Author Archive

In this installment of Album of the Week, I’m taking a look back at a relatively recent release, Aesop Rock’s 5^th full length studio album, None Shall Pass (2007).  Aesop Rock is a member of the record label Definitive Jux, and has been a critically acclaimed pioneer of the underground hip-hop movement since he burst on the scene with Music for Earthworms in 1997.  If you haven’t heard much about this artist, his style is very unique, he combines a high-paced flow with an array of articulate, almost poetic bars, the combination of which creates some very dense verses, making it difficult to catch everything the first time around.  Some view this as a downfall, citing the music isn’t very accessible; however, I find that this style generates significant replay ability.  None Shall Pass is no exception to Aesop’s standard, and is a lyrical thrill ride from front to back.  Read more... (492 words, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

I’m still dwelling in the underground of hip-hop for this installment of Album of the Week, Cunninlynguists 3^rd studio album, A Piece of Strange (2005).  First off, if you haven’t heard of this group, you’re really missing out; they have a very distinctive style that rarely misses on any track they put together.  The group mainly consists of the producer Kno and the lyrical talents of Deacon (although they usually are officially listed with three members, with Mr. SOS in the mix for the first two albums, and Natti contributing on the later two so far).  Although I am a huge fan of this group in general, A Piece of Strange stands out as their best complete effort so far; every component of the album fit together seamlessly, making for an exceptional listen from front to back.  Read more... (484 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

For this segment of Album of the Week we’re brushing the dust off of an underground classic here with Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein (2001).  For those that don’t follow the underground scene, Cannibal Ox is a rap duo hailing from Harlem, New York, consisting of Vast Aire and Vordul Mega.  Unfortunately, this is the only full-length studio album from the group, and the solo careers for each were not nearly as potent; however, lightning was definitely trapped in a bottle in this effort.  Read more... (484 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

First off, congrats to Prince Fielder, he put on a pretty damn good show.  The majority of his HRs were simply bombs, well near (and one over) 500 ft., that’s just fun to watch.  Overall, the Derby still is an entertaining event worth tuning in to, but there are some aspects that tend to gnaw at me until I find myself channel surfing before the thing ends.  Read more... (1030 words, estimated 4:07 mins reading time)

With free agency heating up, contenders are looking for one (or more) piece(s) to the championship puzzle. I by no means believe I have the answer to such a fickle riddle, but I can offer a fresh look at how to utilize two players I particularly enjoy watching.  Read more... (607 words, estimated 2:26 mins reading time)

2009 NBA Draft:  Read more... (1609 words, estimated 6:26 mins reading time)