Christina Is Also Somewhat Correct [Guest Post] - And Yes, It's About Beyoncé

But, hey, hear me out.

"New Year, New Me" right? [Yeah, I hate when people say that, too.] I'm trying a couple new things for the 99 and the 2014 and the first is going to be posting on here more frequently. The other is the occasional guest post. This first post is from my lovely friend Christina (@ChristinaRpr) and she's probably the perfect person to look to for a fresh perspective since we agree on basically nothing. Except the fact that we're best friennnnddds. (We're not really best friends.) And I realize it's now January 3 and Beyoncé's album came out a few weeks ago but hey, the holidays just past. Those were clearly more important than me updating my blog. Well, here's Christina!

_________________________________________________________________

I'd like to first take a brief moment to recognize a.samp for allowing me to discuss the Beyocalypse on his blog, because as we all know, a.samp's usually right - on matters of football, hip hop, booze and snookups... but today, he passed the torch to me to review Beyoncé's surprise self-titled, EARTH-SHATTERING visual album, "Beyoncé" - and well, as a fan and someone who's been patiently waiting for her next "era" to begin, I'm very happy to oblige.

Gosh, where do I even begin? Within hours of the surprise release, she'd already sold 100,000 copies exclusively on iTunes and has now reportedly sold over 1.5 MILLION, which is like, the most records sold by ANYONE on iTunes, like, EVER. Not sure if that's accurate but it sounded good. :)

The album is solid. The accompanying videos are stunning and provocative. She's 32, and she's never looked so good or appeared more confident than she does on this album. In fact, I'd argue that this project is some of her best work to date. Every "short film" spills over seamlessly into the next one, creating this body of work that's cohesive, thoughtful, masterful and sexy... but tasteful (kinda) - in typical Beyoncé fashion.

I just love it. Every single song, every single visual. It's perfect. I haven't LOVED a Beyoncé album since "B'Day," but this time - she nailed it. Working with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Miguel and Drake, the records are soulful, modern, funky, infectious, fun and even...political? Yes, she's even offered us some socio-political dialogue on the not-so-fair expectations of women and our obligation to support the feminist movement via prominent Nigerian writer and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's brief cameo-sample on the record "***Flawless" and somewhat on the ballad "Pretty Hurts."

Beyoncé cited in the "Making of" video and in her official press release that she wanted to provide listeners and fans an "immersive, multi-platform experience," that changes the way we consume music. In other words, she's merely adapting to the increased demand of consumers wanting multi-media content available and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on their mobile devices and tablets. Smart and therein proven by the fact that she sold nearly half a million copies in just a couple of days of the release. Risky, sure ... successful? I'd say yes.

She's undoubtedly the hardest working entertainer in show business, underscored by the mere fact and audacity that she was (and still is) on a WORLD TOUR - yet managed to bang out these records, videos and promotional planning at the same damn time.

This project exudes everything Beyoncé represents as both an artist and businesswoman tirelessly fighting to maintain quality of music and entertainment in the industry. Whether you "get her" or not, you gotta respect her for it!

Again, I like every single record and video on the album, but here are my faves!

Drunk in Love (feat. Jay Z) - Yeah, we're kinda obsessed with these two so anytime they collab, we're given exactly what we need, but never too much. The song is a SMASH, will be in heavy rotation on hip hop AND top 40 stations, and the video is loosely directed and fun to watch. I especially enjoy the weird stripper-leg-kick-twerk-jig thing she's doing throughout - totally here for ratchet Beyoncé. Directed by Hype Williams.

Blow - This seems to be the popular favorite, written and produced by my bae PHARRELL. It's a very catchy and suggestive record about the pleasures of oral sex - pretty explicit for someone who barely swore at one point in her career. The video is super fun and yeah, she looks phenomenal. Directed by Hype Williams.

No Angel - shot in her hometown, Houston, Texas and apparently Brunswick, Australia, NO ONE CAN MIX RATCHET AND HIGH FASHION LIKE BEYONCE, and that's frankly why we love her. I'm pretty obsessed with this video, actually.

Partition - Produced by Timbaland, and actually one of my favorite records, really love the heavy baseline. The video is a little porny but it works. I love that Jay Z is her video boy and is just there watching, chilling... partaking. The song itself isn't terribly explicit minus the eyebrow-raising lyric - "He popped all my buttons, and he ripped my blouse/ He Monica Lewinsky-ed all on my gown" NICE. *notes that Monica Lewinsky is now a verb.*

Jealous - LOVEEEEEEE the Parisian backdrop and influences. Love the candor of the lyrics. She apparently shot some scenes at 4 AM in NYC.

Rocket - The most soulful record on the album, clearly influenced by D'Angelo's "Unititled" and co-written by Miguel. Another video showing lots and lots of Beyoncé's "I just had a baby, but I bounced back, bitch" body. Video's soft-porny but again, it works.

Mine (feat. Drake) - OKAY. Girls love Beyoncé, girls love Drake. Perfect record, perfect accompanying artistically-interesting visual. I'm obsessed!

Blue (feat. Blue Ivy) - Brazil is the backdrop, Beyoncé looks AMAZE and Blue is ADORABLE. WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR?

The other records/videos "Pretty Hurts," "Flawless," "Haunted," "XO," "Heaven," "Ghost," "Superpower," and "Yonce" are all solid records with cool accompanying visuals as well, overall making for a substantial and truly immersive project that's equally as appealing as it is satisfying. Definitely a must-buy! Also - interesting marketing strategy to release physical copies right before Christmas. The woman is SMART.

Oh, and I think I have finally found and replaced my wig.

Thanks, Samp :)


Follow Ms. Reeves (@ChristinaRpr) on Twitter. She's not so bad. Thanks Chris!

Leonard Fournette Is Staying Home [Rap Squats & Respectful Bows All Around!]

I knew it all along. I swear.

There's no way that good ol' Leslie Edwin could let arguably the biggest offensive recruit in recent history that just happened to be from Louisiana, leave the state for his collegiate career...is there? Yesterday I actually entered the day extremely somewhat optimistic that LSU would go 5 for 5 with the remaining recruits at the Under Armour All-American game. And I wasn't the only one.

!!! RT @lukejohnson44: Commitment schedule: Speedy Noil 1Q, Jamal Adams 2Q, Gerald Willis at halftime, Tony Brown 3Q, Leonard Fournette 4Q

— Samptavious Mingo (@SampGetsSnooks) January 2, 2014

Today is the day #LSU5For5. Just kidding. I mean, I hope I'm not, but LSU can't have things that nice yet.

— Could Be (@Adam__OS) January 2, 2014

"What if I told you ... some empires ... really can be built in a day?" #LSU5for5

— LukeMayeux (@LukeMayeux) January 2, 2014

Well, 5 for 5 didn't happen. But we did get two, including the the #1 overall prospect, Mr. Buga Nation himself, Leonard Fournette.

And I couldn't be more excited. Why am I so excited? Don't believe me, just watch:

See? He's Adrian Peterson 2.0. He's currently a man among boys. When he gets to LSU he'll be a man among young men. And besides, he does rap squats.

Leslie Edwin strikes again.

#Geaux Buga Nation !!!

— Les Miles (@LSUCoachMiles) December 19, 2013

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.