#PSBPopCulture: Jay-Z – 4:44 Tour Atlanta – Nov. 15, 2017

Jay-Z brought his 4:44 Tour to Atlanta on Tuesday night to a packed house at Philips Arena. He ran through a mix of the new songs off of his album mixed in with some of the No. 1 hits from his previous albums.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCultureBC

MY TAKE ON HIS TOP THREE ALBUMS TO DATE & TIDAL (start at Minute 22):

VIDEO CLIPS FROM THE SHOW:

EC005039-1C7D-40A9-AB34-1AC819EFAA59

51834D8C-45FF-461A-B57D-20BC1BDBF735

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSPopCulture | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBSportsChop: Kobe Bryant – “All Access” – Nov. 13, 2017

It’s hard to mention future first ballot NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant‘s name without mentioning Michael Jordan and these days LeBron James in the same sentence. Like most of the greats, Bryant made a living off of out preparing his competition. Add that to his superior skill set and it’s easy to see why Kobe dropped a cool 60 in his last NBA game 18 months ago.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCultureBC

THE BREAKDOWN:

I ran across an ESPN True Hoop article on Bryant during his final season in the league. He talks in great detail about the recovery it takes for him to play at a high level 20 years in. I immediately thought about the same principles for a player in the infant stages of their career such as a Ben Simmons or Jayson Tatum in this year’s rookie class and what Bryant’s regimen could do for their game.

FULL ARTICLE:

KOBE BRYANT ALL DAY PROCESS

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSSportsChop | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBSportsChop: Chris Paul – “Chapter 3” – Nov. 13, 2017

Since high school, Chris Paul was destined to be a star in the NBA. The former McDonald’s All-American has won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, two Olympic gold medals, and led the NBA in assists four times and steals six times. He has also been selected to nine NBA All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams, and nine NBA All-Defensive teams. The one thing Paul lacks from his resume is an NBA championship.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCultureBC

THE BREAKDOWN:

ESPN collaborated with Paul to give us a three-part series on his decision to leave the Los Angeles Clippers during free agency last summer for the Houston Rockets. This is another example of players taking their business models into their own hands. For a guy who doesn’t possess the pop culture following of a Steph Curry, LeBron James or Russell Westbrook, Paul has crafted himself a nice niche amongst the league’s elite discussion as he enters the backside of his playing career.

My favorite part of the documentary was his conversation with rap and business mogul, Jay-Z. As usual, Jay dropped a MEAN jewel on Paul early in the series regarding his decision to leave saying “if you aren’t going to be happy playing basketball, I don’t care how much money they give you. 150 million, 200 million that’s essentially that same payout. You’ll take the same (private) planes, wear the same sneakers.”

WATCH:

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSSportsChop | LEAVE A COMMENT

#iTunesSounds: Sabrina Claudio – “About Time” – Oct. 25, 2017

For all of my RnB fans, Sabrina Claudio is up now. My PSBPopCulture.com teammate Jordan aka “Palmtree JD” Davis gets the credit for introducing me to the 21-year-old Miami native. Riding the heels of a huge SoundCloud wave over the past twelve months, Claudio just released her debut album, “About Time.”

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCultureBC

THE BREAKDOWN:

The album has a soulful vibe that exceeds Claudio’s years. That said, she delivers the content with a believable sound that gives the impression that Claudio has been through the life she is singing about on the records. While “Belong to You” and “Unravel Me” are the two most popular tracks before the album, it’s the song “Natural” that caught my attention as I’ve been listening this week.

LISTEN:

Brandon 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.

Category: #iTunesSounds | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBPopCulture: “Views From The Lab” – Oct. 2, 2017

“Views From The Lab” is a quick, daily snapshot into my views gathered from countless hours entering information into the BrandonClayScouting.com & PeachStateBasketball.com databases.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

iTunes Track of the Day: “Run It Up” – DAME D.O.L.L.A.

NBA All-Star Damian Lillard has become one of the premier young guards in the league. The Weber State product is the face of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise. 2017 marks the second straight summer that he’s released an album at the start of the NBA campaign. This time around, Lillard has chosen the title “CONFIRMED” and released his first single with Lil’ Wayne two Fridays ago.

My new album CONFIRMED drops this Friday on all major digital music platforms, including @spotify. It features @liltunechi, @hairweavekiller, @nickgrantmusic, @allstarbozzle, @bjthechicagokid, @versesimmonds, @em_i_see, @brookfieldduece and @dannyfromsobrante. — Why did I name the album CONFIRMED? One of the definitions of confirmed is "fixed in habit and unlikely to change." I named the album that because there's always been something said about me spending time in the studio, even though I've always shown up and produced for my team every night. I've never had issues with stardom. I'm also not new to music. I've always created music while playing at every level of basketball. But now this is no longer an experiment. This is my second album. I'm putting out respectable music yearly. I've invested in that. I'm settled in. I don't feel the need to answer questions or address concerns. This is who I am and what I do. #CONFIRMED — Inspiration behind the album cover? I wanted the cover to pay homage to some of my favorite artists. Crown: Biggie Prayer hands: PAC Gold rope and Rolex: @nas Highlighting my chest tattoo: for the art culture and community in Oakland. Shoutout to Olugbenro Ogunsemore (@olugbenro) for the 📸 work and @kampashai for the design work and 📸edit. #DameDOLLA #FrontPageMusic @frontpagehits Distribution partner: @human.re.sources

A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard) on

iPhone Group Message Topic of the Day: Damian Lillard’s Sphere of Influence

With a major push from Oregon-based adidas and his ability to connect with the core NBA fans who also like music, Lillard has risen to the top of the game in a hurry. Despite his lack of postseason national exposure, he has the No. 14 most popular jersey in the league. He also has a song on the new NBA2K18 soundtrack, “Wasatch Front,” that was featured on his first album “The Letter O.”

Lifestyle Assist:

Sticking to the theme of Lillard as a star trending upwards, check his latest signature release from adidas.

Today’s Takeaway:

The shootings in Vegas reinforce how important it is to tell the people you love and care about how you feel on a daily basis. No person knows the day they’ll be taken from this earth. I love you all for the motivation and support of the vision. Let’s keep this thing headed in the right direction.

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSPopCulture | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBPopCulture: “Views From The Lab” – Sept. 28, 2017

“Views From The Lab” is a quick, daily snapshot into my views gathered from countless hours entering information into the BrandonClayScouting.com & PeachStateBasketball.com databases.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

iTunes Track of the Day: “Found A Way” – Dave East

Nas has made East his priority artist over the past 18 months putting the resources behind him to garner over a million followers on Instagram. A former college ball player, East released his second full-length mixtape on Apple Music just before the summer came to a close. Found A Way caught my attention. It isn’t a radio-friendly track but much like the majority of East’s music to date has some depth buried inside witty lines.

iPhone Group Message Topic of the Day: The Federal Investigation of Men’s College Basketball

There is a lot of information still coming in on this topic. There have been double digit arrests made in addition to legendary Louisville coach Rick Pitino being fired.

I read the 120 plus pages that the Federal Bureau released on the different charges involving college assistants, Fortune 500 corporate executives and other people in the community trying to advance their bank accounts off of the backs of fast-rising NBA prospects.

I’ll save you some time by passing on this ESPN link. It’s a concise, relatively short summation of the document.

Lifestyle Assist: Grab a Crisp Set of Luggage

As someone who travels a good amount, there’s a certain appreciation I have for people with matching luggage sets. The key isn’t to spend a lot of money but create a certain pop that can set you apart wherever you go ob the road. I love the combo that NBA All-Star Chris Paul (see below) developed with Hook and Albert as a guide on how to get it done. Taking it a step further, Asos has essentially the same backpack for $40 and Amazon has a duffle bag for $85. The black set is key as it goes with any outfit but Chris has a nice grey set available that can be built off of too.

Today’s Takeaway:

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSPopCulture | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBPopCulture: “Views From The Lab” – Sept. 19, 2017

“Views From The Lab” is a quick, daily snapshot into my views gathered from countless hours entering information into the BrandonClayScouting.com & PeachStateBasketball.com databases.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

iTunes Track of the Day: “Best Part” – Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R.

They performed it live in Canada last week. I actually prefer the studio, album version but the audience cheers when Caesar’s part start let me know he’s a star in the making.

My iPhone Group Message Topic of the Day: Missouri Men’s Basketball

Cuonzo Martin has the Tigers poised for a big season like his last at SEC counterpart Tennessee in 2013-14. Martin led the Vols to a Sweet Sixteen appearance and 24 wins. With the nation’s most highly touted incoming freshman on the roster in Michael Porter Jr., expect similar things from this year’s Tigers. All but four of their SEC league games are on national television. That’s mighty impressive for a program who hasn’t made national noise in years.

@SEC TV Times ✅ #MIZ 🐯🏀

A post shared by Mizzou Basketball (@mizzouhoops) on

Lifestyle Assist: Follow Gucci

Since getting out of prison, Gucci Mane has changed his style to match his revamped frame. Regardless of how much money you have to spend, there are plenty of options to give your wardrobe that custom tailored look. For men, Polo Ralph Lauren v-neck shirts are about the same as a combo meal at Chick-Fil-A and show off the work you’ve put in during your gym sessions. With fall and winter coming soon, check H&M / Asos for slim (and inexpensive) sweaters for looks like the one Gucci has on below.

Guwop just having one helluva year!

A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017) on

Today’s Takeaway:

Life is short. If healthy, no one sits on their last day and says that life was long enough. Take advantage of today.

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSPopCulture | LEAVE A COMMENT

#iTunesSounds: Daniel Caesar – Freudian – August 29, 2017

Daniel Caesar‘s voice doesn’t have the sound of a 22-year-old dropping a debut album but that’s the case for the Canadian born singer. The album, “Freudian,” is a 10-track work consisting of some of the most complete work I’ve heard in a while. Caesar samples popular artists including Kirk Franklin‘s “Hold Me Now” on both the tail end of “Hold Me Down” into the beginning of “Neu Roses”

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

THE BREAKDOWN:

At times, it feels that Caesar’s voice is floating over the tracks. The album caught my attention to the point where I’ve talked to Alli Lhamon, Hailey Higashi, Taya Reimer, JD Davis and Peyton Little about it in the past 24 hours.

Caesar loaded up the album with quality features from up-and-coming female artists in the game. My favorite track is “Best Part” featuring H.E.R. I actually just saw her in person two weekends ago in Seattle with Larry Rhinehart and the aforementioned Davis. The two combined to make a track is incredibly smooth and reminds me of “Spend Me Life With You” by Eric Benet and Tamia years back. This is a must add for RnB fans.

Watch the “We Find Love” Video:

Brandon 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.

Category: #iTunesSounds | LEAVE A COMMENT

#iTunesSounds: Kea – As In Music, So In Life – August 29, 2017

Normally, the #iTunesSounds section focuses on an established artist or group who has just released new music. In this piece, I turn my attention to a young man who is just scratching the surface of his musical abilities. Keagan “Kea” Stromberg is from Kentucky and is an incoming freshman at Oglethorpe University. He will be a member of the basketball team but is also starting to pursue his path down a musical journey. He released a six-song EP this month called “As In Music, So In Life.”

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

THE BREAKDOWN:

For a new artist, the production is solid. My favorite track is “Eye.” It’s an uptempo beat with Stromberg’s voice bouncing across the melody. I like Kea’s vision musically and style. As he says on his Instagram, he is still finding his voice. Along the way, I look forward to hearing the progression.

LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:

Brandon 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.

Category: #iTunesSounds | LEAVE A COMMENT

#PSBSportsChop: The Most Expensive Pickup Run in 2017? – August 16, 2017

NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony has been on one this offseason. From his late night training to sparking a trend while wearing a hoodie during his shooting workouts, Anthony has been the league’s most visible figure since the season came to a close. He might have pulled off the most expensive pickup run in recent memory bringing in Kevin Durant and LeBron James this week. Both took private jet trips costing five figures a piece for the action at the Lifetime Fitness that has served as Anthony’s workout hub this summer.

My group message was buzzing this morning about the run. After seeing a clip of Anthony get by LeBron off of the dribble drive, Donte Grant and Jermale Wilkerson both chimed in with, “Melo can still score that basketball.”

The NBA should let Anthony rock the hoodie all season. He might post all-time career high numbers.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

WATCH CLIPS:

Brandon 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.

Category: #BCSSportsChop | LEAVE A COMMENT