Ken Haddad's Blog

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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!