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Once labeled the second coming of Rakim, by us, the king from Queensbridge, originally known as Nasty Nas, is one of the few MCs with a 20-year run who has not only maintained a loyal fan base, but has earned the respect of everyone who has ever touched the mic. There is not a rapper on the radio today who has not heard his 1994 debut Illmatic and is not influenced by God’s Son. His ability to paint a picture with words about any given subject is unquestionably unmatched (“One Love”, “I Gave You Power”) and it’s evident from his subject matter that his purpose for getting on the mic is about much more than the almighty dollar. And just because he comes in peace doesn’t mean that he’s not prepared for war. The fact that he was the only one who was able to handle Jigga on wax should put him anyone’s top five.

Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand the Rain [prod. by Willie Mitchell]
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Ann Peebles - I Can’t Stand the Rain [prod. by Willie Mitchell]

Ann Peebles - I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down [prod. by Willie Mitchell]
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Ann Peebles - I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down [prod. by Willie Mitchell]

Honestly surprised to find myself defending Lil’ Wayne’s legacy in the hip-hop/rap world as will-be-legendary status (if not already) since I’m not a fan of his. By no means is Wayne anywhere near what he used to be earlier in his career but it’s downright silly to allow for your feelings towards him to downplay the huge impact he had on the genre. 

At times I forget that one of my favorite civil rights activists shares the same birthday as my older sister.

Seriously, one of the best things bout being back home is that I have access to double-ply toilet paper. Single-ply toilet paper back in my dorm was not cutting it.

“Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe. He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around. Kobe is different. He was reserved as a teenager, in part because he was younger than the other players and hadn’t developed strong social skills in college. When Kobe first joined the Lakers, he avoided fraternizing with his teammates. But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road.” 

 

“Michael was more likely to break through his attackers with power and strength, while Kobe often tries to finesse his way through mass pileups. Michael was stronger, with bigger shoulders and a sturdier frame. He also had large hands that allowed him to control the ball better and make subtle fakes. Jordan was also more naturally inclined to let the game come to him and not overplay his hand, whereas Kobe tends to force the action, especially when the game isn’t going his way. When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game.”

Words by the hall of fame coach, Phil Jackson (per Sports Illustrated), who coached them to a combined 11 titles (6 as Jordan’s head coach and 5 as Kobe’s head coach).

That shi- that makes your soul burn slow.

Tony Parker is just so cold blooded. Stared deep into Jarrett Jack’s soul and drained a 3 in front of him. Please keep in mind that Parker is having a horrendous shooting night (3 for 16 at the moment). And Klay Thompson and Steph Curry must know how I feel on 2k now after watching the ball rattle out if the basket on multiple occasions. Good job, good effort, Warriors.

Finally back home after a long spring semester and enjoying a nice bowl of beans with chicken stew. My life flashed before my eyes when my phone was unable to access the internet even though it was connected to the router. My heart cannot take life without the internet atm. Time to watch Spurs run wild on the Warriors and some It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia after. It’s great to be home.