Monday, January 24, 2011
#MYOL News: Lebron Launching Web Based Cartoon (January 16th-22nd)
Many people hate Lebron James for “The Decision” he made. As I’ve stated in previous blogs I did not like the way the he went about making his decision but I am extremely proud of Lebron for making the decision he wanted to make. He did no let anyone else influence what would be the most important decision is his career. What many people fail to realize is that Lebron James is more than just the best basketball player in the game today but he is also the owner of his own marketing company and brand. I think this is a double edge sword because on one hand Lebron has taken being a young black professional athlete and redefined the monotonous “commodity” stereotype. But my question has that hurt Lebron’s basketball career? If he spent more time in the gym working on his jumper would he have a ring by now? Who knows but for an NBA player to be the best player in the league and be starting his own cartoon, that’s definitely #MYOL news!
Hip Hop History: Happy Birthday Jam Master Jay, RIP (January 16th-22nd)
January 21, 1965 - October 30, 2002
Funk Flex, DJ Drama, DJ Kay Slay, etc. These are some of the most popular names of DJs these days but all of these DJs looked up to and honor Jam Master Jay and if you’re a DJ and you don’t or don’t even know who he is you should be ashamed! JMJ was the DJ for the most powerful Hip Hip group ever, Run-DMC. Many people don’t know that JMJ was the first person to really discover and help develop the talent and now major entrepreneur we know as 50 Cent. JMJ’s accomplishments are to long to list and unfortunately he was gunned on October 30, 2002! RIP JMJ and Happy Birthday!
Hip Hop: I'm On One-Talib Kweli (January 16th-22nd)
"Battle me you confuse illusion with reality/Back up off me you had your glory/Man I never seen a sadder story/Blame yourself you mad at me you mad at Cory/I left the maze you still the white mice in the laboratory/Don't test the brain son I'm quite nice at Scattergories/Metaphors and allegories speaking at your colleges"
"Aint no patience for the wack MC/this ain't Worldstar homie this ain't VladTV/stop posing for the cameras/I'm showing all you amateurs life is b**** this how you handle her"
"I got the recipe for Rest In Peace...Rebellion is my specialty/
while these mad cows convince you to invest in beef"
Hip Hop: Fly Like The WInd - Lloyd Banks ft Jim Jones (January 16th-22nd)
"
Purchase Lloyd Banks "Hunger For More" 2 Here!
Purchase Lloyd Banks "Hunger For More" 2 Here!
Lloyd Banks
"What's flying in the wind has to come by the tools/I got to win damn if I lose/All my ex got cold hearts I'm probably that cool"
"We are spending cash over here you swipe it/Your beef... I ain't a big typer"
Jim Jones
"This is vampire life, we the daybreakers/if you wanna bet your luck you spend a day in Vegas/but if you wanna fuck with us you might make the papers/trying to watch the roof crumble like a piece of paper and they better watch they like they Anita Baker"
REKS-25th Hour
Purchase Reks "25th Hour" Single Here...
"I'ma write this here verse like Guru's in the passenger/standing on the East Coast staring out to Africa"
"We in the 25th hour/its now or never, we got to get it before its gone forever/remember in the end time waits for no man what's your plan?"
"Regardless of others offers/I architect dialect/I'ma bet, y'all are just waking up/say goodnight, slap a rapper/take his mic, greater hype/spit a rhyme, save a life/in a mind pay a price/ABC a light" WOAH!
NBA: Kobe Bryant 81pt Game 5th Anniversary (January 16th-22nd)
It was 5 years ago that Kobe Bryant scored the second most points by any player in NBA history. 5 years and 2 straight championships and working on his potential 2nd 3-peat in a row, Kobe Bryant is the only scoring guard that can be mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Jordan. Many people don’t like Kobe because of his cockiness and arrogance but when you can drop 81 on a team, I think that gives you the right to be whatever you want on the floor! Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 in a game but there is no video or audio documentation of that game. This is why you have to love these days and times because you can actually watch this legendary performance.
NBA: Vince Carter Scores 20,000th Career Point (January 16th-22nd)
I can’t say I’m a big fan of Vince Carter as a player but as a dunker I think he is the best overall dunker of all time. That means in-game, dunk competition and streetball! You might have seen the in-game and dunk competition dunks but if you have never seen what Vince can do playing streetball then check the video below! I was in the building for that game at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx and it was the craziest dunk I’ve EVER seen in person. The best thing that Vince could do besides dunk is score, I really expected more from Vince as a fan with all that athletic ability. Not everyone has that killer instinct and championship caliber though. But I did want to show love to the greatest dunker of all-time as he he scored his 20,000th career point this week! Check out the video below the Rucker Dunk to see what Vince was about in his younger days, it’s VINSANE!
NBA: Blake Griffin Scores 2010-11 NBA Season High 47pts (January 16th-22nd)
If you happened to read my blog posts for week one (Jan 1st-8th) you would already know that Blake Griffin is my unanimous choice for Slam Dunk Champion this year. If you STILL don’t know who Blake Griffin than you HAVE TOP go back to that post and watch the video below, TRUST ME! The ironic thing is that Blake is only really known for being a high-flying, super strong dunker at this point but people need to realize this boy can play! As a rookie Blake has dropped 47 points in a game, the highest total points by any individual player this year. Oh yeah, not to mention his 14 rebounds to go along with that which gave him his 22nd consecutive double-double and a total of 33 on the year! This year is only half way over, it his rookie season and he’s looking like the best power ford in the game. Any objections? Lets see how the rest of the season pans out but regardless this Rookie is a problem!
NBA #Pointgod Watch: Derrick Rose (January 16th-22nd)
D.Rose was the only Point Guard in the NBA that made the #MYOL #pointgod watch last week. This week he repeats that with this first career triple-double dropping 22pts, 12asts, 10 rebs! Many people have D.Rose at the top of their MVP list to this point as he has lead the Chicago Bulls to 3rd in the East and 5th overall in the league with both Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer missing majority of this season with injuries. The Chicago Bulls haven’t had someone this electrifying since the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan. Last week’s numbers of 28pts, 10rebs were dominant so I don’t even know what to call these, but it definitely deserves this week’s #Pointgod Watch!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (2011)
There are no words that could describe the feeling I got when I first saw this picture. Its almost as if President Obama and Dr. King were actually at the same table, but one thing is for sure they shared the same vision. Last year I spoke in a video blog about Martin Luther King Jr. and how he has affected my life. One year later I feel the same way, I think that a one day celebration is not enough for a man who is the most influential figure in American society's history. He is the reason that young black men can even aspire to become entertainers and professional athletes so my question is why aren't more young black men trying to be like Dr. King? Then it hit me, he is who I want to be like. Both he and President Obama are major figures in the African-American community because they are strong, influential African-American men but their fight for civil rights and justice is for people of all races. I am a young African-American, Dominican and Irish man and very proud of all of the races I come from. Although I want to have a major influence in the African-American community, I want to help and motivate men and women of all races all over the world. I've heard the phrase "if you want something done, do it your self". That is exactly what I'm going to do, so instead of asking "why aren't more young black men trying to become like Dr. King?", I will become more like MLK and dedicate my life to improving the lives of children and fighting hate all over the world. Because I have a dream to but I'm not going to tell you about mine, I'm going to show it to you! Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rest In POWER!
-Jeremy Shannon
#MYOL News: Cam Newton Declares For NFL Draft (January 9th-15th)
#MYOL News: 50 Cent Talks Technology & New Investments (January 9th-15th)
Its no secret 50 cent is a genius! After getting shot and becoming the highest selling debut Hip Hop artist 50 has taken his money and become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the last decade. After signing a deal with Reebok (G-Unit Sneakers), Formula 50 Vitamin Water, The 50th Law and much more Curtis Jackson has enterted more ventures! 50 continues to reinvent himself as an entrepreneur, he is definitely a major influence in my pursuit to be an entertainment entrepreneur. Check out the video and find out why 50’s got the spotlight in this week’s #MYOL News!
Hip Hop History: Bun B Begins Teaching Class At Rice University (January 9th-15th)
H.A.M. - Jay-Z & Kanye West (January 9th-15th)
On Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 (1-11-11) Jay-Z and Kanye dropped their first single off their upcoming album “Watch The Throne”. Honestly, I had some speculation before I even heard the track simply because of the title. Didn’t Roscoe Dash come out with a song called “Goin’ Ham” and now Jay and Kanye come out with “H.A.M.”? So my first thought was, damn is this what the game has come to that legends have to steal phrases from a Hip Pop artist? Maybe they don’t care but either I knew I’d like this version way better than the Roscoe Dash version. Kanye does his thing on the track but Jay definitely gets him on it, which is a change from the last couple of tracks they’ve done together recently. Although, the track is hot it seems rushed as Jay and Kanye only drop a verse each and they definitely aren’t what I expected off the first single from the Hov vs. Yeezy album setup. Sadly, with all that said it is definitely hotter than majority of the Hip Hop music that has come out this week.
Hip Hop History: Freeway & Statik Selektah Record EP Live In 1 Night (January 9th-15th)
First and foremost shoutout to Statik Selektah who has been holding it down and been the #1 Lane Maker in the Hip Hop game out of MA$$. I got to interview Statik last year when he dropped his 100 Proof album, check it out in the “Statik Selektah - 100 Proof: The Hangover Drop/Interview” blog from 2010. Lets be clear there is no coincidence to why Statik is where he is today. The Showoff/Clockwork team has been particular and very strategic in the moves that they have made throughout their careers. Work ethic and talent are major factors in why Statik and his team has been so successful. With this EP collaboration with Freeway, Statik and his Showoff Marketing have displayed what has put them where they are today, great marketing/strategic ideas and work ethic. Lets not forget about Freeway who was a major part of the Roc-a-fella Records reign in the early 2000’s and legendary MC who’s flow will never be duplicated. On January 10th, 2011 at 5 pm Statik and Freeway began recording their EP entitled “Statik Free” with XXL, Karmaloop and more documenting the entire process while live on UStream. Although the live feed was a great idea, the length of the project may have caused a negative affect in fans sticking around as they didn’t finish recording until after 2am after starting at 5pm. With that being the only possible negative, MC’s like Termanology, Mac Miller, Lil’ Fame, Reek Da Villain, Jack Frost and more made special guest appearances. Whether you’re a Freeway or Showoff fan or not you have to respect the hustle! If you are a true Hip Hop fan who loves crazy beats, dope lyrics and artists who love their craft, cop that “Statik Free” EP!
Hip Hop History: Diggy Simmons "Breath of Fresh Air" (January 9th-15th)
Last week I referenced Diggy Simmons in the blog post “Hip Hop History: Peter & Cory Gunz Freestyle w/ Sway on Shade 45” as he is in a rare of class of son’s of Hip Hop legends who are NICE at spittin’ rhymes. If you don’t already have it make sure you download his 2010 mixtape “Past Presents Future” hosted by DJ Premier! The mixtape is dope as Diggy kicks rhymes over classic beats like Shook Ones, Electrinoc Relaxation and more. Pure and simple the kid has skills, no disrespect to Jojo but he is definitely the one who inherited the Hip Hop gene from Rev Run. He doesn’t rap about selling crack or busting his gun but he just uses his talent to put words together to describe what he’s going through in life, his aspirations and the bloodline/legacy he promises to carry on. As far as his age group and generation he is better than any of the younger rappers on the Young Money label and definitely the future of Hip Hop. He is definitely a breath a fresh air for Hip Hop as he comes from the lead MC of the first Hip Hop group to bring the genre to the crossover audience, Run-DMC (for all you non-Hip Hop fans). Not only is he the offspring of a Hip Hop icon but the kids got SKILLS and that’s we his in the #MYOL Hip Hop History spotlight!
Hip Hop History: Eminem Signs Slaughterhouse & Yelawolf (January 9th-15th)
Damn talk about lyrical heavyweights! In my opinion this is the most lyrical group/label since Wu-Tang (no pun intended lol) but the crazy part of it is, there’s two white MC’s! Yeah, not one but TWO white MC’s! Obviously when you hear white MC the first name that comes to your head is VANILLA ICE, haha sike. Eminem is arguably top 5 MCs of all-time and it wouldn’t matter if he was Asian, the way the man can rap is legendary! Don’t get me wrong it’s a major move that Em has signed Slaughterhouse but the real Hip Hop History here is that the best white MC of all-time signing the best white MC since. From a marketing standpoint, its genius because Em’s fans are automatically going to embrace Yelawolf and it is the most promising position he could be in as a Hip Hop artist but honestly those are big shoes to fill. I haven’t heard any music from Yelawolf but his persona and look will have to be changed in my opinion. I don’t think the country bumkin’ haircut and the dirty look well go over well with the true Hip Hop or Pop crowd. The question is can he have a career like Em’s or more like Bubba Sparks, either way there is one thing that’s for sure white boy can rap! Check Yelawolf in the 2010 BET Cypher below and Em’s words on signing Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf. This is definitely the first time ever in Hip Hop that this has happened and that’s why it deserves an #MYOL Hip Hop History spotlight!
“Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, it’s kinda phase two of Shady,” says Eminem. “It’s the new generation of Shady Records and as we’re trying to rebuild our label, it’s exciting for hip-hop and with all of these forces coming together and with what everybody’s capable of on the mic, it’s gonna be fun.”
NBA: L.A. Lakers Win 7 In A Row (January 9th-15th)
After recent struggles coming into the new year with a blowout loss to Miami on Christmas day and being publicly criticized by their 11-time championship coach Phil Jackson after 2 more losses in a row, Kobe and the defending champs have begun to turn things around. To those who don’t understand the game of basketball it may seem as if teams are hot and cold as last week I blogged about the Heat’s 20 of 21 game wi ning streak but basketball is game of runs. Wins and losses in the NBA are parallel as things like road trips, consecutive games in a matter of days and injuries can affect the wins and loss columns of our favorite teams. The Lakers are by far the most talented team in the league on paper especially with their off-season additions of playoff tested veterans Matt Barnes and Steve Blake. When the Lakers get focused and play team basketball they are the best team in the league and they deserved an #MYOL NBA spotlight for the week of January 9th – 15th. Hopefully, they can keep it going so they can lose to the Celtics in Game 7 of the 2011 NBA Championship (I’m calling it NOW!).
NBA #Pointgod Watch: Derrick Rose (January 9th-15th)
In the summer of 2005 I played against Derrick Rose, I was going into a post-graduate year and he was going into his sophomore year. After seeing the size, athleticism and natural NBA talent of someone 4 grades younger than me I knew that the NBA was a long shot. Now about five years later he is doing the same thing in the NBA. When you first look at the numbers he dropped on the Pacers they look like stats that would be put up by Dwight Howard. This speaks to the athleticism of the early twenties super-athletic #pointgod who is only suppose to be a senior in college. He has clearly become one of the best players in the league, Chicago’s leader and franchise player. With 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists D.Rose is the spotlight in the #Pointgod Watch!
Monday, January 10, 2011
#MYOL News: Oprah's OWN Network & Masters Class Series-Jay Z (January 1st-8th)
The definition of a Lane Maker is someone who creates opportunity for others. There is no question that Oprah has helped me define my brand. Now she has done it again by starting The Oprah Winfrey Network. There are no words that can describe her journey from a poor black girl born in Kosciusko, Missississppi in 1954 to a multi-billionaire dollar female OWNing her OWN television network in 2011. My favorite part of her staring the network is the name, OWN! Although it stands for The “Oprah Winfrey Network,” the acronym already has a meaning in itself and more importantly a message. For everyone aspiring to become better, whether its in business, a certain craft or just life in general! OWN! Own yourself first and foremost, don’t let anyone control your dreams and aspirations!
Speechless. That was the only word that could describe how I felt after watching this documentary. The series “Masters Class” and who it features is iconic but for Oprah (who isn’t a fan of Hip Hop) to choose a Hip Hop artist to headline her first episode really speaks to how impactful and undeniable Hip Hop has become worldwide. Not only is Jay-Z my favorite rapper (as I’ve gotten to witness him grow as an artist from the beginning) but he is also my favorite entrepreneur as he literally created everything he currently has from nothing solely through his dedication and intuition to listen to himself when many tried to alter his vision. Through all the years that Jay-Z has been in the public eye he has never spoken so in-depth about things like his failures, his relationship with his father and other very personal issues he has had to deal with throughout his life. In this documentary he does not give you Jay-Z the rapper but rather Sean Carter the man. For fans of his music and entrepreneurial career this is a must see and for those who don’t like “Jay-Z”, this documentary might give you a different opinion on a man who was marked for failure but did not accept what was given to him and followed his dreams and ambitions to influence children and adults of all races around the world. If there is an ultimate example of #MYOL, Sean Carter is it.
#MYOL News: Ted "Golden Voice" Williams (January 1st-8th)
This story is nothing less than truly amazing and is the prime example of the impact that the World Wide Web can have on the instantaneous promotion that any story or person can obtain during these Internet driven times. Over the years that have been many examples of both positive and negative stories that have spread like wildfire due to video uploading sites like YouTube & UStream and social networks like Facebook & Twitter. This story was about a bum in Ohio who used to be a radio personality in college. Due to drug and alcohol addiction he never got to pursue the career he dreamed about. One day a videographer from the Colombus Dispatch, a local newspaper in the Colombus, Ohio area decide to record this man doing his radio voice. After the dispatcher uploaded it to YouTube, within days Ted “Golden Voice” Williams’ life changed from being a bum with no money to a radio personality with 10+ offers on the table. He became a superstar literally over night and was invited to numerous radio and daytime television talk shows! Again, this shows the power of the Internet and viral media, but it is a double edge sword! What are you posting to the Internet? Does it represent what you want to be portrayed as? Either way if you have an idea that you think can get some feedback grab a camera and upload it just like the dispatcher and maybe you could change yours or someone else’s life forever. #MYOL
#MYOL News: Russell Simmons "Super Rich" Book (January 1st-8th)
One of my idols! A Hip Hop and entrepreneurial icon, Russell Simmons is the definition of #MYOL! Last week he released his sixth book titled “Super Rich”, don’t let me tell you what its about, check out the link below and get yourself a copy!
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