Young Money artists turning into sellouts?

If you listen to modern day hip hop then chances are you've heard at
least 4 artists from Lil' Wayne's Young Money label. Unless you've
been living under a rock you have probably heard a few songs from
Weezy himself. Within the past couple years artists from his label
YMCMB such as Drake, Nikki Minaj, and Tyga have blown up. A lot of
young people these days would put these artists in their top 5 or top
10 favorite rap artists list.  I once was a big Lil' Wayne fan back
when he released Tha Carter 1, II, and even III, but these days it
seems like he's run out of ideas and his verses are beginning to sound
recycled.

At one point all these young money artists had something that made
them unique and stand out. Drake had clever "end of bars" punchlines
like "Imma set it off, set it off, Jada Pinkett". Nikki Minaj had a
nasty flow and some of us who heard her on Gucci Mane's Wilt
Chamberlain mixtapes would say she was reviving a dying breed of
female rappers. Tyga can actually spit fire and when he was just doing
mixtapes he built a big fanbase. Then when they all blew up its almost
like they got lazy and just settled for the trends of the industry.
Drake is slowly but surely becoming an R&B artist, Nikki's current big
hits are dance songs like Starships and Turn Me On (produced by David
Guetta). Those songs aren't bad but it's just not that Nikki Minaj I
liked to listen to before 2011. Oh and there's Tyga. As catchy as Rack
City and Faded are, those songs don't exemplify his lyrical talent.
Anybody that has listened to Tyga before his Careless World album
knows that he is capable of more than just repeating 3 words over and
over again to get people to listen.

I'm not hating on Young Money because at one point I was a fan of
these artists but I would love to see them just go back to doing what
got them popular. Eventually people will get tired of them and Jay Z's
RocNation will just pull further and further away from YMCMB.


By Guy Hudson

Usher Cried?

Apparently Usher is still going through custody issues with his ex-wife Tameka Foster about their two sons, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond. The most recent news about the custody is pretty much shocking. Foster wants full custody of their sons and Usher wants more visitation time.

Foster attorney accused Usher for cheating on his wife while they were married with Maya Fox Davis, one of the bridesmaids at Usher's wedding. Secondly the attorney showed pictures of Usher and his friends in Europe having fun, stating that his parties are more important than his kids. WHAT??Take a time-out attorney!

Usher told the court that Foster spit and threw food on his current girlfriend.
The trial will continue in July in Atlanta.

BUT whats shocking is during the trial when he was accused for those things, my man Usher start crying.... PINEAPPLES PINEAPPLES.... PAUSE again! What did i miss? Why are you crying? Was that an act or was he for real? Maybe he is trying to get some sympathy from the jury?

I'm a Usher fan, so if he is going to party with his friends in Europe or Shanghai, so beat it. He doesn't party 365 days a year, he'll be back after few days, he got new songs, singles to sell and perform for his audience internationally. What's wrong with giving him increased visitation?

But Usher hold on.... How are you going to cheat on your ex-wife while your married and then cry about it? I can understand why she is furious on you. This time You Got It Bad not Tameka.

Tameka, you don't need to be spitting and throwing food on his girlfriend, you are just sinking to his level. But whatever happens between you two shouldn't affect your children, they need their mom and dad to be there while they're growing. Therefore you should think of the kids and give him more visitation hours. (advice goes out to all the ladies out there in same situation.)

*T, smirking at Usher ->
*Pic- crybaby Usher

All-American Aaron Evans

Hey good people. This is not a personal blog, but more like a entertainment blog where we also will inform you things that we find interesting here in the states and around the globe. I, Abdi, wont be the only writing on the blog, friends and family will stop by every now and then. Today give all the credit to Guy Hudson, a friend of mine who has put together a very good interview. Guy Hudson can also be found at (www.soundcloud.com/jean-pierre-hudson)
________________________________________________
(Guy Hudson): Aaron Evans is a former training partner, and teammate of mine (University of Memphis). He is also a good friend who's career I've followed closely since he's been running for the University of Georgia. Aaron finished 3rd at outdoor nationals as a sophomore at UGA. His 800m personal record of 1:46.26 is the UGA school record and Bermuda national record. He is certainly one of the most well known 800m runners in the U.S.A. and Caribbean Islands. He is also making a name for himself on the global stage. Aaron is known for his furious kick at the end of races and coming up big when it matters the most. I had a chance to interview him following his 1st place performance at the NCAA East regional meet. Enjoy.


Guy Hudson: First I just want to congratulate you on winning the east region with a time of 1:47.31. How do you feel about the race?

Aaron Evans: Thank you, I'm happy about it. It was probably the easiest 1:47 I've ever ran. I would've liked to run a little faster though.

Guy Hudson: What do you mean by "The easiest 1:47 you've ever ran"?

Aaron Evans: I felt comfortable and smooth, coming down the last 100m I didn't feel any strain. It could've been 1:47 or 1:49 and I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. I felt really good.

Guy Hudson: That's good to hear. You're coming off a victory at SEC's and now this victory in the east region, how are you going to use this momentum going into nationals?

Aaron Evans: The momentum I have now is nice but it doesn't matter. I just race to win regardless of what meet I'm in, and how I've done in recent races.

Guy Hudson: You have a pretty solid resume with 2 SEC titles, 2 All-American performances, multiple appearances at the nationals meet and a pr of 1:46.26. Does that help your confidence going into nationals?

Aaron Evans: Definitely, having success at big meets in the past makes it an expectation and routine for me. Now when I go into big meets i feel like there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to do well and win.

Guy Hudson: You mentioned earlier that your intention at nationals is to win but is there a specific time you want to run?

Aaron Evans: I want to run at least 1:46.3 which is the olympic B standard. That's what I need for Bermuda to take me to London.

Guy Hudson: Going into nationals you're going to face guys from out west like Ricky West (Missouri), Charles Jock (UC Irvine), Elijah Greer(Oregon), and Harun Abda(Minnesota). You have faced most of these guys before so do you have any specific strategy for beating them?

Aaron Evans: All i want to do is run my race. I'm not going to worry about what those guys are doing. I'm going to do my own thing and go for the win.

Guy Hudson: You mentioned before that your goal is to qualify for the olympics. Other than that are there any other meets you want to compete in after the college season ends?

Aaron Evans: Yes I plan on running at the NACAC(North American, Caribbean) meet in Mexico. I also hope to run a fast time like 1:44 so I can compete and do well in some diamond league meets.

Guy Hudson: Would those meets be before or after the Olympics?

Aaron Evans: Before, if I achieve my goals for those meets then I would be well prepared for London.

Guy Hudson: Now this is your last college season, what are your plans for after nationals and every other meet you plan on running this summer?

Aaron Evans: I want to keep training and run a time fast enough to get me a professional contract. If it doesn't work out then I would like to work for the Bermuda tourism department.

Guy Hudson: That's awesome, thank you for your time Aaron and good luck at nationals. We will be cheering for you.

Aaron Evans: No problem, always a pleasure thank you.

Will Barton & NBA Draft

Will Barton, a sophomore, one of the best college basketball players who decided earlier this year to enter the NBA draft 2012 gave me the honor to interview him today.

A McDonald's All-American
John Wooden Award
National All-Freshman Team
C-USA Player of the Year
Conference C-USA Champion
NABC All-District 11 Second Team
All Conference Third Team
All Conference Freshman Team

Abdi: How does it feel to be a part of the NBA draft?

Will: It feels good man, I'm honored to be a part of something so big, something that I've dreamed about my whole life. I'm lucky and happy.

Abdi: What are you doing to prepare yourself now before the draft?

Will: I'm working out in Houston. My coaches in Memphis have prepared me for this day, and as of right now I'm just working hard to be better everyday.

Abdi: What made you choose basketball of all sports?

Will: Man, I've been playing basketball all my life, since I was a kid. My dad, and my whole family have played basketball on different levels, so it's in me to play b-ball. I have passion for the game and I love it.

Abdi: Is this a dream coming to reality ?

Will: Yes, no doubt! My biggest goal in life has always been to play in the NBA, and now I'm a step closer to my dream.

Abdi: Your brother Antonio has been playing with you your entire life and now things are about to change, what's your input on that?

Will: It's unexplainable. I can't describe how much my brother means to me on and off the court. We've played together in huge matches in front of thousands of people, and it's been wonderful. Playing with him was the best time of my life.

Abdi: Do you have any rituals you do before the game?

Will: I pray to God, listen to music, watch basketball tapes, and do my pre game shooting.

Abdi: Who's your favorite NBA player?

Will: Kobe Bryant

Abdi: Which artist do you listen most to?

Will: Yo Gotti then Lil Wayne

Abdi: What's your favorite snack?

Will: I don't know man.

Abdi: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview, and goody luck on the draft.

Will: Thank you!

All-American Richard Lowe

Today I had the honor to interview one of the best hurdlers in the States, Richard Lowe. He just graduated from the University of Memphis with a Criminal Justice major.

I met him where he usually practices, South Campus where all athletes of the university have their practice facilities. He was just done with a really tough workout, aiming to improve his mark from last year and make the Olympic team.

His accomplishments:
Event: 400h
PR: 50.15
All-American
Second Team USA Championships
3-time Regional qualifier
2-time NCAA qualifier
C-USA conference Champion
7-time All-C-USA Performer

Abdi: Richard, how has your season been so far?

Richard: it's been a very depressing season so far. Time is not where it need to be, technique, form, preparation before the meet, everything or none of that is on line, or where it should be compared to previous seasons.

Abdi: What changed since last season?

Richard: I don't know if it's the repetition of the meets I've been going to, I've been to about 3-4 meets this year, where as last year I went to 7-8 meets by this time.

Abdi: What was your time last year?

Richard: This time last season I ran 50.3, where now I'm at 51.4.

Abdi: Thats a gap. What can you do differently now to get back to where you need to be?

Richard: I know for starters, I can run couple of more meets. I can do little bit more strength work, and it never hurts to have more endurance.

Abdi: When is your next meet?

Richard: Next meet, if there is nothing else going on, the USA trials in June 23 if I remember correctly.

Abdi: How do you feel about going into that meet?

Richard: Not prepared enough yet, but I definitely will be, I tell you that much.

Abdi: What's the overall goal for the summer?

Richard: Make the Olympic team. I may not be where I want to be right now, but I'm practicing very hard now and I will have everything straight soon. I have a month left, so that's the timeframe. Keep faith, believe in God and something good will happen.

Abdi: Alright, thank you for time, wish you the best of luck, and keep practicing hard.

Richard: Thank you!

Keep following, interviews of different athletes in different sports will be posted here.

Didier Drogba Leaving Chelsea?

Shocking news to me, and probably to all the soccer fans out there in the world. Didier Drogba has announced that he will be leaving the club he has been with the last eight years of his soccer career, Chelsea, this summer. The Ivory Coast striker, 34 years old, is consider to be one of the best soccer players all-time in the world. He is a Legend to the Chelsea club, and there is no doubt that they will miss him. 

Drogba's achievements with Chelsea:

2-time GOLDEN BOOT winner

Won 10 titles, including 3 Premier League and 2011-12 Champions League

157 goals (4th in team history)

Team's all-time leading scorer in European Competitions with 34 goals

9 goals in 9 cup finals, including 2012 FA Cup Final and Championships League Final 

Whats next?

He said, its time for him to maybe play for another team, so he can face different challenge. Maybe team up with Beckham in LA? or Henry in New York? That could be awesome if you ask me...

Italian slap by Will Smith

Will Smith like most of us know by now was at his new movie premiere in Moscow, Men in Black III, when PAUSE,
PAUSE and
PAUSE!

......When a reporter tried to kiss him on his lips. HUH? What kind of exposure was he looking for?

Will Smith though handled it like a Italian mob, he didn't slap him like you would slap somebody, he slapped him with the backhand, and you know what that means, "don't play with me kid, I'll punch your throat."

Along with that if you look at the video, he got little bit of the Muhammed Ali boxing in him, he hold his other hand ready while he backhand slapped him, "Just in case" lol....

Nice job Will. Keep it real!

Hot topics of the weekend

Starting of by saying WOW what a freaking awesome weekend. Unexpected teams surprised everybody, Heat took control with D Wade finally overcoming his scoring issues (YES) I'm loving it. Spurs, What? I'll get back on that. On to the soccer world, Chelsea, HOW?

Congratulations to one of my favorite soccer team Chelsea who won the Champions League 4-3 in penalties over Bayern Munich. The game was tied (1-1), so they went to penalties, and Didier Drogba became the match winner by scoring the last shot.
This is what he said after the W. (BBC) "It was fate, I believe a lot in destiny. I pray a lot. It was written a long time ago. God is wonderful. This team is amazing. I want to dedicate this cup to all our managers and the players before. It (the goal) changed the game mentality. I'm very happy. Life is fantastic."
Of course it is, well deserved win. Hard work and faith pays off at the end of the day.

On the other side of the world, The San Antonio Spurs swept away The Los Angeles Clippers 4-0. I personally did not expect nothing from the Spurs, they had a good regular season but it wasn't the first team that came to my mind when I thought about who will be winning 2012 NBA championship. They have been down in games, one of them by 24 points, and came back at the 4th quarter and won. Eight straight playoff wins, best in the playoffs so far. Tony Parker and their 3-point shooting is killing everybody. From what I've seen so far, I've no reason to not believe they'll win the championship. Tony, Tim, Ginobili and the rookies you can do it!

The Miami Heat........ Dwayne Wade said it best, "people love you when you're good and doubt at you when you're not, but you just gotta do what you do and keep believing in yourself or else you wouldn't be where you're at today."

It looked like the Indiana Pacers was going to win until D Wade and fellow teammate LBJ took over the game and scored 38 straight points. They had 70 points together. It's moments like that get teams closer (the winning team) and boost their confidence to get another W next game. We shall see.

It's been a very looooong weekend, but stay tuned there is more to come.

Who let the dogs out???

If I had to buy dogs.... It would definitely be these two... You feel me?


All credit to Douglas.com!

Cats

There is something adorable about these cute cats... I'm don't like animals but look at these.....>

Friday, Kim & Kanye

It's a Friday and it's the beginning of the weekend. What to do, where to go, where is the hot place everybody will be at, who to hang out with, what to get done and more.

I don't have the answers to those questions, YOU should! It's easy actually, turn on the radio or surf online and I'm pretty sure you'll find something.

Smart choice:
Here is something I like though, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West relationship style. We all know what happened between Kim and Kris Humphries, very tragic if you ask me. Kanye dedicated couple of lines on the song Theraflu to Kim, and it worked, they are dating as we all know and the best part about it is that IT'S WORKING. NICE! So the next season of The Kardashians, when Kanye is a guest, their relationship won't be televised on air, except on formal things, very smart of Kim!

Link:

http://m.hollywoodlife.com/2012/05/16/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-video/

Celebration in Memphis

Last year on independence day in Norway, we were in Memphis celebrating on our own way. Dressed up and went out to eat Ice cream with my Norwegian friends, Ida & Ellen....

17 Mai (May) Independence day in Norway

                 Main street in Oslo, Norway, called Karl Johans gate, and you can see Kings palace. Beautiful isn't it? YES it is!


Ja, vi elsker dette landet, 
som det stiger frem, 
furet, værbitt over vannet, 
med de tusen hjem. 
Elsker, elsker det og tenker 
på vår far og mor 
og den saganatt som senker 
drømmer på vår jord. 


Translation:
Yes, we love this country
as it rises up,
wrinkled, weathered over the water,
With the thousand homes, 
Love it, love it and think
of our fathers and mothers
and the saga night that sends
dreams to our earth. 


That's how the beginning of the national song looks like. Just like 4th of July in the U.S., today is the day where everybody is celebrating with their families, friends and loved ones. The good food, the get-togethers and the parties. OF COURSE the weather could've been a lot better, 45F with 90% of rain ahead, but we're use to it, so it doesn't matter! VI SKAL HA DET GøYYYYYY ELLER HVA!!!!! 

Celtics vs 76ers

I'm a NBA geek, love the NBA and sometimes I kinda wish I was a basketball player but hmmm enough of that....

Who is going to WIN tonight?

We've seen what the Celtics are capable of with their multiple championships but lately the age is taken over their game... Too many old people maybe? KG and Pierce are still part of the big three, but for how long?
Maybe it's time for Bradley to shine next to Rondo and Bass?

Can Andre and Holiday stop Rondo ?

This is exciting..... Leggo

Another Journey

I left Europe, and came to the U.S. in January 2010 with a lot of expectations and excitement. When you live in Europe, or other parts of the world, America is where it happens; it’s the place to be no matter what. I do track, and the U.S. is known for their talent in most sports, one of them to be track and field. All of the guys I look up to track wise, Steve Prefontaine, Jeremy Wariner, LaShawn Merritt, Carl Lewis and Tyson Gay are all Americans. Therefore I decided to move here, become a student-athlete. I just graduated after five awesome semesters, being student-athlete was the best experience ever in my life, we got to travel every week to different states and compete. Unfortunately after my first semester until recently I struggled with injuries, it's been on and off. Thank God now it’s off and I'm healthy and will compete this summer in Europe. But traveling, meeting people from everywhere both in the classroom and on the track, competing against raw talent American athletes and other international student-athletes from Scotland, Wales, Brazil, South Africa, Sudan, France, Belgium, Germany and more, new friends everywhere, going on spring-breaks with new American friends...... WoW.......I definitely enjoyed my time here.....Thank you ya'll

Clippers vs Spurs

I wonder who is going to win this series... The two best point guards head to head... Who will win tonight?

Heat vs Pacers

With Chris Bosh suffering an abdominal strain and is out indefinitely, can D Wade & LeBron James secure game 2 of the playoffs? .... I think they might

Papa John's; once a week food

The food you eat once, and only once a week.... Eat this today but workout in the morning.... That way it's balanced out!!!

Women's 4x4

The women's 4x4 was one of the best relays to watch.... East C took it but Memphis girls ran with their heart and pr'd by two seconds which makes them one of the best 4x4 teams in the region and the nation.....

Men's 4x4 Season best

With two hurdles and two 800m guys, we came together and executed a well deserved 4x4 time.... It wasn't the a great time but for only running it twice the whole year, I think we did a pretty good job.... Well done guys

C-USA championships

Here you see the athletes who worked hard the whole season to be part of the 2012 outdoor championship....

We went to conference championships, and man the weather first couple of days was just awful, except late in the evenings. But it got better later on at the weekend, and most importantly on finals Sunday all day...