At what point do you know that your talents are unmeasurable and you want to make a living from it? Then you finally get a shot, but because of the influences of past hip hop acts, and the man that you think you are, you start to believe this thought is impure. But it’s justified because you’ve seen it work for those you strive to be, and plus, you deserve it. Most of all you just want respect. Most of all you want success. Most of all you want to get your momma out of the hood and to make one woman feel special.

Is this a sin to have this feeling?

J.Cole’s latest album, Born Sinner, to be released on June 18,  embodies that scenario. It’s a tale of an emerging career and all the usual bumps and roads that comes with it. From wanting that respect, to new money but craving more, relationship pitfalls, and false justifications of morality, Cole’s album paints the story of what the title is, a born sinner- trying to make the right choices knowing that mistakes happen. The album possesses tales of typical behaviors of the industry, but still has that viewpoint that speaks his peers. We can see how its relatable. The sophomore slump is avoided as all important parts- beats, rhyme styles, progressive sounds, and general growth- are checked off.

The first thing you hear after the strings sample from R.Kelly’s “I Wish” on the opening track “Villuminati,” is Cole saying “this one’s a little darker,” and it truly feels that way. The intro sets the tone, as it’s agressive, sometimes spiteful, and includes a choir, which is what you’d expect.  Once again, even though over for a while, Cole dips into his college past with lyrics pertaining to past hookups and regrets on “Land of the Snakes.” His need for success and realizing he has access, but not yet all the tools for fulfillment is thoroughly exercised on “Mo Money” and the standout “Rich Niggaz” which is arguably the most relatable track in this writer’s opinion. There aren’t any rap features on this album, which could’ve been useful for his debut, and probably would’ve proved beneficial in the long run.

Fans of J.Cole will appreciate this album, lyrically, and from a a fan’s perspective, as all things seemed to work right. From pushing out his Truly Yours EP series (the actual release comes with Truly Yours 3), to a great storytelling website that carries the album name Bornsinner.com, and a unique listening session that put off the industry crowd, and gave access to the people who want it more, the fans, the process worked.

J.Cole is poised for more success, and with Born Sinner, more hope is raised that he will reach, and become successful as rap’s upper echelon.

Here’s another joint from Brooklyn’s own rapper and producer combo,  Weekend Money called “Demons.” Ness spills out his tales from hell of living within the rap-realm, and his relationship with his daughter, while balancing his double-tempo flow over the murky, harrowing production of Baghdaddy. Not sure what this will be on if this is a start, I can’t wait until more stuff comes out from them. Stay tuned to find out when they’ll premiere more stuff.

I am a big Kid Cudi fan. I felt like this is statement is appropriate given the heat towards people who write reviews of music from artists they don’t naturally listen to, or aren’t involved in the culture, which eventually leaves big words stuffed into six paragraphs and the reader still wondering if they should embrace the artist or not. That won’t happen here. The goal in this is to make you love Kid Cudi.

Kid Cudi’s third album, Indicud, is his best work, without a doubt. I say that with all confidence. If you’ve followed Cudi through his musical offerings, you would realize that this album is the culmination of all of his best sounds, minus only the things we’ve hated. Yes, there is the influence of WZRD, but the elements of it are more developed, and more in tune with Cudder’s deep-voiced, singing style. If you’re expecting a rap album, you won’t find it here. If you’re expecting a rock album, you, won’t find it here. So what do you have? I never really know what to call these genre-melding and pushing sounds. We’ll just call it a natural morphing of the two sounds, like a 2013 “Walk This Way” with relevant viewpoints. Some of them have the best elements of each, while some of them are the worst, but still tolerable because it’s complimented by the other. I would even say it’s more NYC punk-rock than anything, given the melting pot of the music scene which Cudi has grown into while living there. That part is actually the enjoyable one. There’s nothing out there that sounds like this which is what fans, of music in general, wish for.

Fans know that the anti-authority, you-don’t-know-my-life, give me those drugs to deal lane has been solidly occupied by Cudder and he doesn’t disappoint. The rager anthems which we’ve come to appreciate are still in their purest form with tracks like “Unfuckwittable” and “King Wizard.” It’s necessary to point out that his features do outshine him, which is nothing new, especially on tracks like “Red Eye,” “Mr. Solo Dolo Pt II” and even surprisingly, “Afterwards (Bring Your Friends)” with Michael Bolton. You sometimes get worried for him with his talks about new drugs that’s he’s consuming, but then you’re like “shit, if he’s making this kind of music, rage on! But please don’t die.” This is a play through album, and includes the necessary tempo interruptions to guide the listener through different points of emotion which is what an album should have.

I’ve been reading a lot about this album from other reviewers and it baffles me when they talk about their want for Cudi to be boxed in, whether that be a rapper or a rocker. That’s not what I want. I want an artist to grow and mature, just like me, and like all true fans. We all aren’t going to get it right the first time, but there’s this thing called potential and will. If life imitates art then the attitude Kid Cudi possesses will certainly lead him to the promised land.

I’m not sure who this person is but this isn’t the Bey I’ve come to know and love. First reaction: whoa. I’ll need a few more listens to form an opinion.

Compassion always begs the question “what can I do?” It’s the sentiment that riles up the gut of morality, bringing those who feel it towards a sense of selfless human completion. Compassion pulls you toward it when it connects only with guilt. It puts you in the mirror and tests who you are, where you’re from, and what you’re made of.

Yesterday, a six-month infant named Jonylah Watkins was killed in Chicago by a pre-meditated attack on her father while he was changing her diaper, allegedly by rival gang members. We don’t have to mention what is happening in Chicago these days. The killings that happen almost daily hardly get any press coverage however, this one story did because of it’s extreme case. After reading the words Jonylah’s father, Jonathan Watkins, who is also recovering from being shot five times, I asked myself what can I do? I was limited. I wanted to change the situation but I knew my influence couldn’t be felt unless I was there.

I feel as if Derrick Rose felt the same way, which is why he offered to pay for Watkins’ funeral. Rose is from those same streets in Chicago and used basketball as a form of escape. It’s the typical tale of one who made it and gives back, but this one is a little different. The only thing that battles compassion for the need to not gloat, is humility, and that is Rose’s greatest characteristic. He knows the frustration ingrained in the communities is leading to the violence and because of it, he feels compassion. He helps simply because he wants to see change. It’s honorable, it really is, but there’s a larger purpose for the payment.

This is his true character, a compassionate one, that’s coupled with an action so simple but enough for people to look, recognize, and join a movement. It’s a simple gesture, but it says I care, and that does more for those who think no one does. It’s more than he can do on a basketball court, which is why he deserves more credit. He could’ve used his influence to build a community center, or more basketball courts, but he hit the direct heart of an issue that has plagued the city he loves, and that’s admirable. Rose probably won’t take this credit, because it’s not about looking for attention for himself, but I’m going to give it to him and say thank you.

We all know this Kanye. In fact, we look forward to it. I was hoping that I would catch a classic Kanye rant when I saw him a couple of years ago. Every time this happens, we excuse this as Kanye being Kanye. I don’t. Every time he does something, whether it’s calling out the President or speaking about reconnecting with a past love, it’s done in a timed, truthful fashion that you have no choice, but to say that you respect it. Ilook forward to them because it’s raw. This newest rant wasn’t any different.

If you know me, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of passion coupled with emotion. I believe these two things are dependent upon each other and you can’t have one without the other.  By watching others exemplify this, it’s where artists find their inspiration, (and sometimes alone in a room with a bottle of alcohol). I also believe that society suppresses them out of fear. Fear that becomes inspiring and then changes the natural flow and order of things that make people comfortable. In other words, people don’t like when you break their established order.

Kanye has never been in the business of maintaining an established order. It’s the artist’s dilemma. Breaking standards guides our every thought.  It’s constantly asking themselves: what am I doing that hasn’t been done? How do most people feel about something but can’t express it? How can I spread what I think to the most amount of people? It starts with his music, which never sounds the same from each album to the next. It’s been his passion, which is what he creates, coupled with his emotion, and the answering of all these questions, that produce Kanye. And it’s amazing to watch.

For the sake of not sounding like a super-Stan, his tact can be off at moments, but his statements have always been perfection. Think about Katrina and how he said what others felt. Think about his disdain for award shows. It’s absolute faith in the purity of art.

In his latest London (and now Paris) show rants, Kanye was speaking about the need to keep the purity of the artistic mindset. Hmmm what is that? It’s not compromising. It’s doing it simply because you love it and want others to love it. It was his frustration of others trying to taint it and take advantage. If that would’ve happened, it could have been the continuation of the typical routine and coforming. It’s the thing I hate the most. It’s not a good feeling when an artist is just working for checks and feeling constrained of their full creativity.

For my last point, let’s think about emotion for a second. Think about when something hits you, but you can’t react, so you’re quiet and you hold it in. Now what do you do? Sooner or later it just becomes bottled up and thoughts become incomprehensible. So what do you do to let it out? You scream, because you can’t translate it. You scream loud and long.

When Beyonce was first announced to be the halftime performer for this past Super Bowl, I have to admit, I wasn’t excited. I felt as if the game would now be overshadowed by women screaming how much they don’t need a man and unfathomable comparisons of my work accomplishments to Shawn Carter.  Most importantly, I’d have to watch it around women who really don’t know jack shit about football.

On gameday, my Twitter timeline became flooded with tweets suggesting that there is a game to go with a concert. Even the females I was with proudly proclaimed that they were only there for halftime. So insulting! Now, I will admit, her halftime show was impressive, possibly second only to MJ’s, but I didn’t immediately go home and pop in 4 and sing along. The use of technology and the fact that she had the attitude to boot really raised the level of excitement in that performance.

(If you’re unsure what a Stan is, please refer to urbandictionary.com.) 

This morning I woke up and someone entered the question I love to hate: who’s better Jay-Z or 2pac? My fingers couldn’t move fast enough. I defended Jay-Z like he was my own flesh and blood, leaving two paragraphs of songs and lyrics which, beyond a reasonable doubt (see what I did there?) proved that he is the best rapper alive (stan level on high). Then I felt like a monster, but it was in that moment I knew how it felt to be a Beyonce stan.

“It’s called the Beyhive, Sean!” That was the response I got from a friend of mine after asking her what her fans are called. I get it, women love Beyonce because it seems she has it all. She’s living the American dream, and they want it badly. Women want her curvy body, choreographed dancing, baby, style, music, emotions, and most importantly, Jay-Z. She’s every man’s dream, a compliment, but can stand on her own.

Jay-Z stans, like myself, are a little different. We know all his lyrics, believe he is the greatest rapper alive and we respect his business grind. That’s about it. That’s where it ends. In fact, I want to be better than Jay-Z even though he might be the soundtrack and the motivation to my eventual success.

Which one is worse? Definitely Beyonce stans. All that singing about not having a ring on your finger is just annoying and if it wasn’t for the post-blackout football play, I wouldn’t have heard the end of it. And man, even Michelle got a little bit of stan-age out of it.

What do you think?

That above pic is Colin Kaepernick’s girlfriend. The thing about hot girlfriends is, you get them when you’re playing hot. The not so hot thing is about them is that they don’t play football with you. The other thing about being hot is that you eventually cool off. Ask Peyton Manning, his brother, Clinton Portis and the whole Atlanta Falcons team.

Tomorrow is the Super Bowl and I’m naturally excited about it, as every American should be. If you aren’t, have a cookie and shutup because this marks the end of our lives the football season. For those of you who just want to read this because you read everything I write, the Super Bowl consists of two of the greatest teams from the last year. Even though my team isn’t in the game this year, I’m particularly excited for a number or reasons. One, if there are any shots of Kaep’s girlfriend at the game, it’ll be worth the price of admission. Two, it’s Ray Lewis’ last game ever. When the video of his halftime speech comes out, it’ll be up there with Christian’s from Friday Night Lights and Tebow’s choice BCS halftime one. Three, The 49er’s pistol read option versus the hawking Baltimore defense.

If you’ve watched the 49ers over the past few weeks, you’d know their offense has been unstoppable. Give a lot of credit to the their OC Greg Roman, who I personally believe took portions of their current offense straight from that one year of coaching high school football. That’s just the culture of the game, schemes need time to grow and develop and it usually starts at that level. The fact that he was able to adapt it to the pro-game is impressive. The only downfall that I could see of this scheme is that you’re playing against grown, talented men and none come more fierce, strong, and willing to annihilate their opponent like the current AFC Champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

Sooner or later, schemes are figured out. Let’s look at the West Coast offense. Those three step drops were stopped by the zone mixed with man coverage. Within the last few years, the wildcat tried to make it’s impact. What became of that? You see what Tim Tebow is doing, he’s sitting on the bench. The Ravens have seen it all and with this amount of time, I’m sure they’ll be about to stop what’s coming out of the backfield but Kaep’s arm is also impressive. We’ll see how their secondary reacts.

Each team has the will to win, so it’ll be a good matchup.

Oh right, I’m supposed to pick a team. Let’s see, hmmm. I live by the old adage that offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships. The 49ers will be cooled off by the healthy, and aggressive Ravens defense. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ray pop Kaep (no murder charges this time) right under the jaw. Let’s go Ray.

FINALLY! (No further comments necessary)

Meant to publish this before the Battle of the Boroughs. 

I remember when I was young teenager and living with my grandparents we would watch every New York Knicks game that came on. It was a religious association where we would receive sermons on game nights. When Knicks games weren’t on, we would watch New Jersey Nets games because well, they had Jason Kidd. However, our loyalty never laid with the team across the river.

My father and uncles used to talk about going to games in the “Garden” when they were younger, otherwise known as The World’s Most Famous Arena, and I even attended a few. The energy in The Garden will cement anyone as a Knicks fan. There isn’t any other experience like attending a basketball game. It is the only arena where every single person reacts to every call, missed call, made shots, missed shots, songs, chants, dancers, and everything in between. If you’re a follower of basketball then The Garden is your church.

However, there’s a new mega-church that was just built in my home borough. It features a preacher, Mikhail Prokhorov, his board of ministers, most notably Jay-Z, and a new congregation from the largest borough in New York City. They do things a little different in the Barclays Center. They wear all black, dim the lights low, and chant the name of their home location like a Fabolous ad-lib. Cult-like? With the brand new, instant following, I wouldn’t hesitate to say yes.

I become bewildered. I’m comfortable where I am, but everything about this new place is attractive. Can I break my family ties for the place I love to call home? It’s loyalty versus loyalty but I have made my decision. Are you ready?

I’ll never forget my first love. It’s New York Knicks for life. However, I will support my hometown team, but not while they’re playing the Knicks. Fair? Sounds typical, but it brings my soul peace.