#iTunesSounds: Meek Mill vs The Game – Sept. 21, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Hip-Hop artist, The Game went at both Sean Kingston and Meek Mill this weekend for bringing up name up to the authorities after Kingston ran into some issues…

Honestly, I’m not exactly sure how Meek got involved in this. But unfortunately, he did. Headlined by a loss in a battle to Drake, it’s been a well-documented rough 12 months for a rapper who had the Billboard Album of the Year in 2015.

After dropping “92 Bars,” Game didn’t hold any punches on “Pest Control” either. He’s currently on tour preparing for the release of his album, 1992. Game’s Atlanta tour stop was cancelled last Friday night. There was no word on if it was ticket sale (or lack thereof) related.

Game has long been one of hip-hop’s wittiest wordplay artists. He’s also a social media bully and is giving Meek the full treatment on his Instagram account.

In my opinion, Meek just took another loss.

Take a listen and judge for yourself.

Game: 92 Bars

Game opened fire at Meek with a solid diss track. In hindsight, Game one upped Meek with this one seemingly setting him up for the reply track, “Pest Control” (listen below).

Meek: Ooouuu (Remix)

Meek jumps on one of the nation’s hottest beats right now and calls Game a multitude of things. Mainly the Philly-based rapper calls him out for being a male stripper and says that Game will “only sell like 15,000 the first week.” Omelly and Beanie Sigel join him with verses as well.

Game: Pest Control

Game comes back on the same beat with five minutes worth of bars for everyone mentioned above. I was floored when I listened to it. Game brought the heat labeling Meek as Nick Minaj’s sideshow then leveled both Omelly and Sigel after. Meek’s got a tough road ahead to match or beat this one.

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#PSBPopCulture: A Night in Buckhead – Sept. 20, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza are the center of the Buckhead community. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta, there is a little something for everyone from the daytime activities to the night life. Part of our team – Jordan Davis, Alli Lhamon – (and affiliate member Anna Grace Smathers) joined me to check it out. We enlisted the help of our PSBPopCulture.com Lead Photographer, Larry Rhinehart and snapped some shots of the area.

Here’s a look at some of the pictures that made it to our respective social media accounts:

{Staying Hydrated} πŸ“½: @larrywrhinehart

A photo posted by JD (@palmtreejd) on

Photography by @larrywrhinehart

A photo posted by ALLI (@allilha) on

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#PSBPopCulture: The Vision – Sept. 19, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The year was 2002. I was 20 with a college degree and a vision to spend my life helping kids chase their dreams of playing basketball at the college level and beyond. I didn’t have any money to invest but was willing to spend my weekday & weekend nights in gyms around the state of Georgia watching players. I worked as many as four part-time jobs at a time in those first 3-5 years to keep rent paid, lights on and Ramen Noodles on my plate. Even when I lost the little money I made on events that didn’t pan out, I never lost hope…..

Fast Forward. 2016. I’m 35 with a growing business that has impacted thousands of kids and employs hundreds annually. Sure people still doubt the work I put in but a lot more people respect the efforts than those who don’t. If you have a gift and the work ethic, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t be. Work smart, stay humble.

A couple of my favorite quotes to describe the work:

“Who you know lock themselves in a room doing five beats a day for three summers? That’s a Different World like Cree Summer. I’m supposed to do these numbers.” – Kanye, “Spaceship”

“Vision in my head all I had to was get it out.” – T.I., “Slideshow”

“She said I would never be as big as Trey Songz, boy was she wrong. That was just negative energy for me to feed off.” – Drake, “From Time”

[Photo Cred: Larry Rhinehart]

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#iTunesSounds: Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine – Sept. 15, 2016

Mac Miller‘s new album, “The Divine Feminine,” is slated to drop on Friday. As the title suggests, the tone of the release will be a project geared towards the mellow side of the game. Miller’s dropped three of the 10 tracks on iTunes already. Two of them have found their way into my Apple Music rotation. Here’s why:

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

“Dang”

Miller called upon up-and-coming artist, Anderson.Paak, for the album’s lead single. Paak delivered a slick hook while Mac’s wordplay carries the beat along in between the chorus. This song is getting consistent satellite radio spins already.

“My Favorite Part”

Mac enlists his new girlfriend, Ariana Grande, for this one. The result: a smooth ballad that has Mac pseudo singing. They nailed it.

Favorite Line: “You just don’t know how beautiful you and baby that’s my favorite part.” – Mac

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#PSBPopCulture: Helping Hearts 5K for Jeremy Nelson – Sept. 15, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

We lost our friend Jeremy Nelson back in January 2013. He would have been a junior at Buford High School this academic year. In his memory, his family created an annual 5K race in his honor. Held on a Saturday morning each fall, the race is well attended by family, friends and dedicated runners alike.

For readers who haven’t had a chance to participate in an event like this, I would encourage it. I am a firm believer that there is a unique appreciation and perspective about life that can only be derived by celebrating the memory of someone else’s.

There are too many familiar faces to name them all but I want to thank Jeremy’s family for organizing the event: Herb, Nan, Kristina and Jessica Nelson are extended family to me though not blood related. Truth be told, I spend more time with them in gyms on a yearly basis than I do my own extended blood relatives. Over the years, the family always looks out for me with a plate and a hug. Having them around makes celebrating Jeremy’s life each year that much more special.

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#TeenLifeStyle: Senior Pictures – Sept. 14, 2016

In part because I’m finishing high school early, I decided to go the more nontraditional route for my senior pictures. Larry Rhinehart took my pictures and did a phenomenal job. I dragged Larry all throughout Atlanta to ensure that I would have the perfect senior pictures.

By: Alli Lhamon @allilhamonn

The first picture is on a nature trail in Sandy Springs. I chose to dress simple with the plain grey crop top and a simple black skirt for this venue. My top is from Pacsun and the skirt is from Nordstrom.

The first of many Photo creds: @larrywrhinehart

A photo posted by ALLI (@allilha) on

The second picture was taken on Krog Street, a street in Atlanta where graffiti is completely I took a more urban approach to my outfit to match the urban setting of the picture. The second outfit is a crop top as well from PacSun. I have to thank Anna Grace (Smathers) for loaning me the jeans.

Anotha one

A photo posted by ALLI (@allilha) on

Alli Bio PSBAlli Lhamon represents the next wave of PSBPopCulture.com. A fashion and music junkie, Lhamon has been on her game since Day One in 2000. She’s a genius in the classroom and might finish with more degrees than the rest of the team combined. You can follow her on Twitter @allilhamonn.

#PSBPopCulture: Views From “The Lab”

I spend a lot of time in the office aka “The Lab.” For years, I’ve used music to motivate me and even posted quotes on my various timelines. In the spring of 2016, I started a daily routine of taking five to ten minutes a day to clean out my thoughts on paper so they’re there for me to look back at to see progress. Most of them are business related but all have a music subject theme based on what I’ve been playing that day.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Sometimes the social takeaway is an original thought. Sometimes it’s a direct quote from an artist. This page will serve as the landing hub for what I decide to post off my Twitter account. Enjoy!

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#FreshStyleFits: Fall ’16 Style Guide – Suits – Sept. 7, 2016

As each season passes, I’m more willing to adjusting my style with crisp looks that I takeaway from other people’s wardrobe. This fall and winter, that train of thought will extend to my suit collection.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Devin Booker and Dwayne Wade are two people who caught my attention with their loafer, no sock look and a pant that stops right at the ankle. Now, I will admit that I’ve left multiple pair of my slacks still in my closet with my traditional cuff at the top of the loafer look. That said, I took some of my suits with a little more color as well as some linen pants and had them custom tailored to create that newer vibe. I’ve seen the look with and without the cuff at the bottom so I chose to stay with the cuff.

I’ve found that a Perry Ellis Slim Fit suit off the rack is a great and inexpensive way to start the look. It’s perfect once I get it tailored after the fact. Then it’s about finding the right accessories and loafers. I’ll leave that up to you.

Here’s a look at both my look as well as a look at Booker’s and Wade’s:

😏

A photo posted by Devin Booker (@dbook) on

Yep it's that time again. Wedding season!

A photo posted by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#iTunesSounds: Frank Ocean – “Blonde” – Sept. 7, 2016

Frank Ocean primed us for his latest release “Blonde” with a mixtape of sorts “Endless”. Both were Apple Music exclusive releases. Rather than break down Ocean’s whole catalog from the two, here’s my take on my favorite tracks from Blonde:

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

“Pink + White”: This is my favorite song from start to finish of either release. It has a very “Sweet Life” feel from Ocean’s debut album, “Channel Orange.” I immediately messaged the biggest Ocean fan I know, Griffin Dempsey, with my excitement about this one.

“Solo”: Ocean’s voice carries this one with a simple yet catchy melody backing him up.

“Solo” (Reprise) feat. Andre 3000: Wow. 3 Stacks took 60 seconds and turned it into arguably the verse of the year so far complete with a quick dig at Drake. Not much to say outside of that.

“Futura Free”: The last track of the album is a little scattered but the jewels for me come between :30 to 1:45 and again between 2:55 to 4:25. The lines about Frank paying his fans in the first set and Jay-Z emailing Frank about acting his net worth in the second set are golden.

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

#EntertainmentPSB: Summer Sixteen Tour – Drake and Future – Sept. 6, 2016

Drake and Future handled their business on the Summer Sixteen Tour. I was able to catch both of the Atlanta shows as well as the Nashville stop. Here’s footage from the tour:

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Thanks to an inside connect, I had a chance to catch up with Future after the show. He’s killing the game right now on the stage with the hits and is a leader in the fashion / jewelry game as well. We chopped it up, talked about what’s next and of course, snapped a pic for the Gram.

Summer '16 feat. Future [πŸ“·: @theshootrr] πŸ‘–: #EmbellishNYC πŸ‘•: #ArcticPremium 🎩: #MNML

A photo posted by BrandonClayPSB (@brandonclaypsb) on

PSBPCBC100Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.