#iTunesSounds: “Oh Wonder” – Oh Wonder – Nov. 7, 2016

Oh Wonder released their debut self-titled album after dropping a song a month from their in-home studio in London, England that they compiled into a full body of work.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

I’m ashamed to say this album slipped right by me. I listened to their single, “All We Do” on XM a while back but didn’t even think to listen to the rest of the album. Rookie move on my part. In the past ten days, I’ve played it front to back 20+ times. For the record, I blame both Anna Grace Smathers and Rob Hicks for not giving me the drop months ago. That said, it’s always nice to find a complete album like this late and feel like you finally joined the rest of the music world.

Favorite Tracks

5) “Lose It”

***Disclaimer: I thought this was awesome. They invited five dancers to audition for our music video. What they didn’t know was that they were actually starring in the video! Watch below to see what happens…

8) “Without You”

11) “All We Do”

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: “The Stevie J. Project” – Nov. 7, 2016

Stevie Jordan is an accomplished music producer who worked extensively for Diddy’s Bad Boy Records label amongst others. These days, he’s better known as Stevie J. from VH1’s hit series “Love and Hip Hop.” His success on that series led to the upcoming spinoff show, “The Stevie J. Project.”

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

The Breakdown

Last week, the series show part of an episode at PSBPopCulture.com headquarters. I had the chance to connect with him and Mr. Dalvin from the legendary RnB group, Jodeci. Here’s a look at the day:

Video from Brandon Clay’s Instagram & Snapchat:

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: “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.

#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: 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.

#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.