Channel Surfin' | BET's "The Heat"

Just when one officially ManTan-ed BET, they weasel back into the fold. I was finishing my daily fix of the Mowry's when I caught a glimpse of BET's newest endeavor - The Heat. It's nothing innovative since its simply what they're suppose to do - provide viewers with music videos - but it's surprisingly refreshing. In the boggle of reality tv and 106's slim effort to remain relevant, The Heat did something only Sirius radio, Vh1 Soul, and those Music Choice channels were capable of - giving me great music music from then and now. I was floored when the first video of the hour segment was none other than 1990s mega hit "Hold On' by En Vogue - in all its retro glory. Plus the interactiveness of Twitter to request certain videos and answer the question of the day is a step forward. Now if we can just get to the other 23 hours of programming.

New New | "Life vs. Livin," XV

New track from what I believe will be XV's upcoming mixtape Everybody's Nobody dropping tomorrow. Features Big Sean, who I'm liking more day by day. Click above for link. Shout to Nah Right.

"Well uh, pipe down like Draino/just roll in to a ball like Kano"

? | BEEF!?!?!

MORE LIKE VEGGIE BURGER! Both of yall for the sake of urban culture, let it the kucf go!

CTS | Cop That S&*^

New category added to the mix. Cop That S*&^ will highlight an album that I find worthy of purchase. That's right snitches; walking into your local retail supplier and exchanging something called a compact disc for cash. (While CD's last) They'll usually accompany a short review supporting the cause of purchase. First subject:

• Malik Yusef's G.O.O.D. Morning: Dusk - G.O.O.D. Night: Dawn.
• Original release date: May 26, 2009

If one took the spiritual ideology of Kanye's "Jesus Walks," the conscious tip of Lupe, the romantic rumblings of John Legend, and designed them from the mind of a spoken word artist, one would have Malik Yusef's double album project. Presented by Ye's G.O.O.D Music, "Dusk" & "Dawn" display hip-hop as a true art form. Actually its the basis of what we know as rap - spoken word on top of music. A throwback to Gil Scott-Heron, Yusef touches on all life activity one may find under the sun; life, love, spiritualilty, sex, politics. For instance, "Dawn" opens with a poetic conversation of love from him to her in "G.O.O.D. Morning Luv." Press to the next track and be bombarded with knowledge as he and KRS-One go in on "My People." Some of my favorites inlcuded the West-reminiscent "Leader (The Jesus Peace)," the self-esteem buliding "G.E.M (G.O.O.D Enuff Me)," and the Obama-inpspired "Promised Land" featuring Kanye and Adam Levine of Maroon 5. "Dusk" is similar in its track selection, but it does feel as though there is a darker tone to the Night album. Both were sold separately so prepare for some extra bucks, but its worth it. For more hit up his Mysapce page.

Channel Surfin' | Housewives of Atlanta

Bravo's Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres tonight on Bravo. And unfortunately I'm sure my sister will force me to watch one way or another. Let's welcome back to TV Land NeNe, Lisa, Kim, Sheree, and newcomer Kandi of Xscape fame.

? | IU baller dating cast of Star & Vida

Via Mediatakeout: Former IU football player James Hardy seen chillin with....Toya of Lil' Wayne fame!?!? Playing for the Bills has its perks, i guess. sidebar: Had no idea he got drafted!?!? Let's see how he does with T.O.

411 | Deaf, disabled man tasered, pepper sprayed

Via AOL Black Voices

PBP | Life comes @ you fat

I guess that's what obscurity, being broke, and fast food will do to you.

MESS | 'The Bodyguard' is next to be remade

Two messes in one day. WOW. The industry is all abuzz on word of Whitney Houston's iconic film The Bodygaurd being remade for generation unoriginality. Besides the absurdity of revisiting a 90s and pop culture classic such as this, the role of Rachel Marron is up for grabs by...Kelly Rowland, Monica, Bey? No. None. The individual in question isn't even a minority. The actress linked to the story right now.....

Worst. Casting. Ever. Spotted @ BET.com

'89 | He's cold as ice

missLona

Ms. Abdul's killer video for her "Cold-Hearted Snake." Why she isn't a judge on ABDC as opposed to AI is beyond me. She choreographed Janet for goodness sake!

MESS | "Young nigga got it bad cuz i'm brown"

After incredulous speculation from the powers of the Right and all those still upset that a brother is living in the White House, and didn't have to break-in, Barack Hussein Obama is indeed a natrual born citizen of his United States of America. Now since we've proven what we alrady knew as truth, let us allow the president to do his job. Post-racial my BLACK ASS.

G101.3 | And you don't know why...

Been meaning to post this for a minute. I was pretty much obsessed with this song for a good month after first hearing it on a thing called a radio; and seeing it on something called MTV. I think everyone goes through a stage where they just don't know why. I remember really liking the video too. sidebar: I literally just realized their name, Vertical Horizon, were total opposites. FAIL! LOL

PBP | The day television dies.....

IS THE DAY HER REALITY SHOW AIRS.

411 | Awwwwwww

Kim and her booty have split with NFLer Reggie Bush. Thought they were going to last. It definitely did wonders to humanize the woman formerly known as Ray J's costar.

411 | Dr. Murray may have killed the music?

I've strayed from this story as long as I could. One: for respect of Jackson's memory, restraining myself from getting caught up in the media slaughtering. And two: because Dr. Murray is a brother and this is not a good look. First it was the questioning of the late Dr. Donda West's plastic surgeon, and now this. AP reports he indeed administered a sleep aiding drug to Mr. Jackson. Officials believe this is what caused the cardiac arrest which killed Jackson. Full story is here. Personally I think after all that has been revealed of Jackson's alleged addiction to prescription drugs and plastic surgery, one cannot fault the doctor for doing something that in this case seemed normal. Those around him may have been at fault for enabling him, but Jackson was an adult and had to be quite aware of the affects and risks this activity acquired.

'Dangerous' Fashion Provoking Change by Lorin Williams

'Dangerous' Fashion Provoking Change by Lorin Williams Shared via AddThis

8709 Special | illTracks : July Part 1

Decided to make a blend of some of my favorite songs this summer. The first of two and hopefully of an eventual series for each month...when I get a chance to sit down and mix.

illTracks : July by thomasboi

8709 Special | Auburn

Bare with me. I discovered Auburn about two years ago on her Myspace page. It was right around the time some chick's lip gloss was poppin and everyone wanted to Crank some inanimate object. She's portrayed herself as a singer/songwriter/rapper and leader of the dorks or some other. What kept me was her material. The teenager sang and spit stuff teenagers would listen too. She doesn't use sex to get her message across, and isn't tryin to be hood. Like what Lil' Mama would and could have been if she wasn't Lil' Mama. Reminds me of kinder times of the 90s with artist like Tevin, The Boys, and Raven Symone's short stint. Nineties music had a sense of consciousness and fun at the same time. She released an album, Same Girl, to little fan fare but I enjoyed it. Luckily I came across a sorta mixtape of some of her material as she prepares for her album release. Here are some of my favorite tracks. Shout to RMB Music Blog.

• Move - She kinda takes a swipe @ that girl from the planet Harlem over Mims' hit.
• Famous - Ode to her fresh swag and sneaker fetish. Catchy.
• Real Choppers - Beat. Goes. Hard. PBP Something to blast through your speakers.
• My Hood - A declaration to the current state of her Minneapolis hood. This was a released single which had a video to match:

sidebar: There's a tight remix of "My Hood" on top of Blige's "My Life" floating around somewhere. She's currently working on her next album. I'm looking forward to it. Something for the next generation that doesn't involve a bar, a club, or a drank.

New New | "Tron Legacy," trailer

Never saw the first one, which is now a geek cult classic, but this one looks incredible. Just enough to preview the look and tone of the film. The slow-mo into the blue guy's bike was awesome.

Double Take | Mr. Hudson a death eater?

SICK | HP & the Half-Blood Prince

The latest edition in the Potter saga was excellent. They finally gave Malfoy more to do than being a jealous bully. This is our generation's Star Wars as far as storytelling and the massive contrast between good and evil, love and hate. A definite must see.

P School | Family Reunion

That's where most of today. Chillin' in an non-air conditioned community center battling over the last piece of chicken. I'll chill with the cousins I know, those closest to me. Pray for me. jk lol

SICK | Jackson mash-up

Via Soulbounce via Youtube. The editing is excellent. Two of the illist to ever do it.

SICK | Welcome Week will be 'spazzin"

This just in. N.E.R.D will be in the building August 29th at my Indiana University for Welcome Week. Last year Lupe killed it. This year is going to be super dope. Hellz Yessss!

New New | "I Look To You," Whitney Houston

The title track from Ms. Houston's upcoming album. A beautiful, inspiring ballad. Shout to HHPRnbS. The song is good, but I can't get past the tinge of difference in her voice. But....yeah. Welcome back. Click above to listen.

New New | "The Book of Eli," trailer

Mr. Washington wielding a machete in a Mad Max-esque world. The dope show. Spotted @ J24/7.

New New | "Run This Town," Jay-Z

The official single off of Hov's upcoming Blueprint 3 feat. Mr. West and Rihanna. Between West's G.O.O.D and the Roc, I'd say they'll rule the game going into '10. With a host of newcomers of course. Click above for link. Shout to 2dopeboyz.

GNR | The parodies continue....

The hilarious Alphacat goes in on Brown's fashion sense, or lack thereof, in this bit about his apology. Fifty-nine second mark is the dope show. At least we're laughing about him in a good-spirited way. I guess. When can this dude get on TV? He's out here grindin'!

411 | Ginuwine ft. Missy Elliot on Letterman

They'll probably preform "Get Involved." That is all. Dave always has a variety of musical guests.

New New | "Getcha Some," Big Sean

Been waiting for this to drop. One of my favorites from UKNOWBIGSEAN Vol. 2. Thanks TSS.

? | Second thoughts

As news surfaces in the Henry Gates incident, I'm leaning less and less in his corner. Allegedly the officer in question has a clean record and was even designated by a black commissioner to administer a class on how to avoid racial profiling. I think what we have here is an honest misunderstanding. Pure and simple. Its not like he called him a "nigger" or anything, just happens that he's black, the officer is white, and now everybody including the HNIC is ready to fight.

SICK | "This Woman's Work," SYTYCD

Ade and Melissa have just captured the win and America's heart with the following routine. Depicts a woman's battle with cancer and the strength of a friend to get through it. Everyone knows someone who's known someone touched by this disease, and until their is a cure we all must keep on fighting. Beautiful.

New New | "Summertime," Dead Prez

Spotted @ The Smoking Section. I know I'll be cruising to this tune for the rest of July and August. I need to cop that album.

PBP | From the makers of Mom Jeans

Look-like-a-40-year-old-Mom Do

New New | "I Can Do Bad By Myself," trailer

Madea hits the big screen this year with Perry's latest film. You can dog the material of his work all you want, but he's coloring Hollywood one film at a time. And he's keeping blacks in work. Taraji P. Henson is becoming a star and this one looks pretty legit.

411 | Runaway Groom

Must be a slow news day (?) when smedium black gossip becomes the morning news.

? | Thoughts on BiA 2: Part 1

The first portion of the two part series was very informative. Who knew Connecticut had a project? But nonetheless a refreshing experience to see positivity within our communities across the nation. Let's shed a light on my personal highlights from the two-hour show. First off the Journey to Change was incredible. I always shied from the idea of international travel, thinking its not for me. But the experience would be life-changing as it was to those students of Bushwick. It was disheartening though to see the lack of change in the male students where work is most needed to motivate our black males into seeing how important and benefiting a education can be. Thankfully those doubts faded away by the story of Steve Perry and his 100% graduation rate high school in Connecticut. Incredible. A young intelligent black male, a la Joe Clark, demanding and only accepting the best from his pupils. Seeing the potential in each student. Taking a personal interest their future success. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED! Not everyone can go home and have the support from their parents or guardians needed to achieve - as seen at Perry's high school football game. I was astonished at the story of the affluent African American community. Little is known about the history of black professionals in America, probably because we've been inoculated to believe we all were salves and now we all are okay in this post-Obama age. BS. We all are aware of the class rift people play into - the affluent Oreo vs. the struggling Negro. But the truth is we can not hide our race. As long as one succeeds in making positive strides for our community as a whole, it shouldn't really matter what side of the tracks you've come from. Can't wait until tomorrow's conclusion. And October's Latino in America should be just as informative and eye-opening to our nation as this opportunity.

? | That's it?!?!?!?!?!

Alas, the controversial dunk heard across the world has resurfaced for all out enjoyment. First video is from ebaumnation, the second was confiscated by the infamous TMZ. The dunk is nice, but I was expecting more after all the secrecy.

GNR | Decided to dip....

Spotted @ Pop Culture Vultures. Funniest thing since Brother Franklin.

'07/'08 | Do that Hokey Pokey

I don't know why this song wasn't bigger than it was. Wine-O looked like a ghetto pirate but the beat and his flow were sick. sidebar: who's the white kid

GNR | Brown Apology Part II

For wearing this shirt.

?uestion | Why....

Did they make him look like Bette Davis in "The Watcher in the Woods."

Channel Surfin' | Black in America 2

CNN's Soledad O'Brien continues the groundbreaking report where last year's left off. Tonight @ 9 sit down with the entire family and learn what is being done to tackle issues in Black America. A preview show is scheduled @ 7; and Obama will address the country @ 8 pm. When is the last time blacks were the subject of a news telecast for something other than sheer entertainment? This is history in the making. I'd even compare the multlitude of the event with that of Alex Haley's Roots in the 70s. If you are American you need to tune in. This is the American Dream.

411 | I am my brother's keeper....YES

The athlete formally known as Chad Johnson is schooled by the coolest black man next to Barack Obama....Denzel Washington. This is what its all about. Click above for full story.

Read-a-book | Grade shool favorites

This two books were probably the most checked out during my days at Charles Elementary School. Polar opposites huh!?!

MESS | No respect, no respect.

411 | Kanye West & Fuse present.....

I can't wait, no I can't wait

New New | " All Kinda Sprung," Steph Jones

zSHARE - All Kinda Sprung - Steph Jones.mp3 Shared via AddThis Who knew the male video...guy(?) could sing? sidebar: He's DeRay's younger brother??!?!?!?!

GNR | Apology accepted....but NOT that shirt!

The Dark Hater has a bone to pick with Mr. Brown about his apology video.

New New | "Regret," LeToya ft. Ludacris

zSHARE - Regret - LeToya.mp3 Shared via AddThis

411 | Black Harvard professor arrestted in own home

Click above for full story. Sounds like everyday shenanigans on the eve of Black in America 2.

PBP | Its too late to apologize....

Its too late...... What do you think? The game wouldn't be the same without Mr. Breezy.

411 | "I Look To You" Official Tracklist

Exclusive song list from Ms. Houston's upcoming album due to drop September 1st. I remember hearing the track with Akon earlier this year. It was pretty nice. More here.

1. Million Dollar Bill
2. Nothin' But Love
3. Call You Tonight
4. I Look To You
5. Like I Never Left (feat. Akon)
6. A Song For You
7. I Didn't Know My Own Strength
8. Worth It
9. For The Lovers
10. I Got You
11. Salute

New New | "Make Her Say," Kid Cudi video

Love this track. Vid is nice too.

87|09 Special | 80sbby90skd presents...

the first in a mix series. Preview and click link to download.

Remember When.... Pt. 1: I Can Remember

Tracklist below:

1. Intro - Reminisce
2. At Your Best (You Are Love Remix) - Aaliyah
3. Always Be My Baby (Remix) - Mariah Carey
4. If I Ever Fall In Love (Remix) - Shai
5. Beauty - Dru Hill
6. Who Can I Run To? - Xscape
7. Rain - SWV
8. Touch Me, Tease Me - Case ft. Foxy Brown
9. Nice & Slow - Usher
10. My Love is the Shh.. - Somethin' for the People
11. Outro - Flava in Ya Ear

Lenght: 14:25

411 | 300,000 expected to participate in IBE '09

That's a lot of Negus. See you when I get back Monday.

New New | "Make Her Say" sneak peak

A snippet if you will of Kid Cudi's video for the naughty "Make Her Say." Looks pretty tight. Via G.O.O.D. Music Blog.

PBP | Game Over

"He's tryin to get back to the only career he knows; playing football."

That's the problem. Kids, always have a backup plan, like a degree in something else than makin it rain." Click pic for full story courtesy of ESPN. Not only do we have hip-hop interfering in the black male image to progress, but our athletes have to fall victim to the same money, money, money culture that produces nothing valuable for themselves or our community.

'97 | They won't let you remember

Do not front and act like you did not rock to this as a kid. You know you copped some Dollar Store frames to study the four-step routine at the end of the video. Will Smith is dope. Point blank period. Pop, but dope nonetheless and a definite hip-hop pioneer. My dad even bought Big Willie Style. I don't remember any other songs except the singles, but i digress.

? | History 101

New New | "Church League Champions" mixtape

Pac Div's dropped their highly anticipated mixtape. This trio is straight fire. Cop @ their website. Shout to TSS. Previous - "Mayor" video

Channel Surfin' | Bug Juice

When we first got the Disney Channel in our household we felt we had hit the jackpot. We could see Disney Originals and other animated 30-minute shows that were our of our reach beforehand. It was just around that time Disney decided to invest in early reality tv...for kids. Bug Juice was the Real World for anyone 14 years of age and below. The drama played out at that summer camp was juicy enough for you to watch each week; "they don't like me," "does he like me," "I want to go home." It was such an original. More original than the crap floating in the cesspool I call television nowadays. Click pick to reminisce and to hear that great theme song.

411 | 'No Excuses' Obama tells NAACP

Channel Surfin' | 16 & Pregnant

I admit I was skeptical for another MTV reality show; but, this one right here spoke the unseen truth about teenage pregnancy. While the entire season has followed several different couples' journey to parenthood, the finale cast a curve ball to viewers. Pulling a Juno the two decide to place their child up for adoption in hopes of a better life and what they could provide that young. It really puts things in perspective and re-affirms what I knew all long: it's worth the wait.

In case you missed the entire season, I'm sure it will be reran on the weekend. Plus you can tune in to the a reunion special with everyone's favorite doc, Dr. Drew.

SICK | "I Look To You" Sept. 1st

411 | TBS = The Black Sitcom

Joining Tyler Perry's hilarious(?) record-breaking sitcoms House of Payne and Meet the Browns is a television version of Are We There Yet. That's correct. The Ice Cube film will become a similar-fashioned sitcom starring Terry Crews as Cube's role. Ten episodes have been ordered for a June 2010 launch. Crews is hilarious and I'm hoping this will be a hit. Via Yahoo

'09 | Are we ready for this?

411 | Dope Couture sets up shop this weekend

The fellas at Dope Couture will be selling new merchandise this weekend in Nap at Got Sole Boutique. Since the city will be populated with Negus (me included) for the annual Black Expo, one should definitely stop by and cop a shirt or two. And speaking of Black Expo, all I ask is that we remember who we are and whose we are, and that Obama is depending on us not to act a fool. For more do's and don'ts check J24/7's Expo survival tips.

P School | Rock Creek Park

Just do it.

'09 | NBA: Top 10 Play of 2009 Season

#9 is the T. #1 is straight propaganda. ?uestion: Where is the love for the best series of the finals, Chicago v Boston.

BaM | Now break it down

Luam is a beast choreographer/fashion designer and she does not disappoint. www.luam.net

New New | "You Got Me Now", Se7en ft. Three 6 Mafia

Don't know much about international artist Se7en, but this goes pretty hard. I'm feelin it. Shout to HHPRnB Stop. Click above to download.

New New | "Delirious," Vistoso Bosses, video

I'm feeling this track. Gives me a 90s vibe i.e. Inoj or "My Boo." Soulja Boi's presence to me is unnecessary, but I see a potential hit. I would have opted for a more realistic video though. Something like walking along a sunset beach.

'09 | MTV Video Music Awards

September 13 is the date set for (M)TV's annual Video Music Awards. Bringing the the show back to NY, MTV promises "the city will never be the same." British lad Russel Brand is to host again (really?), and performers so far include the most annoying artist next to Hannah Montana - Taylor Swift and Muse(?). That shows you how much music television I see these days. I will say I;m looking forward to their just Michael Jackson tribute since he essentially made MTV the music mogul it was years before the Internet and reality TV. I hope you're watching Debra Levil. Click moonman for more.

'09 | # 6

For all my fellow slackers who have yet to pick up any of the books, Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince is in theaters today. I'm kinda bummed its only rated PG though. Goblet of Fire & Order of the Phoenix were something serious.

?uestion | Are you goin' to tune in to the show within a show?

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

GNR | The Last Episode of Family Matters

That's messed up!

?uestion | WTF is Nikki?

J-Kwon must be beyond 'tipsy' with this mess he calls a video for his new single, Louie Bounce (I Smacked Nikki). Bobby Light's video was better than this. Shout to Urban Music.

New New | "Alright" Twista

An iTunes bonus track from Twista's Category F5 album. Click title to download.

'88 | Groove me, baby, tonight

I don't think the BET Awards did Guy justice. One of my favorite new jack tracks. This stuff just made you want to busta move.

Channel Surfin' | How you doin'?

Everyone may recall the brigade of new shows BET pimped during their failed awards telecast. Well the first of several premiered tonight - the Wendy Williams Show. The former porn star current gossip guru's talk show airs nightly @ 11 p.m. Perfect timing. I only caught the second half, which featured a Q&A period with the audience and a performance by the always-stunning Vanessa Williams. Seems rather calm...extremely calm. Almost comatose given Wendy's record i.e. her late night show on VH1.

New New | "Remember Me," T.I., video

The Grand Hustle king releases his new single from the upcoming reissued Paper Trail : Case Closed. Don't forget to cop this version of one of '08s better hip-hop albums.

411 | "Do the Right Thing" 20 Y.O.

Twenty years have passed since Brooklyn erupted on a hot summer day in Spike Lee's revolutioary look at race. And yet the characters and conversation remain relevant to this day. Even in this alleged post-racial Obama age. Don't believe the hype, and continue to "Fight the Power" in twenty-0-9.

'96 | Williams Shakespere's Romeo & Juliet

I never saw this film until we read the classic tale my freshman year of high school. I have to say it was absolutely stunning. The story itself remains a timeless tale, open to endless reinterpretations. I thought the use of the original script was a eloquent touch. And it made the usually boring Bill interesting for everyone. The guys indulged in the heightened violence and urban culture of drugs, youth, and fearlessness. And of course, all the ladies swooned over the charming talent of Leonardo DiCrapio, as we used to call him in back in the day. Apart from the film, again, is the outstanding soundtrack which featured young Quindon Parker's rendition of "When Doves Cry" and Des'ree's "Kissing You." A definite classic for the ages and pop culture staple of that decade.

'01 | Zone of the Enders

Now this is a classic I'd love to see get the next gen treatment. I distinctively remember trippin' out when my best friend and I played this on his PS2. The entire game was sick from the story, to the gameplay. One of my favorites.

'90 | I Doooo Neeeeeed Yoooooou

The second of two ballads from BBD's smash "Poison." Ricky is a vocal monster. These dude's killed it at the BET Awards. Nice to see that they can still rock a crowd.

411 | Via dangerousNegro

?| The word hip-hop is used too much in this story.

New Newz | "Fame," Ruckus ft. Michael Jackson

zSHARE - Rukus - Fame _MJ Why_.mp3 Shared via AddThis

'00 | Bamboozled

. Keepin it 100: You're not black, with a "c," if you haven't seen this movie.

New New | "Hit the Button," Petey Pablo

Guess who's baaaaaack? The NC native Petey Pab-motherf*&#er is back with this hot Timbaland-produced track. Somthing you can dance to since it sounds like classic 90s Mosley. Sexyback-free. Click above for link. Shout to HHPRnB Stop.

? | Where have I seen this before?

SICK | dN tributes MJ with special offer

dangerousNEGRO have released a new shirt design in honor the King of Pop. Purchase online now to receive a copy of Rhymefest's Man in the Mirror 2.0 mixtape. Click below for details.

Channel Surfin' | MTV's The Cut

You've got to be a true, die-hard 90skd to remember MTV's own American Idol-esque The Cut. Airing in the late 90s, The Cut pitted aspiring artists with original material head-to-head for a spot to be recognized by talent scouts and the general public. The show was hosted by the late Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and garnered celebrity guest judges such as Mack 10 and some other people. Even in their game shows, MTV kept the focus on music. Not BFFs or cash money for looking extremely stupid in a fake library *smh*. While AI continues to lose any legit search for talent I thought it use to possess, take a look at a pre-fame Anastacia's debut.

411 | SLAM! duh duh duh

Will the real LeBron James please stand up? The one who was suppose to be the second coming of Michael Jordan and rearrange the way basketball was played. The young court prodigy fresh our of Akron whose only goal was to win a championship. Not the one who has recently become the brunt of jokes. Not the one whose championship-on-a-platter dreams were deferred. Not the one subjected to this:

Hopefully Shaq can grant James three wishes and bring a ring and his dignity back to Cleveland next season. KAZAAM!

8709 Special | Bridging the Gap

I am highly excited about this collaboration right here. Hip-hop vet Chubb Rock and newcomer Wordsmith are set to release their album "Bridging the Gap" proving new and old school hip-hop can live in lyrical harmony. The first single "Old 2 the New" was hot as well as the title track. Album drops July 14th! Check out the Myspace.

New New | "Break Up," Mario, video

In case you didn't know. This is the 500th post. Congrats to me! The lil' boy who wanted ladies to "braid his hair" is all man, and has his eyes set on grown women. This is the first single from his upcoming album "And Then There Was Me." I've always felt this dude was highly underrated. Hopefully the new look and grown sound can boost him to the head of the class - especially while C. Breezy is M.I.A. sidebar: main lady is a 1/4 of new girl group RichGirl.

New New | "Sweet Dreams," Beyonce, video

Think she finally got the hint that the trio treatment needed an upgrade. UPDATE: And obviously I'm late. Damn.

SICK | Dope Couture Summer '09

.

Click post title for exclusive look. Entire collection available for view @ noon today. Dope.

'09 | Transformers 2 effing long

Two and a half hours to be exact. The action-packed yet plot-holed film tried way too hard. It was basically the first film with a new, slightly more powerful villain who's reign of power comes as quickly as it goes. There is no build up to some climatic battle and any hint of suspense is easily so foiled, even the targeted 10-year-old can figure it out. Megan Fox is annoyingly distracting with her love(?) for Sam. The entire romance has no purpose in the film. This is Transformers: the only love the audiene is concerened about is the love they have for this pop culture icon. Leave romance to Harry Potter in a few weeks. The only pluses to me in the film were the lady friend Sam meets at college (another annoying scenery) and the Kinetica-like female Autobots who were kickass. And I liked the addition of Sideswipe to the protagonist's team. Evidently I felt there were never enough Autobots to rally against the more abudnant Decepticons who kept coming and coming. Not to mention their better , sleeker, deadlier selection of vehicles to host.

Great for a '09kd. Not so much for the '09 adult.

'97 | Why don't you just give me a sign

Truly one of Missy's most interesting videos. The 702 & Magoo assisted "Beep Me 911" found the supa dupa one in desperate to understand why her man ditched in such an untimely fashion. The stop motion in the vid is too sick. Beep us 911 Missy, hip-hop needs you!

8709 Special | iZune

So last week my Phillips mp3 player died. I went to remove it from its AC Adapter and its LCD screen politely read: Battery Low. The last words before my beloved companion of three years perished. In search of a replacement, I temporarily kicked it like a true 90skd and rocked my Sony Walkman compact disc player. I actually enjoyed the AA batteries and constant contemplation of how to travel with the robust object in my pants pocket. *pause* Any who I had two choices: succumb to the mores of society and become an iSlave to the iPod; or, remain on my own path and go for something different. I opted for a smaller palyer which meant less space. I honestly could not downgrade from 30GB (easily 2000 songs) to a mere 4 or 8. I looked toward the next best thing - the lesser Zune. So maybe it isn't as pop culturally salient as its counterpart, but it gets the job done. Its syncing process is quite simple and much faster than my previous hardware. And the whole wireless sharing option is a plus; now I just need to find a fellow Zuner, but I digress. Downloading the Zune software, similar to Apple's iTunes, was easy. And it transferred all my music from my hard drive. I remember downloading iTunes and having to re-rip all my music from cds as it only recognized the mp3 files. I also received a 2-year warranty and a 14-day trial period to access the Marketplace to purchase music and share with others. I'd say I'm pretty satisfied.

'87 | Some Kind of Lover

I loved me some Jody Watley.

'09 | BLACKsummers'night, Maxwell

Take a break from your scavenger hunt for Michael material to be blessed with what will be one of the best R&B albums of the year. Yesterday Maxwell released the highly-anticipated BLACKsummers'night, his first studio album since 2001's Now. The nine-track set envelopes listeners to a sound of R&B from the past, similar to the work of Al Green who Maxwell honored in his comeback performance at last year's BET Awards. On the push of the first single "Pretty Wings," a somber swan song to a lost love, Maxwell works effortlessly to evoke such emotion and honesty in his lyrics that current R&B has missed. In "Cold" he urgently describes the woman whose frozen his heart on top of warm horns. And with "Fistful of Tears" he tackles the lamenting compromises it takes to keep a relationship's love alive. Even the ending instrumental "Pheonix Rise" is electrifying, signaling the return of a true artist and the return of R&B music to the fullest. No featured rap artist or auto-tune.

Chubb Rock & Wordsmith - Bridging the Gap | Hip Hop Songs HipHopDX.com

Chubb Rock & Wordsmith - Bridging the Gap | Hip Hop Songs HipHopDX.com Shared via AddThis

411 | Michael Jackson's Memorial

Noon today Michael Jackson will grace our television screens for the last time, but will remain in our hearts forever. Jackson's memorial service will be held in LA's Staples Center and could possibly be the most watched televised event in history, ironically surpassing his own Super Bowl Halftime show. The ceremony is being compared to that of Princess Diana's in its global appeal.

'01 | Even though he's thuggin'

Does anyone else remember this soulful single from LovHer. I remember seeing the video on BET all the time. I guess it was on the Rush Hour soundtrack.

illlist | dangerousNEGRO

An apparel line for the "talented tenth" in all of us, dangerousNegro replaces the normality of urban wear with knowledge food for the mind and soul. In the mist of ignorance and thug culture, dangerousNegro focuses on re-educating the minds of young African Americans to pursue more enlightened ventures in life. Their organization not only reaches aspiring future leaders across the country, but has also penetrated the world of hip-hop. They've most recently established dangerousNegro ENT. and signed their first artist, Rhymefest. Get familiar.

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SICK | Lanvin Grey Canvas High Top Sneakers

Click pic for more. Shout to Sneaker Maniac.