Ken Haddad's Blog

1. Dylan
2. Dylan
3. Dylan
4. Dylan
5. Dylan

This is a Chappelle Show tribute.

J. Cole is frightening.

On his sophomore mixtape, J. Cole exhibits a mastery of the mic that few artists manage with their best album. The potential this man represents is terrifying. On the song 'Dreams' he successfully uses story-telling rap to tell the listener a story. It is also nice to see that he deviated from the standard 3 verse format that rap has become so accustomed to.

All music is composed of 3 parts. Beat, lyrics, and delivery. The selection of beats is pretty solid on 'The Warm Up', but as it is a mixtape, it remains to be seen whether or not he can find a solid producer for his first album. Lyrics and delivery are very very good for a mixtape. On a few songs, it is agreeably lackluster, but he has definitely put himself on the radar with 'The Warm Up'.

J. Cole graduated magna cum laude. The man is smart. And I am scared. He is TERRIFYINGLY good.

The Detroit Lions

The Lions. Just the sound of it makes me cringe. It makes me think of all the miserable Sunday's I've been apart of the last 19 years of my life. Alone, in my family room, without another game on CBS, with only Velveeta's cheese dip (thanks Big Ten Network) . But deep down inside, I know I couldn't live without it. The Lions are bad, and if it wasn't for the Cleveland Browns, they would probably be the worst. But, as a normal Lions fan, I see hope. I see a top 3 caliber wide receiver in Calvin Johnson. I see a rookie quarterback, Matt Stafford, who I think will become a good QB. I see a few pieces on defense to build around like, Delmas, Peterson, and Foote. I see a coaching staff with a good mind set, and a winning attitude. I see a bright future for this team, but we just need to be patient. Zach Follet.






The Detroit Pistons


Coming into this season, many people, including myself, had low expectations for this team, and for good reason. A new coach, a whole new group of players, a new strategy. But for some reason, in watching this team, I am impressed. People thought the Pistons would have a tough time on defense, but they're 15th in the NBA. The offense hasn't been a problem, even without Rip Hamilton (who has missed 10 games with a sprained ankle, which is unheard of) and Tayshaun Prince. Ben Gordon, Charlie V, Stuckey and Bynum have been stepping up big time, also Ben Wallace has been a pleasant surprise. Look for this team to build chemistry, and become something to watch.





Michigan's Football Program (If thats what you want to call it)

I'm embarrassed to be a Michigan football fan right now. The program is filled with scandal, lies, and of yeah, bad football. Solution? FIRE RICH ROD. Yes, thats right. I'm on the ship, the fire Rich Rod ship. Two years without a bowl. A lot of people say "give him one more year", i'm not willing to do that. BRIAN KELLY TO THE RESCUE!!!!
BTW STATE SUCKS TOO SO SHUSH.

1. The College Dropout - Kanye West
2. Reasonable Doubt - Jay-Z
3. Ready to Die - Notorious B.I.G.
4. The Love Movement - ATCQ
5. The Cool - Lupe Fiasco
6. Tha Carter 2 - Lil Wayne
7. Get Rich or Die Tryin - 50 Cent
8. The Chronic 2001 - Dr. Dre
9. Encore - Eminem
10. Life After Death - Notorious B.I.G.

Honorable Mentions:
Graduation - Kanye West
The Blueprint - Jay-Z
Port of Miami - Rick Ross
Food and Liquor - Lupe Fiasco
The Documentary - The Game

This is so sick.

I can't get over Busta in this video. Cracks me up. Tribe always come hard.

CHECK OUT J. COLE'S MIXTAPE "THE WARM UP"

I haven't blogged in a while, so here's some things on my mind lately.

The Best Rapper

During an argument at school, someone told me, "How can Biggie be the best rapper if he only has two albums?" That my friend is FALSE. The term best rapper means best RAPPER. People seem to think it means, most success, or most popularity, but for the most part, it means lyrics. Notorious B.I.G. without a doubt wasn't as mainstream, or as popular as say for example, Tupac or Nas, or even Jay-Z. But what he DID have was a lyrical method that no one can match up to even today. The fact the he only had two albums (the second one being a double-disc) doesn't mean he's not eligible for a best rapper label. The argument will continue...

Baseball, on TBS?

Ok, seriously, this isn't funny at all. Why is the MLB Playoffs on a network with the slogan "Very Funny". TBS sports should have never been developed. The only thing "very funny" about it, is the clear lack of commentary skills. I cant hear it anymore. I just mute the TV. TBS could have at least hired some good commentators, make it look legit. But when you throw some people who clearly know nothing about the game out there to call it, its going to be ugly, and it is.

For the record: Dodgers vs Yankees, Dodgers in 6 (World Series)


Throw Back Track (2001) Jay-Z- Song Cry

MUSIC

The Blueprint 3-- Jay-Z

The Blueprint 3 leaked last week, and it was released in stores today (COP THAT). I must say, I was kind of disappointed with the first couple tracks that leaked. But once the whole album came out, I realized how good this CD really was. People always say "we want the old Jay back!" Well, you ain't getting it. He said it himself, that's not his life anymore, he's grown up. Thats why its real hip hop. I give this album 4.5/5.

Man on the Moon: End of Day-- Kid Cudi

I've been waiting for this album since October 2008, when I discovered A Kid Named Cudi. MOTM is a reveloutionary album, with innovative ideas, thoughts, and beats. Kid Cudi is not hip hop, he is a unnamed genre. Someone asked me, what album is better between HOV's and Cudi's. I said that its impossible to compare the two, they're two totally different types of music. I give this album 4.5/5. This is Cudi's first album, could be a classic in my eyes.






SPORTS

Lions Name Matt Stafford Starting QB


When I heard the Lions were starting their number one pick at QB, I was in disbelief. How could they do this? Daunte Culpepper was the OBVIOUS pick here. Experience, knowledge of the system, he's in shape. Stafford would have gotten a chance, if not this season. I just think they needed to preserve him, let him learn. Its worked many more times than not. (ex: Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Aaron Rogers, Ben Rothlisburger, Steve Young) I guess we'll have to trust this coaching staff, but I don't see any good coming out of this.




Tigers Look Poised to Take Division


About a month ago, I wrote that the Tigers wouldn't make the playoffs. That was before we acquired Washburn, Huff and apparently a brand new, healthy Carlos Guillen. With great starting pitching, and a lineup that seems to be waking up, the Tigers are running away with the AL Central. Now, don't get it twisted, this is the weakest division in MLB. But lets not take away from what this team has done, for fans and for the city. You can't complain about baseball in October.

Jay-Z: Blueprint 3 (September 11th)


After much talk, and hype, Blueprint 3 is finally slated to drop on September 11th. This will be Hov's 11th album to date, and the final installment of the Blueprint series. Hype for the BP3 has been building since early 2008. The track list features artists like Kanye West, Rihanna, Drake, Young Jeezy, Kid Cudi, Pharrell, and Mr. Hudson. The CD is shaping up to be a classic. The first single released "Run This Town" is already climbing the charts, #3 on the Billboards Hot 100 already. Hov might be coming strong, so watch out.



Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon: End of Day (September 15th)

Kid Cudi is one of the top young hip hop artists, with new beats, new lyrics, and some what of a new genre of rap. His debut album has gone through many different transformations, and different release dates, but September 15th is a final date. From the album cover, to the track list, this album is different, and that's a good thing. Cant wait for this album.





Wale: Attention: Deficit (October 20th)


Also a popular young artist making his debut, Wale brings swag to the hip hop game. Perhaps one of the more lyrically talented artists out today, this album is sure to bring the heat. Wale brings a different kind of swag, not a gangster swag, not a rich guy swag, he just simply thinks he's better than everyone. It makes for good music. W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E., Nike Boots, Pretty Girls, and Chillin are already in the mainstream.

Man on the Moon: End of Day is schedueled to be relased September 15th.
The track listing was released today, but in a different way. They are listed in a scene set up. Like a play. Check it out.

When I first heard Michael Vick signed with the Eagles last night, I didn't believe it. I didn't think the text message was true. I turned on ESPN, and turns out, it was true. But then I got to thinking. Vick to the Eagles... And then it hit me, its genius. Vick couldn't ask for a better place to be. One of the most respected franchises in the NFL, one of the most successful also. A great supporting cast from ownership all the way down to the players. But what baffles me is hearing all the negativity from Philly fans on the radio. Is this not America? Do we not give people second chances? Michael Vick didn't kill anyone, he hurt some dogs. People act like he's gonna murder Andy Reid or something. He's obviously a changed man, and he can obviously contribute to the team. I think Donavan will be a good role model for him. This could very well make the Eagles a very serious contender. Michael Vick can be an X-Factor, a play maker that they so desperately need every year. Even though I'm a Lions fan, I'll still be rooting for Vick, and the Eagles.

THIS SONG IS DOPE!

This is just a blog about various topics.

1) Football Season
I'm getting the "Brett Favre" itch right now. As much as I love baseball, its time to play a real sport (sorry Magglio). Of course, with football season comes many questions; Will the Lions win a game? Will Michigan State remain consistent in making a New Years Day bowl? Will the Michigan student section show up this year? My answer to all these questions is a resounding YES.

The Lions are a mysterious team right now. Some are picking them to win 2 games, some are predicting a Miami Dolphins type turn around. The confusion is acceptable seeing as the whole organization has been turned inside out. My personal prediction, putting aside my overly optimistic attitude with the Lions, is 6-10. They might have made drastic improvements in some positions, and with a new coaching philosophy, the players could be refreshed. But with a difficult schedule, a division that will live to pick apart secondaries, and of course, the Brett Favre curse, I'm not seeing a playoff run in sight. I would think Stafford gets in sometime this season.
As for Michigan and MSU.
Both teams are still uncertain of who is playing QB. It's really a toss up. I think MSU finishes 3rd in the Big Ten. Michigan finishes somewhere in the middle. Max wins, probably 7.

2) Fabolous New Album; Loso's Way (July 28th)

Now unfourtuantly for Loso, his album leaked last week. Fortunately for me, I downloaded it. I'm not saying this album is the savior of hip hop, but it is certainly a block builder. Unless something crazy comes out, I'm putting this in my top 3 this year. Fabo has always had great lyrics, one of the best. The beats on this album are smooth, and well done. Check it out.




3) The Tigers: Playoffs?

So most experts, pundits, ESPN, Mike Valenti, think the Tigers won't make the playoffs. I tend to agree. Poor starting pitching, dead bats, a mediocre bullpen. Not good for a playoff run. Verlander and Jackson have been pitching well, but not getting any run support. Rodney has been a somewhat reliable closer, not blowing a save yet, but questions still remain about his stability. Unless the Tigers make a move or two to improve they're lineup, I see this team finishing behind the White Sox, perhaps even the Twins.

4) The Game vs Jay-Z
All I want to say about this is that I'm sick of beef. Jay-Z will wreck the Game. Blueprint 3 SEPTEMBER 11!

FROM LOSO'S WAY JULY 28TH

1) Kid Cudi
2) Wale
3) B.o.B
4) Charles Hamilton
5) Big Sean
6) The Cool Kids
7) Asher Roth
8) Drake
9) Corey Gunz
10) Jay Electronica

RIP MICHAEL JACKSON

The Pistons agreed to terms with guard Ben Gordon (5yr, $55Mil) and big man Charlie Villanueva (5yr, $35Mil).
The Pistons roster is, dare I say it, empty?
Rasheed Wallce, Antonio Mcdyess, Allen Iverson and Amir Johnson.
All gone.
Michael Curry fired.
Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince all the subject of trade rumors.

There are many questions left for Joe Dumars to adress.
Who will play point guard? Who will coach? Will Ben Gordon come off the bench? Who's playing center?
I'm feeling some kind of a trade. Possibly something like a Tyson Chandler, or a David Lee. I would give my opinion on how I think these signing's will work out, but its way too early, and the outlook is far to uncertain.
Stay tuned.

TOOOOOO SICK

Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, died yesterday afternoon after suffering from cardiac arrest.
It was arguably the most famous musical death ever. Although Elvis and John Lennon were big too.
Michael Jackson was the King of Pop for a reason. He has sold over 750 Million albums worldwide.
His #1 Album, Thriller, has sold over 100 Million copies. The most albums sold by a solo artist all time.
13 Grammy Awards
13 #1 Singles
The most creative music video's ever made. Basically jump started MTV.
He invented the Moonwalk.

And most of all, he was the best musician to ever grace the mic. Michael Jackson should be remembered as a man that influenced artists for decades, and inspired millions. Although he had his ups and downs in life, his music will always live, it will always be played, and it will always be remembered.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson

1) Notorious B.I.G.
2) Jay-Z
3) A Tribe Called Quest
4) Rakim
5) Eminem
6) Ice Cube
7) Tupac
8) Common
9) Kanye West
10) Nas

1) Shawty Lo
2) Hurricane Chris
3) Soulja Boy
4) Clipse
5) Fat Joe
6) Ya Boy
7) Ron Brownz
8) Trick Trick
9) David Banner
10) Nas

In my mind right now, this is not historical. Present time.

1) Eminem
2) Kanye West
3) Lupe Fiasco
4) Jay-Z
5) Fabolous
6) Mos Def/Talib Kweli
7) Twista
8) Kid Cudi
9) Wale
10) Charles Hamilton

Why must it feel so wrong when I try to do right, soaring through paradise when I'm closing my eyes

In the last few months, the sports headlines have been filled with stories of recruiting violations from both college football and college basketball. Top programs like USC, UCONN, Alabama, Tennessee, Memphis, and Florida State. I personally have always thought the NCAA recruitment standards, and special benefits rules are completely out-dated. To think a coach can't text a recruit, or buy him dinner in this day and age is ridiculous. One thing the NCAA does is vacate victories, or in some cases championships. The Michigan basketball program was hit hard a few years back, when they're final four appearances with the Fab Five was vacated because of "special benefits" given to Chris Webber. It's things like this that make me angry, like for some reason we're all going to forget Michigan's run to the final four that year? Like we can just erase it from our memory. The NCAA needs to review its rules, make it more flexible. They're is so much technology, ways to communicate these days. It's hard not break a rule, even if you don't mean to.

GM Bankruptcy

Today is a sad day in America. General Motors, the biggest U.S. Automaker filed for bankruptcy this morning, probably causing plants to close, and more people to lose their jobs. It's still sad to see how the rest of America thinks this wont affect them. It's like Detroit is in a bubble, and no one is touched by our problems. That is a false perception. When will the American public realize how important the Big 3 is to the backbone of this country's economy? Perhaps soon...


Red Wings vs Penguins--Stanley Cup Finals

The Red Wings went up 2-0 last night with their second straight 3-1 win. Osgood played stellar, and the youngin' Justin Abdelkader lit up the net for his second NHL goal, both coming in the finals. The Wings are looking relentless in their quest for Lord Stanley. Wings in 5.



Lakers vs Magic--NBA Finals

Both teams are coming off of a hard fought series. The Kobe vs LeBron dream NBA Finals will not happen courtesy Dwight Howard. I'm on the bandwagon. Andrew Bynum will be dead weight by the end of this one...Rashard Lewis lives. Magic in 6.






Church

I've been in church a lot recently because of the passing of my grandfather. Lately I have been very skeptical of church, and religion as a whole. This time was no different. As I sat and watched the priest/deacons do the ceremony, I couldn't help but think, these guys are just well...guys. It's not like God chose them to lead this particular church. So why do we respect men of the cloth? What makes them special? And what about church's? What makes a building with pictures, and crosses a holy place? Did Jesus himself bless the building? I could build a large building and call it a church. I just can't grasp the concept. It all seems like a big joke. I'm sure there is something watching over us, but I'm just not sold on the whole church concept.

Eminem Album--Relapse

The new Slim Shady album dropped last week, Relapse. According to Rap Basement he sold approx. 609,000 copies in his first week. Adding another number one album to his resume. The album is great, it's vintage. Eminem was getting a little commercial, but he's definitely back. Some people are saying he's talking to much about his drug problem, or his mom. But people need to realize that's his life. That's why I fell in love with Slim, because he spoke from the heart.

Charles Hamilton- Album Release June 25th "This Perfect Life"


I'm so excited for the Charles Hamilton album. Charles, for some unknown reason, doesn't have the respect of the rap community yet. People find his style of rapping different, but I call it lyrical genius. Don't sleep on Charles, his album is bout to be hype.

Hey World, I'm here to tell you about the one, the only, the legend himself, Stevie Soul.

Do you need a web page designed? Do you need a beat boxer for your daughters 17th birthday party? Do you know Ken Haddad? Well boy, Do I have the man for you. Stevie Soul can help out with all of your needs.

Just visit www.steviesoul.com

Experience the Soul.

Mr. Hudson is a new artist signed by Kanye, he's from the UK.
Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West - Supernova | Audio | Rap Basement

Eminem isn't the only one on a comeback. Pharrell, one member of the hit producing and hip hop group The Neptunes, says they are plotting a comeback. "We got a lot of new treats," Pharrell says. With fellow members Shay and Chad Hugo nodding in agreement Pharrell says "I know I’ve been out doing the rock n’ roll thing, but know that the empire strikes back."

First, The Neptunes has the new Clipse album "Till The Casket Drops" coming out which Pharrell says he produced a "sizable amount" of the beats, including the collabo with a certain Harlem rapper. "The feature with Cam’ron is pretty serious," said Shay, breaking his silence, with Pharrell agreeing, "Cam blacks on that."

Pharrell went on to talk about the new N.E.R.D. album stating "If you were to ever go on the road with us, and see 80,000 people jumping at festivals, you’d know that there’s room for a hip-hop element — but those kids wanna jump," finishing "And we’re absolutely hooked on it." [watch here] When asked about the trio's more rock-oriented sound" he replied "It’s got more steroids in it, but hip-hop is definitely one of the shots."

Source- www.rapbasement.com

It's October. The MLB Playoffs are in full swing. The Pistons and Red Wings are getting their seasons started. But what fills the headlines? The Detroit Lions, the Michigan Wolverines, the Spartans. More than anything...it's football season. Detroit is often regarded as "Hockeytown". But it seems to me, unless its playoff time, Detroit is more obsessed with football than hockey. Lets think for a minute. Every Saturday during football season, we gather around our televisions and watch our college football. Every Sunday, we gather around our televisions and watch our beloved Lions, no matter how bad they are. And during the weekdays, all we talk about is the next weekend of football games! Fantasy football teams, who's starting, who's sitting. The only times Detroit's other sports are in the main limelight is when its playoff time. Football in Detroit is a playoff atmosphere every week, and hey, if the Lions make the playoffs, or the Wolverines go to a bowl game, its just an added bonus.

Stats:
Lions 2008 Attendance:
Even though there were a few games blacked out, the Lions still managed to pull on average about 55,000 per game, in a building that holds 65,000. The team went 0-16. (Averaged 61,000 in 2007)

Red Wings 2008 Attendance: Avg- 18,870 per game, Joe Louis holds 20,000. The Team won the Championship.

Detroit Lions estimated value- $917 Mil, estimated 2008 revenue- $204 Mil
Detroit Red Wings value- $ 303 Mil, "" --$110 Mil

Some people say, oh well its the economy. Then why did the Lions draw 55,000 per game, with the average ticket price being $78.00, and the team being the worst team the NFL has EVER seen? And the Red Wings average ticket price being $57.00. Can't sell out a hockey game, in Hockeytown? Because its not.
We can fill stadiums that hold 100,000 people to watch a football game every Saturday, but we can't fill an arena that holds 20,000 to watch a hockey game? What kind of hockeytown are we living in exactly? One that has been downed by hard times, and job loss? Or one that is turning to football, and has turned to football as a more entertaing way to spend money and time? I think so. The Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings all get their time to shine, if they make the playoffs. But as far as pure passion about the whole sport, and a whole season, football wins.

Ladies and gentleman. Welcome to FootballTown.

Red Wings fans, I'm here to tell you to calm down. All I've been hearing is "The Ducks have a good goalie, we're screwed", "They have a good defense, we're finished." Guys, come on. This is the Red Wings of course. The defending Stanley Cup Champs. I think the main reason is because of the past. The Wings have been known in the past to fold under a hot goalie, or a hot team (ex: Giggure, Kipersoff, Nabakov) But this time is different. San Jose lost to the Mighty Mighty Ducks in 6 games. But the goalie, Hiller, was not tested like people think. The traffic was limited, and San Jose, if I may use basketball terms, was settling for jumpers, not driving to the basket. I think as long as Detroit crashes the net, they'll be fine. The Ducks have a good defense with the likes of Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, and Canton native James Wisniewski. But the Wings high octane offense along with there stellar defense, and a good performance by Chris Osgood, the Ducks shouldn't be a problem.

Wings in 6.

With the second pick in the NBA Draft the Detroit Pistons select Darko Milicic.
It's one of the most infamous lines Pistons fan will remember forever. In a draft class that featured Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, the Pistons selected a 18-year old, unproven center, named Darko Milicic. Heard of him lately? Didn't think so.
You might say, well damn Ken, that's just one mistake, everyone makes mistakes.
Joe Dumars has made major mistakes.

1) He basically drove Larry Brown out of town, for having a little bit of interest in the Knicks.

2) He traded Chauncey Billups, the over whelming leader of the team, to Denver for Allen Iverson. Heard of him lately? Didn't think so.

3) He has failed to sign any big time free agents to help this team. Kwame Brown, Jarvis Hayes, Nazr Mohammad, Theo Ratliff, Earl Campbell. Heard of them lately? Nah.

4) Even if we didn't talk about the Darko pick, Joe D has drafted horribly. Carlos Delfino, Amir Johnson, Will Blalock, Sammy Mejia, Deron Washington, Jason Maxiel. None of these players have contributed to the team in and significant way. With the exception of Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Afflalo (Who are still basically unproven)

5) The hiring of Michael Curry. Now, I'll cut Michael Curry a break, he's had to deal with a lot this year, but he shouldn't have been hired in the first place. A rookie head coach to coach veterans? Joe D should have known better.

Joe Dumars is still living off the fluke 2004 championship. He now has the symptoms of another GM we once new...Matt Millen. Bad signings, bad drafting, bad team.

Rick Ross-- Deeper Than Rap

After much anticipation Rick Ross finally released his album "Deeper Than Rap". In the midst of a much publicized "feud" (in quotations because I question the validity of the feud itself) with rapper 50 Cent, Ricky had to put some hot fire out. His past 2 albums (Port of Miami, Trilla) were stellar albums. Good beats, great lyrics. This is on different. Although in this version of the Rick Ross saga, he has some help. With guest appearances by Kanye West, Nas, Lil Wayne, and the Tripple C family. Overall, the album is worth listening too.
Rating: 4/5 Stars



Asher Roth-- Asleep in the Bread Aisle

I personally have been waiting for this album for quite a while. Asher has been on the radar for a while now, doing mix tapes and collabs with well known producer/DJ Don Cannon. Asleep in the Bread Aisle is definitely different then what Roth has been putting out in the past few months. The album features beats that have many different flavors, including rock. But, through all the inventiveness, the album is still worth getting. Asher never seizes to amaze me with his lyrics. The new white boy of rap, Asher Paul Roth.
Rating: 4/5 Stars



Slim Thug-- Boss of all Bosses

Slim Thug hasn't dropped an album since 2006, but he's definitely saved the best for last (if this is his last). This album is in one word; hype. Every song is a song that I would consider playing at a party. Slim Thug's hard beats, and hard lyrics make him one of the games premier rappers. Unfortunately not many people know Slim Thug's music, but they should. If you're having a bad day, go get this CD.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

When the NFL released the official schedule for the 2009-10 season, the Lions schedule looked awfully grim. With opening games against teams like New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Washington and an early away game at Green Bay, and rounding out the season against teams like Baltimore and Arizona. This morning, the Free Press posted a column by Drew Sharp (someone I've personally never liked), where he stated the Lions schedule has "3-13 written all over it", to which I say, how in the hell could he possibly say that right now? ---Drew Sharp Column-- http://www.freep.com/article/20090415/COL08/904150401/?imw=Y
It is April 15th, we still haven't gotten to the draft, not to mention, the Lions have a whole new coaching staff, and a basically whole new roster. How could Drew Sharp state that, without knowing the teams strategy's, schemes, playbooks, who's going to be starting, or who they're drafting. It's absolutely ridiculous for anyone to be predicting the success of a team at this point in the off season. The Lions have a lot to prove, to the writers, fans, and to themselves, but they don't deserve to be called losers, at least not yet.

With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select...

#1
QB, Georgia, Matthew Stafford

I was just as skeptical as the next Lions fan when the first mock drafts came out, and Matthew Stafford was at the top of the draft board. Another Joseph Harrington, oh God. But people I'm here to tell you, this time is different. Matt Stafford is the real deal, and it would be a mistake not to take him. The Lions need a franchise QB, it's one of the most essential things in a good team. Dante Cullpepper, as good as he might be, if good at all, is not the full-time, long term starter. Stafford has great footwork, a strong arm and good accuracy. And most of all, he has a good attitude, he wants to be here. You might say, Aaron Curry is a beast, which he is, but they're are a plenty of linebackers in this draft that can make a difference. Stafford is the answer.

#20
LB, NIU, Larry English

The Lions defense is gonna be better than last year (that's not saying much). They have added Julian Peterson, and a somewhat experienced secondary with players like Phillip Buchanon , Anthony Henry (via trade with Dallas) Chris Carr, and Erik King. Still having Ernie Sims, and don't forget Cliff Avril and Grady Jackson. The perfect addition to this defense would be a versatile linebacker, one that can play Outside linebacker, or can even play DL. Larry English can get to the quarterback, and that's something we lack big time. This is will also enable the Lions to play a 3-4, or a 4-3, however they chose. Larry English provides options, and he can play with the big boys. (For reference, if Rey Maualuga was available, I would take him, but all signs point to him not being available. Also, some experts have Larry English going as high as #11.)

#33
OT, CONN, William Beatty

They draft Matt Stafford, now they need to protect him. William Beatty will provide a beefed up offensive line, along with last year's first round pick Gosder Cherilus, Domonic Riola, and possibly George Foster, if he steps up his game.

The draft is April 25th.

As I drove downtown yesterday, my stomach started rumbling (that's not surprising). I asked myself, what shall I do? Eat? Why of course! It's only 6:00PM and tip-off is not until 9:21, surely we'll be able to sit down and have a nice dinner. Wrong.
The final four brings a lot of people into one area, more so this year with MSU playing. But the fact is, when you have an event like this, or when you propose to host an event like this, you should be able to accommodate everyone. With three hours before tip, I couldn't find a place to eat that had less than a two hour wait. Bars, restaurants, lounges, packed beyond belief. We actually ended up eating at Subway. That was the shortest line we could find--only took an hour.
As far as the game goes, it was a good time. Ford Field in general hosted a great event, but the city of Detroit just doesn't have enough venues to be a Final Four host.

Also, MSU.
Not every call is a bad call. Stop complaining so much ya big babies.
Go Green! Go...oh shut up.

I am starting a Live blog on BLOG TV
We'll see how it goes

Check it out
www.blogtv.com


kennyh67- Broadcast your self LIVE

12 years ago yesterday (March 9th) the best rapper who ever lived was assassinated. (Cause when you great, it's not murder, its assassinate) Notorious B.I.G. The best who ever picked up a microphone.
Top Five Biggie Smalls Songs:
5) What's Beef?
4) One More Chance
3) Suicidal Thoughts
2) Juicy
1) Who Shot Ya

That's a tough list. He has so many classics.
Rest in Peace B.I.G.

Source:
An in-depth look into the "N*ggaz With Attitude" will soon be coming to a theater new year. New Line Cinema is developing a film called "Straight Outta Compton" that will chronicle the rise and fall of N.W.A. Ice Cube and Dr Dre will help produce the film on the group they helped form along with Eazy-E and MC Ren. Fellow producers Tomica Wright (Eazy-E's widow) and Circle Of Confusion Entertainment are currently searching for a director.

Man...Looking back at this...I cant believe that was 3 years ago, and how fat I've become.
Video is courtesy Mizsie Joy

Kanye West on Storytellers this past Saturday. It was a sick show. This is just an Audio clip of Heartless...but he kind of freestyles after. This is it.

Background: 50 Cent called Kanye West gay last year, because he wears pink shirts and sings.

A clip from StoryTellers

Kanye Gets Cut By Vh1, Dodges Paps - Video Here | Kanye West | Rap Basement

I have never been so frustrated in my life over basketball. I am accustom to a good NBA team here in Detroit. Instead, through age, and trades, my team, the Pistons, are just a bunch of losers. Tonight marked the 8th straight loss. It marked Sheed's 15th and 16th Tech's, which will earn him a well deserved suspension. Sit the whole team. I bury my face in my hands at the end of every game, just asking one question: what happened?
I'll tell you what.
Joe Dumars fell in the salary cap trap. He decided to forfeit the season with the Billups trade, but hey, we have money for who? Carlos Boozer? Hold on...

K, sorry, I just threw up everywhere.
Stuckey is not the leader of this team. That is for Rip. I have a new respect for Rip, after being benched, he has come out every night with a vengeance, proving everyone wrong. Everyone and their mother knows AI should be on the bench, but I guess the coaching staff is too scared to bench a future hall of famer. It's obvious to me that Michael Curry is not the man for the job, as many thought he was. The main word was respect, of everyone respected Michael Curry. That's complete bull, the players don't play hard for the man. As far as I'm concerned, he's a puppet.


I'd really just rather not watch the rest of the season.

Now, its well known throughout the world, that Stephen Ostrowski and I don't agree on much. He made points in his Tigers Blog, good ones like the catching situation, and the dependability of our starting pitchers.
Starting with catcher. Gerald Lair is a good defensive catcher, he'll get the job done. Signing him opens up 3rd base for Brandon Inge, who came close to a Gold Glove 2 years ago. He might not put up monster offensive numbers, but Pudge wasn't exactly hitting the ball well to say the least.
Pitching--
Our rotation consists off--Bonderman, Verlander, Galaraga, Jackson, and either Nate Robertson, or Dontrelle Willis. I like the sounds of that. Bonderman was hurt last year yes, but all signs point to him being completely healthy. Verlander didn't do as bad as his number point to. He often lacked run support, and bullpen support. Galaraga was the most consistent last year, and Edwin Jackson helped lead the Ray's to the World Series last year. It is still to be seen if Nate or Dontrelle can return to form from a few years ago.
The bullpen is stronger than last year, and the offense is still stacked.
This team has poise, experience, youth and most of all, hunger.
So to my good friend Stephen, I'll see you at Comerica...in October.

So I just finished the book Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, and I have to say, it was terrific. If your into political/religious conflict stories, this book is for you. It has a great mixture of factual information, and drama. I learned a lot about the Vatican and its traditions, which are actually pretty interesting. Overall I'll give it an A. With a million twists, it will have you not wanting to put the book down.

One of my favorite artists, just one of his better songs off of "A Kid Named Cudi"