Power in numbers can NEVER be ignored and again the power of viral video and social media has been an influence in the world’s development. After 30 years of ruling of Egypt, dissenting protests and jailing opponents; Hosni Mubarak has stepped down as the leader of Egypt. "The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard," Mr Obama said. "Egypt will never be the same again." As a Lane Maker I always say PERSEVERANCE and DIRECTION is EVERYTHING! Especially, in a case where you have a vision and passion for that vision. The people of Egypt knew that they no longer wanted to live in a country that had been ruled by a leader who abused his power for over 30 years and they would not give up protesting and fighting for what they believed in until they got the result they wanted. "The people have brought down the regime," they chanted in reaction to the news of his eventual resignation less than 24 hours later. Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei said: "This is the greatest day of my life." "You cannot comprehend the amount of joy and happiness of every Egyptian at the restoration of our humanity and our freedom."The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's banned Islamist opposition movement, paid tribute to the army for keeping its promises. "I salute the Egyptian people and the martyrs. This is the day of victory for the Egyptian people. The main goal of the revolution has been achieved," said the Brotherhood's former parliamentary leader, Mohamed el-Katatni.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hip Hop History: Diddy and Eminem Featured In Superbowl Commercials! (February 6th-12th)
Hip Hop History is being made every single day! I think people truly fail to realize how legendary this era is and will be when it is all said and done. In previous blogs I have already commented on the new talent that has come about in 2010 and how legendary last year was in the growth of Hip Hop. Hip Hop is still a pretty young genre compared to others like Jazz or Rock N’ Roll. Hip Hop is the genre of these times, hands down! People all over the world have been influenced by the culture that was originated in the South Bronx. Now corporate companies like Mercedes Benz, Brisk Iced Tea and Chrysler have called upon Hip Hop legends Sean “Diddy” Combs and Marshall “Eminem” Mathers to expand and connect with their target market. This isn’t the first time that corporate companies have used Hip Hop icons to endorse their brands but to my knowledge it is during the Superbowl!
Hip Hop History: RIP Big Pun, 10 Year Anniversary (February 6th-12th)
I honestly do not know where to begin with this blog! First and foremost I want to say RIP Big Pun! This man was more than just an MC, he was truly an ambassador for all MCs with his flow/wordplay but most importantly for all Latin MCs, especially Puerto Ricans. Talent-wise Pun is undoubtedly Top 5 MCs of all-time. Like many of the other great MCs like 2Pac, Biggie, Big L and many more his life and rap career was cut short. Pun’s presence will always be felt and will never be duplicated! Rest In Peace Pana!
Hip Hop History: Happy Birthday J.Dilla; One Of The Greatest Producers (February 6th-12th)
Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Swizz Beats. These are some of the greatest producers of all-time and there is no doubt that J.Dilla is right there. Many Hip Hop fans even make the argument that Dilla was the best producer of all-time. Before Kanye West came along, Dilla was one of the first producer-rappers to make big hits for MC and also be able to get on a track with them. RIP J.Dilla and Happy Birthday!
Hip Hop History: Pink Friday Reaches #1 Album On Billboard! (February 6th-12th)
Greatest Female MC of All-Time? No. I could never give Nicki that title because unlike most Hip Pop fans these days I am a REAL Hip Hop fan who respects and cherishes the art of MCing. Although Nicki is definitely up there as one of the greatest female MCs of all time I just don’t think her skills to kick a flow or spit some lyrics are as good as Lauryn Hill. If there is one crown that Nicki already has is the most successful female MC of all-time. I know some people would disagree and it evens scares some Hip Hop fans out there as this is her debut album. Exactly, her DEBUT album! It is unbelievable how she is killing the game right now on the Hip Hop and Pop side. You cab hate all you want or try and deny the fact that she is killing all of her competition (old school and especially new school) but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is being done! #MYOL Nicki!
Hip Hop: Wale- The Break Up Song (Narrarted By Morgan Freeman) (February 6th-12th)
In the days of these days of the instant internet uploads and easily accessible superior video equipment, music videos have become so monotonous. Every one has all of a sudden become a video director and music videos have been dumbed down to rappers standing in front of cameras and rapping. You might have 3 or 4 different shots in the video but the imagery, storytelling and creativity of music videos online are almost non-existent. I’m not going to say anything about it, watch it for yourself and let me know what you think. Just know that these are the type of videos I co-sign and plan on producing very, very soon!
Hip Hop: Meek Millz Sign To Rick Ross & Maybach Music Group (Febraury 6th-12th)
The first Hip Hop I posted for 2011 was “Pandemonium” which was Rozay’s track featuring Wale & Meek Millz. Well it seems like Pandemonium is going to be created for a long time, in the week January 30th – February 5th I blogged about DC MC Wale joining Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group (from Roc Nation) and a week later Rozay has done it again by officially signing Meek Millz (from Grand Hustle). These wer some power moves made by Rozay as he is currently on top of his game. With these two signings Maybach Music Group becomes an official label contender amongst the YMCMB, Roc Nation, Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Hip Hop Heavyweights. These 3 MCs on a track bring a collaboration and sound that allows each’s uniquness to shine and make a sound that is fresh to MC lovers ears. Their leader is of his game and on top of the game, there could be some big things in store for MMG in 2011 and beyond!
NBA: Jerry Sloan Steps Down As Utah Jazz Head Coach After 22 Years (February 6th-12th)
The NBA has officially entered the NEW era of basketball. 2_ year Head Coaching veteran Jerry Sloan is probably the last part of the “old school” NBA that existed in today’s game. The simple explanation for Sloan’s resignation is that both the game and more importantly its players have changed. These days players are valued more by franchises than the coaches that coach them. The commercial appeal, branding and entrepreneurship of players in today’s NBA is unmatched compared to the 80’s and 90’s. From the days where Magic and Bird were the only players with featured sneakers on the Converse line or Michael Jordan created his own line of sneakers from the Nike brand a lot of things have changed. Corporate brands have followed suit and offered border line all-stars to endorse their sneakers like Steven Jackson, Monta Ellis, Al Harrington, etc. Obviously the superstars like Lebron, KD, CP3, Deron Williams and more are being offered multi-million dollar contracts which has caused today’s superstars to have their own agendas on top of their teams. With word from a trusted NBA insider, Deron Williams was supposedly changing flight times to stay nights in certain cities as most teams fly out the night of games. Obviously he wanted to make his presence known in the nightlife of major cities to extend his brand and network. So my question is, is the days of NBA superstars simply focused and prioritizing basketball and world championships over? If I was Jerry Sloan and came from an era where basketball was the #1 priority, I would resign too!
NBA: Ray Allen Breaks All-Time 3pt Record With 2,561 Made vs. Lakers (February 6th-12th)
Since the 2007 season when Ray Allen was traded to the Boston Celtics he has become known primarily as a 3pt shooter. Before Ray Ray made his way to Beantown he was a franchise player for two organizations (Milwaukee Bucks & Seattle Supersonics) who consistently made the playoffs and even the conference finals. Since his days at UConn Ray’s game has been silky smooth and can easily cover up the amount of work that he has put in throughout his career. Things like getting on the court for a full workout 3 hours before game time and staying in shape enough to start on championship contending team at the age of 35. All of his hard work has paid off, first and foremost winning a Championship in 2008 and now becoming the all-time leading 3pt FG leader in NBA history! In my days as a basketball player, I was never a shooter but I always heard the phrase “shooters keep shooting”. During a game in the 2010 NBA Finals, Ray hit 7 3pt FGs in the 1st half but did not hit one 3pt FG in the second half. Sometimes shooters get cold but Ray lives by that phrase, it has made him the all-time 3pt FG leader in NBA history and hopefully it will help bring the Boston Celtics the 2011 NBA Championship!
NBA: Pistons Will Retire Dennis Rodman’s Number 10 Jersey Halftime of April 1 Game vs. Bulls (February 6th-12th)
These days when people mention Dennis Rodman words like freak, drag queen, drug addict are used to describe him. Although Rodman is far from normal he is one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. The irony of Rodman’s personal life is that it matches his basketball career, literally weird! Rodman wasn’t an unstoppable score or dunker or amazing passer but still his impact was felt everytime he was in the building. Rodman took one extremely important part of the game of basketball and made that his job! That job was rebounding. At only 6’7” and 230 he out rebounded players that were bigger and stronger than him on a regular basis simply because of one thing, determination! For his career Rodman averaged 13.1 RPG and his highest average was 18.7 RPG during 91-92’ season. He also has 5 NBA Championships and was an integral part to each one. Determination is something that cannot be over come if the passion behind it is strong enough and Dennis Rodman’s basketball career is a prime example.
NBA:Derek Fisher's 456th Consecutive Game; Longest Active NBA Streak (February 6th-12th)
Often times talent and athletic ability is something that is God-given but can be developed depending on how hard you work for it. But heart is something that cannot be developed, it is also something that does not automatically come along with athletic ability or talent. Everyone that is living has a heart but not everyone that is alive has heart. There is a big difference between having a heart and having heart, the number one difference is Pride and Perseverance. No matter what is going on physically, mentally or emotionally someone is able to put all of those factors aside and complete the task at hand. Having heart is the #1 characteristic of being a Lane Maker. Derek Fisher is the athletic epitome of having heart! Through injury, sickness, his daughter having cancer, 5 NBA Championship and all the other obstacles a pro athlete faces; Derek Fisher managed to not miss one game. Many fans are fascinated by a great dunk or nice crossover, in my book having heart is far more important than all of that and that is why I have he utmost respect for Derek Fisher!
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