Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.23.10

Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day: 1.23.10
M.D. Wright
1.23.10


***EDITOR'S NOTE: As part of an ongoing series, this is the next in line for the Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day.

Today's Pet Peeve:
(Remember, this is all in fun, people who think I'm being a curmudgeon and complaining need to go play in traffic)

People who say "but uhmm" when attempting to converse, and while I'm there, using the non-word "CONVERSATE" instead of "converse".
The other phrase that goes with that is the reliance upon filler words such as "like" when not describing a person or inanimate object.

1. "But Uhmm" or "But Uhhhh".
Usually uttered when the speaker is at a temporary loss of words or cannot formulate their next thought coherently or quickly enough. I'm not the English Nazi by any stretch, but listening to someone speak for 10 minutes straight using those two sounds is very annoying. My professor Dr. Shelly Brown-Jeffy taught me a useful trick when it comes to avoiding the use of filler while speaking --

IF YOU CAN'T FORMULATE YOUR THOUGHTS, JUST PAUSE. Then start back speaking, but for the love of everything sacred, listening to someone speaking like Mike Leach here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2oOupZM_c

2. "Conversate".
Where did this come from? People trying to seem articulate and not understanding conjugations? WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? I love hearing it the most when the person just KNOWS that it's the proper manner of speaking. Worse yet, when they try to correct you. I nearly died once when this girl tried to correct me straight up and down that 'conversate' is right and 'converse' "just doesn't sound right".

O_o.

3. "Like".
So people are walking metaphors now ha?

Person 1: "Yeah, he's a like... ummm doctor or somethin''.
O_o

Person 2: "But like, isn't he still in school though?"
o_O

Person 3: "You're right, but his girl was saying that like, he works part time outside of school, too."

PASS THE MOTOR OIL. Castrol Syntec 10W-30, preferably.

DISCUSS>>>

NFL Conference Championship Weekend Bettor's Guide

NFL Championship Weekend Bettor's Guide
M.D. Wright
1.23.10


***EDITOR'S NOTE: The AFC and NFC Championship Games will be played at 3:05 PM and 6:45 PM EST respectively on Sunday, January 24, 2010. The AFC/NFC Pro Bowl will be played the following weekend -- BETWEEN the Conference Championships and Super Bowl XLIV.


The picks:


AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AFC Championship


New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

Sunday, January 24, 2010

3:05 PM EST

Over/Under: 40

IND: -8

NYJ: +280

IND: -340

Let's see. If you're a Bettor, you don't like these figures. If you're confident, you at least take the Jets to cover, but that's about it. That O/U is a tease for sure. As much as the game has makings for being a 20-10 Colts win, it could easily end up being 31-23, Colts. If you're confident, I'd stick with the UNDER and hope that the Jets' defense and running game serve as the best defense against Peyton Manning's league-best QB play.

IMPORTANT MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR:

Colts' WR Reggie Wayne vs. Jets' CB Darrelle Revis

Why:

Everyone makes a big deal out of Revis' league-best play at CB with regards to shutting down the absolute best WRs in the NFL. Reggie Wayne is certainly in the Top 5 in NFL WRs (#5 in my book, as of January 2010) and runs some of the most precise routes of any WR in the game. He also has impeccable hands, making some of the best catches of the year perennially.

Revis has "it". And whatever "IT" is... well, he's got it -- as John Madden used to day. He has the speed, his backpedal is by-the-book (as a former CB, I know), he reads the football better than most of the WRs in the game, and whenever the best of the best DO manage to get by him, he has the closing ability to get back into position to make a play on the ball and the WR. He is almost never out of position, even when the Jets are playing zone defense. There is something to be said about that.

Potential Outcome:

While Revis may hold Wayne to 3 or 4 catches and inconsequential yardage, it is incumbent upon the rest of the Jets' secondary to hold Collie, Garçon, Clark and Addai (out of the backfield) in check. The Colts have a multitude of weapons. And while the Chargers certainly  did as well, along with an equally inept running game, the Colts actually do run the ball well when they NEED to. The Chargers don't run the ball well because Tomlinson is declining rapidly and Sproles isn't an every down back. Addai can carry the load and the Jets also have Donald Brown and Mike Hart to shoulder the load a bit with the carries. The Colts will employ a good bit of play action, crossing routes to Dallas Clark to take advantage of the middle of the field left open at times by the attacking defense. Also, look for the Colts' patented "Stretch Play", which is a longtime Colts' staple -- used best against attacking defenses that overpursue at times. They can play action off this and it could catch the Jets' secondary at times. BE ON LOOKOUT FOR THIS.

Matchup #2:

Jets' QB Mark Sanchez vs. Colts' Defensive Line

Why:

The Jets' offensive line is one of the best in the game. They open major holes for Thomas Jones (who doesn't utilize them adequately all the time, but that's another story) and Shonn Greene (who DOES). If there is a play to be had against the Jets' solid offense, it is against the pass protection. LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is going to have his hands full with Mr. Whirling Dervish himself, RE Dwight Freeney. The Colts are at full strength with DT Raheem Brock and LE Robert Mathis ready to go. The Jets' offensive line will have to keep a TE or FB Tony Richardson in the backfield quite a bit to chip block on these fast defensive ends for the Colts. If they are able to get to Sanchez with frequency, it could mean bad decisions by Sanchez, which is really the only way to beat the Jets these days.

Potential Outcome:

If the Jets are able to protect Sanchez and give him time to make his progressions, he can make ALL the throws and has not been making rookie mistakes after a bumpy middle of the season. This could mean big days for both the running backs and receivers. And this only serves to inspire their defense, which is always chomping at the bit, due to the feisty nature of head coach Rex Ryan, who basically took the spirit of the Ravens' defense and brought it to New York.

Matchup #3:

Colts' QB Peyton Manning vs. Jets' Defense

Why:

Manning plays mind games with aggressive defenses. He likes to get to them to show their looks pre-snap, read it, audible and make checkdowns based upon what the defense gives him. While this sometimes only yields 6 yard passes in the flat, or a square out to one of the receivers, what it serves to accomplish is slow down the opposing defense, causing them to think -- as opposed to what a defense would rather do: REACT INSTINCTIVELY. Those half-steps and false steps are all Manning needs to get the ball to his receivers. And once the defense begins to sway one way, the running game can get going, and the play-action after that. This is what the Colts will be seeking to do offensively on Sunday. If they are able to do these things, the Jets will always be a step behind Coach Manning.

Potential Outcome:

The Jets have the opportunity to blitz FS Kerry Rhodes or CB Lito Sheppard at times to throw off Manning's timing, but it would have to be timed perfectly. The Colts' line is very athletic and still employs a zone blocking scheme. This enables them to catch the 4th rusher in a 3-4 alignment in space, as well as another rusher from the secondary. Sacks can be had off Manning, and he can throw interceptions if the blitz is disguised perfectly, but the key will be WHEN and WHERE the Jets send their blitzers. Not IF, because the Jets blitz more than anyone in the NFL and are proud of it. 

If RB Joseph Addai and company are able to keep the Jets' defense honest with the running game, which the Colts will come out and try to establish early, then this game may very well go UNDER. But the Colts would prefer to get out early and play with it a lead, as opposed to having the Jets play keep away (although the Dolphins tried this earlier this season and still lost -- while managing to keep the football for 45 minutes; which is unheard of) all game.

In short, it will be tough to beat the Colts, especially at home, but the Jets fear no one and are up to the task. They will at LEAST cover, but I just do not feel 100% confident in picking them over the relatively healthy Colts, and I never pick against Manning.

Pick:

NY Jets          17

Indianapolis    23

FINAL

---------------------

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

NFC Championship

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

The Louisiana Superdome

New Orleans, Louisiana

Sunday, January 24, 2010

6:45 PM EST

Over/Under: 53.5

NO: -3.5

MIN: +165

NO: -190

So the Vikes are road dogs? I remember the Vikes playing the Saints back in '88 in the Superdome in the Saints' first ever playoff game. While this team is markedly better (especially offensively, as Jim Mora only had a passing interesting in innovative offense while Saints' Head Coach from 1985-1996), the Vikes are still the better team top to bottom in my opinion.

For you who think that "WHO DAT?!" chant is new... no, it's not.

Footage from the first Saints' home game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o60t89P7r2k

 -- which was classic, because I was 9 years old and had my favorite broadcasting team on the call: PAT SUMMERALL AND JOHN MADDEN. It was fun to see the Saints do much like they did last weekend, play off the home crowd early (LB Rickey Jackson got a sack to start this game) and then they got blown out ha. While I think the Vikes will win, it won't be a blowout simply because the Saints' offense is so potent.

Sean Payton STUNK as a player, dirty little traitor SCAB who played during the 1987 Player's Association Strike:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJYe4m-OvNQ

And you won't hear him admitting this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dWAvUJB_cM (fast forward to :25 seconds in) after the game.

BUT NONETHELESS, HERE IS MY ANALYSIS:

I think Vegas was right with the O/U and wrong by making the Vikes road dogs. The Vikes are on a mission and they are not going to be deterred. Jared Allen is unstoppable (especially with who the Saints feature along their offensive line). Kevin Williams may be dinged up, but he will get after Brees quite a bit, and even big ol' Pat Williams was running down Felix Jones last week vs. Dallas. The Saints just have to hope Brees has the time to get the ball downfield, because much like Tony Romo had been playing relatively well leading up to the Divisional game vs. Minnesota, Brees is doing the same. And few people thought the Vikings would thoroughly dominate the Cowboys' offensive line and flummox Romo all day. No one thinks Brees can be had http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m_G2Xf3NnQ, but I believe the Saints are in for a long day and the Vikes are going to do Brees much of the same that they did to Romo and much like the underrated Vikes' defense did to the Saints in the '88 NFC Wild Card Playoff 22 years ago.

Pick:

Minnesota           38

New Orleans      23

FINAL

--------------------------

PRO BOWL IN ONE WEEK.

SUPER BOWL XLIV: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 6:28 PM EST

Miami, Florida

The New York City Metropolitan TRAINWRECK Authority

The New York City Metropolitan TRAINWRECK Authority
M.D. Wright
1.19.10


***EDITOR'S NOTE: As some of you know, the New York City MTA (that's Transit, not Trainwreck, of course) decided to yank the free metro program for students. Many students rely upon free bus and subway fare in order to get to school.


I don't understand this. The MTA has proven to be a racket over the past 15 years. Pretty much since the original inception of the MetroCard (not long after Giuliani became Mayor), they've gone off the deep end with the 2nd set of books that we in New York all know they have.


What is the point of doing this? All this does is give license to on-the-fence students who sometimes consider skipping school, but mostly don't -- to go ahead and skip. Most parents (especially those with more than one child) cannot afford to pay (at least) $4.50 in round-trip fare for their child(ren) to go to school and other activities daily. That's over $100 a month, at the very least. PER CHILD. Not to mention their own costs of getting around in this city.


Again, I can't complain TOO harshly, because other cities with subway and train service pay based upon the distance traveled. The more savvy straphangers among us can get from Kennedy Airport to catch a dollar van at the Mt. Vernon/Bronx border on $2.25. I can even get from Tottenville on Staten Island (the southernmost point in New York City) to 241st St. in the Bronx (again, the Mt. Vernon/Yonkers border with the Bronx) on that same amount, but what about those who have multiple transfers and have to go to work and/or school and extra-curricular activities afterward? It's already exorbitantly costly to live in New York as it is. What is the point of doing this, again I ask? What of this?


The MTA workers -- I swear they don't want to work -- they're always threatening strikes or cutting service, reducing train and bus services, re-routing express and local lines more than I can ever remember and making it a veritable NIGHTMARE to use the subway after midnight -- when in the 90s, back when you still had the option to use tokens -- you could still get around relatively quickly late nights. I've sat on line for an hour waiting for a train to come each of the past 4 weekends. And being out on Staten Island for the next few weeks, and having been out here since the summer, that is NOT fun. That's why I don't come out to parties and what not (for those who invite me and wonder why I never show, understand that please -- it's not personal! The commute back is DREADFUL, especially if the express buses to Staten Island aren't running).


Anyway, as someone who is underemployed and relies totally upon public transportation for the time being, I'm being affected just as much as these students will be. Just so the MTA can save a few bucks (they make a million a day, I'm pretty certain -- and that's on the conservative side).


Look at what the rates are:


1. Single Ride: $2.25
2. Express Bus (Unlimited): $45/week
3. Unlimited Rides (Except Express Buses): $89/month.


The other rates are usually for our visitors, but since there is no subway for Staten Island and the ferry is as unreliable as most people have become nowadays, traveling is a female dog. And that's putting it lightly. You pay out of the wazoo and get such s----y (I'm trying so hard to stop cursing, bare with me).

I have an Unlimited Rides Metro that I received as a gift on December 21. I still have not found a job yet. I have an interview tomorrow and another Wednesday. My Unlimited Metro expires Thursday the 21st at midnight. I have ZERO idea how I am going to get around after that. The MTA certainly isn't helping.


DISCUSS>>>

Fun Pet Peeves Of The Day

Fun Pet Peeves Of The Day
M.D. Wright
1.18.10


***EDITOR'S NOTE: As The Sports Guy, I come across all kinds of funny remarks, misspellings, malapropisms and most notably, people COMPLETELY BUTCHERING TEAM NAMES HA. This will serve as a quick blurb about the latter. Feel free to add any additional common misspellings and butcherings that I may have missed.


Some of my favorites include:


1. "MIAMI HEATS".


I could've sworn they were inaugurated as the "Miami Heat" when the city of Miami was granted an NBA franchise in 1988. But you could've fooled me. What I miss???


2. "ORLANDO MAGICS".


In the same vein, sounds like some old person from northeast North Carolina that adds an "s" to EVERYTHING, even when it may already be pluralized. I enjoy listening to old people talk sometimes for this reason.


The thing is, I most often hear this from people under 25 ha.


3. Whenever someone just adds an "s" to the CITY that the team plays in.


Example: "The CLEVELANDS" or "The DENVERS".


WHERE THEY DO THAT AT???


4. A lot of teams have abbreviated versions of their names that are used mostly on sports message boards or as shorthand on social networking sites.


Example:


a. Minnesota Vikings = VIKES.
Example of fan butchering: "VIKS".
HUHHHHHHHHHH!!!


How do you butcher an already abbreviated nickname ha?




5. This one isn't really a pet peeve, but when sports fans don't recognize local/regional nicknames for their teams, it's kind of funny to me. You all have seen me type some of these, but some of the others are mockings from pronunciations used by journalists and broadcasters that I've heard over the years.


Examples of local/regional nicknames:


a. Philadelphia Eagles.
Local usage: "IGGLES".


b. New York Giants
Local usage: "JINTS".


c. Just FYI (for those who think Giants fans are a bunch of elitists, the Giants football team was incorporated in 1925, many years after the baseball team with the same name had been incorporated in New York also. The baseball team moved to San Francisco following the 1957 season, but the football team kept their incorporated name. Chris Berman made it popular to say it once again while hosting "NFL Primetime" from 1987-2007.


Whenever you hear us say "The New York FOOTBALL Giants" just remember that's where it comes from.


d. San Diego Super Chargers.


Example/Local usage: BOLTS. Just a play on the fact that their logo is a lightning bolt. Self-explanatory. The "Super" comes in from their theme song that dates back to 1979, which they still play at home games at Qualcomm Stadium.


Here is a link for that song, which I love, as you all know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDiCxhtGMhc


As always, I'm not perfect, and I'm sure I've left some things out. FEEL FREE TO ADD.
DISCUSS>>>

Grumblings About New York State Public Assistance Programs

Grumblings About New York State Public Assistance Programs
M.D. Wright
1.18.10

***EDITOR'S NOTE: I am being more introspective with my writing than ever in 2010. I've always been transparent, as those of you who know me personally can attest to fully. But maybe there is a purpose in my trials after all. Well, not that there was any doubt, but the purpose itself never had been CLEAR previously -- while trying to overturn every rock and stone and struggling to figure it out.

I have a real gripe with the infrastructure of New York State's Public Assistance Programs. When I graduated from UNCG and came back to New York, I couldn't afford to go back to Harlem and stay with my cousin, because I would have had to pay rent every month (and with no job lined up, due to the ridiculous economic situation and most of my networking contacts losing their mid-high level jobs THEMSELVES over the past 3 years), that wasn't an option. So I came out to Staten Island. I had spent a couple of summers out here before, so I wasn't a stranger to the island, but you know I'm like a fish out of water since Uptown is my playground.

Anyway, I brought my younger cousin Josh up here for the first time and showed him around all of north Jersey, all five boroughs, a little of Yonkers and Mt. Vernon and went up to Palisades Mall. Showed him many of the landmarks and what not. You know me, I love to drive and I know the city like the back of my hand, so I played tour guide all summer (my baby cousin Jasmyn came up a few weeks later and spent the summer and I did the same with her). While I was doing this, I interviewed with a day camp out on Staten Island that a ex-friend had suggested that I apply for. I got the job on the spot. The pay was awful, but I didn't have any options, since I had completely depleted my savings paying for school out of pocket for the past 4 years.

I moved in with my aunt out in the Harbor (Mariner's Harbor for those not familiar with Staten Island) and immediately I began getting frustrated. My social life took a huge hit, because it takes forever to get anyplace. Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, (and to the south) New Brunswick and our church -- are only 15-20 air miles away, but would take me 2+ hours to get there. ONE WAY. Most of my old and newer friends either live Uptown in Harlem, Washington Heights or the Bronx, and a few in Brooklyn and Queens and out on Long Island. I only have about 2 or 3 friends on Staten Island and they live on the complete opposite side of the island. Let's just say, despite June being pretty good, the rest of the summer was a nightmare. The camp took up so much of my time that I got off work there (sweaty from running behind kids 8 hours every day) and couldn't get to the city (or anyplace on SI) to interview for a real job during business hours. I couldn't take a day off besides the one I knew I would need to go down south to close out the lease on my apartment from UNCG. So I had to bide my time. I am a big proponent of "time is money" and being able to maximize your time for what you do with an employer. If you're barely getting paid above minimum wage and your employer is trying to find ways to skirt the rules and not pay you (more on that later) then you're royally screwed and wasting your time.

Nevertheless, I did the job. I worked two full months. Lost plenty of weight. It wasn't a total waste of time, as I went from 208 lbs when I graduated (due to being injured and unable to work out after breaking my back in 2007 and having surgery in 2008) to 177 when I got fired in mid-August. The director trumped up a bunch of BS lies and excuses, claiming I had bullied a kid (what??? WHERE THEY DO THAT AT???) and pulled an Al Davis and fired me "with cause" -- mostly because they didn't want to pay me the $800 that was due to me. I was warned beforehand that the camp does this kind of thing. I went in, did my job, did everything they asked me, did OTHER PEOPLES' job, plus the extra task of being the basketball instructor that the camp owner HIMSELF delegated me for. I didn't complain, I didn't moan and groan. I worked with a smile on my face, had fun with the kids and even the kid that they claim reported me was upset that I had gotten fired, because everyone knows I did nothing wrong.

At this point, things began to get even more foul. I got fired for the first time in my life (everyone who knows me knows my work ethic, dedication, lack of absenteeism and dependability -- i.e. no one has reason to ever fire me from every job unless it's personal) and while that stung, I did have an opportunity to look for jobs and interview, with a little (AND I DO MEAN A LITTLE) cash to buoy me until I found something. Being ever-optimistic, I thought this would last 2-3 weeks, maybe a month max, and I'd be good bread.

FAST FORWARD SIX MONTHS...

I'm still in the same boat. Depleted my savings. Sold everything of worth that I have (even this POS laptop, on its last legs, is worthless). Now student loans have come calling. I've been out of school six months. I owe UNCG $425 for a health bill dating back to APRIL 2008. But given how I hadn't had a job since November 2006 (and that was a 20 HR/PT job while I was trying to sell my car and still be able to EAT), I couldn't pay the balance to UNCG. This precludes me from beginning my Masters or entering Law School. I'm stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place and I'm tight about it.

Every way that I turn, I see a road block and it has to do with not having the funds to do it.

-- Can't start my graduate career, because of the aforementioned reasons ALONG WITH not being able to pay for it even if one of the CUNY schools let me in.

-- Can't move, because I don't have verifiable income.

-- Can't get a job, for reasons I've yet to fully understand.

-- Can't get on top of my debts because I don't have income.

-- Won't be able to get to interviews after Thursday, because I'm completely wiped out and I've used up my favors with my friends (everyone hates moochers, including myself, so...) there will be no more unlimited Metro (my ticket to interviews). Having an unlimited saves tons of money, because paying per-ride is at least $4.50 per day, and that's if you don't have two transfers -- in many cases I do, especially when I have to interview in Brooklyn. That's another reason I do not like being on this island. The island itself is fine, for what it is and if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn or just want to avoid being on top of all your neighbors and seeing criminal activity greet you at your front door daily (LITERALLY), but outside of a few young punks trying to act tough here and there, I swear I have never had any of these problems in Harlem nor out in Brooklyn when I was living out there years ago.

I got an unlimited as a gift December 21 and they run for a month, so it expires this Thursday at 11:59 PM. I have two interviews this week (Tuesday and Wednesday respectively), but after that, it really gets sketchy.

Knowing this, I began following up even more fervently with New York State. I thought for SURE someone underemployed as I have been would qualify for worthwhile programs. God knows I spent years paying into social security (couldn't get disability when I broke my back, even though I was out of commission for 18 months with regards to ability to do work without substantial pain or accommodations as per my doctor) and unemployment insurance. Why is it that both New York State and North Carolina Unemployment Offices want to act funny with YOUR money? They tell you that you MUST call in order to verify benefits and what not, but the line is automated, no one ever answers and the off chance you actually get someone, they never handle the situation properly -- necessitating another callback (or three). I filed unemployment in NYS in August when I was fired. They dragged their feet for two months before claiming I hadn't earned enough.

Then the President passed the legislation to extend benefits in November. So I kept filing. I was due 42 total weeks of unemployment. I haven't received a dime. They continue to stall, asking me to verify this or that, which I've complied with each and every time. I still haven't seen a dime. The last bit of BS paperwork I received asked me to explain what I had done since I last worked and what was my last date of work. The paperwork went to Albany (our state capital). Just 3 hours up the Hudson River. That was sent off 3 1/2 weeks ago. STILL NOTHING. They know what I've done and everything's been in the system since August. WHAT ON EARTH???

As far as getting Food Stamps goes, no longer is there a stigma involved. YOU GOTTA EAT. When you can't use connections to get a job, and no one will hire you on merit, and your f'n state doesn't do its job, what else can you do??? The f'ed up thing is that I live with my aunt, who makes the ever-soul-killing "too much to qualify" (even with 5 of us living here) for me to claim benefits. I'm no liar, so I'm not going to disqualify myself from receiving any other benefits (or be fined, imprisoned, etc. by the State) in the future, but this is just ridiculous.

Maybe I'm going through all this so I will never be able to forget what it's like to go without. I grew up privileged. Not rich, not EVEN. But I had everything I needed and almost everything I wanted. If my parents didn't do it, my great aunt Mary (we called her "Aunt Suke") or other family members always hooked me up. I was so thirsty (the only time I'm thirsty is over money, not women ha) that I was DYING to work the day I turned 16 and became eligible to work. I began working 3 weeks after my 16th birthday, even though I was an eyesore with the Erythrodermic Psoriasis and in pain 24/7. I worked as much as they would allow me to, and I continued to supplant what I would get from my parents and relatives with my own pay and always had the newest Mikes, Timbos, Air Maxes, colognes, gear, etc. That only increased as I got older and continued to work. Even landing a job that paid me more than most of my counterparts CURRENTLY make.

So going through this now is an extreme turn of events. I was never arrogant nor selfish (I gave people rides across town in my brand new car and didn't ask for any handouts for gas or what have you -- again, I love to drive and I love to help people; thought nothing of it) and everyone who knows me knows this. So the "needing to be humbled" aspect isn't in play here. I've been humble after nearly dying TWICE, you kind of come off all the invincibility and puffed-upness (yeah, I made that up) that most young men go through. That is not to be confused with supreme confidence, because having gone through 4 years of being mocked, scorned and ostracized, you either come out a p---y and quit on life; pulling a Columbine or commit suicide, or you MAN UP and develop ironclad confidence in yourself. Some peripheral people mistake my aura and confidence as arrogance, but I am only concerned with those who know me and what they think.

I explained all that because I know inevitably someone's going to say "well Mike, maybe you just needed to be humbled".

Whatever.

Anyway, I definitely have an even greater respect for the cats in the street hustling legally or illegally (I always had respect for both, living here and down south during my life). YOU HAVE TO. Especially when this joke of a State doesn't have the checks in place for its failing infrastructure. I would estimate 65% of the people who use Public Assistance ABUSE IT. Meaning, that while they qualify on paper, and some genuinely need it, a good number sell their Food Stamps for cash, some lie on their Section 8, some augment their prior income to cheat the Unemployment benefits. You name it. MEANWHILE, the people for whom the spirit of the programs were intended CAN'T EVER BENEFIT; either because the State has become so stringent due to widespread fraud or the rules and regulations put in place don't take into account outstanding situations (again, my aunt, being near retirement has maxed out at her position and makes far too much for me to qualify, yet there are three GROWN teenagers here who do not work and have needs, and she is the sole provider with me out of work; these things aren't taken into account when you go to the Food Stamps office.

So in short, I don't qualify for anything but unemployment and now I'm at the absolute brink of being shut in until A MIRACLE occurs. God Bless You to my friends who have helped me out in a pinch when I needed it, I really appreciate it, but more than anything as a MAN I want and NEED to work, not just for cash, but for morale's sake -- any living, breathing man who says he doesn't want to work (or exhibits a lack of desire to do so) is a CERTIFIED SLOUCH AND SHOULDN'T LIVE.

Anyway, I believe now and from now on I will always be able to relate to the less fortunate as I reach the apex of my career and fulfill my purpose down the line. Not that I ever needed it, because I had long said that I wanted to offer pro bono services for those who usually get overlooked and don't have the best in financial and legal representation (of which I will provide to professional athletes and other entertainers once I finish Law School). But now more than ever I will definitely have that bond and perspective and no one will ever be able to question my sincerity when I tell them simply:

"I UNDERSTAND".

But New York State? As Keyshawn Johnson says on ESPN: "CAMMONE MANNNNN"
And North Carolina (I filed there, also, since I had a claim on file): HUHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! CHILD PLEASE WITH ALL THE AUTOMATED NUMBERS THAT LEAD TO THE SAME DEAD END. PAY. UP. THE. END!!!

DISCUSS>>>

The Cycle

The Cycle
M.D. Wright
1.16.07

***Editor's Note: In the ongoing quest to become gainfully employed again, I am examining every aspect of the process.

Quick question. This won't even be one of my patented 5 page columns. I just want to know how and when the cycle is supposed to end for some people.

If you once had an excellent credit score (as I did - 815), worked full-time, went to school full-time, built a business and served as a ministry leader (as I did for 2 1/2 years - simultaneously) your work ethic is the least of your worries.

But say your business endeavors fail? And you devour your savings paying bills and college-related costs, incurring mounds of debt through trying to build the businesses and student loans? What do you do?

The natural inclination is to get a job and stop the torrent. But after months (now years) of being unable to pay credit card debts and having to sell your sole means of transportation, it becomes a vicious cycle:

You need a job but lack reliable transportation.
You need money to get a car.
You need a job to be able to afford a car.
You need good credit to get a job in 2010.
You lost your credit when your business failed.

Where does it stop?

Now you see why many people, good business plan or not, fear starting businesses -- especially if it means leaving their staid working environment to do so.

DISCUSS>>>

Selfishness: What Purpose Does It Serve?

Selfishness: What Purpose Does It Serve?
M.D. Wright
1.15.10

***EDITOR'S NOTE: This will be written in free form, not as a column as usual.

Selfishness. What Purpose Does It Serve? It only has one: to destroy the person who is selfish (and as a by-product, the person(s) they're depriving while being selfish).

Let us count the ways:

Selfishness causes people to not share when they have an abundance (never mind when they have little and would rather clutch on to that little than share).
Example: A lot of the people I see in Midtown every day.

Selfishness causes people to jump from relationship to relationship and never committing.
Example: Many 18-24 year old females.

Selfishness causes a person to lie, cheat and steal to get what they want.
Example: Almost any modern professional baseball player.

Selfishness causes a great majority of the disputes in a marriage, because one or both involved wants their way without compromise.
Example: One wants to shop, fine dine and travel, or the other wants to spend money on ball games and gambling.

Selfishness causes one to think they can go through life without helping others.
Example: Stepping over the homeless, talking about them as if they are less than human and not even offering them a bite to eat.

Selfishness causes people to think they can go through life without the HELP of others and gives way to arrogance.
Example: Those who claim they pulled themselves up by the boot straps to get where they are.

Selfishness causes people to make commitments, break them and justify them all in one breath.
Example: People who get divorced repeatedly, never assess why that is, "swingers", people who spit and scoff at marriage, while they sleep around and have sex with members of the same sex thinking there is no consequence just because they refuse the marriage commitment.

DISCUSS>>>

Boss Of All Bosses, Pt. II: A Review

Boss Of All Bosses, Pt. II: A Review
M.D. Wright
1.14.10

***EDITOR'S NOTE: Part II of the Review for Boss Of All Bosses, as promised.

I'll get right to it, since I've spun it about 3 times since it dropped on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The cheap/ridiculous PhotoShop effort by the 6th grader on this cover is laughable, but hey, it's Cam being cheap again, what else is new?

1. "Intro".

As always, Cam's Intros are straight piffery. With virtually no lead-in, Vado comes in rapid fire with that WHITE. Cam'ron follows suit with the same Brooke Shields flow. Perfect set-up for the album. If the (two) U.N. albums are anything like these mixtapes have been lately, Dipset is BACK -- just minus the two traitors. This music almost sounded like some vintage Oakland Raiders theme song music, with Cam ending the intro with a facetious:

"Ta-da!"

ha. You gotta love it.

Rating: 5/5.

2. "We Back".

Somewhat of an extended intro. Cam talking trash, his usual talk.

Cam: "Todd Bizzy... congrats on the new position, no homo... you the illest n---a in math since 'Rain Man'... might gotta call you Dustin Hoffman... nah you probably got more money than Dustin" HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Rating: 5/5.

3. "Always Made It".

Typical Araab Muzik beat. Almost kills the track in this case, though. I don't like the vocal lift nor that stupid fake synth drum loop going in the background. It reeks of "cheap". I know Cam likes to skimp on beats, but come on now. Beats are supposed to augment the song, not take away the lyrics.

I love how Cam works lyrics about sports into songs. Too bad these cats nowadays have no idea what he's talking about. You have to be 25 and above to catch a lot of these references (he mentions the Showtime Lakers and the vintage UNLV squads that featured Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony, etc.)

I like Vado's hook and as you know YOU WIN (U.N.)

Rating: 5/5.

4. "Point The Finger".

I was starting to like this mixtape more than the first one after the second listen. The beat is nothing spectacular, but it doesn't impede the song itself. Cam is on a different wave now and it's a good thing.

Vado continues to shine, proving that he isn't one-dimensional and can ride any beat. When you can do that, talk about things that listeners care about, you have mounds of potential. Can't wait until the U.N. albums drop. He needs to chill with the "HAAAAAAAAAAA" unless he's going to give me publishing, pay me royalties and that's with 7 POINTS! Yeah, I want POINTS anytime uses my material ha.

Low blow metaphor that may go over youngins' heads, is on point but also made me stop and go "oh." in a bad way:

Vado: "This is why I'm hot like Mims, I been fire... expensive threads, yes I spend the highest... blowin' bread, fallin' over to death like Len Bias". OUCH. Len Bias was at the University of Maryland and was going to be with the Boston Celtics what LeBron James STILL ISN'T (YET). That was my dude. I remember the news breaking and it being all the talk amongst my dad and uncles back in '86 that Len Bias had passed away shortly after the 1986 NBA Draft after "blowing bread" as Vado says here.

Otherwise, GREAT track.

Rating: 4.5/5.

5. "Nuthin' Like Araab Muzik".

This song is okay, the beat is trash though, and it's tough for me to take a track seriously, regardless of the lyrical prowess (of which both Cam'ron and Vado bring on every track of this album). I believe this is the main reason it took a while for "Killa Season" to grow on me fully (no homo).

Rating: 2.5/5.

6. "U Right - Skit".

Cam is a go-to man when it comes to funny skits. This chick, who is usually on Cam's skits goes in once again. Cam just deadpans "you right" while she moans and groans the entire time ha. Good for a bunch of laughs.

Rating: 5/5.

7. "Stop It Slime".

STOP IT SLIIIIIIIIIIIIME!!! I usually hate when local slang gets put into a title of a song, because outta town cats will be saying it OD much. But for those of you who have heard me say "stop it 5" or "what up slime", well, it isn't code or anything profound like some people think. Just another way to say "what's goodie" and that's it. Ain't got nothing to do with the cops and while B's in Harlem started it, it's not exclusive to them. An old head in midtown accosted me and tried to sell me some of his bum music recently, for instance.

This is just "Stop It 5" with a different title and a couple of mixing edits, since it did not make the cut for Boss Of All Bosses, Pt. I.

Vado: "You peel onions? Let's go pie for pie... I hit him like Dolph Lundgren, 'if he dies, he dies'...HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA".

Vado: "Ain't hard to find... but I'm probably now... got more hooks and punches than a Rocky round... get them pounds from Houston of that Bobby Brown... copy my style, I'm Mayweather, you Pacquiao..."

Cam: "You got gay friends? Me? I got some lesbians... man you ain't just a actor.. you a THESPIAN..."

Rating: 5/5*.
*(TIE) Favorite Track.

8. "They Feelin' Us".

Araab Muzik and his engineers need to do better, but I like the guy as a producer. I don't want to make anyone think otherwise. Part of the blame for some of these beats goes to Cam'ron for beat SELECTION. This is like a lite version of "Get 'em Girls" in a way.

Love the Kanye reference by Cam, BTW ha.

Rating: 3.5/5.

9. "Bezel Up".

I like this one. The mini intro lead-in was poppin'. Vado with the Royal Rumble references... "Royal Rumble, EVERYBODY in the ring!" Decent beat and top shelf flow by both Vado and Cam.

Rating: 4/5.

10. "A-Mafia" (Featuring A-Mafia).

WELCOME HOME A-MAFIA!

I love the beat. I love the references to Mars Blackmon, Chick Fil-A ha, etc.

Cam: "Seen Martha Stewart (where?)... at Martha's Vineyard"
Cam: "The chick house... her son pesterin' (what he want???)... he keep knockin' at the door... damn, let him in (s---)" ha.

Vado: "My presence big, I'm like the rap Shaq O'Neal... --- ... where I'm from, everybody look like they got a rapper's deal" ha.

I'm just glad to hear A-Mafia again, honestly. JUST LISTEN TO THESE DUDES SPIT!

Rating: 5/5.

11. "They Holla Ayo".

Cheap beats. Sounds like something off... uhh, nevermind. He is still my dude, so I won't rip JR Writer, but this sounds like one of his beats. If this weren't a mixtape, I'd be concerned. But then again, you don't have to get samples cleared if you're not distributing the music for sale. That's what baffles me about Part II of Boss of All Bosses, this is not a Cam'ron beat. Vado, on the other hand, can ride any beat.

And the hook is annoying.

Rating: 2/5.

12. "U Right (Skit II)".

More of the previous skit ha. "Arrite u right" ha.

Rating: 5/5.

13. "Ooh Baby".

This is my favorite track off this album. It is a typical, vintage, classic Dipset chipmunk beat. Perfect song ("Dedicated To The One I Love" by The Shirelles) chosen for the sample. Cam's narration at the beginning takes you back to when you could still hop the turnstiles on the subway and hop on the bus through the back door (if you caught a packed bus ha) and we still used TOKENS to get on the subway. I personally think he's lying about having not been on the subway since tokens were in, but hey, I remember those days and when the MetroCards first got introduced (they were optional back then). I saved my last 3 tokens for years until I lost them in all the moving I've done since.

This song just causes you to think of good times and you can easily lose sight of these double metaphors and the local slang they are using here if you start becoming wistful about the halcyon days of the 80s and 90s that the beat elicits from you.

Cam'ron: "I'm from the Graffiti/Raymo (from Beat Street) era" ha.

Vado: "Alexander Wang... or maybe Helmut Lang... Givenchy, Philip Lim, that's just to name some names..."

Vado: "I love rugby to death, made that my baby's name... cancel a chick over champagne like Flava Flav... HAAAAAAAAAAA".

YOU WIN (U.N.)

Rating: 5/5*.
*(TIE) Favorite Song.

14. "Get Away".

Vado is my son. You already know that. The Mobb Deep sample from the song of the same name is enough to make you love this song.

Rating: 4/5.

15. "Nothing Personal".

So everyone seems to like this song. It's decent. Doesn't stand out to me, but you know the sound that I favor over all the others that appear on Dipset albums, but overall, this song does hit hard. Some subtle metaphors here too, by the way.

Rating: 4.5/5.

16. "Movin' Raw".

Young Nico loves this one. I love the beat. I love the slow flow. Man you know a song/album is good when it makes me want to start back writing and doing random 16s to go into the booth with if dudes were trying to get on a song. Love the hook, hilarious as it is ha.

Rating: 4.5/5.

17. "Do Wrong".

I LOVE THIS SAMPLE. The vocal is hilarious. I know this song, but again, the title slips my mind. Feel free to interject. She goes "I got the devil in me, I'm gonna do wrong tonight" ha. It goes perfectly with the subject matter here. Vado is gonna blow if they use this buildup and hype properly throughout 2010. You already know Cam still got fans (even the ones who go out of their way to comment on YouTube videos ha).

JUST LISTEN TO THOSE DOUBLE PHORS BY VADO IN THE FIRST VERSE.

Cam mentions "Johnny Sack (Sacrimone)" from The Sopranos. CLASSIC.

Rating: 4.75/5.

18. "Lonely".

Another great sample. "Baby... baby... baby... baby... pleaseeeee... don't you leave me lonely!"

Vado sounds like Juelz sometimes, I swear. He carries this entire track himself, no Cam. No Clips. No cameos.

Vado: "Leave you? WHERE THEY DO THAT AT??? GW Cross Bridgin', Fort Lee-livin', Edgewater, River Road, GT ignition... MTV Cribs Felipe in the kitchen..."

LOVE IT.

19. "U Right (Skit III)"

LMAO. JUST LISTEN TO IT. If you don't laugh, I'll do your taxes for free this year ha. She's FRIED because he got her tight by saying "U RIGHT" over and over ha.

Rating: 5/5.

20. "Whistle"

WHO DOESN'T LOVE THE "TETRIS" SAMPLE???

Man these beats were so much better than Part I at times, but they got me with the samples on this one.

Vado: "I move with property buyers, I own like how the powder did buyers... my Shammgod jersey, Providence Friars..."

Vado: "Broke can't happen, like seein' Iverson 6th man... haaaaaaaaaaaaaa".

Just let this joint play a few times. It will grow on you (nh).

Rating: 4.5/5.

OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5.

DISCUSS>>>

Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day

Pet Peeve Phrase Of The Day
M.D. Wright
1.14.10

***EDITOR'S NOTE: In continuing my previous day's rant about cliché phrases that may be overused, I am adding my latest installation for the day. Be informed that there may be days where I do several of these, and there will be days where I will not have any at all, but I'm sure, as always, most of you can relate.

TODAY'S PET PEEVE PHRASE:

"IT IS WHAT IT IS".

I'm not the type of person who is a curmudgeon like Andy Rooney. I do this lightheartedly, but this one got a lot of play this past decade. It might have been the most used go-to phrase from 2001-2009.

There is nothing new under the sun, so I'm sure this was used by more than a few people in the past, but the FIRST person who I heard uttering it on a consistent basis was then-New York Football Giants' Defensive Coordinator John Fox. Once he left to coach the Carolina Panthers after the 2001 season, he began to say it almost weekly on ESPN and local shows in North Carolina. It was becoming such a staple of his, that people expected him to say it (regardless of whether the Panthers lost or not).

SIDE NOTE: I miss the years when John Fox was with us. I remember his first season as our defensive coordinator and how the defense spent the previous season LITERALLY bickering with the Giants' offense on local TV and in interviews at times on ESPN. I don't recall hearing Fox use the phrase whenever he was on WFAN ("The FAN" to us here locally in New York) back in the '97, but it seemed to be his trademark phrase years later.

However, I digress. Given the Giants' defensive coordinator woes at the moment, 10 years after Fox left, I am more wistful with each passing day as our defense was great every year under Foxy, with studs such as Michael Strahan, Jessie Armstead, Keith Hamilton and Phillippi Sparks.

Once Foxy became the guy tagged as the most ardent (ab)user of the phrase, you began hearing it EVERYPLACE. Actors, coaches in both college and professional sports, top players throughout professional sports, even college players who could barely put one coherent sentence together could manage a simple "IT IS WHAT IT IS".

Is there any other phrase that you have heard more than this one since 2000? I wanna know ha.

DISCUSS>>>

Boss Of All Bosses, Pt. I: A Review

Boss Of All Bosses, Pt. I: A Review
M.D. Wright
1.14.09

***EDITOR'S NOTE: I will be compiling a brief review of both Boss Of All Bosses mixtapes by Cam'ron & DJ Drama, featuring Vado, Charlie Clips, Rick Ross, et. al.

It's still DIPSET/U.N. -- Dipset is never over.

TRACK LIST
1. "Intro".

As Cam fans know, he is the absolute dean of Intros and Skits. Boss Of All Bosses starts out with a short and sweet string of sarcasm with Killa pontificating that he doesn't use any social networking -- as only Cam can: "I don't Twitter, I don't MySpace, I don't Facebook... if you wanna see me, see me in the street" ha.

Rating: 4/5. (Brevity)

2. "Pop Off".

I love this track. Araab Muzik is on his own wave with his beats on this mixtape. From the very beginning when Cam'ron declares "Araab Muzik, let's go!" the track goes IN. There are so many quotables from the very first bars and throughout. Vado was on something else here, because he thoroughly murdered this beat.

"And I ain't wit the autotunes, but if you ain't a rapper, then what yo ass gonna do? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (he stole that from me, as those of you on Facebook know -- I use "ha" and all of its variants quite frequently, and have done so for well over a year now ha).

Rating: 5/5.

3. "Drama".

Lyrically, the track is okay. I like the sample (or apparent sample -- sounds like action movie music from the 80s) and the patented Araab Muzik eagle cry in the background. For some reason, it just doesn't do all that much for me. One of my least favorite tracks on the mixtape.

Cam does use chat lingo, though... "like W. T. F... what the f---???" ha.

Rating: 3/5.

4. "La Bamba".

This was one of the first songs I heard leaked for the mixtape. At first, I didn't take it seriously, but after a while I began to appreciate it. I had grown tired of the ultra-slow songs. But listening to the lyrics were just crazy. It built to a crescendo at the end. Cam did his thing, but Vado WAS BANANAS on here. Definitely one of my three favorite tracks on here. HUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Rating: 5/5.

5. "Ric Flair".

Ha. Cam would make a song referring to Ric Flair. PAY ATTENTION! And he kills me with the ad-libs -- always with the conversation within the lyrics:

Cam'ron: "Put you next door to Mike Jack... roommate Redd Foxx (YES!)... I'm from Lenox (YES!)... my Jamaicans, rudebwoys LENNOX (Tito!)... we bumpin' in... (where???)... the Comfort Inn... (oh.) ha. I love that hoodrat "oh" response, because it reminds me of kids from around the way.

Vado: "School of Hard Knocks, I'm more valued than a principal... these n----s got no morals, values or principles..."
Vado: "5 for 22, I'm like 'WOOOOOOO!!!' Ric Flair..."

Rating: 4.5/5.

6. "Hustle" (Featuring Rick Ross).

This is may favorite track on here. Everyone who knows me KNOWS I love the classic Dipset sound. The sample they used for this track was perfect and the slow flow/hesitation beat is perfect in my opinion. Some people hate the slow flow, but not everyone can do it. It takes real skill. Ask any real rapper. Plus it fits a person whose ego is bloated (as Cam's is -- to a degree, relative to how it used to be [exorbitant]). Even OFFICER RICKY didn't mess it up with his "bars".

Vado, as he did on the entire mixtape, went absolutely NUTS at the end of this track. If you know what Cam and Vado are talking about (which most of the haters/people who genuinely don't like them usually DON'T), you probably put this at the top of your list on this mixtape. The pause in the middle of the song was just extra effect. Makes it even more poignant. Sounds like a true Hustler Lesson taking place, in my best description.

GIVE THIS ONE A FEW EXTRA SPINS.

Rating: 5/5*.
*Favorite Song.

7. "Get It" (Featuring Ma$e).

I just cannot take Ma$e seriously anymore; not as a rapper, not as a pastor, not as a street dude who used to live on 134th. Kind of ruins the song for me. I don't like the beat anyway. It got a lot of attention for a while, because everyone was glad to see that Cam and Ma$e finally did a track together since 1999 (when they recorded the "F--- You" sequel for "S.D.E."), but it was 10 years too late and too much irrevocable damage done. A shame, though. If they could have gotten past that trivial, petty nonsense surrounding "Horse & Carriage" can you imagine where both their careers would be now?

Rating: 2/5.

8. "Can't Say Goodbye".

I love this song, if for no other reason than the Mike Jack/Jackson 5 sample. Just sit back and enjoy it. Hard to even catch some of the quotables, because you're so into the sample and drum pattern.

Vado: "I'm 'Dangerous', I'm 'Bad', I'm 'Off The Wall' y'all... peace and soul, two fingers to all y'all... love to shop, can't let go, I'm a mall hog... if I own see ya, I'mma call log who all, y'all..."

Cam: "V1, flava in her ear like Craig Mack (BOYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!)" ha.

Rating: 4.5/5.

9. "Skit I".

As previously mentioned, the skits are always good for a laugh or two and this one, while short, still elicits a chortle or two.

Cam bragging as always (although he was on point until he got the Bulls' dynasty years mixed up ha -- Jordan left after the '93 season and didn't play in '94 at all in the NBA), but it's funny, though. Listen slime:

Cam: "my man Vado, he like Kobe man, the Black Mamba (no homo)..."

SN: Cam's use of "no homo" is out of hand, but applicable and still hilarious.

Rating: 5/5.

10. "Land Of The Dealers".

If this were a game of "which one of these does not fit?" you'd say this song. The whole vibe is different, the beat is WACK and it wasn't mastered properly. The beat overshadows how well Vado's flow went in on this one. Cam did his thing as always, but again, the beat kills it for me.

Rating: 1/5.

11. "Fed Story".

More of the same as "Land Of The Dealers", just not as bad.

Rating: 2/5.

12. "We In This Thing".

I have NEVER been a fan of that crunk BS, nor will I ever be. I just can't stand it. Save that for them down south club hoppers. I'm all about lyrics and wild crazy beats. Why on earth Cam did this other than the fact he spent a lot of time in Florida and Atlanta last year -- is beyond me.

Rating: 0/5.

13. "Blow My High".

The song that they sample is right on the tip of my tongue, but I can't call it. I like this song, but the beat sounds cheap. I swear what Araab Muzik does can be done by anyone. He has those Madden fingers (ultra-fast) on the MPC, but his sample choice and the way they sequence the beats leaves a lot to be desired at times. Sometimes his beats can either accentuate or totally kill a song. Cam'ron, Vado and Clips ALL ripped every song they were on throughout this mixtape, but at times the beats totally put me off. This song was another instance of that.

Rating: 2/5 (lyrics being the saving grace).

14. "Skit II".

Cam just explaining his past, longevity in the game and how unique he is -- and sets up "Different Cloth" effectively.

Rating: 4/5.

15. "Different Cloth".

Not my FAVORITE song, but it hits hard. Not many quotables. I like how versatile Vado is. It's hilarious how he can end up doing what Juelz Santana was supposed to do (and never will) and that's appeal to a larger audience, while maintaining that edge. Cam'ron long ago said he refused to become a prisoner of his own fame and would not try to be a commercial artist (I wish the non-fans and haters would remember this whenever they say he never has done more than 1.5 million Soundscan or doesn't have an "all-time classic album") so I don't look for anything more than him explaining the mindset of a typical Harlem dude -- which he does effectively, as he always has.

Vado isn't a one-dimensional rapper. If I were to do a comparison of old Dipset to new Dipset/UN, it would go like this:

Cam is Cam
Vado is Juelz pre-2006
Clips is JR Writer (not exactly a good thing as you will read soon, but POTENTIALLY good)
Felony Fame is Hell Rell
Rod Rhaspy is Jim Jones

And since .40 Cal is on one a the tracks, and still my son, there is no comparison needed. I hope .40 still gets a chance to blow, because he is underrated.

Rating: 3.5/5.

16. "Professional".

Byrd Lady on here. She's okay, but I haven't taken a female rapper seriously since Biggie died (if you go back and do album chronologies, it will make sense).

It's an okay track, nothing great, not bad. Just "okay".

More of the U.N. using my patented "haaaaaaaaaaa" and their patented "huhhhhhhhh!!!"

Rating: 3/5.

17. "Ride With Me".

This song kind of had that mid-late 90s feel to it. But it also sounds like something that would've been on Cam'ron's 4th album, "Purple Haze". They proved they can switch it up and speed up the flow a bit. I like the sample, also.

Rating: 4/5.

18. "The Baddest".

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SONG THAT THEY SAMPLED??? I hate when I can't figure it out. I love the hook, and I love how Cam and Vado both refer to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in about 4 songs on this mixtape ha. This song is good riding music for this summer.

BTW: More "haaaaaaa" from Vado. Now you see why he's my son ha?

Rating: 4.5/5.

19. "Skit III".

Cam giving shouts to all of the project houses throughout Harlem:

140th & Lenox.
141st.
142nd aka "Crime Square".
143rd.
Polo Grounds (155th).
Colonial.
Harlem River.
Hamilton.
Lincoln (and all the others in between, Carver, Jefferson, Johnson, King Towers, Taft, Taino, etc.)
Wilson.
1199.
Wagner.

Harlem World STAND UP.

20. "Lenox Ave" (Featuring .40 Cal).

I absolutely love this truck. Too many quotables to type. Check the end of the first verse with Vado, and the beginning of the second with Cam'ron.

.40 CAL ABUSED THIS TRACK!!! Please put him on any of the upcoming U.N./Cam'ron solo albums! All of his bars on this track were quotable. WHO CAN SAY THAT???

.40 Cal: "Cause we... live it up... rock jewels, bigger truck... you don't believe in Harlem World, n---a then Triple Up"...

Rating: 5/5.

21. "Arab Music".

This track was one of my favorites at first, but the beat drove me nuts (in a bad way) after a while. It's average, nothing more, nothing less.

Rating: 2.5/5.

22. "Skit IV".

More shouts from Cam between Ohio, Newark, Atlanta, more album promises (we know how those go with Cam).

Rating: NR.

23. "Soul Plane".

NASTY. I love the intro to the track, I love the sample, I love the tempo. I can't even write anything more. Just sit back and get on their wave.

Rating: 5/5.

24. "Stop".

A staple of Cam/Dipset-related projects is the artist talking back to the vocals that were sampled for the song. This song was titled "Stop" and the part of the song (again, the sample escapes me) that was sampled is played almost as if on cue by Charlie Clips.

Clips seems like a battle rapper. Most people don't want to hear from battle rappers unless they're genuinely checking for them in a rap battle on the corner, in someone's basement or something posted on YouTube. Not in a group that is expected to have broader appeal than that which exists in pockets here in New York City and nowhere else. Personally, I like Clips, he has been doing his thing for a while now Uptown, but a lot of cats have yet to hear about him. His bars here are just crazy. I'll list a few of them. I just hope he doesn't relegate himself to a punchline rapper like JR Writer did. Writer had explosive ability, but never lived up to it. After 5 years, you'd think he would have evolved instead of regressed, but whatever, we're talking about Clips.

The song's intro is uptempo and I absolutely love when they sample these 60s/70s era soul songs.

... you better stop, before you tear me all apart... you better STOP...

Clips: "'STOP' HUHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! -- that's what they tell you when you rappin'... 'STOP' -- that's what the fiends beggin' you when you be trappin'... 'STOP' -- that's what the girls say when you go to smash it..."

Clips: "I'm so hot wit it... you are so NOT wit it... I'm so Bentley, so Porsche, so drop wit it... I'm so Big, so Pun, so Pac wit it... I'm so Big, so L, so Scott La Rock wit it... I rock that boat like Aaliyah, and Jam Master Jay, my feet could be adidas... squeeze on them heaters and you better hold your vest high, cause his head shot when I close that Left EYEEEEEEEEEEEEE..."

HUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Rating: 5/5.

OVERALL RATING: 4.25/5.

DISCUSS>>>