Akron's Lebron James returning home?

As the result of the 2014 finals still loom in the minds of the Miami Heat fans, one major question remains in the balance this off season and the coming weeks: What will happen to Miami's Big Three? Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and the superstar of all NBA superstar's, Lebron James, will make one of the biggest decisions of their sports careers. Anchoring this discussion is what and where will Lebron James choose to call his home next season. Will he remain in Miami and attempt to live up to his declaration of not 1, not, 2... well you get the point, or will he seek to finish his legacy elsewhere.

While the sports world waits on these decisions a simple instagram photo and its caption has caused quite a stir in an otherwise uneventful week of basketball news. Lebron's wife, Savannah James, posted a photo of the map of Ohio with the caption, "Home Sweet home!! The countdown is real! #330"

What could this caption mean? Is there a chance that Lebron could return his talents back to Cleveland. If anybody would know what decision Lebron is sure to make this offseason it would be his wife, right? Or possibly, just possibly, the media and everyone else (including myself) is reaching. In the meantime all we can do is wait and see. 

Holla

-Achmone 

KANYE WEST RUFFLES ARSENIO HALL'S FEATHERS AND ARSENIO RESPONDS!

When you piss off Arsenio Hall who is a generally kind and low-key person you may need to chill. C'mon Kanye! Check out what Kanye says and how Arsenio responds below...

Holla
-Achmone

HOW DOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN!

So earlier this week South Africa took a major "L"!
During Nelson Mandela's public tribute and ceremony earlier this week, a man believed to be an interpreter for the deaf, fooled thousands in attendance and around the world as watching from their television. A random man somehow got himself on stage, as many different politicians and close relatives to Nelson Mandela spoke, and pretended to interpret the different speakers words through fake sign language.

At one point during the airing a mini video playing on the side of the screen showed a legitimate interpreter properly signing during the speakers. As it has still not been determined how this random man managed to get past various security at this event, this writer can't help but wonder, "How funny is this going to be in this weeks episode of Saturday Night Live?" All that being said it's extremely disrespectful to the memory of Nelson Mandela as well as to deaf persons around the world.

All that being said here's the ridiculous video of the fake interpreter during the service.



Holla!
-Achmone

Childish Gambino - Because The Internet Mixtape (Achmone's Review)

Childish Gambino formally known as Donald Glover appears to shed his Hollywood image with the debut of his second released studio album Because The Internet. I'm fresh off of the record and overall I have a mixed reaction. Usually if I don't favor an album entirely on the first run through (like Kanye West's Yeezus album) I'd give it another listen before giving my review. However, on Gambino's latest record I found myself forcing my ears to listen to the very end. The album starts with a solid record assisted by some distorted sounds and heavy percussion on the track 'Crawl' then the album begins to jump around into different styles. The following song "Worldstar" samples audio clips from the popular vlog site of the same name, which is infamous for offering its viewers user uploaded fights recorded on smartphones in the form of entertainment, that includes a heavy 808 assisted beat, but then fades out to the sounds of a trumpet. Although the album has some really good songs like, "Pink Toes ft. Jhene Aiko" & "Life: the Biggest Troll", it also has too many songs featuring Childish Gambino's unpleasant singing voice and lacks synchronization throughout the album. In other words

Though it is apparent that Childish Gambino is growing as an artist and exploring various genres. I would not recommend that he try all of those various styles in one LP. Although the production value of this album was not great throughout it does have it's moments like on the "Crawl" record previously mentions (plus Childish produced most of the album so he has to get some credit for that).

Overall, Because the Internet picks up where R.O.Y.A.L.T.Y. left off, but mid-way through flat-lines. To put it plan, Gambino tried a little too hard to make a piece of art rather than a cohesive piece of good music. I still respect the man for trying and I do believe that he is becoming his own artist but he's just not there yet. Gambino is still looking for his sound. All in all good second effort, but not good enough for heavy rotation.

Subject Matter: 2
Lyrics: 2
Flow: 4
Production: 2

Overall: 2.5/5 Mics. They can't all be winners.

-Achmone

A Global Icon Goes on to Glory

Rest in peace to a man who inspired a nation to fight for their civil liberties and led a revolution. He is known globally by these names:

Rolihlahla- Mandela's name given at birth (means troublemaker or one who pulls the branch)
Madiba- The name of Mandela's clan.
Tata- South African term meaning father and a word used by all South African admires of Mandela despite there age when referring to Mandela.
Khulu- "Great, Paramount, Grand"
Dalibhunga- Name given to Mandela after his rite of passage into manhood at age 16 (means creator or founder of the council)

However, he is most recognized and respected as NELSON MANDELA!



-Achmone

-Achmone

You're Cordially Invited to the "Lebron James & Tiago Splitter BlOCK PARTY!"

Sunday night was not the best game that superstar Lebron James has ever played. It wasn't full of record breaking stats or packed  with phenomenal plays that we used to see on our NBA Jams video games about ten gaming systems ago, but it's definitely one of those plays that we'll be talking about for years to come and reflection years after Lebron has left the game.

This is one of those Legacy defining plays. Courtesy of the NBA.
Check it out.
Holla!



-Achmone

J. Cole leaks "Let Nas Down"

In an industry where good music gets overshadowed by watered down radio/club bangers with no substance, rapper J. Cole releases a song expressing hurt from an idol, while treating true hip hop fans with food for your ears.

Check out the CD quality leak from the highly anticipated album "Born Sinner".

Holla!



-Achmone

Beasts of the Southern Wild Review

Emerging out of the plethora of blockbuster and mega Hollywood productions and being presented as one of the best films of 2012 comes this "sleeper film". I call this a sleeper film because even though the Oscar buzz has flipped this independent film into a red carpet charmer there are many who STILL have not seen it.
For those weary of details for this movie allow me to give a brief synopsis.

In the swamps and back yards of Louisiana behind the notorious non-updated levee system that failed to save New Orleans and surrounding cities from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 lies a region that was purposely not marked on a geographical map. A piece of land for those who choose the most primitive of conditions as opposed to what we would called civilized society. The people who live there, call it "THE BATHTUB" but for people like me who enjoy air conditioning and meat that is already dead before I cook it, I call it a crazy way of living.

Their entire lifestyle is not accompanied by a healthcare or educational system, no grocery stores nor sewage systems but they love their beloved "Bathtub".

In the middle of it all is 'Hushpuppy'; a five-year old little girl raised by her ailing (physically and apparently mentally) father. Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) is not only the star of the movie but also our narrator. Now she's no Morgan Freeman mind you, but the young star does a good job of showing her audience the perception of an impressionable young lady living in the wild.

There are symbolisms used in this film often, but I was pushed through this film with the characters interesting way of living. Although I left the film with so many questions I also was very intrigued by the validity of the story and it's believable cast. You find yourself rooting for Hushpuppy throughout the film and concerned about her well being all at the same time. In an area where probaly twenty miles up the water you can buy a cup of coffee for five bucks, these people hunt for their food and live in trailers that should most certainly be condemned and raised children in need of a good comb, bath, and book. Yet they all to have pride in their private territory and shun the outside world as they view it.

I give this movie four stars and recommend that you check it out and give me your opinion.

Until next time... Holla Back!
-Achmone

"You Got Knocked The F#$% Out!"

Damn Pacman... Now we really ain't going to see you and Floyd Mayweather fight smh.
Thanks alot bruh.

Holla
-Achmone

Eddie Murphy!.. What The Hell Happened To You?

In case you missed it...

The other night was the Spike TV premier of "Eddie Murphy: One Night Only", a tribute to the living legend comedian, entrepreneur, and all-around entertainer. The two-hour special included guest appearances by Sam Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Arsenio Hall, Chris Rock, and many other notable and successful entertainers who've worked with Murphy. As expected the show generated record breaking ratings for Spike television as millions of Eddie fans tuned in to see the well deserved honors bestowed on the comedy great.

The night started with Jamie Foxx opening and presenting Eddie Murphy. Tracy Morgan followed wearing an identical red leather suit that Murphy infamously wore in his stand up "Delirious" and expressing gratitude to his "comedic hero". The night continued with Charlie Murphy sharing some funny personal childhood stories about his brother and followed by Juggernauts Adam Sandler (who was visibly nervous), Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Tyler Perry all sharing sentiments of gratitude to the honoree and how his career inspired them to become comedic stars as well.

One of the major moments of the night was a tribute from Stevie Wonder, whom Eddie impersonated on SNL, where Stevie invited Eddie on stage. Eddie, hesitant at first, impromptly grabs a pair of glasses from a member of his entourage and sings side by side with Stevie. It was hands down the highlight of the night.

Another important moment is when Arsenio Hall took the stage. He recalled a special where Sammy Davis Jr. was being honored and how Gregory Hines invited the Rat Pack member on stage as they both did what they did best, dance. In this same way Arsenio baited/invited Eddie to do the same, but instead of dancing, treat us all with his gift of comedy. However, Eddie Murphy declined and looked anxious for the event to continue without his participation. Not only was this the defining moment of the night for me, but it was a clear indication that the outlandish funny man that we fans have all come to love may have all his best years in the past. Of course we have seen glimpses of his brillance in movies such as Life and recently Tower Heist. But for the past decade in general Eddie has presented us with several family movies like Dr. Dolittle, Daddy Day Care, Meet Dave, A Thousand Words, and (the corniest of all) The Adventures of Pluto Nash smh.

As I watched comedian after comedian (icons in their own right)thank Eddie for all of his work and for inspiring them so much I found myself becoming frustrated with the new Eddie. His expressions and body language were unfamiliar and he rarely expressed enthusiasm or emotion. Many times during the night Eddie seemed emotionally detached from the praise being directed his way.

To put it sweet... I want that old thing back. I miss the Eddie of old. The one that had us all dying of laughter in Coming To America, 48 Hours, and Raw. Now I don't know what happened but I'm done with the optimistic ideal that "Eddie is back"! To put it simply he is not the same comedian we all came to love. He's rich, content, and he seems uninspired. So even though it's because Eddie was so funny back in the day... he's movies and shows still live on.

Holla Back!

-Achmone

NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT T.V. SHOW

Nearly ten years ago in the fall of 2003 Arrested Development aired it's first episode on the Fox broadcasting channel. 2 1/2 years later the show had been cancelled. Now this storyline is not necessarily an unoriginal one. Many times we the viewing public has witnessed a show come on the airs and before you know it, it's gone and we move on to the next one.

Although, this may be true for most shows, some shows are special. In it's run on Fox Arrested Development received major critical claim, including earning 6 Emmy awards and 1 golden globe. Over the past decade it has been considered one of the funniest television shows to have existed and often proclaimed a "cult-classic" by it's devoted fans. Since the cancellation of the show in early 2006 there have often been rumors in Hollywood of a movie to be produced starring the original cast. And even though these rumors have been confirmed and unconfirmed several times, we do know that the show has been in production since August 7th of this year with 10 to 13 episodes planned and has a scheduled release on Netflix in it's entirety for the Spring of 2013.

Creator, Mitchell Hurwitz, says the revival of the show and it's airing in the Spring is a gear up for the movie which has yet to have a finalized screenplay, but has been in the works for several years. If that's not enough to get fans excited Alia Shawkat, who plays Maeby Funke, says, "The scripts keep getting funnier and funnier... and we get to do some crazy ****." If the show is even close to where it left off in 2006 I personally can't wait to see it.

-Achmone

9/11

Taking a moment to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. We will never forget...

-KJ

"LUV" Trailer

Common, Michael Raniey Jr. and Dennis Haysbert (Allstate Insurance spokesman) are set to star in 2012 Sundance Selection, Sheldon Candis' new film "Luv". Check out the trailer below...



Looks Deep.

-KJ

Tyga goes from sucking at rap...to getting sucked

In other UNrelated news, YMCMB benchwarmer Tyga has put down the mic (at least for the moment) and picked up the camera as he makes his directorial (and acting) debut via his new pornography site www.rackcityxxx.com The site itself will charge a $24.95 membership fee and guarantees high quality videos uploaded to the site each week.

Currently, Tyga is finishing filming of his first upcoming porno film Rack City: The XXX Movie in which he will star and also direct...smh

Who Knew?

-KJ

Week in Review: Democratic National Convention "Big Willie Style"

Just this past week we, as american citizens, witnessed another great historic event in American politics take place in Charlotte,NC at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. In the wake of what was a "lack-luster" convention from the Republican party the week prior, the Democratic National Convention sharply contrasted its predecessor by doing what most politicians have a difficult time doing, grabbing the full attention of the public.

Kicking off Tuesday with a myriad of minority congressman giving riveting speeches throughout the day, only to be surprisingly upstaged by First Lady Michelle Obama, the first day of the DNC garnered much respect and viewership that already placed the event in a category above the expected from both Republicans and Democrats alike. However, everything happens for a reason and the attention on the convention from the night before was all in preparation for the next headline advocate to speak Wednesday night: Bill Clinton. Former President Clinton stole the show that night (and arguably the entire convention) with his speech which not only gave his secured praising recommendation for re-election of President Barak Obama, but he also made sure to let all of the "naysayers" (Republicans) know exactly what he has accomplished and done well for our nation over the past four years. In a brilliant effort to not over look the fact that Republicans would downplay his speech without the specific details, Mr. Clinton made sure to include many detailed numbers and arithmetic for all to follow when referencing national spending, the national budget and most importantly the nations plan to bring down the outrageous deficit.

Overall, the convention was one "well played" by the Democratic party as Michelle paved the way for Clinton who lined up the entire nation to listen to President Obama on Thursday so that he could deliver his serious and important message from the convention to the masses of viewers enthralled by the content that had already been addressed by both the Republican and Democratic parties before. Although, President Obama wasn't his usual gregarious self on stage last week, he was serious about his message which resonated with all of the Democratic speakers last week: "Things are getting better still, but we still need more time."

If you didn't get a chance to see any of the speeches click here to enjoy


...and finally, for all of those reading this blog, please make sure that you go out to the polls and make a difference this year and VOTE!!!

Peace

-KJ

Childish Gambino - R O Y A L T Y (Mixtape Review)

Donald Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino has once again proven his propensity to surpass all expectations in his rapping capabilities (as well as almost everything else he does) in his latest mixtape "Royalty"

Almost representative of an intricate movie, Donald Glover features "Royalty" along with a star studded cast of rappers, actors and producers (and even athletes!)who take us through an array of various contrasting scenes that go on to display the immense growth and development from Childish Gambino as both a rapper and producer.

Young Gambino starts the mixtape by flexing his "Hollywood status power-ess" with Los Angeles Clipper's star Power Forward Blake Griffin on the introduction saying "This is Blake Griffin...and this is Royalty" (which is random as hell, but I still can't deny the fact that it IS dope that he got Blake Griffin to hop on his mixtape period)...from this point we transition into the Gambino and Ludwig assisted production "We Ain't Them" where we hear Childish Gambino's growth as an artist almost immediately with his content focusing primarily on his recent life experiences and conversations with his family about leaving 30 rock to pursue music (pretty deep shit)

...which runs into the next Gambino production "One Up" where we finally hear Steve G Lover (Steve Glover - Donald's younger brother) rip the first verse followed by his brother to finish up the track with some pretty dope punchlines...Meanwhile, the next couple few tracks take us into a deeper perspective of Childish Gambino's newly acquired rapper status and the material objects that come along with it in both Boi-1da (Drake's producer) assisted "Black Faces" and "Unnecessary"


Overall...we see a display of skills from Donald Glover that has gone from "childish" to a more mature flow supported by better production and developed lyrics. "Royalty" serves its intentional purpose as a well crafted mixtape for the fans to enjoy as we anxiously look forward to his next piece of work.

Subject Matter: 3
Lyrics: 3
Flow: 4
Production: 4

Overall: 3.5/5 Mics. Dope.

-KJ

New track from Lupe

In my opinion if an artist is not intellectually sound they should not be considered as one of the best in their craft. Lupe is one of the most underrated hip-hop artist in the game. Check out one of his latest tracks supposedly leaked from the upcoming Food & Liquor II.





-Achmone

Nas' LIFE IS GOOD: Album Review

For those of us hip hop lovers with an ear for good music Nas delivers just that. If you haven't heard the album yet here is a review of what to expect.

The initial track NO INTRODUCTION smoothly welcomes us into the album with a piano solo as the Justice League beat summons in. Nas reflects on his past and how it effects his present and hope for the black nation. He ends the track properly dedicating the album to a few well known people, as well as his ex Kelis and his loyal fans.
The Large professor produced LOCO-MOTIVE gives the fans a taste of the past with a 90s era beat and flow reminiscent of a young 'Illmatic' Nas. As Nas proclaims in the track, "It's for my trapped in the 90s niggaz". A QUEENS STORY has a funky basement beat accompanied by a collection of strings. During this track Nas proclaims his love for his hometown of Queens and pays personal homage to his old stomping ground as he proclaims himself a "real O.G." This record celebrates fallen soldiers from his old hood and a shout out to people from the area who made it out and became successful despite facing many obstacles.
ACCIDENT MURDERERS features The Bawse 'ROZAY' where Nas tells stories almost convicting man who boast about being killers, but truly mistakenly become their self proclaimed title. Nas also honors the innocent bystanders who become victims of these young killers. Nas further stresses how he once embraced these young men as children, but as they became men they've become cold blooded and reckless. As Nas Laments "I want to build with him, but will he change really."

The direction of the album becomes more love influenced with the inception of DAUGHTERS. Nas discusses the hardships of being a father and how his many earlier mistakes led his daughter to question him. We get it Nas, you love your daughter. Nas not only sounds like he is trying to convince his daughter to make better decisions but it also seems to be a PR move to show that he is a good father despite some controversial events surrounding his daughter.

The next few tracks follow a theme of relationships and heartfelt ode's that quite frankly bring down that mood of the album a bit. But that is quickly followed by SUMMER ON SMASH which is quite simply a club song. Ushered in by notorious Anthem beat maker Swizz Beats along with singer Miguel adding vocals. This track is far removed by the intellectual concepts in the previous tracks but all in all it's a song that'll get you bouncing and wake the listeners up some. On THE DON and NASTY Nas flosses on the tracks and asserts himself as a New York Dondada. This is followed by a few soulful tracks that Nas' Jazz father Olu Dara would sure appreciate.

Also, BYE BABY is sure to get a lot of attention based on it's subject matter. Nas speaks on his relationship with his now ex-wife Kelis. Throughout the song Nas reflects on the many problems of the relationship and how even though he loved Kelis, after they were married the relationship began to tumble until the eventual demise. Nas also addresses the naysayers calling him a fool for marrying and failing. As he puts it "Atleast I tried".

In Conclusion, this album starts off very strong with some great production features and enthusiastic rhymes that are reminiscent of a young Nas entering the rap game. In much of the album Nas takes several trips down memory lane often reflecting on past experiences and telling vivid stories that only Nas could masterfully project. The album loses a lot of momentum in the middle following the Daughter's track with Nas seeming to teach more than flow. In the end this album has some incredible beats including the James Bond themed track in the end and a surprise feature from the late Amy Winehouse. Nas has cooked up some good tracks with this album so as the saying goes, Hats go off to the chef!

Subject Matter: 5
Lyrics: 5
Flow: 4
Production: 4


Overall Rating: 4 Mics!

Holla Back
-Achmone

FIRST Televised Peformance from Frank Ocean

Singer/songwriter Frank Ocean sent social media waves galore with the news of his "coming out" of the metaphorical closet. After learning of this latest revelation from the usually reclusive and young artist many fans either voiced their disapproval or support towards the popular singer. I myself have to admit that I was also taken aback from the rumors and eventually the announcement via twitter from Mr. Ocean himself. Not surprising was the opinions of my heterosexual male friends who shared my sentiments. After all, how could we listen to a male rnb singer who clearly is not singing love songs to women, (pun intended lol), but actually to men like us. I myself even went as far as to say that I probably wouldn't be able to listen to his music the same, including "Nostalgia, Ultra" or future records.

However, after watching this first and latest televised performance by Frank Ocean on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", with band accompaniment from "The Roots, it's safe to say that I'm having a change of heart. Check the vid and speak your mind.

Holla back.

-Achmone