Ken Haddad's Blog

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.

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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.