Hillary "The First Lady" Clinton vs. Barry "The Young Gunner" Obama...Tonight @ 8pm

Of course I'll be blogging about the debate tomorrow...but till then chew on this. Once up by double digits in California polls, Clinton is reportedly only up by 3 points in the Golden State going into tonight's debate. And in Massachusetts, a supposed gimme state for Clinton in which she was up by more then 20 points, she's reportedly only up by 6 points now due in large part to Sen. Kennedy's backing of Barry O and Edwards' decision to quit. Of course polls don't count for shit and are sometimes wrong (or right? eh em...New Hampshire). But these are just a couple reasons why tonight's debate is huge!

Tomorrow..the tale of the tape.

Tag...Parkour Style

Cell Phones Do A 360...Back to Beepers!?

It always seems like America is behind when it comes to technology in Asia, but this time it seems we're so behind we're ahead. Huh? A lot of cell phone companies in Asia are up in arms over the practice of...wait for it...beeping--communicating by calling and hanging up before connection. Reports are that this practice is spreading around the world at a breakneck pace particularly into Europe and Africa.

Some countries are calling it "flashing" a friend, or hitting him with a "toque" in Spanish or a "bipage" in French. A research study of Rwandan beepers found three reasons behind the "new" practice: to get someone with more money or airtime to call the beeper (the person beeping, not the device) back; to signal a pre-agreed message like "pick me up"; or just to say "I'm thinking of you." In India it is estimated that intentional beeps amount to 30% of total mobile phone calls.

Cee-Lo On The Future of Music

This is a couple months old, but still as relevant as the day it came out. Additionally, with the new Gnarls Barkley track creeping around the internet and their sophomore set a couple months away might as well catch up with everybody's favorite rapper cum soul singer.

Rolling Stone sat down with a bunch of artists and spoke to them about the future of music. This is what Cee Lo had to say...and if you love Gnarls like most, I can almost guarantee you'll love Cee Lo's sophomore solo effort from 2004 - "Cee Lo Green...Is the Soul Machine" - you can get it on Amazon for like $8, trust me it's worth it and it'll hold you over till Gnarls drops in April.

The Court Victory Pump by Reebok

Ok Reebok, I see you. A couple days ago I mentioned how I'm a self proclaimed non-sneaker head and prefer to rock white air force ones and keep it simple. But that's ignoring the fact that my favorite and most comfortable pair of sneakers are my Original Reebok Pump Re-Issues which due to their perfectly snug fit get rocked without laces. That said, Reebok has made up for their blunder (Reebok x Kool-Aid) with a classic reissue of the Court Victory Pump. You can get the newest version in Black, Brown and Green for $129.00 at KarmaLoop or the slightly older version in Black, White, Purple and Blue at DrJays.com for $120.00.

Why is this ill? First off, the Pump is ill by itself. But what's even iller, is that these are the joints that 34-time Singles Champion Michael Chang rocked. Youngest (17) to ever win a Grand Slam single title (The French Open in 1989), it was possibly in large part due to these kicks...ok maybe not, but it's possible...lol.

$.10: Lauren Santiago

In the case you haven't guessed already...you don't have to be naked to be a dime, actually if you can look banging covered up you're probably hotter than the opposite. That said, more than just being pleasing on the eyes this young lady is talented. A recent Cali transplant now calling NYC home, Lauren Santiago's cool relaxing vibe and sultry voice is a welcome sound to any ear. Check her out here.

Also look out for Lauren Santiago's performance at the upcoming music showcase The Soulful Rebellion hitting The 169 in New York City on March 21st, 2008...more details to follow.

Hoyas Lay Out St. John's, 74-42

I don't give two shits about the St. John's basketball program to be honest. Although I'm a Queens native I've never been to a Red Storm game nor have I ever cheered for them. The closest I ever got to having an interest in St. John's is probably in '97 when they had Felipe Lopez and the New York Newsday convinced me he was nice. Other than that...could care less.

But tonight...what a train wreck. Hoyas stomped the Red Storm 74-42. I know some of you are probably saying...but the Hoyas are #6 in the nation...they have Hibbert, and this and that. Fine. Good points. Obviously St. John's wasn't supposed to win this game, coming into it with a 1-6 record in Big East play and a 7-11 record over all but nothing explains their paltry output. St. John's is historically one of the great Big East programs and to be fielding a team such as this would be an embarrassment if they cared about athletics...which they obviously don't. Here are some highlights from the Hoya/Red Storm game...

1. St. John's shot 10-47 (21.3%)
2. St. John's scored their first bucket with 4:33 left in the first half.
3. The score at the half was 41-14
4. The Red Storm defense allowed the Hoyas to shoot 52.8%
5. The last time St. John's failed to put up at least 40 points was in 1963 against Villanova.
6. 3 of the Red Storm's starters combined for 0-8 shooting.
7. Their other two starters who led St. John's with 9 each combined for 6-18 shooting.

Bye Giuliani!!

I guess this says a lot about me and my upbringing...lol...but I remember mockingly sticking out my tongue at Rudy Giuliani as he sat by a glass window eating his lunch at a Manhattan restaurant. Election day was quickly approaching and I had my vote decided...the year was 1989...and I was 7...lol. True story. I don't know if he saw me, but I told my Mom he did, and her big smile and subsequent laugh confirmed that I did the right thing!

So I'm going to do the right thing again..and not waste time discussing Giuliani's inevitable exit from the GOP race and just point you to the Seattle Post (a great place to catch the Northwestern pulse) who raise a great question. After leading in almost every national GOP poll in the fall of 2007 what did Rudy July do to f. this up? Egh, I could care less. But I guess continually finding personal glory in a national tragedy (9/11) had something to do with it.

Then There Were 2...Edwards Drops Out..

As most know by now, Edwards is now running for Vice President...I mean he's no longer running for President...lol. Now the Democrats are down to the same two it was always down to and now Edwards has more relevance than he has had at any point since losing the Iowa caucuses. The question now is whether he will endorse a candidate? If he endorses a candidate, who will he endorse? And regardless of whether or not he endorses anyone who will his followers vote for?

Forbes.com did a pretty interesting article noting a couple factors to give consideration to when answering these questions.

1. The Labor Vote: The labor unions were a large portion of Edwards' followers and it's not a given that the unions will move as one to Obama or Clinton. But if this is any indicator...remember Nevada? Although Obama lost in Nevada he did secure the endorsement of the 60,000 strong Culinary Workers Union.

2. The Southern White Vote: Edwards has a large contingent of white southern voters. If they vote along color lines this entire group may go for Clinton. If they vote according age, it could be split amongst Obama and Clinton.

3. Mo' Money, Mo' Money: Although Clinton and Obama have raised substantial amounts of money, there's still no money like mo' money...so expect both to begin tirelessly wooing Edwards' big spending donors. Seeing as this is America and this is Politics with money follows favors, so the money will most definitely get split between Obama and Clinton depending on what these donors want and what they can get for their dollars.

4. Voters for Change: Edwards' message of change was most similar to Obama's message of "change you can believe in" and on an ideological level it's likely that Edwards' followers who value this message will migrate to Obama.

But I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that if we don't get an endorsement from Edwards for either Clinton or Obama by February 1st, we won't get one until after Super Tuesday for one reason and one reason alone. He's hedging his bet and doesn't want to risk aligning himself with anyone but the winner of the nomination and after February 5th it'll be a lot clearer who that person will be...he hopes.

Artist/Activist NYOIL To Release EP in Feb.

Mostly known for his controversial song "Y'all Should All Get Lynched", artist/activist NYOIL will be releasing a digital EP entitled "NYOIL vs. 9th Wonder"...no it's not a dis album, rather the EP is comprised of 9 songs written to 9 previously released 9th Wonder beats. The EP will be distributed freely via websites and blogs. More here.

And if NYOIL is new to you, peep his video for "Y'all Should All Get Lynched" below (warning: explicit content with a message):

Foxy Brown Denied Early Release

A couple hours ago Foxy Brown was denied an early release from prison. Her lawyers made a motion for release from Riker's Island in New York so she could travel to an L.A. clinic for treatment on her ear condition which they claim has worsened since her incarceration.

Her denial was based on the Prosecutor's argument that the treatment she needs can be gotten in New York and that furthermore, inmates do not have the right to choose their physicians.

For Foxy's sake I hope this was just a ploy to get out early and not truly due to her ear condition because it would be sad if her ears worsen to the point where she's deaf or can't do music and make a livelihood after her release...

Between Foxy, Kim, Weezy, C-Murder, Yung Joc, Yung Berg, T.I., The Game, Snoop, Beanie...I mean damn.

NEW Gnarls Barkley - Run!!!

Yeah I got this from NahRight...so what!? It's a banger.

Gnarls Barkley - Run

$.10: Verbz

Straight out of London, 21 year old wordsmith Verbz aka Natalia Cappucini is one of a number of new artists trying to re define the lines between Hip-Hop and Pop with a youthful 80's inspired flavor. With joints like the self explanatory "Shopaholic" and the ode to overly protective Daddies called "Dangerous" this ten cent piece is possibly one of the best things coming out of the UK in 2008...check for yourself here.

Marijuana Vending Machines Hit L.A.

Regardless of where you stand on the legalization issue, you have to admit - this is on some Jetsons shit. This is one of the two "anytime vending machines" (AVMs) in L.A. and this is how it works...

• Customers bring their prescriptions for approval at the AVMs, housed in an enclosed room guarded 24/7.
• They are fingerprinted and photographed.
• They receive a pre-paid credit card loaded with their individual profiles.
• They choose their dosage (3.5 grams or 7 grams) and one of five strains of marijuana.
• The marijuana is in capsule form and dispensed in vacuum-sealed packages.
• They can buy no more than 1 ounce a week.

Supposedly they will be introducing AVMs for Viagra, Vicodin, Propecia and anti-depressants in the future. Don't believe me? Lookey here.

Thom Yorke - The Clock (Live)

When I'm not on Hot 97 with that Rosenberg guy playing the best Hip-Hop on Earth, this is what I'm listening to...



Thom Yorke 101: This joint is off of Thom Yorke's solo disc The Eraser, if you need a reference point, you know that song "Us Placers" by Lupe, Kanye and Pharrell? Well before they rapped over it - it was the title track of The Eraser and what is the "hook" on "Us Placers" is actually supposed to be the only lyrics on the track. Thom Yorke is also the lead singer of Radiohead.

If you like real music and have a mind of your own check out The Eraser by Thom Yorke and In Rainbows by Radiohead.

CunninLynguists - K.K.K.Y.

They say if you don't know, you better ask somebody. But how are you supposed to ask if you don't know? So I figured I'd just tell yall...CunninLynguists is the shit...so is this song. I dare you to disagree.

Chris Webber Does a 360...Back to Golden State.

It seems very likely that by this time next week the Golden State Warriors will have inked C-Webb. The last time he wore G-State blue and gold he was a ripe rookie, played 76 regular season games and averaged 17.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.2 bpg - good stats at any stage of an NBA career...but that was 14 years ago. Damn, time flies and so do skills.

In C-Webb's last season, 2006-2007, he had career lows putting up 11.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg over the course of 61 games with 2 teams (76ers and Pistons). His low averages can be explained by nagging injuries, maybe the players around him or maybe just age, but it begs the question...after the worst season in his career and a 7 month lay off how much can he offer the Warriors?

If you look at the Warriors Depth chart it's easy to see that finding minutes for Webber won't be a problem. Starting Center Biedrens only averages 9 and 9 although he's liable to explode for a big rebounding night as evidenced by recently grabbing 26 boards against the...oh yeah...Knicks. And the Warriors' starting PF Harrington, although talented and also liable to explode offensively only pulls down 6.4 rpg, only 2 more per game than their starting PG Baron Davis. On top of that, neither Biedrens or Harrington plays more than 30 minutes any given night.

But what can Webber add? I'm guessing 8.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg in about 20-25 mpg. Will he be a game changer? No. A shot blocker? Nah, his legs are shot. Is he the extra boost they needed to make it past the Spurs, Suns, Mavs, Lakers and Hornets? Nope. Way I see it, this will at best help them get out of the first round - which they probably won't unless they fight their way into the 6th seed (which is very possible, if the playoffs started today they'd be the 7th seed and play - gasp*- The Suns...good night nurse!) and play the Northwest Division Champs (Blazers, Jazz or Nuggets probably, all of which might still beat the Warriors in a close series). But in the least it'll allow Webber to finish what he started in front of the people who believed in him almost a decade and a half ago. Good luck Webb, don't break anything.

Roc-A-Pads!!

No Such Thing As a Hip Hop Mayor!

So I recently saw a headline on HipHopDX.com - "Hip Hop Mayor Under Fire" - and had to laugh. 1...because of the incessant attempts by the media to label everything black + bad as Hip-Hop, and 2...because wtf is a Hip Hop Mayor?! Last I checked we didn't have an organized Hip-Hop government or elections or anything of the sort, so as far as I'm concerned there is no Hip-Hop Mayor. Do you mean a Mayor who likes Hip-Hop? Has 22s on his whip? Quotes Tupac in his speeches? Listen, Mayor Kilpatrick, Hip-Hop as he may be is a Mayor of a major American city (Detroit) and the fire under which he is, is due to him allegedly cheating with a staff member and covering it up which led to a law suit which the city lost and cost the city $9,000,000. Where does Hip-Hop enter the equation? What about his alleged extra marital affairs brings Hip-Hop into the fracas? Must be those diamond earrings...lol.

Furthermore, I know Kilpatrick has endeared himself to the greater Hip-Hop community for openly supporting and enjoying Hip-Hop music and culture, and no this isn't an attempt to throw a supporter under the bus, but HipHopDX should know better than to throw up a headline like that. Kind of irresponsible if you ask me.

$.10: Vanna Black

No, this isn't that type of blog. Or is it? I just couldn't ignore her, I'm sorry - no I'm not - I'm not sorry g*d damn it. And if you get caught looking at these pictures you won't be sorry either! Lol...enjoy. The Simmer meet Vanna Black, Vanna Black meet The Simmer...

Former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer Remembered as a Gentleman

Former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer, only the second black Mayor ever elected in Chicago was remembered by more than 800 yesterday, as a gentleman who championed civility in one of the darkest periods in Chicago's history.

Sawyer was mayor for just 16 months (1987-1989) after being voted in by the City Council in 1987, filling the gap between two larger-than-life mayors: Washington and Daley. Sawyer lost the democratic nomination to Daly in 1989 and Daly has been in office ever since.

Sawyer's tenure was not without controversy like most politicians, but unlike most, he steered clear of it and dealt with business at hand while staying above the fray. The Chicago Tribune's piece on Mayor Sawyer is here.

"Reggie's Bush" Tee by Freshnes

Like I said earlier, I'm not particularly a sneaker head but when it comes to tees it's a whole different story. Freshnes just released this joint for $31.00 at KarmaLoop.com, won't be a collector's item but it'll definitely get black females talking.

Shaq's Monthly Bills = $1,300,000

$156,116 on mortgages.

$110,505 on vacations.

$60,417 on gifts.

$26,560 on babysitters.

$24,300 on gasoline.

$22,190 on maids.

$17,220 on clothes.

$12,775 on food.

$500,000 on income taxes.

Ok, I know this is illegal but if I can get my hands on one of Shaq's addresses, preferably a spot he doesn't go to often, I'm gonna just send him a bill. It can't hurt. With all the money he's putting out to all the different places and people he must pay, what's a $63,478.26 bill for a Malaysian Deep Tissue massage gonna do. Hey Shaq, cut the check and I won't say anything about that happy ending you demanded...lol.

Older Black Leaders Don't Like Obama? Who Cares!

Recently Obama obliterated both Clinton and Edwards in the South Carolina primary with 55% of the overall vote and 78% of the black vote, Forbes.com notes that his win in South Carolina is even more impressive due to the fact that he hasn't been very successful in building "close relations with established leaders of the civil rights movement, and many traditional black leaders have been lukewarm toward his candidacy." His lack of success, Forbes claims, is due in part to the generational divide amongst blacks. They note how vets of the civil rights movement aren't too excited about new black leaders who are trying to go beyond ethnic politics. Probably because that's been their bread and butter, keeping them in comfortable houses and luxury cars and on soapboxes. Yet upcoming black leaders like DC Mayor Fenty (Howard Law Grad!!!), Massachusetts Governor Patrick and Newark Mayor Booker are amongst Obama's biggest supporters.

This is my humble opinion, but is it possible that our older leaders, these civil rights vets, while fighting the good fight on behalf of African Americans and minorities in general have also been building very valuable ties to those within the power structure they were trying to change and are now scared that all their networking and back scratching will go to waste if Obama wins? Cynical I know, but who hasn't had their share of questions about Uncle Al and Brother Jesse for instance.

On the flip side, as many Americans have very established opinions of older leaders both black and white isn't it better for a candidate like Obama, who's goal is to usher in change and "new" politics to not get too close to the elders...at least until he wins - something, be it the Demo nomination or Presidency.

I don't think having the older black leaders on the other side of the fence hurts Obama that much, in fact it might help him. Be honest...if Uncle Al speaks at one of Clinton's New York campaign stops do you think that'll help her black vote or hurt it? Just a question.

Scarface: Scarred For Life

If you're a Hip-Hop head, movie buff or a collector of all things good and worth having this is what you need in your life. I'm actually mad it took me this long to catch wind of this and I'm guessing some of you are thinking I'm late to the party since IDW Publishing dropped this Scarface sequel in 2006, but for those who are still clueless this is the SEQUEL TO SCARFACE...in graphic novel form.

Seeing as noone will ever be able to reprise Mr. Pacino's iconic role of Tony Montana this is possibly the only way this tale could be continued. It starts out with the final scene of the actual movie and then continues, taking us through Tony's strauggle to re claim his throne as the King of Coca. I'm not gonna give you too many details, but rest assured this joint has all the vulgar language, violence and t+a you would expect DePalma to sprinkle in...notable scenes take place in a Miami strip club, the everglades and Bolivia of all places...

I've already said too much...but here's a sample...

The 2010 BMW V5...WTF?!

What the...hell is this monster? Supposedly BMW is trying it's hand at making a crossover whip. It's supposed to be part wagon, part suv, with three rows of seats stuffed inside a box. Can't particularly say I'm excited about this or that it'll work, but shit, if BMW can make it fuel efficient they just might have something here if you can really fit 6-8 people in this contraption.

On a side note, is it me or does this look like the kill car from that Tarantino/Rodriguez flick Grindhouse? Maybe the new improved version? I'm just saying...

...and if you haven't peeped Grindhouse yet and you like gratuitous violence and cheesy double features it's available on DVD now.

Reebok X Kool Aid

Honestly, I don't know. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a sneaker head, I'm more of a white air force ones kind of dude...but personal preferences aside, what self respecting person would really succumb to Reebok's new "What's your flavor?" campaign...lol. All jokes aside, it is creative. And if I was a hipster, or whatever you call people who rock purple (grape) or pink (strawberry) or red (cherry) sneakers, at about $74.99 each I'd def cop a pair. And if you want to go all out, they're dropping fitteds, tees and sweatshirts in mid March so you can actually transform into a walking fruit...no pun intended. Lol, props to Reebok and Kool Aid for their forward thinking, but like work and play can I keep my sneakers and beverages separate?

Jay-Z = Bad for Hip-Hop?

Kye over at NobodySmiling.com thinks Jay just might have over extended his welcome. I can't say I agree, but it's an interesting thought. It's no secret that Sean Carter has evolved from a corner dope dealer cum rapper into a one man multi-media monster, but is that a bad thing or good thing for Hip-Hop? In a time when financial profits for the Hip-Hop genre are dwindling at an alarming rate, I'd think Jay is more of a pioneer regarding finding new ways to produce extra dollars and less of an obstacle. But that's just my opinion and this is just another...