Headed to New Orleans...

...and Baton Rouge for the next week. I imagine that it's going to look a lot like this:

Beer me if you're near me.

The Bulls Give Me the Sads [Tanking Time Is Here]

So, Bulls. What's going on here? We've lost 5 of 7 since losing Derrick Rose for the year and last night we lost to the lowly New York Knicks. Not only that, but we let Melo drop 30 and 10 and we had literally no answer. Not even against this offense: But hey, it could be worse. We could be the Brooklyn Nets. And with all that said, I'm actually glad we lost last night. Without Rose, we're definitely not a championship caliber team. We might as well bomb this year and hope to enter Tankapalooza aka The Andrew Wiggins Sweepstakes aka Operation: Sorry for Jabari aka Tanking Time.
Yes. If we're not gonna win it all, might as well get set for the future. Call it Shanahanning.

Pusha T feat. Rick Ross - Hold On [VIDEO]

I'll be honest, I was all over My Name Is My Name hard for a few weeks after it dropped. I'm not sure why--possibly the forgettable tracks with Chris Brown and Young Jeezy or maybe because I've been suffering through MMLP2--but I've been focused on other music for most of November.

One of the main songs from MNIMN that's been a constant is Hold On featuring Rick Ross and some very, very Kanyeish background vocals. The entire situation is pretty much a Kanye song. I mean, this is essentially Pusha T and Rick Ross over an 808's & Heartbreaks bonus track. And that's perfectly fine with me. Check out the video for Hold On.

I also have Derwin to thank for this.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't add it to my iTunes and iPhone immediately.

27.

I'm getting old. Like really old. Not to mention that both my Tigers and Bears took losses this weekend. So far, getting old kinda sucks.

But I'm happy to be here. 

Thanks for all the birthday love, enjoy Sampfest '13 and Beer Me if You're Near Me.  Cheers. 

LSU vs. Alabama 2013. I'm Ready.

Game of the Century Part....5?

Now that my Bears handled business against the lowly Green Bay Packers Monday Night (Don't taser me, bro!), I can now focus all of my energy on the other game I circle every year: the showdown against Alabama. It seems this game always has some kind of national championship implications, and this year is no different. I also just really hate the team, school and brand of Alabama. Come to think of it, there's really only a few teams that I really and truly hate: the Green Bay Packers, the EA Spartans, the Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers. But none of them come even close to my hatred for Alabama. I mean, what's not to hate? And with all of this "Saban to Texas" talk, I'm actually hoping he sticks around. Nah, let me stop lying. Geaux Tigers.



Official prediction: LSU 38 - Alabama 27. We'll use this win to propel us to the Top 10 in the BCS and paired with our upcoming win against A&M, we'll represent the West in the SEC Championship. Stamp it.


Also, Les Miles is a mad man. Gotta love it.

(6) LSU at (9) UGA. Man, Oh Man.

LSU. Georgia. Biggest game of the year....to this point. (I'll probably say that at least four more times this year.) We're a little over an hour until kickoff but it's never too late to get hype. I'm expecting big games out of Jarvis Landry (8 catches, 85 yards), Jeremy Hill (115 yards, 2 TDs) and Zach Mettenberger (225 yards, 2 TDs) in Zach's first return to Athens since 2010. Georgia's offense will be able to move the ball but their defense will have no match for the most improved quarterback and offense in the SEC. Official prediction: 31 - 24 LSU. WRITE THAT DOWN, Georgia fans. Here we go!

Nothing Was the Same - Track-By-Track Review

Whether you like it or not, Drake’s good. He’s been good since he dropped like five years ago. But still, he remains one of the more polarizing rappers out. It could be that he’s from Toronto. Maybe it’s the Degrassi (oh, and Charlie Bartlett!) acting past. It could just be the R&B half of his discography. Whatever your reason to slight him, one thing is constant: He makes good music.

Case in point, Nothing Was the Same, Drake’s third studio album that dropped yesterday. After binge listening for the past few hours (and with a week’s head start—Go internet!) here’s my track-by-track review of NWTS.

1. Tuscan Leather
Ok, I’ll be the first to admit, this is the most aggressive opening track in Drake’s catalogue. But honestly, I only have Fireworks and Over My Dead Body—not two of his most fiery openings—to compare it to. But other than that, I’m not a huge fan track of this other than the Heatmakerz-esque high-pitched sample and the pretty smooth beat switch and (better) verse that accompanies it. Don’t worry, the album picks up from here.

2. Furthest Thing
So remember that R&B Drake that I mentioned earlier, boom. This shit goooooes though. Introspective, melancholy Drake is still good Drake. I’d be surprised if this wasn’t one of Aubrey’s favorite tracks from the album. This even has a very So Far Goneish feel to it. Not to mention a second beat switch toward the end. Frequent Drake collaborator 40 is actually on his Just Blaze on the second half of this one. And it works.

3. Started From the Bottom
It didn’t take long for the internet (and our annoying Facebook friends and their statuses) to make us tired of this song but in all honesty, after a few weeks of not hearing it at all, I like this one again. Give it a few more weeks even and I might even forget about the snow scene. Yeah, that snow scene. I don’t want to forget about her, however. Anybody got her name, by the way? (For a friend.)

4. Wu-Tang Forever
I refuse to feel bad for liking this song so much. The worst part about it is that if it were up to the internet, we should be outraged that such a mellow song has references to Wu-Tang in the title. But honestly, that’s dumb. And the subtle yet repeated “It’s Yourz” sample justifies the title just fine for me. (HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT….?!)

5. Own It
See, Drake even used the “It’s Yourz” sample on this song, too. With that being said, I have mixed feelings about this song. First off, this song is so So Far Gone that it’s insane, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Second, this so is so Drakeish that it’s insane. I’m not 100% sure what that means, but I think you’ll agree. I think that this song is so familiar because we’ve heard it from Drake so many times. Not bad overall, though.

6. Worst Behaviour
Ok, the album is seriously picking up some steam at this point. Perfect placement for this song, especially following the last two slower songs. This song essentially embodies why we listen to Drake: Creative and funny verses, simple yet effective hook and a couple good punch lines. Mainly: “Bar mitzvah money like my last name Mordecaiiiiii…fuck you, bitch. I’m more than high.” AND LET’S NOT FORGET the Mase-inspired third verse. As an avid Mase fan, the song could’ve started and finished with that verse and all would’ve been well in the world.

7. From Time feat. Jhené Aiko
You didn’t’ think we’d make it all the way through a Drake album without a real deal relationship song, did you? Good luck with that. Drake even goes as far as name-dropping and telling stories of past relationships in this song. I should make one of these. (Actually, maybe not.) Also noted, we’re halfway through the album and just getting to the first featured artist (with the exception of background vocals.) I can appreciate that. Not only that, but Jhené Aiko is dope and I should probably be listening to her much more than I do now.

8. Hold On, We’re Going Home
I don’t know. Just watch.


9. Connect
Another slow one that just works. I’m actually pleasantly surprised at how well this album flows from song to song. You can definitely hear Drake’s Texas influence in the background of this one with Trae the Truth dropping background vocals. Will allow.

10. The Language
BIRDMAN 5 STAR OUTRO. GAME OVER.

11. 305 To My City
First off, Detail sounds frighteningly similar to Lil Wayne. (Am I the only one that didn’t know this?)  This song is pretty dope and I’m almost positive this is what Drake was writing in his infamous strip club pen session:

Peep Drake ass in the background writing lyrics at a strip club lmfao 😂😭😩 pic.twitter.com/jxD3aS0dkG

— Curtis Jayy (@KingCurtisJayy) August 6, 2013

12. Too Much feat. Sampha
This guy’s name is Sampha so clearly I like this song already. Following a very Drake-like performance on Jimmy Fallon, I’d be surprised if this isn’t the next single from the album. This is a pretty smooth song and Sampha’s background vocals throughout the song really brings the beat together.

Drake and Sampha also worked together flawlessly on The Motion.

13. Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music II feat. Jay-Z
Ah, finally. What better way to close out an album than by featuring the greatest rapper of all time…..and potentially his worst verse of all time. Hate to finish this post out focusing on Jay-Z but come on. Cake, cake cccake c-c-c-c-cake…what was he thinking with the second half of his feature? And the verse started with so much promise. Once I saw Jay listed I was positive this would be my favorite song on the album. But nah. It’s not quite as bad as Off That but those cake lines definitely made me think twice.

All in all, I really like this album. It’s very easy to listen all the way through without even glancing at the skip button, cake verse included. It’s clear that Drake’s really found his lane(s) and is content with his current place in hip-hop. And thank goodness for no Lil Wayne features.


Also, if you’re not using this or this as your album art, you’re doing it very wrong.

3 Days

Three. More. Days. I actually might make it to Saturday.

Actually, there's really only one day until football makes its triumphant return. College Football officially kicks off tomorrow night with UNC/South Carolina. I'll be shocked and personally disappointed if I miss a single snap. But, really, we all know it's about LSU/TCU on Saturday. I'm......literally at a loss for words. We'll call it "excited." I'm going to a friend's crib tomorrow for the LSU pregame-game tomorrow (I'm betting on South Carolina, btw) but my mind will obviously be on the Tigers matchup against the Frogs. And TCU Coach Gary Patterson has definitely become increasingly douchebag-like over the past few weeks. Especially after taking shots at the throne. His punishment must be [and will be] more severe.

But back to tomorrow's game. My official prediction: USC over UNC 28 - 17. Jadeveon Clowney with 6 tackles (2.5 sacks) to lead the Gamecocks to victory. I hope he gets a legit shot at the Heisman this year. After all, he is a Freak.

10 Days

So yeah, it doesn't look like I'll be making the trek to Dallas for the LSU/TCU game after all [still holding out hope, though] but I'm exhilarated just the same. I think we all can agree that it's just time for football to get started. That being said, it's clearly probably too soon to start with score predictions but I'm putting my first one out there: LSU over TCU 30 - 17. You heard it here first. [This score will most likely [read: 100%] change by kickoff, especially if TCU decides to ever name their starter at QB.

Bring on the Frogs, breh. We have no worries.

Breaking Bad is [Finally] Back

I haven't been this hype for a show since...well, ever. I'm not a huge TV guy so outside of PTI, Around the Horn, old Seinfeld episodes and the Friday Night Lights series, I don't normally get too caught up in television series. Breaking Bad would be the exception. After binge watching the first 4.5 seasons multiple times over the past couple years, tomorrow will be the beginning of the end: Five final episodes to decide it all. Excited would be an extreme understatement. In recognition of Walter White's last stand, check out this somewhat ominous trailer for the final episodes. Oh, and follow that up with Around the Horn's hilarious and awesome ode to the greatest show on TV and I couldn't forget the equally hilarious and true Honest Trailer.


Horning Bad


Honest Trailer: Breaking Bad


If you haven't caught up, you have just over 24 hours to make that happen.
If you've never watched the show, I'm not sure what to say to you.

25 Days

Whoo! We're inside of a month until LSU/TCU at Cowboys Stadium. I'm hype. And it seems like TCU is having trouble keeping players around. Interesting. Anyway, we're 25 days away. We're right on time for some hype videos. Enjoy.

Um, about those tickets....

Drake feat. 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Aziz Ansari - All Me

The first day of August (whew, that’s gonna take some getting used to) brings us All Me, the new track from Drake, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and……Aziz Ansari? Don’t worry, as much as I’d like to hear Aziz (or RAAAAAAAANDY) drop a few bars, only one of his lines from the movie Funny People is sampled here. The other three hold it down, per usual. Drake is giving a us a pretty remarkable lesson in timing by dropping song after song [weeks after Kanye, Cole, Wale and Jay] as we inch closer to September 17th and Nothing Was the Same. Check out All Me:

Speaking of Drake, was that whole album cover situation ever sorted out? God, I sure hope not.

Oh, and here's the sampled clip from Funny People, for all of your Aziz Ansari enjoyment.

32 Days

LSU/TCU is coming soon. Verrrrry soon.

Also: LSU opponent preview: TCU

Danny Brown | Express Yourself [Prod. by Trampy]

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. I pretty much scour the internet for new Danny Brown tracks practically every week so I'm really not sure how I missed this complete and utter banger from him earlier this year. Come to think of it, Express Yourself just might be track that gets me through the summer. Especially since Dom Kennedy went on permanent hibernation. Never heard of this kid Trampy but this beat is truly magical. Check out Express Yourself from Danny Brown produced by Trampy. Then lose it.
You can also check out Trampy's Soundcloud here. Do that.

Earl Sweatshirt feat. Vince Staples & Casey Veggies - Hive [Video]

And now I have yet another reason to be hype for Doris. Earl Sweatshirt has released visuals for his latest single, the Vince Staples and Casey Veggies assisted, Hive. Not only that, but Earl also confirmed the new release date and final tracklist for Doris, due August 20th. I shouldn’t have to say much more to get you excited. The video has a familiar look and feel because it was directed by Hiro Murai, who also did the video for . Check out the video for Hive and the tracklist for Doris.

DORIS AUG 20th pic.twitter.com/Uu853qpkcR

— Earl Sweatshirt (@earlxsweat) July 12, 2013

Whew. Can't wait.. Shout out to Young Modele for the heads up.

You can also preorder Doris on iTunes.

49 Days.

It's about that time. I've started my official countdown to the Cowboys Classic between LSU and TCU. Even though it's essentially a home game for TCU, I'm beyond hype. Tiger fans travel like you wouldn't believe and we won this joint—handily, might I add—back in 2011. Now my only project is actually finding tickets in the next month and a half. IT SHALL BE DONE.

Note: Here's And the Valley Shook's predicitons for the offensive depth chart. Great info. Read every word.

Can you tell I'm excited for football?

Kid Cudi - Going to the Ceremony [Stream]

[This article was originally posted by asamp at ClanEclectic.com.]
Seemingly out of nowhere, Kid Cudi has released a new song entitled Going to the Ceremony. It’s only been a little over two months since Cudi dropped his third album Indicud, so I have no clue where this track will end up. But that clearly doesn’t matter because it’s summertime and no Summer is complete without some new Cudi. The overall sound isn't new for Cudi but it is a change of pace from his most recent project. Check it out:
I fully expect Going to the Ceremony to be the soundtrack for BBQ's and fireworks displays everywhere this weekend.

The Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champions....Again!

Two goals in 17 seconds.

That’s how you go from hosting a must-win, all-or-nothing Game 7 against a talented team and ending it on the spot, in crunch time on your opponent’s ice. The 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been amazing and I’m sure the NHL (or at least playoff NHL) has a bunch of new fans, in and outside of Chicago. This was simply some of the most exciting hockey I’ve ever seen. From the triple overtime barn burner in Game 1 to the back-to-back goals in Game 6, there was never a dull moment in this series, especially. Patrick Kane became just the fourth American to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable postseason player. He also led the Blackhawks with nine goals and ten assists (and one amazing mullet) during the playoffs. This was the perfect way to end a record breaking season. And after blunders from the Bears, Bulls and Lord knows the Sox, Chicago sports fans needed this. Cheers, Hawks.



See these photos and more on the Blackhawks’ Official Instagram.
Oh, and I stole the last one from @ayellemm, too. Thanks Ashley! Go Hawks!

Also, these may or may not be direct quotes:

"I AIN'T GOT NO WORRIES." -Jonathan Toews

— Thabo Sampalosha (@SampGetsSnooks) June 25, 2013

"I AIN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE HERE." -Patrick Kane

— Thabo Sampalosha (@SampGetsSnooks) June 25, 2013

"BITCH WE GBE." -Duncan Keith

— Thabo Sampalosha (@SampGetsSnooks) June 25, 2013

I'll stop now. Go Hawks.

Dom Kennedy - Never [Prod. by the Futuristiks]

Today's the official first day of Summer, so of course we’re getting some new Dom Kennedy. It’s called Never, it’s produced by the Futuristiks and it’s cold. The rhyme scheme hasn’t really changed much—and that’s a good thing. This is definitely going to get a bunch of spins between all this Yeezus and Born Sinner. Summer’s officially here, guys.
Dom’s next album, Get Home Safely is due this Summer.

Yeezus x American Psycho [Video]

The wait [for me, at least] is finally over. Yeezy, Kanye West's sixth, and probably most criticized solo album to date, is finally making its [legal] appearance tomorrow. So what's another Yeezus promo video? It's been tough as hell, but I've resisted the urge to download leaks or read reviews before giving the album a few full, unbiased listens. Tonight, on the eve of the album's release, Kanye added a great American Psycho-inspired video starring Scott Disick the Gawd and Kim's BFF Jonathan Cheban. Not really the best acting ever, but any fans of Kanye and American Psycho should love this. Anyone that hasn't seen the American Psycho might be left quite confused. Check out the video and the clip that inspired it all:
Yeezus Promo[2013]

American Psycho [2000] Yeezus is out tomorrow or you can cop it now on KanyeWest.com.

ScHoolboy Q feat. Kendrick Lamar | Collard Greens

This morning, ScHoolboy Q dropped some new heat from Oxymoron and this one features TDE lablemate Kendrick Lamar. Honestly, the combination of ScHoolboy and Kendrick hasn't let us down yet and this song is no different. Now all we need is an actual Oxymoron release date, maybe some cover art and just some more overall album info. Yeah, that should do it. Check out Collard Greens feat. Kendrick Lamar:

Oxymoron is due later this year on TDE/Interscope Records.

Shouts to Neque for the heads up!

Trillectro 2013 | DC’s Hip-Hop/Electronic Music Festival

[This article was originally written by asamp at ClanEclectic.com.]

Everything’s a debate these days. Kobe vs. Lebron. Morehouse vs. Howard (we all know the answer to this one). And even Godfather vs. Godfather Part 2 (We’ll pretend the third one didn’t happen). All that being said, what could possibly be the best thing about Trillectro—DC’s annual hip-hop/electronic mash up music fest? It could obviously be the collection of two usually separate genres of music, joining forces for a day-long concert series. Or it could be the dozens of amazing DC food trucks lined up and an endless supply of DC Brau for the people. Quite frankly, it could even be the name. Regardless of your motivation for attending, Trillectro 2013 will undoubtedly have something for everyone.

Following the last summer’s inaugural show, the good people from DCtoBC [Modi, Quinn & Marty] have started right where they left off with a very creative marketing blitz like none we’ve seen before…unless you saw last year’s. Also, the Phase 1 lineup was released not too long ago and again, no matter the musical taste, there will be something for everyone.

Confirmed so far (in alphabetical order):
Alex Young • A$AP Ferg • Carnage
DJ Sliink • Gent & Jawns • Ghost Beach
Gold Room • King Chip • Nadastrom
Travi$ Scott • Salva

Now, I don’t know about you, but just the chance of hearing A$AP Ferg perform Work live is worth the price of admission. This year’s festival is taking place at the Half Street Fairgrounds in DC on August 17th from 12 noon – 9:00 pm and additional acts will be released as we get closer to the date. For DC locals or those making the trip, the show takes place outside Nationals Park at the Fairgrounds/Bullpen. Check the video below to see what happened last year. It was nuts.

That video alone should provide enough motivation to get you there. But just in case it didn’t, head over to Trillectro.com and join the mailing list or catchTrillectro on Twitter. See you at the Fairgrounds.

Action Bronson - Strictly 4 My Jeeps [Video]

Bronson + Goldwatch. Epic combination.

At this point, what shouldn't we expect from these two? This video features a large rapper, large cars and....a few very large women. And some bad ones, too. And of course it's hilarious.
Bronson and Harry Fraud are set to drop the joint album Saab Stories this June.

Kendrick Lamar - Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe [Video]

It's about time we got some visuals for Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe. Fresh off of his Sweetlife Festival performance this past weekend, the Compton artist released the video for the fourth single from Good kid, m.A.A.d city. So far, the video contains a Mike Epps cameo, a funeral/party and several noteworthy snooks. Sounds about right.

Kendrick continues his World Tour on May 17th, heading out to the Sun God Festival out in California.

Pusha-T - Numbers On The Board [VIDEO]

This might be the most Pusha-Tist video possible for one of the most Pusha-Tist songs in recent memory. Like seriously. Push has found his lane and he's basically perfected it at this point. The dark, Cannon/Kanye-produced Numbers on the Board will most definitely get you excited for My Name Is My Name, due July 16. Oh, and look for the most brief cameos in music video history from Kanye West and Chief Keef.

MIGHT HAVE'TA HEADBUTT YA EVELYN.

Gucci Mane - So Icey 2 [MP3 + Download]

God bless you, Gucci Mane.

This afternoon, while taking a break from parole violations and mentoring the chirrens, Gucci Mane released So Icey 2, the first song from the upcoming album/mixtape, Trap House 3, due May 21. Obviously there's no Jeezy this time around. The streets needed this, Gucci, so thanks. Check it out below.
Pretty far from the original but it goes either way.

Today In Music History: Cam'ron feat. Ma$e - Horse and Carriage [4/13/98]

15 years ago there were about three things I was sure about: Bulls basketball, chicken quesadillas from Taco Bell and Cam'ron music. It was on this day, 15 years ago, that Cam'ron and Ma$e changed my life forever by dropping the single Horse and Carriage. This was the first single from Cam's debut album Confessions of Fire and also the first of many classic Cam'ron songs/videos. There's zero chance you don't remember this: I hope that made your day. And for good measure, here's the remix. [I hope the remix doesn't ruin your day. It featured Silkk the Shocker, Charli Baltimore and Wyclef so, uh, good luck with that.]

Kid Cudi feat. Kendrick Lamar - Solo Dolo Part II [MP3]

So, Kid Cudi's much-anticipated third [or fourth, depending on who you ask] album Indicud leaked yesterday, or so I heard through the Twitters. Upon first listen, the album has an exceptionally strong start but seems to fizzle out pretty hard toward the end. The early highlight, other than previously released singles King Wizard and Immortal has to be the Kendrick Lamar-assisted Solo Dolo Part II. Now, I'm not sure how someone can make a song with someone else and still call it Solo Dolo, but this song works and it goes. For some strange reason, Kendrick is still hungry and Cudi's still Cudi. [And I mean that in the best way possible.] Check out Solo Dolo Part II:

Cudi is always an artist that leads to debate and early thoughts on Indicud are mixed. I've always been a fan of his. I mean, he makes music to rage and drink beer to, what's not to love. But at the same time, I've felt let down at some points in the past. But at least with this album, we might as well wait until it's actually released to completely dissect it.....yeah right. Where's the fun in that?

@sampgetssnooks I'm good on that.

— Ricardo Finland (@SlimiHendrix) April 9, 2013

@sampgetssnooks that's exactly how I feel. I don't think he will top the first cd tho

— Mackenzie Thompson (@Kenzie__87) April 9, 2013

@sartorialbee @sampgetssnooks this argument may be moot because I'm sitting here listening to Indicud feeling like I'm ascending to Valhalla

— Tupac Chopra (@fivefifths) April 9, 2013

RT @zannygetpanties: You listen to Cudi for crazy melodic humming gibberish shit. I love that shit man. Cudi sings like a didgeridoo

— serenissima (@sartorialbee) April 9, 2013

Pharrell Turns 40 + The Top 5 Pharrell Hooks [Videos]

In recognition of the 40th birthday of everyone's favorite genius producer not named Kanye [or Timothy], here is list of the Top 5 Pharrell-assisted hooks——in no particular order——as determined by me, my iTunes and embedding-enabled YouTube videos. I went with hooks because there are way too many beats or songs by the Neptunes/Pharrell to narrow down into a readable list. I even threw in the song from way back that started it all. Check these out and bump some N.E.R.D. today for God's sake.

1. Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell - Beautiful
Beautiful really ushered in the musical partnership between Snoop and the Neptunes that would ultimately bring us classics such as Drop It Like It's Hot, From tha Chuuuch to da Palace, Pass It, Pass It and...

2. Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell - Let's Get Blown
This is definitely my favorite Snoop/Neptunes track and I doubt it'll ever leave my iTunes despite having background vocals from.......Keyshia Cole? Sorry, I hope that doesn't ruin the song for you because it definitely almost did for me.

3. Jay-Z feat. Pharrell - Excuse Me Miss
Say what you want about The Blueprint 2 but I enjoyed it [a lot, actually]. Pharrell definitely left his mark on the album with four Neptunes-produced songs, with Excuse Me Miss being the best of the group. No matter where you are when you hear this song, this is a hook that you just have to sing along to. Incredible hook. Oh, and the rest of the song is cool, too.

4. Clipse feat. Pharrell - Gangsta Lean
Gangsta Lean was probably my favorite song on Lord Willin', even above Gridin'. While the better song might be debatable, what cannot be argued is the fact that this is one of the great Pharrell features in history. Random sidenote....Where are Philly's Most Wanted these days? Anybody?

5. Clipse feat. Pharrell, Ab-Liva & Rosco P. Coldchain - Cot Damn
I still think this is one of the most underrated Clipse songs of all time, not saying that there are many, but still. Pharrell's hook is what sticks out initially but this is just a dope song overall. Even WITH Ab-Liva and Rosco P. Coldchain, and that's saying a lot. Check that out, my blog's first Roscoe P. Coldchain reference. I'm distinguished now.

Bonus: Ma$e feat. Puff Daddy - Lookin' At Me
Okay, so I realize that it's not technically Pharrell singing this hook but this is the song that started it all. Plus, the Neptunes did the beat and in hindsight, wouldn't you much rather have had Pharrell on this hook instead of Diddy? Yeah, me too.


Also, Complex put out a list of the Top 25 Pharrell Hooks a couple years back but I didn't actually read it, though. Because, you know, slideshows are annoying.

Happy Birthday, P.

Tyler, the Creator - Wolf | Out Now + Deluxe Cover Inspiration

Wolf is out today and upon first listen, it's well worth the wait.

Also, I just noticed today [after looking way too close at the album art for the Deluxe version] that the artist commissioned to paint the Deluxe cover, Mark Ryden, seems to have given his original piece of work California Brown Bear somewhat of a hat tip on the cover. [Hint: Look to the left of Tyler's right hand.]

Pretty cool.

You can check the rest of Ryden's the tree show artwork here.

Cop Wolf on iTunes here.


OFWGKTAllthatjazz.

Tyler, the Creator - IFHU feat. Pharrell [Video]

So it looks like we have the second visuals from Tyler, the Creator's upcoming album Wolf, entitled IFHU. And for bonuses, this song features Pharrell and the video gives a preview to Jamba featuring Hodgy Beats. Something about the dollhouse theme [or maybe the brief fire-to-the-face scene] of the video reminds me of the video for Two Weeks from Grizzly Bear. Check it out:
Wolf is set for an April 2nd release but of course you can already check out a track by track critique courtesy of Billboard.

J.R. Smith [Parody] - So Right [Video]

OK, so I realize it's March 27th and we're literally in the heart of March Madness. All energy and focus should be on the Sweet 16. I get this. But every once in awhile we come across something so majestic, so glorious—if you will—that it just can't wait. This video definitely qualifies. Now, I don't know who to thank [or more appropriately, blame] for this song and video inspired by J.R. Smith, everyone's favorite sharpshooting black hole/booty twitpic'er, but seriously, Thank You. Special shout out to the internet. And upon further review, I'm not 100% convinced that this wasn't made by J.R. Smith himself. Behold:

So, again, I'm not sure who deserves the praise for this amazing song/video but there is one thing we all can be confident of: J.R. Smith's Gonna J.R. Smith.

Florida Gulf Coast: Every Day is a Dunk Contest; Plus: Awesome Trainer Guy

DeShawn Stephens (23) was actually wearing Jordans when this happened. Man, the irony.
What Florida Gulf Coast's basketball team has accomplished so far in the NCAA Tournament is nothing short of amazing: Beating a highly favored and second-seeded Georgetown, becoming the first 15 seed to make the Sweet 16 (and Elite 8?!) and capturing numerous opponents' souls [see: DeShawn Stephens] in the process. Amazing. I really hope this team keeps rolling especially as they take on in-state powerhouse (and team that continuously grinds my gears) Florida.

At this point, I'm not even sure if I'm rooting for FGCU for the yearly Cinderella/David vs. Goliath storyline or for the sheer amount of dunks that they put up. Yeah, it's most likely the dunks. And the craziest part is, dunking is nothing new for this group. While I highly suggest checking out every [literally every] dunk from FGCU's 2013 Postseason (courtesy of Deadspin), you should also check out a Dunk Contest that the team held for fans earlier this season. There's some pretty jaw-dropping stuff here. Especially when you consider that these guys are probably just as well known as say, Jeremy Evans. Check it out.

So, Florida Gulf Coast, keep the streak going. If not for me and the thousands of college basketball fans that are cheering you on, then do it for Awesome Trainer Guy. He truly deserves it.

Update: This needed to be shared:

awr March Madness Picks – Explained Mostly With .GIFs

Ok, I gotta make this quick. Mainly because the NCAA Tournament starts tomorrow afternoon and I have to be up for work in less than five hours. (Clearly I wrote this Wednesday night.) Ok, so like literally everyone else out that takes place in any March Madness Bracket Pools, I don’t have a direct science on how to pick these teams. Obviously. Because if I did, I’d be quite wealthy and I definitely wouldn’t be working 60 hour weeks while having second thoughts on that 7th Jack & Coke on Wednesday. For the record, I’d probably live in mansion in Miami and be Future’s European Tour Manager. I’ve gotten too far off track. Now, for my bracket.

I’m in a few pools this year so I don’t want to give too much info on where my picks came from this year, or really even what all of them are—I know there are some procrastinators among my competition this year—so I’ll just give a few highlights. Note: These are subject to change until about 12:14 on Thursday….so there’s that.

• Don’t Call It An Upset: (8) Pitt over (1) Gonzaga – Yea, I might be wylin. But have you seen Gonzaga lately? They’ve gotten Gonzaga-er) and Gonzaga-er as the year’s gone by. Did you see the Air Guitar earlier this year against Illinois?

What about the Gonzaga-ness displayed on Selection Sunday?
As Bill Hanstock on SBNation put it, “You want some Gonzaga with that Gonzaga, Gonzaga?” I got Pitt in a 5 – 7 point game.

• Marshall "Mathers" Henderson: (12) Ole Miss over (5) Wisconsin – This most definitely also constitutes as wylin. But hey, Ole Miss just beat Missouri and Florida en route taking the SEC Tournament crown. I know it was only one game that’s gotta mean something. Plus, he gave us arguably the greatest .GIF of the college basketball year.

But I'd also fail you if I didn't mention this...


• Sleeper Team: Illinios. I know, but the wylin just doesn’t stop. I know Illinois has basically no shot at winning this year...but then again, yeah they do. They started the season hot, they’ve beating Indiana, they’ve beaten Ohio State (they also lost to Indiana and Ohio State, but at least they know they can win.) But hey, that’s why they’re my sleeper.
Call it flukey, but the Illini pulled this one off.


• National Champion: I’m keeping this one to myself. All I’ll say is that we all could use a little Sonya Curry in our lives.

I'm just sayin.

March Madness is officially here, BROne Thugs 'N Harmony.

The Hangover Part 3 [Trailer]

Everyone's favorite Wolfpack [no disrespect] is back for the third and final installment of the Hangover triolgy. Chow's alive? Black Doug's back? And is that....John Goodman? I can't really tell what to expect but I hope it's at least better than Part 2. Check out the trailer.

The Hangover Part III is set for a May 24^th release.

Chris Rock & Tim Meadows [G-Spot] - Suck Your Big Fat Toe [1993]

Yeah, I wish I had a real reason that I'm posting this, but I don't. And even though I couldn't think of anything, it's definitely worth a look. Besides being a classic Chris Rock skit from SNL, it's hard to believe that this originally aired almost TWENTY years ago. Makes you feel pretty old. You can tell this is from way back because Chris Rock is still crackhead skinny. Come to think about it, I even had the .mp3 of this song on a few mix CDs back in high school. Yea...I can't really explain that one either. Enjoy.

Today In Music History: Nas - Nas Is Like [3/2/99]

10 years ago today Nas released the first single from his third [and possibly my favorite] album, I Am. Times have changed and Nas has had his ups and downs since this dropped, but this is still a classic track from a great album. And I gotta mention Premier on the beat. Reminisce with me.

[Hat tip to Up North Trips for the heads up.]