Aaron likes Popcorn

[Listen] Tiron & Ayomari - A Sucker For Pumps

2011-09-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

Not enough people are talking about this jawn -- one of the best albums of the year. Hit play and let it just ride all the way through.

A Sucker For Pumps by TiRon & Ayomari

My Otis Freestlye

2011-07-28T14:13:00.010-04:00

Download Link

Curren$y in Philly at the Troc

2011-06-09T10:43:00.005-04:00

Below is footage from the @CurrenSy_Spitta show this past Tuesday night in Philly. I was in attendance and it was bananas. The crowd spit every lyric all night. #jetlife

Part 1

Part 2 - Chris and Free

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6 - Full Metal Jacket finale

The 2011 List

2011-02-21T12:12:00.006-05:00

This was WAY harder than I expected it to be and I'm still not 100% confident in this list or its order.

But, without further ado:

15. Angela Simmons - I'm pretty sure I'm the only one with her in my top 15, but it is what it is. I think 2010 is the year she finally surpassed her sister. Booty.

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14. Katy Perry - I've always been more of an upper-body enthusiast, so it only makes sense that she made the list, considering her bosom was everywhere the past 12+ months.

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photo 3 - lol @ the shirt

13. Teairra Mari - You remember her, stop playing. And she was just in Lottery Ticket last year... allegedly.

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12. Janelle Monae - Obviously the black sheep on the list, this is the only chick on the list I have an actual crush on. Tuxedo uniform or not, she fine.

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11. Mya - She used to be top 3 year in and year out. She still looks great, just kinda irrelevant.

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10. Kerry Washington - She gets better and better every year. She was completely off of my radar until that Chris Rock movie. Then I still tried to resist it. Now she's number 10 on my list.

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9. Beyonce - duh.

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8. Rosario Dawson - Consistent. I can't see her ever not being on my list. I haven't actually seen a movie with her in it in forever though.

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7. Amber Rose - Maybe this spot is too high, but just go with it. The only drawback to Amber Rose is her inspiring lumpy-head chicks to shave their hair off.

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6. Kim Kardashian - Might as well continue with famous-for-no-reason-brickhouses. She is almost a perfect ten and would probably be higher if I never saw the sextape.

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5. Scarlett Johannson - Single again. Good. Not much really needs to be said here.

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4. Gugu Mbatha Raw - You've probably never heard of her. And that would be because you didn't watch that terrible NBC show Undercovers like I did. But after I saw her in the first episode, I was hooked. Normally British chicks annoy me, but not in this case.

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3. Eva Mendes - I don't think there is a man or woman on this planet not feeling her. It's just not possible.

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2. Minka Kelly - Baddest WG in the game. If you watched Friday Night Lights early on, you already knew.

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1. Rihanna - My first round draft pick like 5 years ago. Investment has paid off ten-fold.

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Honorable Mentions:

Katerina Graham (easily could've made this list)
Allison Brie
Candice Swanepoel
Nia Long

The 2010 ALPY Awards

2010-12-26T22:08:00.011-05:00

Haven't done this in a few years, but below are the winners of the 2010 Aaron Likes Popcorn Awards (ALPY).

I'm pretty sure I forgot to list like a billion things, but ah well.

Music

The Can't Believe It Lived Up To the Hype Award:

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

The I Knew They Were Dope, But I Didn't See This Coming Award:

Pilot Talk - Curren$y

The I Don't Even Care That She Wears the Same Thing Everyday Award:

The ArchAndroid - Janelle Monae

The How Did This Album Possibly Go Under the Radar? Award:

Sir Lucious Leftfoot - Big Boi

The Just Enjoy This Sh*t (J.E.T.S) Award:

Breakfast - Curren$y

The Chance Download of the Year Award:

K.R.I.T. Wuz Here - Big K.R.I.T.

The Do the Kids Today Even Enjoy Music Like This? Award:

The Joy - Kanye West featuring Jay-Z

The Timbs and Hoodies Award:

Large On the Streets - Vado

The Free Music Series Better Than 95% of 2010 Albums Award:

G.O.O.D. Fridays

TV/Film

The This Sitcom Thinks It's A Movie Award:

Community

The Yeah, This Is Pretty Accurate - Award:

The League

The Can't Believe People Thought This Show Moved Too Slow. Treme Moved Too Slow, Not This - Award:

Boardwalk Empire

The C'mon People, It Wasn't That Confusing Award:
Inception

The I Feel Like They Made This Movie Specifically With Me in Mind Award:

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

The Nic Cage Couldn't Even Ruin It Award:

Kick Ass

The Left the Theater Feeling Like a Bum Award:

The Social Network

The I Didn't See the Movie, But I Heard It Was Excellent. I Did See That One Scene Though. Yes, THAT Scene - Award:

Black Swan

The This Movie Was Much Better Than It Was Marketed Award:

The Other Guys

Sports

The LOL. Giants Suck Award:

DeSean Jackson Rips Out the Hearts of the NY Giants

The LOL. Cowboys Suck Award:

DeSean Jackson Tears Out the Hearts of the Dallas Cowboys

The Didn't Cliff Lee Basically Do the Same Thing I Did? Award:

LeBron James

The Cliff Lee Award:

Cliff Lee

The It Was Hard to Hate on the Lakers After That Award:

Ron Artest

Womenfolk

The Derek Jeter Always Wins Award:

Minka Kelly

The I Knew, But I Never Noticed Award:

Ciara

The Sheeeeit, Maybe You Wouldn't Award:

Free

The Her Legs Are Taller Than Me Award:

Blake Lively

The Since When? Award

Angela Simmons

The "Cute" Is Not A Backhanded Compliment Award:

Alison Brie

The We All Saw A Few Episodes Award:

Cat Washington

The Keeps Going and Going and Going Award:

Eva Mendes

Internet Crap

The Awwww, That Was Cute Award:

Sesame Street Whip My Hair Mashup

The Greg Jennings Award:

Greg Jennings Scores on the Saints

The This Is Still Funny? Ok... It Is Award:

The Bed Intruder Song

The Internet's National Politician of the Year:

Alvin Greene

The Internet's State Politician of the Year:

The Rent is Too Damn High Guy

The Amber-Lamps Award:

Epic Beard Man

_______________________________

The Dan Gilbert Letter - Edited for Accuracy

2010-07-09T11:16:00.006-04:00

Last night after Decision 2010, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert jumped on his team's official site to deliver a scathing, ill-advised letter addressed to Cavs fans while ripping into LeBron James.

Below is a more factually accurate version of that letter, minus the Comic-Sans:

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

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Who Didn't Start Caring Until After We Drafted LeBron;

As you now know, my former cash cow, who grew up in the very hellhole that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a two year, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV snoozefest of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of Nike marketing... so far.

Clearly, this is f*cking infuriating to all of us, but mostly me.

The good news is that the ownership team, who bent over backwards for this clown time and time again, and the rest of the deflated, worried-for-their-jobs staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you, but will soon betray downtown Cleveland's real estate market once we all dump our overpriced condos.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you, for example, INCREDIBLY affordable ticket options for the 2010-2011 season. Incredibly affordable.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal, but I’m sure as Clevelanders you expected it 100%.

You have given me so much money and now I deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE OR… YOU KNOW… WHATEVER"

You can take it to the bank (but not the one located in the Gateway District that was recently bailed out using federal funds, you know the one. The one with the broken ATM. Yes, that one. With the sexy blonde teller with the glasses. Samantha's her name? Whooo boy, I'll tell ya...)

If you thought we were in over our heads before tonight in our quest to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has demolished our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels... well, since 2002-2003.

Some people (they know who they are) think they should go to heaven but NOT have to be killed to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works with me.

This somewhat understandable act of disloyalty from the man we helped dub the "chosen one" sends a pretty murky, complicated lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And now forces us to actually do some parenting. Damn it.

But the good news is that although this heartless and callous action can only serve as more fuel to the inferno that is the "curse" of Cleveland, Ohio, no fire burns forever.

The self-declared (and democratically, overwhelmingly popularly elected) former "King" will be leaving the "curse" with us. And unless we can slip it in his luggage before he leaves, James (and the absolutely beautiful town where he now plays) will rightfully be spared this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch… in person at Quicken Loans Arena with our new reduced ticket prices.

Sleep well and long, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much different day, which no one is in any rush to face....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

MAXIMIZING our bottom line while hoping you forget about the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Season Finale

2010-05-23T19:31:00.003-04:00

*sheds tear*

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Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode 16

2010-05-18T20:36:00.002-04:00

I don't know. It looked funny.

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Lost Live Blog- The Final Season: Episode 15

2010-05-11T20:13:00.002-04:00

We're alive... for now.

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Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode 14

2010-05-04T20:44:00.004-04:00

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April 30th Mixtape Post - BBQ Season

2010-04-30T11:37:00.009-04:00

ayo.

I lost my iPod last week, but if I had one, these are the songs that would be on my latest playlist. It's rap heavy... as it should be.

Download and bump accordingly.

1. Jay Electronica: The Ghost of Christopher Wallace | download

2. Pac Div featuring Pill: Birds | download

3. J. Cole: Who Dat | download

4. Curren$y: Role Model | download

5. Sleigh Bells: Tell Em | download

6. Cam'ron and Vado: Speaking Tongues | download

7. Blu: BossCo.2 | download

8. Miguel featuring J. Cole: All I Want is You | download

9. Eminem: Not Afraid | download

Bonus Track: Big Sean featuring Drake: Made | download (with tags)

*All download links provided by 2Dopeboyz and Nah Right (except song five).

Lost Live Blog: The Final Season: Episode 13

2010-04-20T20:23:00.003-04:00

Too bad she's Kate.

To blog:

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Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode 12

2010-04-13T19:52:00.002-04:00

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Target, Sears or Marshall's (Beamer, Benz or Bentley Parody) - Lyrics

2010-04-11T21:46:00.010-04:00

I know I promised it days ago, but here it is... kinda. The audio hasn't been properly laid yet, but what I do have for you are the lyrics, enhanced with links.

Soon as I can record the verses, I'll post it up. Oh, and holler if you're trying to hop on the epic ten minute remix (which is definitely gonna need a video).

And for the record, this isn't any type of dis towards any of the establishments or brands named on the track. The lyrics should show that I actually frequent these places (Ladies: No I don't).

Shoutout to Brandon Carter.

Original Song: Lloyd Banks featuring Juelz Santana - Beamer, Benz or Bentley

Click here to read Beamer, Benz or Bentley lyrics. [ohhla.com]

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

Beamer, Benz or Bentley Instrumental

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

Target, Sears or Marshall's Lyrics

Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
You know I stay so partial (to my)
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
You know I stay so partial

Oh why, oh why, prices so damn high
Polos without the horses is all I buy
I'm cheap, I'm broke, everything half off
Hey, if you can find it cheaper, then my hats off

I be at Target, Sears, Or Marshall's
Target, Sears, Or Marshall's
You know i keep a cart full, better grab yourself a cart too
them t-shirts with the cartoons, you know i snag em like a harpoon
throw that Fubu in the cart too, i aint got no time to argue
the acid wash or the stoners?, somebody grab the owner
i think he round the corner, price check on this Merona
Wrangler jeans bring em over, old Roc-a-Wear by Hova
CHAPS is all i know of, i'm still mad they shut down Clover
I f*ck with Marshall's heavy, and i dont think they ready
lookin sharp as a machete, this here Mossimo is deadly
i got my girl a new teddy at TJ Maxx by the deli
hit Filene's by the Denny's, Value City down by Kenny's
keep on frontin like you stuntin, these coupons i be cuttin
all this cost me fifty something, and you cant tell me nothing
all these clothes im never dumpin, on these deals you know im jumpin
lump em, savin dough on the reg, ya money red

Oh why, oh why, prices so damn high
Polos without the horses is all I buy
Im cheap, Im broke, everything half off
Hey, if you can find it cheaper, then my hats off

Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
You know I stay so partial (to my)
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, or Marshall's
Target, Sears, Or Marshall's
You know I stay so partial

Whether Target, Sears, Or Marshall's, I be shopping, I be shopping
Wal-Mart I might just pop in, just to see what's really popping
falling prices they be dropping, undershirts and draws I'm copping
my Burlington connect told me deliveries were stopping
and he know just how I get it, so we bout to have a problem
if Ross doesn't have them then K-Mart prolly got em
Canyon River Blues I'm rocking, on these deals you know i'm locked in
overspending's not an option, I'm cleaning up like i am mopping
haters always jealous, the ladies and fellas
everytime i leave the crib i be as fly as some propellers
hit the mall, window shop and pass the stores right by
get some food, then go home and buy the sh*t online
if you get up to the front and your shirt is missing buttons
just start cussin and a-fussin, end up payin next to nothin
never Gucci, never Louie, hardly Polo, maybe Coogi
this gift card I brought with me, still got about a buck fifty

Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode Eleven

2010-04-06T19:51:00.004-04:00

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The Kickdrums - Out to Get Me (Video)

2010-04-01T20:28:00.002-04:00

From their Just a Game EP.

Yup, these are the same dudes who produce ill hip-hop joints like this.

Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode Ten

2010-03-30T20:09:00.004-04:00

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Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode Nine

2010-03-23T20:04:00.006-04:00

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L O S T live blog - episode nine | Liveblog live blogging

Janelle Monae, Live in Philly

2010-03-23T10:42:00.005-04:00

Ok... maybe I'm a little obsessed.

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing Janelle Monae live in Philly at Johnny Brenda's. 12 bucks, a little more than one hour, and one of the best shows I've ever seen.

I'm not one for typing full recaps and whatnot, so check out a low-quality (yet pretty decent) video I tracked down.

Read an actual review of the show at Critical Mass.

Photo Gallery [two.one.five magazine]

Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode Eight

2010-03-16T20:05:00.003-04:00

"The time for questions is over..." - lying ABC voice guy.

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Lost Live Blog - The Final Season: Episode Seven

2010-03-09T19:47:00.009-05:00

I know people had trouble getting in last week. I did some testing, and creating a username and password in ScribbleLive is your best bet to make sure it goes smoothly. CLICK HERE to do that.

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ALP: March 5th Mixtape Post

2010-03-05T11:26:00.014-05:00

^ Janelle Monae daydreaming about me.

Over the past week (and some change), a ton of new free music has dropped. Here's a few bits and pieces that I'm personally bumping. Cause, of course, you were desperately wondering what I've been listening to this week.

Enjoy.

Snoop Dogg featuring Kid Cudi: That Tree | download

Janelle Monae: Cold War | download

Noreaga: Freestyle 4 the World | download

Drake: Over | download

Curren$y: Fly Monstaz | download

Trey Songz: The Machine | download

Vado: Large on the Streets | download

Gorillaz featuring Gruff Rhys & De La Soul: Superfast Jellyfish | download

Lost Live Blog: The Final Season - WEEK Five

2010-03-02T18:39:00.003-05:00

My count was off, this is Episode Six.

New episode tonight at 9 pm on ABC.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LIVE BLOG

Lost Live Blog: The Final Season - Episode 4

2010-02-23T18:18:00.003-05:00

This week, it's back on the home blog!

CLICK HERE to join the fun!

As always, live at 9 (more like 8:30ish).

(No, we didn't get canned from other gig, they just discontinued it, you hater!)

Aziz Ansari IS Hip-Hop

2010-02-23T14:46:00.012-05:00

So what dude is from a small, all-white town in South Carolina and happens to be ethnically Indian (I'm just saying... they're underrepresented in the genre), he bleeds hip hop.

Beyond all the chilling with Kanye and Hov and hitting up R. Kelly concerts, he is also apparently a competent DJ (the turntablist kind, not the typical celeb kind) and he's got a mixtape dropping soon under his alter-ego RAAAAAAAANDY (with 8 A's).

Check out Ansari getting it in on the turntables to announce the project and then listen to the first single. Guaranteed you laugh.

___________________________

RAAAAAAAANDY and Dave Sitek - AAAAAAAANGRY

Download link

___________________________

I'm gonna need a RAAAAAAAANDY featuring Tom Haverford joint on there.

Stay up to date at his official blog, Aziz Is Bored, or his Twitter.

Lost Live Blog: The Final Season - Episode 3

2010-02-16T19:48:00.004-05:00

Claire is back!

Just like last week, the live blogging will be going down on an ABC affiliate station.

Click here for this week's action, live at 9 as always. Feel free to join in.

Lost Live Blog: The Final Season - Episode 2

2010-02-09T16:44:00.004-05:00

I've got some news about tonight's Lost live blog: we'll be live blogging over at another site for tonight's episode. Should be fun.

So check it out over there, you can even log-in and comment (that's all I'm basically doing) but remember, this is more mainstream, so we'll be keeping it clean.

Click here for tonight's Lost Live Blog, hosted by WMUR. Tonight at 9!

The Non-Football Super Bowl Rap-Up Presented by Doritos

2010-02-08T09:47:00.008-05:00

We all saw the game and of course, it was amazing. But the extent of my actual game analysis stops with "that's the Peyton Manning we all remember from just a few years ago".

What needs to be discussed is everything else, without any copy editing.

Pregame

Hanging with Obama, the Super Bowl pregame song? Can anyone explain to me how/why Jay-Z has become an American icon? This is what a decade of rapping about crack and money gets you? I enjoy his music as much as the next jerk blogger, but I sometimes wonder if there's anything to those crazy Illuminati rumors.

Jay wasn't the only family-friendly hip hopper in attendance, Queen Latifah sang America the Beautiful before kickoff. 17 years is a long time.

The Commercials

I'm not going to name my top five commercials or review each and every one. However, there a few things that need to be discussed.

CBS refused to air an ad for a gay-dating site, then made even the straightest of men wish they would have just played it, instead of showing pasty overweight men running around in tighty-whiteys. In case you don't remember...

I am 100% sure the gay ad would've featured dudes easier on the eyes (mega-pause? are we still saying 'pause'?) and they'd probably be wearing clothes, or at least boxer briefs.

Beyond deading the gay ad, CBS went to great lengths to promote their pro-hetero, nuclear family agenda by suggesting that using women's soap and being completely disrespected in your marriage is perfectly fine, as long as these products are involved:

And, how bout some black-on-black violence with a side of anti-abortion? Mmmmmmmmm...

Halftime

Guess who I learned aren't Who fans? Young people and black people! Shocking, right? Unfortunately, those two parties make up the bulk of my social media feeds so I got to read complaint after complaint about the selection. Wasn't The Who announced months ago? Were these people expecting Rihanna to pop up from below the floor and dropkick the band off the stage? Dressed like this? Cause I doubt they would've been able to keep that a secret.

At least a huge number of my Facebook friends finally got to see the face of the CSI: Miami theme song:

But yeah, I don't know anything about The Who either, so... moving on.

Postgame

Wasn't it so cute how Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees had his infant child on the field with those teeny-tiny headphones to block the noise? Remember thinking "that's what sports is all about... wait... Drew Brees' kid looks a lot like Peyton Manning". Well, I remember thinking it.

Also remember hoping for a shot of Kim Kardashian every time Reggie Bush touched the ball? I don't think we ever saw her in the luxury box, but she made sure she got in her camera time, and boy did she ever:

Click image to watch video.

Who's NOT allowed on the field after the game?

Ugh, no more football until August. *Kicks empty can*

The Abandoned "Exhibit Creep" Project

2010-02-04T01:36:00.016-05:00

Click above for the soundtrack to this post. Have your fist ready to pump.

A few weeks ago, the bright idea popped into my head that it would be fun to combine TV's hottest reality show (Jersey Shore) and rap's hottest underground banger (Jay Electronica's Exhibit C) into the greatest parody song of all time. The idea just MAY have come from stumbling across the song in the above tweet.

I consider myself as having a knack for this type of thing, so over the next few days I jotted down a line here and there, making slow and steady progress. Eventually, I decided to sit down and just write the damn thing. Well, I failed. Kinda.

Basically, Jay Electronica's flow on Exhibit C is so bananas that it turned the entire project into some type of overwhelming ordeal, which I was completely unprepared for. Also, my love for Jersey Shore and my insistence on working "...excluded from chicken cutlet night", "Don't let the spiked hair fool ya, I'm not a bitch" and other classic lines into this complicated rhyme scheme almost drove me to insanity.

Long story short, I'm not the rap parody guru I thought I was. In retrospect, I should've just rolled with "Oh Let's Do It". 50% more fun and 120% easier to parody.

If you love both Jersey Shore and Exhibit C, hopefully you can appreciate what I attempted to do here.

Without further ado, I present you the completed half of the abandoned - Exhibit Creep.

Original Song, Jay Electronica - Exhibit C (produced by Just Blaze):

(Click here to read the actual Exhibit C lyrics)

----------

Exhibit C Instrumental:

----------

Exhibit Creep Lyrics:

I love to juice up while i train,
Gym, tan, laundry daily even in the rain
catch me creepin on chicks, i don't even need their names
use tons of hair spray and gel just to tame my mane
grab the boys, gear up, hit the boardwalk, lay down game
and try to dodge grenades

talkin pure creep mode
yo watch me do my thing
the folks at MTV
finally called my name
telling me one day i'll be beating up the beat in Seaside Heights, Jersey Shore with my bros and getting paid
and fighting every dude who looks at me the wrong way

I ain't believe it then.
but bro I was jobless
drinking, lifting weights, bussing tables at Carrabba's
now we hit the boardwalk, other dudes is gettin nada
and tell em "Come at me bro!" if they are looking for a problem

"we run the god damn shore. Where you come from?"
we're here to party, creep, drink basically have fun
"Hmmm... its so amazing that i smush like i do
dodge grenades like i do, spit my game to your boo
fall in love at the shore - i'll never do

don't dare me, Ed Hardy be the underweary
my rosary chain'll make non-catholics say a hail mary
abracadabra
the Jersey Shore is where we're living
place is sick, hot tub... full kitchen
chicks in and out, plus whoever Snooks is kissin.
While y'all debated who got laid and who really didn't
I was at Beachcombers, Bamboo, Karma
the boardwalk, the boulevard, straight close the bar up
3 am, 4 am, yo... pull the car up

Where guidos really wait for a moment to fist pump
when a hot tracks on, you know what to do, grab all of your boys and beat up the beat like "what's up?"
take your girl, date your girl, erase your girl, tough luck.
If your friend ain't cute you probably shouldn't bring her.
You look real good and you play the part well, but the energy you givin off is real stage five clinger

And that's it.

Lost Live Blog - Season 6 Premiere

2010-02-02T17:12:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE to participate.

(If you want to join in, the chat window below is buggy, so use the "click here" link above.)

The live blog is jumps off @ 8pm for the recap show, all the way through the 2 hour season premiere.

Lost - The Final Season

2010-02-02T16:34:00.003-05:00

LOST comes to a conclusion this season and just like last year, the live blog will be in full effect.

In case you need a refresher on the past five season, check out this informative, yet hilarious, series recap:

Also, remind yourself of the most pressing questions/mysteries that the jerk writers MUST answer! Or else.

15 burning Lost questions

The Lost Live Blog begins tonight at 8pm!

Live Blog: Jersey Shore Season Finale

2010-01-21T17:31:00.009-05:00

CLICK HERE to participate.

(If you want to join in, the chat window below is buggy, so use the "click here" link above.)

You can also live chat via email, just send your Jersey Shore messages to: E7F649CB-9E3E-4902-A680-4DCF75D1E41B@scribblelive.com

Teddy Pendergrass: The Samples

2010-01-14T11:07:00.007-05:00

R.I.P. "Teddy P"

To celebrate the music of Teddy Pendergrass, I've pulled together a quick playlist showing how his classic music has played an important part in hip-hop; sampled and interpolated for over 20 years now.

If you're reading this and you're a DJ, PLEASE do something more official!

1. Teddy P: Loving You Was Good

Little Brother featuring Chaundon: Starvation

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

2. Teddy P: You're My Latest Greatest Inspiration

Do or Die featuring Kanye West: Higher

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

3. Teddy P: Love TKO

Ahmad: Back in the Day Remix

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

4. Teddy P: Come Go With Me

Jayo Felony: Sherm Stick

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

5. Teddy P: When Somebody Loves You Back

Cam'ron featuring Usher: Feels Good

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

6. Teddy P: Close the Door

Big Daddy Kane: In the PJs

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

7. Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes featuring Teddy P (on lead): Miss You

Big Boi featuring Gucci Mane: Shine Blockas

Jay-Z featuring Scarface and Beanie Sigel: This Can't Be Life

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

I'm sure there are more, but hopefully you enjoyed this a bit.

Top 30 Rap Singles of the 00s: 5 - 1

2009-12-19T14:37:00.004-05:00

Remember, the decade began with these two going at each other's necks.

Click here for songs 30-21.

Click here for songs 20-11.

Click here for songs 10-6.

5. Freeway featuring Peedi Crakk: Flipside (2003)

If you know me, you already know.

*rips shirt off*

Club banger of the decade.

4. Kanye West: Through the Wire (2003)

Kanye had released a slew of joints and a mixtape before I heard this... and I personally found them all unbelievably wack. Then one summer day in 2003 the video aired on BET and "the artist of the decade" (nope, not debatable) began his legendary career.

3. Nas: Made You Look (2002)

Banger. Next to that word in the dictionary there should be a link to this song (this made minimal sense, I'm aware). Salaan Remi has a lot of misses when it comes to Nas songs, but he is a legend to me for life for his work on this joint.

2. Eminem: Lose Yourself (2002)

The greatest song of Eminem's career is from a soundtrack. Granted, it was his soundtrack, but still. I think Benzino said Lose Yourself sounded like "some backpacker sh*t" and if it does, it's the biggest backpacker single of all time.

1. Freeway featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel: What We Do (2002)

What a year 2002 was. Despite a mediocre verse from Hov, this song is my favorite single of the decade, showing how powerful the rest of the joint was. Freeway must have blacked out the studio, because I've yet to hear him spit like this since (and he's had some solid verses since then). And I haven't even mentioned the Just Blaze beat yet. Damn.

Top 30 Rap Singles of the 00s: 10-6

2009-12-07T23:34:00.003-05:00

Til the Casket Drops in stores today!

Click here for songs 30-21.

Click here for songs 20-11.

10. Scarface featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel: Guess Who's Back (2002)

When these dudes get together, magic is made (ayo!). This particular joint is off of Scarface's Five-mic rated album: The Fix and was produced by Kanye West. Takes me back to exactly where I was in 2002.

9. Fabolous: Breathe (2004)

When Fabolous first hit the scene he was a laid-back punchline rapper who many feel like just stole Mase's whole style and ran with it. He dropped a few ok albums and seemed content with making poppy singles for the ladies. Then he dropped this. And then continued doing the former. Meh, at least we got his full potential in one single. Just Blaze!

8. Jay-Z: Public Service Announcement (2003)

"Allow me to reintroduce myself...". Just Blaze brought the energy, Hov provided the vocals, and the rest is history. Although the song/interlude was relegated to a part of the Dirt Off My Shoulder video, its overall imapact is undeniable and compounded by the fact that this was supposed to be among Jay's last efforts.

7. M.O.P.: Ante Up (2000)

I can't believe this was released this decade. The Mash Out Posse's biggest hit brought a little of that heavy metal vibe to rap and had a blockbuster remix with even more energy. It's impossible to listen to this joint without some severe head-nodding and screwfacing.

6. Clipse: Grindin (2002)

The Clipse seemingly came out of nowhere with this Neptunes produced banger featuring the hardest drums anyone had heard in a minute. Although no one could tell Malice from Pusha T and vice versa, their coke-infused rhymes somehow united backpackers, hipsters and hardcore rap fans. Oh, and PeeWee Kirkland. Had to mention him.

CLICK HERE for songs 5 - 1.

Follow me on Twitter @aehorton to see the rest of the list as it's announced, before it hits the blog.

Top 30 Rap Singles of the 00s: 20-11

2009-12-05T01:18:00.006-05:00

Jail.

Click here for songs 30-21.

20. Styles P. featuring Pharaohe Monch: My Life (2002)

I know some of you are a little surprised to see this on the list, but My Life was one of the realest songs to come out this decade, and showcases Styles' ability to relay struggle and triumph in a few short verses.

19. The Diplomats: I Really Mean It (2003)

Just Blaze blessed the Dipset with this gem of a beat right during the peak of their popularity and may have retired the sped-up soul sample. I really mean it. "See what I just did?" - Cam.

18. T.I.: What You Know (2006)

T.I.'s most epic song helped catapult him to the next level of rap superstardom and dominated the airwaves for months. Around this time, Tip seemed like nothing could stop him and well... technically, he stopped himself.

17. Lil Wayne: Fireman (2005)

People have mentioned Go DJ as Weezy's coming-out-as-a-legit-lyricist song, others say A Milli was the moment. Personally, the song that made me realize dude was going to be a problem is Fireman, packed full of metaphors and hilarious punchline after punchline.

16. Jadakiss feat. Styles and Eve: We Gon Make It (2001)

I think I linked the remix, not the original, but who cares? This song was about one thing, that Alchemist beat! Kids today (how old am I!?) probably can't believe a joint like this used to bump in the clubs.

15. Foxx featuring Lil Boosie and Webbie: Wipe Me Down (2007)

Speaking of the club, I'd like to nominate this for club banger of the decade. And who/where the hell is Foxx? This WAS originally his song and all.

14. Kanye West: Can't Tell Me Nothing (2007)

Now THIS is how you launch a great album. The song, the lyrics, the beat, the video, Jeezy's adlibs... everything was near perfect and the perfect broke cat's anthem at that time. Take it from me.

13. UGK featuring Outkast: International Players Anthem (2007)

What. A. Sample. Produced by Three Six and Mafia and absolutely destroyed by all four rappers, Players Anthem should be a staple at wedding receptions for years to come. The way the beat drops for Pimp C was one of the single greatest moments in hip hop history.

12. Nas: Ether (2001)

Was this even a single? Does it matter? Do I need to say anything else? I remember the moment I first read the lyrics to this joint (yup, the lyrics leaked before the track somehow. Ah, 2001.) It's a shame this is the song that initially launched Ron Browz's shameful career.

11. Three 6 Mafia: Stay High (2006)

This is Three 6 Mafia's biggest hit of their illustrious career for good reason. Crowd's around the country still go crazy when this joint drops. Also, this remains the only song I'll ever perform in karaoke.

CLICK HERE for songs 10-6.

Follow me on Twitter @aehorton to see the rest of the list as it's announced, before it hits the blog.

Top 30 Rap Singles of the 00s: 30-21

2009-12-04T12:51:00.016-05:00

Remember this ridiculous "feud" from 2007?

Yes, mainstream rap singles. It would take me months to compile my top 30 songs in the last 10 years of all genres, album cuts, etc, so I kept it simple. I'm lazy.

Also, these are not necessarily the best 30 songs, but my favorite 30 songs. So enjoy and be sure to leave comments.

I've basically got nothing else to add, so without further ado, here's songs 30-21.

30. Game featuring 50 Cent: How We Do (2004)

The first single from Game, and it did not disappoint. The duo followed this joint up with Hate It or Love It and eventually became bitter rivals. But they did some damn good work together before then.

29. Talib Kweli: Get By (2002)

Kanye West, fresh off becoming one of rap's hottest producers after his work with Jay-Z, was on a tear in the early 2000s working with all his favorite artists, many of whom were considered "underground".

28. Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West: Put On (2008)

The lead single from Jeezy's acclaimed third album, The Recession, was not only a smash hit with a hot instrumental by Drumma Boy, but also showed the continued growth in Jeezy as a lyricist. Oh, and Kanye killed it.

27. Damian Marley: Welcome to Jamrock (2005)

Jamrock helped propel Marley into the consciousness of average rap fans, and working with Nas on the album from which the single came has led to a collaboration album betweeen the two that should be released next year.

26. DJ Khaled featuring Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Birdman and Lil Wayne: We Takin Over (2007)

The mainstream posse cut was dormant for much of the decade until DJ Khaled came through and revived it, for better or worse. Every artist did their thing on this song, but Lil Wayne crushed everyone with what is probably the greatest guest verse of his career.

25. Lupe Fiasco: Kick, Push (2006)

I admit, I hadn't really caught on to Lupe until shortly before this joint dropped; completely missed the bulk of his mixtape buzz. Kick, Push took the nation by storm and helped pave the way for regular-ass dudes to be successful rapping again.

24. Shyne featuring Barrington Levy: Bad Boys (2000)

The official lead single from Bad Boy's new flagship artist (at the time) and this song put to rest any Biggie comparisons... confirming he was nowhere near that league. Regardless, the song was one of my top 30 of the decade and Barrington Levy definitely did his thing.

23. Jay-Z: Girls, Girls, Girls (2001)

The original Blueprint spawned a ton of commercial hits, but of the singles, this was defintely my favorite. After getting past the cringe-worthy (yet, hilarious) racial and ethnic stereotypes, you're left with a laid back masterpiece.

22. Outkast: Bombs Over Baghdad (2000)

It's impossible not move when this song comes on! 'Kast shows they can rip a beat of any type at any tempo and despite the song coming out at the beginning of the decade, it could have been released this week and still sound ahead of its time.

21. Kanye West: Flashing Lights (2008)

This is one of those songs that I remember my exact reaction when I first heard it. At the time, it seemed sonically better than any song I'd ever heard and probably replayed it 25-30 times. And to this day I can't recall ever not stopping to listen when it comes on.

CLICK HERE for songs 20-11.

Follow me on Twitter @aehorton to see the rest of the list as it's announced, before it hits the blog.

Thursday Night Live Blog

2009-09-24T19:16:00.003-04:00

Want to join? CLICK HERE to contribute. You can also use the window below, but it can be buggy.

Going live at 8 folks!

The Live Blog is Back! With More Funny!

2009-09-24T13:44:00.008-04:00

ATTN: Live blog link

In the age of DVRs and Hulu (and uhhh.... illegal pirating), the incentive to watch shows as they air is dwindling. Well, let's bring it back.

Tonight I'll be live-blogging through NBC's Thursday night comedy lineup (until Leno...) and then FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Feel free to join me, just check back here a little before 8 (or at any point throughout the night) and let's get it popping.

Here's the live blog link: click here

Lineup:

NBC
8:00 pm - SNL Weekend Update Thursday
8:30 pm - Parks and Recreation
9:00 pm - The Office
9:30 pm - Community

FX
10:00 pm - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

If you're in Philly, at around 10:45 - 11 pm I'm taking the party to Silk City... as should you.

This is gonna be a weekly event, so adjust your calendars accordingly.

* Note: the live blog will be powered by ScribbleLive, so if you want, head over there and set up a log-in.

I Am T-Pain

2009-09-07T16:34:00.002-04:00

Auto-tune Iphone app is about a year too late, but doesn't mean it isn't still gonna sell like hotcakes.

YouTube Fall TV Preview

2009-08-24T15:54:00.002-04:00

I'll be back later to do a more comprehensive post, but in the meantime check out the YouTube Fall TV Preview and remember to come back for my take.

via Mashable

Beanie Sigel - In the Ghetto

2009-08-24T01:03:00.003-04:00

Guess Who's Back?

Beans dropped this video last week (sorry I'm just getting around to posting it) and in case you were worried about any type of falling off lyrically... well, I think this joint addresses that.

The Broad Street Bully mixtape/album will be available September 1st (I'm shocked myself).

via NMC

Avatar Trailer

2009-08-20T11:51:00.001-04:00

Visually, it looks amazing.

Avatar

A Very Sunny Christmas!

2009-08-01T23:45:00.002-04:00

On November 17th, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is releasing It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - A Very Sunny Christmas.

Check out Cinema Blend for more info. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

Thanks Karim!

Locksmith - Rare Form

2009-07-31T15:19:00.004-04:00

Never heard of this cat before today, but this is pretty ill.

via nah right

Daybreakers Trailer

2009-07-13T16:29:00.003-04:00

I typically hate vampire movies, shows... pretty much anything involving them. But this movie may actually be worth my while:

via I Watch Stuff

Thanks Eric!

My Pandora

2009-07-09T10:58:00.002-04:00

RIP Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T10:20:00.003-04:00

:(

Download this Fader mix from 2008 by DJ Ayres:

http://www.zshare.net/download/53748048b24e0397/

(via Metal Lungies)

And check out MJ's Official YouTube Channel for his video catalog.

That's all I got...

The Roots Premiere New Single on Jimmy Fallon

2009-06-25T09:42:00.002-04:00

Now hopefully all this national exposure pays off...

The Kickdrums - Just a Game EP

2009-06-03T01:08:00.003-04:00

I've apparently been sleeping on these cats. I was somewhat familiar with some of their hip hop production, but this EP is a damn good listen.

Click the cover for more information:

via the NMC

Aaron Likes Popcorn: Episode Two

2009-05-25T23:24:00.002-04:00

Episode Two - Porn

*explicit content and subject matter*

Aaron Likes Popcorn: Episode One

2009-05-25T23:19:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Season 1 of Aaron Likes Popcorn.

The first episode is called "Barbara Walters" and contains explicit content and language. Enjoy.

Em and Royce back in 1998

2009-05-20T11:43:00.002-04:00

via 2 Dopeboyz

Lost Live Blog

2009-05-13T20:27:00.002-04:00

Click here to join! (Don't use the window below.)

Mother Lover

2009-05-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

They did it again:

Wale on ESPN First Take

2009-05-08T10:56:00.003-04:00

Wale on First Take from Elitaste on Vimeo.

"My sports references are obscure. I reference people like Vai Sikahema..."

via Nah Right

To those of you who despise "re-blogging", deal with it.

Lost Live Blog 15

2009-05-06T17:36:00.001-04:00

You know the drill. Click here to participate. Use the window below to lurk.

The Tarantino Mixtape

2009-05-04T16:30:00.001-04:00

Eclectic Method - The Tarantino Mixtape from Eclectic Method on Vimeo.

via Slash Film

Lost Live Blog 14

2009-04-29T19:53:00.001-04:00

You know the drill....

CLICK HERE TO JOIN. The chat window below may not let you participate.

New Wu (literally)

2009-04-29T09:38:00.001-04:00

Raekwon feat. Meth and Ghost - New Wu

The mp3 leaked a minute ago, but the video just dropped (I hate World Star, I'll switch once OnSmash gets it):

New TMNT Movie?

2009-04-24T16:49:00.003-04:00

Late pass me if necessary.

From SlashFilm:

The new movie will be a Batman Begins-style reboot, showing the origins of the team of crime-fighting mutant turtles. Legendary Pictures will be producing the film, and co-creator Peter Laird is on board as executive producer. Laird says that the new movie “will remain true to the spirit of the original comic books. ” Laird mentions that the new movie might also use a new face replacement technology, which would allow the turtles to be much more expressive. Unless I’m reading the statement wrong, I think this also may confirm that the turtles won’t be completely computer generated.

Totally tubular.

Lost Live Blog 13

2009-04-22T19:47:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to join in the fun. Don't rely on the chat window below.

So, I've Decided to Cut my Cable (The Introduction)

2009-04-20T11:13:00.005-04:00

I've decided to try and live without cable television for the first time in my life.
Why, you ask? Well, here's why:

My bill (combined Internet and cable) has reached $175 a month (I have digital cable along with HBO, Starz, and Showtime), and I feel like I'm not getting $175 of entertainment per month.
I want to shake things up by trying something different. Summertime is approaching, and my favorite shows are wrapping up their seasons, the NBA season is coming to a close, and it wouldn't be a bad thing to get out of my stuffy apartment a little more often.
I'm an idiot. Clearly I could scale back my cable to a more basic plan and easily save a few bucks, but that's not as fun.
In my opinion, cable television is a broken system that needs to change to better serve their customers. (More on that later.) The only way to change the system is to not put up with it. So in other words, I'm broke.

So, after stumbling across this article, I became motivated to go ahead and give it a shot. Lucky for you, I'm going to chronicle this entire journey from beginning to end.

The experiment starts today.

I'll leave it at that for now.

NBA Playoffs Time / Kanye West's Amazing Promo

2009-04-16T12:53:00.002-04:00

Lost Live Blog 12

2009-04-15T19:15:00.002-04:00

Click this link to participate. Using the chat window below doesn't guarantee it.

Extract Trailer

2009-04-09T17:24:00.002-04:00

From Mike Judge (no links, you should know by now)

Good cast, should be funny.

via SlashFilm

Cheap plug: Visit LMBAO.org for more funny things!

Lost Live Blog 11

2009-04-08T19:39:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to participate. DO NOT use the window below.

I still hate (on) MJ

2009-04-06T17:40:00.001-04:00

but I can't pretend he's not the Greatest of All Time

New Wale - Penthouse Anthem

2009-04-03T10:46:00.003-04:00

"strippers i need 5% commission for whatever u make on this record..ha" - Wale

Since he tweeted about LMBAO.org, I figure I'd return the favor by posting his new joint, Penthouse Anthem. Ill sample.

Download here.

I know I've been neglecting ALP

2009-04-03T00:05:00.002-04:00

and I apologize. Next week, Aaron Likes Popcorn is coming back strong!

Beliee Dat (c) Martin in Blue Streak

Lost Live Blog 10

2009-04-01T19:48:00.001-04:00

Click here to jump in (sometimes the window below is buggy).

LMBAO.org

2009-03-30T11:03:00.002-04:00

Ok, I'm back.

Here's what I've been working on for the latter part of my hiatus:

LMBAO.org

Check it out, it's already got a lotta funny stuff on it, and it's only gonna get bigger and better.

So, uh yeah. LMBAO.org. Tell your friends.

Lost Live Blog 9

2009-03-25T20:33:00.000-04:00

Click here to get it poppin.

Update: Still on Hiatus

2009-03-23T16:29:00.002-04:00

ALP will probably remain on break for another week or so until I get this new web project off the ground (I'll fill you in soon).

Don't worry, there will indeed be a Lost Live Blog this Wednesday.

Hang tight.

Lost Live Blog 8

2009-03-18T20:04:00.001-04:00

click here to join in.

Julian's Watchmen Review

2009-03-09T15:44:00.008-04:00

I know I'm supposed to be on hiatus, but Julian dropped another sick movie review.

Swiped from his facebook blog:

For almost two decades, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ sublime graphic novel Watchmen was labeled “unfilmable”; and with good reason. Since the early ‘90’s, many have failed in their attempts to bring this holy grail to the silver screen, unwilling to be crucified by fanboys for butchering the masterpiece. Finally, Zack Snyder(300, Dawn of the Dead) completed the task, as the first trailer for the film had the internets goin’ nuts when it was first seen last summer. However, with the bar for success set at lofty heights by the graphic novel, many wondered would the film adaptation be able to live up to its source material. Many questions were raised, with the most important being whether or not Snyder would be able to effectively translate Watchmen to the big screen. The answer? Yes and no.

The story is set in New York City, in an alternate 1985. Richard Nixon is currently serving his fifth term as president, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union have escalated to the point that nuclear war is certain. This looms over the head of a world where costumed crime fighters were once part of society, until a 1977 mandate outlawed all but two of these superheroes. But these, ladies and gentlemen, are not your fathers’ superheroes. The film begins with the murder of Edward Blake aka The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), one of the aforementioned government-protected crime fighters. Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), who has continued to fight crime as a vigilante, investigates the murder, believing that costumed heroes are being targeted. Dr. Manhattan aka Jon Osterman (Billy Crudup), is the other government protected superhero, and the only one with super powers. His god-like abilities have been useful to U.S. government, as it was his intervention in Vietnam that won the war for the U.S. His girlfriend, Laurie Jupiter (Malin Akerman) was once known as Silk Spectre II, but now serves as his assistant. She was pushed into crimefighting by her mother Sally Jupiter (Carla Gugino), who was the original Silk Spectre. Dan Dreiberg (Patrick Wilson) aka Night Owl II, has lost all confidence is his retirement; unsure of his place in the world without a costume. Adrian Veidt (Matthew Goode) aka Ozymandias , is a mogul regarded as “the world’s smartest man” , as well as the first to reveal his identity. He and Dr. Manhattan are currently working together to fix the world’s energy crisis. There was previous generation of crime fighters, as the “Minutemen”, that both Laurie’s mother and The Comedian. Their history is briefly depicted in the brilliantly executed opening title sequence.

With any adaptation, particularly novel to film, portions of the original work must be compromised or omitted for the sake of translation. Unfortunately, every adaptation is always meticulously compared to the original, and more than often the consensus is: “the book was better”. This comparison was inevitable with Watchmen, as the film never had a chance of living up to the hype created by the graphic novel. However, Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Watchmen should not be viewed as a failure. Snyder succeeds at staying as close to the source material as he possibly could. From a visual standpoint, Watchmen is amazing. Snyder nailed the creation of a grim, pre-Armageddon New York City; and watching the characters come to life was spellbinding. The cast and crew have mentioned that the graphic novel was used as a storyboard, and it’s obvious, as many scenes mirror the graphic novel perfectly. The opening credits were also a success, as the characters are woven into various moments in U.S. history to the sound of Bob Dylan’s “Times They Are A Changin”. This lets viewers know from the start that the story takes place in an alternate reality. In addition, while Snyder utilizes slow-motion, he doesn’t abuse it as he did wtih 300. It is reserved for the action sequences, which are few.

One of the main criticisms of Watchmen is that it’s too faithful to the source material, catering more to the die-hard fans of the novel, and alienating viewers who aren’t familiar with it. I’ve read the graphic novel three times, and I know for a fact that there were allusions to the graphic novel that I recognized and appreciated, yet flew over the heads of non-familiars. However, I’ve heard positive reactions from non-familiars, so I don’t think the strict adherence should count against the film. However, the absence of some details hurt the story; as some information integral to the graphic novel’s brilliance was altered or omitted. Snyder & Co. tried to include some of the details, but some scenes that should’ve been knockout blows come off as pulled punches. A lot has been made of the changed ending, which didn’t bother me much because the end result was the same. However, weak writing and acting by some makes it feel forced and corny at times.

The performances were hit and miss, and while there were more hits than misses, the impact of the misses are too great to ignore. Haley is perfect as Rorschach, the psychopathic detective whose relentless investigation drives his story. There’s no way the film could’ve worked if this performance was weak, and Haley got it right. Wilson is effective as the flabby, incomplete Dan; his physique a metaphor for what his life has become. Crudup had the biggest challenge in portraying Dr. Manhattan, a withdrawn demigod whose limitless abilities are compromised by his fading humanity. He’s solid, though unlike others, I expected his interpretation to be more distant. Many viewers might be distracted by Manhattan’s frequent nudity, so consider this a warning. Morgan was entertaining as The Comedian, brutal and amoral; yet his screen time was short because most of his back story was cut. Gugino has even less screen time, but is satisfactory nonetheless. The weakest links here are Goode as Adrian and Akerman as Laurie. Adrian’s an important figure, and Goode’s performance just doesn’t resonate well. I’m not sure if it’s his actual performance or the way the character was written, but it falls flat. Malin Akerman looks good in latex and in nothing, but her Laurie is wooden, particularly at the climax. Her performance was better than I expected, but still wasn’t good.

Again, Watchmen should not be looked at as a failure. The graphic novel cast a shadow that was impossible for the film to escape. The film runs at 163 minutes, yet still feels rushed. I got the feeling that many details were left on the floor of the editing room. As a result, reviewing Watchmen has been difficult because I feel like I’m analyzing an unfinished project. What I would like to see is the director’s cut of the film, with some of the supplemental material and more detail. This will probably be close to four hours, yet worthwhile. In summary, Watchmen is ambitious and engaging, but feels incomplete. Zack Snyder gave it his all, and probably came as close as anyone could have to doing the graphic novel justice. Watchmen is worth seeing because of its interesting story and marvelous visuals, but could’ve been so much more. Need to see that director’s cut.

Rating: 2.5/4 stars

I’m interested in reactions from familiars and non-familiars. Thoughts? Feelings?

P.S.-That rating is subject to change....

Aaron Likes Popcorn: On Hiatus

2009-03-08T19:17:00.002-04:00

To my legions of readers: I'm devoting my free time this week to my scriptwriting and then it's off to SXSW.

Explicit Ills trailer

2009-03-05T20:55:00.003-05:00

I'm not gonna lie, this is the first I've heard about this movie. But I saw Rosario Dawson, Black Thought, that is was set in Philly and figured I needed to see it.

via Slashfilm

Now to enjoy a brand new Office.

Lost live blog 7

2009-03-04T19:36:00.003-05:00

Go here (best choice) or use the window below.

tonight @ 9 on ABC

Traveling and the NBA: True Hoop investigates

2009-03-04T14:20:00.003-05:00

LMAO!

One step, two steps, hop steps, crab dribbles? "Walking" is the most confusing and ill-defined call in the NBA today.

If you've been reading ESPN.com, you've seen True Hoop attempting to break it all down:

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV - Please watch the videos in this one!
Part V

These are basically a must-read for any NBA fan.

via True Hoop

Fallon and The Roots' little show began last night

2009-03-03T12:02:00.005-05:00

And here they are slow jamming the news:

For more clips and whatnot, check out Hulu and the official show site.

So far... not bad. Not bad at all.

Oh and a shoutout to these folks.

Stuff you've, without a doubt, seen or heard already

2009-02-26T13:29:00.002-05:00

but i'm gonna post it anyway.

First up is the epic Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain - Blame it on the Alcohol video:

This is the video that I've always dreamed about.

Next, Arrested Development movie news:

It turns out that Michael Cera has said yes! VIP Baller Ron Howard (see above video) confirmed it with this statement:

“It’s going ahead,” Howard confirmed.

“We’ve been asked to no longer divulge anything or get into the game of who’s in, who’s out,” Howard told us. “People are going to have to see.”

If you missed the Oscars...:

...you missed James Franco and Seth Rogen being high.

And I think that's enough for now.

Lost Live Blog 6

2009-02-25T17:25:00.006-05:00

It's that time again...

Participate by going here (best way) or by using the window below.

Chat opens up a little before 9.

Everyone is welcome, so feel free to jump in.

You can even participate by tweeting during the episode, just hit me up with your Twitter name and join the fun.

Young Chris interview

2009-02-25T10:36:00.004-05:00

How can you not root for this guy?

Also, check out his interview with SiriusXM.

Joint mixtape with Wale? I like the sound of that.

via The Fader

Here's an idea with potential

2009-02-24T16:32:00.005-05:00

I've never heard of Finale, but apparently if you beat this game, you get a free download of his new joint "One Man Show" (produced by Black Milk).

I like this concept and am interested in its execution, but I can't even survive the level.

via 2dopeboyz

2009 Movies Preview as seen on The Oscars

2009-02-23T16:15:00.002-05:00

I missed this since we turned off the awards to watch Curb.

I haven't even watched it yet.

New Trey Songz!

2009-02-23T10:13:00.005-05:00

With Chris Brown pretty much out of commission for a while, Ne-yo generally being a cornball, and Ryan Leslie being too above the fray to be interesting, Trey Songz is prime to take over R&B.

I could say more, but I'll let the music speak for itself. Guaranteed Spring banger right here:

Trey Songz - Brand New

download it

*puts on repeat*

via The Fader

All five Best Picture nominees in one day?

2009-02-20T10:56:00.002-05:00

AMC presents the Best Picture Showcase

Milk — 10:30 a.m.
The Reader — 1:05 p.m.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button — 3:45 p.m.
Slumdog Millionaire — 7:15 p.m.
Frost/Nixon — 9:45 p.m.

Being the fake avid movie-goer that I am, I haven't seen one of these. But I doubt I could sit through 4 or 5 award-quality movies back to back; maybe a Martin Lawrence movie marathon...

If you go, bring me back some popcorn, larges are refillable all day.

via slashfilm

Finally... Kid CuDi's Day and Night

2009-02-19T21:21:00.001-05:00

Late is better than never:

Damn good.

Lost Live Blog 5 (aaron-less edition)

2009-02-18T17:13:00.004-05:00

I'm not gonna make it to the live blog tonight, but it'll be open so y'all can "keep the party goin" (c) Ced.

As usual, contribute by heading here (recommended), or by using the window below.

Since I won't be able to make it, I'm opening the live blog early.

In case you missed it

2009-02-17T16:20:00.004-05:00

The Simpsons changed their intro for the first time in 20 years in celebration of their first HD episode airing this past Sunday. Since I know you didn't watch it, here ya go:

Oh, and check this out. So true.

My favorite dunk of the contest

2009-02-15T11:37:00.002-05:00

too bad it took him a zillion tries and the judges were hating:

Demetri Martin has a show and no one told me

2009-02-13T14:17:00.001-05:00

Clip.

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Timing - New Increments

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Get Funny Ringtones
More Funny Videos

Very nice site too.

ALP presents the Cold as Ice Mixtape*

2009-02-11T16:04:00.010-05:00

By mixtape I mean collection of newish songs I'm currently feeling. But you already knew that.

Cold as Ice

Download here. Tracklisting is above.

Note: I tried to create a M3U file that would put the tracks in order for you, but I failed. If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't worry about it.

Lost Live Blog 4

2009-02-11T15:07:00.002-05:00

First, read this great piece on Lost's time traveling.

Feel free to join in. To participate, I suggest you click here, or you can always use the chat window below.

Reviews by Julian: Gran Torino

2009-02-11T09:28:00.004-05:00

My boy Julian with another review*:

I saw so many commercials praising this film, and I could not comprehend how it could be that good. I have nothing at all against Clint Eastwood or his style of direction, but it didn't make sense to me. My skepticism led me to watch Gran Torino, and I figured it out-tight lipped, over the top racism is hilarious. To my audience, I apologize, please forgive my sick sense of humor and bare with me for the duration of this review.

Recently widowed veteran Walt Kowalksi(Eastwood) is a bitter, abrasivie, racist old fart. He lives alone with his dog; ignoring his sons, grandchildren and the outside world when he isn't judging it. The Detroit neighborhood he lives in has changed, in terms of ethnic diversity and quality as it is poisoned by gangs. His relationship with his Asian neighbors is not at all friendly, as he lets the slurs "chink" and "gooks" fly freely. This man is no Mr. Rodgers. The relationship goes even further south when the "can't get right" son Thao(Bee Vang) attempts to steal Kowalksi's prized 1972 Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation. When a fight erupts, Walt turns into a geriatric Dirty Harry, sending the thugs away....somehow. As a result, Walt becomes the neighborhood hero, a title he has no interest in. Frequent visits from Thao's clever old sister Sue(Ahney Her), and Thao becoming Walt's reluctant apprentice result in a unique relationship being formed. Eventually, Walt begins to realize he likes these "chinks" and "gooks" better than his own family.

There's nothing compelling, or groundbreaking in the way Gran Torino unfolds. Fortunately, Eastwood is aware of this, so the generation/racial gap formula works. Through Walt, Thao learns how to assert himself; while Thao and Sue prove Walt to be extremely guarded as opposed to racist. However, the film is so overt in its message that it prevents the audience-or myself, at least-from taking it seriously. In addition, Walt's transformation takes place far too quickly and without sufficient motivation.

As Walt, Clint Eastwood turns in a hilariously ironic performance. He's so subtle, but at the same time so ridiculously over the top. I respect Eastwood as an actor, but chameleon he is not, and his portrayal of Walt is nothing more than an aged interpretation of Dirty Harry Callahan. At times, he takes his Shotgun Scrooge act so far that he literally growls at anyone who annoys him. Bee Vang makes Thao's transformation far more believable than Walt's, yet the brightest performance in the film comes from Ahney Her as Sue. She brings energy and charisma to the role; able to absorb Walt's racist remarks and playfully throw them back in his face.

Gran Torino is a decent film, but it is easier to digest if the viewer doesn't take the film as seriously as Clint Eastwood seems to. There are plenty of things more amusing than watching Clint Eastwood play a grumpy old man with a rifle, but it's still pretty damn funny.

Rating: 3/4 Stars

*taken from his facebook

Wayne on Around the Horn

2009-02-10T22:34:00.002-05:00

I'm only posting this to follow up on this.

"we call em lil Woody for other reasons" (c) The other Jay

video found via 2 Dopeboyz

Swagger Live

2009-02-09T09:50:00.002-05:00

Kanye, Hov, Wayne, TI, and an incredibly cute and incredibly pregnant MIA:

Bonus: I'm On a Boat - The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain (as seen on this week's SNL)

New Music: Curren$y

2009-02-06T09:38:00.005-05:00

Here's two tracks from the "Hot Spitta":

Blown Away

Download

"bags of purple strong enough to bring Stefan Urkel outta Urkel"

Scared of Monsters

Download

And check out the snippets from his upcoming mixtape entitled... uh... This Ain't No Mixtape.

The Wrestler - Review by Julian*

2009-02-05T09:50:00.005-05:00

Expect movie reviews from my boy Julian every so often (whenever he feels like it)!
_______________________________

The '80's were defined by excess and fast living. Many who found their glory days during that decade didn't survive it, and many that did were forced to live their lives as parodies of their former selves. Sadly, plenty of the fallen heroes of the 80's were left so numb to the world that the only thing they feel is pain. Randy "The Ram" Robinson(Mickey Rourke) is a true testament to this, as the only time he feels alive-or anything at all-is when he's aching.

Close to 20 years after the arenas emptied on his career, professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" makes a sad living wrestling for small crowds in school gyms and rec centers. It's so sad, in fact, that after months of barely being able to pay his rent; his fed-up land lord locks him out the trailer he calls a home. Outside of pre-pubescent boys and wrestling "colleagues", it's quite clear that nobody could give a fuck less about "The Ram". However, he finds a kindred soul in Cassidy; the stripper with a heart of gold played perfectly by Marissa Tomei. Robinson's biggest failure outside of the ring is the relationship wtih his daughter Stephanie(Evan Rachel Wood), whose hate and disapppointment in him is evident in her every look.

The brilliance and tragedy of The Wrestler lies in the similarities between Rourke and Tomei's characters. Both are performers, feeling vibrant and commanding when they're on stage. Unfortunately, they're both well over the hill. In one extremely New Jersey scene, Randy and Cassidy reminisce on their glory days of the 80's while dancing to Ratt's "Round and Round". They dismiss the 90's, and icons like Kurt Coban as "whiny pussies", while praising 80's legends like Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue. It highlights just how stuck in the past the two are. The real tragedy with both characters is how they've found their self-destructive glory in professions where their real names aren't used. Both struggle to adjust to the real world, where their real names are necessary. As a result, they return to the familiar pain; Robinson's being physical and Cassidy's emotional.

The strength of the performances drive this film. As a man who can only relate to physical pain, Rourke gives the best performance of his uneven career. He's already taken home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and I'm confident the Academy Award will be his as well. Marissa Tomei is equally effective as Cassidy, who has legitimate sympathy for Randy, but is forced to remind him that their relationship is exists strictly within the confines of a strip club. The performance earned Tomei a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role as well. Evan Rachel Wood is sufficient as Robinson's estranged daughter, although I found her scenes to be slightly forced and predictable.

The Wrestler may not be Darren Aronofsky's best film, but it's still an introspective look into the world fallen heroes, failed dreams and masochism. Wrestling may be fake, but pain is real.

Rating: 3/4 Stars

P.S.-I'm back

- Julian

* Taken from his facebook.