A$AP Freestyle

A$AP Rocky and his crew go off on a freestyle for "Selector"; as they show every hater out there just why A$AP Rocky recently signed a $3 million start up deal with Polo Ground Music (Sony/RCA). A large portion of the loot from that deal was to jump-start a record label, as this freestyle shows the obvious talent that fans can expect from A$AP's crew.

Khat- Mobbin

In addition to the occupying the most addicting tumblr on the net; Khat has managed to release yet again another dope mixtape. I've been pumpin Mobbin for weeks now, and like his previous endeavours (Traphouse and Vodoo Child), the videos for the tracks, are equaling as entertaining. Download all three of his maxtapes on his tumblr http://iwantkhat.com/. 

Check some of the videos below:

ASAP Rocky: "Demons" Video

Donjai directs Asap Rocky's latest endeavour for the track Demons, off of his highly regarded mixtape, Live, Love, A$AP. The video consists of some murky footage of A$AP Rocky and his crew loungin' in Harlem; to go along with the laid back, yet deep nature of the track. 

Download the Harlem rapper's Live, Love, A$AP mixtape here.

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NBA: Owners and Players Reach Tentative Agreement

Trade Association Executive Director Billy Hunter, left, and NBA Commissioner David Stern, right

Early Saturday morning, after a 149-day lockout, as well as a 15 hour negotiation that began noon Friday; the players and the owners look to have reached a tentative 'handshake' agreement to end this whole saga. 

Trade Association executive director Billy Hunter explained, "We thought it was in both of our best interests to try to reach a resolution and save the game." Commissioner David Stern then went on to explain, "We've reached a tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to a pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25." 

This would set out the groundwork for a 66-game season, where training camps would open up around Dec. 9. For there to be a season, it was essential for it to begin by Christmas day; as this season's triple header features an NBA Finals rematch between Dallas and Miami, as well as a mouth-watering Chicago and my boy Rose at Los Angeles, against Kobe and the Lakers. 

Though this comes as unexpected but encouraging news, a majority on each side of the parties is needed to approve this tentative agreement. President of the Players Association, Derrick Fisher simply put, "We're confident that once we present it, that they will support it. For us, we'll stick with the understanding that we can't get into too many details," in regards to the majority needed by the players side. 

Hopefully I can finally sleep at night, knowing that I will once again be straight up smitten', when Lebron fails yet again. But on the real, how bad are the Raps going to be this year now? Colangelo better have something up his sleeve. 

The Weeknd: "The Knowing" Video

The Weeknd drops an unorthodox and intense video for the track The Knowing, off of his sophomore effort, Thursday. Directed by Mikael Colombu (shot in 2D JANKYVISION with Nikon 95cm film), the video features an incredibly trippy set of visuals, as it depicts some pretty heavy shit going down on 'Planet Ethio X in the year 16311', between Abel, a chick (model Geena Rocero) and a group of others. Further, this is the first of The Weeknd's videos that is confirmed to be legit by the man himself, who tweeted the video late Thursday night.

Check the video below:

Crosby's Return

Sidney Crosby made a storybook return to the NHL Monday evening; with a dazzling 2 goals and 2 assists, to lead the Pens past the Islanders 5-0. It had been over 10 months since fans had witnessed the most dominant player in the NHL play a game, and it was evident in his first shift back, that Sid the Kid hadn't missed a beat. He scored a nasty backhand within the first five minutes of the game, and didn't let up collecting 2 more assists and a final third period goal. Crosby accomplished all of this, only inking about 15 minutes of ice-time.

People were beginning to wonder what kind of Crosby would return to the lineup, but after his first game back, it is evident that the leagues best player is in as fine of form as anyone could imagine. With that said, the Pens look to be the most terrifying team out there now, as their big 3; Crosby, Malkin and Staal are all healthy. Monday's game marked only the third time in the past 103 games that the trio had played together. In 333 games together, the Pens have gone 197-109-27.... A scary stat for any other NHL team.

Highlights:

Big Boi Animated

Fleet Foxes- "The Shrine/An Argument" Video

Fleet Foxes drop a video for probably the best cut off of their sophomore album, Helplessness Blues titled, The Shrine/An Argument. Additionally, the video was directed by frontman Robin Pecknold's brother; as Sean Pecknold delivers a pretty outlandish piece, complete with great artwork and extremely trippy animations. 

Check the video:

Real Estate- "It's Real" Video

New Jersey indie-rock up and comers, Real Estate recently released a video for the track It's Real off of their sophomore LP titled, Days. It's Real, is without a doubt one of their best efforts so far; as the band treats any dog-lover to a pretty amusing video, featuring a dozen or so canine friends throughout.

Check it:

United signs 5 year-old City Fan

United snapped up a 5 year-old City fan by the name of Charlie Jackson this week, whom they have been scouting since the age of 3 (fuckin ridiculous I know, but that's footy). It is obvious the extreme talent this nipper has, but I hate the fact that these kids are signed so damn young; take Dutch club VVV- Venlo for instance, who signed a one-year old back in April. Outside of this, I love this story, because anything to throw any kind of salt in the wounds of City fans, brings a smile to my face to say the least. Charlie Jackson's father simply put: "His idols are Joe Hart and Mario Balotelli and at first glance he was mortified at training with United. He didn't want to go." If his family were that big of City supporters, believe me this kid wouldn't be wearing red. #Champ19ns.

Hopefully in about the year 2025, he can shove it up City's ass, for not giving him a good enough look at the age of 5. Check this kids crazy skills below.

Omari Shakir

The Weeknd and Drake's OVOXO introduces Omari Shakir to their die-hard following, with the two tracks Different and Like a Book. No word on when to expect a full-out mixtape from Shakir, but expect him to follow the same route of a free download, like his boy Abel Tesfaye. Can't wait to hear what's next from this dude; as these two tracks, especially Different are straight fire.

Check Different and Like a Book:

NO NBA

Monday afternoon, the National Basketball Players Association simply explained that the collective bargaining process had completely broken down; thus the imminent reality that there will be no NBA season for 2011-2012, has become much more evident.

There are a series of aspects of the new CBA to consider when trying to understand this whole mess, but here are the main arguments as to why the players said fuck off:
- In the last CBA, players received 57% of Basketball Related-Income (BRI), and the owners 43%. The current offer from the owners was a 50-50 split of BRI.
- Previously, in regards to contract length, it was six years for players with Bird rights (the ability for a club to sign its own free agent for more money and more years than other clubs) and five years for other players. The current negotiations offered by the owners was five years for players with bird rights and four years for other players.
- In terms of annual raises, the last CBA offered a 10.5% increase for players with Bird rights and 8% for other players; as only 6.5% for players with Bird rights and 3.5% for other players was offered by the owners in their current negotiations.

Though to most, it seems like both sides are incredibly greedy; it is evident that the division of BRI, maximum length of player contracts and annual raises tend to be the 3 major issues, separating the two parties. With that said, the owners are clearly trying to make a massive leap in negotiations, in comparison to the last CBA. Further, after these last series of negotiations, it is clear that the players have chosen the route of litigation over negotiations to determine the next steps for the NBA's return. Welcome the courts... just not the basketball courts unfortunately.

Check the video (ESPN business analyst Andrew Brandt):

Joe Paterno- Fired

After a career that saw Paterno make many outstanding and adequate decisions thoughout his tenure as Penn State's Head Coach, Paterno clearly made his worst career decision regarding a non-football related issue concerning his former assitant coordinator, Jerry Sandusky. For the first time in a half a century, the most winningest coach in U.S. major college football history wll not be leading Penn State out of the tunnel for their game against Nebraska on Saturday.

Paterno's former assistant coordinator Jerry Sandusky, has been charged with at least 7 counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; eight counts of corruption of minors, eight counts of endangering the welfare of a child, seven counts of indecent assault, in addition to other offenses. Also under indictment is Mike McQueary, then a graduate assistant at Penn State, who in 2002, walked in on Sandusky having anal intercourse with a ten-year-old boy. McQueary then reported the incident to Paterno, who then informed Tim Curely (Athletic Director), and Gary Schultz (Senior Vice-President Of Finance); where ultimately the only action taken against Sandusky was to not bring children from Sandusky's children's charity, Second Mile to the university. This action was also approved by school president Graham Spanier, who was also relieved of his duties alongside Paterno.

With that said, it is easy to see that the Board of Directors had their hands tied and needed to take action against Parterno and Spanier; despite their long-standing relationship and popularity at the university. After the news of Paterno's firing, thousands of angry Penn State students rallied around the football field and downtown streets, semi-rioting and flipping TV vans over; in hopes of Paterno's reinstatement. No matter how high someone is regarded in a community, there is no way to excuse the fact that Paterno was aware of the fact that Sandusky molested/raped a child, and did nothing about it. Additionally, as the school president Graham Spanier, in no way can excuse the fact that he turned a blind eye to this matter and did not notify the police, as he was the final person who the information was relayed to. The most fucked up thing about this is the fact that Mike McQueary is still employed as an assistant at Penn State for their upcoming game against Nebraska on Saturday? Wait... how the fuck does the guy who "walked in" on the whole matter and didn't go to the police, still have a job?

There are few explanations that might be able to explain that matter, as it is bound to be debated throughout Pennsylvania as their cult hero, Paterno has been 'canned' because of what this guy saw. Consider the fact that because he has been the most forthcoming to the Grand Jury, McQueary can present a different kind of nightmare for the university PR team. If fired, he can easily spill his guts to the media, as the fact that he is still employed by Penn State would prohibit him to. Additionally the reason might be because, under the Pennsylvania's Whistleblower's Law; it prohibits public employees from having their jobs threatened following a 'good-faith report' or wrongdoing. No matter how you look at it, McQueary is highly unlikely to be employed past the end of the season.

This is without a doubt going to be one of the most highly publicized stories in sports for many years, as these kinds of despicable acts, rightfully so gets the blood flowing of almost any sane and normal person, no matter where you are from. Anyone who aids the act of a child molester and enables them to carry on with these horrific acts, should without a doubt be punished, in my eye. The public uproar in the Penn State community makes me sick; as most people outside of the university seem to think the idea of fighting for Paterno's job a ridiculous one to say the least. The question now is, will Paterno's legacy be tainted because of his role as an 'enabler'... That's a certainty. 

Lana Del Rey Performs Her Latest 2 Tracks

Monday night, after her Paris debut, footage of Lana performing the fantastic, though outlandishly seductive track, titled Born 2 Die began to surface the internet. Additionally, she played another new track in China Doll during her show at Nouveau Casino in Paris. Expect her full length LP sometime in early 2012.

Check the footage.

Panyee FC (short film)

If this isn't an inspirational footy story, I don't know what is... This short film is based on a true story; where in 1986, a football team from a tiny island in the south of Thailand, called Koh Panyee (a floating village, in the middle of the sea without an inch of soil), created a floating surface in order to play football. The passion and commitment that these kids displayed, earned them quite the folktale in Koh Panyee, inspiring much more football to be played, in future years. As of 2011, Panyee FC is now regarded as one of the most successful and influential youth soccer clubs in all of Southern Thailand.

Check the short film.

Take Care (Leak)

Take Care has officially leaked; shortly after Drake stopped by Toronto's Flow 95.5 Sunday night, and premiered the track Crew Love featuring fellow Toronto native The Weeknd. In regards to Drizzy's album leaking, he tweeted late sunday night; "I am not sure if the album leaked. But if it did thank god it doesn't happen a month early anymore." Followed by "Listen, enjoy it, buy it if you like it... and take care until next time."

The intro track is straight fire, titled Over My Dead Body, in addition to a stacked lineup; featuring the likes of Lil' Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Stevie Wonder. Download Take Care here.

Bomb track (Crew Love- ft. The Weeknd):

Over My Dead Body:

Leafs Top of the NHL

No, you're not drunk, the Leafs are at the top of the NHL standings with their sparkling 9-3-1 start to the season. Though the Leafs are on fire, I've been reluctant to truly embrace their winning ways; as it wouldn't be the first time that I've been fooled by a great start, only to be disappointed by a series of horrendous losing streaks. Desptie this, for the first time in 7 years, the Leafs look to have a squad that could lead them to that ever so coveted playoff spot, that most Leaf fans would be more than happy with.  But, I digress. Though they do top the league, by no means do I expect them to stay at the top. The Leafs may appear to be a playoff team now, but by no means does 13 games establish you as a contender in the NHL. Their record after 25 games should better aid in understanding what kind of team to expect through a full 82 game schedule; as the Leafs have been blessed with one of the easiest schedules to begin the season. Nonetheless, I have witnessed some of the most exciting hockey to watch by the Leafs in a while; as their stunning speed and endless goalscoring has been a beautiful thing to watch.

With that said, the Leafs continued their winning ways, edging out a shaky Columbus side 4-1; as they took advantage of yet another struggling goaltender in Steve Mason. Rookie Ben Scrivens led the charge as he earned a win in his NHL debut; stopping 38 out of 39 shots. Clarke MaCarthur also chipped in with two goals, as it seems the Grabo/MaC/Kuli line is providing the secondary scoring necessary to be successful. Goals from Crabb and Liles helped seal the victory, while Kessel stays at the top of the NHL in points, collecting an assist on the Liles goal.

On another note, in addition to Kessel receiving the NHL's player of the month accolade, Joe Colborne of the Marlies earned himself the same distinction in the AHL; as he has collected 8 goals and 8 assists in 9 games, thus far.

Leafs are lookin' nasty. 

Amy Winehouse and Nas' 2008 Unreleased Collab

Wednesday night, Hot 97 premiered a bittersweet unreleased track by Amy Winehouse and good friend Nas, titled Like Smoke. The dope retro-soul vibe embodies everything you would expect in a duet by two of the musical greats of my generation. Like Smoke is to be the lead single off of the album Lioness: Hidden Treasures, which is a collection of songs recorded prior to Amy's tragic death. 

Check the track:

ASAP Rocky's "Live, Love, A$AP"

23 year-old Harlem native, ASAP Rocky is blowin' up after signing his recent $3 million deal with Sony/RCA subdivision Polo Grounds Music; with $1.7 million for solo purposes, and the other $1.3 million to fund his group label A$AP Worldwide. To throw that in perspective, when everyone was wildin' out about Drake's YM deal, it was reported that he received a $2 million advance; making ASAP's whopping $3 million, something to keep your eyes and ears ready for. Check his latest mixtape Live, Love, A$AP and download it here.

ASAP Rocky's video for Peso:

Drake ft. Weezy- "The Motto"

Drake collaborates with Wayne as he drops yet another track called The Motto, off of his forthcoming sophomore album titled Take Care. The album is set to drop November 15, but Drizzy has already released 5 tracks; chill on that. Nonetheless The Motto is a pretty sick track, as it is rumoured to be the closer of the album. 

Check it (ps. diggin' the Mac Dre shout out):