#PSBSportsChop: University of Missouri – November 9, 2015

The University of Missouri has been the center of media attention this weekend and today due to the racial tension due to the treatment of issues involving minority students. The story itself has been well documented by every credible media outlet nationally. Take a minute to research the background.

Listen to more about this topic on the PSBPopCulture.com Report at the 9:00 min mark:

Our PSBPopCulture.com Group Message kept my iPhone 6S Plus buzzing for the majority of the past 48 hours as the stories kept coming in. Given the racial unrest that was front page just months ago during the Ferguson, Mo., situation, I decided to write about this situation from a different angle.

My point of view is from that of the “student-athlete.” Based on finances generated through booster donations, ticket sales and athletic apparel sponsorships, the current “Power 5” conference system in both men’s basketball and football are funded better than any Minor League organizations in the United States and most draw better average attendance than their pro sports counterparts. Located in Columbia, Mo., the University of Missouri football program is no different.

Even during a down season for the emerging SEC powerhouse so far at 4-5, coach Gary Pinkel and his program are the go-to for Saturday entertainment in the Show Me State. What they say, what they do and how they carry themselves goes a long way in setting trends statewide. It’s why Nike has an endorsement contract to pay the school through cash and product millions of dollars annually. I credit the 36 players who risked their scholarships had the protest lagged on for weeks by saying they would not play football again until change was made. Those young men taking a stand that great says a lot about the tension that existed on the Missouri campus.

Then Pinkel released this tweet that received over 15,000 retweets on Sunday morning:

I talked to Carl Reed Jr., coach of the Lutheran North High program based inside the State of Missouri. One of his former players from a different school, Ronnell Perkins, is on the Missouri roster and was one of the players involved in the initial stance against the President. Reed Jr. had this to say, “I believed that Pinkel would side with the players given the subject matter and sheer amount of guys who felt strongly enough to take a stand. Pinkel’s willingness to stand behind his team and program will go a long way in recruiting future in-state prospects regardless of color.”

I heard a lyric off of Drake’s “6 PM in New York” on his last solo album that I felt captured my sentiments about much of the unrest nationwide including the Missouri situation:

“We need protection from those protecting the block/Nobody looking out for nobody/Maybe we should try and help somebody instead of being somebody that makes the news so every body can tweet about it/And then they start to RIP about it/Four weeks later nobody even speaks about it/Man, I just had to say my piece about it.

In this case, the block is the university and all that it encompasses. Everyone involved in the protest stood up and looked out for each other. By banding together and staying peaceful in the protest, the focus remained on the injustice that the group was calling out as opposed to the protestors themselves. As a result, this situation and the resignation of the President as a result will be talked about much more than four years from now let alone four weeks.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

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#FreshStyleFits: Epitome ATL – November 4, 2015

By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB

My friend, Evan Samuels, and I were in Buckhead a couple months ago when we stepped in Epitome for the first time. It’s located at 252 Pharr Road NE in Atlanta, Ga., a mile down the street from Lenox Mall. From the moment we walked in, we noticed the crisp displays and varieties of shoes the boutique carries. From wall to wall, there are shoes for sneaker heads of all backgrounds ranging from custom Nike Roshes to Vans and even old school Limited Edition Air Maxes. I knew immediately this was a heaven for both collectors and fans of nice kicks alike.

The staff is laid back and down to earth and give great service along with their ability to offer personal knowledge of every collection. My friend, Terah Moore, works there and says “the shoes there can’t be found at any other stores.” She told me, “I’m a sneaker girl so it’s awesome to work somewhere that has a very special selection that you can’t just find at the mall”. Epitome offers an abundance of unique shoes and should be checked out by my people riding through Buckhead. I knew anyone with a fresh shoe game like Brandon’s would like the boutique, so I had to drop the assist.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

Epitome-Atlanta

I took the Chris Paul like assist from JD and slammed the alley-oop home like Blake Griffin making Epitome home for an hour on Tuesday evening. Like JD, I was immediately drawn to the crisp lines and white designs inside the store. Shoutout to both Terah and Justin Paul for all the help and providing the background of the store while I looked around. I’ve been focusing on tightening up my Jordan Collection the past 12 months but there was a Nike Backpack that caught my attention. The Nike MOG Bolt Bag on display was simply too saucy to let slide so I scooped and scored on my way out to the Daron Jones performance downtown. The staff also informed me that everything is available for purchase online at EpitomeATL.com as well. The store is definitely in the rotation when I visit Lenox and Phipps from here on out.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

J-Davis-PSBPopCulture 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.

You can follow him on Twitter @JDavisPSB.

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#EntertainmentPSB: “Up Close & Personal with Daron Jones” – November 4, 2015

We were in attendance for the “Up Close & Personal with Daron Jones” show last night at the A-Loft. The show was in conjunction with the release of his “The Unofficial Diary of Daron Jones” mixtape just over two weeks ago. With over 500 people in attendance including A-List celebrity Ludacris, the lounge was packed with fans and guests of the hotel drawn to the sounds of the performance flowing into the lobby.

By: Brandon Clay @bballplusmusic

His pre-show demeanor in the back before going on set was very much that of an artist embarking on a fresh start to his veteran career. Jones opened with the classic track “Crazy Over You” and rolled from there with some material from his days as a member of the RnB group 112.

With his eyes covered by designer shades, Jones did a quick cover of the Drake hit “Hotline Bling” getting full crowd participation on that one as well. He moved into his cover of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You” off of the mixtape then weaved into “Superstar” by the late Luther Vandross.

The Sports Utility Vehicle captured the performance in its’ entirety.

You can watch the show here:

Here’s a link to Jones’ website/discography

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

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#TeenLifeStyle: “Sweet 16” – November 3, 2015

Every 15-year-old looks forward to two things: turning 16 and getting their license. For me, I was dreaming about my Sweet 16 months ahead of time. In March, I told my mom, “I want to have an awesome Sweet 16.” She told me it was possible, and we began planning for a party around my September birthday… in March.

By: Stella Alverson @StellaAPSB

My party evolved from being a huge Sadie Hawkins dance to being a party of 80 friends and family at the Sugar Hill Golf Club. The first object of focus was my dress. I dreamed about wearing this Sherri Hill light blue and white polka dot two-piece dress with a pearl halter top. We made it happen. After that, everything else was planned around my dress: the cake, the invitations and the decorations. The venue came next. My mom and I spent days scouring over the internet looking for a place that could hold a party like I wanted. We found the Golf Club relatively early in our search, and after our first visit, we knew it was the right place. The venue was confirmed. We set the date for August 29th.

Then, the invitations were ordered with light blue and white polka dots, to match the dress of course, and they were sent out a month in advance, and then the planning really hit high gear. The DJ was hired, a fireman by day, DJ by night; the three tiered cake was planned and ordered, vanilla with buttercream icing with three different designs; this party was definitely happening, and no one was more excited than I was. Throughout August, the excitement built up to the point where people were constantly asking me what to wear or who was coming. On the day of the party, my parents gave me my present—a new silver Buick Encore. I couldn’t believe my eyes after being told I was getting my dad’s brown Passat for years. I’m SO glad that didn’t actually happen!

Then, my best friend Savanna and I went to get our nails and hair done before leaving to the party. My dad drove us to the party in his new Buick LaCrosse (yes, he also got a new car), and the party officially began. I made it my mission to take a picture with everyone so that I remembered truly everything that happened. One of my friend’s mom was the photographer, and I appreciated her so much that night. We danced all night long, took group pictures, group selfies (thank you Cody for the selfie stick), and had a blast dying our tongues different colors with the Kona Ice sno cone truck’s delicious flavors. All in all, Twitter holds over a 100 of those memories along with Dropbox holding hundreds more, gotta love limited phone storage, and I love looking at them every day.

ED’s NOTE: I’m still mad I wasn’t invited. Stella, you are having another party next year so I can come and be a part.

Stella-A-PSBStella Alverson is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com with her #TeenLifeStyle articles. Alverson has been around the PSBPopCulture.com Team since her early days and is well versed in how we do things around here. She is currently a Honor Roll student at Buford High School and is on her way to playing college volleyball upon high school graduation.

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#iTunesSounds: The Unofficial Diary of Daron Jones – November 3, 2015

The “Up Close & Personal with Daron Jones” event is at the A-Loft Downtown Atlanta at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3.

A well accomplished R&B singer and songwriter, Jones will perform his “The Unofficial Diary of Daron Jones” mixtape that just released on October 17th. The former 112 group member recreated several of my favorite songs including Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed.” Jones nailed this one with a sound that stood out on the classic track.

If you can’t make it out, our friends at The Sports Utility Vehicle will live stream the performance.

You can watch the show here:

Here’s a link to Jones’ website/discography

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

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#EntertainmentPSB: Beats Studio Wireless – November 2, 2015

Since 2008, Beats headphones have become the signature brand for a majority of music consumers worldwide. The company has had so much success that per Wikipedia, on August 1, 2014, Apple Inc. acquired Beats for US $3 billion in a cash and stock deal, the largest acquisition in Apple’s history.

By: Brandon Clay @bballplusmusic

The headphones range in price from around $179 to upwards of $400. The Studio Wireless are my favorite release to date. In talking with my friend and NBA Fantasy League counterpart, Joel Hemingway, he raised the question “are they worth it?”

My response is yes. Here are my thoughts on why:

They use Bluetooth technology to eliminate the need for wires connecting a music player to the headphones. The Studio Wireless also charge with a USB cord as opposed to needing batteries. Both are major positives in my book from a functionality standpoint. Toss in the various color ways and endorsers of the product itself and the Beats line is my go-to right now.

SIDENOTE: I remember my man Sean Darks walking around the gym with his pair on years ago while watching his daughter Taylor play. After that, I had to go scoop a pair myself.

Another member of the NBA Fantasy League crew, Dain Pool, asked me yesterday if there was another brand that I thought was worth a look. I told him for the time being Beats has control of the market in my eyes. I missed out on the “Straight Outta Compton” Limited Edition headphones and now have that on my Christmas Wish List.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

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#ProSportsChop: NFL Fantasy Football – Week 7 – October 28, 2015

Our Fantasy Football League is an annual tradition now in its’ fifth season. With 10 teams, there are plenty of “name brand” players available even in the latter rounds of the draft. As with most quality leagues, the moves made between weeks six and eight are crucial to surviving bye weeks and injury gaps. Our League made the switch in platforms from Yahoo to ESPN and it’s been a good one. I want to drop a special shout out to Commissioner Jonathan Hemingway for making that move. Let me catch you up on the latest at the halfway point.

By: Brandon Clay @bballplusmusic

TEAM NAME: 8 More Than 92 Equals 100 (a tribute to The Game and Drake track that topped the charts earlier this year)

TEAM RECORD: 4-3

Last Week’s Game: 134.1 – 133. 1 win

BREAKDOWN: Going into Week Seven with a 3-3 record and a two-game winning streak, we needed to find a way to win. Tom Brady (New England Patriots QB) was big time once again leading the charge putting up 355 yards, 2 passing TD’s and a rush TD. We needed every play and Justin Forsett (Baltimore Ravens RB) gave us the lead for good at 9:30 pm on Monday as he scored a rushing touchdown.

KEY ROSTER MOVES: With Green Bay on a bye week, both James Jones (WR) and the Packers defense were unavailable. I went to the Waiver Wire to add Rishard Matthews (Miami Dolphins WR) and the Falcons defense. Matthews had 3 receptions for 75 and a TD while the Falcons held the lowly Tennessee Titans to seven points while snagging two interceptions in the process.

Here’s a look at my Week 7 roster:

Screen Shot 2015-10-24 at 12.48.43 PM

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music 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. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

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#TeenLifeStyle: Buford Volleyball – “Another Final Four” – October 26, 2015

Ed.‘s NOTE: Located in Buford, Ga., Buford High School is one of the state’s premier public schools. Stella Alverson, an Honor Roll sophomore, will give us an inside look at her life as she knows it.

This year, the Buford High School varsity volleyball team has reached the Final Four of the state tournament, and I couldn’t be more excited. A two-year varsity player as a sophomore, I feel privileged to be apart of such an amazing program. In both seasons, we have made Final Four appearances.

By: Stella Alverson @StellaAPSB

After a heartbreaking fifth set 15-12 loss in the state finals last year, we went back to the gym, working harder than ever with our head coach Hadli Daniels. This year, we are the only undefeated team remaining in Georgia with a 39-0 record and the Number One seed in the tournament.

Our team is full of college prospects. We already have two Division One commitments–Gabby Curry, a class of 2017 University of Kentucky commit, and Tatum Shipes, a class of 2018 Auburn University commit. The past few years, we have gone from a winning team to a team who expects to be amongst the state’s elite annually. Scoring wise, our most dominant this season being a 25-1 win, followed by two 25-2 sets. I think this is directly related to how motivated we are and how hard we have worked as a team in preparation for this moment. This past Saturday in the Elite Eight, we defeated Walnut Grove in three straight sets, 25-10, 25-12, and 25-9. As a part of the second unit, we went in during the third set and converted the match’s final ten points as we won.

As our semifinals match approaches against Woodward, we are working our hardest ever. We are determined. We are motivated. We are family. We are Buford. I’ll check in after we handle our business.

Stella-A-PSBStella Alverson is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com with her #TeenLifeStyle articles. Alverson has been around the PSBPopCulture.com Team since her early days and is well versed in how we do things around here. She is currently a Honor Roll student at Buford High School and is on her way to playing college volleyball upon high school graduation.

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#iTunesSounds – Adele – “Hello” – October 25, 2015

Adele gave us “19” and “21” then took a break to live life for a while. On Thursday, we found out: she’s back. She’s been working on her latest project, “25”, since the summer and will release the album in its’ entirety on November 20th. I can’t speak for anyone besides myself but I’m thrilled to hear it.

SIDENOTE(S):

1) I’ll review both “19” and “21” in the weeks to come. If you missed either one, take a listen before “25” hits the shelves next month.

2) Assist to Blanche Alverson, Taylor Johnson and Dain Pool for the varying conversations since the single “Hello” dropped on Thursday.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

“Hello” is the lead single off of “25” and has garnered over 40 million video views since the Thursday release. The track is classic Adele as her voice ramps up and floats over the soft melodies in the background. There is definitely not a rust after the hiatus. Truth be told, Adele’s voice seems richer and more mature given the four-year gap in since her last studio album. If “Hello” is any indication of what we can look forward to on November 20th, expect Adele to clean up in iTunes sales this holiday season as well as at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

Check out Adele’s “Hello” Music Video:

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his #iTunesSounds reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

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#iTunesSounds – Rick Ross – “Black Dollar” Mixtape – October 25, 2015

Since dropping the classic mixtape, “Rich Forever” in 2012, music has been a bit slower coming for Rick Ross. Ross has established himself as one of the mainstays in an industry that sees hit artists come and go faster than NFL running backs. With the latest “Black Dollar” mixtape, Ross dials in to his 2012 self and gets back to the witty punchlines over smooth beats that made him a go-to guy for a feature earlier this decade.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

Here are my three favorite tracks with signature lines from the Mixtape:

1) “Money Dance”

BREAKDOWN: From the opening sounds of the piano playing to Ross riding a hoverboard in the music video below, this is vintage Ross. Talking success, the law and life as he knows it these days. Toss in The-Dream on the hook and it’s what we expect from the guy who walks around with no shirt on often.

“Slight 2-step as I check the time. Rub my hands when my palms itch. 50 (million) in the bank, diamonds lookin’ flawless. This the sway of a rich brotha, prayin’ for the day my brotha seein’ six figures. Black bottles poppin’ when I’m on the turf. Two private jets what a brotha’s worth.” – This is Ross at his best. Multi-million dollar money talk with a specific picture painted for the listener.

2) “Icon”

BREAKDOWN: Ross teams up with R&B star Anthony Hamilton to deliver a go-to track off the mixtape. The intro to the song is an ode of sorts to Jay-Z who signed Ross during his days as Def Jam president during the mid-to-late 2000’s. Hamilton’s soulful vocals coupled with Ross’ ever growing wordplay made this a hit in my eyes.

“I can’t see em running down my eyes so I gotta make the song cry. I just came to get the millions. Young HOV, I see ya brotha. I got the Blueprint in my back pocket. I did what you told me.” – Ross referencing the Jay-Z track “Song Cry” off of the classic “Blueprint” album

3) “Bel Air”

BREAKDOWN: Ironically, Ross is well known to have an affiliation with the sparkling rose Luc Belaire. That said, the entire song is a double entredre with Ross rapping about both a lifestyle based on the one Will Smith lived in “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and the aforementioned drink. Both are deemed by Ross to be of the highest quality. Belaire is served in black bottles and promoted by Ross socially through his “Black Bottle Boys” campaign.

All the lines below refer back to topics mentioned above:

“This is the very best of the best. This is top shelf, the caviar of hip hop. Bel Air. Will Smith. Black Bottles.”

“At the Kings game but I got the Heat with me. 10 stacks, you can’t even take a seat with me.”

“Shoutout to Young HOV, my first deal. The transaction my first mil. Island Def Jam, paradise. Yacht Club, sacrifice.”

Check out Ross and The-Dream in the “Money Dance” video:

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his #iTunesSounds reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @bballplusmusic.

Category: #iTunesSounds | LEAVE A COMMENT