#iTunesSounds: “Two Birds, One Stone” – Drake – Oct. 31, 2016

Drake released four new songs in honor of his birthday last weekend. He’s slated to release a project in December titled, “More Life.” Though it isn’t going to be an album, this early marketing campaign let’s me know it will be sold via the iTunes Store and streamed on Apple Music like one.

In “Two Birds, One Stone,” Drake took three minutes to address some of the recent shots from Kid Cudi and Pusha T. Here are my favorite lines from the song:

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

“I put it all in the music cause if I don’t say it here then I won’t say nothin. Can feel my hand gettin’ tired from all of the grudges.”

“Two Birds, One Stone my aim is amazin’. I need to start losing my ish on your people that’s hatin’.”

“Free C5, how the heck we got the boss waiting.” — reference to Lil’ Wayne’s ongoing dispute with Birdman about money he’s owed. The dispute is holding up the release of The Carter V.

“Stay in school. 2 percent of us rich and the rest they all milk it.”

Drake’s Response to Pusha T’s H.G.T.V.

“I never said it if I didn’t live it. Still they try to tell you I’m not the realist. Like I’m some privileged kid that never sat through a prison visit or like it was just handed to me tied with a ribbon. I never worked to get it.”

“But really it’s you with all the drug dealer stories that’s gotta stop though. You made a couple chops and now you think you Chapo.” — Down to his rap name, King Push there’s a 15-year story on Pusha T selling drugs in his past life

“You middle man in this ish, you never went live. You’ll be trying to sell that story for the rest of your lives.”

Drake’s Response to Cudi’s Outburst

“I loved your old stuff, wasn’t a fan of your latest. My numbers out of this world no wonder I feel so alienated. You were the man on the moon now you just go through your phases life of the angry and famous.” — Cudi’s debut album was titled “Man on the Moon”

“You stay Xanned and Perced up so when reality sets in, you don’t gotta face it.” — Cudi checked himself into rehab days after talking about Drake

“Look what happens soon as you talk to me crazy. Is you crazy???” — (see above) ouch Drake

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.

#PSBSportsChop: Top 10 NBA Point Guards – Opening Week 2016 – Oct. 27, 2016

With another NBA season upon us, I’ll rank the top players at each position in the league. Arguably the most important position in the game, point guards lead the discussion.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

1) Russell Westbrook (OKC): Westbrook put up monster numbers with 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, 7.8 rebounds per game last season. Without Kevin Durant, he’ll have an even larger chip on his shoulder than normal. Best of luck to opposing defenses. And yeah, Westbrook also leads the league off the floor in the fashion department too.

2) Stephen Curry (GSW): Don’t let LeBron’s block diminish the player Curry has become. We talked about Curry’s unique rise last winter. His numbers are staggering and warranted the second straight MVP selection last season: 30 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds per. The scariest part of his output were the FIVE made 3-pointers a night. Even if his stats dip a little with the addition of Durant, Curry is still at the top of this discussion.

3) James Harden (HOU): ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Chauncey Billups said it best, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” That describes the sentiment in the public towards Harden who has become a pop culture icon of sorts. On the floor, he’s leaned out and had a quietly productive 2015-16 season: 29 points, 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds per. He’s the best in the league at getting to the free throw line shooting 86 percent from there.

4) Damien Lillard (Portland): Lillard turned heads with his debut rap album, “The Letter O,” last week. But his 140 million guaranteed contract came from his domination on the hardwood. Dame dropped 25 points, 6.8 assists and 4 rebounds per in 2015-16.

5) Chris Paul (LA Clippers): Paul is the consummate floor general. Even as he starts to enter the latter years of his elite prime, his numbers held as steady as ever. Paul dropped 19.5 points, 10 assists and 4.2 rebounds per. He doesn’t shoot the 3-pointer at the same clip as Lillard, Curry or Harden but averages more assists than any of those three.

6) Kyrie Irving (Cleveland): Irving’s ability and willingness to score the ball from the position makes him unique. He found a way to coexist with ball dominant guard option in LeBron and win an NBA title in the process. In a shorter season recovering from a kneecap injury that ended his 2014-15 campaign, Irving posted 19.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3 rebounds per. His assist numbers will always project to hover lower than the other guys on this list as long as King James is playing at his current level so don’t be swayed. Irving is a goon in late-game situations.

7) Kyle Lowry (Toronto): Lowry made a believer of most in last year’s playoff run. He was fantastic all year north of the border averaging 21.2 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds while making close to three 3-pointers a game too.

8) John Wall (Washington): Wall’s showing signs of the prospect who warranted a first overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft. He might not ascend past Lillard, Curry into the elite discussion of NBA point guards but Wall is a nightmare on any given gameday for opposing defenses. He dropped 19.9 points, 10.2 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 2015-16 so he’s headed in that Chris Paul direction as a player.

9) Isaiah Thomas (Boston): After leaving Phoenix, Thomas saw his playing time and role increase. The diminutive guard took full advantage averaging 22.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3 rebounds per. Thomas is one to keep an eye on this season to possibly move up the ladder.

10) Kemba Walker (Charlotte): The moving on up radar watch same goes for Walker as Thomas. Walker was fantastic last season posting 20.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds per. His assist to turnover ratio is hovering under 2 which is not an elite stat in the NBA. Harden’s is 1.64 but his numbers justify the dip while Walker has yet to post Harden like stats in his career.

Honorable Mention: Eric Bledsoe (Phoenix), Mike Conley (Memphis), Goran Dragic (Phoenix), Rajon Rondo (Chicago), Jeff Teague (Indiana)

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: “The Letter O” – DAME D.O.L.L.A. – Oct. 24, 2016

Damian Lillard is best known for his outstanding play on the hardwoods of NBA arenas nationwide. The NBA All-Star also wants to be known for his ability in the rap booth as well. With his debut album, “The Letter O” it’s safe to say he’s done just that. From features with Lil’ Wayne to Juvenile, Dame has a star studded cast of guests for an artist dropping a debut album with very little advance marketing.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

From the opening track, “Bill Walton,” it’s evident that Dame spent the money needed to deliver a potential No. 1 album. He’s been floating just behind 15-year veteran Joe Budden all week in the Hip-Hop/Rap section of the iTunes charts. The music is good. He told his story effectively and with clean lyrics.

Favorite Tracks

2) “Wasatch Front”

6) “Plans” feat. Jamie Foxx

6) “Loyal to the Soil” feat. Lil Wayne

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: “Boot Camp” – Oct. 12, 2016

I use the term “Boot Camp” to describe my weeks outside of July. Most days consist of standard work for the company, multiple workouts / recovery and fueling my body.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

My longtime friend Tom Bender said years ago that 80 percent of our appearance is based off of what we take in, the other 20 is our workout results. As an expert in his field who trained Calvin Johnson, who is a future NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver, during his prime I give Tom’s words full attention.

In talking fitness / fuel consumption with Allison Howard and Jordan Davis, I’ve realized how hard it is to make lifetime altering changes both to our workouts and what we take in. Most of the people I’m in contact with (myself included) don’t have the genetic makeup to consume large amounts of food high in sugar or fat content and still look they weigh the want.

I started my effort to change my frame towards the end of 2012 and have continued to learn more about my body in each passing year. In 2013, the focus was getting back in the gym to run everyday. In 2014, I started to change the way I fueled my body cutting out the massive amounts of sugar I took in daily. 2015 marked the beginning of getting back to lifting weights while 2016 has been a focus on tying all three of those things together. I’ll post an entry a month with progress and more detail on what’s going on in my world fitness wise.

Jordan, who I consider both my friend and fitness rival, provided me with the final motivation to take this part of my daily routine public with his Snapchat post yesterday:

I then took to my Instagram / Snapchat at BrandonClayPSB to politely let him (and all of you) know that I’ve been on my “Boot Camp” grind consistently since the end of the July NCAA evaluation period.

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: “A Seat at the Table” – Solange Knowles – Oct. 11, 2016

Before “A Seat at the Table,” Solange Knowles is probably best known for the incident in the elevator with her sister, Beyonce and B’s husband Jay-Z. On this album, Solange enlisted the help of some of the game’s most popular names for this output including Lil Wayne, The-Dream and BJ the Chicago Kid amongst others. As of today, Knowles will also be known for having a No. 1 album as “A Seat at the Table” has risen to the top of the Billboard charts.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

I like how Solange has an interlude with someone telling a story of their struggle after almost every track. That said, I made a second playlist without those to appreciate the music transitions. I’d recommend having that as well. As far as the music goes, she brought the heat with her production and delivered with the content as well.

Note: Thanks to both Shereka Wright and Jordan Davis who posted / sent messages about the album as I forgot to get it when it dropped.

Favorite Tracks

4) “Cranes in the Sky”

6) “Mad” feat. Lil Wayne

9) “Don’t Touch My Hair” feat. Sampha

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 – Boots and Flannels – Oct. 4, 2016

Boots and Flannels season is upon us. I have to agree with my man Logan Pitts (@Logan_Pittsss23) when he says, “it’s what we’ve been waiting for.” The best part about the flannel with boots look is that there are so many variations of this simple and classic style.

By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB

When it comes to choosing the right flannel, you’ll definitely want something saucy. That said, watch for material because a thick cut can limit your styling options. Urban Outfitters is my favorite, ranging from $45 to $120 per shirt. That might sound a bit pricey but trust me that’ll be EXACTLY the material I’m describing. Their brand is made to be worn in multiple ways with just the right fabric and length off the rack. Now how you rock it is entirely in your hands. Sometimes I go classic and just leave it unbuttoned with a white tee shirt or vintage tee underneath, or even over a thin hoodie on the days where it’s freezing out. I’ll even tie it around my waist underneath a tee shirt like the picture above.

As for the boots, many people have many different styles and that’s okay. Each style of boot (aside from your country concert boots) goes great with this look. As for me, I love Kenneth Cole mid cut gentlemen boots or Clarks boots for men. Both give me the slim look, matching the theme for the attire, while also giving me an extra inch or two so my girlfriend has someone to look up to when we step out for dinner.

Brandon Clay’s Take:

I see what my man JD is doing with his fashion game this fall / winter. The flannels and boot combo isn’t in my style wheelhouse but he executes the look with the crispness of a boss. I did a little research and the combo gives me a real Nick Young / Jordan Clarkson feel out in Los Angeles. You can’t mention those two without name dropping D’Angelo Russell as well. Any of those guys all pulled the flannel look off at different points over the past year.

Palmtree100Aug2016
Jordan Davis is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com with a unique blend of #PSBPopCulture reviews. Davis has been rocking the latest trends since arriving here in 1995. He is currently a student at Kennesaw State, a Social Media Intern with PeachStateBasketball.com and is well on his way to being the youngest in charge sooner than later.

#iTunesSounds: “i hate u, i love u” – gnash – Oct. 3, 2016

gnash has jumped on the scene with an EP titled “us” released back in the spring of 2016. “i hate u, i love u” is the lead single and has climbed into the Top 20 nationally on major airplay charts. The lyrics is this one are heavy as he and Olivia O’Brien carry the track. The music video has over 125 million views on YouTube.

The Breakdown


I was listening to SiriusXM on the way to the airport recently and heard this song. I can’t believe it slipped by me but glad I finally caught it. The whole EP output is solid. Seven tracks, short and to the point. No fluff. gnash is on tour in Atlanta on Wednesday night at Center Stage. I won’t be able to make it but will definitely keep an eye out for the album.

If the song escaped you like it did me, take a listen:

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: “Wishing” (Remix) – DJ Drama – Oct. 3, 2016

DJ Drama has a hit on his hands with “Wishing.” Chris Brown headlines the original version which is charting as high as No. 1 in some major radio markets.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Not one to rest on his laurels, Drama teamed up with Fabolous, Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko and Tory Lanez for a star studded remix. Fab teased his fanbase with a drop on the recent “Summertime Shootout 2” mixtape but didn’t include his verse. After a two-week wait, the verse is live.

With the diverse lineup of artists, the remix has something for everyone. Take a listen here:

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 – Raglan Shirts – Oct. 3, 2016

Raglan shirts are the latest add to my collection. Big assist to Taylor Johnson for this one. She put me on the look during the latter part of the spring as a heads up into what she saw coming this fall. I noticed that one of my boys, Dain Pool, is also rocking the look this upcoming season as well.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

I like the style as a change up to either a regular tee or v-neck version. The key for me is a shirt that fits throughout the neck line, arms and isn’t too short at the bottom. Both PacSun and a company called Verley have caught my attention with multiple color ways and a nice fit off the rack. Both companies hover in the $20-30 per shirt range. Toss them on with the “dad hat” that is also a go-to in my fall / winter wardrobe and it’s time to let Larry Rhinehart snap the pic.

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.