bigted

K-Smith needs to step it up if he wants to be taken seriously

http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__m...0/19316195.aspx

I heard on ESPN today that the Mavs might sign Keith Van Horn out of retirement and trade him to the Nets instead of Deavon George so they could get Jason Kidd, btw I'm watching the Rookie-Sophomore All-Star game right now, good stuff

"It's All Good" is a classic track :wickedwisdom:

Looking at those nominees in the hip-hop categories is depressing, Kanye had no competition, most of this stuff mentioned here is the reason why I don't really listen to the radio that much these days

Obama wins Neb., Wash. state By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent 2 minutes ago WASHINGTON - Sen. Barack Obama won caucuses in Nebraska and Washington state and moved ahead in the Louisiana primary Saturday night, slicing into Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's slender delegate lead in their historic race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Illinois senator also won caucuses in the Virgin Islands with nearly 90 percent of the vote. He was winning roughly two-thirds of the vote in Washington state and Nebraska. Early returns from Louisiana precincts showed him leading the former first lady, a black man hoping to extend a string of Southern primary triumphs that already included South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. Clinton made no mention of the night's contests as she appeared at a Democratic Party dinner in Virginia, site of one of three primaries this Tuesday. Instead, she criticized Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee in all but name. "We have tried it President Bush's way," she said, "and now the Republicans have chosen more of the same." She left quickly after her speech, departing before Obama's scheduled arrival. But his supporters made their presence known, as chants of "Obama" floated up from the audience as she made her way offstage. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Barack Obama won caucuses in Nebraska and Washington state and moved ahead in the Louisiana primary Saturday night, slicing into Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's slender delegate lead in their historic race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Illinois senator was winning two-thirds support in both caucus states. Returns from the first handful of Louisiana precincts showed him leading, a black man hoping to extend a string of Southern primary triumphs that already included South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. In all, the three states, plus caucuses in the Virgin Islands, offered 161 delegates. Clinton began the day with a slender delegate lead in The Associated Press count. She had 1,055 delegates to 998 for Obama. A total of 2,025 is required to win the nomination at the national convention in Denver. The Democratic race moved into a new, post-Super Tuesday phase as Sen. John McCain flunked his first ballot test since becoming the Republican nominee-in-waiting. He lost Kansas caucuses to Mike Huckabee, gaining less than 24 percent of the vote. Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, got nearly 60 percent of the vote a few hours after telling conservatives in Washington, "I majored in miracles, and I still believe in them." He won all 36 delegates at stake. McCain and Huckabee also were running even in early caucus returns from Washington state. McCain led in the Louisiana primary, but was below the absolute majority he needed to pocket the 20 delegates at stake. For all his brave talk, Huckabee was hopelessly behind in the delegate race. McCain had 719, compared with 234 for Huckabee and 14 for Texas Rep. Ron Paul. It takes 1,191 to win the nomination at the national convention. The Democrats' race was as close as the Republicans' was not, a contest between Obama, hoping to become the first black president, and Clinton, campaigning to become the first female commander in chief. The two rivals contest primaries on Tuesday in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, all states that Obama hoped to place in his column. Preliminary results of a survey of voters leaving their polling places in Louisiana showed that nearly half of those casting ballots were black. As a group, African-Americans have overwhelmingly favored Obama in earlier primaries, helping him to wins in several Southern states. One in seven Democratic voters and about one in 10 Republicans said Hurricane Katrina had caused their families severe hardship from which they have not recovered. There was another indication of the impact the storm had on the state. Early results suggested that northern Louisiana accounted for a larger share of the electorate than in the past, presumably the result of the decline in population in the hurricane-battered New Orleans area. McCain cleared his path to the party nomination earlier in the week with a string of Super Tuesday victories that drove former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney from the race. He spent the rest of the week trying to reassure skeptical conservatives, at the same time party leaders quickly closed ranks behind him. His Kansas defeat aside, McCain also suffered a symbolic defeat when Romney edged him out in a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference meeting across town from the White House. The day's contests opened a new phase in the Democratic race between Clinton and Obama. The Feb. 5 Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses in 22 states, which once looked likely to effectively settle the race, instead produced a near-equal delegate split. That left Obama and Clinton facing the likelihood of a grind-it-out competition lasting into spring — if not to the summer convention itself. With the night's events, 29 of the 50 states have selected delegates. Two more — Michigan and Florida — held renegade primaries and the Democratic National Committee has vowed not to seat any delegates chosen at either of them. Maine, with 24 delegates, holds caucuses on Sunday. Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia and voting by Americans overseas are next, on Tuesday, with 175 combined. Then follows a brief intermission, followed by a string of election nights, some crowded, some not. The date of March 4 looms large, 370 delegates in primaries in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont. Mississippi is alone in holding a primary one week later, with a relatively small 33 delegates at stake. Puerto Rico anchors the Democratic calendar, with 55 delegates chosen in caucuses on June 7. If Super Tuesday failed to settle the campaign, it produced a remarkable surge in fundraising. Obama's aides announced he had raised more than $7 million on line in the two days that followed. Clinton disclosed she had loaned her campaign $5 million late last month in an attempt to counter her rival's Super Tuesday television advertising. She raised more than $6 million in the two days after the busiest night in primary history. The television ad wars continued unabated. Obama has been airing commercials for more than a week in television markets serving every state that has a contest though Feb 19. Clinton began airing ads midweek in Washington state, Maine and Nebraska, and added Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia on Friday. The exit poll was conducted by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International for The Associated Press and the television networks.

Happy B-Day Tim!

Phoenix, the NBA's fastest team, on verge of adding slow, once-mighty giant -- Shaquille O'Neal By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer February 6, 2008 PHOENIX (AP) -- The fastest, flashiest team in the NBA could be getting a lot slower -- but much larger -- because of a blockbuster trade few could have seen coming. The improbable pairing of the Phoenix Suns and Shaquille O'Neal went from rumor to near-reality overnight. The last major roadblock was the 14-time All-Star center passing a physical. A league official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press the deal could be complete Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT "The process is in play, and that's all I really can say because things have backed up before," Miami Heat coach Pat Riley said Wednesday in Auburn Hills, Mich., where his team was preparing for the Pistons. "Nothing's been completed, and that's where it's at right now." The deal would send unhappy forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks to the Heat. "I don't have any reaction yet because I don't know the truth yet," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said Wednesday morning. "So until the truth comes out, I can't really react to it." The trade would signal an unexpected change in philosophy for the Suns, adding a 7-foot-1, 325-pound center who has won four NBA championships but has been plagued by injuries in recent years and turns 36 next month. O'Neal has been out with a hip injury and underwent an MRI exam in Miami on Tuesday. For the three-plus seasons since Steve Nash came to town, Phoenix and its ultra up-tempo style have been the frenetic darlings of NBA fans grown weary of the slow style that has prevailed for years. But the Suns have fallen short in the playoffs, never making it to the finals. Marion, unhappy being third fiddle to Nash and Amare Stoudemire, asked to be traded before the season began. Stoudemire, meanwhile, dislikes playing out of position at center. The Suns have the best record in the West (34-14) but have not played up to their own or fans' expectations. On Tuesday night, the Suns pushed back their scheduled shootaround on Wednesday from 9:45 a.m. MST to 4:45 p.m., shortly before they face the New Orleans Hornets. O'Neal is prepared for a trade, a confidant of his told The AP on Tuesday night. His associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal anything publicly, said a deal could be imminent. O'Neal didn't speak to reporters before leaving Miami's practice Tuesday and did not accompany the Heat to Detroit. He was expected in Phoenix on Wednesday for a physical. "I'm not going to talk about it," Riley said. "If in fact things get completed, because there's so much more, then there'll be an official comment about it. Right now, there's nothing but hypotheticals." Suns general manager Steve Kerr, owner Robert Sarver and coach Mike D'Antoni did not return messages left on their cell phones by the AP. Speaking Tuesday night on his weekly radio show on Sports 620 KTAR, D'Antoni professed to know nothing about such a deal. However, he said such an acquisition would "mean a lot." "That's a big question that has to be thought over and pondered," he said. If Shaq came back to the Pacific Division, he would join a team that has an intense rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers and O'Neal's old teammate Kobe Bryant. "Really?" Bryant said when told of the apparently pending deal. "I know he likes the warm weather." The trade would require a significant financial commitment from the budget-conscious Sarver because O'Neal is scheduled to make $20 million this season and $20 million more each of the next two. Marion could opt out of the $17 million final year of his contract after this season. O'Neal entered this season talking about how he wanted to win at least one more title, saying his "legacy" wouldn't be complete unless he left the game with at least five rings. The Heat, though, have lost 19 of their last 20 games and have the NBA's worst record at 9-37. "This is the NBA. I'm not really surprised by anything that happens," Wade said. "I'm not surprised by anything that's said." O'Neal, averaging a career-low 14.2 points per game, is going through a divorce, and his scoring average is nearly 11 1/2 points below his 25.6 career mark. His string of 14 All-Star appearance ended this season. He missed much of the 2006-07 season with a knee injury and finished that year with career-lows in games (40), scoring (17.3 points), rebounds (7.4), minutes (28.4) and free-throw percentage (.422). AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.

Patriots choked! :wickedwisdom: :stickpoke:

Yeah it's easy to think right now that the Lakers are gonna win the West from this trade but we have to see how it plays out, I wouldn't put the Celtics in the Finals yet either, I think there's gonna be some surprise teams this year for sure that'll have something to say

I think Snoop's album comes out on March 11th, from what I hear so far I can't wait for it

Talib Kweli Confirms Reflection Eternal Reunion Album January 30th, 2008 | Author: Jake PaineAlthough "Hot Thing" might not have stirred the masses to the tune of previous hits like "Get By" or "Move Something," 2007 saw Talib Kweli with his highest charting debut of his career with Eardrum. Nearly five months after the album's release, Kweli told HipHopDX that he's still working the effort, having recently shot a video for his next single, the Just Blaze-produced "Hostile Gospel," in Nigeria. Of the project, Kweli said, "There were some really great things we learned about this project, and some not-so-great things. Overall, I'm optimistic. This was kind of our proving-ground as a company." Talib also confirmed his release schedule for the upcoming year, with his Warner Brothers-distributed Blacksmith imprint. "We've got Jean Grae's Jeanius coming, which is not a mixtape, it's album," said the Brooklyn emcee of his next project. Jean, like Crooked I and Tonedeff, also has plans for a Valentine's Day-themed mixtape releasing in two weeks. "We're finishing up that, then I'm really exciting to release this project by Strong Arm Steady." The second project from trio Krondon, Phil Da Agony and Mitchy Slick will mark Blacksmith's first west coast release, as well as the major label debut for the first two artists of the group. Lastly, Talib Kweli confirmed that he's closing out the year with a reunion with Hi-Tek. "People asked for it, so we got back together, and we're working on that." Albeit sparse on details, Kweli promised the project to be released before the close of 2008, and revealed that recording was underway.

http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__m...1/19220079.aspx

Nellie wants Webber back on Warriors nearly 14 years after feud ended first stint together By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer January 28, 2008 AP - Jan 27, 8:45 pm EST More Photos OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Coach Don Nelson wants to bring free agent forward Chris Webber back to Golden State, nearly 14 years after a feud ended their first stint together. "I hope that it happens to be quite honest with you," Nelson said Sunday before the Warriors beat the New York Knicks 106-104. "I think our team needs it." Webber was acquired by the Warriors in a draft day trade with Orlando in 1993 after becoming just the second sophomore ever to be the top pick in the NBA draft. He won the Rookie of the Year award and made the playoffs in his only season in Golden State. But Webber clashed with Nelson and demanded a trade before his second season, and was eventually dealt to Washington in November 1994 for Tom Gugliotta and three first-round picks. At the time, Webber cited unhappiness over Nelson's sometimes abrasive coaching style as a main reason for his wanting out of Golden State. Nelson was fired shortly after the trade, only to be brought back as Warriors coach last season. Golden State didn't make the playoffs for 12 seasons after Webber was traded, ending the drought last season. Nelson said he and Webber have talked over the years and that both men have matured since their feud more than a decade ago. ADVERTISEMENT "I've learned over the years," Nelson said. "I've softened a bit through some of the experiences I've had. I look back at the time when Chris and I were here early in our careers. We were both pretty stubborn and I was maybe too tough and he was too young to see the positives I was trying to bring to the table. I've learned and I think he has, too. Hey, I'm an old man and he's an old player." Webber has not played in an NBA game since the Detroit Pistons lost to Cleveland in last season's Eastern Conference finals. The Pistons did not bring Webber back this season and he has been looking for a team to join. Webber averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season with Philadelphia and Detroit. He bristled at his reduced role in the postseason, when he averaged 9.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game. "I would love to have Chris Webber," Golden State's Stephen Jackson said. "I'm not sure if it will happen or not but if he comes here we'll definitely welcome him with open arms. He's a great player and I'd love to have him. We'll see what happens." Webber is no longer the dynamic player he was in his first stint with the Warriors, having worn down during a 14-year career that included microfracture surgery on his knee in 2003. Webber was one of the top power forwards in the game during his 6 1/2 years in Sacramento, leading the Kings to the conference finals in 2002. He remains one of the game's best passing big men, a skill Nelson believes the Warriors are severely lacking. Nelson has mostly played just two big men all season, with Andris Biedrins and Al Harrington sharing the load inside. Golden State is tied with Denver for sixth place in the Western Conference with a 27-18 record but only had a half-game lead over Portland and Utah, who are tied for eighth. Nelson said he's not afraid that adding Webber could disrupt the chemistry on a team that made it to the second round of the playoffs a year ago. "I'm afraid if we don't get him here our team is not strong enough to be a playoff team," Nelson said. "That's my biggest fear. I think if he comes, it can benefit our team, it can benefit his and my relationship, it can benefit players on this team. I think he has a chance to make some of our players better and make our team better. Really that's all that's important. I'll get along with anybody who can help our team."

In order to get destiny fulfilled You gotta apply plenty of skills A lot of suckers wanna take the easy way out That's how they continually suffer into plenty of doubt

Yeah I got Wyclef's CD and whenever Lil' Wayne verse comes in on "Sweetest Girl" I skip onto the next song, it gets annoying to see him be on so many rappers' albums, I just don't get it, he sucks

Garnett, Kobe, Iverson headline All-Star starters roster Associated Press Updated: January 24, 2008, 8:44 PM ET Comment Email Print NEW YORK -- With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. ALL-STAR STARTERS EASTERN CONFERENCE G Dwyane Wade, Heat G Jason Kidd, Nets C Dwight Howard, Magic F LeBron James, Cavs F Kevin Garnett, Celtics WESTERN CONFERENCE G Kobe Bryant, Lakers G Allen Iverson, Nuggets C Yao Ming, Rockets F Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets F Tim Duncan, Spurs Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt. Houston center Yao Ming was voted in by the fans for the sixth straight season at center, while San Antonio's Tim Duncan was chosen as the other forward. He has been selected to every All-Star Game since entering the league in 1997. Boston's Kevin Garnett, the MVP of the 2003 game, was the leading vote-getter with 2,399,148 votes. He will be joined in the East frontcourt by Cleveland forward LeBron James and Orlando center Dwight Howard, a first-time starter. Miami's Dwyane Wade and New Jersey guard Jason Kidd round out the starting lineup. Iverson rallied to pass Houston's Tracy McGrady in the final weeks of voting to earn his first start since moving to the Western Conference early last season. He started seven straight All-Star Games while playing for Philadelphia, but fell short last year after the 76ers dealt him to the Nuggets in December 2006. The two-time MVP of the All-Star Game beat McGrady by 10,410 votes and will make his ninth appearance on Feb. 17 in New Orleans. "It's a good feeling. I think it's a tribute to my teammates and coaching staff because without those guys none of that would be possible," Iverson said in a statement. "But most of all I just want to thank the fans for appreciating what I go out and do on the court night in and night out. It's just a great feeling and an honor, and I'm just looking forward to trying to play the best that I can play for the fans." Garnett, another perennial starter, also will experience the game from the other conference. The Boston forward will appear in his 11th straight All-Star Game, second among active players to Shaquille O'Neal's 14, and ninth start. The longtime Minnesota Timberwolves star is a leading MVP candidate at midseason for the impact he has made on the Celtics, who own the NBA's best record at 33-7 after winning only 24 games last season. Iverson was more than 80,000 votes behind McGrady, who has struggled with injuries this season, when the final update was released two weeks ago. He ended up with 1,203,152 votes. McGrady finished with 1,192,742. James, the MVP of the 2006 game and the leading vote-getter last season, was second overall with 2,108,831 votes. He said he never looks at getting selected as tiresome. "It's always exciting because the fans vote you in. They vote me in as a starter every year," James said. "Without the fans there's no us. They dream about having all these guys out on the court at the same time. It's their opportunity to get that. It's always special." The coaches from each conference will choose the reserves, who will be announced next Thursday. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Happy B-Day 2 Da Magnificent!

tru that..but is still a classic in its nowdays music level Hell yeah, "Lost and Found" showed FP's still an elite artist

"Lost and Found"'s a great album but it ain't on the same classic level as "He's The DJ"/"Code Red"/"Willenium"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu69xDGrJ_A

this is incredible!

there's a lot of dope albums on that list that deserved to sell more

"These Are Our Heroes"(Unreleased) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqYJsL9UpXU "U.B.R."(Unauthorized Biography Of Rakim--Unreleased) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W8w1EQLwRU

Nate Dogg Suffers Stroke, Rapper In Rehab Friday January 18, 2008, 4:30 PM By Tai Saint Louis Reps for artist Nate Dogg have officially confirmed the state of his medical condition, following reports earlier this month that the singer suffered a stroke in late December. His manager, Rod McGrew confirmed last night that Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Hale, was left paralyzed on the left side of his body, by what was described as a mild stroke shortly before the Christmas holiday. The 39-year-old singer, known for his collaborations with Hip-Hop artists from Warren G to Ludacris, is currently being treated at an occupational rehab facility. McGrew went on to say that although Nate Dogg has some "neural-muscular issues that have to be jump-started," he has not suffered any brain damage and his voice has not been affected by his current condition, McGrew told MTV News. "Time will tell everything, obviously," McGrew added. "But based on situations with similar people his age, and based on his health, the prognosis is good right now." McGrew’s comments come only days after various websites posted audio of the 911 phone call placed from Nate Dogg’s girlfriend, to paramedics. Nate Dogg was reportedly treated at Panoma Valley Hospital from December 19 to December 26. On behalf of the singer and his family, McGrew has asked that Nate Dogg be granted the needed privacy to continue on his path to recovery.