stay tuned for dates on www.omrecords. com). For those who are not able to attend a PUTS show, the VIP lanyard will also be good for exclusive online unreleased material. All these items craft a certified premium physical package that no true fan can deny!
If you pick up the vinyl you’ll even get the sick bonus track “All Good Things“, which features a great Radiohead sample. Do it, do it.
Now watch “Trippin’ At The Disco” one more time and get your buy on.
Filed under: Canada, Hip-hop, Music, Videos | Tags: Canadian Hip-Hop, Grand Analog, K'Naan, k-os, Ok Cobra, old school, Swollen Members
2009 has been a great year in the world of hip-hop. Banner releases from the likes of Raekwon, Brother Ali, Mos Def and Doom let the world know that hip-hop is far from dead. The success of US hip-hop was also paralleled up here in Canada, where artists such as Kardinal Offishall, Marco Polo, K’Naan and (unfortunately) Drake built on the past success of Michie Mee, Maestro Fresh Wes, Buck 65 and the Rascalz and began to steer some attention North of the border. Let’s take a look at some of the hot fire that has emanated from the frozen tundra so far this year.
k-os – I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman
Arguably Canada’s best MC, k-os dropped his album Yes! in April (drops Nov 17th in US) and then embarked on one of the year’s most innovative and successful tours. Borrowing from visionaries such as Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails, k-os decided to make his entire tour “pay what you feel”, with donations made after the show rewarded with a bonus disc of remixes from the Yes! album. Needless to say, k-os played packed venues from Victoria to Halifax, often coupling every nightclub show with an all-ages gig to reach all of his fans. The album peaked at #9 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, further cementing Kheavon Brereton as one of Canada’s elite mic rippers. “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” is the 3rd single from the album and, personally, my favourite track. On a side note, I also wish I knew Natalie Portman.
Grand Analog – Take It Slow (Spaces and Places)
Originally from Winnipeg and fronted by Odario Williams, formerly of Mood Ruff, Grand Analog made waves with a modern sound described as a “beautiful mess of rap’n'roll, dub and soul”. Their 2009 release Metropolis Is Burning is a gem, with my two favourite tracks being “Play My Kazoo” and “Magnifico”. They are known for a great live show, so make sure to check them out if they are in your area. And if you don’t know Mood Ruff, Wu-Tang ain’t the only ones with “No Hooks“.
K’Naan – Somalia
Born Keinan Abdi Warsame, K’Naan is a Somali-Canadian rapper/musician who has been on a tear over the past couple years. His debut Canadian LP, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, showed a promising talent and his abilities were soon winning Juno’s, featuring in FIFA 06 and getting run on BET. With his second LP, Troubadour, K’Naan called in the big guns. Guest appearances include Mos Def, Chubb Rock, Chali 2na, Damian Marley, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine. The album has sold over 50,000 copies so far in the US, landed at #32 on the Billboard Hot 200 and was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. K’Naan built on the success of Troubador with a trilogy of mixtapes, with each one based on one of three musical icons: Bob Marley, Fela Kuti and Bob Dylan. Done in collaboration with J. Period, all three albums tore up the blogs in 2009 and are available for free download here. If you haven’t heard them yet, chug a red bull and get your download on, cause you don’t want to sleep on this.
OK Cobra – I Quit (I Give Up)
Childhood friends from London, Ontario, rapper Fritz the Cat and producer Recordface comprise one of Canada’s newest underground sensations, OK Cobra. Fritz the Cat built up a cult following as the former writer of a popular music ‘zine “In Search of Divine Styler” and a weekly column in hipster bible Vice magazine, and the duo are now reaching to greater heights. Their 2009 release, Delirium Tremens, was the follow-up to their acclaimed self-titled debut. I Quit (I Give Up) is a track off Delireum Tremens and features a nice sample of the Edie Brickell song Circles. And for those in the know, OK Cobra aren’t the first cats to sample Edie & The New Bohemians… Brand Nubian in the house.
Swollen Members – Bollywood Chick
Not everything Canadian is excellent, which has been proven before by Celine Dion, the CFL and Snow, so our review of Canadian hip-hop in 2009 also had to include some sort of abomination. Enter… Swollen Members. At one point in my life (1999), Swollen were West Coast underground darlings and had released one of the most promising debut LPs for a Canadian hip hop group with Balance. Trust me, the album was a gem (listen to their first big single, Lady Venom, here). But somewhere along the way, Mad Child and Prevail got caught up in the rap game and now only like to make songs about strippers, bikers and sleeveless shirts. Definitely a departure from the dark and haunting imagery they built their fan-base on. R&S has it on good authority that Mad Child might be one of the most insecure and immature dudes in hip-hop, never quite knowing what “it” sound Swollen should follow (as evidenced by the use of Auto-Tune on Armed to the Teeth) and constantly reaching for validation. Validate this Mad Child… your new album blows. Just like every other SM album since Bad Dreams. And get a look at their latest album cover. Skulls, bandannas and AK-47s? Looks like an Ed Hardy knock-off.
So, like the title says… 4 out of 5 ain’t bad.
Canadian Hip-Hop Old School Vault
For some of the best Canadian old school, check out the following links:
Dream Warriors – My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style
Ghetto Concept – EZ on tha Motion
Kardinal Offishall – On Wit Da Show
Maestro Fresh Wes – Let Your Backbone Slide
Canada’s representing, eh.
Filed under: Hip-hop, Music | Tags: beat box, circular breathing, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Rahzel
Rahsaan Roland Kirk is one of the great jazz masters of the 20th century and also one of the most entertaining musicians of all-time. How can you not dig a guy who plays three saxaphones at the same time… with occasional nose flute? Unreal breath control. He was able to harness circular breathing (a talent shared by other prominent jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and former circular breathing world record holder Kenny G) in order to make a constant tone and could channel his breath through different mouthpieces, allowing him to play multiple instruments at the same time.
Circular breathing has long been a specialized skill of players of wind instruments but I think it has also moved into the realm of hip-hop, as evidenced by the Human Beatbox, Rahzel. I’m not certain that Rahzel uses circular breathing to perform beats as well as spoken or sung lyrics simultaneously, but it seems to be a logical conclusion. How else do you explain this? And if he doesn’t use circular breathing, how sick of a beatboxer could he be if he did?
For a circular breathing lesson from Kenny G, click here.
Filed under: Athletes F'ing Up, Comedy, MLB, Sports | Tags: baseball, Dock Ellis, drugs, James Blagden, LCD, No Mas, no-hitter
Wow, this is really some much watch stuff right here. No Mas, purveyors of some of the finest sports-themed t-shirts around, have recently expanded operations to include a boxing spin-off blog and a series of animated web shorts. The one above recalls the amazing performance of Dock Ellis, who claims he pitched his no-hitter in 1970 while high on LSD.
I’m not sure if Dock’s story is true, but I really want to believe it. And if it did happen, it is one of the best sports stories of all-time. I’ve never done LSD but I’ve hung out with people while they’ve been on it. How he could have pitched an inning, let alone a no-hitter, is beyond me. Although I think baseball is the only sport where something like this would be possible. Imagine Philip Rivers throwing for 400 yards and 5 TDs on acid?
All praise to James Blagden and the team at No Mas for putting this all together. I’m the proud owner of a few No Mas gems and can testify that all their goods are top-notch. They continue to impress. Check ‘em out.
And for all those who have ever wondered what would happen if Muhammad Ali faced James Brown in a dance-off, No Mas provides an answer.
Filed under: Images, NFL, Sports | Tags: Buccaneers, cheerleaders, orange, retro, slideshow, Tampa Bay
The NFL has been on a retro kick this year, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even busted out their orange creamsicle jersey this past weekend, helping them win their 1st game of the season. Good for them for not duplicating last year’s 0-16 Detroit Lions but I think the real story from the game was the Bucs cheerleaders also rocking retro attire (Check out the 1976 cheerleaders here). I say the team should go orange permanently. What say you?
Filed under: Athletes F'ing Up, Comedy, Images, MLB, Sports | Tags: Michael Jackson, pale, Sammy Sosa, skin, vitiligo, white, woman
It looks like Sammy Sosa has taken the loss of Michael Jackson rougher than most.
He recently showed up at the Latin Grammy’s in Las Vegas looking about as creepy as possible. Slammin’ Sammy has brushed off the comparisons to MJ, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Powder, saying he is undergoing some beautification process to rejuvenate his skin after decades of sun damage.
Former Cubs employee Rebecca Polihronis, who speaks with SS regularly, said:
“He is going through a rejuvenation process for his skin. Women have it all of the time. He was surprised he came out looking so white.”
I’m not up-to-date on female skin rejuvenation, but I have never seen anyone lose 70% of their pigment by using a moisturizer. Jesus, even his ears are white.
Keep an eye on Sammy in the coming months, let’s see if he goes back to black or continues his chemical attempt to join the white team.
And for those who wish to remember the old Sammy…
Filed under: Download, Hip-hop, Music | Tags: Black Thought, Download, free, Hip-hop, Jimmy Fallon, live, Questlove, The Roots
One of hip-hop’s most beloved live acts, The Roots, have been rocking shows around the world since the early ’90s. From huge music festivals to small clubs to grand concert halls to college campuses, The Roots have been stunning fans with one of the most robust live shows in music today. Anyone who has seen or heard them perform live can testify to this. They aren’t just a rap group from Philly or Jimmy Fallon’s house band. The Roots are one of the great bands of the last 20 years, and their reputation as amazing musicians and performers reinforces that claim.
While Rock music has been battling concert bootlegs for 40+ years, concert bootlegs haven’t been nearly as prevalent in the hip-hop community. A few bands have released live albums (like MF Doom’s “Live From Planet X“) and occasional soundboard recordings of live shows do float around the torrents and blogs, but not on nearly the same scale as Rock music. However, this apparent “rule” of hip-hop doesn’t apply to The Roots. They have TheRootsLive.com, the online source for free, high-quality concert bootlegs.
Go check out the site and get your download on. I would recommend any of the Montreux Jazz Festival recordings (their 2003 performance is available here). Or just search around and listen to a random concert. It is bound to be good.
TheRootsLive.com has over 40 full concerts for download, all good quality, all free. They also feature a great history of the band, which you can read here.
And as always, support artists that you love. Buy their albums, go to their shows, maybe even watch the awful Jimmy Fallon show sometimes, if only to watch hip-hop royalty rock the stage like no other.
Filed under: NBA, Sports, Television | Tags: back injury, Bill Walton, ESPN, Frank Caliendo, Grateful Dead, highlights, retirement
Today is truly a sad day for basketball fans, aspiring announcers, UCLA alumni, hippies, dead heads and red heads. Due to constant back issues that have required multiple surgeries, kept him from the broadcasting booth over the past couple seasons and generally cause him to walk like Frankenstein, Bill Walton has decided to retire from ESPN and broadcasting all together. Bill had this to say, in typical Bill Walton-speak:
“As I return after a grueling multi-year, life-threatening, life-changing ordeal with back problems, it is time to dedicate the rest of my life to service” (via Sports Business Daily)
I am a huge Bill Walton fan. His hyperbole and ability to compare basketball with renaissance art is unparalleled. You could always count on Bill to say something that would make you laugh, scratch your head or both, and no one can knock him for his unbelievable contribution to the game as one of the most prolific and skilled big men ever. Much like we did for John Madden upon his retirement, R&S has put together some of the best clips we could find featuring Big Red. Enjoy.
Frank Caliendo’s Bill Walton Impression
Bill Being Bill
Bill Walton vs. Will Ferrel
Bill Walton talking MJ, Bird and Trail Blazers with Bob Costas
Incredible Highlight Reel
Filed under: Download, Hip-hop, Music, NBA, Predictions, Sports | Tags: Blake Griffin, Kno, Kobe, Lakers, Lamar Odom, Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, QN5, Raymone, tip-off
With opening tip-off just hours away, let’s celebrate the upcoming season with a hot new jam from the QN5 crew.
“This Year” features a sick beat from Kno, while Session and PackFM rock it over an accompanying montage of highlights from last season. I love the entire QN5 crew, and can’t wait to see Cunninlynguists in Bellingham, WA next month (Listen to their new single and pre-order their new album, Strange Journey Vol 2 here). But until then, let’s focus on some round ball. If you like the track, you can download it here.
R&S Predictions
MVP: Lebron Raymone James
Defensive Player: Dwight Howard
6th Man: Lamar Odom
ROY: Blake Griffin (even with the broken kneecap)
Finals: Lakers over Magic in 6 (again)
video via 2dopeboyz
Filed under: Fantasy Sports, Links, NBA, Sports | Tags: NBA, Shaq, Ron Artest, Twitter, important, Top 20, follow, 2009-2010 season, Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, Mark Cuban, Social Media
20. J.E. Skeets: @jeskeets
Skeets runs the Yahoo Sports NBA blog Ball Don’t Lie, a great source of NBA stories and articles. Some hip-hop stuff on his Twitter too.
19. Stephon Marbury: @StarburyMarbury
I know he doesn’t play in the League anymore, but this is worth it for the unintentional comedy alone. Seems like it is mostly responses to Starbury haters, but he drops some definite pearls of wisdom too.
18. Rick Kamla: @NBATVRick
From NBA TV, Kamla delivers the passion for hoops, both real-life and fantasy. I rank him as the #1 source for fantasy basketball analysis.
17. Dwyane Wade: @dwadeofficial
“Flash” is a perennial MVP candidate and a potential FA after the season. He updates regularly and it should be an interesting read as the the season progresses.
16. Henry Abbott: @TrueHoop
Henry runs ESPN’s TrueHoop Blog and he is on top of everything related to the NBA. He is a Kobe hater and a Blazers homer, so be wary, but his daily NBA links are can’t miss.
15. Blake Griffin: @blakegriffin
The consensus lock for ROY, the #1 pick will have a huge impact on the Clips. Follow Blake for the rookie perspective.
14. Kenny Smith: @TheJetOnTNT
Would love to be able to say Charles Barkley was representing the TNT family on Twitter, but the Jet will have to do. Should be some good comedy on here during TNT broadcasts, and would love to hear him Tweet on Sir Charles wanting to be a GM.
13. Dwight Howard: @DwightHoward
Superman 2.0 has over 1 million followers and has sent almost 7,000 tweets, showing that blocked shots and rebounds aren’t the only categories where he puts up huge numbers.
12. Marc Stein: @STEIN_LINE_HQ
Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash’s favourite reporter, Steiny-Mo offers insider info on the Mavs and all things NBA, as well as a little Manchester City soccer for those interested.
11. Chris Paul: @Oneandonlycp3
The league’s best point guard and a Jordan Brand athlete. Two good reasons to follow him right there. Does some contests and updates regularly.
10. Baron Davis: @Baron_Davis
B-Dizzle was looking good when I saw him in Vancouver for Nash’s charity soccer game, and all indications are that he is going to have a rebound year for the much-improved Clippers. He is also quite the character, so check his feed for random B Davis productions and general tomfoolery.
9. Chad Ford: @chadfordinsider
ESPN NBA Mock Draft master dishes some good insider knowledge.
8. Lamar Odom: @RealLamarOdom
Lamar might not have made this list a month ago, but with his new found popularity amongst the TMZ crowd, his feed should be a good source of gossip. He also has a bird’s eye view into the Lake Show and it will be interesting to see his tweets about old friend and new Laker Ron Artest.
7. Kevin Durant: @KevinDurant35
2009-10 has been anointed as the year of KD, so follow him now so you can see the rise of an NBA superstar through the prism that is Twitter. Too bad he plays for the Zombie Sonics. And if you haven’t watched “Sonicsgate”, please do yourself a favour and watch it for free here.
6. Daryl Morey: @dmorey
Morey, or “Dork Elvis”, is the only NBA GM who has a Twitter account, and he is quite active on it. Worth following for the insider access to a team from an executive POV, and that doesn’t even consider the fact that DM is a stats guru who loves himself some bball metrics. For basketball nerds only.
5. Mark Cuban: @mcuban
Pro sports most out-spoken owner is a Twitter fanatic, posting his thoughts on the Mavs, the NBA, HDNet, UFC and his blog. You never know what he is going to say next, and most of the time it is really thought-provoking stuff. Like him or not, his Twitter feed is one of the best out there.
4. Steve Nash: @the_real_nash
Captain Canada and 2-time MVP Steve Nash has quite a web presence, from his vids with Baron Davis and Vitamin Water, his movie production (ESPN 30 for 30) and his various philanthropic endeavors, he is everywhere. Well, you can get a concentrated dose of all things Nasty Nash from his Twitter feed.
3. Shaquille O’Neal: @THE_REAL_SHAQ
The man who put Twitter on the map. Enough said.
2. Ron Artest: @96TruwarierQB
The craziest man in the NBA also has one of the craziest Twitter feeds (go figure). He is on Twitter a lot, doing everything from sharing hip-hop tracks to announcing milkshake giveaways. I think he is on his 3rd Twitter profile by now, so make sure you keep up-to-date on the account he is currently using. But much like Ocho Cinco in the NFL, this is one athlete who everyone on Twitter should follow.
1. Bill Simmons: @sportsguy33
Say what you want about his Boston bias but the Sports Guy is THE source for all things basketball. He drops knowledge like a broken bookshelf at the Library of Congress and his articles are always good for some laugh-out-loud moments. He’s been all over Twitter lately, so expect lots of couch-side and court-side tweets throughout the season. And go buy his new book.
UPDATE: For more insight into NBA players and Twitter, check out this amazingly detailed article on the most popular players/teams on Twitter. Stats a plenty.
