The "racist" Billboard Music Awards?

The above photo has been running wild on social media lately, claiming that the Billboard Music Awards are "racist," as all of the winners in each category are WHITE! Even the awards for Rap and R&B, were taken by Justin Timberlake, Macklemore, Robin Thicke, and Eminem.

The music industry seems to have gotten a LOT of these "categories" twisted lately. As I've stated in my precious posts, Macklemore is a pop artist, he is not a rapper, or hip hop artist in any aspect. Justin Timberlake also fits under the pop catergory as well. Robin Thicke can SOMETIMES pass as an R&B artist. But when we're talking about Eminem, their is NO other genre he can be placed under, other then rap/hip-hop.

Eminem took home the award for best rap artist, and best rap album. While many say this was not one of his best albums, let's take a look at the other nominees; 

Top Rap Album: 

Eminem-The Marshall Mathers LP2 (winner)

Jay-Z- Magna Carter Holy Grail

J. Cole- Born Sinner

Drake- Nothing Was The Same 

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- The Heist

I see very little talent from most of these nominees. While J Cole is currently one of the greatest rap artists in my opinion, Jay-Z has made no improvements. He's the same old boring Hova. I guess you can say the same for Eminem, but you can't compare the two. Eminem is by far a much better emcee then Jay-Z. And Drake? He lacks talent 100%. Typical mainstream "pop/rap artist" that raps about the same things over and over again. Mostly soft, yet tries to be hard. For a kid from Canada that got into the rap game because he was on the Disney Channel as a kid, I don't understand why he comes off "hood" sometimes. Then, we have Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Really? They are absolutely atrocious. Again, typical POP STARS. So I'm just not seeing the issue on what's wrong with Eminem taking home this well deserved award.

Top Rap Artist:

Eminem (winner)

J. Cole

Jay-Z

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Pitbull

Wait, PITBULL?!? This guy is NOT even CLOSE to being AFFILIATED with Rap! Why has he been placed into this catergory? And again, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. What's with this tag team? I see rap ARTIST as the catergory, NOT artist(s). Can they separate already or are they just that bad, they need to hold each other's hand throughout their whole career? Both J. Cole and Jay-Z absolutely belong in this catergory, but they don't stand close to Eminem. 

Top R&B artist:

Justin Timberlake (winner)

Robin Thicke

Rihanna

Beyoncé 

Pharell Williams 

Top R&B Album:

Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience (winner)

R. Kelly- Black Panties

Robin Thicke- Blurred Lines

Beyoncé- Beyoncé 

Timberlake is arguably considered an R&B artist, but I am in complete shock that Beyoncé didn't home these two.

Top Touring Artist:

Bon Jovi (winner)

Rihanna 

Bruce Springsteen 

Pink

Beyoncé 

....another one Beyoncé should've taken home. Shocked she didn't, and if it wasn't going to be her, I would've predicted Rihanna.

Top Female Artist:

Katy Perry (winner)

Lorde

Miley Cyrus

Rihanna

Beyoncé 

....yet ANOTHER one I would've expected Beyoncé to take. I am speechless. 

Racist or not, I think most would agree that The Billboard Music awards are just flat out, confused.

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Yankee injury update, Yankees are no longer "The Yankees," Derek Jeter, and more.

With only one member of the Core Four left, and very few "original Yankees" left from the farm system, you're looking at a team filled with free agents and minor league guys. The FEW Yankees left from the farm system are; Derek Jeter, Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, David Robertson and Francisco Cervelli.

Brian Cashman has put this team together that was supposed to be built to win a championship this year. Instead, majority of them are on the bench, and its looking like they will be lucky to even land a wild card spot.

Let's take a look at the injuries:

"Ace" pitcher and #1 starter CC Sabathia, has been struggling the entire season. Now he is on the DL til at least July 1st, with a right knee injury.

#3 starting pitching, Ivan Nova has underwent Tommy John surgery and is out the entire season.

#5 starting pitcher, Michael Pineda has had ZERO luck this season. While serving his 10 game suspension, it was announced that he would be on the DL for 3-4 weeks with a strained back muscle.

.......60% of this rotation is done.

Let's also not forget relief pitcher Shawn Kelly, who is out til at least the end of May, with a back issue. Also backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, who's out til at LEAST mid-June, with a right hamstring injury.

Jacoby Ellsbury has been on and off the DL quite a bit this season. But most recently, Carlos Beltran has been placed on the DL for a right elbow injury, which could keep him out for a while.

Wait a second, WHO are all of these guys again? I've been to 6 games at Yankee Stadium this year, and its just, not the same anymore. The vibe is gone. It's really not even fun anymore watching these guys who aren't REAL Yankees. Brain Roberts is absolutely atrocious both on the field and at the plate. Not even Derek Jeter is having that good of a year. He's had quite a few errors, and for the most part, he's been average at the plate. Could this be from all the pressure that it's finally setting in, that this is his final season? Usually, Jeter handles pressure pretty well, from what I see at least.

I'm gonna have to say that the only guys on this team who have truly kept it together so far this season, are Tanaka and Solarte. But these 2 CAN'T hold the entire team together, and lead them into the playoffs, alone.

The front office really needs to reevaluate what they've done here, to avoid making these kind of mistakes again. First I'm gonna say, get a new manager. My pick would be Lou Pinella. Also, maybe they can come to the conclusion that signing old, washed up guys, really DOESN'T always work out in their best interest? Especially those who are SO injury prone......

I love the Yankees. I love this TEAM no matter WHAT. But my heart can barely handle this! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Bizzaro Zaun!

Back once again, with yet ANOTHER exclusive interview! I recently got a chance to sit down with none other then "Bizzaro Zaun." If you are a Mike Francesa fan, you probably know who he is. If not, let me tell you a little bit about him. Bizzaro Zaun is the man behind the infamous YouTube Mike Francesa mock videos. 

With a wig, fat suit, SUNGLASSES, and even Francesa's voice and accent down pat, he has got this impersonation to the T!

If you haven't seen his videos, take a look at his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/WaitUhSeckin

And when you're done, check out my interview with him as we talk about HOW and WHEN he came up with this brilliant idea. We also discuss Francesa Con, his favorite sports, and more!

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Hot97 Heavy Hitter, DJ Wallah!

I'm BACK, with yet another exclusive interview! I had a chance to sit down with Hot97 Heavy Hitter, DJ Wallah. If you listen to Hot97, live in the New York/NewJersey tri state area, and you're about that "Vamp Life," then you know EXACTLY who Wallah is!

Wallah is a local New York/New Jersey/Philly club DJ, as well as a DJ for the #1 hip hop & R&B radio station, Hot97. You can usually hear him on the radio from 2-4am, on the weekends, as well as some Sunday mornings. 

We got a chance to talk about his love for music growing up, how he became a DJ, how he became a Hot97 Heavy Hitter....as well as some of his hobby's, DJ's he idolizes, and MORE!

Check it out! Hope you guys enjoy! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with former Yankees legend, Roy White! Plus, the Yankees home opener recap, and more.

I'm back with yet ANOTHER exclusive interview, this time, with 1977 World Series champion, Roy White!

....but first, let me start off by recappinf home opener, on April 7th, 2014. Before going inside, I was outside the stadium early in the morning. I was lucky enough to catch a few of the guys heading inside to the game. I caught the parents of Derek Jeter heading in, however, they refused to sign anything or take photos. I was lucky enough to (briefly) speak with David Cone again. He stopped to sign autographs and take pictures, with EVERYONE who surrounded him, and there were quite a few people there. He signed for at least about 5 minutes straight, before heading into the stadium.

(Derek Jeters parents)

I went inside before the game started, to make sure I was in my seats in time for first pitch. Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte took over the mound, to both throw out the first pitch. Derek Jeter, and former Yankee catcher Jorge Posada, went behind home plate to catch the first pitches. 

(Derek Jeter's first at bat, of his last home opener)

Not too long after, Jeter took the field for his LAST home opener, and when he took his first at bat, he got quite the standing ovation....

I really gotta say, the feeling just wasn't there. The vibe is gone. I feel this team hasn't been the same since Posada left, then after that, it just kept getting worse, as far as that "magical feeling" in the Bronx. With Jeter being the only member of the core four left, and seeing that this is pretty much an entire new team, it just isn't the same anymore, and it never will be. These are just NOT the "New York Yankees," anymore. Next year will be even worse and much more surreal. A REAL eye opener to any TRUE Yankee fan.

The Yanks went on to get the win for "Jeet's" last home opener, but this could be one of his last memorable games this season. This team is just looking VERY unhealthy. Yes, its extremely early and just the very beginning of the season, but the ongoing injuries seem to be getting the best of this team, which is nothing new. Ivan Nova underwent Tommy John surgery and is out for the year. Pineda was only scheduled to miss ONE game out of the rotation, as he was suspended for 10 games for his use of pine tar. However, due to a shoulder strain injury, he is set to miss 3-4 weeks. 

Mark Teixeira, who's been hitting a few bombs the past few games, was placed on the DL for 15 days at the beginning of the season, with a hamstring injury. Ellsbury has also been benched in-consecutively since the start of his first season in pinstripes. 

I hope I'm wrong, but this team is just not built to make the playoffs, & if they are able to clinch, it's not looking like they are capable to further advance.

 
I was invited to a private event at Yankee Stadium, which took place in the Fed Ex suite, the day after home opener, on April 8th, 2014. This event featured a 2 hour brunch, a ticket to the game at 1pm, and of course an autograph signing by former Yankees, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, and Roy White.

White, wearing his 1977 World Series Championship ring, was all smiles while signing autographs for fans who attended. I was brave enough to ask him for an interview, and I was lucky enough to have him say yes! I also tried to get "El Duque" for an interview, but it would be slightly difficult, as I could tell from briefly speaking to him a little bit, that his English still isn't too well. 

HERE is the interview! Enjoy.

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda, caught using pine tar. TWICE!

Well, I was at Fenway tonight watching the Yankee game, and I don't think I ever want to go back. There were just WAY too many things wrong with tonight's game that I noticed, some before it even started.

First, I did not agree with the lineup. I think Ichiro should've played right field, while Gardner took left field. More speed for the outfield. Second thing I noticed, as it was absolutely FREEZING, and windy as all hell....was, "why isn't Pineda wearing sleeves? It's so cold." Didn't make sense to me. Well, he went on to pitch a horrible first inning. So horrible that he felt the need to turn to pine tar again, for the second time this year! Here...we...go.

Pine tar on the neck. Why? Look I have no problem with "cheating" as long as you don't get caught. I just have many concerns as to why he would go this route and over expose himself, when he could've easily hid it, ON HIS WRIST UNDER HIS SLEEVES! It's almost like he WANTED to get caught! 

When the 2nd inning started, I left my seats & headed to the concession stands. As I was on the line, the tv screen was focusing on Michael Pinedas neck. The camera man was ALL over him. I had to look twice. When I first noticed it, I thought it was sweat. He couldn't POSSIBLY make this noticeable two times in a row, right? But, then I thought, sweat? It's like 55 degrees and I'm in layers over here. So take two, I'm looking and I can't stop staring at this tv. I knew it was gonna happen....

My emotions were crazy. I actually had a huge amount of anxiety. I was nervous, for Pineda & the Yankees. Plus, I really don't like seeing stuff like this in person. I would've honestly preferred NOT to be at this game. So, I rushed down to some open seats not too far back behind home plate. Red Sox manager John Farrell, called time out, then proceeded to make his way towards home plate. It was over...

(Photo by myself, snapped of a tv screen inside Fenway Park)

The place went nuts. We all knew it was going to happen. After Farrell was done saying whatever it is exactly that he said to the home plate umpire, the ump walked to the mound. He checked Pinedas glove, made him turn around (like it was an airport security check),and then, (what appeared to be without permission by Pineda), the ump decided to touch his neck where the "pine tar" appeared to be. There goes our fifth starter. Pineda was EJECTED in only the SECOND INNING! Girardi came out quickly to talk to the ump. But I mean, what could he have possibly had to say? There was no getting out of jail card for that move.

Pineda was replaced by Phelps, who looked weak, although he was unprepared. 

My thoughts? Dumb, careless, senseless, absurd, shocking, disappointing. As I said before, this was SO easy to hide. Also, Girardi knew about this. ESPN totally singled this guy out because they HATE THE YANKEES! If it were someone on Boston, they wouldn't have brought much attention to this. 

I am still in the car on my way home, so I have yet to watch all the post game interviews. What I've read so far, ESPN reported that Pineda admitted to using pine tar at tonight's game, and stated he used it because he wanted to "get a better grip on the ball." Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated he is "embarrassed" for his team. 

“We are all embarrassed this has taken place,” Cashman said. “I think Michael is embarrassed, and we are embarrassed that somehow he took the field like that. It’s just a bad situation and clearly forced the opponent’s hand to do something I’m sure they didn’t want to do, but they had no choice but to do.”

A 10 game SUSPENSION is likely, but we won't know until at least the morning I'm assuming. 

This is just a really rough start for the 2014 Yankees. Phelps will likely take Pinedas spot if/when he is suspended.

This is going to make headlines & the front page in the morning, for sure. It should be very interesting to see what happens next. The Yankees will likely discipline him to make sure this doesn't ever happen again, but with a young mindset like Pineda, my thoughts are he's going to wannna to try & get away with this again. We shall see....

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Jets sign Vick, release Sanchez, Eagles release Jackson, pick up Sanchez, and more.

On March 22nd, 2014, the Jets picked up free agent, quarterback Michael Vick, to a one year deal, worth 5 million dollars.

Vick is set to be the teams backup QB, as Geno Smith will continue to be their starting QB. 

Via espn.go.com

"As of now, Geno is the starting quarterback for this football team," Vick said in a conference call with reporters. "From this point on, we're going to compete every day."

After finishing last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' bench, Vick said recently he wants to be a starter again, so he obviously thinks he will have that shot with the Jets at some point. For now, he wasn't about to make headlines with a bold proclamation. He vowed to support Smith and help him develop.

"I wouldn't say I'd necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench, but I know what I signed up for," said Vick, who described Smith as a good friend. "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."

As far as who's going to wear #7, well expect Smith to keep his number. TMZ reported that Vick is more then willing to find a new number to wear as a New York Jet. Vick stated, "I want to pick a new number for the Jets, Number 7 is Geno's number."

This has been quite a controversial story lately, as many Jet fans are unhappy about the new addition to their team. This is going back to Vick's dog fighting days, as most fans don't want to forgive and forget. I've seen a lot via social media lately, even diehard Jet fans stating they are now boycotting the team, since signing Vick. 

The Jets new backup QB is most likely not going to receive a nice welcome. However, if he can do justice and help improve the team, fans will likely forget about his dog fighting days, and he may eventually become a fan favorite.

The Vick signing came just one day after the Jets released their former starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has now signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, to a one year deal worth 4 million dollars. 

Not a good swap. I'm seeing a LOT of VERY frustrated Philly fans on social media over this signing. Oh, and let's not forget their beloved DeSean Jackson! 

The Eagles released receiver DeSean Jackson, early Friday afternoon. Speculations of Jackson being an affiliated gang member have reportedly been a factor in his release. However. Jackson has denied being affliliated to a popular gang, "The Crips."

Via beta.sportingnews.com

"Jackson was reportedly interviewed by police about what knowledge he may have had about the murder. Investigators reached out to inform the Eagles of their plans to talk to Jackson, but reportedly never heard back from the organization."

"In 2012, another gang-related murder occurred at a party held in a building owned or leased by one of Jackson's family members, police told NJ.com. While searching the building, investigators found documents belonging to Jackson, including his car title, a gun permit issued in New Jersey and credit card receipts. Again, Jackson was not considered a suspect."

Jackson released the following statement following his release. "First I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly.  I would also like to thank coach Andy Reid for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless" — DeSean Jackson

The Jets reportedly are interested in possibly scooping up the former Eagles receiver. Way to turn an already sloppy team, into a team consisting of a few criminals! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)