#FreshStyleFits: adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged – August 12, 2016

Last month, adidas released a new version of their popular Ultra Boost shoe line called the Ultra Boost Uncaged. Here’s our take on whether adidas scored a hit or not:

By: Alli Lhamon @allilhamonn and Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Brandon: Between the Yeezy’s and the Boost Uncaged, adidas has quietly put together a very nice 12-month run. I have multiple pair of the new release including the my favorite, the triple red (see below). The white and black are both great everyday shoes and can be found on retail shelves still.

Alli: I already know I will be spending my next Peach State check on a pair for myself. They shoes have a clean look with multiple colors that I like. After seeing Brandon with his on, they are really a must have for my closet.

PSBBoostUncaged

Alli100Aug2016
Alli 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.

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: “Big Amount” – 2 Chainz feat. Drake – August 11, 2016

By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB and Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

It seems every time that 2 Chainz and Drake team up, they deliver a classic track. From “All Me” to “No Lie,” the two stars rarely disappoint. They’ve done it again with “Big Amount” off of the “Daniel Son, Necklace Don” mixtape.

Jordan’s Take: I have to give another assist to my boy Dante Sawyer (@BuzzSawww) for the track. Before I listened to the entire song was the snippet where Drake states, “And I’ve never seen the inside of a Marriott or a Westin!” I immediately downloaded the song and listened to it. Usually Chainz and Drake gravitate toward the club banging type beats but this beat is significantly different. However the track is easily the best on the tape with decent bars from Chainz and Drake providing his usual heat.

Favorite Line:
“I was in Juvy, they gave me community.
I had to pick up some litter.
I want it easy, please do not tease me.
I wore my Yeezy’s to dinner”

Brandon’s Take: Drake and Chainz went in on this one. Drake brought the heat and forced Chainz to up his game in the process. The result was another smash hit.

Favorite Line:
“I got a big amount, I think I’m the biggest out.
You lit and can’t even put it out.”

LISTEN TO “BIG AMOUNT”:

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.

PSBPCBC100
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.

#PSBPopCulture: 51,000 Hours and Counting – August 6, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

As I enter my 15th season in the industry and 13th at the head of Peach State Basketball, Inc., my view on our success and reasons for it change by the year.

We just finished our busiest season of the calendar year. The month of July is a combination of four straight 100-hour work weeks for me as our team produces seven different team events certified by the NCAA. This allows college coaches from all over the country to attend and evaluate players for potential scholarship offers to play at the school or university. Our entire team spends thousands of hours trying to perfect our craft annually.

There is a lot of time to think about how life changes inside of a 400-hour workload during July each year. In 2016, I thought a lot about the best selling book, “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. In it, Gladwell states that “ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness.”

***Disclaimer: Without question, there is a combination of inherent talent and continued expansion of skill training, development techniques that apply here as well.

I believe there is a truth to time on the job increasing the amount of situations seen and response time with accuracy improving as a result. I see that in the case of some of my colleagues in other facets of life as well: Branden Mayweather, Dain Pool, Sean “Sticks” Smith and Shun Williams. All of them are seeing increased success with each year that passes. I did simple math on my career to date to see where I stacked up right now in relation to Gladwell’s 10,000 hour theory. Here’s what I came up with:

14 years x 365 days (no vacations here since Day One) = 5,110 days

5,110 x 10 hours a day = 51,110 hours

Conclusion: If the 10,000 hour rule (with the applied disclaimer) makes you an expert in the field, 14 years worth of dedicated work in grassroots basketball marketing have helped shaped the current path for Peach State Basketball in a very noticeable way.

PSBPCMayDayBrandon 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 by Brandon Clay – August 4, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Throwbacks

I remember my man Jermale Wilkerson with a closet full of jerseys back in the day when everyone was rocking the Mitchell and Ness jerseys two or three sizes too big. I didn’t get around to wearing them at that moment but they’re back in style now.

This Fabolous line from the hit “Can’t Let You Go” in 2002 still rings in my ear to this day: “There’s gonna be a clip tossed if I go back with stains from her lip gloss on my throwback.”

The difference is this time around, the trend is to actually buy jerseys that fit. For me, I’m wearing a 44 (Large) in the authentic brand Mitchell and Ness. I’m a hometown sports guy so the Hank Aaron, Deion Sanders and Dominique Wilkins were all must haves. I’ve also grabbed Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Larry Bird jerseys amongst others.

For now, I am only wearing the jerseys of retired pro athletes or the college / high school throwback versions of people currently playing professionally. Nike made a nice set of college throwbacks for some of the top football players including A.J. Green (UGA) and Peyton Manning (Tennessee). Living in the heart of SEC country, you’ll see both of those on my back before the fall comes and goes.

Here is the Hank Aaron jersey with the matching Braves New Era Cap from Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash in June:

This is Fabolous sporting the Kobe Bryant jersey in a video:

#MambaDay

A photo posted by Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) on

Here is the Allen Iverson (featured image at top) from the 4th of July:

PSBPCMayDayBrandon 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: “Boyz in the Hood” – DJ Drama feat. Meek Mill and Pusha T – August 3, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

DJ Drama has long been one of the go-to voices from behind the turntables in the rap game. His “Quality Street Music” series returns with a smash featuring three of the hip-hop game’s premier artists in Meek Mill, Pusha T and Ty Dolla $ign.

Meek opens with a mean stanza about his time in jail last year. He drops two verses that remind me of the artist who had the nation’s No. 1 rap album of 2015 per Billboard.

FAVORITE LINE: “Sorry your honor if I was too arrogant, the money was staggering. They locked me in PC with the rats, that ish was embarrassing. 23 hours in a cell by myself, man you couldn’t imagine it. They fed me some food I wouldn’t feed to my dog, man that ish was the nastiest.” — Meek Mill

LISTEN TO THE SONG:

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.

#PSBPopCulture: Will Apple Purchase Tidal? – July 1, 2016

By: Alli Lhamon @allilhamonn and Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple could possibly be buying out Tidal Music. If Apple buys Tidal, new music from artists originally signed with Tidal, including Jay-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce, will now be available on Apple Music the day they release it. Apple already boasts some of the world’s top acts including Drake.

ALLI: The switch will be beneficial to most everyone. Most people subscribe to Apple Music because it comes with their iPhone. With that being said, no one is trying to pay for two music subscriptions. So, if Tidal makes the switch, a lot of music will be more accessible to us.

BRANDON: I’m an Apple Music subscriber. I’ll be ecstatic if this deal goes through. I don’t watch a ton of music videos but had a tough time getting the latest Kanye West album, “The Life of Pablo.” This will save us all a couple of hours in the long run. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Apple pass the cost of adding the Tidal client base to the service right on to the consumer.

Here’s a quick, easy read with more detail about the benefits: CLICK TO READ

Alli100Aug2016
Alli 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.

PSBPCBC100
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.

#iTunesSounds: “Ready For It” – Dame D.O.L.L.A. (Lillard) – June 29, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

This isn’t the first time NBA All-Star point guard Dame Lillard has stepped to the mic. That said, it is one of his most complete tracks to date. He teamed up with Jahlil Beats and Brookfield Duece to give us a track to start the NBA off-season with.

ASSIST: Fellow point guard Jasmine Jenkins with the alley oop on the link…

Here’s my favorite Lillard rap to date from Sway in the Morning (February 2015)…

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.

#PSBPopCulture: A Day in the Life – Miller Grove “Reclaiming the Crown” Documentary Interview – May 26, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

PSBPopCulture.com Publisher and McDonald’s All-American Game voter, Brandon Clay speaks at length with Marques Burnett about Miller Grove HS in “Reclaiming the Crown.” The documentary touches on a number of topics including winning seven of the last eight Georgia HS state titles in their class.

Location: Virtual Adrenaline Productions Studio (Duluth, Ga)
Social Media: Jordan “JD” Davis
Video Production Team: Brandon Keever (Soul Searching Studios)

Here is a look at the day from my Snapchat: BrandonClayPSB

Watch the full “Reclaiming the Crown” trailer here:

Marques and I broadcast the Miller Grove game to tip off the 2015-16 season. Watch here:

PSBPCMayDayBrandon 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: FB’s Finest – May 25, 2016

By: Alli Lhamon @allilhamonn with commentary from Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

ALLI: Like most high schools, Flowery Branch has a diverse set of students. Here are a few who I walked the halls with everyday this school year who caught my eye with their style / social media presence.

Anna Grace Smathers | Sophomore

expression

A photo posted by anna-grace smathers (@annagrace62) on

ALLI: From her bubbly personality, trendy style, and adventurous attitude it’s really hard not to love her. I like this picture of Anna Grace because it’s trendy and unique. It also shows that Anna Grace is a fire individual.

BRANDON: I rock with her style. Super trendy but not excessive all at once. Her social presence is well crafted and put together. Slick stuff. Could she take Taylor Johnson’s spot as my future stylist? She just might.

Bree Locke | Senior

one more post because I got to see my love play

A photo posted by Breanna Locke (@breanna_locke) on

ALLI: Bree is really just a super cool individual to be around. Within the first ten seconds of talking to her or glancing at her Instagram, you will know two things:

1. She loves basketball
2. She LOVES Lebron James.

BRANDON: Bree’s love for Bron is undeniable. That said, Bree has some flavor of her own on the hardwood. Her social profile is dope cause she makes no apologies for who she is. Like it or love it. I’m with it.

John Mills | Junior

JMilli

ALLI: John is always either cracking jokes or getting buckets. I like this picture of John because of his flow. John has one of the nicest flow game at Flowery Branch.

BRANDON: The hair sets him apart. Even with a cool Nike sweat outfit on, the locks give him the juice. On the hardwood, Alli says he’s got next. I see ya fella.

Amanda Rockenbach | Senior

Amanda

ALLI: Amanda has the sweetest soul and one of the most beautiful voices in the Flowery Branch community. I love this picture of Amanda because she looks so effortlessly gorgeous, as always.

BRANDON: I listened to her Soundcloud last night. Her voice flows as effortlessly and smooth as her pictures on IG do. I like people who don’t have to “DTM” (do too much) to get their point across. Amanda’s vibe is a classic example of a non-DTM. Well done.

Elizabeth Darracott | Sophomore

London

ALLI: Elizabeth is the most driven and dedicated person at Flowery Branch. I love this picture of Elizabeth when she visited London. It shows her fashion forward style, and her drive to as dope an individual as possible.

BRANDON: I actually ran into Elizabeth the other day at LA Fitness. I applaud her discipline to stay in the gym building out the life she wants to live. That’s hard work. Rocking a fresh outfit while in London and capturing it on the Gram is hard work too. She pulled both off. Salute.

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.

PSBPCMayDayBrandon 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: Summer ’16 Style Guide by Brandon Clay – May 24, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Hats

For the most part, I stick with a combination of New Era fitted / snapback and Jordan Brand hats. I like the flavor that a crisp hat brings to the top of the outfit when it’s done right. From time to time, I’ll still rock a Polo Ralph Lauren baseball cap like Alli Lhamon mentioned that she rocks as well. Suzanne Eubank, one of my fashion go-to’s, says baseball hats should be worn with the bill clean and to the front. I rock with that though I must admit I stray from her theory on occasion.

Jackets

No matter where my travels take me, I’ll still keep a lightweight Lifted Anchors bomber jacket or hoodie with me until the end of June. I put Jordan Davis on them before spring break came and went. Temperatures vary so much when the sun goes down that the extra layer can add to the outfit while still matching the weather.

Shirts

Whether it’s from Lifted Anchors or John Elliott, the extended or asymmetric tee is still the way to go for me. I rocked them tough this winter with a jacket. I have a wide variation of colors and styles in the closet but the Lifted Anchors Penny tee or John Elliott Distressed Classic are great for any occasion. A huge shoutout to my personal stylist, Taylor Johnson, is necessary for the assist on this look. As an aside, being in the gym consistently is a major key to pulling these shirts off the right way.

I like Polo button up shirts when it’s 85 degrees and under especially if there is going to be shade at an outdoor concert. I also keep the Polo v-neck on deck as the weather heats up too.

Situation: @maddie_hetzel03 & @Breanna_Locke's Graduation Party was 🔥

A photo posted by BrandonClayPSB (@brandonclaypsb) on

Pants

It all depends on the day and location but Embellish Demin’s are lightweight which works even with the temperature rising. I also keep a crisp pair of Polo shorts on deck. I wear basketball clothes all the time for work so I like to step it up with my style when I get out of the house.

Sneakers

There are so many options out for a sneakerhead like myself. The Retro Jordan Brand Collection is a staple in my closet. I love the OVO X and OVO XII’s especially, got my hands on em early. This year, I’ve added a low top look with the Nike Presto this summer. They are the lightest shoes that I’ve rocked. I’ll always have room in my rotation for the timeless Polo low tops on my feet to complete the cycle.

Status: Got my hands on these early. Slated to drop in stores Summer '16. 👟: #Jordan #OVO12s by Drake | #SoleFlow

A photo posted by BrandonClayPSB (@brandonclaypsb) on

Accessories

I like to keep a clean watch on my wrist. The Apple Watch is a must grab and remains my go to through the summer. With all the band options, it’s easy to switch the style up from the gym to the weight room to the beach while keeping the watch in play. Elite Basketball Academy standout, Sydney Parrish agrees with me.

PSBPCMayDayBrandon 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.