No Dome Field Advantage

Waldini:

Well by now, you've heard Weis is out at ND. I'm not going to do the obvious that other media types will do today which is add salt to the wound, talking about Weis was never this, never that, yada yada. I'm going straight at the ND athletic staff that has been out of touch since Holtz "retired" from there. They are like those small towns that have one high school and that high school;s football program means everything to the high school alum and town folks. And like those small town folks, they have lost touch with reality. Back in the day, yea you're program was king but this ain't the 50s (hell not even the 80s during the Tony Rice days).

It's 2009 and the reality is ND will not be consistently on top. Like every other program (see USC, see Oklahoma, see Texas, hell even see Nebraska right now), you will have periods like this where the program is mediocre or below average. Patience, which seems to be lacking everywhere in sports these days, is a must. Too bad ya'll dumb asses will have to learn it the hard way via a $15 million dollar buyout for firing him early. You deserve everything bad that happens to that program.

Yep Thanksgiving is over Commission :-)

Gangsta D:

Yep, pretty much. Definitely was a brilliant idea to lock him up with a ten year extension after a loss. It's leadership like that from the "front office" that would instill the utmost confidence in me if I were a Domer. Suck it, Notre Dame. Suck it, harder than Vanessa Del Rio...

Waldini:

The crazy part is that Weis is telling folks at least 6 NFL teams have contacted him about being an NFL offensive coordinator again. Why is that an issue? Because folks like Romeo Crennel, Art Shell either had to wait many years or never were contacted by the same folks about taking over similar roles (defensive coordinator, o line coach, etc). Hmmm....

Gangsta D:

Charlie is gonna be just fine. ND is paying him out the ass, and he's gonna get a multi-million dollar coordinator job. Only in America, can abject failure make you filthy rich...

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How Do You Spell Excommunicated? N-u-k-e-e-s-e

Waldini:

And I thought it would be Brown not Richardson who would be the off the field distraction.

Kiffin says wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and defensive back Mike Edwards have been permanently dismissed from the football team.

Guess Lane said, new day, new era, no toleration. No chicken shit I'm suspend you a half or a game against a weak opponent. Your ass is just gone. And that's crazy considering Nu'Keese had been their best receiver.

Gangsta D:

He had to do it. He already has little credibility and respect in the conference. If he let it ride, he would've been in the deep deep shits. The funny thing is how Miami fans were pissed at Shannon for not recruiting him last year. Sometimes you gotta look past the 4.3 time:)

Waldini:

Yea like check his backpack to see if he's carrying a pellet gun...

It is really hard to have credibility in a conference with Houston Nutt, Nick Satan, Urban Liar, and the Ole Daggum (Humbled) ball coach. But it took years for them to get that "respectability". I see what you're saying Kiffin needs to do some more violating, which considering his track record, we prbly in for a treat come next Spring

"Kiffin picks up recruiting violation number 4080 by showing up at the SEC title game with two local hs players"

Gangsta D:

The funniest thing of the weekend, which in retrospect shouldn't be funny but it was to me cause I'm an idiot, was the back of the Gamecock jerseys. Honor? Integrity? In the SEC? Not even Spurrier could look at that shit with a straight face:)

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No Calibos?!? Bump This!

Gangsta D:

Clash Of The Titans Trailer

Waldini:

I didn't see the Cracken :-(. You can forget about it LOL

Da Realist:

Looks like Calibos is in it.

However, the film is going in a new direction. It's cool, because these Greek mythology stories have 1000 different variations anyway. I can't wait. Can you imagine this story with "Lord of the Rings" type special effects?

Waldini:

I did like the way the new Medusa looked....

Maybe I'm just a dude who longs for the past too much. They have so many 80s remakes coming out - this, Red Dawn, or have come out - Land of the Lost, Last House on the Left, I'm just a little skeptical. Visual effects look great, just worried about the plot....Heck I even learned they are remaking the horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night, which the original scared the shit out of me when I first saw it....
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Welcome To Cleveland

Waldini:

I was reading CNNSI's Truth and Rumors, two reports circulating about either AI or Stephen Jackson going to Cleveland. Maybe I'm crazy but how do either of them help the Cavs?? I know they are barely above .500 but the season is young. Adding either would just turn that team into Turmoil Town. It's not even November and the wheels are starting to come off....not a good look Dan :-)

Gangsta D:

I think they're coming to the conclusion that the Shaq Experiments will not work out and they're grasping for anything to keep Bron in town. This will not end well.

Waldini:

It doesn't help that Shaq's wife filed for divorce again, apparently cuz he was creepin out with Agent Zero's fiancee. Just crazy in its own right. So more drama, although that shouldn't really impact on court stuff, you know they will use that as an excuse for Shaq being unfocused if he doesn't live up to the billing.

I said this last year and I'll say it again. They need a true Defender. Sideshow Anderson is not it. Delonte West is not it. Mo Williams just scores but can't stop his shadow. Parker might be the most capable but he's on the wrong side of 30. They are still better than most of the NBA but they got Shaq, Moon, Parker, etc for one reason.....to win a title. But do you think they could beat the Celtics or Magic in a 7 game series in the East? Prove me wrong King James.

Gangsta D:

Yeah, everyone got better and they may be worst than they were last year. A title ain't happening this year unless Garnett's knee explodes and Dwight's right arm falls off. The thing that kills me is when Shaq and Z play together. That is just a cluster of fuckosity. This will not end well:)

Waldini:

fuckosity LMAO
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Who Ya Got?!?!

UF-UGA

Waldini - I guess that talk about Tebow being the greatest of all time in college football have died down. Funny what happens when you don't have playmakers around you. But even without the Harvins of the world, they are still the class of the SEC East. So the largest cocktail party will be doing the Gator chomp post game. GATORS

Gangsta D - If the Dawgs' D actually had a pulse, I would feel more confident in a UGA win. Nevertheless, it's funny how Tebow gets all the credit when the offense is rolling, but when it struggles it's "Well the line play is poor, he doesn't have down field threat, the play calling is lackluster." Or maybe he's not the GOD people made him out to be. Anyway, I hope GA wins just to shut up the douchebag Gator fans I have to deal with. But, I'm going with Florida.

Da Realist - Florida

USC-Oregon

Waldini - Interesting game. Oregon after the embarrassing loss and post game fiasco to Boise St, have quietly moved up the rankings. Barkley's not the 2nd coming of say Matt Leinart but honestly he doesn't have to be (although I think he will end up being better). Game's in Autzen. Call me crazy, but I believe "the DUCKS will be flying VERNE ". Sorry bad imitation of Bill Raftery. DUCKS

Gangsta D - Freshman QB. Autzen Stadium. Real good Oregon team. I think the Ducks do it.

Da Realist - USC

Texas-OK St

Waldini - Easy one for me. No Dez Bryant + surprisingly good Texas D = a L for the Cowboys. LONGHORNS

Gangsta D - McCoy goes off. Okie St keeps it close for three quarters before Sergio Kindle removes Zach Robinson's spleen in the 4th.

Da Realist - Texas

Miami-Wake Forest

Waldini - I think Harris rebounds nicely in this one. 'CANES

Gangsta D - "Jacory's only a sophomore. Jacory's only a sophomore. Jacory's only a sophomore." Which means, he's gonna make some mistakes. Hopefully, he doesn't make 4 of them again this week. Miami wins a closer than needs to be game. This team is still a year away, but damn I wish that year would hurry up and get here.

Da Realist - Miami

Tenn-S Cack

Waldini - Weird feeling about my boys. I've said repeatedly the D and running game are straight. It's the QB play that's killed them. Actually shoulda beat Alabama last week but you know how I feel about woulda coulda shoulda. The 'Cocks should win because their O is better. But I'm still salty at one of my boys, a former SC alumni, for having the nerve to debate why Obama didn't deserve the Nobel Peace prize and in the process couldn't spell to save his ass. Just because I'm hating....VOLS

Gangsta D - No fucking idea. Aren't they basically the same team? Tough stingy defenses with strong running games and erratic QBs. Coin flip goes to...........S. Cack, just because Kiffin is trying to impede on our recruiting efforts. They need another couple of losses to make recruits think twice.

Da Realist - Tennessee


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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.
Read more!

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.

Read more!

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!