R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Today the one and only Michael Joseph Jackson was layed to rest in front of the whole world. The memorial was simply beautiful as the Staples Center filled with loving family members, loyal friends, and over 20,000 faithful fans to mourn our loss. The true beauty of this gathering showed through the performances of guests and memories of those close to him, as we all celebrated the King's life (and what a life he had). All week I listened to old Mike joints and was continually amazed at how many of his great hits that he had. One after another I would smile and think to myself, "I forgot that he had this song too." Not only were his songs the greatest, but he also created some of the best music videos/short films the world have ever seen. Michael Jackson epitomized the the beauty that his world holds, and allowed the hope and love in our world to blossom for all of us. He opened the doors for many artists and other celebrities that we all look up to today. Whether black, white, American, international, whatever he or she may have been, he loved everyone for who they were, and no can deny that. The media exploited him for decades, even after his dying days, but his true friends, family, fans and followers, etc. all know the true person inside of Micahel Jackson. Thank you MJ for entertaining the world with your amazing performances, music, and talent, but more importantly, thank you for making the world a better place. I know you are sharing a laugh with God, looking down on the world you made your home, and I hope you continue to bless the world in some magical way. Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer that ever lived and he will never be forgotten, as he is a LEGEND. Rest In Peace Mike, I'll see you walking on the moon someday.

Funny Clip

I got this clip off of my boy Chris Lemmons' blog, http://www.lifeoflemmons.blogspot.com/, check it out. This is how church should really be like. I am religious, but I do not like going to church to sit, kneel, and stand every other 2 minutes. This guy is a straight G, and the best part is that he is dead serious throughout the whole dance. He is nunmber 2 performers of all time in my book behind the great MJ (R.I.P). I need to find out where this church is, so I can check my man Bro Franklin out in person. Sign me up next time he takes the stage.

Wimbledon 2009

I was just watching the Wimbledon Championship match between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer, and was glued to the tv for 3 hours. This match is an instant classic for several reasons. First of all Federer now stands alone with 15 Grand Slam's, passing Pete Sampras who was present at the match, 7 years after his last match on center court. Secondly, this match was the longest match ever played at Wimbledon, going 7-5, 6-7, 6-7, 6-3, 14-16 in favor of Federer. I am not a huge fan of tennis, but this was simply an amazing match to watch. I can't lie, I was rooting for Andy the whole way, being an American, but I was happy to see Federer make history right in front of my eyes. The whole time during the 5th set I was confident that Roddick was going to pull through and steal the match from Federer since he did not lose a single Service game the whole match until his last, but fatigued seemed to step in and hinder Roddick's game in the end. Roddick played his ass off, not only in this match, but the whole Wimbeldon series. Beating Australia's Hewitt, the hometown's favorite Murray, and almost pulling it out against the game's greatest, Federer, Roddick had a great week in in England. Throughout the match the crowd slightly favored Roddick as he put on a show with both his serve and newly improved volley-game, and the same goes for the commentators. While everyone clearly appreciated the history that was made today, except for the Roddick camp of course, I believe that deep down inside everyone wanted to see Roddick pull off the upset on center court. No matter the outcome, I knew the match was going to be satisfying, and am grateful that I happened to turn on the TV to channel 10 this morning. Thank you both Federer and Roddick for a great match and entertaining the world for 4 and a half hours. Congratulations to Federer to on his record setting 15th Grand Slam victory, and Roddick keep up the hard work, it's clearly paying off.

Rain Rain Go Away

The last two days in Newport have been wet and windy. Both mornings I woke up to the slapping of raindrops against my screen window, which continuoulsy trickled onto my bed. While I do not complain about rain that often, this weather is just starting to get annoying. Not only have I not been able to journey down to the beach at all this summer, the damp weather has been keeping me from making money which is no fun at all. There's not much to do, when the skies are grey and the temp. below 70 for a whole month. There are only so many movies one can watch, and books to read. I never thought that I would ever experience more disappointing weather than I do up in Maine every year. I mean it sucks to have 3/4 of a year covered in snow, but when it is finally time to venture home and relax, how could Mama Nature be so unthoughtful? I mean serioulsy, can we please at least one full month of beautiful weather? That's all I ask for. I'm going to the the Land of Luck in 2 weeks, and I doubt the skies will treat me any better while in Dublin. The worst part is that once in a while the sun will tease you, pretending to burn through the mist, only to jump right back behind the clouds 20 minutes later. Anyways, hopefully you will be able to read a more pleasant post in the future, if MN decides to bless us with her beauty. But until then, keep those umbrellas by the front door and go see The Hangover as many times as possible.

Hip-Hop's Up-And-Comers

PSA: "Hip-Hop's Alive Again! Repeat: Hip-Hop's Alive Again!"

Two artists that are relatively new on the scene, Drake (who often raps with Lil Wayne), and Poe Picasso, have tied up their capes to bring back Hip Hop. These two have been blastin in my Pasat all month. Their styles and lyrics are both unique and a blessing to the culture that has strayed away from an intellectual style for the past few years. While it was fun to hear a selection of songs talking about bagging girls and shining their "ice" everywhere they go, it is refreshing to hear these two bring back the crafty artistic aspect of hip hop.

Drake: Rapping with Wayne has given Drizzy the spotlight in the rap game, seeing Wayne's fame. Drake has exceeded expectations as far as I'm concerned, bringing a variety of styles to the Mic. Not only can my man drop a special 16 bars, but he can also speak to the ladies with his voice. HIs combination of rapping and singing on the same track puts him a different category than most MC's in the game. While I'm not calling him the greatest or anything like that, he has a crazy bright future, which I'm excited for. Here is a song of his, which is also my current ringtone at the moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isZsH4TveB0

Poe Picasso: Poe is a rather less known artist right now, but don't let that turn you off. Once he gets the exposure he deserves, he has the chance to blow up as long as he continues what he's doing. He sticks more to the intellectual lyrics, something that has been missing from Hip Hop the last few years. I listened to his mixtape: "Exibit A: The Real Hip Hop Project" on datpiff.com and was in love immediately. This dude can really use his mind in a special way on paper. He uses a lot of recycled beats right now, which I think is a plus for him, so he can show his skills on popular beats from the past. I mean this is probably a long shot, but if someone like Kanye or Primo took the chance to sign this dude or at least give him a few beats, he would not disappoint. Here is one of his track too. Let me know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3aakC-Uv7g

Cavs 2010

Everyone brace yourselves for the 2010 Cleveland Cavaliers. King James and the original Superman are gonna be taking over next year. No looking back for my boys. I am a Celtics fan at heart, but as I know many others are, I am ready to see Bron Bron's career take flight and establish himself as one of the greatest to ever do it. MJ and Kobe are holding it down right now, but once LeBron gets his finger jewelry, there will be no question that he is top 3 ever with those two. He finally officially assereted himself as top in the league with Kobe this year as he earned is first MVP award of many to come. I am no Kobe fan at all, but you can't deny that he is a great player. I am excited for the 2010 season to start up again, its going to be a dogfight in the East between the Cavs and the Celts if everyone stays healthy, and then another great Finals against the always competitive Lakers. Another great season on way for the NBA.