Unmistakably Cool "Boutique Of The Week": St. Alfred

CHI-TOWN STAND UP!

Hit Free @Last! for more on St. Alfred's. Fred what up!

Via: Free @Last!

Friday's NBA Scores...

Cavs 102, 76ers 92

Pacers 118, Hawks 122

Heat 98, Celtics 105

Nets 93, Pistons 100

Knicks 105, Magic 95

Bobcats 81, Thunder 84

Wizards 100, Raptors 98

Suns 89, Grizzlies 106

Hornets 92, Mavs 100

Jazz 99, Spurs 105

Lakers 98, Blazers 106

Rockets 113, Warriors 109

Kings 78, Clippers 109

Key Points:

• The Hawks locked up the 4-seed with their win.
• The Cavs clinched the top seed in the East.
• Detroit clinched with their victory.
• Dann Granger had 35.
• CP3: 42 points, 9 boards, 7 dimes. Rest of the Hornets: 50 points, 2 assists. Something's wrong with that.

Current Playoff Standings

East

1. Cleveland (64-15)
2. Boston (60-19)
3. Orlando (58-21)
4. Atlanta (46-34)
5. Bucks (41-38)
6. Philly (40-39)
7. Chicago (39-40)
8. Detroit (39-40)

West 

1. L.A. Lakers (63-17)
2. Denver (53-27)
3. Houston (52-28)
4. Portland (51-28)
5. San Antonio (51-28)
6. N.O. (48-31)
7. Dallas (48-31)
8. Utah (47-32)

Via: ESPN

Check 'Em Out....

Daddy Fat Sacks Speaks On Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty...

The Abstract Breaks Down His Career, From Beginning To End...

"Midnight Marauders came out on the same day as Wu-Tang, 36 Chambers, and Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle came out a week after that"

WOW. Straight knowledge.

Greatness In The Studio...

Whatever comes of this session will be cold as hell.

Juelz Agrees With Cam: No Dipset Reunion...

What a shame.

New Music: Raekwon Feat. Busta Rhymes - Death Wish...

Raekwon Feat. Busta Rhymes - Death Wish

"Most of you are pathetic, abnormal, rare species, nigga peep the irregular genetics, lyrical calisthenics, so profound, and lockin many towns detrimental now gimme my credit, this is the raw uncut, ain't no need to edit, cause if there's a issue, too late, already said it"

"Leg shots is weak, head shots is charming, M5 color of cocoa butter"

REAL HIP-HOP. 

Via: nahright

Fresh Kicks...

In Stores Tomorrow: Dunkman LBJ Zoom Soldier III...

SO SICK. HoH exclusive.

For The Hoopers Next Season...

Nike Hyperize + Nike Air Max Asssault...

Release Date: Holiday 2009

Nike Dream Season...

Dream Season to Kobe is what Zoom Soldier is to LBJ.

Release Date: Fall/Winter 2009

More Yeezy's....

Check out what was on display at Nike's brand new TPE  6453 boutique in Tapei. If you missed out on the first release, maybe you'll have better luck this time...

Nike Air Yeezy - Black/Grey/Fire Red...

The shoes speak for themselves.

Release Date: TBD

Via: sneakernews

NBA Basketball...Lakers Win, Bynum Back In Action

I was geeked when I turned to TNT during the Bulls-Sixers game, and saw that Nuggets-Lakers was coming up next. A showdown between the top 2 seeds out West is always a treat, plus I wanted to see how legit Denver was. What I found out instead was that the Lakers are to the West what North Carolina and the UCONN women were to the NCAA tournament - head and shoulders above the rest.

The Lakers easily handled the Nuggets, winning 116-102, snapping the Nuggets 8-game winning streak in the process, and moving 10.5 games up on Denver. At this point, NOBODY can stop the Lakers from getting to the Finals. There too good, too deep, too efficient, too focused, and the list could go on. And the one team always within reach, San Antonio, just lost 1/3 of their Big Three - Manu Ginoboli - for the rest of the year. Now there's a new, far more powerful Big Three: Kobe, Pau, and Andrew Bynum. The Lakers have shown that they can dominate the West without Bynum, hence their 25-7 record since he went down with a torn MCL on Jan 31. But Byum returned to the starting lineup in his first game back Thursday night, and the L.A. Big Three was in full effect. Their lines: Kobe - 33, 11-19 from the field; Pau - 27 points, 19 rebounds - 11 offensive; Bynum - 16 points and 7 boards - in 21 minutes. That right there is an unstoppable force. 

But let's not forget about the supporting cast. We already know what Derek Fisher brings to the table, and Trevor Ariza is finally healthy, and providing L.A. with the long, athletic wing that prevented them getting it done in June last season. The Lakers bench is deadly, too. They have the ability to go 10-deep, and not miss a beat. Lamar Odom's having the best season of his career, and his play is what propelled the Laker to such an outstanding record after Bynum went down. Before Bynum's injury, Odom was good for a solid 9.5 points and 6 boards. After the injury, though, The Good's stepped his game up, averaging 13.5 points and 10 boards. In addition, Gs Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vuajacic, and F Luke Walton provide tremendous energy, and all contribute significant minutes.

Not only is there roster stacked, but there one of the best TEAMS. You can see the chemistry booming every time they play, and they've got a firm grasp of coach Phil Jackson's patented Triangle Offense. The floor is always balanced, they're all great passers and cutters, and every one knows their role. 

NOBODY, in a 7-game series, can beat the Lakers. We saw what they did to Nuggets. Utah can't win on the road. San Antonio's banged up. New Orleans is inconsistent and too small. Houston is solid, but they lack a go-to scorer, and Portland is nice, but still too inexperienced to mess with L.A. The Lakers were already the class of the west, and now that Bynum's back, it's a wrap sandwich.

Scores From Around The League...4/9/09

76ers 99, Bulls 113

Rockets 115, Kings 98

Nuggets 102, Lakers 116

Via: ESPN

Wale Ovechkin On Kicks...

Via: walemusic

This Week On Fresh-N-Proper Radio...

Chicago artist N.E.P.H.E.W. will be in the building!!!

DUDE GOT BARS...

A Few Videos For Ya...

Method Man & Redman feat. Saukrates - A Yo...

Put something in the air on that note.

Willy Northpole Feat. B.o.B. - Hood Dreamer...

KiD CuDi x Ondaspot...

Part 1...

Part 2...

"I let them know, I'm just a flick of the dice, my probability flow will let you niggas know I'm nice"

"Jesus is on Detox"...Lmao.

Young C Goin' In!!!

"I make the victim be the shooter like Plaxico"

"Death to all enemies, to the end of me, straight Sour, smoke like 

chimney, no Hennessy, kids killin' 'fo they lose they virginity, in the hood"

BODIED.

Via: nahright, thatshiphop, worldstarhiphop

New Music: Rick Ross Feat. T-Pain, Kanye West, & Lil' Wayne - Maybach Music II

Rick Ross Feat. T-Pain, Kanye West, & Lil' Wayne - Maybach Music II

"So all that shit you talkin', dead, coffin, light the weed, coughin', new crib, loftin', where its at, Austin, where's that, Texas, what's in front, Benzes, what else, Lexus, well who's Maybach is this, Mr. West's"

"I was barely gettin' pretty women, now I scoop Emmy winners like a kitty litter"

"Sweet as banana split every time I peel through, fresher than Will Smith and Uncle Phil too"

Finally!!!! I been fiendin' for this since Yeezy performed his verse on 106. 

J.U.S.T.I.C.E League got that s***!!!

Via: nahright

Album Review: The Last Kiss

Jadakiss - The Last Kiss



Jadakiss is without question one of the dopest, most respected lyricists in the game. Every one from B.I.G. to Nas to Jay to Mary J. has given him the cosign, and he's remained among the elite in the game since he came in the game with The Lox during Bad Boy's glory days. However, his first two albums failed to deliver what all knew he was capable of. Don't get it twisted, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye (2001) and Kiss Of Death (2004) were solid albums, but with the lyrical ability he possess, he's held to a higher standard than most rappers. Many felt that his mixtape, "The Champ Is Here", was in fact better than the succeeding album - Kiss Of Death.

The Last Kiss hits hard right out of the gate. The first track, "Pain & Torture", is that short, scrunch-your-face-up intro, where rapper's come with nothing but BARS. The albums moves strongly after that, with the current single, "Can't Stop Me"; down-south pleasers, "Who's Real", featuring OJ Da Juiceman and Swizz Beatz, and "Something Else", featuring Young Jeezy; and a soulful joint, "Grind Hard", on which Mary J. Blige supplies some fierce vocals.

'Kiss has plenty for the "Heads" on the album, as well. "One More Step" is the Kiss/Styles P. tag-team that they've perfected-- as well as - if not better than - any other tandem in the history of the game, and on "Cartel Gathering", he brings in the gods Ghostface & Raekwon (are these the 3 top dogs from NY right now?).



Jada hits on the introspective tip, too. On "What If", featuring Nas, he poses a laundry list of "What If" questions, such as "What if Peyton was fightin' dogs instead of Mike Vick?" (It's very similar to "Why?"). Jada talks to Notorious B.I.G. on "Letter To B.I.G.", and gives him an update on the current state of the game, and what he's missing - or not missing - out on.

All that being said, there's still filler. The two Pharrell tracks, "Stress Ya" and "Rocking With The Best", are WACK. And "Smoking Gun", featuring Jazmine Sullivan is just unnecessary. Lastly - and surprisingly - the joint with LOX teammate Sheek Louch, "Come And Get Me" is disappointment.

As you can see, the album's a little heavy on the features. And minus the four tracks mentioned in the above paragraph, we might be looking at one of the best albums in recent memory. Instead, we've got another strong, but flawed Jadakiss album, and again, the preceding mixtape, "Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here Pt. 2", is better than plastic-wrapped product.

All in all, The Last Kiss is packed with plenty of heat, and is no doubt better than most of the garbage coming out now, and is definitely worthy of your $10-$15.

Jadakiss - Can't Stop Me...

Misc. Video(s) Of The Week...

Gary Coleman Is Not A Happy Camper...




LMFAO!!!!!

BONUS MISC. VIEDO OF THE WEEK...

COUSIN SKEETER!!!






Hilarious. You'd have to believe in fake Mikes try and say Cousin Skeeter didn't used to be that s***. And that has to be one of the coldest theme songs ever. I still know most of the words.

NBA Basketball...

9 NBA games on deck Tuesday night...Highlights: In a OT thriller, N.O. took out the Heat, 93-87. Rasual Butler extended the game into an extra period, hitting a deep 3 while falling down as time expired. CP3 led the Hornets with 26, 9, 9, and 6 steals, as the Hornets clinched their playoff berth with the victory. D. Wade had 32, 7 assists, and 6 boards for Miami....The League's two best true big men (arguably) - Yao Ming and Dwight Howard- went at it, and Yao won the battle. Yao finished with 20 and 16 compared to Howar'd's 13 and 10. The game was Skip's first back in Houston since being traded to Orlando in mid-February. It was also Rockets' F Carl Landry's first game back since being shot in the leg on March 17. In 20 minutes, he had 8 points and 5 boards.

Scores From Around The League...4/7/09

Hawks 118, Raptors 110
76ers 98, Bobcats 101
Hornets 93, Heat 87 (OT)
Spurs 99, Thunder 89
Blazers 96, Grizzlies 93
Knicks 103, Bulls 110
Magic 83, Rockets 93
Lakers 122, Kings 104
T'Wolves 87, Clippers 77

Via: ESPN

ATTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTENTION!!! HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

WHAT: XSPOZURE DESIGNERS, MODELS, TALENT, AND STYLISTS (D.M.T.S.) FASHION SHOW

WHEN: JUNE 4, 2009

WHERE: RUMBA. 351 W. HUBBARD ST. CHICAGO, IL, 60654.

(click to enlarge, plus more photos of RUMBA)

Models and talent acts needed. GET AT ME!!! qp86045@gmail.com.

And you best believe 3ABM Ent. & F-N-P will be in the building. Stay tuned for constant updates!

Last week on Fresh-N-Proper Radio...

The homies Defcee and Kid Quo came through the show. U already know it went down. 

GRAB THEIR MIXTAPES!!! (trust me...these dudes got BARS)

Defcee - One Eye Open

Kid Quo - eQUOnomy EP

Kid Quo - Pretty Flaco Mixtape 

Hip-Hop Video Of The Week...

Jadakiss - Who Run This

It's Montega Jada so you know the lyrics are on point. Then it's Rik Cordero so of course the video is dope, too. 

The Last Kiss IN STORES TODAY!!!

Via: onsmash

Hoop Dreams...

The 2009 Hall of Fame Class...

Meet the newest inductees....

Long-time Utah Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan, was also inducted.

Magic and Bird Sit Down, Reflect On Careers...

Ginoboli Done For The Year...

The San Antonio Spur' Big Three is down to two.

Manu Ginoboli will miss the rest of the season and playoffs for the Spurs after tests Monday revealed that his troubled right ankle has gotten worse.

It was the news San Antonio dreaded after Ginobili sat out the fourth quarter in Sunday's blowout loss at Cleveland, and leaves the Spurs limping toward the postseason in search of a fifth NBA title since 1999.

Ginobili missed 19 games after the All-Star break to heal a stress reaction in his right distal fibula. He returned March 25, but tests showed the stubborn injury is now a fracture.

The Spurs said Ginobili wasn't expected to need surgery. But either way, Ginobili is out and the Spurs are hobbling with less than two weeks before the playoffs begin.

Tim Duncan is bothered by sore knees and has been sitting out the second game in back-to-backs down the stretch this season. Tony Parker carried the Spurs after Ginobili first went out in February and Duncan's knees began aching, and the weight figures to fall on the 26-year-old's shoulders again.

The Spurs lead the Southwest Division by a half-game but have fallen two games behind Denver for the No. 2 seed in the West, a spot San Antonio had held for most of the season. Their final six games begin Tuesday at Oklahoma City.

Ginobili scored four points before his ankle stiffened toward the end of Sunday's 101-81 loss to the Cavaliers. A CT scan and MRI on Monday showed that he had a stress fracture in the ankle and an increased narrow edema.

Ginobili also missed the start of this season while recovering from surgery to his left ankle. He's played in 44 games this season. He averaged 15.5 points and had recently been installed in the starting lineup -- a different role for the NBA's reigning sixth man of the year.

We've learned to never count the Spurs out, but without Ginoboli, I don't see them getting it done. There's just too much talent in the West. That being said, Tony Parker's gone for 35+ on numerous occasions in Ginboli's absence, including 55 early in the season. 

Via: ESPN & nicekicks

NCAA Championship Game!!!

Michigan St. 72, North Carolina 89

As good as Michigan St.'s been playing, every one - including Michigan St. - knew that North Carolina's roster consisted of superior talent. So for the Spartans, there was little to no room for error, and even then, they'd need the Tar Heels to make some bad decisions of their own. Well that didn't happen. The Spartans, already at a huge disadvantage, shot themselves in the foot time and time again, committing 21 turnovers to North Carolina's 7, many of which were unforced. 

On the other end, the Tar Heels were just too good. Stacked with NBA-caliber players, North Carolina was clearly in another league (pun intended). Leading by as many as 23, the Tar Heels opened the game up on a 24-8 run and never looked back, setting a Championship Game record for points scored at halftime with 55. The Tar Heels' 21-point halftime lead was also a Championship Game record. Ty Lawson led the way with 21 points, including 15-18 from the free throw line, 6 assists, and, 8 steals - yet another record. In addition, Tyler Hansbrough capped off his collegiate career with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Wayne Ellington - voted the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player - finished with 19. 

It's safe to say that North Carolina stands head and shoulders above every other team in the nation. It's as simple as that. They won every game in the tournament by 12+. Insane. That includes beating teams like Gonzaga, Oklahoma, and Villanova. And for a team who's defense was suspect all season, how about this: none of their opponents touched 80. The closest was Gonzaga's 77, and that was Carolina's largest victory. 

While it seemed as though Michigan St. may have been destined to win it all in Detroit, for the city, it just wasn't meant to be. Coach Izzo said it best: "The best team won. That's a pretty easy statement to make".

Via: ESPN

New Videos...

Young Money - Every Girl....

This is dat s***!!!

Busta Rhymes Feat. T-Pain - Hustler's Anthem '09...

Gotta love it. Classic Buss Rhymes video.

Via: nahright

Dunk(s) Of The Week...

2009 NCAA Dunk Contest...

This took place this past Thursday.

Via: worldstarhiphop

Fresh Kicks...

More 1/2 Cents On The Way!!!

In case you missed out on the first ones, Nike's got two more colorways on the way....

Nike Air 1/2 Cent - Black/Metallic Silver...

Nike Air 1/2 Cent - Black/Green Spark/Metallic Silver...

Both are sick, but it's hard to top the first pair.

Release Date: Silver - October 2009; Green - December 2009

Nike x White Men Can't Jump...

Nike already came with the Billy Hoyle edition. Here's the Sidney Deane joints...

"Sidney Deane" Nike Hyperize ...

Dope.

P.S. The Hyperize were formerly known as the Hyperlite, however, Nike has since changed the name to Hyperize.

Release Date: Summer 2009

LBJ Dunkman's!!!!!

"Dunkman" Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier III...

As you may know (or not know) LeBron usually comes with a "Dunkman" version of his kicks, which consists of a white/grey/mean green color scheme. 

Release Date: April 2009

KG Retros On The Way...

Nike Garnett III Retro...

Release Date: Fall/Winter 2009

Air Yeezy: Beyond The Hype

And Here's The NYC Scene...

Ye' Appreciates The Love...

Via: sneakernews & fakeshoredrive

NBA Basketball...

11 games in The League Sunday...Highlights: The Cavs righted their ship, taking care of San Antonio, 101-81, after dropping two straight. LBJ led the way with 38, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, as the Cavs improved to 37-1 at home, and maintained a one game lead over the Lakers for the league's best record...Dallas thrashed Phoenix, 140-116, behind 28 fom Dirk, moving 4 games ahead of Phoenix for the 8th and final playoff spot out West. J. Kidd had 19 points, and 20 dimes - in 3 quarters. In doing so, he passed Magic Johnson, becoming 3rd on the all-time assists list...Utah completed a season sweep N.O., defeating the Hornets 108-94, and clinching their playoff berth in the process...With the Phoenix loss, Portland also locked up their playoff bid, despite falling to Houston, 102-88...Denver took care of Minnesota, winning 110-87. Low-key, Denver's won 7 straight, including games over New Orleans, Dallas, and Utah, and have a strong hold on the 2-seed. How much of a threat are the Nuggets in the West???

Scores From Around The League...

Spurs 81, Cavs 101

Suns 116, Mavs 140

Bobcats 97, Pistons 104

Knicks 112, Raptors 103

Jazz 108, Hornets 94

Blazers 88, Rockets 102

Nuggets 110, T'Wolves 87

Pacers 117, Thunder 99

76ers 67, Nets 96

Warriors 105, Kings 100

Clippers 85, Lakers 88

Current Playoff Standings

East

1. Cleveland  (62-15)
2. Boston (58-19)
3. Orlando (57-19)
4. Atlanta (43-34)
5. Miami (41-36)
6. Philly (40-36)
7. Chicago (37-40)
8. Detroit (37-40)

West

1. L.A. Lakers (61-16)
2. Denver (52-26)
3. San Antonio (49-27)
4. Houston (49-28)
5. Portland (48-28)
6. N.O. (47-29)
7. Utah (47-30)
8. Dallas (46-31)

Via: ESPN

New Music: KiD CuDi Feat. Kanye West, Common, & Lady Gaga - I Poke Her Face

KiD CuDi Feat. Kanye West, Common, & Lady Gaga - I Poke Her Face 

U already know + A-Trak on the scratches...

Shouts out to Fred for the heads up.

And more G.O.O.D. Music...

Beyonce Feat. Kanye West - Ego (rmx)

"Everybody in the club tryna get as fresh as me, what you on dog, tryna stay recession-free"

What better song for Kanye to hop on than one about egos. 

Via: nahright

FINAL FOUR!!!!!

Michigan St. 83, UCONN 73

 

Michigan was solid on all cylinders, and exemplified matters most in the NCAA Tournament: "It's not about who's the best. It's about who's playing the best."  And that's exactly the case with Michigan St. For instance, Raymar Morgan, who's struggled for much this season and last, battling injury, illness, and slumps, had the game of his career, finishing with 18 points, 9 bards, and 5 assists. Likewise, Freshman PG Korie Lucious who had just 3 points in the entire tournament coming into Saturday's game, contributed 11 points in 9 minutes against the Huskies.

Furthermore, Michigan St. simply continued to do what they do best. The same way they took out the Big East last week (L'ville), is how they did Saturday: Defense and execution. Travis Walton has to be in the running for the nation's "Best Perimeter Defender" after the job he did on A.J. Price, holding him to 5-20 for 15 points. On the offensive end, Michigan St.'s churned out exactly what was expected: A great game from Kalin Lucas + a bevy of small contributions from the rest of the squad. Lucas had 21 and 5 assists, to go along with Morgan's 18 and Lucious' 11. In addition, Durrell Summers had 10, including a game changing dunk on Stanley Robinson, and Draymond Green had 8. The Spartans bench outscored UCONN's 33-7.

For the Huskies, the struggles of three guys is what held them back - A.J. Price, Stanley Robinson, and Kemba Walker. Price was shut down by Travis Walton, and ended up forcing a lot of bad shots and pig drives. Stanley Robinson foul trouble also hurt the Huskies. His absence was especially unfortunate for the Huskies, because when he was in, he had a huge impact, scoring (15), grabbing boards (13), blocking shots (2), and mixing it up. Lastly, the young boy Kemba Walker had the roughest night of all: 5 points, 1-5, 3-9 from the line, 4 turnovers, and 4 fouls. As bad a night as he had, best believe he'll bounce back in succeeding tournaments, using this game as a learning experience and motivation.

Thus far, the stars seem to be aligning for Michigan St. Peaking at the right time. Playing in Detroit. Playing for the city. There's no doubt that, 1-12, North Carolina's a better team, but all the intangibles favor the Spartans.

Villanova 69, North Carolina 83

Without question, North Carolina is the most talented team in the country. Like their '05 team with Sean May, Raymond Felton, etc. this squad is loaded with 1st Round Draft Picks. Ty Lawson, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington, Tyler Hansbrough, Ed Davis are all PROS, and that was the main difference Saturday night against 'Nova. They simply overpowered the Wildcats, who had a severe size disadvantage. The Tar Heels cruised to a 14-point win, and didn't even play their best - they missed 15 free throws, and were, somehow, out-rebounded 50-46. But with their Pros, it didn't matter. Lawson (22, 8 assists, 7 rebounds) and Ellington (20 points, 9 boards) continued their stellar guard play, while Danny Green - who will probably be the best of this bunch at the next level - had 12 points, all on threes. As good as Dante Cunningham's been for the Wildcats all year, there was no way he could handle the bodies of Hansbrough (18 points, 11 boards), Davis and Deon Thompson, who combined for 11 points, 9 boards, and 3 blocks.

Already overmatched, 'Nova certainly didn't help themselves going ice cold from the field, and failing to capitalize on Lawson, Green, and Hansbrough all having three fouls early in the second half. The Wildcat's offense is predicated on their guards being able to get in the lane and finish inside or kick it out for jumpers. Neither worked, as the penetration was extremely limited, and the jumpers were contested. Unfortunately for 'Nova, they seemed to be playing with a lid on the rim. Unable to penterate the zone, the Wildcats began settling for jumpers, which turned into 32% shooting, and 5-27 from beyond the arc. Scottie Reynold led Villanova with 17 points, but was just 6-18 from the field.

Also, big ups to UNC's Bobby Frasor - one of Chicago's own - who did all the little things (7 rebounds, 5 offensive) and was always in the right place at the right time for the Tar Heels. 

Durrell Summers Booms On Stanley Robinson...

Stanley Robinson's Tip Dunk...

Via: ESPN & nbcsports