NCAA Basketball...

Plenty of college basketball action today. Two teams that I liked in particular today, and expect to make serious noise this season were Michigan St. and Marquette. And they have one major thing in common: great guard play. #12 Michigan St. beat Kansas 75-62. Interestingly, Michigan St. shot a lower percentage from the field than Kansas did, but the difference was at the free-throw line, where the Spartans had 9 more points than the Jayhawks. Sophomore guard Kailin Lucas led Michigan St. with 22, while Kansas Junior Sherron Collins had 25. In addition to Lucas, the Spartans have a handful of guards including Travis Walton, Durrell Summers, and Chris Allen.

In a rugged Big East matchup, Marquette topped West Virginia, 75-53. Jerel McNeal put in 26 for the Golden Eagles. Dude has emerged as the best of Marquette's lethal three-headed guard attack. When McNeal, Dominic James, and Wesley Matthews all came in as freshmen, it was James who was considered the cream of the crop - and rightfully so. But James' numbers have declined since then, and McNeal's defense has set him apart as the best of the three. They say guard play is what is most important come tournament time, and with all that experience McNeal, James, and Matthews bring as seniors, along with junior Maurice Acker, I think Marquette has a good chance at making strong run in the tournament.

Top 25 Scores...1/10/09 (road team listed first. winner in bold)

#2 Duke 66, Florida St. 58

#5 UCONN 81, Cincinnati 62 

#6 Oklahoma 61, Kansas St. 53

Iowa St. 67 , #7 Texas 75

#9 Syracuse 82, Rutgers 66

Providence 75, #10 Georgetown 82  

N.C. St. 51, #11 Clemson 63

Kansas 62, # 12 Michigan St. 75

Seton Hall 79, # 13 Notre Dame 88

#22 West Va. 53, #15 Marquette 75

Oregon 58, #16 Arizona St. 76

#21 Louisville 61, #17 Villanova 60

Detroit 50, #20 Butler 54

Texas Tech 61, #23  Baylor 73

Miami (FL) 77, # 24 Boston College 71

#25 Tennessee 86, Georgia 77

Also, Georgia Tech lost to Maryland in College Park, 68-61. Shouts out to my boy Shump who had 9 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists for G-Tech, who fell to 9-6.

NFL Playoffs...

Did not see this coming. The Cardinals not only surprised many by winning last week, but even more so after beating the Panthers today in Charlotte 33-13. Their defense shut down Carolina, and forced Jake Delhomme into throwing 5 interceptions. Delhomme, who's main job was to NOT TURN THE BALL OVER, looked terrible. He was constantly forcing the ball into double coverage, and you can see how that worked out. But Arizona deserves their credit. Their running game was on point, and Kurt Warner was steady. After struggling at the end of the season I was counting the Cardinals out, especially after being blown out of the water by New England, 47-7, in week 16, and Philly, 48-20, in week 13. But the stepped up to the plate, and will look to carry that momentum into the conference championship game next week.

P.S. Larry Fitzgerald is a beast and has the best hands in the league. Hands down.

In the AFC, Baltimore beat Tennessee in a slugfest, 13-10. As expected both teams defenses dominated the game, and in the end, it came down to turnovers. The Titans had 3 inside the 20, and the Ravens had 0. Matt Stover hit a 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds. Baltimore's lone touchdown came on a 48-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Mason. Joe Flacco is just a rookie, but you can't tell from the way he's handled himself this season. 

Play of the game: Ray Lewis knocking Titan fullback Ahmard Hall's helmet off.

P.S. Big ups to Ravens' safety Ed Reed, who was the only unanimous Pro-Bowl pick.

Pics Via: ESPN

Who's The Best Player In The League? According to ESPN, it's King James...

Damn get off his nuts, lmao. LeBron is a freak, and I think when it's all said and done, he could become the greatest player ever. Physically, he's unreal. Think, since coming into the league in '03, he's grown an inch and put on 35 pounds of muscle. But right now, I gotta go with Kobe. Skill-wise he has no weakness, and LeBron's jumper still isn't always there. I'm predicting/looking forward to a Lebron-Kobe showdown in June.

Curren$y Tha Hot Spitta Interview...

"B*****s know the planes got it"

Get Ya Kick Game Proper

I'm still drooling over these. If you're a sneakerhead or hoophead, then you remember these Nike Air Foamposite's from the 90's.  This is the "Eggplant" colorway, and, despite a retail price of $200, these are still one of the most anticipated releases of the year. 

Click for more pics. 

Release date: February 2009

Via: nicekicks.com

"Stop Searching For The E's Cause The O's Is Long, Now Go And Put Your Play Cloths On"

NEW PLAY CLOTHS TEES...

The Presidential Inauguration Tee. Made especially for the upcoming Presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. The shirts are exclusive to the D.C. area, but you can order them from the Play Cloths website.

The Clipse new clothing line Play Cloths is on point. I gotta get my hands on some, but it's sold out everywhere.

Via: nahright.com & playcloths.com 

Celtics Slide Continues......Lose To Cavs 98-83

And to think, just a month ago, people were wondering if this Celtics team had a chance to best the Bulls' 72-10 season. 

^^^That's called the dookey face, lol.

New Music: Weezy & Pharrell

Here's a new track from Lil' Wayne feat. Pharrell called "Yes!". Of course, Skateboard P cooked up some crack for the beat, and Weezy does his thing on here......Although he does say, "Weezy F baby and the F is for Phenomenal"....hmmmmm.  Not sure about that.

• Lil Wayne Feat. Pharrell - Yes!
  

Juelz Goes In....

Via: defsounds.com

Top 5 Dead or Alive?.....Two New Tracks From Jadakiss

Kiss is a beast. I can't wait to hear the album - The Last Kiss - if it ever stops getting pushed back. 

• Can't Stop Me

• I Stay Ten Toes Down
  

And a new Busta Ryhmes joint Jada's featured on along with Jeezy. Off Busta's upcoming album - Back On My Bullshit.

• Conglomerate
  

Via: defsounds.com

"What would you do for a Klondike, or two dykes that look Christina Milian-like, hmmmm I'll be on time for that"

Dime of the Week: Christina Milian...

Word to Kanye. I think we can all agree we'd be on time for a meeting with Christina Milian. 

Follow Up on Police Shooting In Oakland...

Protesters were out in California in defense of the Oscar Grant shooting on New Year's Day. The protests turned violent. See it here:

Can't really blame the people for being upset. Plus it's Cali, so you should already know how they feel about police brutality. 

Reportedly, the officer who shot Grant has resigned...

NOTORIOUS Soundtrack Tracklist...

You should already know what to expect. This looks like one of the coldest soundtracks in a long time. Don't forget, movie officially comes out next Friday, Jan. 16.

NOTORIOUS: Music From and Inspired By The Original Motion Picture

1. Notorious Thugs (Featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
2. Hypnotize
3. Notorious (Featuring Lil' Kim and Puff Daddy)
4. Juicy
5. Party & Bullshit
6. Warning
7. One More Chance/Stay With Me Remix
8. Brooklyn Go Hard (Performed by Jay-Z, featuring Santogold)
9. Letter to B.I.G. (Performed by Jadakiss, featuring Faith Evans)
10. Kick In The Door
11. What's Beef
12. The World Is Filled (Featuring Too Short and Puff Daddy)
13. One More Chance/The Legacy Remix (Featuring CJ Wallace and Faith Evans)
14. The Notorious Theme (Composed by Danny Elfman)
15. Microphone Murderer (Demo)
16. Guaranteed Raw (Demo)
17. Love No Ho (Original Demo Version)

List Via: hiphopdx.com

In A Landslide, Illinois House Votes To Impeach Gov. Blagojevich, 114-1. LMAO, wow...

The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly Friday to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, an unprecedented action that sets up a Senate trial on whether he should be thrown out for abuse of power, including allegations that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Impeachment required just 60 votes. The final result was 114-1.

Legislators accused the second-term Democratic governor of letting down the people of Illinois by letting ego and ambition drive his decisions.

"It's our duty to clean up the mess and stop the freak show that's become Illinois government," said Rep. Jack D. Franks, a Democrat.

Blagojevich was out jogging in his Chicago neighborhood when the vote came down. His office declined to comment, but said he would issue a statement Friday afternoon.

During the House's 90-minute debate on impeachment, no one spoke up to defend the governor. But Rep. Milton Patterson, a Chicago Democrat, made the sole vote against impeaching Blagojevich.

Patterson said he read the impeachment committee's report and wasn't comfortable voting against the governor. "I have no firsthand knowledge of any of the evidence," he said.

"I went by my own gut feeling, it's as simple as that," he said. "I read the report. If the government is going to indict him, let them go ahead and do that. That's their job and I'm doing my job."

Rep. Elga Jefferies, another Chicago Democrat, voted "present."

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal charges that include allegations he schemed to profit from his power to name Obama's replacement in the Senate. The criminal complaint included an FBI agent's sworn affidavit describing wiretaps that caught Blagojevich allegedly talking about what he could get for the seat, how to pressure people into making campaign contributions and more.

That arrest triggered impeachment hearings by a special House committee.

The committee on Thursday unanimously recommended impeachment based on the criminal charges but other allegations as well — that Blagojevich expanded a health care program without proper authority, that he circumvented hiring laws to give jobs to political allies, that he spent millions of dollars on foreign flu vaccine that he knew wasn't needed and couldn't be brought into the country.

"The citizens of this state must have confidence that their governor will faithfully serve the people and put their interests before his own," the committee's report said. "It is with profound regret that the committee finds that our current governor has not done so."

Blagojevich has denied the criminal charges. He criticized the House impeachment process as biased and said a Senate trial would produce a different result.

But he didn't testify before the House impeachment committee and hasn't offered an explanation for the federal charges.

"His silence in this great matter is deafening," said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat.

I can't believe Blagojevich even has the nerve to try to say he's innocent. I mean, the evidence is right here isn't it...

Rod B WireTap.mp3 -

Story Via: Yahoo

Stop Sleeping!!!!.....New Music From Two Of The Hottest Young Guns In The Game

"'Fore I signed with Interscope I sold dirt weed, SB's, and some cell phones, I never claimed to be a street dude, only time I been over pots is makin cheap noodles"

Dudes like this is what can keep hip-hop alive.

• Young Chris Feat. Wale - Searching

Also, new Weezy. It's features Dre from Cool & Dre. Not great, but it's decent.

• Red Rum

Via: youngchris.com & hiphopdx.com

A Little Late I Know, But Here Goes My Top Ten Hip-Hop Albums from 2008

1. Q-Tip - The Renaissance

Best Song: 

2. Nas - Untitled

Best Song: 

3. Game - LAX

Best Song: 

4. T.I. - Paper Trail

Best Song:

5. The Roots - Rising Down

Best Song: 

6. Scarface - Emeritus

Best Song:

7. Ludacris - Theater Of The Mind

Best Song: 

8. Bun B -II Trill

Best Song:

9. Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III

Best Song:

10. The Cool Kids - Bake Sale EP

Best Song:

When DJ Clark Kent Speaks, It's Wise To Listen

The man is a pioneer of all things hip-hop, from music to clothes. Every time he talks, he spits knowledge. He's the reason Biggie and Jay met, and has over 600 pairs of Air Force One's. Lately he's been designing shoes for Nike. Click to read an interview with the legend. 

Link Via: Inquiringmind Magazine

Air Jordan 2009 Officially Unveiled!!!

The Air Jordan 2009's were officially unveiled, and Michael Jordan made a rare appearance at an announcement regarding his shoes' release. Last year marked the end of numbering Air Jordans at XXIII, and they will now be named by the year. 

Every time Jordan comes out with a new shoe, it looks like too much at first. But they always grow on me, and this one is no different. Not sure if I'll cop, but I do like them. Here's an interview with Jason Mayden, the designer of the Air Jordan 2009. And he's from the Chi.

Below is MJ with  Jason Mayden, the shoe's designer (left), Jordan Brand President, Keith Houlermard, and April Holmes, the first female on the Jordan Brand roster. She is on the US Paralympic Track and Field team, and known as the "world's fastest amputee". 

Pics Via: Sneakernews

Must See....Scarface - High Note (UNCUT!!!)

There Is A God, Somewhere. There Is A God, Somewhere.

Say It Ain't So...Lupe Not Feelin Hip-Hop Anymore???

During a forum chat, the Atlantic rapper also gave his two cents on the current state of hip-hop. “I feel like hip-hop is coming to sort of a..i dare say…an end???…(no pun intended),” he explained.
”It’s not the same energy…hasn’t been for a long time…just a bunch of nothing out there…take it how u may…I hope the new vanguard proves me wrong and brings back the day of substance minus the webcam video to announce its return.” “Not ‘end’ in the since of cease to exist,” he clarified. “But more so transform into something else so expression is more meaningful…I put question marks on it because I still question my own thoughts about the feeling. But so many “what the fuck?!?!” moments have piled up so incredibly over the last few years that it begs a rethink of the trajectory of the art form.

Damn.

Well That Was Quick...Cowboys Release Pacman

 

Article...

Troubled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was released Wednesday by the Dallas Cowboys following a season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field fight.

The transaction will not become official until Feb. 9, the first day NFL teams can make waiver requests.

“He was surprised, and I think he was obviously somewhat hurt,” said Worrick Robinson, Jones’ agent. “At the same time, he understands the business behind what is happening here.”

A Cowboys spokesman declined to comment on the team’s decision and said owner Jerry Jones was unavailable.

Jones, expected to give the Cowboys a boost on defense and special teams, had no interceptions and averaged just 4.6 yards per punt return.

The Cowboys traded for Jones despite the cornerback’s suspension for the 2007 season after multiple off-field incidents while with the Titans. He was given another chance and cleared to play in 2008 by commissioner Roger Goodell.

But on Oct. 7, Jones got into a scuffle with a bodyguard that was part of a team-employed security detail. A week later, Goodell suspended the cornerback indefinitely, which eventually turned into a six-week suspension. Jones missed a seventh game later in the season with an injury.

Jones spent part of his time away from football taking part in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

“He was a young man who needed the opportunity to be in treatment, and he got the treatment he needed,” Robinson said. “He came out of there a better person and a healthier person because of that.”

Robinson said he did not think Jones’ suspension was a factor in the Cowboys’ decision to release the cornerback.

“We don’t have any reason to believe at this point that that off-the-field incident had anything to do with the team’s decision today,” Robinson said. “I know there was certainly a lot of bad that came out of that situation, but there was some good that came out of that situation as well.

Via: ESPN

And Another One...Celtics' Slide Continues, Fall To Houston

After going on a 19-game winning streak from Nov. 14 until Christmas day, the Celtics have now lost 6 of their last 8. Houston beat Boston 89-85. Yet, I'm sure they'll tell you nothing's wrong. Yao Ming had 26 for the Rockets, who held Boston to 4 of 18 shooting in the fourth quarter. Players around The League have been calling the Celtics arrogant...maybe it's catching up to them. However, I still wouldn't count them out of title contention just yet.

In other NBA news...

The Cavs played in their throwback uni's tonight, so you know what that means.......Some cold-ass Lebron VI's. Below....

Scores From Around The League - 1/7/09

Magic	106
Hawks	102

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
ORL (28-8)			29	31	26	20		106
ATL (22-12)			24	21	25	32		102

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
ORL	Howard 23	Howard 19	Turkoglu 8
ATL	Smith 21	Horford 13	2 with 9

Raptors	99
Wizards	93

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
TOR (15-21)			27	23	23	26		99
WAS (7-27)			16	22	22	33		93

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
TOR	Bargnani 25	2 with 8	Bosh 6
WAS	Jamison 32	Jamison 7	2 with 6

Grizzlies	89
Nets	100

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
MEM (11-25)			18	24	29	18		89
NJN (18-18)			32	23	26	19		100

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
MEM	Mayo 26	Gasol 10	4 with 3
NJN	Carter 25	2 with 8	Carter 12

Thunder	87
Timberwolves	129

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
OKC (5-31)			24	19	23	21		87
MIN (10-25)			42	30	26	31		129

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
OKC	Collison 17	Collison 10	Westbrook 12
MIN	Foye 32	Love 15	Foye 6

Pacers	113
Suns	110

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
IND (13-22)			28	33	34	18		113
PHO (19-13)			21	36	29	24		110

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
IND	Granger 37	Foster 9	Granger 6
PHO	Stoudemire 23	Amundson 14	Nash 12

Pistons	83
Trail Blazers	84

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
DET (21-12)			26	23	19	15		83
POR (21-14)			20	22	23	19		84

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
DET	Prince 26	McDyess 13	2 with 7
POR	Aldridge 26	Przybilla 7	Blake 10

Bobcats	81
Cavaliers	111

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
CHA (13-23)			12	30	14	25		81
CLE (28-6)			29	31	24	27		111

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
CHA	Felton 15	Diaw 8	Diaw 6
CLE	James 21	Wallace 9	West 7

Rockets	89
Celtics	85

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
HOU (22-15)			22	30	19	18		89
BOS (29-8)			31	18	25	11		85

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
HOU	Yao 26	2 with 8	3 with 4
BOS	Pierce 26	Garnett 8	Allen 6

76ers	110
Bucks	105

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
PHI (15-20)			30	25	24	31		110
MIL (17-20)			25	34	26	20		105

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
PHI	Miller 28	Miller 9	Iguodala 7
MIL	Jefferson 27	2 with 7	Redd 7

Heat	97
Nuggets	108

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
MIA (18-16)			21	27	24	25		97
DEN (25-12)			27	32	24	25		108

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
MIA	Wade 31	Marion 13	Chalmers 7
DEN	3 with 21	Martin 8	Carter 9

Hornets	90
Jazz	116

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
NOR (21-11)			33	13	18	26		90
UTH (21-15)			29	29	26	32		116

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
NOR	Paul 26	West 6	Paul 7
UTH	Millsap 27	Millsap 14	Williams 8

Lakers	114
Warriors	106

• Final
•   

			1	2	3	4		T
LAL (28-6)			28	28	21	37		114
GSW (10-27)			20	31	29	26		106

Leaders	Points	Rebounds	Assists
LAL	Gasol 33	Gasol 18	Fisher 8
GSW	Crawford 25	Biedrins 17	Crawford 9

Via: ESPN