bigted

DMX "Lord Give Me A Sign" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfT0BMiuCjs

Jay-Z feat. DMX "Money, Cash, Hoes"

Yeah it's just a bunch of BS, wack music can't sell no more so that's why they're saying this

I always had a lot of respect for Alonzo Mourning, one of the class acts in NBA History, this is a great read: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-38-7...o-Mourning.html A Conversation with Alonzo Mourning January 23, 2009 3:25 PM Posted by Kevin Arnovitz Alonzo Mourning called it quits yesterday. The seven-time NBA All-Star goes out as the Miami Heat's all-time leader in games played, points, rebounds, blocked shots, and field-goal percentage. He battled opposing centers, Larry Johnson, and a kidney transplant during his 15-year career. TrueHoop caught up with 'Zo this morning. Retiring from the game was one of the biggest events of your life. Was there a single moment when you made the decision? To tell you the truth, it was a collection of events -- a lot of subliminal messages and conversations with people that evolved over a year of rehabilitation. I was getting pretty close to getting back on the court. I was running and jumping. My legs were getting stronger. I started to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Then, this week, I went to Washington for the inauguration. Everyone there was excited about the moment. People would come up to me. They'd ask for an autograph or if they could take a picture with me. Almost everyone I met, after we'd take the photo, they'd ask me, "How's your health?" This struck a chord with me. I suddenly realized how important my health is. I started to think -- I want to be on this earth for another 40 or 50 years, and I want those years to be productive. I want to be healthy. I don't want to walk around with a limp. Most of all, I want to watch my kids grow up. Now that your pro career is over, is there any part of your game you feel like you never perfected? Looking back at my career, I can think of a million people who would've loved to have walked the path I did. Everything that was supposed to happen, happened. I can't tell you, "I wish I did this," or, "I wish I'd perfected a three-point shot." I lived a storybook career. Even the incidents that weren't positive at the time. The fight in New York? It made me a better person, because wisdom is developed through adversity. The things that weren't perfect? They were all part of making me a better person and a better player. Will it be painful for you to watch the pro game and know you'll never compete at that level again? It'll never be painful because every athlete I watch will eventually reach this point, where they call it quits. I'm grateful that I got to be part of history, that I helped to build a global brand that has become the most popular sport in the world. I feel like I gave all I could physically to the sport. I had to overcome so many obstacles. That's one thing I'd change if I could go back: I'd take out all the injuries. Injuries are devastating. So many guys are fortunate enough to go through their careers without significant injuries. I wasn't that lucky, but I was able to come back from every single one of them. How are you going to feed your competitiveness on a daily basis now that you won't be playing ball? I found something else that challenges me other than my children: I've become an avid golfer. That feeds the competitiveness. It's also very relaxing because there are no other competitors out there but yourself. It's also humbling. That little white ball can bring you to your knees. It doesn't always go where you want it to go. But you can golf for the rest of your life. There's also my philanthropic work. That's a challenge in itself because there's so much work to be done in changing people's lives for the better. That's a big initiative. In general, how are you feeling? I feel great -- like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't have to worry about rebounding, setting a screen, running a play, catching any elbows. I don't have to worry about putting a bunch of icebags on me. All I have to do now is take my kids to school, work on my golf swing, and do my philanthropy. Every athlete wants to leave their mark on the game and know they've done as much as they could for their craft. I've done that. I'm able to walk away from the game with a sense of fulfillment, and I'm looking forward to starting another chapter of my life. You're now working as a key member of the advisory council for the McDonald's All-American Game. Can you tell us a little more about the game's importance as a rite of passage for the best young basketball players in the country? One thing people may not realize is that the McDonald's All-American game is not just a showcase of the best talent in the country. It's also a platform where players get their first understanding of what it means to give back. The proceeds of the game go to the local chapters of the Ronald McDonald House, which benefits local families. Players arrive knowing they're the best in the nation. But that week before the game is about players understanding that the game is as much about community service as it is about basketball. Philanthropy makes the world go 'round. The more young players can understand that, the more successful they'll be in becoming not just complete players, but complete human beings. You've put together a list of the top 33 best McDonald's All-American Game alums? What criteria did you use in choosing the players? It was very difficult, because I didn't want to insult anybody. I based the list on a balance of talent on the court, along with your contributions off the court. Giving back was a huge factor, because that's what the McDonald's All-American Game signifies. We wanted individuals who brought a humanitarian approach to their craft. What do you tell young players who might be very, very good, but may not realize that they're not pro-caliber players? Are you honest with them? First, I tell them that all of this is short-lived, whether you make it to the NBA or not. Everyone aspires to the NBA, but most aren't going to make it. There are only 450 NBA players. Due to the fact that the game has expanded globally, international players now make up about 25% of those -- so that makes it even tougher. I tell them to work on their game, but at the same time think about their education. You've got to have something to fall back on. And you have to be of service to your community. All these things have to be factored into your development. How has the game changed in the 20-plus years since you graduated high school? It's a much more perimeter-oriented game. There are no more big men. Everyone wants to be a perimeter guy! When I came up, it was me, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Rik Smits, Kevin Duckworth, Robert Parish. The list goes on forever. Now more and more players want to resemble the Michael Jordan style of player. You see it at the McDonald's game. The transition has been interesting. But there will always be a place for big men. Having an impactful perimeter player is important, but Dwyane Wade, LeBron James -- none of those guys win unless they have a big man playing with them who is truly controlling. There's an interesting scene in your new book, Resilience, about your being out in Miami with your wife, Tracy. It depicts you as very standoffish and unapproachable. There's a quote from you: "I was once young and naïve and trusted everyone and it almost cost me everything.” What did you mean and has that changed for you over the years? At such a young age, you're gullible. You let everyone into your circle. Coming out of high school, everyone wanted to be a part of my life. I came to the big city -- Washington, D.C. -- with blinders on. I didn't understand what the world had to offer. I developed relationships that almost cost me my life. I had to learn from that. So I walled myself off. I walked around with my guard up and a very standoffish attitude. But though maturation, I eventually grew out of that phase. I started surrounding myself with the right people and developed a different mindset. I became a much wiser person. But it was a process. Some of the more interesting characters in your book are John Thompson and Shaquille O'Neal. Coach Thompson was a godsend. He was a father figure to me. He played a significant role in my development, not just in basketball, but as a person. Shaquille and I never thought we'd be teammates. Ever. We were very hypocritical about our ideas toward one another until we got a chance to be teammates and share a common bond. We're the same type of guy mentally and physically -- though I thought I had a better body than him. We had the same goals and shared a common vision both on and off the court. We both want to help people and leave our mark on the game. We were able to establish a great partnership and good things evolved from it all. (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

2Pac feat. Daz, Kurupt, Method Man, and Redman "Got My Mind Made Up"

DMC needs to do something with Rev. Run again

:yeahthat: Amen to that!!

J. Period Feat. De La Soul "Excursions"(Q-Tip Tribute Remix), one hell of a tribute: http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/multimedi...3/20829386.aspx

I thought the Cards would win 'cause they were playing like a team of destiny but their D couldn't hold up in the end, that was one hell of a game though

Busta Rhymes Feat. Kelis "What It Is Right Now"

Rakim's an awesome mc but I don't agree with him here, there's a lot of great music coming from NY and the east coast right now, no region is killing hip hop

Nas "The World"(Produced By Kanye West), this song's real soulful http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__m...7/20799561.aspx

Check out the transcript of the inauguration I found Allhiphop.com: http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/features/...0/20802967.aspx

Hey I'm down to do this, JJFP and The Roots should be honored this year, while we're at it let's petition for another album

I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned here yet since it's all over the TV, internet, iphones, etc. at this moment, there's over 2.5 million people at Washington DC waiting for the swearing in of the first black president in US history, what's everyone's thoughts here? I'm so hyped right now, can't believe this moment's finally here, I never felt so proud to be a young black man living in America than I do right now!! Btw, I really like this article here on yahoo.com, it sets the mood for the day: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20090119/pl_ynews/ynews_pl202 Inauguration Day: 5 things to watch "They said this day would never come." That's what President-elect Barack Obama said when he surprised a lot of people by winning the Iowa caucus. And that goes double for the inauguration the nation is about to witness. Whether you're planning to brave the crowds (and cold) or watch the festivities from home, here are a few things to look out for: 1. Will Obama deliver (again)? It's no secret that Obama is known for his eloquent speeches. Perhaps unknowingly, he essentially kicked off his '08 campaign with a keynote speech at John Kerry's 2004 convention. During the Democratic primary, Obama's speech on race, addressing controversial remarks by pastor Jeremiah Wright, is now widely noted as a turning point for his campaign. Even after he wowed massive crowds in Germany, people wondered if he would be able to carry Denver's Invesco Field during the convention. By most accounts, he did. That's why rumors about Obama's inaugural address began to surface as early as October. Once again, there's a lot riding on this speech. AP sums it up: "The great task of Barack Obama is to be a John F. Kennedy or to be a Ronald Reagan — truly inspire the American people and in a few succinct, memorable lines, lay out for the country your new vision for America," says American University political historian Allan J. Lichtman. Gulp. If history is any judge, we've yet to see the president-elect disappoint on the day of the big test. Even Obama's 27-year-old speechwriter Jon Favreau has become a minor celebrity. And if all this pressure ever feels a bit heavy-handed, Obama can enjoy the fact that there's also a good deal of light-hearted betting on his speech: Which past president will get the first inaugural shout-out? Will he say "banana"? 2. They built it, but will they come? Following a historic nomination, you'd expect historic crowds. And if predictions come true, D.C. is about to become one packed house. While crowd estimates once peaked at 4 to 5 million, the Washington Post found that an internal report stated that the Secret Service is expecting anywhere from 1.5 to 2 million. (The record for the biggest crowd belongs to Lyndon B. Johnson, who saw 1.2 million in 1965.) But numbers may continue to dwindle. According to FOXNews: The Pennsylvania-based Red Lion Bus Company has canceled nearly all of its trips to Washington on inaugural week because passengers are steadily backing out of their reservations, the company's owner told FOXNews.com. "Most passengers are canceling because they're not able to get tickets to any place where you could really see anything," said company owner Dennis Warner. And some folks are planning on skipping town entirely. Politico reports that many Republicans will be taking well-timed "vacations" or gathering for their own "inaugural" events: One Republican lawyer is inviting friends to Las Vegas for an "Inaugural in Exile." 3. On the ball While much has been made about the fashion choices of the Obamas, let's hope they are fully decked out on the 20th — there are no less than 10 official balls. Sure, it's the dresses we're all really paying attention to here, but as MSNBC reports, there's never a shortage of action: "It's like a massive high school prom, is the only way I can describe it, in terms of the crush of people and the level of sophistication," said Sheila Tate, who was press secretary to Nancy Reagan. "It's just packed." Tate has witnessed two coat-check riots at Republican balls. It happened at President Ronald Reagan's ball in 1985, when many women left in minks not their own, and again in 1989 for the first President George Bush at a ball with what became known as "The Bastille Day Coat Check." But back to those dresses. If you know your first lady history, see if you can guess who wore what from past events. There's no doubt everyone will be watching to see what Michelle chooses — there are plenty of sketches for her to chose from. But more than a few people have asked: Is it crass to be so glitzy when the nation is knee-deep in a recession? Heck no, "Project Runway" guru Tim Gunn told the AP: "'This is a time to celebrate. This is a great moment. Do not dress down. Do not wear the Washington uniform,'" said Tim Gunn, a native Washingtonian and Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc. 4. Christian controversy? Obama vowed to be a president who would listen to all sides of an argument. And if his choices for inaugural prayers are any indication, he will be. Gay-rights activists were enraged when he chose conservative evangelical minister Rick Warren, who had made controversial statements about gay relationships, to deliver the invocation. Then, Obama asked openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson to say a prayer at a pre-inauguration event at the Lincoln Memorial, which, as Huffington Post points out, wound up not being broadcast on HBO. Was Obama smartly playing both sides? Robert King at The Indianapolis Star sums it up by asking, "What's up with Obama and his radioactive pastors?" And when confronted with a backlash from gays on the choice of Warren for an inaugural prayer, Obama didn't just go and choose a bishop sympathetic to gay causes, or a gay clergy from a denomination with no battles over gays, he chose the most controversial gay clergyman in the land. He bought top shelf radioactivity.... The next four years should be anything but dull. 5. The ringleader 81-year-old Charlie Brotman will be a familiar face on a day that's full of change. He has been the announcer for 13 inauguration parades, starting in 1957 for Eisenhower's second term. He's often quite a hoot: Brotman got in trouble with the Secret Service for sorta, kinda, not really asking George W. Bush to throw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals opening game. AP adds: After all, he's the announcer who got the crowd, including the VIPs, to do the "wave" while waiting for late-arriving Bill Clinton in 1997. And Brotman doesn't take his job lightly. He told USA Today: "People are standing. They are freezing, and they may have been there for an hour or two, so I try to create some entertainment," he said. "It's as though these people are coming over to my house. I want them to have a nice time and a good memory." Sounds like he's got something good up his sleeve for this year. And as an honorary sixth, you know you'd be a fool to miss Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. So don't miss out. - Sarah Parsons

Hey AJ I got your back man, I'll be praying for ya

Naughty By Nature "Mourn You Till I Join You"

As I'm bumping their greatest hits album I'm thinking the same thing, Naughty needs to come back big again, Treach's a beast on the mic that's superior compared to weak rappers like Lil' Wayne and Eminem

It's been a rough couple years DMX, I hope he straightens himself out and puts more focus on bringin' out some bangin' music

It'd be interesting to see what're Will's favorite books, that should be something that gets asked in an interview

I love "Make Me Better" too, Fabolous always comes out with some bangin' singles, he just needs to make better albums like Turntable said, he's really talented, Ne-Yo's awesome too btw right now I'm listening to that "Decisions" song again by Busta, Jamie Foxx, Mary J, and Common

2Pac "Trapped"

Busta Rhymes Feat. Jamie Foxx, Common, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend "Decisions", what a lineup, what a song!! http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__m...5/20795708.aspx

That sounds like a good idea for Will to play a villan

I think Big Daddy Kane had a lot of interesting things to say in that interview and I think it's a damn shame when there's only focus on him saying that he likes Lil' Wayne