My One Christmas Wish

Today I was asked if there was anything in the world I could have for Christmas, what would it be? World peace comes to mind… maybe a million dollars... an Xbox One… eternal life would be quite intriguing… but if I could have the choice of anything in the world, it would be to sit ringside at my imagination’s ultimate boxing card. 

The event would take place on Christmas Day at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  I’d fly in early Christmas Eve for the weigh-in where the stare down between Mike Tyson and Rocky Marciano would be eerie.  The crowd would make Mayweather-Hatton’s weigh-in look like a backyard cookout.    Mexican flags would dominate the backdrop with Puerto Rican and Panamanian flags sprinkled throughout the crowd.  Chants of “Chavez, Chavez” would cause Roberto Duran to shout obscenities at the obnoxious fans while Sugar Shane Mosley’s devious smile belittled Pretty Boy Floyd.  It would be mayhem! The type of weigh-in that was so spectacular, that it could only be seen on pay-per-view. 

Prior to the card, I’d have dinner at Battista’s Hole in the Wall accompanied by Bert Sugar, Al Bernstein and Dan Rafael.  We’d discuss each fight in detail, only to disagree on our final predictions. 

When I’d walk into the MGM Grand escorted by the gorgeous Minka Kelly, the atmosphere would be scintillating.  The arena would be electric… DJ Premier in the center of the ring warming up the crowd playing hip-hop’s finest… Movie stars, singers, personalities everywhere… I’d take my seat with Jack Nicholson to my left and Charles Barkley to Minka’s right.  Nothing could beat my viewpoint of the ring.  HBO would broadcast this amazing card with the likes of Jim Lampley, Emmanuel Steward and Max Kellerman.  Joe Cortez would ref every match and Michael Buffer would announce every fight like it was the main event.  This is the preface of my one wish… my one dream.  

The ultimate night of boxing  

Ultimate Featherweight Championship

Salvador Sanchez vs. Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao

Fresh off his 15^th round TKO of Azumah Nelson, Salvador Sanchez would come into the ring against Manny Pacquiao an overwhelming favorite.  Chants of “Me-hee-co, Me-hee-co” would reach decibel levels unheard of. Once the bell rang, Manny would utilize his agile footwork to create odd angles to land his vintage straight left.  His hand speed and footwork would confuse the Mexican superstar.  The beginning of the fight would belong to Manny with Salvador’s moments coming few and far between.  In round 6, and over-aggressive Manny would get countered by a beautiful right hand, landing him on the both knees.  Cortez would get to an eight count before Manny rose up.  The round would end with both men on their feet, but momentum clearly swinging in Salvador’s direction.  They’d battle back and forth… Manny’s one-two… Salvador’s counter right and left hook to the body… it would be the ultimate battle of attrition.  By round ten, Manny would slow down just enough for Sanchez to land a barrage of punches forcing referee Joe Cortez  to stop the fight! The crowd would erupt!! Sanchez would run to the ring post closest to me with his arms in air, thanking God for this one last opportunity to prove he’s the best featherweight in boxing history. 

Ultimate Lightweight Championship

 “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. “Sugar” Shane Mosley   

I’ve always dreamt of what a Mosley-Mayweather Jr. matchup would look like with both fighters in their prime.  Sugar would be a slight favorite upon announcement of the fight, but the thought of Mayweather Jr. losing would have sports books in Vegas having no choice but to declare the fight a pick-em.  From the moment the clock began to tick in round one, it would be evident that we were seeing something we’ve never seen before.  The amount of hand speed administered in the ring would be blinding.  Mosley’s jab-jab-right would keep Mayweather Jr. at a distance while Floyd studied his opponent for the first two rounds.  In round three, Mosley would connect with a flush right hand, too quick for Floyd to incorporate the infamous shoulder roll, and wobble the young champ.  Mosley would press and go for the finish but Floyd’s superior footwork and athleticism would allow him to escape near tragedy in the ring.  The crowd would be in a frenzy!! The next round would change the course of boxing forever.  The young Floyd Mayweather Jr. would come out in round four with something to prove.  He’d control the first half of the round sticking Shane with his jab and opening up lanes for his quick combinations.  Shane would look for opportunities to counter, but Floyd would be too slick.  A flustered Mosley would throw out the countering strategy and box with Floyd.  Jab with his jab.. match Floyd punch for punch.  A flurry of hand speed would explode in the middle of the ring only to finish with a beautiful left hook ending what would forever be known as “the hook that changed boxing”.  There would be no need for referee Joe Cortez to count as the recipient of this beautiful left hook would lie face down on the MGM branded canvas.  The face of boxing for coming years would only be known by his moniker…. Sugar.

Ultimate Jr. Welterweight Championship

Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Roberto Duran  

If I had to choose only one fight, this would be it.  This would be the ultimate battle of will, heart, strength and determination.  It’s the type of fight that would be so action packed, you wouldn’t wanna blink!  Duran would start off fast! Slipping punches and countering everything Chavez brought his way.  Julio would absorb Duran’s punches while working to land his patented left hook to the body.  Rounds would pass and each fighter would lose just a little bit more with each passing moment.  The fight wouldn’t end their careers, but each fighter would never be the same.  There’d be no knockdowns and each round would be incredibly tough to score. Duran’s face would look unscathed but his gasping for air would suggest that his body had gone through war.  Chavez’s face would wear a mask of blood with a grimace so rugged, the doctor wouldn’t have the guts to call a halt to the bout.  It would be a man’s fight.  At the end of round eleven, both men would collapse on their stools, pleading with their corner not to stop the fight.  I’d sit there wishing the fight was over because my respect for both fighters is so high, I’d want them to fight another day.  Luckily, Chavez’s corner would throw in the towel to the dismay of the beaten Mexican superstar.  It’d be a fight so tumultuous, the entire crowd would need an hour intermission to recover from the brutality.  Hands of Stone vs. El Cesar del Boxeo… doesn’t get much better than that. 

Ultimate Jr. Middleweight Championship

Thomas “Hitman” Hearns vs. Felix “Tito” Trinidad  

I love boxing more than any other sport.  No sport is more emotionally taxing than the sweet science.  My favorite fighter of all-time is Felix “Tito” Trindidad.  To get the opportunity to see him fight Thomas “Hitman” Hearns would be boxing entertainment at its finest.  The amount of tension in the crowd was so thick, it would look like the fighters were walking in slow motion to the ring.  Thoughts of Hagler-Hearns would run through everyone’s mind.  We would all know that this fight wouldn’t last more than three rounds, but the action would be enough for three fights combined.  Chills would capture my body from head to toe.  The bell would ring and I’d be shaking.  There’d be no feeling out process, this was war.  Hearns would stick Tito with his stiff jab with the pure intention of opening up a lane for his devastating machine-gun like right hand. Tito would eat the jab but fire his off his own version.  Tito’s sole intention would be counter his right hand with his award-winning left hook.   By the middle of round one, Hearns right hand would create an opening and pull the trigger. No counter, just an explosion of power.   Tito’s body would stumble forward as if he was shot by a sniper.  In round one?! The crowd would react with a shock! What a right hand!! The same right hand that saw Roberto Duran collapse face first on the canvas!  But Tito would rise before Joe Cortez’s ten count.  He’d escape the round.  Tito’s father, his trainer, would slap him on both sides of his face, pleading with his son to let his hands go.  Round two would begin and Tito would be a different animal.  Hearns would come out intent on ending the fight, but Tito would share the same intentions.  Hearns would unload another vicious right hand at the same time as Tito, but Tito’s landed first with a demoralizing left hook to follow.  Hearns wouldn’t know what hit him.  He’d crumble to the canvas, only to attempt to rise too quick and fall across his body like a dizzy child.  Hearns would make one more attempt to pull himself up, only to rise a second later than Joe Cortez’s ten count.  It would be over and the crowd would explode!! Everyone in the arena would look at each other in awe of what they just witnessed.  Power… pure power.  In the end, while Hearns right hand was the greatest of our era, “Tito” Trinidad possessed lightning in both hands. 

Ultimate Heavyweight Championship

“Iron” Mike Tyson vs. Rocky Marciano

What better way to end my ultimate fantasy boxing card then to have toughest man in the sport face the baddest man on the planet!  Both fighters would enter the ring to nothing but crowd noise.  No entry music.  No announcers.  Marciano would enter in his old school satin robe and Tyson in his famous white towel, black trunks and black shoes.  The fight would end in a knockout, that was inevitable… the question was “who?”…  The stare-down in the middle of the ring would be that of a chase scene in a horror movie. We all would know what was about to happen… mayhem in the form of organized boxing.  There’s no need to go into the specifics of this fantasy fight.  We all know what both fighters are about and that’s hitting with bad intentions.  Tyson would knockout Rocky Marciano, giving him his first loss and appeasing his mentor Cus D’amato.  The hype, weigh-in and post-fight interviews would all be longer than the fight itself.  Either way, the crowd would walk away satisfied. 

If I could choose whatever I wanted for Christmas, this would be the ultimate gift!  The power to create my own fantasy fight card would be heaven for me.  My life would be complete! Well, almost complete… is it too much to ask for a Cleveland Browns Super Bowl Victory?

A Different Breed of Fighter - Adrien "The Problem" Broner

From time to time, a boxer emerges from the cluster of decent fighters only to hi-jack the imagination of millions of boxing fans around the world.  Ideas begin to nurture about potential match-ups and comparisons with the legends cultivate after each fight.  It’s a beautiful sight, mostly because it proves once again that boxing continues to regenerate itself through the emergence of world class fighters. 

Next up… Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Broner possesses the type of talent in the ring that could captivate America. He has blinding hand speed.  He’s an incredible athlete.  His defense is world class.  The twenty-four year old “superstar in the making” has power in both hands and WANTS to hurt you.  That’s what separates Broner from fighters of the past that had similar attributes.  He’s in the ring to embarrass you… stop you… and prove day-in and day-out that he is the best fighter in the world.  He also possesses the type of personality that will sell and have the world enthralled by his antics. 

Comparisons have already been made linking Broner to Floyd Mayweather Jr.    They do have similar fighting styles, but what seems to separate Broner from Mayweather Jr., is his willingness to take chances in the ring.  Broner will finish you.  He’s not a defensive fighter.  The moment he sees his opponent in trouble, he looks to punish him.  It’s a trait that boxing fans have been BEGGING Floyd Mayweather Jr. to incorporate, only to be let dow over and over again.  Adrien Broner’s a different breed.   The one aspect of his game that we have yet to see is going to determine whether or not Adrien Broner will solidify himself in elite status; his heart.  Luckily, boxing has an innate way of showcasing what we all want to know. 

Tonight, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, Adrien Broner puts his 27-0 (22 KO’s) record on the line against his toughest and most rugged opponent yet; Marcos Maidana.  Maidana’s not an elite fighter but he’s a quality opponent and poses the type of threat that will push Broner to a different level.  Broner will be hit and hit hard.  How will he respond? What happens if/when he gets hurt? Knocked down even?  These are questions that boxing fans want answered and I have a feeling after tonight, we’ll find out everything we need to know about Adrien Broner. 

Prediction – Broner by TKO in the 7^th Round.  

Looking Back on a King Misunderstood...

 “Imagine the journey of a man facing an insurmountable task…  Visualize the trials and tribulations that man must go through in order to accomplish his goal… and when all seems lost, somehow he turns it around.  The accomplishment is climatic and exudes the feeling of a majestic moment!  In the end, he rides into the sunset beloved for not what he achieved, but the struggle it took to get there.” 

What you just read was the tagline to the LeBron James story… or at least it should have been.

On the eve of his return to Cleveland after leaving three and a half years ago, the player who’s been scrutinized more than any other athlete in our lifetime will never be able to please everyone.  The consensus was, once “The King” wins a title, he will silence the masses and the incredulous amount of negative energy towards him.  Unfortunately, that will never happen.  It’s not solely because of “The Decision”, his self-centered prophecy of 8 championships, and it’s definitely not because of his play on the court.  LeBron James is and will always be vilified for ruining the ending of an epic story. 

It was all set up perfectly; Hollywood-esque!  The Akron born ‘phenom’ gets drafted by his hometown team who had been starving for a championship since their conquest of the National Football League in 1964.  The goal was simple and the task was heavy, but with LeBron it was possible.  While LeBron had his share of critics with Cleveland as well, he was also perceived in a positive light. People wanted him to win!  It was the “feel good” story that we all crave during the doldrums of everyday life.  We all knew, or thought we knew the ending… but it didn’t matter… because the story leading up to the climax was THAT good!  So when LeBron James decided to leave Cleveland after the worst playoff performance of his career, he re-wrote our ending.  What began as a cultivating story of a hero looking to restore hope and bring glory to his hometown turned into the makings of a great story with a horrific ending. The so-called “glory” he was supposed to bring Cleveland ended with him casting shame on the city.  This was a twist that no one saw coming.

Looking back on his last year in Cleveland, one game comes to mind…

It was January 21^st, 2010.  NBA fans across the nation were dreaming of a LeBron vs. Kobe finals. This regular season matchup between the Cavaliers and the Lakers was simply a pre-cursor to what we thought was inevitable.  The game was a true testament to what we all believed was different about the 2010 iteration of the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They beat everyone from the elite to the doormats of the league and with LeBron James’ free agency looming in the background, it was almost written in the stars that he would bring a championship to Cleveland.  This game was also the first time where I genuinely believed that LeBron would re-sign with the Cavs.

There was a moment in the 4th quarter… where LeBron made one of his patented “and-1’s”…

He ran to the side of the court to address the crowd.. flexing his muscles, pulling the Cavs embroidery towards the cameras signifying  that “this is my team!”…










I said to myself -- “There’s no way he leaves Cleveland…”  

Oh how I was fooled.

We all know what happened next.. The Cavaliers failed to make the NBA Finals, losing to a lesser talented Celtics team, and LeBron took his talents to South Beach.

Did LeBron make the right choice? Yes.  Did he earn his two titles? Of course he did.  He’s solidified himself as the best player in the NBA and one of the best we’ve ever seen.  His playoff performances are for the ages!  The only thing LeBron failed to do was give us the climax we all wanted to see.

Sports are great drama, but what also makes sports so amazing is the fact that it’s NOT scripted.  This is reality and LeBron James is not a character; he’s a man.  He’s also the writer to the story we all wanted to see.  Unfortunately for us, he had his own ending in mind.   

Brainwashed & Corrupted: College Football 2013

Imagine being told that you won’t have the opportunity to reach your ultimate goal in life because you’re told that the competition to reach that goal is not good enough.  Not only that, but if your competition IS good enough, you still can’t reach your goal because the reputation of that competition is still weak.  It’s a quintessential no-win situation. 

I’m speaking about this myriad of corruption that is better known as Division One College Football.  Each year we witness this corruption which I like to call modern day brainwashing. 

Before every season, the public is fed a pre-season poll that basically dictates the entire year’s rankings and National Championship participants.  How you may ask? It starts with reputation.  For the past 7 years, the reputation is that the SEC is above and beyond every other BCS conference in College Football.  To the conference’s credit, they do own the National Championship Trophy for the past 7 years. I personally think the SEC is a great conference and would even say it’s the nation’s best, but to discredit other schools in major conferences and not judge them in the same manner is corruption at its finest. 

Let’s take a look at the pre-season rankings for the 2013 season: 

College Football Preseason AP Top 25
Ranking	Team
1	Alabama
2	Ohio State
3	Oregon
4	Stanford
5	Georgia
6	South Carolina
7	Texas A&M
8	Clemson
9	Louisville
10	Florida
11	Florida State
12	LSU
13	Oklahoma State
14	Notre Dame
15	Texas
16	Oklahoma
17	Michigan
18	Nebraska
19	Boise State
20	TCU
21	UCLA
22	Northwestern
23	Wisconsin
24	USC
25	Oregon State

Six of the Top 12 teams are from the SEC.  On the other hand, only one team in the Top 12 is from the Big Ten.  As of Week 10, there are 5 teams from the SEC in the AP Top 25 and still only 1 team from the Big Ten.  That lonely Big Ten team in the Top 12 just happens to be the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes, who are currently on a twenty-one game winning streak.  The Buckeyes are ranked #4 in the AP poll, Coaches Poll and BCS.  This is where the brainwashing really comes into play. 

The SEC is a great conference but is highly overrated.  The Big Ten is not as good as the SEC from top to bottom, but is vastly underrated.  Other conferences such as the ACC, Pac-10 and Big 12 are victims of this corruption as well, but not one team is being punished more than the Buckeyes.

 

Ohio State started the year ranked #2 in the pre-season poll and has yet to lose.  They’re 5^th in scoring, 9^th in points allowed and 7^th in rushing.  Their average margin of victory is thirty-one points.  After twenty-one consecutive victories, including an undefeated 2012 campaign, the Buckeyes have fallen in the polls and may not get the opportunity to play for a National Championship. 

Why you may ask? It’s simple… brainwashing. 

Voters do not want to give the Big Ten any credit, therefore any and all Big Ten conference wins are somewhat weightless.  Look at the top teams in SEC and the top teams in the Big Ten.  Alabama and Ohio State are at the top of their respective conferences.  So let’s compare the rest --

Auburn is ranked #7 in the AP poll and their biggest win is against Texas A&M (conference game).  Their one loss came against LSU (conference game).  Missouri is 8-1 with their lone loss being against South Carolina (conference game) in a thriller.  Their biggest win is against Georgia (conference game) who was ranked #5 in the pre-season poll but has since lost 3 games and is not currently ranked.  Other top teams in the conference include LSU who is ranked #10, Texas A&M ranked #11 and South Carolina who is ranked #13.  The three aforementioned teams each have 2 losses, yet maintain a Top 15 ranking in the polls.

Every team in the SEC plays roughly 8-9 conference games a year..  Since the SEC is consistently perceived to be the “dominant” conference, then not only will their conference wins be valued significantly higher than every other non-SEC team, but their losses will be as well. 

How is this not corruption? If a conference is “considered” better and the teams in that conference pre-determined to be better than the rest of the nation, how can the NCAA consider their system/league to be legit?

   

Now let’s take a look at the rest of the Big Ten.  In the pre-season polls, Michigan was ranked #17, Nebraska #18, Northwestern #22 and Wisconsin opened the season ranked #23.  Northwestern is a perfect example of this corruption.  With their victory over another overrated SEC team (Mississippi State) in last year’s Gator Bowl, they opened the season in the Top 25. 

Fast forward to week 10 and you’ll only find one of the previously mentioned teams in the Top 25. That would be the Wisconsin Badgers who are currently ranked #21 in the AP Poll and display a 6-2 record.  One of those losses was a 2 point loss in overtime to #22 Arizona State.   The other loss was a 7 point loss on the road to #2 Ohio State.  So please tell me, what’s the difference between Wisconsin and Texas A&M? or LSU? or South Carolina?  All four teams lost twice, with Texas A&M and Wisconsin having the “best” losses (Alabama and Ohio State).  Brainwashing at its best!

It gets better… Let’s look at a few other Big 10 teams.

 

Michigan was ranked #17 in the preseason poll and Nebraska was ranked #18.  Both teams are currently 6-2 and both are NOT in the top 25 anymore.  Michigan lost to Penn State (conference game) in 4 overtimes and #17 Michigan State (more on them later) who is currently 8-1.  Nebraska lost to UCLA who is ranked #16 and Minnesota (conference game). Then there’s Michigan State whose only loss is on the road to #24 Notre Dame and happens to have one of the best defenses in the nation.  With Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State, how can anyone justify the validity of the conference? It’s easy to fall into the hypothetical “Well if they played against Texas A&M/LSU/INPUT YOUR FAVORITE SEC TEAM  HERE…” garbage.  The point is they DON’T play each other, so the hypothetical match-up is a facade that’s determined by brainwashing.

  

The perception is that the Big Ten is weak and futile… therefore their wins against each other don’t mean much and their losses in conference are devastating. 

The perception is that the “almighty” SEC is incredibly strong… therefore their wins and losses against each other hold more weight, which in turn means higher rankings, better bowls and a continued quality reputation. 

It’s a cycle that puts a team like Ohio State in a no-win situation.  If wins against Wisconsin, Michigan and Michigan State are minimal due to a pre-determined ranking and a perception that is not credible, then the system is beyond broken, it’s corrupted.  On top of that, the validity of the school’s victories are scrutinized and dissected.  Not only does a team like Ohio State have to win, they must DESTROY the teams in their conference in order to gain respect.  Beating a quality Wisconsin team by seven points hurt the Buckeyes.  Yet, when Alabama barely beats Texas A&M, it only strengthens their position as the best team in the nation.

 

How about the LSU Tigers? They lost to the un-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and un-ranked Ole Miss, yet they are somehow ranked #10 in the AP Top 25.  So when Alabama destroys them in tonight’s match-up, it’ll just be another “quality” win on Alabama’s resume.

 

It’s corruption… brainwashing… and a cycle that needs to be broken. 

There’s a very good chance that the 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes will be on the outside looking in and despite winning twenty-four games in a row, will not a not have a chance to accomplish their ultimate goal of winning a National Championship.  A team that was perceived as the #2 team in the country before the season started, yet fell in the polls despite never losing a game.  

Death of the Lyricist.. Pt.1

We live in a world of instant gratification...

A world where people want to be shown rather than told.. given instead of earned.. settle rather than invest the energy in something sustainable.  It's part of the reason this country's younger generation is struggling with debt and lacks the innate ability to save for the future.  Society has adopted the "Y.O.L.O." (You Only Live Once) attitude..


"Get yours now.. worry about later, well.. later"


This couldn't be more prevalent than in Hip-Hop today.  Hip-Hop's a culture that's been showcased through visual art (graffiti), dance, fashion and most notably, music.  The musical aspect was birthed by the DJ but sensationalized by the spoken word.  Unfortunately, the culture has continued to see a steady decline in its most unique quality; lyricism. An emcee used to be a modern day poet.  Rapper's like Rakim, KRS-ONE, EPMD and LL Cool J were rhyming with more creativity and meaning behind their rhymes than the artists of today.  Why is that?!  Art is supposed to evolve. The culture's supposed to build upon itself and continue to push the envelope.  Why would the foundation of what made the art so unique become an afterthought within the culture? The answer's easy... instant gratification.  It's the same reason poetry is damn near dead in today's society.  Nobody wants to interpret what a poet/writer is conveying through their words.  They want the idea handed to them without having to use an ounce of thought.  That's why movies have completely taken over the entertainment world and we've seen a decline in the popularity of books.  What's the point in imagining what will happen when I can see it played out on screen right in front of me?? That's another reason reality shows are so popular.  People don't have time to think anymore...


"I start thinking, how many souls hip-hop has affected, how many dead folks this art resurrected.. how many nations this culture connected, who am I to judge one's perspective?.. Though some of that shit y'all pop true, I ain't relating.. If I don't like it, I don't like it, that don't mean that I'm hating.. I just wanna innovate and stimulate minds.. travel the world and penetrate the times..." - Common


It was 1997... The highly anticipated follow-up album to Wu-Tang Clan's "36 Chambers" was set to release in a few weeks.  YO! on MTV had an exclusive premiere of Wu-Tang's first single "Triumph" off the new album (Wu-Tang Forever).  The bees were swarming.. RZA's production was symphonic with beautiful strings seeping through my television speakers.. and then it happened.  Inspectah Deck. hanging off the side of a skyscraper, dropped one of the sickest verses in Hip-Hop history...


"I bomb atomically, Socrates, philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin' these.. mockeries, lyrically performed armed robbery.. flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me.. battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits, tremendous.. ultra violet shine blind forensics..." - Inspectah Deck 

That's a moment in Hip-Hop that I'll always remember.. and honestly, there haven't been too many moments like that since.  Moments like the first time I heard "Stan" by Eminem.  The subtle way he told a story from the perspective of a crazed fan, only to make it all come together at the end.  How about when Nas made his Hip-Hop debut on "Live at the BBQ" and it was obvious he offered a type of lyricism we had never seen before?!  I couldn't wait for my monthly issue of The Source to see who had the "Hip-Hop Quotable of the Month".  I remember reading the lyrics to Chino XL's "Inferiority Complex" and being stunned by his ability to fit so many words in a bar! Canibus's coming out party on the Lost Boyz "Beast from the East" where he crucified everyone including Redman on the record...


"A hundred times nicer than the best is, twice as arrogant as KRS is, who wanna test this?.. Fuck y'all, you can't impress me and no one can test me.. an emcee so ill, I got AIDS scared to catch me.. All that shit you poppin' will stop, when I put you in a headlock and apply pressure to your muthafuckin' noggin.. I grab mics and push niggas to the left, so fast their hearts end up on the right sides of their chest.. my hypo-thesis, is that nobody can see this, lyrical genius.. I got it sewed like a seamstress.." - Canibus 

The truth is I could write a book on the "Death of the Lyricist" in Hip-Hop. Don't get it confused, there are some incredible lyricists in the game today, but the industry has suppressed the talent.  A main aspect to the demise of lyricism is the fact that rapper's drop too much product.  There's no anticipation anymore! Every time I visit sites like www.hiphopdx.com or www.datpiff.com, there's a new track by today's finest emcees.  It's too easy for an emcee to broadcast himself and it's easy publicity.  Drop a new verse and get some free pub! It's become quantity over quality.. and for the listener, once again it's instant gratification.  


To be continued....

Seinfeld vs. Martin: There Can Only Be One

The 90’s was definitely the decade of the sitcom.. The list is deep with the likes of Friends, Roseanne, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and many more.  With all the heavy hitting sitcoms in the 90’s, two were able to set themselves apart from the rest and impact situational comedy like no other show before.  Seinfeld and Martin changed the landscape for not only sitcoms, but also for stand-up comedians looking to land their own show. 

While both shows made their mark in their own way, only one can be crowned as the greatest sitcom of all-time. 

The tale of the tape is quite one-sided.  Seinfeld trumps Martin in overall accolades, winning 10 Emmys including having the #1 rated show in 94-95 and 97-98.  It aired for 9 seasons and the show’s star, Jerry Seinfeld, was offered an astronomical amount of $5 million dollars an episode to return for a 10^th season.  I’m not sure what’s crazier; NBC offering him that amount or him turning it down?  Either way, the show is in syndication and continues to find itself as a fan favorite.  Martin, on the other hand, was on the air for 5 seasons and won the 1993 People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Series. It is also in syndication.

Seinfeld’s about nothing.. Martin’s about, well, Martin.  It’s a tough debate, but one that has to be settled once and for all.  The only way to resolve such a monumental debate was to break it down into specific categories:

Characters

Cultural Impact

Favorite Episodes

“Seinfeld Funny” vs.”Martin Funny”

Quality Seasons

CHARACTERS - 

MARTIN VS. THE FIELD – This category was tough to judge because of one reason; it’s an ensemble cast vs. one man.  In Martin, it’s all about Martin Lawrence playing a number of characters.  From Sheneneh, Dragon Fly Jones, Otis the Security Guard, Mama Payne to my all-time favorite Jerome, Martin is a one man wrecking crew of comedic characters.  His supporting cast is strong, but at the end of the day, it’s all about Martin. 

Seinfeld’s main characters have a story line that all comes together in each episode.  They all have their moments and all have their individual attributes.  Jerry Seinfeld is the smart-ass.. George Costanza is the insecure one.. Cosmo Kramer is the clumsy goof-ball and Elaine Benes balances them out.    On top of the main characters, “Feld” has a number of outlandish characters that make appearances such as Bania, Uncle Leo, Newman, Soup Nazi, “The Drake” etc… I’m a huge George and Jerry fan!  The episodes usually shine when they’re at their best.:

Conclusion – Such a tough choice to make, but when it’s all said and done, Martin is the funniest man on the screen.  At any point of any scene, Martin WILL make you laugh regardless of how good the episode is.

 

Edge – Martin

CULTURAL IMPACT –

Both shows have impacted the culture in their own ways.  Seinfeld is the master of catch phrases:

“No soup for you!”

“I had lobster bisque, we went back to my place, yada yada yada, I never heard from him again”

“Serenity Now!”

“These pretzels are making me thirsty!” 

Martin is no slouch either:

“You go girl!”

“I’m a playa.. from the Himalayas!”

“Wuzup, wuzup waaazuup!”

“What’s wrong? You can’t call nobody?”

“Cole…you stupid” 

Seinfeld and Martin both related to society in different ways.  Seinfeld related to the everyday middle class American by subjecting the viewer to the most basic of situations.  Whether it’s keeping a reservation with a rental car company or waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant, Seinfeld related to people because it’s about basically nothing.  You can literally reference a Seinfeld episode with something you do every single day.  Now that’s impact!

Martin’s impact is more demographic.  It impacted the urban culture in a massive way! It represented struggle with its main character starting the show as a radio disc-jockey living in Detroit. It represented Hip-Hop by basing episodes around the likes of Kid from Kid “n” Play, Biggie Smalls, Snoop Dog and Method Man.  Most importantly, it represented the African-American culture in a positive light.  Gina Waters (Martin’s girlfriend/wife) and Pamela James (Gina’s best friend and Martin’s arch-enemy) played successful and powerful black women.  The show never fell victim to the stereotypes of urban culture. 

Conclusion – Both shows impacted society in different ways, but only one of the two impacted it in a way that had never been done before and hasn’t been done since. 

Edge – Seinfeld

CLASSIC EPISODES –

If by any chance you find someone who hasn’t seen an episode of either Martin or Seinfeld, reference them to the list below:

Seinfeld –

5. “The Cigar Store Indian” - Jerry helps George out with a coffee table stain and makes Elaine take the subway home with a TV Guide in hand. While on the train Elaine meets a strange man obsessed with television. George meets a woman at a refinishing store and passes off his parent's home as his. Jerry presents Elaine with a cigar-store Indian as a peace offering. Kramer has an idea for a coffee table book.

4. “The Contest” - George is caught masturbating by his mother causing a contest between the four of them to see who can go without "it" the longest. Elaine meets John F. Kennedy, Jr. George's mother is hospitalized and Jerry's girlfriend Marla wants to have sex which he has to prevent.

3.  “The Mango” - George tells Jerry about his lack of confidence below "the equator" when he thinks that his girlfriend is "faking" it. Jerry begs Elaine for another chance when he finds out she faked her orgasms. Kramer gets banned from his favorite fruit shop.

2.  “The Marine Biologist” - Jerry meets an old college classmate who asked about George, whom Jerry says is now a "marine biologist." An Russian writer tosses an Elaine's electronic organizer out of a limousine that hits a woman in the head and sends her to hospital. Kramer takes up hitting golf balls into the ocean. George is called on to use his marine biology skills to save a whale.

1.  “The Hamptons” - Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer visit a house in the Hamptons. George has a bout with "shrinkage," Kramer steals lobsters, and Elaine is called "breathtaking" by a handsome doctor.

Martin –

5. “The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming” - Gina wants Martin to meet her conservative parents but Martin's feeling nervous. Wanting to make a good first impression, he takes advice from Tommy and Cole that causes him to act like an idiot.

4.  “Really, Gina is Not My Lover” - Martin is going to his high school reunion and he wants Gina to be ready for the big day. So he sends her on a day of beauty, but it ends disastrously. But Martin is determined to win the Man of the Decade award at his high school reunion that evening. His pride makes him want to brag to all his old schoolmates that he is rich and famous, and has a beautiful fashion model girlfriend.

3.  “The Cabin Show” -  The gang goes on a camping trip in the woods, and on a nature walk Pam sprains her ankle, and Martin has to help her back to the cabin. The two get lost in the woods, just as darkness falls, and nobody knows how to find them. 

2.  “Whole Lotto Trouble” - Martin wins the Michigan Lottery. He celebrates by going out and buying tons of expensive luxury items and gives money away to his friends, BEFORE picking up his lottery money. But when he does, he finds out that the winning ticket is split - 300 ways! 

1. “Suspicious Minds” - Martin's new CD Walkman disappears. Stan convinces him that one of his friends must have taken it since they all have keys to his apartment. Martin goes around to each of his good friends and accuses them.

ENJOY!!

Conclusion – Both shows have so many quality episodes and that’s why they’re in this debate in the first place.  The main factor for this category is that Seinfeld had more classic episodes while Martin had more classic moments. 


Edge - Seinfeld

“SEINFELD FUNNY” VS. “MARTIN FUNNY” - 

While both sitcoms are funny, there’s a difference between Seinfeld funny and Martin funny.  Seinfeld is goofy, highly relatable and easily identifiable.  Episodes follow a certain theme of intertwined stories pertaining to its main characters and somehow connecting in the end.  One of my favorite Seinfeld episodes is “The Chinese Woman” where Jerry dates a girl who’s name implies she’s Chinese (Donna Chang, short for Changstein) but she’s really, well as Jerry tells Elaine, just like her.  She offers advice to George’s mother influencing her not to divorce George’s dad, only for George’s mother to change her mind after finding out she’s not Chinese.  The episode ends with a classic Jerry ending…

“You know, you should probably change your name…” - Jerry

That’s "Seinfeld funny." The situations they find themselves in are second to none and each character offers something different in a comedic way. 

"Martin funny" is a whole different animal.  The situations aren’t nearly as creative as Seinfeld, but the comedy is just as pure.  You can turn on a Martin episode at any time and laugh.  Martin is that funny.   If you want to see classic Martin, all you have to do is YouTube the interrogation scene from the “Suspicious Minds” episode where Martin re-enacts a scene from New Jack City.  Martin is laugh out loud funny! Only Martin Lawrence could pull off a scene like that..

“Cole, sit your five dollar ass down before I make change…” - Martin

There are so many moments in Martin that warrant my attention and this blog would be fifty pages long if I referenced them all.  He’s a clown in every sense of the word and his blend of incredible timing and physical comedy is second to none. 

Conclusion:

Both types of funny have their place and to choose one over the other is a tough task.  I’d honestly say that it really depends on your mood.  If a gun was held to my head, and I had to choose one, I would choose Martin only because I could watch the same episode of Martin repeatedly and he still makes me laugh. 

Edge – Martin

QUALITY SEASONS –

Seinfeld has nine quality seasons and Martin was on the air for five, but only four were quality.  Unfortunately for Martin, the last season was severely hindered by the conflict between Martin Lawrence and his leading lady, Gina Campbell.  By the middle of the season, they wouldn’t even share a scene together.  The show suffered severely and it was a foregone conclusion that the series was coming to an end.  The writers turned the focus towards co-star Tichina Arnold, who played Pam, in an effort to build a following for a spin-off show.  Martin’s last season was tough to watch but it know way did it tarnish the legacy that was already built.  Seinfeld didn’t have writer Larry David for the last season, but the show didn’t skip a beat. 

It’s hard to overlook Martin’s last season when comparing the two franchises, but one element that Martin carries over its opponent is being efficient.  Every Martin episode, sans the final season, is incredibly funny.  I can’t say the same about Seinfeld.  Seinfeld has a number of episodes that I would consider “filler”.  That’s not to say they’re not funny episodes, but they don’t carry nearly the same weight as the majority of Feld shows. 

Conclusion: Martin had quality seasons, but in the end, Seinfeld reigns supreme. Too many classic seasons and too many classic episodes. 

EDGE – Seinfeld

OVERALL WINNER -- 

Mayweather's in the Know....

I was sitting in my bed watching an episode of The Wire on my laptop when a good friend of mine texted me the following:


"Who's this Canelo Alvarez cat? He have any chance against Mayweather?"


I had no idea the fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez had even been made yet.  My initial response was:


"Probably the only fighter in boxing who can beat him.."


On paper, he may be the toughest opponent Floyd "Money" Mayweather has ever faced!  Canelo is a young and hungry champion with absolutely no fear of his opponents.  His left hook to the body can be devastating.  He has power with both hands.  He's bigger than Floyd.  He's never tasted the canvas and most importantly, he's never faced defeat.  Canelo comes into the ring with an imposing record of 42-0-1 with 30 of his opponents falling victim to knockout.  Anyone who's seen Saul "Canelo" Alvarez fight will tell you that when he hits a fighter.. the room shakes.

Now it'd be easy to jump on Canelo's bandwagon and forecast Floyd's first defeat on September 14th, but anyone who's followed Floyd Mayweather's career knows that one of the main components to his undefeated record in the ring... is his ability to manipulate outside the ring.

Floyd is not a crowd-pleasing fighter.  He doesn't woo boxing fans with tantalizing power or YouTube worthy knockouts.  People don't pay money to see him fight because of his athleticism or his great defensive skills.  Most fight fans couldn't even tell you his signature punch (lead right hand).  The reason Floyd "Money" Mayweather is the undisputed king of boxing is simple; he's undefeated.  If and when Floyd faces defeat, that mystique will be gone. That is why Floyd took this fight.  He know's something. On paper it doesn't make sense.  Canelo's a lion! A beast in the squared circle!  Floyd doesn't fight these type of fighters.  He's been ducking Pacquiao for these same reasons... because Pac-Man's a threat to his legacy .


So why would Floyd choose Canelo?


He's in the know.  Floyd sees something we don't see.  Something that will make this fight much easier than it would appear to be.  He's said it himself, boxing is "Chess.. not checkers" and Floyd "Money" Mayweather is five steps ahead of us all.

Fight Analysis:

I see the fight  starting with massive tension.  Both fighters will respect each other in the first couple rounds with Canelo making it a point to impose his size on the smaller Mayweather.  By the 3rd round, Canelo will land and land hard! He will gain Mayweather's respect and that's where the adjustments will be made.  I fully expect Mayweather to be a pure boxer in this fight.. Once we reach the mid-point of the bout, you will see Mayweather racking up the rounds and frustrating his opponent.  Canelo will not yield to Mayweather and I see him being aggressive throughout the fight, only to be out-boxed and out-witted by the master of strategy.  Mayweather will use his aggression against him and counter him with straight right hands all night.

Canelo's only chance is to knock Mayweather out within the first 5-6 rounds and I just don't see that happening.  Floyd knows this.  Floyd watched the Austin Trout and Shane Mosely fight.  He knows Canelo fights in spurts and has a tendency to tire in the later rounds.

My official prediction:
Mayweather wins by Unanimous Decision.

Boxing Needs a Canelo Victory

         Contrary to popular belief, the sport of Boxing is strong.  The major fights still sellout and pay-per-view buys are healthy.  With the emergence of MMA and the country’s undying love for its three major sports (Football, Basketball and Baseball), Boxing’s had to take somewhat of a backseat in America.  I’m not sure Boxing will ever capture America like it once did in the golden era, but I do know that a Canelo Alvarez victory over Floyd Mayweather will provide resurgence to the sport.  

Courtesy of www.daily.co.uk.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather has been the face of the sport ever since Oscar De La Hoya’s steady decline into retirement.  Now Floyd’s an incredible fighter and one of the all-time greats, but he’s not the fighter you want as the face of the sport at a time where Boxing is considered an afterthought to the average sports fan.  He’s not overly exciting, he doesn’t engage in action packed fights and most importantly, he’s not willing to fight the very best fighters in the sport.  That’s not to discredit what he’s accomplished in the ring, but what makes boxing such a captivating sport is the heart and determination of a fighter.  They’re supposed to be modern day gladiators!

The greatest era of all-time, in my opinion, was the late 70’s and early 80’s when Sugar “Ray” Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns were all in the prime of their careers.  What made them so special, was their fortitude to be known as the best.  They fought whoever was best or was claimed to be the best.. and they wanted to destroy them!  

Floyd’s a businessman in a sport that’s been stained with a reputation for bad business. It's not a good look.

We need a new face of Boxing…  We need a fighter that lures the casual fan into buying a pay-per-view event and ends the night in awe of how beautiful Boxing truly can be!  A fighter that doesn’t care who they put in front of him… A warrior… A determined fighter who will take chances and be carried out of the ring before he gives way to any opponent.  A boxer who will fight Adrien Broner, Brandon Rios, Sergio Martinez, Manny Pacquiao (hmm..) and the other best fighters in the sport.

Boxing has that in Canelo, and come September 14^th, let’s hope he dethrones the king.