NFL 2008 Playoff Predictions Sure To Be Correct....(AFC Wildcard)

6. Baltimore Ravens @ 3. Miami Dolphins

Winner: Baltimore Ravens 17-10

Analysis: From 1-15 to AFC East champs, it has been a miraculous and wonderful turnaround for the once lowly Miami Dolphins. The value of Chad Pennington can't be under estimated because he has proven over the years and this year even more that when given the chance he is a very good NFL quarterback. He will give the Dolphins every chance to win in a game that could very well go either way, Baltimore's defense and their ability to shut down the Dolphins and the most efficient version of the "Wild Cat" offense. In a game that will come down to the final moments the Ravens led by the running on Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain will muster just enough offense against a defense that surrenders close to 330 yards a game, 101 of those on the ground.






5. Indianapolis Colts @ 4. San Diego Chargers



Winner: Indianapolis Colts 34-24

Analysis: This is a contest of hottest team in the NFL (Colts) and a team that four weeks ago was left for dead before being the recipient of one of the worse melt downs in recent history ( Chargers). The Bolts and the Colts both struggle against the run allowing averages of 102.6 and 122.9 respectively which could be significant being that Joseph Addai has been a now show all season and the talk is now that LT is finally healthy. I don't but that LT is 100% percent but I feel that he and Addai both will be effective. If pass defense plays as big of a role that I believe it will the Chargers will be in for a long night as they yield an average of 247.4 a game. Peyton Manning hasn't forgot the loss that ended his run for back to back titles to the Chargers last year. In Peyton's revenge look for Reggie Wayne and the Indianapolis receiving corps to have a big day.

NFL 2008 Playoff Predictions Sure To Be Correct....(NFC Wildcard)

NFC Wildcard:

6. Philadelphia Eagles @ 3. Minnesota Vikings

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles 21-17

Analysis: Fresh off their 44-6 route of the Cowboys, the Eagles led by a stellar and athletic defense and one of the most underrated and under appreciated quarterbacks in NFL history, Donovan McNabb will travel to the Metrodome to take on the Vikings with momentum on their side. The Vikings will be led by the resurrection of Tavaris Jackson and the great Adrian Peterson. While the Vikings are also a very good defensive team look for the Eagles to utilize Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter to establish a running game early if stud defensive tackle Pat Williams is unable to go. All in all Philadelphia is the better team in this match up as Minnesota struggled to win Sunday against the New York Giants, who basically played their 2nd and 3rd string players for majority of the game.

5. Atlanta Falcons @ 4. Arizona Cardinals

Winner: Arizona Cardinals 31-30

Analysis: I know all the experts give the Cardinals no chance to win a playoff game and I don't blame them but my gut is telling me that Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Bolden are prolific enough for at least one playoff win. Two things I know for certain: Micheal Turner will rush for at least 130 yards and Warner will throw for at least 300 yards. Neither guarantee a victory. Matt Ryan has been a great story this season in helping change the culture in the dirty and will most certainly win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and will turn in a solid performance but that will not be enough. As hard as it is to explain , surprisingly the Cardinals rank higher than the Falcons in most of the major defensive categories. Atlanta ranks 22th against the pass, 21st against the run , and 24th overall will the Cardinals rank 20th, 17th. and 19th respectively.

Top 10 Rap Songs of 2008

10. Young Jeezy- Put On

9. Rich Boy- Drop

8. Jay-Z- Brooklyn (Go Hard) (ft. Santogold)

7. Ice Cube- Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It

6. T.I.- S.L.U. (ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z, & Lil' Wayne)

5. Lupe Fiasco- Superstar Remix (ft. Young Jeezy & T.I.)

4. Nas- Fried Chicken (ft. Busta Rhymes)

3. DJ Drama- The Art Of Storytelling 4 (ft. Outkast)

2. Elzhi- Motown 25 (ft. Royce Da 5'9)

1. Lil Wayne- A Millie

Top 10 Albums of 2008: Honorable Mentions

Here are my honorable mentions of 2008, no details, just the albums. Listen for yourself:

1. Lil' Wayne- Tha Carter III




2. Scarface- Emeritus



3. Bun B- II Trill




4. Ice Cube- Raw Footage







5. Killer Mike- I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind Vol. 2

Top 10 Albums of 2008

10. Skillz- The Million Dollar Back Pack


One of the most under appreciated and slept on albums to be released this year. Spearheaded by the Freeway assisted "Don't Act You Don't Know" and " So Far So Good" featuring Common and production from the late J. Dilla, this album finds Skillz demonstrating his lyrical dexterity from beginning to end over very solid production. Million Dollar Backpack finds Skillz cementing his status in the game as one the best lyricist around today. "(For Real) He Don't Own Me" shows Skillz ability to make a record for the ladies while tracks like "My Phone" and the standout "Preaching to the Choir" show off his storytelling skills. Except for a couple of miscues ("Yeah Ya Know It" and "Crazy World") this is a solid album front to back something that is hard to come by these days. One listen and you will remember why he is revered as one the go to ghostwriters and one of the most respected lyricist.

9. GZA/Genius- Pro Tools

This album is hailed as GZA's best work since the classic Liquid Swords by many but I must disagree. With that said this is still some his best work to date as it finds the Genius sounding reinvigorated and hungrier than he has in a while. One of the main gripes against GZA is that his flow is boring at times but for most part he offsets that with perfect selection of beats to craft his flow around. Highlighted by the searing "Paper Plate" which finds the Wu brethren throwing poisonous darts at the G-Unit general himself, 50 Cent. Aside from "0% Finance" which suffers from the same tried and true formula of previous GZA songs such("Labels", "Fame" to name a few) the Genius doesn't get side tracked by trying to make a record for mainstream airplay which results in a very cohesive effort for the Wu-Tang legend.

8. Ludacris- Theater of the Mind

One of Luda's better albums overall from beginning to end. Ludacris' desire to prove his position in the game as one of the elite lyricist make it easy to overlook slight missteps like the Plies assisted "Nasty Girl" and "Contagious" which features Jamie Foxx. Luda's at his best when he steps in the booth along side the big dogs in the game like the Nas and Jay-Z collabo " I Do it For Hip Hop", " Last of a Dying Breed" featuring Lil' Wayne and the thematic "Southern Gangsta" where Ving Rhames, Rick Ross, and Playaz Circle co-star alongside Mr. Bridges. Not a true concept album at heart but definitely a must have for all true Ludacris fans.

7. Black Milk- Tronic

With the death of Detroit legend Proof and absence of the "great" Marshall Mathers on the Detroit scene, a new group of artists such as lyrical assassins Royce Da 5'9 and Elzhi have arrived. Now enter producer/MC Black Milk into the equation and the new regime in the "D" , if not better than the previous regime, is definitely able to carry the city on its back. An album with no major flaws, Black delivers a sonic gem with standout cuts like the Royce assisted "Losing Out" and "The Matrix" which features guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price, and the legend himself DJ Premier. Guest appearances aside Black proves he can hold his own on the mic as proven in the albums opening cut "Long Story Short".



6.Young Jeezy- The Recession

Even in the midst of a recession, The Snowman still got that work! Musically compared to his previous albums, Jeezy shows some maturity as an artist which is evident is his willingness to step out of his comfort zone to acknowledge social and personal issues. Tracks like "Circulate" and "Don't Do It" highlight those aspects perfectly but none more so than the albums most impressive cuts "Crazy World" and the NaS assisted "My President". While still finding time to talk about gun play and his snow shoveling game, there is a balance to this album that is evidence of a growth spurt for the A-Town MC.


5. T.I.- Paper Trail

Easily the most important album of T.I.'s career, "Paper Trail" doesn't disappoint and is Tip's best work since the hood classic "Trap Muzik". This album tackles various subjects and thing relevant to T.I. (and even T.I.P.). Cuts like "56 Bars" and "I'm Illy" find Tip lyrically in a comfort zone none like we've ever heard from him. Then there are the introspective and emotional tracks that don't miss a beat such as "No Matter What", "Ready For Whatever" and my personal favorite "You Ain't Missing Nothing". Then there is the menacing Shawty Lo diss "What Up, What's Haapnin" and the colossal collabo with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Weezy F. Baby "Swagga Like Us". The album only contains one slight misstep ("Porn Star") but that's easily forgotten when the infectious Swizz Beatz produced "Swing Ya Rag" follows immediately behind it. This may be the Kings best album to date.


4. The Game- L.A.X.

The Game's third LP, L.A.X., is just as menacing as the scowl on his face. Hurricane Game once again proves why G-Unit can't win without him as he concocts some more of the best music from the city of Compton without the good Dr. From beginning to end The Game is in attack mode while finding a little time for the ladies ("Gentleman's Affair"), his home state ("Cali Sunshine") and even the great Martin Luther King on the NaS featured "Letter To The King". The albums highlights come in the form of "Angel" which features production from Kanye West and verse from fellow Chicago native Common and the vivid "Never Can Say Goodbye" which finds Game telling the story of the greats Tupac, Biggie Smalls, and Easy E last moments before their untimely demise. The Game continues to deliver the goods and he contends that this may be his last offering, if so the King of the West went out with a big bang.


3. Elzhi- The Preface

The Slum Village lyricist, steps out on his own with "The Preface" and fails to disappoint. Known for his memorable guest appearances (Little Brother's "Hiding Place") and battle ready flows. Elzhi perfectly displays his talents on the mic on his solo debut. This is probably the best album this year that no one has heard. The production on the album mainly handled by fellow Detroit native Black Milk provides the perfect sonic landscape for El to roam free and deliver one of the most lyrical albums this year. Concept records such as "Colors" and "Guessing Game" show that there is still some creativity left in hip hop's veins. The Royce 5'9 assisted "Motown 25" turned out to be one of the hottest tracks this year as the two trade fiery battle ready versus that push both emcee's to their peak. There's never a dull moment in the album with gems like "D.E.M.O.N.S." , "Talking In My Sleep" and "Can't Save Ya" sprinkled throughout. Elzhi is definitely an artist to keep your radar on in the upcoming years.


2. Q-Tip- The Renaissance


I must admit...I wasn't readily looking forward to another Q-Tip album after "Amplified" but after hearing "The Renaissance" those thoughts became a very very distant memory. Returning with the fire helped him ascend to greatness in his Tribe days delivers an album for golden age and new age hip hop fans alike. Anyone who can't appreciate the greatness of songs like "Renaissance Rap" and "You" should give up on music altogether. Then there's the D'Angelo assisted "Believe" which sounds so good that I find it hard to believe that this wasn't recorded back in D'Angelo's heyday. Dipset fans beware, there are no tales of gun play and coke rap just pure unadulterated grown man hip hop. On an album that so well put together the lead single "Gettin Up" almost seems out of place but doesn't take away from the album. A definitive moment in the Abstract Mc's legacy, a must have for true music fans.





1. NaS- Untitled






First of all I would just like to say: So what he dropped the original name of the album, the cover says it all. Now to the music, I've heard some say this a classic and maybe even better than Illmatic. I don't know quite yet if its better that Illmatic but this easily the best album I heard this year and yes I'll give it the the c- word classification...classic. For most this was the hardest album to love this year and the easiest to hate for all the wrong reasons. Anchored by the lead single "Hero", Nasty delivers an at times dark but introspective view on today's society and that dreaded "N" word. Nas is at his best on tracks such as "Testify" and "N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and The Master)", while still finding time to appease fickle fans with quick jab at Curtis Jackson on the albums opening cut "Queens Get The Money". This is definitely one of the most important albums to be recorded in a while and while it won't change the landscape of the game, it serves as a testament that good music is still out there.

Engraving Vibe & Plies Tombstone.....

Algernod Lanier Washington, age 32

Vibe is single handed attempting to kill hip hop. Plies? The Future? That doesn't even go hand in hand! How can Vibe justify even giving the most fake ignorant rapper in the game a cover? I certainly hope this was a case of paying someone back for a past or future favor, but this was very questionable compensation. This is the guy who refuses to accept the fact he has and education and even attended college even if he didn't graduate. This is whom you place your faith with? Plies is far from the definition of real. He may be the fakest artist in the game. What's real about denying the fact that you have an education,(that's worse than Rick Ross denying that he was a CO even though all the evidence was out) is that really being true to the fans and the children who listen to the garbage that you record and call music? It's sad when an artist has to force himself into actually believing that he is ignorant. As an artist he is well below average and no where near lyrical, a sad imitation of LL Cool J is the best way to summarize it all. Quite possibly one of the worse rappers of all times in my eyes. Nothing he does even holds an candle to other new artist in the game like Lupe Fiasco or B.o.B. just to name a few. I didn't like his music when he first popped up on the scene and since have grown to dislike his music even more. Plies is certainly the death of rap. Calling Dr. Carter..........




Here are a couple of excerpts that I found on XXLMag.com (http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=30155) in an article from your good ol' boy Plies......




Last summer’s Definition of Literacy encounter with Plies should have given Vibe enough incentive to select a different figurehead for our voice… maybe Kanye or something.

Vibe: Plies is an interesting name for a rapper, how did you get that nickname?

Plies: “Plies” is a tool. You can use it to put the squeeze on things, like I’m doing to these niggas in the rap game. I got the squeeze on them real tight. They feeling the pressure. Or you can use it to pull things out. I pull out all the bullshit and keep the real, you feel me?
It also a word you can use in terms of things goin’ on in yo life, ya dig. You may hear something I say and say that it “plies to me.”
Vibe: I’ve heard of a tool called a “pliers” and the term “applies.”
Plies: You know what I’m trying to say my nigga, just buy my album, I’m from the South, my nigga. We don’t learn no grammar. My Album out August 7, 2007. Cop three copies each. It’s Christmas in July fo’ real, ya dig?




Interview responses like these provide pertinent perspective [I master "p" like "UHHHHHH!"] to Plies’ disdain for lyrical rappers.


“Not knocking any of the lyrical artists in the industry but what does that really mean? That means you’re articulate. I think it means you’re clever but to me I think to be those things… I don’t want to call you a liar but you have to be unrealistic to a certain extent. You can’t find a dude that’s great with words that its 100 percent truthful as well.” -Plies, SOHH.com

Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks

Mr. West is at it again! Breaking form his college themed series temporarily, Kanye West returns with his 4th solo offering aiming to air out his feelings for his ex-fiance Alexis Phifer and his life since the passing of his mother Dr. Donda West, with 808's and Heartbreaks.

808's opening track "Say You Will" sets the mood for the entire album and kicks the album off in full stride. An album where almost every track is able to stand on its own, the standout track has to be the venomous "Heartless". This track represents the closest thing to Kanye rapping on this album and is instant play back material with a triumphant beat and infectious heat that would even have your favorite thugs singing. Kanye makes great use of the few guest appearances on the album as evident is Young Jeezy's show stealing verse on "Amazing" and Lil' Wayne on " See You In My Nightmares", even newcomer and XXL freshman 10 alumni, Kid Cudi (Kanye's newest artist), delivers a stellar hook on the catchy "Welcome to Heartbreak.

The album consisting a mostly singing and harmonizing, in its own way is a refreshing relief from most of the redundant music that is dominating airwaves today. Even though he continues to progress as one the better lyricist in the game I have no hate to throw Kanye way because the album is surprisingly stunning from front to back. Before you all begin to hate on this album just remember you are witness to one of the greatest musical minds ever in any genre, no one if anybody could have pulled this off and not lose all respect as an artist.

Nas Album Review

To what may be the greatest hip hop catalog ever, The N has added another classic to his collection. Nas may have said it best when he said "I'm over their heads like a bulimic on a seesaw" on the albums opening track "Queens Get The Money".

The album spearhead by the the official lead single "Hero" featuring Keri Hilson and produced by Polow Da Don, serves as one of Nas' best singles to date. The album allows those who felt that the purpose of the album wasn't properly articulated to them through interviews to view Nas' most inner thoughts on the 'N' word. "Testify" which finds Nas paying homage to black activist George and Jonathan Jackson as he opens the track with controversial lines such as "I just burnt my American flag / and sent three cracker nazi's to hell and I'm sad". Nas continues to further his claim as one of the most creative artist to date with tracks like the anti-Fox News "Sly Fox", "Project Roach" and the soon to be cult favorite "Fried Chicken" an obvious ode to dinner at any black family's house . The latter finds Nas spitting introspective bars along side Busta Rhymes discussing the appeal of chicken and its creation.

The album consist of several stellar tracks such as " We're Not Alone" featuring Mykel but the lp's crowning moments come thanks to cinematic Toomp produced"N.I.*.*.E.R. (The Slave and The Master) and Y'all My Ni**as". The former finds Esco educating the masses about the plights and vices of of being black in America with bars like "Anytime we mention our condition, history or existence/ they callin' it reverse racism" and pledging allegiance to his Bravehearted brother Jungle (My brother Jung, ill always have a seat for him/ not behind me beside me / you'll always know where to find me). " Y'all My Ni**as" finds Nas' thanking those positive and negative influneces for cementing his place in history and discussing Paul Mooney's belief that Everybody wants to be a n--ga but dont want to be a ni-ga.

This album has the chance to change an individuals outlook on life and the things that take place in it from race to politics and more. Nas continuous efforts and ability to step out of the box is what makes him one of the all time greats. This album does nothing more but further cement his legendary status in hip hop. A great listen from opening to close, this albums classic status certainly should not be overlooked or taken for granted. Nas stands alone as the epitomy of thought provoking artistry.

The Martian Vs. The Goon

Am I the only one listening or am I over analyzing what some may call lyrics? I'm not one to start beef but there seems to be a few subliminal shots being thrown. The shots are more one sided, not saying that they aren't being thrown both ways, but I just don't hear the other side. Is there a Lil Wayne and Plies beef bubbling beneath the surface?

First and foremost, let me explain why I say that I hear only one side: While I feel that Weezy F. Baby is overrated and over saturated, I'd prefer to listen to him over Plies any day! Sometimes I find Plies very hard on my ears. Anyway does anyone remember a Plies line where he said something to the fact that he doesn't do Phantoms because 28's don't fit? Then on DJ Khaled's "I'm So Hood Remix" Wayne said "Every since I heard Plies I brought the Phantom back". I had come to realize that this line could be taken more than one way (because Wayne continues to say that he just brought a Maybach, which happens to be the Phantom's chief rival), but for the sake of argument I was just playing devils advocate. That was until the thoughts of subliminal beef were revived in my head after listening to " A Millie" a few times. Maybe I'm wrong but this sounds like a shot to me: " Okay your a goon but whats a goon to a goblin/ nothing nothing you ain't saying nothing."

If there is a war of words brewing, I would have to side with BM JR. While some find it easy to relate to Plies, I've never heard anything remotely close to lyrical come out of his mouth. While Wayne really isn't battle tested (remember he sent Trina to take care of Gillie) he has more than enough ability to take out the self proclaimed Goon. Plies allegedly has street cred (according to my Lil' cousin) but I find it hard to trust artist these days. If that is true though, I still find it hard to believe that his notoriety in the streets is bigger than Mr. Carter's.

Street Cred- Draw (just for the sake of argument)
Swag- Lil Wayne
Consistency- Lil Wayne
Lyrics- Lil Wayne
World Play- Lil Wayne
Anything else- Lil Wayne
...........................This isn't a fair fight. Advantage: Lil Wayne

The N...

As broken down by Mr. Shakur (R.I.P)



Never

Ignorant

Getting

Goals

Accomplished



After creating enough drama to make Curtis Jackson proud with the announced name of his 9th studio album, Nas recently announced that the album would no longer be titled "Nigger". Guess he can't win for losing, huh? When the albums title was originally announced Nas was the recipient of scathing criticism from many, ranging from Al "Light A Match and Burn his Perm" Sharpton (1), to 50 Cent, to "fake" fans who claimed they would no longer support Nas because of the albums title. Called socially unaware and unconscious, even stupid, Nas seemed to weather the storm, highlighted by he and Mrs. Jones arriving at the Grammys rocking shirts bearing the albums title. Subsequently he lost more fans for scraping the albums title.



One of many questions that I have is: How many album titles actually coincide with the albums content? To answer my own question, not many. I was actually looking forward to seeing the look on some out of the loop sales associate face at Target or F.Y.E. when someone, including myself, went to purchase the album. Do I wish Nas never changed the albums title? Yes, especially after he stood by it for so long; with that said I'm still anxiously awaiting the album because the direction of the album remains the same. The music that has been recorded for the LP has a chance to create as much controversy than the title being "NIGGER". Let the music speak for itself, by doing so Nasir's intentions will be clearly visible.



Since "The N" has decided to drop the albums title, many have jumped to the conclusion that he has taken a "L". After seeing the albums cover and hearing the music on the album, I find it extremely hard to say that he took a "L". The cover alone has more of a message than naming the album the dreaded "N" word. But for those who believe that he just lost one, I look at it as sacrificing a battle to win the war. The same Jews or T.I.'s that he called his "niggers" over at Def Jam more than likely (more than likely, it happened, ok?) pulled him the office to have a little talk with him. The conversation was probably more along the lines of change the albums title or it will not be released. Understanding that getting his message or point out was greater than the need to name his album "NIGGER", he complied. To those not in the know, a record company's number one priority is sell records, they could care less about artist integrity or anything else. Product placement and marketing is essential in today's climate and the IDJ execs probably felt that the album wouldn't make it to the shelves of many retailers such as Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal Mart, etc. (and not to forget Jesse Jackson probably kept calling!). There are a select few of individuals who don't have a boss to answer to, so why hate Esco for dropping the albums title? He did what a real N.I.G.G.A. would do and that's choose to get his goals accomplished.



P.S. This was inspired by the good people over at 91.1 morning show. Nas is wack to y'all and y'all aren't feeling him because he changed the album title. Cool. But, y'all went in on him when your afraid to say the albums title on the radio. You were saying "Nuh", right? Now that's wack. Nas corny for changing the his album title, that also makes you wack for not saying it. At the end of the day he changed the album title for the same reason that you were afraid to say it on air, you all have someone to answer to, plus the FCC is waiting. Lames!

Check out the third verse from "Hero" ft. Keri Hilson

This universal apartheid/I'm hog-tied, the corporate side/Blocking y'all from going to stores and buying it/First L.A. and Doug Morris was riding wit it/But Newsweek article startled big wigs/They said, Nas, why is he trying it?/My lawyers only see the Billboard charts as winning/Forgetting - Nas the only true rebel since the beginning/Still in musical prison, in jail for the flow/Try telling Bob Dylan, Bruce, or Billy Joel/They can't sing what's in their soul/So untitled it is I never change nothin'/But people remember this/If Nas can't say it, think about these talented kids/With new ideas being told what they can and can't spit/I can't sit and watch it/So, shit, I'ma drop it/Like it or not/You ain't gotta cop it/I'm a hustler in the studio/Cups of Don Julio/No matter what the CD called/I'm unbeatable, y'all ... Lets go!


(1) David Banner- So Special (Al Sharpton, light a match and burn his perm)