I’m not going to say I’m never wrong because that would be a bold ass lie. I can say, however, that I try not to speak unless I’m totally informed on a subject. One subject I’m completely informed on is how much the Eagles are intent on ruining my life. They make head-scratching decisions and … Continue reading Admitting You’re Wrong is Half the Battle
“We got two beers. They was the big ones doe, they was the big ones”
I am not an expert by any means. There are scouts in the NFL who are amazing at what they do. They see things in prospects that the untrained eye can’t see. On the other hand, there are a lot of guys who are terrible at their jobs. There are decisions made that are head … Continue reading Why Does the NFL Suck at Evaluating QBs?
The NFL goes through fads. Like an old pair of flare jeans in your mom’s closet, philosophies might become outdated then “in” again. Trent Richardson nearly ruined it for everyone. He bombed so hard that teams were afraid to even take an RB in round 2. After a successful campaign by Todd Gurley, going in the … Continue reading The Year of the Running Back
“When there’s significant change, and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”
Like a few other of my posts, this idea came from a debate on twitter. I asked a question a twitter that turned into a larger conversation. This led to some interesting responses and side conversations. Then I began to ponder…what is the absolute greatest superhero movie of all time. It was hard thinking of … Continue reading The 10 Greatest Superhero Movies of All Time featuring @AJ_Phx and @RonQuixote_
Previous: “Why Suicide Squad Can’t Suck” In addition to AJ, Sky is here also. No introductions this time around, I’m going to just jump straight into. Jesus Christ Lord, where do I begin? Ah, I got it! Let me start off with a story. After Batman & Robin, ideas were pitched for the next … Continue reading Suicide Squad Review featuring @AJ_Phx,@CheesusSlice, and @RonQuixote_
The court of public opinion has always tried to make the rest of Black Hippy like the The Temptations and Kendrick Lamar as the group’s David Ruffin. Outside of Q’s Habits and Contradictions, Soul’s Control System, and Jay Rock’s 90059, there wasn’t much of a case to be made to disprove this. I’ve always … Continue reading Schoolboy Q-Blank Face LP [review]
The Killing Joke is a title that needs no introduction. It’s a classic story that makes The Joker Batman’s arch nemesis. So of course I was excited to hear that this story would be adapted into a R-rated animated film. If it’s one thing DC does right, it’s their animation. This movie also has Kevin … Continue reading The Killing Joke [Animated Movie] Review
When I began to type this review, I was going to tell you how Dev Hynes has no obligation to activism or social justice as a pop artist. Especially with his Blood Orange persona. His fanbase looks like that diverse group of hipster friends you see in a modern New York sitcom. His concerts look … Continue reading “Black Is…Black Ain’t”: Blood Orange – Freetown Sound [Review…kinda]
“The sheets and crosses turned ‘to suits and ties/
In Black America can you survive?”
I’ve grown accustomed to movie marketing schemes over time, particularly summer blockbusters. Some Most of the time, it seems cheesy and overdone. You can see the stress on the actors’ faces by the end of their press tour. But NEVER and I mean EVER have I seen forced hype of the likes of Suicide Squad. … Continue reading Why Suicide Squad Can’t Suck
Hard to believe we’re almost to the midpoint of the year but here we are. As usual, I’m here to offer my useless opinion about the best, excuse me, my favorite albums of the year. (Changing verbiage to avoid pontification) My disclaimer still stands the same as it does every year: 1) This is simply … Continue reading Ron’s Favorite Albums of 2016 (So Far)
Originally posted on Sport.Music.Life.:
The major free agency moves have been made, the draft has concluded. Teams have begun OTAs and will prepare for training camps in a few weeks. Barring any major injuries or trades, our rosters for the 2016 NFL season are pretty much set. Every team believes they can make…
After the horrible X3: The Last Stand, Fox was left clueless about what to do with the X-Men franchise. Many ideas were thrown around but ultimately they decided to do a soft reboot. This brought on X-Men: The First Class. Although it had its imperfections, it was seen as a fresh take on an exhausted … Continue reading X-Men: Apocalypse Review featuring @RonQuixote_ and @AJ_Phx
First things first, I would like to let everyone know that AJ is now a contributor to The Kids Wear Crowns. There’s a lot of superhero movies to look forward to so that means we’ll be doing a lot of reviews. But for now, let’s talk about Captain America: Civil War. I’ll let AJ go … Continue reading Captain America: Civil War Review [featuring @Aj_Phx and @RonQuixote_)
We often connect to music because of the feeling it gives us. More than the lyrics themselves, it asserts a certain vibe. We fall in love with beats and melodies and sometimes forget to dig into the lyrics themselves. I’ve been guilty of this myself. This takes me to the time where I was a … Continue reading Meet the Clampetts: How the Clintons Influenced “The Dirty South”
Unless you’ve been sleeping in a bat infested cave for the past three years, you know that Batman v Superman is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. To the shock of some , it was met with poor reviews. The reviews slam this movie so bad, they’re hilarious. Are these reviews fair? … Continue reading Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Review featuring @Aj_Phx
The homie Jay Dot Rain visited HipHopDX out in LA and shot a video in the process. Still haven’t heard The Dixie Renaissance? Lucky for you, it’s not too late.
Over time, a few pairs have been elevated to become synonymous with greatness. Jordan and Pippen. Jack and coke. Peanut butter and jelly. Hall and Oates. Ok, in all seriousness, it’s my honor to be an acquaintance of the subjects of this interview. Kita Underwood and Lydia Langford are two friends who met almost accidentally. … Continue reading A Million and One Stories: Kay.Ann. The Creative Company (@KayAnnCreative)
I feel like Pablo!
If you know me, you already know I grew up with X-Men. Mutants have a special place in my heart, specifically Logan. I’ve always loved that Wolverine’s storyline has been explored. What I don’t appreciate is how shitty these movies have been. X-Men Origins: Wolverine seriously might be the worst damn comic movie ever. EVER. We get … Continue reading Deadpool: The Comic Movie We All Deserve
Three things that is virtually impossible for me to do: Eat wings without getting sauce on my shirt Wake up before noon on Saturdays Make a 180 degree turn on my opinion of an artist
It’s going to be really tough to top 2015. It was such a great year in music. 2016 seems promising though. Here’s my most anticipated albums of the year. 10.Anderson Paak-Malibu This one dropped last week, and yes it’s fire. Review coming soon. 10. Gorillaz-TBA The Gorillaz name hasn’t been used in years but Damon … Continue reading Ron’s Most Anticipated Albums for 2016
Finally, the top ten. I’d like to thank everyone who helped me with this list: Ron, Ronnie, Rontavious and Ron Quixote. Before I proceed, I’ll give you a chance to go back and view 50-11. Favorite Albums of the Year, according you, the reader 50-41 40-31 30-21 20-11 10. Jazz Cartier-Marauding in Paradise The biggest thing in … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 [The Top Ten]
20. Wale-The Album About Nothing Wale makes good music. He just sucks at tweeting. 19. Young Fathers-White Men Are Black Men Too There’s no way to accurately describe thsi album, so I won’t even try. 18. Freddie Gibbs-Shadow of a Doubt Probably my favorite Gangsta Gibbs album and that’s saying a lot 17. Disclosure-Caracal Disclosure is … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015[20-11]
30. Mac Miller-GO:OD AM Mac has always been cool to me but he’s never really had an album that matches his potential. Well, this is the one. 29. Muse-Drones Muse has been making music that I’ve been purposely avoided for ages now, but Drones is fiyaaaaa 28. Young Thug-Barter 6 When Thugger is focused, he … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 [30-21]
40. Chvrches-Every Open Eye Everyone’s favorite electro guilty pleasure is back with this sophomore album! No “Mother We Share” this time around but it still makes for a solid outing. 39. Snoop-Bush This is seriously the album Snoop was meant to make his entire life. If Snoop wants to make funk albums for the rest … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 [40-31]
After revealing your favorite albums of 2015, I guess it’s finally time to reveal my list. After scribbling down every single album I liked this year, I came to roughly fifty. Yes, fifty. And while that seems like a ridiculous amount, I’ve listened to three times that this year. 2015 was simply a good year for music. … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 [50-41]
After allowing The People to submit their list of favorite albums for 2015, I tallied the votes. They were…interesting. Thanks for everyone who participated. Here’s the results. 1. Kendrick Lamar-To Pimp A Butterfly 2. Ty Dolla Sign-Free TC 3. Future-Dirty Sprite 2 4. The Internet-Ego Death 5. Drake/Future-What A Time to be Alive Albums that … Continue reading Your Favorite Albums of 2015
In the past, I’ve gathered the best non-rap songs and put them on a playlist. It would be a disservice to do that for 2015. This was an amazing year for music. So no matter which genres you like, you should be able to find something on this playlist you missed. You can also check … Continue reading Best of 2015 Playlist
I (foolishly) relinquished my power to my good pal Syntrell. Here’s her review of an album I probably won’t listen to until March 2016: Adele-25. So my buddy Ron the don finally agreed to let me post on his blog. And he let me cover one of the most iconic artists of our time! our fav … Continue reading Adele-25 [album review]
Why we born to be poor?
Why our fathers be gone?
Why my father forsake us?
Why my momma so strong?
On the 10 year anniversary of the release of Late Registration (which was yesterday, but it wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t late) I am going to make this post a huge love fest. Kanye’s Late Registration is his true masterstroke and, to me, still his best album to date. College Dropout came during a … Continue reading Classic in Review: Kanye West-Late Registration
“THESE CONTRACTS, THEY HAVE SIGNATURES ALL OVER THEM!”
If you read the last installment of A Million and One Stories, I told you this one was on the way soon. Well it’s finally here. Presented by DJ Burn One, here’s The Dixie Renaissance. Follow @JayDotRain on twitter and hit him up with feedback.
The Crew needs to know why sex sometimes falls off in a relationship. Plus Knick Nack describes good … box. With @Coco‘sTea. Email us comments and suggestions for topics at barbershoppod@gmail.com Tweet us at @BarbershopPod [Disclaimer: All views expressed by The Barbershop Podcast are SOLELY endorsed by Sky. Please direct any comments to @cheesusslice]
I dropped by the Barbershop podcast to try to help @cheesusslice make sense our our Most Overrated Albums post.
I started my first music blog Hip Hop Sense because well, I love hip hop. It gave me an outlet to put out my two cents to whoever cared enough to read them. One task I took on was accepting submissions from up and coming artist. Now, this is hard. Because this means you typically have to … Continue reading A Million and One Stories: By the Dozens featuring @JayDotRain
Another week. Another Recap. Before I jump into this week’s episode, let me get this rant off. This season is getting bashed. True enough, it’s not exactly groundbreaking but it’s not THAT bad either. There’s the same slow-burning procedural formula that we’re all used to. This season is in the same format as last season, climax … Continue reading True Detective: Other Lives Recap
(Title edited, for the kids) NuYork stops by the Barbershop and tries to break down for the crew why these [dudes] ain’t [nothing]. feat. @STURDYSHOW, @mrknicknack, @CheesusSlice and guest @NYOnTheRadio Follow them on Twitter at @BarbershopPod
Another week, another episode to recap. Joining me, finally, is my fellow blog contributor Ebony. I’ll let her kick things off and give her thoughts. You ever read a book that started out horribly and you continued to read it solely because you had already started it but the ending turned out to be really good. … Continue reading True Detective: Down Will Come Recap
International Beck joins the room to tell stories of filthy, regrettable things they’ve done in the past. Also, want to be a guest? Want to request a topic? Follow them @BarbershopPod
Before I even hop into this week’s episode, allow me to rant…What the heck is wrong with you people? Why the harsh criticisms so soon? The first season didn’t exactly start off strong and I can bear slow burning detective dramas. If episode 4 didn’t change the season, I was prepared to give up on … Continue reading True Detective: Maybe Tomorrow Recap
The Crew gets you ready for the Summer.
Sorry for the late recap. I try to churn these blog posts out quickly then, ya know, life happens… Let’s not do this one by the book though, because there’s more to talk about starting backwards. You know. That thing that happened. Yes, THAT happened. HOLY HELL THAT HAPPENED??? HOW??? WHY???? Yes, owl mask guy … Continue reading True Detective: Night Finds You Recap
Unless you were under a rock for the past 3 or 4 years, there’s no way you could have missed Of Monsters and Men’s meteoric rise. They made that song that you couldn’t escape from. You know, that song that got stuck in your head. C’mon, you know you loved to hate “Little Talks”. They … Continue reading Of Monsters and Men – Beneath the Skin [review]
Here’s the last 5. 15-11 here and 10-6 here. 5. Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment – Surf Chance the Rapper is Morris Day and The Social Experiment is The Time. This album was unfairly labeled as a Chance album, but he’s just here to lend his quirkiness to a talented group of individuals. The results … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far [Part 3]
Yesterday, I gave a brief introduction and started my list. Here’s part 2 10. Tyler, the Creator – Cherry Bomb Every time Tyler drops an album, we wonder if this is going to be the one that ends his buzz. Well, it’s not. Tyler showcased his great ear for production on this album. Guest features … Continue reading My Favorite Albums of 2015 So Far [ PART. 2]
Here’s my midpoint of the year list. New ones will come, old ones will go, but either way, I’m glad to have so many on my list. For the sake of brevity, I’ll cut it off at 15. Even though there’s actually way more.
Before I get started, I would just like to say that this is the swaggiest, minimalistic cover ever. It’s all badass and David Bowie-esque. Anyway, this is an album review, not an album cover review. I’ve always listened to Florence Welch and her band casually but I would never consider myself a fan. Lungs was cool to … Continue reading Florence + The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful [review]
In a galaxy far, far, away named Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a boy by the name of Terrence Hatch was born. After christened with the name Lil Boosie, he went on to make glorious anthems such as “Set it Off” and the classic “Wipe Me Down”. He grew to have an affinity for spelling out his name … Continue reading Boosie Badazz – Touchdown 2 Cause Hell [review]
Obviously, season 2 had a lot to live up with. I loved season 1 as much as other people so I kinda had low expectations. However, I’m quite intrigued by the first episode. If last season was any indication, this opening song was meticulously picked. With that said, I’m already paying really close attention to … Continue reading True Detective: The Western Book of the Dead Recap
Season One was filled with Southern lore, mystery, noir, action, titties and stellar performances from McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. It was a crazy ride with our two reluctant heroes, but a really fun one. Hopefully they’re still living together and shotgunning cans of Lone Star beer. As their characters Marty and Rust walked away, they looked … Continue reading True Detective Season Two: What We Know So Far
When Ebony and I were in the early stages of planning out the relaunching of our blog, she proposed an idea of showcasing normal, everyday people. I decided on the name A Million and One Stories (as a slight nod to a classic Jay-Z and A Tribe Called Quest songs). A Million and One Stories … Continue reading A Million and One Stories: The Sneaker Lounge with @iRada__
In 2011, a collaborative album between two rappers dropped. No, I’m not talking about Watch the Throne here, I actually mean Sucker for Pumps by Tiron and Ayomari. There’s been a few loose tracks and EPs here and there, but they’ve been quiet for the most part. Well they’re back with the follow up to that great album. … Continue reading Tiron & Ayomari – The Great New Wonderful EP
The Crew discusses the current dating atmosphere. Is it as bad as everyone says? Feat. @STURDYSHOW, @mrknicknack, @CheesusSlice & @LyddieLife w/ guests @RonQuixote_, @Snook24 & @PrinceHAK33M
MTV was actually playing music videos. Yes, the channel named Music Television was actually playing videos. Crazy, I know right? Well while I was up at 3 am in the morning for no good damn reason, I discovered the coolest video I’ve seen in ages. The song is “No Words” by Erik Hassle. So join me … Continue reading While You Were Sleeping…
Before we get started, give me points for attempting a 7 letter alliteration string. I didn’t follow through obviously but I still deserve credit for trying. Anyway, let me get on track. Are you low on funds and your gear is whack? Well I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that … Continue reading Fighting Frivolous Flaunting with Shopping Tips for the Frugal Man
I type up some words about this guy like yesterday. Good to see he’s already keeping the work going.
I really think Jay Rock has some heat baking in the oven for this album. I feel it. And don’t ask why Kendrick isn’t on this one, he snatched the first one out of K. Dot’s hands. It’s his now.
The Crew explores the rules of texting, “sexting”, and sending risqué photos. Plus, we ignore the biggest stories of the week. Feat. Yours Truly, @STURDYSHOW, @mrknicknack, @CheesusSlice & @LyddieLife with guests @Snook24 & @PrinceHAK33M
When this dropped, I just laughed it off. The Freshman list was already getting worse every year but this may have been the most trash one ever. I know that the list had to be salvaged by promoting honorable mentions after big names such as iLoveMakonnen and Slumber Party Next Door declined but still…this is … Continue reading Why I Was Wrong About the 2015 XXL Freshman Cover
Hey…this guy raps really well. I wrote a few words about it here. And here’s the track P’s and Q’s.
“When you dropping some new music fam?” – me “6-4-15, hence the twitter name” “Oh…” -me So with no further adieu, it’s finally here. I’ve been supporting homie and his camp for a long time now, so hopefully you like what you hear and support too. Check out his previous projects at http://www.nosuhfoster.com/.
Monitoring the Mercury Awards is a great way to keep your ear open to Europe’s music scene. If you win this coveted award, success is probably on the way. Past winners included James Blake, Artics Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, and the xx just to name a few. So in a year where the category for the … Continue reading The Quiet Riot: Young Fathers
It’s been a long time since that Can I Borrow A Dollar? mixtape but Kembe is better than ever. Honestly, I thought he would blow before now but let’s hope this mixtape is the one that does it. His single featuring Danny Brown is below, along with a video for “Loosie”
Seeing Kendrick on The Colbert Report was cool. Seeing him on Ellen was…interesting. Watch the artsy performance of “These Walls” above. Still not too late to read America Eats Its Young: An Examination of To Pimp A Butterfly either.
Hip-hop personally means a lot to me. During my short lifespan, it’s been great seeing so many artists progress and rise up the ranks. We’ve gone through several generations, each of which has had their own signature MC. This artist usually started off as a relatively unknown guy who created tons a buzz by a … Continue reading New World Water
Deus Ex Machina
Considering that we’re both from Alabama, @cheesusslice and I both have unusual fan loyalties. I’m an Eagles fan, he’s a Jets fan. The question we’re often asked is, “Why????”. I wish we had answer. Maybe we like pain and suffering. Maybe we don’t want to know what it feels like to have a happy Sunday. … Continue reading Why We Hate Our Teams [@RonQuixote_ and @CheesusSlice]
Initially, this was just meant to be an album review. Then I realized that possibly no one would read it. I mean, cmon, have you even heard of Hiatus Kaiyote? Right. So why would you click on their album review? I was late to this party myself and I know many others are too. But … Continue reading Who the Heck is Hiatus Kaiyote??!?!
Binge watching never used to be my way. I used to enjoy watching my TV in real time. Now I’m an adult with bills and those bills cause me to have a job to pay for them. I have seen the light though, binge watching is here and it’s the future. Accept it. Whether you … Continue reading Netflix’s Hidden Gems
The Crew reveals the people who they would risk their relationships to have one night with, and the ladies who made the “I would eat her ass” list… and somehow the conversation led to a breakdown of 3somes. feat. @STURDYSHOW, @CheesusSlice, @LyddieLife & @mrknicknack
At your local barbershop, you know nothing is off limits as far as discussion goes. The same goes for the roundtable of @Sturdyshow, @MrKnicknack and @CheesusSlice. On this episode, they discuss ladies faking “it”. Enjoy.
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