What up AHH fam! Summer time is in full swing and who wants to be stuck indoors, right? Here are a couple of toys to help you be productive, or at least be entertained while on the go.Akai Professional has been setting producers free for years and the addition of XR20 is no exception. Its compact size makes it completely portable, and its list of features and capabilities empowers everyone from the basement beat maker to the major studio producer. Features: Backlit LCD Bright, glowing, backlit pads that follow the beat Microphone input and Headphone output Pattern Play Mode – Different patterns can be triggered from individual pads Drum Roll / Note Repeat feature for realism and expression Battery Power capability and AC Adapter Check the video for a full overview: Though it’s only a prototype right now, Sharp thought it would be extremely nice to liberate us from our dependency on the electric company and get us a little sunshine. They’re working on a new 26-inch LCD TV that uses a quarter of the power of it CRT TV counterpart.      They’re going to market this with a solar panel of about the same size, so getting your lights shut off will have no effect on your TV viewing pleasure.The residents of Akron, Ohio should love this one. The city has pledged to build a $800,000, free wireless network. The project will span the next five years and will benefit 90,000 residents and 3,100 city workers. That’s just a small part of 26-city project run by the John S. and John L. Knight Foundation. Just think, millions of people will be emancipated from Starbucks everywhere.It was fun, but it’s time for you to set yourself free, so unchain yourself from your computer and go have some fun! I’m sure there’s gotta be a party or cook out or something you could be doing. ‘Til next time.   Troy Gayle is the founder of Gadget-T.com

S.O.B.’s, New York, NYJuly 23, 2008It was a night that true lovers of R&B and Soul can attest to, as Anthony David performed for New York City. The vibes that came across the crowd as they listened to the poignant feel-good tracks songwriter turned artist David delivered from his latest release Acey Duecy (Soulbird/Universal Republic), were definitely felt throughout the semi-packed venue.  Newcomer Vincent “V. Rich” Richardson warmed up the scattered crowd, performing several original songs for the audience. However, it was pretty clear that they were awaiting David, whose album is a compilation of songs from his debut 3 Chords & The Truth and second album The Red Clay Chronicles (both released under Brash Music).   As soon as David hit the stage, everyone from the bar and those seated eating dinner all flocked to center stage. He opened introducing himself and his album singing over Estelle’s “American Boy,” and then transitioned into tracks from his third release. Most of the audience has followed him from his very beginnings, while others only heard his name from penning hits for India.Arie. Mellow cuts like “Something About You,” “Stop Playin’” and the very relevant “Krooked Kop” got the crowd of mostly women warmed up. His very easy-going demeanor along with his gray jeans, black and white plaid shirt, and nose ring helped his devoted fans relax and settle into the performance backed by a live band. When “Cheatin Man” and “Cold Turkey” were performed, everyone in the crowd sung each and every word to the song carried by the heavy sounds of the electric and bass guitars. He then performed “Part Of My Life,” which he co-wrote for India.Arie’s Acoustic Soul album.   He switched things up a bit by performing Guy’s “I Like” and Mary J. Blige’s “My Life”- followed by his own “Lady,” “Kinfolk” and “Smoke One.” The ladies in the crowd rocked out to the up tempo “GA Peach,” and then the band immediately left the stage leaving everyone a little dumbfounded. Fortunately, the band returned to give the show a proper close with the Georgia native’s first single, “Words.”  Anthony David is not necessarily new to the music scene because of his songwriting repertoire. Although many in the audience were not familiar with him as an artist, he certainly left an impression that has stuck and will prove to continue the ongoing appreciation of good R&B and Soul music.Check out Anthony David’s#### single “Words” featuring India.Arie

In life, I’d always felt vaguely disconnected from other people. I say vaguely, because even though I’ve always had lots of friends and immediate family around, always stayed in the social mix of things, and stayed busy with extra-curricular activities; at the end of the day, I never missed anyone once they were gone. Never felt lonely.   I was perfectly content in solitude, and actually preferred it that way. My feelings always stayed very surface, and “out of sight, out of mind” couldn’t have been a truer description of life for me. I was connected, but disconnected – if that makes any sense.   As a matter of fact, when some of my own extended family members would tell me that they loved me, I would internally wonder, “Really? How, when we hardly ever see one another?”  How do you find things to love about someone that you hardly ever talk to? Like, maybe. But love?   What exactly is this “default love” and connectivity that everyone else feels? Are they just faking it? Or am I just immune? Up until recently, I still pondered these basic human questions. Come to find out, I would uncover the answers in the most unlikely of places – at my performing arts studio, while rehearsing for an upcoming showcase. Let me explain…   I’ve done lots of film and television, but for the very first time in my adult life, I am part of a stage ensemble – a wonderfully energetic mixture of song and dance and drama; Hip-Hop and soul; a journey from my freedom fighting roots, to the freedom of throwing my hands up in the club. And even though I am one in a mix of about 20, what I do individually on that stage profoundly affects my fellow performers.   Likewise, what they do profoundly affects me. If they’re off-beat, it throws me off. If I misstep, I may hit someone else. If their energy is high, it ignites the person next to them, and the person next to that person, sending an inferno racing through the room.  If their energy is low, they muffle the beat of the next man’s drum.   We all matter to each other, whether we like it or not. And we may not even know one another all that well, might have just recently met, but in this exchange of living creativity, we all have to fall in line with one another as if we have been connected for years. We must believe in the connectivity ourselves, or in short, our existence on that stage will be a disaster waiting to happen. We belong to one another, and it’s not an option.  So as I stood there in rehearsal on that Monday night, I had a light bulb moment that sent my heart racing. This is kind of like… life!   It also occurred to me that actors and performers, on a fundamental level, especially those that start from a very young age, constantly must make physical connections in order to achieve their creative goal as a group. And it’s just natural law that when your body repetitiously does something, your mind follows suit, then your heart, and finally your soul.   On a basic level, creative people (actors, dancers, and singers, etc.)  are thrown into the midst of humanity each and every time they perform with others, forcing them to connect, which in my opinion naturally makes them more open, receptive, feeling, and sensitive people; hence, my biggest emotional puzzles being unlocked in the midst of performances and rehearsals. As someone who had my “emotional faucet” turned down to a trickle at a young age, it felt absolutely explosive standing there when I finally understood. So believe me, it was no coincidence when I received a life-altering phone call just days after that very same rehearsal.   Ever since I could remember, I struggled to understand the place that my paternal grandmother (may she rest in peace) had in my life. I honestly felt no connection to her, and the outpouring of love she displayed when she occasionally saw me actually made me feel uncomfortable and distant, because I just didn’t understand where she was coming from. Again, I would have those same questions: How can you love someone so deeply that you hardly ever see? Was she just saying all of that? What exactly was her place in my life? Does she really even know me?   Then, sometime last week, my maternal grandmother gave me a call. Before we got off the phone, she asked me what I was working on, and I told her all about my upcoming stage performance. Then something in her voice changed. She said, “You know, your other grandmother used to do this speech that mesmerized a whole room!” I, of course, had no idea, since I had rarely spoken to her when she was alive. She continued on, “Yeah! And she would be so into it! She used to do this thing where she would slide down on the floor, and I can’t remember the name of it, but the whole room would just burst into a standing ovation…. You know, that’s where you get it from!”   Those last words from her caught me by the throat and sent a shockwave of revelation through my body. Literally, driving on Interstate 285, it seemed like my 80-mile-per-hour world came to a screeching halt.   “That’s where you get it from.” Wow. That’s where I get it from?  Yes! That’s where I get it from!   That was the very first time I was able to place my father’s mother in my life so personally. It was the very first time I felt a connection to her. Years after her passing, the first time that I truly felt all the love she extended to me, and could allow myself feel it 100 times over in return. All this time, she and I were a […]

I had every intention on writing about a different topic—more relationship geared, however I went through something recently that I felt I should share.   Like most of my life’s experiences, I find that this one could help someone else in the world. And so to it, I’ve decided to dedicate this month’s article.   I was at Sesame Place this past weekend with my husband and son. We were standing in the line for the Merry-Go-Round and instantly I started to feel light-headed. I leaned up against the bar, hoping that the feeling would go away but it didn’t. Instead, it got worse.   I told my husband that I didn’t feel well. I told him I felt like I was going to pass out. He said he would go get me some water as soon as the guy operating the ride came back to unlock the gate and let him out. At that moment my vision became extremely blurry. I told my husband not to leave me to get the water. I needed him there. Then the next thing I knew, I passed out in my husband’s arms.   I was taken to the First Aid area of the amusement park. The medics took my blood pressure and my pulse and gave me several cups of Gatorade. Once I came to and was able to answer their questions, they explained that because I am pregnant and hadn’t had much fluids that day, combined with the fact that I was standing out in the hot sun, I was dehydrated, causing me to pass out. They further explained that the bag of popcorn I had eaten when I first got to the park didn’t help due to the salt intake. Basically, I was dried out.   It was definitely a learning experience for me. I had never passed out before, and even though I was told to drink plenty of water during hot days, I never knew just how serious the lack of water could be.  I know now. I’ve been drinking water constantly since the incident even when I’m not thirsty. I was also told to slow down. I’m working too hard. That too was something I never took too seriously. I mean, I’ve been told I need to give my body a rest plenty of times in the past but now, especially because I’m pregnant, I see that it is very necessary to do just that.   So, as I continue through the summer, my duties will be to drink more water and stay hydrated, ease up on working, get a full eight hours of sleep each night, and take some time during the day to just rest. And I say this to say, to all you working mothers and mothers-to-be, be careful. Just because you don’t feel overworked, tired, or dried out doesn’t mean you aren’t. It’s just a matter of time before your mind catches up to your body and shows you just how overworked, tired, or dried out you really are.    Although my baby and I are fine, the idea of having passed out is scary. I think of all the what ifs—what if my husband wasn’t there, what if I was in the pool, what if I had fell to the ground and hit my head, etc., etc., etc. And I realize that all of the possible consequences could have easily been avoided had I paid more attention to people’s advice to drink plenty of fluids and rest up.   I am thankful that the outcome wasn’t worse, and that I learned a valuable lesson without suffering loss. And I feel obligated to share this experience with you in hopes that you or someone you know will take this as a learning experience as well. Do what you have to do, ladies, to get all the hydration and rest your body needs this summer, especially and most importantly if you are expecting.   I know… if you’re anything like me, you may feel like you can do it all, conquer the world without breaking a sweat and be just fine. But at the end of the day, even Super Women are susceptible to sickness and weakness. So take some of the time and energy that you put into being a super woman into being a real woman.   Take care of yourself just as well as you take care of your business. And only then can you enjoy your summer!   Miasha is the author of Don’t Make Him Dinner, Make Him Rich! How to Be the Superwoman of Today, coming soon. She is also author of fiction bestsellers Diary of a Mistress, Mommy’s Angel, Sistah for Sale, and Never Enough all available in bookstores and online nationwide. For more information or to hear Miasha address your comments, go to her website www.miasha.com and click on Miasha TV-Real Talk.  

The thirst quencher needed to revitalize the current state of music has finally arrived in the form of J*DaVeY. Combining New Wave, Jazz, Electronica, and R&B, J*DaVeY (female singer Jack Davey and male producer Brook D’Leau) presents funky beats combined with a dash of new school flavor. Their double album release, The Beauty In Distortion / The Land Of The Lost (Interdependent Media) is the elixir that music has been lacking for quite some time. While J*DaVey has made music for over eight years, their double album “debut” reintroduces the group to the masses with a force to break the musical monotony.The first disc, The Beauty In Distortion opens with “Division Of Joy” and takes you on a futuristic expedition of electric guitars and organs reminiscent of vintage No Doubt. “Mr. Mister” – the first release from the group – is a flirty club-ready tune about a girl chase boy pursuit. Tracks like “Everybody Touch It” and “Enterception” feature Brook’s production dexterity, guiding you in a trance-like labyrinth of organs and synthesizers.  The first disc closes with a future screw remix of “Mr. Mister” with Jack slithering through the slowed down track which transitions midway into a Dance mix.        The Land of the Lost opens with the lethargic flow of “Hi Sun.” However, the offbeat collaboration of the up-tempo “Slayers” featuring Pacific Division, Dia Gibram and Bleu Collar, throws the vibe of the album out of sync. Jack showcases her MC skills on tracks like the ?uestlove produced “Lil Big Heads” and “Rock the Dancehall” featuring Kardinal Offishall on the liquefied riddim. Additionally, “Just Because” features Phonte of Little Brother lending his smooth vocals to the track’s wavelength.  The Beauty In Distortion / The Land Of The Lost is most certainly a must grab and an introduction to a group that has been making music longer than many artists out today. There are a few misses that offset the overall flow, but nonetheless J*DaVeY manages to showcase their multiplicity and dares to be different. Any music lover can appreciate that.   J*DaVeY’s single “Mr. Mister”

  A while back we test drove the Razer Tarantula keyboard and DeathAdder mouse. I was pretty happy with the fact that I could go back and forth from working to playing PC games without having to switch out my basic equipment every time.   This time around, the folks at Razer let me get my workaholic paws on their Destructor mousepad and Piranha headset. Before you geek out and say “these have been out for a minute slowpoke!” keep in mind that it doesn’t matter when something comes out – if it’s good, it’s good. So let’s ride…To start, there are a few reasons why these products are awesome for everyday use (we’ll get to the gaming aspect in a minute).  The headphones are pretty simple looking at first glance. I wasn’t sure why they’d call them Piranha, but the crisp sound definitely packs a bite. The headset has that trademark blue glowing symbol, so you can find them easily when the room is dark or when you’ve buried them under papers on your desk. While I’ve had these hooked up to my desk computer, I use a pair of beloved Skullcandy headphones with a bass-booster/volume switch on the laptop that are pretty comparable. While I wouldn’t walk out of the house with the Piranha on my head (they’re not exactly eye candy), they do tend to be a bit clearer than the almighty Skullcandy joints when it comes to sound quality.   The mic reception is crystal clear, so it’s just as good for making your vlogs and video conferencing as it is for trash talking during gameplay. I don’t know what “Fractal” texture really means, but that’s just one of the many features that the oversized Destructor has to make it a keeper. It doesn’t slide around when you move your hand, it’s thin, it doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable like an ordinary mousepad does when you’ve been working on it for a while, and the gracious space and shape of it allows you to move back and forth, up and down as you work, without having to lift your mouse up to reposition it. Somehow that seems like I shouldn’t say it like that, but you get the drift. Now gamers, let’s get down to the brass tacks:   Destructor specifications:   Razer Fractal™ textured surface for enhanced precision movements The crux of the Razer Destructor™’s innovation lies in its proprietary gunmetal coating which yields a highly reactive surface. The result is superior tactility, improved responsiveness and enhanced tracking.   Optimized to improve optical and laser gaming-grade mouse performance The Razer Destructor™ was made with one primary mission in mind: to coax the maximum performance from gaming-grade mice. And the results speak for themselves. Gaming-grade optical mice track up to 25% better on the Razer Destructor™, and gaming-grade laser mice up to 37% better, when compared to other gaming-mousing surfaces which are designed specifically for extremely precise movements.   Ultra-wide size Measuring 350mm (length) x 280mm (width) x 2.3mm (height), the Razer Destructor™ provides an ample mousing area for lower-sensitivity gamers accustomed to performing sweeping movements.   Razer Fractal™ surface for high-precision gameplay Optimized for both optical and laser gaming-grade mice Ultra-wide size ideal for continuous, rapid swipes: 350mm (length) x 280mm (width) x 2.3mm (height) Non-slip rubber base for firm grip on smooth surfaces Includes a premium lightweight protective case Piranha headset specs:   True-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone for clearer in-game communication Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable earphones suitable for prolonged use In-line remote control with convenient volume and microphone muting adjustments Single-sided cable for hassle-free usage Durable braided fiber cable protection Internet telephony compatible Compatible with most major operating systems Usable with CD, DVD and digital audio players (via 3.5mm minijack)   Headphones Freq. response: 18 – 22,000 Hz Impedance: 32 Ohms SPL (@ 1 kHz, 1 Vrms): 114 dB Cable: 3.0 meters   Microphone Freq. response: 80 – 15,000 Hz Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1V/Pa): -38 dB Impedance: ~2 kOhms        

  Hey what’s good everybody? I know that Writing 101 states that I shouldn’t lead off with my most compelling argument, however my goal is to prevent all of the fellas out there from clicking back over to illseed’s rumors too quickly.    So with that said, let me just start by saying that many pro sports teams now incorporate yoga into their training to increase flexibility, strength and balance. Also, Def Jam founder Russell Simmons has been practicing yoga for over 14 years, and he managed to pull Kimora Lee – so enough said, right?   This edition of Shape Up is an introduction to yoga. Like many of you, I thought that if I ever took a yoga class, aside from being laughed at by all of my male friends, I’d somehow end up tying myself into a pretzel, or that I’d have to start wearing a backpack, burning incense and eating lots of granola. To my surprise however, not only were there other guys in the class, I was actually better at it than I thought.    Admittedly, I only took that first class because my girlfriend was the instructor and I was willing to bend over backwards…. literally to get those digits (mission accomplished, holla atcha boy!).  Aside from making my way into her cell phone contact list however, I’ve actually found many other benefits that have taken my participation level beyond that of a supportive boyfriend.   The biggest change that I noticed was in my flexibility. Flexibility is heavily regarded as one of the five key components of fitness (the others being aerobic and cardio endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength and body composition).  If your muscles and joints and constantly tight, you’ll have a limited range of motion that will affect your athletic performance and day-to-day activities. You’re also more prone to injury and cramping.    Although I’m no yoga expert by any means, during the few months that I have been taking these classes, I’ve noticed that my hamstrings, back, shoulders and hips are now much looser, which allows me to pile on more weight in the gym and maneuver around defenders faster on the court.    As a result of this extra range of motion, my strength has also increased. Many of the yoga poses involve supporting your own body weight for extended periods of time, which will help to develop and tone muscles without making them overly bulky. If achieving that look is your goal however, the added strength will help you pack on size easier as well.   Over time, you’ll also begin to notice an increase in balance. This is especially important as you grow older and that ability begins to diminish. The same can be said for your posture and the ability to hold yourself upright. Yoga will help remedy slouching and various physical ailments by realigning your body and relaxing tense muscles.   You’ll also learn how to breathe correctly. That sounds like a silly statement since you’re born knowing how to breathe, but most of us take relatively shallow breaths. Yoga however forces you fill your lungs and actually focus on your breathing which is good not only for your conditioning, but also for reducing stress. It’s a fast paced world, so having a place to let your mind be free is great for your temperament and psyche.   Ok, so now that you know a few of the benefits, hopefully you’re ready to give it a shot.  If you’d prefer to start off in the privacy and comfort of your own home, you can probably find a quality DVD online or at your local video store. The only downside is that they might not come with a mat for you to lie on, so you may want to invest in one. They’re relatively cheap and will provide you with a softer surface that will come in handy during certain movements. Some video packages even come with mats included, so search around. Other possible pieces of equipment you may want are straps to help with certain stretching postures and blocks, which assist in balance movements.   Of course, that’s a lot of paper to invest if this is just going to be an experiment for you.  In that case, your best bet would be to locate a gym or a yoga studio near you. Most of those places will have mats that you can use (although depending on the level of cleanliness at your facility, you may want to spray these items down before using them to avoid coming in contact with someone else’s sweat).    Before proceeding into the room, your first step should be to check you ego at the door.  Yoga is about personal growth so it’s a nonjudgmental environment. It’s not a competition to see who can tie themselves into a knot first, so try to relax and just get in tune with your body. Even though it might be hard to let yourself go in a group setting, the advantage over watching a video is that a live instructor can assist you and talk you through movements so that you don’t hurt yourself.   There are many different styles of yoga, so that might cause some confusion as you try to narrow down a class to take. All of the styles share a common lineage though so no particular style is necessarily better than another; it’s simply a matter of personal preference. The primary differences usually pertain the emphasis of the class, such as focusing on coordination of breath and movement, strict alignment of the body, holding the postures, or flowing from one posture to another.   More important than any style is the connection that you’ll build between yourself and the instructor, so if you sense a bad vibe from the start, beyond normal first day jitters of course, that may not be the best class for you.   There are many yoga websites out there that will list the […]

  After such a long drought of great fighters, it seems like the latter end of 2008 as well as the proceeding year of 2009 will yield a new line up of possible gaming classics.   With Capcom, Namco, and even Midway dropping gems from their most notable franchises, fighting fans everywhere will have something to keep them busy for hours on end.   Let’s see what some of the staple fighting game developers have in store.   Soul Calibur IV (July 29, 2008)   Every Ivy fanboy’s dream! The well-known series arrives with its first entry since the lackluster Wii exclusive Soul Calibur Legends. The battle is once again on between fighters from various parts of the globe in search of the elusive Soul Edge.       Series favorites such as Mitsurugi, Astaroth, and Ivy return, and newcomers Hilde, a female knight wielding a spear and short sword, and Agol, a new villain, are introduced. There are also numerous characters designed by guest artists, which has seemingly become a trademark for the series.   Star Wars fans will rejoice at the exclusive characters for each respective console release: Darth Vader for the PS3 port and Yoda on the 360. With new features including Critical Finish (the equivalent of Fatalities in Mortal Kombat) and the ability to chip away armor throughout the duration of the match, Namco Bandai has seemingly improved on an already effective formula.    Mortal Kombat vs. D.C. Universe (November 3, 2008)     This has to be one of the oddest combinations of characters that gamers have ever seen. Midway will be developing this clash of inked titans versus the classic “kombatants”. Will the matchup may be unlike any of the other “Vs.” games, the current build sports breath-taking graphics at classic locales, including a destroyed Metropolis and the “Hell” arena from previous MK entries.   The game will introduce “Free-fall Kombat”, where players can duel after being knocked off higher portions of the levels. This will be the first game in the MK series to bear an “M” rating, a shock to many devout fans of the series. Ed Boon and the rest of Midway have a lot to prove after MK: Armageddon. Let’s hope they do a great job.   Tekken 6 (TBA 2008)     T6 picks up right after the last King of the Iron Fist Tournament. This exclusive PS3 title is one of the most anticipated releases for the console. The game will sport 41 playable characters, the most of any game in the series. With six new characters, item attacks, completely revamped character animations and more, Tekken 6 will surely please die-hard fans of the series.   Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (TBA)     This update to the classic fighter essentially revamps every single piece of artwork from the original game. From the life bars to the characters themselves, SFIIT HDR recreated the classic characters from the ground up. Sporting sprites drawn by UDON Comics (authors of various Capcom series comic books), the game will run in most HD displays.   Fighting enthusiasts should already know the drill here in terms of characters and moves, but it will be refreshing to play the game in its updated format. The game will be offered on both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 through their respective downloading services. It will also come with the original Street Fighter II Turbo for those nostalgic for a classic era of gaming.   Street Fighter IV (TBA)     Since Capcom dropped Street Fighter III: Third Strike, which is often regarded as one of the greatest fighting games of all time, fans have been eagerly anticipating their next release. After nearly 10 years, Street Fighter IV is finally being released. Capcom decided to step into the new generation and design their characters through cel-shading, much to the dismay of fans.   While SFIV doesn’t take a step back in the series, it does re-introduce the eight classic characters that we missed on the last release. The fighting is similar to SFII rather than SFIII. Hopefully Capcom will live up to their expectations with their release.   With this steady stream of games arriving in the coming months, this will hopefully help fans relive the glory days of the arcade right in their own living rooms. Be on the lookout for these games to add to your fighting game collection.

    I can’t think of one 22-year-old as diverse in her business as Ms. Raven-Symone. Whether releasing a film DVD, dropping a music CD or creating cute crafts Martha Stewart-style on her newly launched website, this young lady is all about keeping it moving.   Having a starring role on The Cosby Show at the age of four must have been pretty hard to follow up, but Raven has been able to seamlessly cross media platforms, expand her portfolio of characters and generate millions of hungry and loyal fans in the process. And she’s done this all while keeping her family-friendly persona and bubbly personality. That’s why we love her.   Her latest movie, College Road Trip, co-starring Martin Lawrence and Kym Whitley just came out on DVD, and just in case you can’t get enough of Raven, she’s premiering her own interactive website. The site features the versatile virtuoso doing all the girlie things that she loves.   After several attempts to connect, we finally nabbed 10 minutes with the budding business woman to ask about a few of her favorite things.    AllHipHop.com: The character that you play in College Road Trip [Melanie Porter] is very close to your age; heading off to college, starting a new life away from home. Were you able to tap into your own personal experiences as a young adult to play this role?   Raven-Symone: I am having that moment in my life where I can no longer say that I’m a kid. I’m grown now. Although I wasn’t able to go to college because I love to work too much, I understand and related to this character, because I understood her need to be set free and do her own thing.   AllHipHop.com: In the movie, Martin Lawrence plays your supportive and sometimes overwhelming father. What were some of the lessons that the characters learned in the movie?   Raven-Symone: Most importantly, fathers and daughters have to grow together and can experience some new things together. It doesn’t always have to be the father teaching the daughter, they were able to learn things together once they both were open to that new experience.   AllHipHop.com: What was the best and worst thing about being on the set with Martin?   Raven-Symone: The best thing was that I got to really pick his brain as a veteran actor. He gave me a lot of insight on being a proactive actor instead of just taking direction, but really getting involved in the creation of the character. I felt that it was a blessing to not just be funny, but also be smart in my portrayal of Melanie Porter.   Let’s see… the worst thing is that we’re not on the set anymore. I loved working with Martin.   AllHipHop.com: One thing about you that is so different from other child actors is that you have continued to keep it moving. Your experience is so diverse, from acting to singing, from film to television. What’s next for you?   Raven-Symone: I just launched a new website called RavenSymonePresents.com where I do all of the things that I love to do at home like cook, sew and create crafts. Even though I’ve been on TV since I was a kid, I started cooking and handling myself in the kitchen at a very young age. My mom use to cook, but then she thought that we took advantage of her so at one point she just stopped. I had to learn how to cook and sew very early.   I’ve always loved to do these things, and I think it’s important that my generation learn to do these things too. I have a lot of fun talking to the camera about what I love to do, and hope that the audience can get a lot out of it. Even with a really hectic schedule, I try to focus on one project at a time, and now I really appreciate my Mom for making me learn.   AllHipHop.com: So you cook, sew, do crafts and make family-friendly film and TV shows. Has there ever been a time when you wanted to shed the good girl persona and be like Janet and tap into that Nasty Girl side?   Raven-Symone: Well I’m not a full-fledged adult quite yet. I’m getting there, but I always want to do things that the whole family can enjoy. I’m happy where I am right now and want to experience the full journey.   AllHipHop.com: You turned 22-years-old this year and will be able to vote. Are you politically involved? And if so, why do you think your generation is so hyped on getting in the political process?   Raven-Symone: You’re the first person to ever ask me that question, and it’s funny, because I just talked to my friend Jurnee Smollett (Eve’s Bayou, The Great Debaters, Roll Bounce) who asked me to get involved in the Obama campaign. I think it’s so important to get involved, especially to those people that constantly have something to say about the government, what they’re doing and what they’re not doing.   Right now, I’m a part of history, and the fact that I get to campaign for a Black candidate is world-changing. You have to speak up, you have to be active about making the change, and he can’t do it by himself. It’s simple, if you want things to change; you have to be a part of that change.  

  Pavlik Set to Face Bernard Hopkins at 170 Pounds   Last week, it was reported that middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik was set to face Paul Williams after proposed fights with Winky Wright and Allan Green fell through.   In a shocking twist, the Youngstown native will now be facing Bernard Hopkins at a catch weight of 170 pounds. Pavlik and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum confirmed the deal is set for October 18. “This fight was not our first choice, but it was the only alternative we had to make a buck,” Arum admitted to espn.com. “We didn’t have any place to go except a pay-per-view card. At least it will do halfway decent numbers. We turned it down once. It came back around and we accepted it.”   Pavlik is 34-0 (30 KOs), and is coming off two signature wins over former champion Jermain Taylor and a demolition of Gary Lockett. Hopkins is 48-5-1 (32 KOs) and is trying to rebound from a SD loss to Joe Calzaghe in April.   Arum has also confirmed that Pavlik is not happy about facing Hopkins, and who can blame him? Absolutely no one looks good against Hopkins: not Calzaghe, Taylor, Wright or even a prime Roy Jones over 10 years ago. Hopkins combines tight defense with John Ruiz type mauling, headbutts, and low blows on the inside. As with everyone else, Pavlik will be in for a long night.   However, the young champion should still prevail over his aging foe. At 43, Hopkins is a woeful shell of his former self offensively. The former pound for pound king can only generate about 10-15 punches per round, and even that figure drops as the rounds go on. Hopkins is 2-3 in his last five bouts, simply because his opponents have been able to maintain a consistent punch output in the later rounds while Bernard is confined to single shots and mauling. That trend will not magically change against the workmanlike Pavlik.   While an elite fighter the caliber of Hopkins should never completely be counted out, it’s difficult to envision him pulling this off unless he catches Pavlik with a perfect shot. The bout is scheduled for October 18, and the safe bet is Pavlik by unanimous decision in an ugly bout. And unless Hopkins gets KO’d, expect him to be back.   Paul Williams and Winky Wright in Talks at 160   Rumors are circulating that WBO welterweight champ Paul Williams is in talks to face Winky Wright at middleweight. The story was broken on maxboxing.com, and at press time a potential date has not been announced. Williams was slated to face Kelly Pavlik, but the deal fell through as an agreement couldn’t be made on the purse split. The Punisher is coming off a first round blitz of Carlos Quintana last month.   Winky Wright has been in limbo since losing to Bernard Hopkins in July 2007. Since that loss, Wright has been unable to secure a high profile bout. Preliminary talks with Pavlik crumbled due to Winky’s purse demands, and a statement he released again calling out Oscar De La Hoya was ignored. At age 36, this fight may be Wright’s only shot at building back up his name, so he’ll have to strongly consider scaling back his price tag. Wright will be the favorite due to his superior skill and strength, but there are questions about how well the former 154 pound champ’s body will respond to a year of inactivity.   Toney Defeats Rahman in Bizarre Ending   Last Wednesday (July 16) James Toney scored a TKO win over Hasim Rahman after the bout was stopped on an accidental head butt at the end of the third round. The first two rounds were largely uneventful as both men slowly adjusted to each other. At the beginning of the third, an accidental head butt on the inside opened a deep cut above Rahman’s left eye. Rahman immediately complained to the ref about the cut, but was largely ignored.   Toney then began to find a home for the right hand. In the last minute, Rahman was wobbled by another right hand and caught another at the bell when trying to bully Toney against the ropes. In the corner, Rahman told the ringside physician that he couldn’t see due to the blood streaming into his eye. Upon hearing this the referee immediately stopped the bout.   Here is where things get confusing. According to the rules, if a fight is stopped on an accidental head butt before the fourth round, the fight is ruled a no contest. If it happens afterward, the fight goes to the scorecards.   Based on that, this fight should’ve been a no contest. But, the referee argued that Rahman himself retired by saying he could not continue, and therefore the ringside doctor did not render a verdict. Of course, Rahman’s camp is currently appealing the decision.   Watch the full fight and judge for yourself: Part 1: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6MqwVf4sddE Part 2: http://youtube.com/watch?v=488rtv3obtg Part 3: http://youtube.com/watch?v=T5ZU5JaWyGY   Mosley-Mayorga Off PPV, Moved to September 27   Facing stiff competition from Dawson-Tarver (Oct.  11) and now Hopkins-Pavlik (Oct. 18), the proposed bout between Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga has been bumped up to September 27. In another wise move, the fight will not be on PPV, but on HBO Championship Boxing.   The fight will give Mosley the opportunity to stay busy against a name opponent in what will surely be an entertaining slugfest for the few rounds it lasts. The skill level between these two is very wide, so expect Mosley to bludgeon the wild swinging Mayorga in much the same way his business partner Oscar De La Hoya did.   Mayweather Reportedly Knocked Out in Scuffle with Edner Cherry   It seems every few months a new rumor emerges about Floyd Mayweather getting beat up outside the ring by another fighter. The latest pugilist to receive the “honors” is lightweight Edner Cherry, who reportedly […]

  Over the years, very few streetwear brands have survived the shifts in the economy, and of those, very few have been able to expand their lines beyond where they started. In just under a decade, L-R-G has gone beyond the stereotypical label of “streetwear,” offering an entire lifestyle that their core consumers could grow with.   Through the process of developing relationships with rising celebrities, the L-R-G team has unleashed campaigns so outside the box that they have actually set a standard for creative advertising. Additionally, the people who wear L-R-G are phenomenally committed to the brand, almost as if they had a stake in the company themselves.   We spoke with L-R-G Brand Manager Kevin Delaney about the ideals behind the clothing, the ways they strategize the right relationships and their inspiration to create a global lifestyle.   AllHipHop.com: Now that L-R-G is in its ninth year of business, what do you feel are the company’s biggest accomplishments thus far?     Kevin Delaney: Maintaining a strong team with the same goals.   AllHipHop.com: Since the odds are against businesses surviving long-term, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome thus far? You’ve had phenomenal growth, but are there any concerns for L-R-G with the nation’s current economy?     Kevin Delaney: Of course there are concerns, but now is actually a great time to move past all your competitors or whoever you are up against. While every other company is pulling back on budgets, we feel this is our time to push even further ahead and take over a lot of in-store retail space. Stay in peoples face and let people know we are a brand for the future.   AllHipHop.com: The company has had some interesting campaigns over the years. What are some of your favorites?     Kevin Delaney: First off, The Roots’ campaign was nuts, they were the first “big time” artists we featured. I was still super young and bugging out on them because they are legends. This pretty much let people know we have arrived.  The lay out and artwork was crazy. If you look at the ad, ?uestlove is drumming on a drum set we doctored up and put all types of foliage on it to give it that organic fell. He started doing a mini drum solo on the plant-covered drums; it was surreal.      In addition, all of our campaigns, brand alignment with Just Blaze has been a blessing as well. His ads just “work.” The synergy between him and L-R-G is seamless. We have done three different campaigns with him, and they have all been very different but all equally effective. He has been our #1 brand ambassador over the years, and would like to shout him out now!   The last campaign would have to be when we ran Clinton Portis. He was the first big time athlete we ran with. He took a chance with us potentially jeopardizing his Nike contract, so he showed us crazy love on that one. He had to wear a Nike hat in the ad to make it legit. Big shout to CP as well!     AllHipHop.com: You’ve had several celebrities involved in campaigns, from more well known artists like Kanye West, Jim Jones, Bun B and The Roots to underground MC’s like Living Legends and Planet Asia, and brand new artists like B.o.B. You’ve also involved DJ’s, actors and skaters. How do you determine which celebrities will represent your brand?    Kevin Delaney: The selection process is a collaborative effort within our department and company. We are all constantly looking for new artists, skaters, DJs, basket weavers, producers, etc… we like to run classic, legendary artists as well as shining the light on the “underground” or that new “up-and-comer.”    And for the record, we ran Kanye West in spring of 2003, which means we shot the pictures in 2002, way before he was a “well known” artist. But basically, as long as you are doing something fresh and new while changing and/or influencing the game you are in, then you are definitely a candidate for L-R-G. AllHipHop.com: L-R-G is one of the few companies that has been truly successful in cross-branding your line. Your T-Mobile Sidekick did very well. You also currently have the G-Shock “Time Is Money” watch, the Dainese motorcycle jacket, Monster iPhone holder, camo Fit Bike, K.O.A.B. ATV, Suzuki Hayabusa sportsbike, Forum snowboard and Special Blend coats. How do you decide which companies to partner with?   Kevin Delaney: The company has to be a leader in their respective field, such as G-Shock and T-Mobile. Or the collaboration must enhance the L-R-G brand in some way or form or shed light on us in an industry where people might not think of us or notice us.     AllHipHop.com: Who are the members of your L-R-G Skateboard team? How do you work with the team to promote the brand through events/appearances?     Kevin Delaney: Tyrone Romero is the Team Manager. We have pro skaters Karl Watson, Rob Gonzalez, Chico Brenes, Rodrigo TX, Adelmo Jr. and Jack Curtin, also amateur skaters Kelly Hart and Rodrigo Petersen. We market our skate team through international and domestic touring, in-store signings, demos, skate videos and magazine print ads.     AllHipHop.com: At times you’ve got some nature-inspired images on your shirts. Is that intentionally to be eco-friendly?   Kevin Delaney: The cycle of nature mimics the cycle of our company. We are continually growing yet or roots stay grounded. We bring the underground or counter-culture ideas and influences, or whatever you want to call it, and bring it the mainstream. The tree is our logo and pretty much describes this phenomenon.    AllHipHop.com: If you had to pick one L-R-G design or collection as your favorite of all time, what would it be and why?     Kevin Delaney: The Rawkus Records Soundbombing II x L-R-G Varsity jacket.   AllHipHop.com: Do you have big plans for your 10-year anniversary next year?     Kevin Delaney: Maybe a tour, maybe a compilation album, maybe a chicken wing eating contest… who knows?!   […]

  There is not an event in existence with the meaning of Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3. Even if the Electronic Software Association has been unwinding some of the previous life that was associated with the gaming extravaganza by pulling away some of the extravagance that once populated the event, it is still the source of plenty of gaming news.   Also the source of the biggest press conferences of the year by the big three companies, Sony America’s CEO Jack Tretten said during Sony’s press conference that it “takes years off of his life to prepare the presentation.” I can believe it. Most companies take months of ardent preparation and late nights to get that hour to two-hour press conference together.   With that said, this year’s E3 may have been a bit of a letdown. In years past there were more surprises, more elegance and more speculation. This year may have seemed like an end of an era.   Is this the fault of the hardware developers, the ESA or the software companies? Perhaps all three may share the blame, but even so, there is still plenty to talk about.   The Hardware Press Conferences The hardware companies presentations may have had less lackluster presentations in previous years. Perhaps this was signaled by the shift in power positions, with Microsoft’s Peter Moore moving to EA Sports and Sony’s Phil Harrison moving to Infrogrames. With that said, I still have to give the winner of the hardware press conferences to the not-so-jolly green giant, Microsoft.   Here is the breakdown:   Company: Microsoft Focus: Software/online interaction Surprise: Final Fantasy XIII being non-exclusive   The truth of the matter is although this may have been the best of the conference, it’s not saying much. Its highlight happened to be the bombshell that SquareEnix’ once Sony-exclusive title Final Fantasy XIII was going to be appearing on the Xbox 360. However, this move isn’t a total surprise, as Square had announced that they were going to start publishing for the platform earlier this year.   Another focus was the new online service redesign. The main highlight of this move will be the addition of avatars, allowing people to chat and interact between each other. It mostly seems like a mix of Home and Nintendo’s Mii’s. Nothing truly ground shaking, but Gears of War 2 looked great, Rock Band 2 is a timed exclusive, and RE 5 got a release date. In past years this may be construed as middle of the pack, which may say more of their competitors than of themselves.   Company: Sony Focus: Software/online interaction Surprise: Ratchet And Clank: Quest for booty Being the last major press conference of the Summit, one could see the air of confidence in Jack Tretton’s eyes. It is a shame that the information behind it just couldn’t capitalize upon the opportunity that Sony had. Their focus on the Playstation Network was apparent, as the unveiling of the new Video Service, which is now available, and the titles being made available network wide over the next year, highlighted by the Ratchet and Clank Quest for Booty should make cheap gamers happy. However, with no real news on home leaves the services ability to overtake Xbox Live questionable at best.   Starting off the conference with playable Resistance 2 and LittleBigPlanet was exciting to say the least. Both games looked like they could provide hours of entertainment. However, the rest of the presentation was as meager, as the aforementioned gamers were exciting. The PSP lineup looked paltry at best, even with the great Ratchet: Size Matters Pack being set up for a holiday release. God of War 3 looks great, but not much information was given. MAG although on paper seems like a great idea, seems like a game that most likely will see the delay block to a holiday release in ‘09, so judgment will be reserved until more information drops.   Company: Microsoft Focus: Casual gaming Surprise: Wii Music   Nintendo is the longest running company and the market leader at this point. So what do they decide to do? The same thing they have been doing lately, which led to their ability to hold the market share. They cater to the casual.   Hardcore fans will probably be mad at this, but in the eyes of most mainstream media outlets, Nintendo won again. Wii Music, the upgrade to Wiimote with extra motion capabilities, Shaun White Snowboarding giving the Balance Board more burn, and an actual Lightsaber game should only boost sales for the console.   Not to mention the DS now getting an exclusive Grand Theft Auto game, along with a Guitar Hero title should also help the handheld leader hold position. For the hardcore, this conference may make them want to sell their Wii, but also, because of this conference they should find plenty of buyers around holiday time.   The Software Press Conferences This generation may be the generation that will be remembered for more third party titles than first. With software companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and Activision – software’s big three – having great titles to display. With such quality on display, I have to give the nod to Electronic Arts.   Company: Electronic Arts Focus: New intellectual properties Surprise: Peter Moore’s impact at EA Sports EA, a company I have hated in the past for their love affair with the fast buck of licensed games, have seemed to separate themselves from that and are bringing many new IPs to the forefront. The best seem to be the First Person Shooter title Mirror’s Edge. As reported in previous Peep Game’s, I have a strong affinity with this titles avant-garde approach to the first person action game. Spore, Will Wright’s apparent masterpiece of genetic development was on display. Left 4 Dead and John Carmacks new IP Rage also got time, giving PC gamers something to smile about.   A huge surprise to me is Peter Moore’s impact after only […]

  I hope you’re all still gadget happy the way I am! I know it’s been a minute, but I got your tech fix.   If you’re serious about taking pics at that summer concerts and music festivals, Samsung TL34HD ($329.95) may be what you need. It flaunts 14.7 mega pixels! That alone makes me want it.    It also has a 720p hi-def movie mode, along with a few other extras. Check ‘em out:   Specs: Optical Zoom –  3.6xLCD Size – 3.0″ hVGA Touch Screen LCDShutter Speed – Auto: 1 ~ 1/1,500 sec. Manual Mode: 15 ~ 1/1,500 sec.- Night: 8 ~ 1/1,500 sec. ISO – Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200Movie Mode – HD 720p Resolution @ 30fps Memory Card – SD/SDHC (up to 8GB) Special Features  – 28mm Wide Angle Schneider Lens – HDMI CEC (Optional HDMI Cradle) – DLNA Compatible – Smart Touch 2.0 User Interface – High-Performance DRIM Engine Image Processor – Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital) – DCM Support (Digital Contents Management) – Face Detection AF & AE / Smile Shot / Blink Det   Style and function! Fisker is entering the high-end automotive market with the Karma plug-in hybrid. If you don’t know, that’s when you plug your car into an electric outlet, and the power stored in the battery is what drives the vehicle for the first set number of miles (40, for instance) before the gas kicks in.    So in theory, if you charged it every set number of miles, you would never need gas. They plan to produce 15,000 annually, showing up state side in the end of ’09. Look for them in a rap video soon, and then remember where you saw it first.   The last new toy I want to show you is for the social gamer. It’s the WiiSpeak, and it was the talk of the town at E3 last weekend. You should be hearing more about that in AllHipHop Gaming this week! WiiSpeak is a mic allows individuals or rooms full of people to talk junk while getting their game on.   ‘Til next time, have fun!   Troy Gayle is the Founder of Gadget-T.com

  I read about celebrity fitness experts all the time. On a regular basis, some muscle-bound man or woman trainer poses with a muscle bound man or woman celebrity promising us the same results if you just buy his/her book, protein drink, or some pill or potion.   Potentially dangerous exercises are taught via videotapes and on websites without reliable medical research. Routinely I see patients who get hurt performing exercises the wrong way or who experience side effects from supplements that are not FDA approved.    Then enters the gorgeous, talented and “shredded” AJ Johnson. A vision of perfect health from her skin tone to her physique – and it’s all the result of her hard work, dedication and spiritual beliefs.    When I contacted AJ, she was doing what she does on a regular basis – educating and teaching others about healthy living. Let’s meet AJ Johnson and find out how she has been successful not only in her acting career, but as a life coach to many celebrities and non-celebrities.   AllHipHop.com: AJ, where are you?   AJ Johnson: I’m in my in car in Chicago and I pulled over in front of the John Hancock Center to talk to you for as long as you want. [laughs]   AllHipHop.com: What’s happening in Chi-town?   AJ Johnson: I am here for a number of things, but primarily I’m doing a seminar and fitness demonstration at the Lake Shore Athletic Club and an “Explore the Flavor of Health” event with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) who I’ve done a lot with over the past year or two.   AllHipHop.com: I’ve never heard of that AJ. Tell me a little more about GSK and this event.   AJ Johnson: “Explore the Flavor of Health” is a health fair sponsored by GSK, which will be held at the YMCA on 63rd and Stoney here in Chicago. I am on GSK’s Multicultural Council and I have been very active with them. Last year I did some promotions for their newly released weight loss medication Alli. I have been combining their mission with my mission, coming together for ultimately a bigger mission, which is to promote healthier living, to teach people about their bodies, and to be an advocate for the health and wellness of others by just being me!   AllHipHop.com: You mentioned the over the counter drug Alli® which can help us with weight loss. Do you think over the counter medicines like this are a cop-out for weight loss? AJ Johnson: Ultimately, you have to modify your lifestyle. Nothing beats good nutrition, exercise, and proper rest. Using Alli® is an aid, but not a substitute for modifying your behavior. What are your thoughts on Alli® Doc?   AllHipHop.com: In combination with exercise and diet, it’s a great drug.  Alli® is safe and if the patient understands how it works, the benefits of weight loss and maintaining that weight loss can be significant. So, how did you get in to this health thing AJ?  I mean, many of us are familiar with your wonderful roles in movies like The Inkwell, Baby Boy and House Party but, I have to admit, I had no idea you were so involved in health, wellness and personal training.   AJ Johnson: Doc, a lot of people did not know. I encourage you and the AllHipHop family to become a participant in my wellness movement. Check me out on the web at www.theAJzone.com and learn more about what I do. I also want to correct you on one thing, however. What I do is not training individuals, but it is advocating healthy living!  Most people think its just fitness because of my physique and that’s a compliment, but it is really healthy living.    You cannot do this without a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Consistency, having a great nutritional program, loving life, being disciplined and not procrastinating are what I am all about. These traits carry over into every facet of my life, and as much as Hollywood has given me a platform, my Hollywood friends started coming to me for help asking me how they could be as happy and as energetic as they saw me.   AllHipHop.com: Wow! That’s what’s up. But, for those old and new fans of yours who don’t know, let me list for them a few of your clients: Terrell Owens, Stevie Wonder, Damon Dash, Gabrielle Union, Boris Kudjoe and his wife Nicole Ari Parker, and John Singleton to name a few. You have some heavy hitters on this list.  Some people would think that you would only “train” females. And by the way, how do you train a Terrell Owens?   AJ Johnson:  Doc, there you go again!   AllHipHop.com:  What?   AJ Johnson:  Using that word “training.”  The people at my company don’t even say or use the word training. I mean look at the list! How do you train Gabrielle Union to do anything? How do you train Stevie Wonder to be more dedicated? How do you train T.O. to run faster? These are individuals at the top of their games looking for something more than just better performance.   What I do for them is coach them; I’m a life Coach!  I just let them know that there is a”better” for all of us. And as great as they are in their careers, there is a “better” that everyone can be and we need to strive for that “better” and live life to the fullest.   AllHipHop.com: Did anyone thing or person motivate you to be so lively and energetic?   AJ Johnson: I lost my mother to cancer and literally witnessed my father on his deathbed.  I don’t like losing things that I love. My dad would write a saying to me in every birthday card. Before his salutation of “Love, Daddy,” he would write, “Dance until the lights turn off.”  I honestly thought the first time I saw it in my birthday card, […]

If you’re gonna see The Dark Knight here’s some advice: Don’t bring the kids. This ain’t no cartoon. I don’t how in the hell it got a PG-13 rating. The sh*t gave me nightmares, and I ain’t no kid. Secondly, see it on the IMAX. The aerial scenes and fight scenes are crazy. While the story line is a little convoluted, the action and characters make you forget about it. Director Christopher Nolan’s sequel to Batman Begins is the opposite of Joel Schumaker’s Batman and Robin, which was a like a Broadway musical without the music. The movie is also nothing like its predecessor, which spent way too much time developing Batman and not enough time showcasing him. The Dark Knight is a grimly realistic modern portrait of Gotham’s great hero. The movie deals with issues like police corruption, money laundering, terrorism and vigilante morality. Nolan, who wrote and directed Memento, offers a way more complex take on good and evil than any previous superhero movie.Much has been made about Heath Ledger’s final performance as The Joker. I’ve heard things like he’s better than Hannibal Lecter or Jack Nicholson’s version of the same character. Neither of these are true…To read the rest of the review, go to: http://www.theurbandaily.com/movies/article/the-dark-knight-enters-the-real-world Also, be sure to check out our AllHipHop Batman movie tribute here:https://staging.allhiphop.com/stories/lifestylefilm/archive/2008/07/16/20300582.aspx

Welcome folks, to a special Thursday edition of Sick Sundays.  The aim is to bounce around the world of Hip-Hop and give a lil light to new jacks, give a bit of a history lesson, introduce a non-HipHop joint for the people, and hit you with a few recent joints.  The main aim however is , especially for new ones: NO SINGLES…or at least no big ones lol.  Enough with the jibba jabba and on with the show.  First things first, copy the below link into your browsers and get the soundtrack going.  This page is just talk if you don’t listen to the tracks. If it’s dope then bumps it, if you don’t think it is, you have bad taste! Always remember hit me up with any comments or suggestions @ odeisel@allhiphop.com. If your group is wack (and you know whether you’re wack when you ask people if they like it and they go true but don’t actually say anything else, or they disappear into the bathroom to vomit even though they told you they loved it.) please don’t fill the box with your music. Just comments and feedback     http://www.imeem.com/odeisel/playlist/SEe3pEFE/sick_sunday_7132008_music_playlist/Tech N9ne “Poisonous” –Killer   Sparse beat with spanish guitars and uneven drums power Tech’s return to the darkside.    I wasn’t really familiar with his work until recently then I went back to do some homework.    His album just dropped a couple weeks ago.  Cop that double album.  He’s got flow, intelligence, and humor.    Lyrically credible. Kansas City stand up!     Tech N9ne “Crybaby”- Killer   Considering the recent Soulja Boy Vs. Ice-T clash, this song speaks volumes as Tech takes the haters to task over crapping all over the young guys.  Get your money and keep it moving.  The chorus “whaaa whaaa whaaa crybaby”  pretty much sums it up.   Ice-T “6 In the Morning”     Lest you young cats forget, Ice-T despite the recent backlash, is still a pioneer.    While I think he was wrong, Ice-T got classics man.  Since before many of you were alive.    Anyway enough with the tribute this was one of the first hardcore joints.    Cats in the streets you already know what the sound track to the batterram is (Shout to Toddy T and R.I.P. Robin Harris)     Tha Dogg Pound “Who Got That  Gangsta S**t”- Murda Was the Case Soundtrack   Dope song from a dope soundtrack, but tell me if that first verse doesn’t remind you of something you JUST heard…     Eazy-E “No More ?s”-Eazy Duz It   The legendary and oft-overlooked Eazy-E with a slept on track from his debut album.  Showcased here was Eazy’s personality and Mic presence.  He wasn’t the greatest emcee but he was certainly necessary for a significant part of our history.  So much so that…     C-Murder “Tru ?”- Tru To Da Game   C-murder delivered one of the illest and original covers with his version.  There are tons of tributes to Biggie and ‘Pac, but Eazy-E not so much.  From the double Tru album, C-Murder completely changes the energy of this joint and owns it.  He also respectfully gives a shout to Eazy which was true class.  Tru ?s >>> Snoop’s Lodi Dodi. (P.S. this song was playing in I’m Bout It The Movie when they shot the paperboy…sigh). Moving on…     Common Sense “Watermelon”- Resurrection   If you don’t have this album you played yourself.    If you can tear yourself away from “I Used To Love H.E.R.” you should give this song some bump.    Classic example of wordplay, double entendre, and just emcee skills.    Before he quit eating pork and all that, Rashid was a pretty fun rapper. Verbal gynastics.     Redman, Icarus, German Luger “Lik Shots”- Funk Master Flex Big Truck Series   Nothing complex here.  Just threee emcees going for broke over a Timbo-powered Missy throwaway beat from one of her albums.  Redman is just nasty.  Icarus the protege is going for broke and even the unheralded Luger held his own.  This song is a quickee: to the point, satisfying, and done in a flash.  F## fi bus!   The Agency “Uptown Main”- Tuxedo Road   What do you get when you mix Mya, Vanity, a dominatrix, and Catwoman?  You get Natasha Azar (You’d have to see her live to believe it).    I am officially applying for number one groupie status.    Okay now that I’ve stanned it up, just a break from testosterone glock poppin’.    This is a lil’ retro, a lil’ alternative and a lil’ change of pace.  Enjoy.    Her group is called the Agency, check for them. They got flavor.     Nas “Queens Get The Money”- Untitled   By now you should already have this.  If not consider yourself blessed.  Spare piano keys supplied by Erykah’s newest baby daddy (No hate no uterus eating).  Nas delivers poignant chaos bouncing around in this freestyle verse with rich imagery “Hip-Hop was aborted so Nas breathed Life back into the embryo.” Hip-Hop lives, and with albums like this, anyone right now talking about how they they Best or The G.O.A.T. should lock themselves in a room with this album on level 10.  And we close how Untitled begins. Sick Sunday 7/13/2008

To this day, I am disappointed in the fact that the 2008 NBA season is over. Congratulations to the newly crowned champions, the Boston Celtics. However, there is one thing that I’m glad I don’t have to hear for a while.   When a defensive team wins the championship, you know what’s coming. A sports analyst will stand in front of his/her teleprompter and drop this tired gem: “Defense wins championships!”   Really… stopping the other team from scoring while scoring yourself can help you win a championship… super genius. Every time I’ve heard “defense wins championships,” my face cringed, like Tiger Woods after each swing during his U.S. Open victory. Sports clichés are unrelenting – and they’re as empty as hearing “I love you” after the first date.   It’s not enough that you must give 100% in what you do. There’s a whole other 10% out there to latch on it – 110% to be more specific. Here is a list of cliché’s that are sure to run you up the wall:   We’re taking it one game at a time.You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him. (Kobe was contained)Records are made to be broken.There’s no “I” in team.We played within our game.He has tremendous upside.They control their own destiny.And now, the real season begins. (Signaling the beginning of the playoffs)   Today, we are celebrating National Sports Cliché Week, and what would be a better way to celebrate than to add a twist of urban culture to the fold? Just for fun, of course!   There’s a commercial for GEICO that features celebrities “translating” the plight of normal people that recently got into a car accident. So I got to thinking. What would happen if your favorite rapper had the opportunity to translate a cliché-laced rant by a professional commentator? Let’s find out.   NFL broadcaster John Madden, of Madden Football fame, is commentating the second quarter of Sunday Night Football. When out of nowhere, John makes a reference to his ‘Man Crush’ – retired NFL quarterback, Brett Favre. And the crazy part would be that Brett’s not even playing in the game. “Tony Romo and Peyton Manning are leaving it all on the field tonight!” says an excited Madden. “People often compare Romo to Favre. But I know Brett Favre. And Tony, you’re no Brett Favre.”   In the same scenario, Kanye West translates for John Madden: “Tony Romo is nice, but he ain’t sh*t. Brett Favre is sorta’ cool, but he’s no Brad Pitt. I need a Black Angelina (Jolie), Black Jessica Simpson  – they weigh about a buck, so you can call’em slim pickens…”   Chris Berman and Roger Maltby called the early rounds of the 2008 U.S. Open, and obviously, they were complimenting the high skill level of Tiger Woods.   Roger Maltby: He’s have never finished out of the Top 10 here. Pretty remarkable at Torrey Pines.Chris Berman: He knows where the bodies are buried, and he knows where the putts are buried. Roger Maltby: He buried that one.   Nas translates for them both: “Tiger is Ether at Torrey, my n****s. He took each putt and bodied them. And I don’t care what he says. He can axe that Cau-bla-asian sh*t. Minus the millions, ‘the slave and the master’ effect still… [Due to technical difficulties, the U.S. Open will be back after we relieve ourselves of a certain announcer]   NBA analyst Bill Walton will go down in infamy for over exaggerating every moment he covers. An arena employee walks buy with popcorn in tow and Bill Walton blurts out, “I’ve never smelled a better batch of popcorn in the history of the NBA! This young man is walking the stairway to heaven, delivering delectable buttery treats to the world.”   In the same scenario, Young Jeezy translates for Bill Walton: “Take a whiff of dat popcorn homey! Pimpin’ pushin’ dat white like a certified pro. He puttin’ on for his city. Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!”   Harry Kalas, legendary announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies, is calling a game between the Phillies and the Red Sox. David “Big Poppi” Ortiz is in the batters box with his team down by one in the top of the 9th. “And here’s the pitch,” says Harry in his signature tone. “The swing. It’s a high drive to left field… its way back… and it’s OUTTA HERE! David Ortiz has just tied the game with his 24th homerun of the season.”   T.I. translates for Harry Kalas: “Here’s-da-pitch! Shawty connects with it. The ball’s touching the left field sky… and it ain’t never coming back! David ‘Big thangs poppin’ Ortiz just tied this game with a homerun that sits him on 24’s for the season. What you know about dat? I know all about dat, shawty.”   Even a classic announcer like Marv Albert could use a shot of Lawry’s in his repertoire. On a three-point play, which wasn’t in high abundance this past season for the New York Knicks, Marv screamed his patented, “Yes, and it counts! Lebron James just tore the house down and will go to the line to complete the three-point play.”   Jay-Z translates for Marv Albert: “And one. My ace that I write songs about is going to the line. After the game, we’re headed over to 40/40 for business. The takeover, this game’s over. You ready, Bee?”   None of the recording artists were harmed or interviewed for this article.  

  Kendra Wilkinson has made it known that she loves Hip-Hop. As a star of the popular E! network show The Girls Next Door, a contestant on MTV’s Celebrity Rap Superstar and of course, one of Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends, Kendra is finding ways to fuse her love for Hip-Hop and fashion as she builds her career.   Playboy has long been known for its lingerie and “cute” logo apparel, however in recent years the brand has expanded into a complete lifestyle for those who like to live like Hef, or look like a Bunny. Kendra has her own flavor, and she’s got an edgy flair when it comes to rocking the Playboy brand in her own unique way.   We talked with the 23-year-old trendsetter about some of her favorite pieces in the Playboy line, her own fashion aspirations and her experience on last year’s Celebrity Rap Superstar.   AllHipHop.com: With so many extensions of the Playboy brand, what is your personal favorite whether it’s the clothing or some facet of the lifestyle brand?   Kendra Wilkinson: My favorite clothing in the Playboy catalog would probably be the workout [line]. I love the workout one, especially the new one. There’s a couple of them that I love, but there’s a picture of me in this little Playboy jumpsuit thing on gossipgirls.com. I just love the fabric that they use, the cut, and the style of the workout clothes for Playboy.Photo from GossipGirls.com  AllHipHop.com: On [The Girls Next Door] you ladies review the line, whether it be jewelry or clothing. How much input do you get to have with the designs?   Kendra Wilkinson: I get none, but I’m definitely looking into designing my own line. I have my own style and there’s a lot of people that look at my style and want to imitate my style. I have to be picky because I have really small hips and really muscular legs. I’m actually about to start designing my own clothing line, it’s gonna be for juniors and females, it’s gonna be nice denim jeans and vests to go with it, cute stuff.   I’m very picky with my clothes. People look at me like “Oh, she’s just lazy about fashion”, I’m really not. I really have a good sense of what looks good. I can look at pictures like “Oh man, I shouldn’t have worn that” but I’m really good at figuring out what looks good on my body and different body types. So I’m definitely looking forward to coming out with my own line.   AllHipHop.com: So the denim would have a little more room in the leg for girls with muscles?   Kendra Wilkinson: I know Apple Bottoms make room for a**es and everything, but sometimes girls have problems with bigger legs, and not really a butt. So it’s sort of hard, because once the pants are over the legs it kind of squishes the butt. I don’t know, there needs to be some sort of stretchiness to the denim, not a cheap stretch, but a nice cut. I hate all of these jeans that go way too high or too low. I know exactly what looks flattering on a girl and what girls would need. I think by me designing this, it’s gonna be perfect. It’ll be good on every butt and shape, I’m not gonna make them too low cut, I’m gonna make them for everybody.   AllHipHop.com: From watching the show, we know you love Hip-Hop fashion. How do you incorporate the Playboy style into your Hip-Hop attire?   Kendra Wilkinson: I just have my own style and my own way of walking and talking. It’s not even what I do for my outfit, it’s just the fact that who I am is what makes my outfit. The way I walk, talk and my body movements is what makes it more Hip-Hop looking. I can wear anything, I love to dress it up looking more Hip-Hop than cute, because that’s my style and what I grew up with.   I love the Hip-Hop style more than I like any sort of girly cute stuff. Any kind of wifebeater I love matching that with [Nike] Cortez shoes, I wear my Air Forces with them, hoodies, I love to mix and match. Say I have a really nice Playboy wifebeater on, I love to throw a hoodie over it. I like to throw my own style in it with the jewelry and a hat to the side. It’s not even really what I wear, it’s how I wear it more.   AllHipHop.com: You mentioned your jewelry. Have you particularly made any special pieces and have any of those custom pieces made it to the line exclusively?   Kendra Wilkinson: No I haven’t really made any jewelry, that’s not my department. I’ll wear it but that’s not really my thing. I’m an athlete so I try not to wear too much jewelry, I’m always out there playing sports and I work out everyday. There’s a really good picture of me with a gold necklace with a pimp cup on it and a Playboy bunny on it. Now who do you think they had in mind when they made that? [laughs]  AllHipHop.com: You mentioned that you work out every day. How much more physically active have you had to become over the last couple of years [to keep your shape]?   Kendra Wilkinson: It’s been on and off, when I first got here I blew up a little bit. I’m not saying I was fat, but I blew up. We get pictures every week and I started to notice I was blowing up. That’s when I got on my workout routine and invited my trainer to come work out with me, then when I got tired of working with my trainer then I slacked off and started doing my own thing. I stayed in shape, didn’t really go overboard with my eating and started working out […]

    Ladies, if you are tired of wearing a T-shirt over your bathing suit, this article is dedicated to you. If you don’t want to be mistaken for a beached whale while in Cancun, this article is for you too.     July is National Bikini month. Some of you women may not be happy about this; if so lets do something about it. When you aren’t happy you have to do something about it, in this case you will eat healthier and exercise more. We got a good response from the men with the first Beach Body Fresh article [May 29], so let’s get to it!   Below is the plan. I saw the big girl in the “Lollipop” video just like you did, and that is not who you want to be when wearing a two piece. Consider this quote to live by, “If you want to wear the two piece, don’t order a three piece!”   Legs   So, you feel a little insecure about wearing really short shorts or a bathing suit because your thighs are fat.  My mother is a larger woman, I’ve seen this first hand. Look here, Dream Girls are trying to be Beyoncé or Jennifer Hudson, so the way you get your legs right is by avoiding the four myths below.   Myth 1– If I just use a machine on the area I don’t like it will tone up. Understand that if you sit on one of those inner thigh machines in the gym and squeeze your legs together for an entire workout you will NOT end up with a toned body. You will have big thighs, they will just be stronger. Variety is the key for toned legs.   Myth 2- Riding the bike will make your thighs smaller. No! Have you ever seen Lance Armstrong’s legs? They look like horse legs. The bike makes your thighs bigger, but the Stepper on the other hand is better if you are looking to reduce size and tone up. The stepper engages the glut muscles the most and because the gluteus is the largest muscle group in the body, it can burn up the most calories compared to the other cardio machines.   Myth 3- The elliptical is great cardio for your trouble areas. The elliptical will get your target areas but only if used backwards. Most elliptical machines can move in both directions, backwards and forwards. By moving it backwards you engage the hamstrings, which are the muscles at the back of your thighs instead of the front ones, which are the quadriceps.   Myth 4- Weight training will bulk you up, so you shouldn’t do it. Never avoid weight training if you want a well toned body and sculpted thighs. The lower body has the largest muscle groups and these muscles when developed can contribute major elevated metabolism benefits. This means you burn more calories while doing your cardio.    Lower Body Workout – Four sets: Quads Superset-Barbell Squat 8reps, Leg Press 15reps {one minute break} Leg Extensions, 10 reps Hamstrings Dropset-Leg curls  25reps (point your toes downwards, this way you fully engage your hamstrings!) Outside of thighs Seated abductor machine, 15reps Inner thighs Dumbbell squats with feet pointed, 15 reps Calves Calf raises, 25 reps   **Do lots of stretching before and after your workout   Arms   Another key target area for women is the back of the arm. At Chicago Fit 4 Life we call it “wavy arm,” because when you wave your arm, the fat waves back at you!  The “wavy arm” is a combination of fat and untoned muscle which is just hanging around. You do not need to spot train that one specific area, but you should add variety to your upper body program, with many different exercises. If you want arms like Ciara, here is what you do:   Watch Erika Shevon, R&B Queen of Chicago, going through the workout:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV16x-rOHk8   Upper Body Workout – Four sets:   Chest Superset- One arm frontal raises (cable cross over machine) 10 reps, Frontal raises resistance bands, 15 {one minute break} Shoulders Superset- Shoulder Press 10 reps (dumbbells), shoulder press resistance bands, 10 reps Upper back/Triceps Reverse frontal raises Chest Push-ups, 10 reps   Perform all workouts in a circuit until you have finished the four sets.     Abs   The critical component of loosing stomach fat relies on your metabolism and certain hormones flowing through your body. This is why shorter, more intense workouts are much more efficient.  This means walking or sitting at a stationary bike reading for your workout will not give you the body that you really want. When performing your cardio you should feel like Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown – like you have NO AIR !   Success key 1- You cannot spot-reduce the midsection by doing extra ab exercises like crunches or sit-ups. You must first burn off the body fat through proper cardio in order to define the area. Abdominal training by itself will not do much.   Success key 2- Although carbohydrates have an important role in the body, do not base your meals on them. Try to avoid simple sugars like cane sugar, honey, fruit juices, syrups, and even a lot of fruit (i.e. apples, oranges, bananas).   Success key 3- If you want proper ab development, you need to add resistance (weight) to your ab exercises. Abs are muscles just like any other muscle. Grab a dumbbell, either hold it in front of your face, or let it lie on your upper chest under your chin, and perform regular crunches.   Success key 4- Drink at least a gallon of clean water each day as well. It will help in nutrient absorption and digestion and will help flush toxins from the body.    30 minute routine – repeat two times nonstop:   Three minute incline running One minute jump rope One minute ab shockers 60 second plank 30 second side planks 30 second side planks Three minutes of stretching   Bonus Tracks – Eating while on Vacation:   Rule 1- Turn in the mini bar key. This is too […]

  A mere mortal relying as much on wit and intelligence as he does brawn, DC Comics’ Batman is a character ranking up there in popularity with Superman and Spiderman. The Batman franchise of films has been much beloved and much maligned. A tricked out Batmobile, yes. Nipples on the frikkin’ Batsuit, negative.   With the upcoming release of The Dark Knight, here is a look at some past Batman flicks to get you set for that highly touted sequel to Batman Begins you are sure to be watching sometime on Friday, July 18.   Batman: The Movie  (1966)   Save for those die-hard Batman junkies, many didn’t realize when watching Adam West’s Batman TV show, and it’s subsequent movie, the show was essentially Batman Lite.   Yeah, the “detective” elements where mildly present and the “Pow” and “Bam” animations, just about all of Robin’s dialogue and the campy jokes were nothing like the Dark Knight Batman creator Bob Kane intended. But hey, watching Adam West’s Batman battle a shark is entertaining, in a ridiculous sort of way.   Batman  (1989)   Michael Keaton donned the cowl for Tim Burton’s lauded film adaption of Batman. But the star of this movie was Batman’s arch nemesis The Joker, masterfully played by Jack Nicholson. Though purists were thrown for a loop by some of the movie’s plot turns (Joker does in Bruce Wayne’s parents, since when?), the film was the start of a profitable franchise for Warner Brothers. And Prince’s Batman soundtrack wasn’t that bad.   Batman Returns  (1992)   Danny Devito as The Penquin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman – not a bad deal. And with critics and parents groups having a hissy fit saying the film was too dark, the movie couldn’t have been that bad. It didn’t blow away 1989’s film, but Keaton’s last turn as Wayne/Bats was a pretty good look.   Batman Forever  (1995)   And this is where it starts to go downhill. Keaton had dipped because he wasn’t feeling Warner Bros. decision to make Batman more “family friendly.” Val Kilmer was decent, but the villains in this turn—Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face, Jim Carrey as The Riddler—stole the show. Not necessarily a bad thing, but let’s not forget the much mentioned travesty of the Bat suit having nipples. Nipples B! One highlight, Method Man’s “The Riddler” on the soundtrack was dope.   Batman & Robin  (1997)   Cali’s current governor as Mr. Freeze, Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, Chris O’Donnell back as Robin and Alicia Silverstone joining the fray as Batgirl. Sounds decent on paper… but real rap, this movie was plain garbage. Holy wackness Batman! After this sole turn as Batman, George Clooney would redeem himself with Ocean’s 11 and Thurman in Kill Bill. The rest of the cast, not so much. Oh, and Coolio makes a cameo.   Batman Begins  (2005)   After the nonsense that was Batman & Robin, the series was way past due for an overhaul, and Batman Begins was the “reset” the franchise needed. Christian Bale does his thing as a brooding, soon to be trained assassin and prodigal son of Gotham City Bruce Wayne.   Based on a few of the beloved Batman series of comics including Batman: Year One and Batman: The Long Halloween, the Batman had finally been translated to the film screen in the incarnation its creator Bob Kane intended. The only faux pas is a hella annoying Katie Holmes playing Rachel Dawes—bless you fast forward button.   The Dark Night  (2008)   The sequel to the near perfect Batman Begins is receiving much hype. Early word is it will trump its stellar predecessor. With Bale and Gary Oldman reprising their roles as Wayne/Batman and Commissioner Gordon, respectively and along with Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/”you ought to know already” and the late Heath Ledger as The Joker, see this movie.Which Batman movie was your favorite? Who was the best Batman?