Go DJ! Yeah That's My DJ!

Whenever I think of DJs I imagine sweaty guys, usually a little portly, who scream indecipherable what nots into the microphone as they spin the latest hits. STADJ is trying their hardest to change that perception.

Part private DJ academy and part DJ agency, the core principle of STADJ is to produce flawless music and flawless female DJs. By training and mentoring each DJ individually followed by management of the best talents, STADJ has built a unique entertainment niche, one that features the best looking and the best sounding DJ’s to be found anywhere. STADJ’s mission is to ensure that both clientele and guests are treated to a complete DJ experience, both musical and aesthetic.

Sounds pretty cool huh? What can be better than hot women and music? I'll tell you. Hot women who actually know what the Hell they're doing. These aren't just pretty faces who hit "play" then smile at the crowd. There is a 3-4 month boot camp, which is followed by an apprenticeship where they learn "a variety of DJ techniques, music styles, equipment and performance, as well as, the DJ lifestyle." So yeah, they're on their j-o. Check back with us in the future as we hope to bring you show reviews and DJ interviews.


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Who Ya Got?

It's a sad day when Georgia-Tenn doesn't even make the list :-( Damn u Crompton

Bama vs Ole Miss

Waldini - I like Snead and Nutt. But I still think Ole Miss is overrated. I'm drinking the Crimson berry Tide Kool-Aid Realist. And you know that's a damn shame from a Vols fan. CRIMSON TIDE

Gangsta D - Something tells me that the Right Rev Nutt is gonna have his boys ready to play. Unfortunately, it won't matter. The Tide aren't sexy, just unbeatable at this point. Saban gets it done.

Da Realist - Hmm... I'm going with the Ole Miss upset in Oxford.

BC vs Va Tech

Waldini - The Eagles are shocking folks. But not even have Flutie Flakes in Blacksburg is gonna be enough. HOKIES

Gangsta D - Hokies, unfortunately. BC almost let a bad FSU squad come back and beat them.

Da Realist - Va Tech

Mich vs Iowa

Waldini - Did you know this is the Sat game of the night on ABC? Didn't we suffer enough with Penn St-Iowa :-). Hawkeyes D is legit. O is not. Still don't think Forcier's got enough to will them on the road. HAWKEYES

Gangsta D - uhhh...coin flip. Wolverines. For some reason I think the Hawkeyes get exposed.

Da Realist - Michigan

Auburn vs Ark

Waldini - TIGERS

Gangsta D - Final score should be 52-47. Ryan Mallet is a beast, yo. I know I've said it before, but dude is the real deal. Might be the #1 pick in '11. I got the Hogs, even though Petrino is still a Total Fucking Douchebag.

Da Realist - Auburn

LSU vs UF

Waldini - Uh oh. Death Valley. At night. On ESP er CBS. Didn't Florida squeak out one in the same situation a couple of years ago. Tell Verne, I'm rolling with a half healthy Tebow and his crying coach. GATORS

Gangsta D - Nope, Meyer is 0-2 at Death Valley. If Brantley starts, it might get ugly. The Tigers offense is suspect, but that defense and the screaming, deranged, crawfish boiling Tiger fans are going to make young Brantley's head implode. If Tebow starts, it'll just be a really big headache. Either way, I got the Tigers. 31 in a row at night is the definition of a trend.

Da Realist - Sadly, I think Florida's gonna come in a beat the Tigers. If Florida is gonna lose, it won't be in "the game of the week" type of setting. Florida

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Who You Got?

Da Realist:

How is FSU ranked? Cause they beat BYU??? Everybody is still drinking the Bobby Bowden kool-aid. Wow.

G Tech vs UNC

Da Realist: I'm going against the grain and pick UNC. Don't know much about UNC but GTech hasn't impressed me.

Gangsta D: I'm not feeling the Heels. They don't seem to have that "It" factor, but people are predicting damage from them this year. I don't see it. I think Tech has licked their wounds and will have that triple option working. I got the Bees.

Waldini: YELLOW JACKETS

Texas Tech vs Houston

Da Realist: Texas Tech because I didn't even know Houston still played football. They're RANKED? What is this? 1989?

Gangsta D: Texas Tech. Only because Mike Leach is insane and Tyler Potts has the best moustache in football.

Waldini: COUGARS

Cal vs Oregon

Da Realist: Cal. And it won't be close.

Gangsta D: Jahvid Best is a problem. If Cal keeps feeding him the ball, Oregon won't get within 10 points.

Waldini: GOLDEN BEARS

Bama vs Arkansas

Da Realist: Bama is for real. Told y'all Nick Saban makes a difference. Bama.

Gangsta D: Ryan Mallet is the motherfucking truth. I've liked him since his freshman year at Michigan. He's definitely got that "It" factor. I wanna go against the grain and pick the Hogs, but Bama's defense is an actual defense as opposed to what UGA throws out there. And, their offense is coming around. Roll Tide.

Waldini: CRIMSON TIDE

Miami vs V Tech

Da Realist: I think people need to slow down with Miami. They're still young... I don't believe they are ready to challenge the big boys yet but they'll beat V Tech the same way they always do -- force them to throw the ball.

Gangsta D: Come on. You don't need any analysis. Black Jesus (Jacory) will lead us to the Promise Land.

Waldini: 'CANES

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Greatest Playoff Game. EVER!!

Waldini - I was watching Game 3 of the '94 EC Semis between the Bulls and Knicks. I'm not a diehard fan of either squad but I can't help but feel that game is the greatest playoff game. EVER. Greater than the '01 WCF Game 7 LAL-POR. Greater than the '97 Finals Game 5 CHI-UTA Flu game. Greater than the '94 WC Semis Game 7 HOU-PHX. I know you're going Waldini WTH are you talking about?!?! And why are you using so many acronyms :-)? Just bear with me....

BEEF - Anybody that followed basketball in the early 90s knew how much these teams loathed each other. But neither Derek Harper nor JoJo English were on either team during the '92 slugfest. And that's what makes their "melee" even greater. They went off on each other. In the 2Q. And to illustrate how great a time the NBA was, TNT actually replayed how they got into it (which you know they won't do anymore). Harper slaps JoJo's hand down during a play, Starks gets fouled, you see Grant's head turn and quickly he's running, then they switch to Harper who's throwing English into the stands. What's even better is the security guard shoving Starks from behind during the fracas. All this in front of David Stern. And JOhn Thompson?!?! Yea a true WTF how did he get next to Stern moment ;-). And this happened all right before halftime. Fantastic stuff. And don't forget the mini standoff between Scott Williams and Gaines in the 3rd. Too bad the Scottie over Ewing Dunk happened in Game 4 :-(

DRAMA - Ah yea the moment Scottie became Snottie. 3.5 secs on the clock, game's tied at 102, Phil calls a TO, draws a play up for....Kukoc?!?! He wasn't even on the court in the final min but here he is getting his number called. Honestly can you be mad at Pip? He was straight killin the Knicks in this game and thought he deserved to be the one to shoot the final bucket. But after just chucking up a horrible shot with 7 secs left in regulation, I think the Bulls staff thought Pip wasn't ready to be THAT GUY. So hence the refusal to go back in and another example of Snottie (the infamous migraine, the public callout of Chuck B on local Houston news) being Snottie.

FUTURE - I didn't realize the '94 Bulls had Kerr, Longley, Kukoc, AND Wennington on the squad. Those were key pieces of the late 90s trifecta. And that team had Grant, Williams, Cartwright, and Armstrong. Key pieces of the early 90s trifecta. Has there ever been a dynasty team not named the Celtics that had a transition like that. That is eerily weird. Extra spooks for John Paxson being a 11th man on the squad after being the hero the previous season in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

COMEDY - Hubie Brown said during the game the Bulls are going to rue the day they didn't sign Horace Grant back in December. At the time, a lotta people felt this was true. And that prophecy came to pass during the following season. But then something magical happened :-)....I wonder if Coach Brown remembers even saying that ;-)

COMEBACKS - The Bulls were laying a smackdown for 3 qtrs. They go cold in the 4th, the Knicks show signs of life in the 4th, complete with the tie game in the final 10 secs. See "Drama" for how the game ended.

Those other games were great for individual performances. But none had THAT much drama in ONE game. ONE friggin game. Excuse me while I kiss the sky......

Da Realist - It was a great game... btw >here is the fight (I posted it under a different name)



Anyway...you gave a pretty good analysis but even with all of that...Best Playoff Game Ever means something different to me. You broke it down into parts, but some games are greater than the sum of their parts. If I had to choose one game to watch before moving on from this world, I can personally think of about 10 games off the top of my head I'd rather watch. If I had 5 or 10 minutes, you can double that number.

In no way is that game with everything considered a better watch for me than the HOU-PHO game where Mario Elie nails the 3 to win at Phoenix. The last 2 games of the 88 Finals...the Kobe-to-Shaq game against Portland in 00...MJ's flu game...Lakers/Kings Robert Horry Game...Game 7 of the same series (Laker/Kings)...93 Bulls/Knicks (Charles Smith game)...84 Lakers Celtics (Heat Exhaustion Game), etc...all those to me are better watches. It's all personal preference but if I had to choose one game, I don't even think of this 94 Bulls/Knicks matchup. And that's not taking anything away from that game, but it's not "best of the best" to me.
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!! The Commission Pick 'Em Returns

Bama vs Virginia Tech

Da Realist - I'm going with Bama in the GA Dome

Gangsta D - I just don't think Tyrod Taylor has that "It" factor that everyone thinks he does. Very inconsistent. With Evans going down with a knee injury, the Hokies will have to rely on Taylor along with inexperienced RBs. The defense will be stout, but Nick Saban is the Devil or at least a close friend of the Devil and he won't allow the Tide to lose this game. Besides, the GA dome has been good to him. Bama

Waldini - I would have easily said Hokies two weeks ago but then they lost Evans, their starting RB for the season and that changes everything. Bama's lost a lot of offensive power but their D returns like 8 or 9 starters. Same for the Hokies. But the game's in ATL which is a home game for Alabama. No sneaking up on teams like they did to Clemson last year. BUT they will get the same result. ALABAMA

Okie St vs UGA

Da Realist - Gimme Georgia

Gangsta D - Tough one. Dez Bryant is a mutha. But the Cowboys aren't very good against ranked BCS teams historically. Richt is a beast on the road, but he's breaking in a new starting backfield. Bill Young will blitz the shit out of Joe Cox, and how he handles that will determine how well the game goes. Remember, last year he had Miami bitch slapping Tebow for 3 quarters. Flip of coin goes to the Cowboys...cause Mike Gundy is a man damn it!

Waldini - The game's in whatever city the Cowboys play in (don't know, don't care LOL). They got most of the entire offense returning. You know the one that was ringing up points like a pinball machine. Georgia's lost Stafford and Moreno.Yet they are ranked #13. You have to love preseason polls. OKLAHOMA ST

Oregon vs Boise St

Da Realist - Boise

Gangsta D - I have no idea about this one. Chip Kelly takes over for Belloti. Boise is crucial at home, even though they haven't played any of note. Boise beat the Ducks last year, so they'll be out for revenge. But...you can't beat the Broncos on the Smurf. Boise wins and starts their trek towards the BCS title game (shudder).

Waldini - Ah that crappy a$ blue turf. Ah well, The Ducks have to get over that plus the beating they took at home to the Broncos last year. New coach for the Ducks but they got their QB and one of their top RBs returning. Broncos still have Peterson running the show and also their top QB returning. But only 12 starters on both sides of the ball return. In Bill Raftery voice "Oh Vern, the Ducks are FLLLLYIIIINNNG." OREGON

Mizzou vs Illinois

Da Realist - Illinois

Gangsta D - How did I know that Waldini would have something to say about this? Can the Tigers replace Maclin and Daniel? Will Juice Williams complete over 50% of his passes? Will Zook straight choke Juice the fuck out if he doesn't? These are the important questions. This is why this game was included. Illini hangs a number on the Tigers.

Waldini - How did this game get on here? What are you a Big 12 lover :-)? Zook. Zook. Zook. Even though I know he can't coach. But Mizzou lost Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin. I hear their backup QB was highly rated coming out of high school. I'm not taking that chance. ILLINOIS

FSU vs The U

Da Realist - FSU

Gangsta D - It's time. It's moment time. The past 5 seasons have sucked ass through a straw. But now, it's time for a mighty hurricane to begin swirling those winds in the Atlantic. Now is the time for the swagger to return. Now is the time to bury Bobby Bowden under the field that bears his name. You know who I got.

Waldini - Did you know this game is not even sold out yet. My how this once super rivalry has fallen. The U can't keep a QB to save its' life and Free Shoes Coach is running on life support. Two uses of the word life in one sentence. I made a funny, dog! Oh yea who wins, I guess FSU since it's at home. FLORIDA ST. Read more!

Trying To Find Some Common Ground

"If she could take that constructively and let me work with her. I'd make her a beast...on some real shit."

James Wade cracks me up, yo. Yesterday our interviewer extroadinaire, Waldini, gave you a peek into the psyche of one of hip hop's rising stars. Today I let you know if the fuss is worth it, as I review "The Common Ground." And the answer is...

Could Do Without

OK, we're going to start off with bad news. There are no perfect albums, although any Led Zeppelin release is close, so there are going to be tracks that sink like a two week old brownie. "Tippin" is one of those tracks. The chorus is irritating ["Tip tipping I'm tipping. Tip tipping I'm tipping.] and the beat is generic. As Mark Jackson would say, "You're better than that." On "Midnight Train," James samples "Don't Stop Believing." While the song isn't horrible, all I could think of was onion rings and Member's Only jackets. Good hip hop shouldn't make you think of greasy food. I'm just saying.

Pretty Cool

Now that we got that little bit of business out of the way, we can delve into more positive aspects. The next group of songs are pleasant enough. "6 In The Morning" is a real cool track. Wade rides the beat perfectly, and gets my head nodding. The only flaw is the chorus, which falls into generic territory. Conversely, "Good Times" succeeds due to the hook. "Smile" has a nice piano intro that slowly draws you into the beat. Wade once again rides the track nicely.

Yeah Boy

Now we've come to the meat and potatoes portion of this meal. These are the tracks that I can ride out to with no hesitation at all. "Man In My City" is that quintessential "south shit" for lack of a better term. Put the top down, crank the volume to 12, and ride out to this one.

"Man In My City"


In some ways "Just A Little" is a breath of fresh air, even though it sounds like something Kanye would have done a couple years ago. I kind of miss the "sped up sample/soul groove." Because, you know it's soulful as opposed to robotic. "Hit Record" has that slow, easy, and soulful [get the picture] groove that makes your neck do that metronome thing.

"Hit Record"


More Awesome Than The Law Allows

"...and that's how you start a record." Yes sir, you are correct. The album starts off perfectly with Wade going off the dome a capella for a solid minute plus, all while rhyming everything in threes. "I Got Somethin' To Say" is that track. Beat? Dope. Flow? Dope. Groove? Dope. This is the song that makes me think that Wade has a definite future in this game.

"I Got Somethin' To Say"


I love "Weatherman" because the hook is infectious. Seriously, I had to take some Thera-Flu the first time I listened to it.

"Weatherman"


I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the hilarious interludes, "She Wack" and "Ain't Saying Much." The quote at the beginning of the review is from "She Wack." Wade then hits us with this on "Ain't Saying Much:" I'd fuck her. That ain't really saying much. I fuck a lot of hoes for no reason." Like I said, James Wade cracks me up.

So what do I think of "The Common Ground?" I like it. I like it a lot. There is some serious potential brewing up inside of J. Wade and I can't wait to see/hear his progression. One of the aspects of this record that I really respect is the amount of attention he gives to writing lyrics. You can tell that he actually puts some thought into what he raps about. That's a facet of the game that is sorely lacking at the moment. Also, I'd love for him to incorporate a few more "soulful" beats on his following albums. I think he's got something going there. So there you have it, "The Common Ground" gets The Commission Stamp Of Approval.

You can purchase the album here.

1) Intro
2) The Greatest (Iambic)
3) Tippin (featuring Dofat and J Sic)
4) Weatherman (featuring Ced Natti and TVs Devon Wade)
5) 6 In The Morning (featuring Eazy)
6) Smile
7) Good Times (featuring AG) (Background Vocals: Emily Cooper)
8) She Wack (Interlude)
9) Famous (featuring TVs Devon Wade and Dofat)
10) Got Somethin’ To Say
11) Man Of My City (featuring Kid Vicious, AP, and S-Dot)
12) Nothins Gonna Stop Me (featuring JUS DEEP)
13) Ain’t Sayin’ Much (Interlude)
14) Jus A Little (featuring Maxx Pain)
15) Midnight Train (Vocals by Michael Brooks)
16) Hit Record (featurin TVs Devon Wade) (Background Vocals: Keyaira Hill)
17) Next 2 Me (Vocals by Courtney Beasley)
18) On My Way (featuring Dofat)

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The Commission Interviews James Wade

The Commission recently interviewed one of the up and coming rappers in the game today... Mr James Wade. Dude brings a refreshing approach to hip hop and he gave me the pleasure of seeing Hip Hop through his eyes. He touches on everything from where he started to being to in college and his thought process for making songs. Pure Fiyah I tell ya!

If you want to know more about James, peep our album review, which is coming in a few days. For now, enjoy the interview! [Ed. note - The album review is live]


How did you get into Hip Hop? Who or What inspired you to be an emcee?

Bone Thugs N Harmony. I remember being a little kid and hearing them for the first time. My mom was big into R&B music but one day I was watching TV, and saw 1st of the month. It was something I never heard before, something different but all I know I was soon after I was trying to mimic everything they did. Even though I couldn’t sing a lick, I eventually started writing music.

What area do you represent?

Actually complex. I was born in Midwest, but I’ve been all over. I’ve spent time in the South because my family is from South. Technically I’ve lived in Georgia as long as I’ve been in Illinois and Ohio which is kinda crazy. I represent everywhere I guess

How does it influence your music?

Honestly I try to embody everything. I’ve always been one to soak in everything that an area gives, the people, the vibe, I tried to soak it up. I try to embrace the music I’m around, even if it’s different from what I normally am around. I like a variety of different artist, so I get exposed to so much, just a fan of everything. My music purposely reflects that.

What are the main themes/topics for your songs?

I try to build my music around a theme. I’m big into projects that have a theme. For example, I have always been a fan of Illmatic, Chronic albums like that where it was a central theme that ran whole album. No matter what song you picked, you knew it was part of a theme. Right now Hip Hop has lost that. I want to give fans what made me love hip hop. I want to take people through a whole experience. I put pieces into the project that will help strengthen the overall theme. I want fans to know I understand what they need as a Hip Hop artist and what I need to get across as a hip hop artist myself. Each song has a touch o f you getting me and you getting what you want: good song structure and good lyrics.

What do you hope to expound on going further?

My overall goal is to reach as many people as possible. I definitely feel that I have the type of music that can appeal to even wider audiences. I try to make music that reflects my life. I hang out with friends from various places, overseas, rich, poor, black, white, everyone I knew in college. It was hard to party without crossing cultural boundaries. Those people have influenced my life, so my music can reach everybody. I want everyone to get a chance to like songs, this is important. Music can bring so many different types of people together.


Could you briefly describe your music making process?

I will sit down over a period of 2 months, talk with different producers, and send them stuff I’ve done. I make songs that are completely different than original versions. I give them an overall view of what I’m looking for, then they send me certain projects. I give them creative freedom, then they can send me what they think works for me. They send me beats, I’ll listen, think to myself, and then usually the chorus pops in my head first. I’ll write it down, and then think of an artist that would make the hook or collabo work. I’ll listen to the beat over and over again, start having random thoughts, and think on the overall direction I’m trying to go.

For example Hit Record, first thing I thought about was strictly a track to let artists know my range as an artist. Talking specifically to females, I wanted to do it in a poetic way, and I kept up with a theme all surrounded around 1961. Everything in verse is centered around that. I first thought of Raisin in the Sun, it was written in 1961. Michael J Fox was born in 1961, so I used the Back to future catch line. So all those lines are 1961 references, and I know folks may or many not catch that. Within songs, I pick different themes to keep songs fresh

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

The business. Learning how to reach a wider audience. Getting people to pay attention to you. I remember being younger and saying I’m a rapper or musician. But there are too many critics but not enough fans, not enough folks giving them a chance. People get on MySpace, post songs out there but a lot of it is trash. Trying to get that initial listen is difficult in today’s market.

How do you get your music out then?

It’s been a different process for me. I started making records because no one was making music I wanted to hear anymore. I also started making records for fun to see if I could do it. My DJ helped me put it in more of a business perspective, got me saying you gotta do this, this, and this to get your music out. The brand has to be so distinctive and professional off the top so people will pay attention. The presentation is the most important thing now. If I have a great presentation and draws people to the music, the music will do the rest. It’s being in magazines and promoting you. It’s the branding to get you to where you want to be.

You seem like a confident guy. Hit Record, The Greatest, I can make you famous, I got something to say, nothing gonna stop me, don't scream I'm nervous and scared :-). What's your motivation?

I’m a fan of the craft in general. My motivation is to keep making music, #1, feel like music is cyclical. I kinda take a sociology perspective: take the game for what it is, don’t get mad at whose popular now. I look at the bigger picture. When I made my first record, if you told me I was going to be interviewed, I would not have believed you. I got into it for the craft. Music goes in cycle, people that got into it for fame and money, when they realize sales are going down, and then those people start to drop off due to lack of fame and money. Only people left are those that enjoy the craft.

I am Hip Hop, if 100 people buy the record, I’m still representing hip hop. We’re not all in it for the same thing. Some want a hit record. Some want to get heard on the radio. Me, I want to reach as many people as I can and hope they enjoy the music. I enjoy the fact the people enjoy it more than I enjoy it. And I want to enjoy it more than they enjoy it. I’m a fan of myself. You cannot be a great artist without being a fan of what you do. I was not a fan of myself until I started making records now. It was continuation process to get to that point. Motivation is I can get better.

Is it true you do your own production? Why is that?

I definitely don’t do it on my own. I doesn’t think it limits me. It allows me to be as versatile. So when I get a beat, I put my own spin on it. That producer may think of something I may never have thought of. I have people that don’t listen to rap primarily come into studio with me and have them hopefully say “I like that”. That means those folks represent a wider audience and help me make better records. I don’t compromise my music. I’m a fan of the music. For example, I listen to Soulja Boy and try to understand his process for making records b/c obviously he’s been successful at what he’s done

Did you really sample Perfect Strangers and Journey LOL? You are truly an 80s babies

I went to University of Dayton. I would go into bars and they would always play the Journey song. Like I said, I’m observant, being a sponge, was sent the beat, and said I will base my song around the original version but I put my spin on it so it doesn’t come off corny. I saw the opportunity to do something unique and said let me see what I can do with it.

Autotune - Hate it or Love it?

Neutral. One I don’t agree with everyone doing it. I’ve worked with a lot of independent artists, including one that used Autotune and sung the whole record. I enjoy it to a degree but it may be a crutch to some artists. I’m a fan of the craft itself, more observer than critic. It happens and it’s happening for a reason, all it is meant is to setup something else. Think of how in different time periods, hip hop is criticized. Not necessarily like what it’s doing to the game but also know for some artists, it’s a place for that. Oversaturation of anything can be harmful. For example, Clipse talking about nothing but pushing drugs.

Any Last Words?

One I appreciate the opportunity to take time out. This is great for me. It is definitely a pleasure. To my fans, I appreciate your support and standing by me. I promise to continue to strive and do whatever to get my music out there. It means more than anything to me. They are my motivation to me, will be a reason why I do music. My projects are self funded but this is my passion and I do it for them.
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You Better Work It!

Here's a pretty cool project that is going down for all my Atlanta fashionistas. The Catwalk Project is coming to the ATL this fall and it looks pretty interesting.

The Catwalk Project is a competition between fashion designers and model groups or agencies, who are considered to be the “Top” in town. The designers will display their clothes to be judged in four showcase competitions. The model groups/agencies will compete on their creative use of the runway in their competitions. The first showcase will be in November ‘09. At the end of each showcase the number of designers and model groups will decrease. Those shows will lead to six finalist (3 designers and 3 model groups/agencies) who will then display their creative line and final routines in the fifth show, “Somewhere Ova,” a fashion theatrical production written and directed by R. Morsell, to be held in April 2010.

If you're in the fashion industry and are an ATLien, you should definitely check this out. The young lady in charge of the program is quite impressive and it's sure to be a stellar competition. Read more!

Tell Me How My Forehead Tastes

Everyone's favorite seven foot-two basketball'n, break dancing, wanna be sheriff is going to be on Sports Soup (Versus) tonight at 10:00. Take a look at the sneak peak below, where Shaq kisses a man on the forehead, attempts to spell Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and lays claim to being the world's greatest rapper over six feet.

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Apparently There Are Three Different Ways To Spell "Bust"

Da Realist:

Ouch

Their football futures were so bright, their potential so limitless, it would have been hard to imagine that the three college superstars had just peaked. Bush, Young and Leinart were taken Nos. 2, 3 and 10, respectively, in the 2006 NFL draft. But in the three years since, Canton has faded beyond the horizon as expectations have been adjusted downward for the once-dazzling trio.

Waldini:

Yea I read this yesterday too and had the same thoughts. You did hear Vince say this offseason that he wants to start AND he is going to the HOF right :-)? If you saw the preseason game against the hapless Bills on Sun, you would say Vince um maybe you just need to shut up and play....

Gangsta D:

The funny thing is, there's still time for redemption...well maybe not for Leinart.

Waldini:

There's still time even for him. I mean Kurt Warner ain't 28, he's 38 :-) Read more!

Can I Get A Hell...Wait, I'm Outta Here

Da Realist:

This is old as shit but I just stumbled on it. The way these guys are whining for sympathy on a WWE sponsored show is hilarious. Have either of you seen this?

WWE Confidential - Stone Cold Walkout (Pt. 1)


WWE Confidential - Stone Cold Walkout (Pt. 2)


Waldini:

I heard about this but never saw it. If one didn't know the full story, you say man that Stone Cold is a sumbitch. But I remember how 1) Vince screwed Bret hart in '97 (go watch that doc, it's eye opening) and 2) "issues" were resolved because Stone Cold not only appeared on future wrestling shows but his movies are produced through the WWE. Plus watch Vince on non-WWE programming like HBO's Late Night with Bob Costas. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

One of the user comments said it best. WWE, WWF, whatever hasn't been the same since Stone Cold and the Rock stopped wrestling full time.

Da Realist:

You can usually tell a lot about a person by how they handle difficult situations. I'm not talking about Stone Cold Steve Austin here, I'm talking about the WWE.

Stone Cold was there long enough for them to keep that shit behind closed doors. All that "but, but, but...the people want to know" is just bullshit. You got wrestlers dying left and right and somehow WWE keeps most of the details in house. You got the whole industry roided up, yet somehow WWE keeps most of their records private. But THIS... they wanted all the details to come out.

That WWE-sponsored cryfest was meant to do one thing -- bury Stone Cold's career. Maybe it was justified by Steve's actions, maybe it wasn't. But don't go on and on and on about handling things like a man and then spend so much effort ruining his reputation -- a reputation that took years for him and the company to build. The whole show was a way for Vince McMahon to ruin him publicly. Anything other than that was a lie.

They could have just told him to pack his bags and then told the public there was a mutual seperation. Or reduced his salary and/or appearances. What they did was a bitchmove.

Waldini:

Considering Stone Cold was one of the main reasons the WWE was able to finally overtake WCW as the #1 wrestling brand, you figure they wouldn't do something like that. I mean it was a fact many folks didn't care for Rock deciding to "retire" from wrestling and pursue acting so they didn't bury him either.

Again I point to the Bret Hart fiasco. He was torn leaving the WWE, ultimately chose WCW, but did tell Vince he would drop the belt on national TV cleanly but only not in Calgary. Vince agreed. What does he do? He plots w/Shawn Michaels and you know the rest. The following night on Raw, they insult Bret more, play his music, and bring out a midget dressed like him.

Funny, WWE is in an odd place. Very similar to the early 90s when the product got stale. Kinda reap what you sow. Unfortunately TNA is nowhere near WCW, ECW is a joke unlike the 90s and it adds up to a boring time for wrestling. Shocking for me, a huge wrestling fan to write that. Read more!

Don't Confuse This With Just Rap Music

"Ya boy is back."

The long awaited, much anticipated, hyperbolicaly hyped Blueprint 3 is ready to be dropped on us like a care package sent from above. Hov has already hit us up with a video for D.O.A., and now he's back at it again. This time he brought a couple friends with him.

Deep in the New York City boroughs of Queens, it is not often you will find loads of heavy camera equipment and crews setting for what seems like preparation of a monumental event. It was, in fact, the area of choice for the filming of Run This Town, a single off of Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 featuring Kanye West and Rihanna.

The iconic three met to shoot the video in Queens Thursday morning (August 6) - the filming, however, did not take place in familiar neighborhoods such as Hollis or Queens Bridge. Instead, history filled the air as cameras rolled in the Civil War site of Fort Totten Park.


The theme for Run This Town seemed to be of rebellious or even militant sorts. As photos of the shoot quickly leak all over the internet, the trio of artists can be seen in black-clad attire; with Rihanna sporting sleek leather shorts and boots - Kanye and Jay beside her disguised behind bandanas and sunglasses.

A setting of warfare - with overturned vehicles and enraged fires - was only complimented by the mass amounts of extras Jay requested to have included in the scenes. It was said over 80 people (also dressed in black) were filmed "rallying the troops," all to support the likes of Hov, Rihanna, and Yeezy. The vision and direction of the video was led by Anthony Mandler.

Blueprint 3 drops on September 11. Read more!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel

Da Realist:

DAMN, I forgot how dirty this dude was.

Malone isn't just vicious, he gets away with it! Over the years, the NBA has consistently overlooked Malone and his dirty play.

Waldini:

This link was tight, how did you find this? Man, I knew about some of these incidents but not all. Definitely was a dirty dude, wonder when Stockton's "tribute" is coming :-)

Oh yea, funny enough Marshall would end up playing with Malone a few years after that incident so I guess all was forgiven.

Da Realist:

Someone sent it to me.

I'm with you. I knew he was dirty, but I forgot half the things on this list. And even the things I knew...I didn't know all the details. That game where he laid out Isiah Thomas...I saw the highlights but the game was never broadcast nationally so I didn't see the circumstances surrounding it.

I DO, however, remember how he knocked out David Robinson. That was just ugly. I do feel good that coward never won a ring. Read more!

So, Pretty Much No One Trusts Vince McMahon?

Da Realist:

Sting explains why he didn't go to the WWE.



Waldini:

So that was the reason! Dude must have been a prophet because they completely buried the WCW guys. With the exception of Booker T's short title run, Flair's run with Evolution, they did treat those dudes like garbage. Read more!

Let's Have Church

When I was a kid, I loved going to church just so I could hear the choir sing. I would sit behind the drummer pantomiming every drum beat, while soaking up the harmonies coming from the choir. I even loved going to choir practice with my mom. How nerdy is that? At any rate, that was a long time ago but i still have a certain soft spot in my cold heart for a good gospel choir. Which, in turn, brings me to Verizon Wireless' "How Sweet The Sound" church choir competition.

The 2009 How Sweet the Sound competition brings together choirs to perform and compete for a chance to earn the title of best church choir in their hometowns, a cash prize of up to $15,000, and the opportunity to represent their city in the grand finale concert later this year. How Sweet the Sound floor seats are $7 and lower- and upper-tier seats are available for $5. Performances will take place at the following venues this fall:

Houston – Sept. 19, Toyota Center
St. Louis – Sept. 21, Scottrade Center
Washington, D.C. – Sept. 24, Verizon Center
Newark, N.J. – Sept. 25, Prudential Center
Philadelphia – Sept. 26, Wachovia Center
Detroit – Sept. 28, Joe Louis Arena
Chicago – Sept. 30, United Center
Atlanta – Oct. 2, Philips Arena
Memphis, Tenn. – Oct. 5, FedExForum
Los Angeles – Oct. 8, The Forum
Oakland, Calif. – Oct. 10, ORACLE Arena

Read more!

The Champ Is Here!

Well, it's time for another liquor review. As you know, my girl and I have taken it upon ourselves to review various spirits over the last several months. I usually whip up a batch of greasy food, and we spend the night pigging out and polishing off the bottle. We then, in a semi-coherent state, write the review. Up next on the list was 1800 Silver Tequila.

For the night, I cooked up two pounds of shrimp and a pound of Rogerwood sausage to munch on. My girl came over, and we got down to business. The first thing I noticed was the "100 Proof" in BIG letters on the front of the bottle. I looked at Angel, and said "Damn." We had no idea what we were in store for. Once I pulled the cork out, I knew it was on. I was like, "Babe. This is gonna be a problem."

This is how the night went:

1st shot - Shaken/straight up: "Wow! That...is strong. Let's try it without smelling it.

2nd shot - Shaken/straight up: "Wow! Let's try it with table salt."

3rd shot - Shaken/Table salt chaser: "Wow! Let's try the kosher salt."

4th shot - Shaken/Kosher salt chaser: "Wow! Let's...have another. What? You don't have to drive."

5th shot - Shaken/Kosher salt chaser: "Wow! Let's...not drink anymore tonight. I see three of you and only one of you is cute."

My girl and I...how can I put this? When it comes to alcohol, we "ain't no punks." We can put down liquor like it's apple juice. But we may have met our match with the 1800 Silver. It's a powerful liquor that suffers no amateurs. Only the experienced drinker need apply, because the 100 Proof designation is not a typo. We couldn't finish the bottle, and it took me a week and a half to write this review. That's the kind of sway that it holds.

The 1800 Silver is not a casual, sipping spirit. It is a "get together with your friends, and a have an absolute freaking blast, cause no one will be lucid in 20 minutes" spirit. Read more!

L.O. MIA in L.A.?

Da Realist:

WHOA... where have I been? You guys might let Odom slip through your fingers??? That's big shit right there. You don't win without Odom next year -- especially with Boston getting Rasheed Wallace. Kupchak better show him the money or the Lakers can kiss their chances for a repeat goodbye.

Surprised y'all haven't brought this up. Losing Odom is a bigger deal than getting Artest.

By the way...DAMN Boston! They just got Rasheed Wallace to back up Kevin Garnett. That. Is. HUGE. Neither can lead a team right now, but together? That's an old poor man's Duncan/Robinson 99 -- which might actually work in today's league. Ten years ago? Nah... But today? It might just work. Who's gonna beat them? Not Cleveland. Not Orlando. And not LA if they let Odom move to Miami.

Waldini:

You're right unfortunately. Problem is LO and his agent are playing hardball for no reason. Lakers gave Odom and initial offer of 7M a yr, 3 yrs. Obviously Odom's camp said no, wanted more money and years. Lakers kept upping the deal until the last offer of 9M, 4 yrs. Odom's people want 10M, 5 yrs. Problem is no one can give him what he wants. Heat is trying to be a player by offering 6.6M, 5 yrs but that's still less than what LA is offering.

Yep if LA does not re-sign LO, pretty hard to see them repeating, particularly with that bench.

Funny comparison on Boston. I'm actually high on Boston, Orlando, and San Antonio's offseasons. Getting Sheed is huge as he's like Shaq. Gets bored with his environment afterwhile then gets motivated when in a new potentially winning situation.

Da Realist:

LA needs Odom and Odom knows it. Wouldn't you play hardball if you were in that situation? They can't win without Odom. He's not a franchise player, he's an average 2nd option, but he's a GREAT 3rd option. What it boils down to for the Lakers is this -- how much is a potential run to the championship worth? They have a 50/50 chance to win with Odom as a 3rd option. It's much worse without him.

Odom knows this. Given the circumstances, I think the Lakers front office is the one playing hardball.

Just like Toni Kukoc. He was soft, he played no defense and he was too concerned with scoring to be a franchise player. But he was great as a 3rd option for the Bulls. And the Bulls needed him to win the last 2 titles.

Gangsta D:

How much leverage does he really have? Let's say he goes to Miami. They ain't winning the title next year. I don't care if they do get Boozer. They're not beating Boston, Orlando, or Cleveland. So, is he gonna take less money just to not make the Finals next year? That'll really show the Lakers:)

Da Realist:

True. But he's betting the house that the Lakers aren't as comfortable as they are letting on. Who's going to blink first? Odom has a ring and is now looking for 5 years of guaranteed millions. If he never wins another ring, he's probably satisfied with his career.

The Lakers want to win more and know they have only a small window with Kobe. Kobe's only 30 but he's already played 1123 total games (Michael Jordan only played 1109 total games for the Bulls). Plus all indications point to this being the last season Phil Jackson is the coach. Plus plus, they got older when they dealt Ariza for Artest.

I'd play hardball if I was Odom.

Waldini:

Interesting from Sun Sentinel

The thing about Lamar Odom is he wants to be wanted, wants to be appreciated for the unique skill set he provides. Perhaps it comes down to the unceasing recruitment he enjoyed coming out of high school. Perhaps it was the attention he received from the Heat and others before the 1999 NBA Draft. What works in the Heat's favor is the Lakers' limiting their offer to about $9 million guaranteed a season. That would mean earning $3 million less next season than Andrew Bynum, $7 million less than Pau Gasol. The frustration is understandable, considering how Odom sacrificed a starting role and statistics to help the Lakers win a championship. But at the mid-level with the Heat, it would leave Odom earning $2 million less than Mark Blount next season, about a quarter as much as Jermaine O'Neal, less than Udonis Haslem, and only nominally more than Michael Beasley or James Jones. It's still a longshot, and an issue that should be settled relatively soon. The odds and the numbers, though, certainly are not in the Heat's favor, no matter how hearty the embrace."

So would you rather earn less than Bynum or Blount? Gasol or O'Neal?

Da Realist:

As we all know...it's about male pride. We know how we get. Feed the man's ego or watch the Finals at home next year. Or get pummeled by Boston again.

Waldini:

LO's agent should ask so you want to spend the luxury tax to go fishing in May or do you want to spend the luxury tax to pop champagne in June?

Da Realist:

The tricky part is...even with Odom the Lakers aren't guaranteed anything. The Celtics could still beat them. I don't know what is (was?) wrong with Garnett but now he only has to shoulder half the load. Wallace is very good as a 3rd or 4th option and both guys can exert more energy on defense since they don't have to shoulder as much of a load offensively. They are going to make Pierce and Ray Allen look like good perimeter defenders. That's a good deal. Did Boston lose anyone? Or did they just snatch Wallace from Detroit for nothing?

Pierce, Ray Allen, Garnett, Wallace and Rondo. That's a damn good starting lineup right there. Or they could bring Wallace in to solidify the 2nd unit. Damn Ainge knows what he's doing, doesn't he? If the chemistry is right, the Lakers probably won't beat them anyway. Wallace and Garnett just nullified Gasol and Odom. Maybe moreso. And that really was the Lakers biggest advantage over everyone else -- Length.

Gangsta D:

How did Boston get younger? Sheed is older than us. Garnett is older than us. Jesus is damn sure older than us. Pierce is the same age as us. Garnett has played close to 1000 games, himself. And he's coming off of a knee injury, that we don't know the severity of. I don't see this as a slam dunk. I don't see any team as a prohibitive favorite going into next year, whether LO resigns or not. Lot of Paper Champions in the league in July. Read more!

New School Music - Call it What you Want edition

Again, another 4 months has passed since the last batch of the Commission's New School Music. This time, Waldini cannot blame the lack of music, because I've heard a few bangers. It's all on me as I'm being worn out by my Transformers, aka cute kids in disguise :-).

I digress. Some oldies, some newies to keep you going in this hot ass Summer!

Kid Cudi f Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Common - Make Her Say

Publish Post

Quick history, the real name of the song is "I Poke Her Face" but obviously the MTVs and BETs of the world have censored that title. Lady Gaga's hook is hypnotic to the point where you just find yourself like damn. Strong bars from all 3, including the New Kid on the Block in Mr Cudi. "Day N Nite" was dope. This song is dope. He drops a 3rd banger and the album is copped not burned :-)

KiD CuDi Ft Kanye West & Common Make Her Say
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Method Man and Redman - Mrs International

Truth - "Blackout" was not a bad album. Hip Hop's Cheech and Chong just dropped it 5 years too late. Their sequel also is being dropped too late (almost 10 yrs after the first one). But this song's beat is hot. And the video is hilarious, particularly the Doo Wop look. That Obama line from Red is pretty tight. Thanks K Dawg for hippin' me to the game.



B.O.B - Put Me On (remix)

What'chu know about B.O.B pimp? Cat is the child that OutKast bore: Part Big Boi, Part 3 stacks. Don't believe, go peep Haterz Everywhere and I'll be in the Sky. Throw in this infectious track and this cat has range. I'll doubt he'll blow up like 'Kast but he should have a loyal following. Bonus points for paying homage to the golden age by using the same sample ATCQ used for "Bonita Applebaum.




Drake - Best I Ever Had

Aw yes, the new "IT" rapper. I'm not gonna front, I really tried hard to hate on Drake. All the pre-hype about him being the next big thing had me already in pure hater mode. But then I heard his verse on Weezy's "Every Girl" and then I heard this a few weeks later on the radio. Dude's hype is worth it so far. Hoping he can keep it up. DISCLAIMER - This video is not for the female audience..LOL




Come Around Song of the Week

Jay Z - DOA (Death of Autotune)

Come around means I did not like the song initially and took me a few spins to come around and see the light. Tight Tight sent me this first and my first response was like "Eh I've heard better Jay Z songs and better songs playing today." One day I was driving, heard the song, and it just hit me. Like damn, this shhh is hot. I've seen the light Tight Tight, I've come around. Shock to those who think I'm a Jigga groupie ;-).

Read more!

This Is What Your Mama Warned You About

So as you know, my girl and I are connoisseurs of fine liquors. During one of our never ending searches for new spirits, we came across 1800 Select Silver. Neither of us had tried it before, so we decided that we'd give it a test drive. The fact that it's 100 proof, and it's just hard as Hades to legally find 100 proof liquors, didn't hurt matters.

When the package arrived, we were intrigued by the two and a half foot box. I wondered just how big this bottle of tequila was. After tearing through the packaging, we were sort of let down by the sight of the nine inch bottle. Nevertheless, upon opening the bottle we realized that the size of the box was necessary in order to contain the toe curling awesomeness that lied within. One sniff of the cap and we knew that this wasn't something to take lightly. They weren't joking about 100 proof.

Now, I must say that neither my girl nor I are soft when it comes to liquor. We'll try ANYTHING once. But right now? Trying that 1800? Nah, we're gonna have to postpone this drinking session for a little bit. Have no fears. We will tackle the 1800 Silver, probably later on tonight. But first we have to get our collective minds right. Stay tuned for the actual review. It promises to be one Hell of a barn burner. Read more!

Let Me See Your O-Face!!!

Update: Check out the five finalists!

The contest was phenomenally popular, with over 4,000 entries and millions of votes. With entries from professional actors to the average joe - and from across the country to across the pond – it wasn’t easy to narrow it down. Now we’re left with a Texan, a New Jersyan and three New Yorkers as the race continues to heat up!

Hmmmmm...vodka. I love vodka. One might say that it is my favorite refreshment after water, and water isn't in the lead by much. My new favorite brand (honest to God) is Three Olives Pomegranate. Take a glass, pour in the Pomegranate, and top it off with some Sprite. That is mighty good drinking folks. Mighty. Good. So you can imagine how giddy I was when the good people at Three Olives dropped me a line about a contest they're sponsoring.

As part of a new multi-million dollar integrated advertising campaign, www.ThreeOlives.com now includes an interactive contest that invites users to upload a photo of their best “O-face” – the look of surprise one has after tasting a shockingly delicious Three-O Vodka drink. At the conclusion of the campaign on May 31, 2009, 5 finalists will be chosen, flown to NYC, given the VIP treatment and given a photo shoot. Of the 5 finalists, 1 grand prize winner will be Three-O’s next “O-Face”, awarded $10,000 and be featured in a national ad campaign.

So there you have it. You can win $10,000 and be featured in a national ad. I'm not sure that I'll enter the contest, as I'm a bit camera shy. But I will probably be drinking Three Olives nonetheless. Gotta get some sprite, though. Running a tad low.

Read more!