Our chaos has now spread to Twitter. Just ask LeBron AKA LeFraud.

As of this wacky autumn New York evening, Hitting Back’s  joined the Twitterverse. We’ll now have a place to post our random musings during each day. Having already been a Tweep over a year thanks to success with my other blog Battle Of NY covering the three area hockey locals as well as the Sabres, I’m now set to embark on a similar journey.

One which shall include following athletes, media, celebs, etc. Unfortunately, we haven’t discovered Derek Jeter or A-Rod yet. But everyone’s fave NBA ME-star LeBron “LeFraud” James is on there along with more respectable Heat ‘mate Dwyane Wade.

Get ready for insanity and lots of wackiness courtesy of yours truly. Hope to see some of ya over there!

“Raise The Roof”

D Flex

You see me on the street

Flash a grin as I stare at your feet

I wink back and you blush

What’s the matter girl, there’s no rush

We can take our precious time

Get together and sip some red wine

I’ll make ya feel real high

My rhymes putting you on cloud nine

You laugh all happy yet shy

That’s okay cause you’re real fly

Got no issue waiting you out

Just one look and I see what you’re all about

It’s like we’re playing a game

I’m Tom, you’re Jerry running all over my brain

No doubt I need you that much is true

Only asking for a chance to be your boo

Let’s raise the roof together

Make it all hot

Let’s raise the roof together

I can make ya feel better

You’re all I want

They say Flex is the show

But not tonight, you’re the one with all the glow

Sparking it all on fire

Your scintillating image is what we desire

We hug and you smell so sweet

If only I’d stay there forever feeling heat

Heart pounding faster and faster

You have an affect like a queen master

Cause you’re the jewel that never loses luster

Damn, you sure got it, you’re butter

I know the real deal when I see it

You make grown men throw fits

Those killer eyes turn us inside out

Can’t sit around anymore, I want to shout

Throw every line in the book

You’re poetry in motion, let’s cook

Let’s raise the roof together

Turn it all inside out

Let’s raise the roof together

Flex is a go getter

Time has come, let’s leave no doubt

Everytime we talk, feel like I’m in a different dimension

When you speak, I can’t help but listen

Your words shall always matter

A choice between you and benjamins, fuck pockets getting fatter

Would give it all up just for you

You’re the one that bangs, always ringing true

Can feel ya around like a sunshine star above

You’re my Tinkerbell spreading those magic wings filled with love

I whisper gently in your ear

About how much I like your hair

Suddenly, you’re as bright as the sun

I’m hoping our time will come

Let’s slow dance together under the moonlight

Nobody else around, it’s our special night

Holding ya close while under the stars

Like we’re in another planet Mars

Let’s raise the roof together

We can make lots of magic

Let’s raise the roof together

Touch the feathers

Just get all manic

I’ll give ya the finest flowers

Promise they’ll never go sour

Matching your Kool Aid face

Making ya an exquisite case

You’re a fantasy that fell from the sky

Sometimes, I walk alone and ponder why

How someone so unique came across my path

Maybe it was fate calming the wrath

Can’t always explain what’s going on

It would just be nice to not be wrong

I’ve always believed that there’s one

So let’s do it up and have some fun

Let’s raise the roof together

For however long it lasts

Let’s raise the roof together

Be the sunsetter

And just have a blast

While it's been rough for A.J. Burnett, it's been all roses for Roy Halladay who helped clinch a fourth straight NL East crown for Jayson Werth and the Phillies.

-Based on his latest outing if you could call last night’s debacle to his former Toronto ‘mates that, perhaps A.J. Burnett should change his last name to Burnout. It sure would be appropriate. The first Yankee pitcher to lose 15 games since bust Terry Mulholland. How’s it possible to lose that many on a loaded team looking to get that final ‘W’ to start their title defense? A year removed from winning 13 games and pitching to a 4.04 ERA while helping the Bronx Bombers to a record 27th world championship, the 33 year-old permitted seven earned in less than three innings, serving up two dingers to Vernon Wells and John Buck in a 7-5 loss north of the border. His ERA ballooned to 5.33. How can Joe Girardi keep trotting him out? Would you trust AJ in October? Forget the track record.

Fact: Of the Yanks’ 64 losses, Burnett’s accounted for 23.4 percent.

-Can the struggling Bombers turn on the switch once they clinch? Girardi’s banking on top gun C.C. Sabathia to erase further doubt tonight. Former Phillie prospect Kyle Drabek opposes the 20-game winner. While lingering questions remain about the rest of the postseason rotation, encouraging signs have come from Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson, who continued to swing hot bats, each going yard. The Grandy Man has turned his season around with a sizzling September that’s seen the center fielder tear the cover off the ball- swatting nine home runs and knocking in 23. In fact, six of the nine have come over the last 10 games. It’s helped him get up to .251 with 24 dingers, 65 RBI’s and 74 runs in 132 GP. Teixeira is finally looking healthier, going 8-for-20 with three long balls and five RBI’s over the last five. The Yankee first baseman is up to .259 with a club-leading 33 homers plus 106 RBI’s. In Year One which he narrowly missed MVP, Teix went .292-39-122. Considering how poorly he started, it speaks well of the 30 year-old’s poise. The Yanks will need both to produce along with A-Rod and MVP candidate Robby Cano to make any kind of run.

-If we’re setting the rotation, it’s a tough choice between Andy Pettite and Phil Hughes for No.2. It probably depends on how Pettite fares in his next start after getting tattooed by Boston over the weekend. Andy has always been a big game pitcher. So, if Sabathia lost, it would make sense to comeback with the crafty vet southpaw. A lot hinges on Game One for this flawed team.

-Think Roy Halladay’s happy to be out of Toronto? In tossing a complete game two-hit shutout of lowly Washington, the 33 year-old NL Cy Young front runner won his league best 21st game, helping the Phillies four-peat in the NL East. A tremendous accomplishment for Charlie Manuel’s ballclub that’s clicking on all cylinders. Jayson Werth continued his strong finish slugging his 26th homer while driving in four. Before they acquired Roy Oswalt, who’s been lights out, their playoff hopes were in doubt. Since, they’ve been on a tear flying past the Braves for another crown. They couldn’t have gotten here without Halladay, who’ll finally get to be on the big stage. How much does it mean?

“That’s the reason you want to come to a team like this. They know how to do it,” he expressed while be doused with champagne. “It’s the coolest thing I’ve been a part of. It’s just the start, I think.”

“I wanted him out there,” Manuel added about letting his horse finish it. “I felt like he earned it, and he deserved it.”

For over a decade, Halladay’s been one of the game’s best pitchers. Finally, he’s where he should be.

-With a dynamic trio they call H2O comprising Halladay, Oswalt and ’08 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, they’re going to be a handful next month.

-That leaves the Braves, NL West-leading Giants and Padres scrambling for two spots. A Padre loss put San Fran up by a game while also combining with an Atlanta extra inning 2-1 win over Florida to give Bobby Cox’s club a half game wildcard lead. It sure is setting up to be a fun final week. Who wants it?

-Barring a ridiculous Yankee collapse, the AL is pretty much set with the Twins and Rangers already clinching while the Rays and Yanks duke it out for the AL East. Based on how they’ve played, you have to make Minnesota the favorite. Even without Justin Morneau, they’re playing the best baseball. We’ll see if one of the game’s best managers Ron Gardenhire can finally get over the hump.

-Kudos to both Evan Longoria and David Price for calling out their fans for not showing in a potential playoff clincher last night. Considering the sparse support they along with the Marlins get, it’s a wonder how both franchises survive. They really ought to be relocated.

-It’s easy to make the case for Cano as MVP. The Yankee second baseman’s been consistent all year leading them with a .318 average while setting career highs in homers (28) and RBI’s (105). However, it’s also easy to see him losing due to what’s around him in A-Rod, Teix and Nick Swisher. Josh Hamilton has had an amazing season, leading the league with a .361 average with 31 homers and 97 RBI’s. All for a Texas team that’s back in the playoffs. He’s probably got the best case over non-playoff challengers Miguel Cabrera and Blue Jay slugger Jose Bautista (ML best 52 HR). It really should come down to Cano and Hamilton. We’ll see if Cano being a Yankee works against him.

-It’s been another long season for the Mets but at least they’ve discovered some up and coming talent in starter Dylan Gee and former Cyclone Lucas Duda, who both should be part of the solution next year with first base slugger Ike Davis and catcher Josh Thole. Assuming Jose Reyes and David Wright are still here, that’s not a bad mix for whoever takes over. Big decisions looming.

“Nature’s Wrath”

D Flex

Tonight, the sky lit up for real

Bolts of lightning making me keel

Driving back, all the sparks like fire

This was no movie, nor our desire

Thunder, lightning and pouring rain

Driving motorists on the West Shore insane

Couldn’t even look straight ahead

There flashed another wild bolt instead

Just wanted to get home safe

Never did being in a car feel like an escape

It might’ve been a short ride

But felt like closing my eyes inside

We felt mother nature’s wrath

Heaven’s screaming, ‘Get the fuck out of my path’

In that moment, nothing could be done

The sky above, loaded with a gun

We’re at its mercy when it speaks

Damn right, it plays for keeps

Sometimes, you gotta pray

Hopefully, it ain’t your day

Made it home in one piece

Finally some sanity and peace

A shower to clear my head

Then pondered it in my bed

Last week, a tornado hit

Good thing, we didn’t catch it

Park Slope wasn’t so lucky

Sure hope my BK peeps are okay

Here’s one thing I know

Never fuck with nature’s show

A good night to thank our lucky stars

Rockout and jam our electric guitars

Bringing that rockstar swag

So we can be in a futuristic mag

Smiling, laughing and enjoying ourselves

Getting by with a little help from our friends

We'll never forget you Lyndzay Elroy Futuristic Dyaygo Escobar.

“Four Months Later”

D Flex

It happened on a Friday

I got the call from Jonny

And my heart just stopped

Felt like we were robbed

You were someone special

No wonder we can’t stop missing ya

Knew you only a year

But that didn’t matter cause of your cheer

Always bringing that Kool Aid smile

And an Atlanta swag that could stay a while

Cause you were magic 

What happened was tragic

That long May day never goes away

Even now, I still feel sick today

You brought so much to the plate

Chronic beats, flow, man you were great

Four months later

And part of us is gone

Four months later

Just want to sing your song

P said the present was a gift

He was right cause emotion sure would lift

You always lit up the place

Could see the spark in your ruby face

Laughs a plenty with you around

Freestyling, dancing to your funky sound

Brought the rockstar swag

That could’ve lit up any mag

You were in your own dimension

Standing on the sun grabbing our attention

I call you a shining star cause you stand out

If we could just see you once more, we’d all shout

Joy for all and the greatest party God’s ever seen

All fit for Dyaygo Escobar a futuristic king

Could see you making it hot as can be

Damn right you were a G

Four months later

It’s still hard to comprehend

Four months later

I don’t believe it’s the end

Saw you on our way back from Delaware

You came out in a picture floating through the air

I’m sure it was a sign that you’re watching over us

Makes me feel like there’s more to trust

I believe in you, you’re high in the sky

Spreading your love cause legends never die

Your wings providing us with hope

Making us stronger when we cope

Still see you doing your thing

Making me wish this was all a bad dream

But your spirit still exists

I can feel it in my fists

Telling us like Bob Marley not to give up the fight

It’s time to stand up for your rights

That’s the message we carry in our hearts

Spreading Elroy Futuristic in different parts

Four months later

We want you back

Four months later

Slowly getting back on track

That’s the way you’d want it

Never wanting us to feel like shit

Stay positive and burn like fire

You always did taking us higher and higher

When the autumn wind blows, it’s really you

Calming us down while holding true

It’s like you’re patting us on the back

Saying, ’don’t ever fall out of wack’

It’s enough for us to move forward

Deep down, you were a reward

Thank you Patty for your son

He made everything so much fun

You, Taryn and Corey are so strong

Never doubt, just keep pushing on

Nayelly shows your spirit every day

I know you were proud yesterday

Four months later

It’s like time flew

Four months later

Lyndzay Richburg, we’ll never stop loving you

“I’m A Rappah”

D Flex

I’m a rappah

Or so I’m told

My lyrics zap ya

Like pure gold

Can’t take credit for this

Props to someone cooler

Who I sure miss

If I’m a rappah, you’re hip hop’s ruler

So it’s true

I like to flow

Still don’t compare to you

Or match your magic glow

I laugh whenever you tell me

Cause despite how I act, I’m low key

Praise is nice from ya Biggie

You really know how to be

I’m a rappah

Though not sure why

If I can rap

Then you sure can fly

You’re the one

Who makes me feel

Bright as your sun

Anything’s for real

You got Kool Aid

Poppin’ through your veins

A rapping Minute Maid

Words fit for a queen

You got style

I got class

You’re a wild child

Who has pizzazz

Keep talking about a rap off

But I’d rather just chill

Watch you spread your love

Just one look could kill

I’m a rappah

Who’s inspired by you

You’re a mastah

That should never be blue

Written ya plenty in my mind

Cause there aren’t enough words

Truly are one of a kind

It sure ain’t absurd

Don’t even think I’d win

Against your prowess

But my head would spin

Cause you’re a rap Goddess

How can I compete

When facing such fine art

Bet your lyrics would be sweet

Like a tasty tart

You can make it all shine

No matter how dark

It’d be cured by your rhyme

Creating that golden spark

The one that rocks 24/7

Turning us instantly to smiles

Like we died and went to heaven

With you floating a while

I’m a rappah

Who loves your zest

A lyrical mastah

But like you say to me, you’re the best

Nick Cardona's drumset shows off a Through The Year logo added for the final Cup show this summer by the up and coming alternative rock group.

STATEN ISLAND, NY-Outside a house in an otherwise deserted area, loud music can be heard coming from the basement. As I wait outside, a woman answers the door and asks what I’m here for. Confusion at first until I realize we got the right location.

If there was a band practice going on for Through The Year below, you just couldn’t tell by her manner. It was matter of fact, like a normal household. Only with a few extra members livening up the place where guitarist Kenny Klugewicz hosts this basement rock extravaganza. As we make our way down a dark, narrow staircase without killing ourself, frontman Peter King is calmly sitting at a computer as Klugewicz, lead guitarist Vinny Holden and bassist Nick Dos Santos go over how they want to play a song. Meanwhile, drummer Nick Cardona plays some random beats to keep from going insane.

Most intriguing when you walk into the small workspace is Klugewicz’ rock/comic tribute consisting of plenty of posters including favorite original punkers The Ramones along with every Joker mask from The Dark Knight. Plus some Batman figurines mixed in with four classic skateboards. Picture all that surrounding a drumset, two large amps along with a few minis plus a microphone and computer all on one side of the basement. Welcome to a Through The Year practice session complete with the usual back and forth banter you’d expect from a tight knit family.

Originally formed by King and Holden in September ’09, it took a while for the band to find the right pieces. Before they settled on Dos Santos in March along with Klugewicz and Cardona this summer, they went through three different bass players. During an intense session for a recent gig at Shakers featuring Sanitarius and Deception Theory, the group ran through “Lost But Not Forgotten,” ”Death By Riot Shield,” “Sleepless Sands,” ”Keep Your Heads Down,” “Fist Up,” and Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” before finally sitting down to talk with us.

“It’s ridiculously hard to keep a band going. It’s constant work,” King observed about the dedication it takes to stay together. “Behind what everybody sees, it’s like playing with your brothers and sisters.”

“We were a cover band and Vinny [Holden] came up with something one day while we were packing up and I really liked the sound of it and we kinda just started working. … Our first song was Lost But Never Forgotten.”

Both have played since last year before lineup changes. The best aspect is that it didn’t take long for Dos Santos, Cardona and Klugewicz to get acclimated, making for a smoother transition than expected.

“They picked up the songs pretty quickly where as in other bands, it usually takes longer cause you got to start all over,” King pointed out.

“Vinny writes most of it. He’ll get an idea off the guitar. He’ll get an idea and he runs with it and then he shoots it out to us. And then if we like it, we start running with it and we see where it can go,“ the Through The Year frontman said of the low key lead guitarist who does most of his talking on stage.

“Kinda,” on if he sees the ideas in his head Holden replied. “I basically just go with the flow and everything.”

The camaraderie over a productive summer that saw the group progress at local shows like The Cup here on Staten Island has finally allowed them to take the next step. They are recording an EP featuring four songs in Massachusetts.

“I honestly can’t wait. … We were supposed to do it over four months ago. And we finally reached the amount of money we needed to get it done,” an excited King noted of their debut targeted for November.

In the meantime, the Great Kills punkers will continue to find shows following The Cup finale at the end of August in Stapleton. A final performance for them and many other bands they got to know.

“Playing The Cup  was better because you booked your own show. You could go, ‘Let’s play a show.’ You didn’t have to worry about promoters screwing you out of money,” Klugewicz noted of the alternative rock band being its closing act. “It felt like a big responsibility. We had to finish this place good.“

“All the chemistry, it’s all an act. We don’t like any of each other,“ King said tongue in cheek to laughs. “But at The Cup, that’s why I liked it the most. Cause everyone’s helping each other. I was helping them. They were helping me. Cause we get done quicker. We all look out for each other.”

But as Dos Santos mentioned, it could eventually return thanks to someone who bought it. However, the time period remains sketchy, including whether they’ll keep the name. For mainstays King and Holden who frequented the place since last Halloween, it gave them and other bands a place to put themselves out there in front of family and friends. One thing not lost is the success Process Of Fusion has had, getting signed and releasing their first album.

“I’m always happy to see anyone that I’m friends with do well. But it definitely shows us that. For a while, I thought it would be extremely hard to get noticed on Staten Island. … When Process started heading in the right direction, it definitely gave a little bit more hope,” King observed.

“It’s like now, we definitely can’t say ‘Let’s not play Staten Island.’ We can go everywhere now. I would say I’m definitely looking forward to being where they are.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” added Holden.

“There is no try. You either do or you don’t,” Dos Santos quoted from Yoda in Star Wars to more jokes from Holden.

With an opportunity to reach more fans, Through The Year will be playing a New Jersey show next month in Hoboken.

“This girl’s throwing a house party. There’s going to be three or four bands there. And it’s going to be our first out of state show as we as our first acoustic show,” King stated. He also discussed how the group will be taking a break from covers, shifting the focus on fresh material.

“When we were doing all those covers- trying to learn all those covers, it takes a lot of time,” King explained. “So, it takes away from time you have to write originals. It takes us a while to do originals. Vinny comes up with the beats for the intros. Nick kinda overfloods it.”

“Flood the gates,” Dos Santos shouts to chuckles.

On what his favorite cover is which we lean towards as well, King assessed:

“The one we play the best is “Hey Jealousy. It’s kinda like our original. We play like so much. And I know Vinny played even before me and Kenny we’re in it. It’s kinda like their original. They play it so good and then I feel it.”

“I don’t have a favorite cover. I just like how we all come from different musical backgrounds and we just find what we have in common and put it down. That’s what I love,” added Klugewicz.

All things considered, the Fab Five remain very grounded about their fans and supporters.

“We have supporters and we have fans. Cause we don’t even know them and we go, ‘Who the heck are you?,‘” kidded Klugewicz.

“Hey. I knew him first. Country Donuts,” Cardona joked of our chance meeting at a donut shop on Amboy last month prior to Vinny’s Birthday Bash.

Summed up King of his drummer’s contribution:

“Congratulations. You got one person to come to a show.“

What makes them tick? Oh. Just the love and passion for music. Best of all, they get the chance to perform as they live the dream.

“The only reason why I write music is cause I can and I love music. … I want it but I need to make it. I only picture myself doing this in life. … Music is a drug. Music really is a drug. Once it’s in your system like it’s something you truly love like the five of us do, it’s something you can’t be without. Like the day after a show, our drummer’s itching to play the next show and the next one won’t be booked for even a month,” said King.

The youngest member Cardona, who’s only been playing a year put it in perspective:

“It’s all about the fans cause they spread the word. I’m going to try my best to hangout with my fans. As rich as I can be, I’m going to try to donate money. Have a decent life.“

THROUGH THE YEAR

Peter King: Lead vocals

Vinny Holden: Lead guitar, backup vocals

Kenny Klugewicz: guitar, backup vocals

Nick Dos Santos: bass, backup vocals

Nick Cardona: drums, percussion

A look at Through The Year guitarist Kenny Klugewicz' Joker masks in the comic/punk rock practice basement.

BAND INSPIRATIONS

Nick Cardona: Blink 182. Foo Fighters. A Day To Remember. Any band on Staten Island, I give them props when I was playing with them. Definitely Rancid. Especially punk bands. Bullet For My Valentine. All that crap. Other than this, any music I listen to. Definitely Rancid.

Kenny Klugewicz: A lot of what he said, we have in common like Blink, Green Day or Rancid. My favorite band is The Ramones. It does consist of mostly punk but I do keep an open mind about music. I actually didn’t start listening to punk. When I started listening to rock ‘n roll, I was in the second grade. My first two bands were AC/DC and Metallica. That’s cause of watching Beavis and Butthead. That’s what introduced me to rock ‘n roll. … In middle school, I got into skateboarding which led me to punk rock music.

Vinny Holden: Definitely Protest The Hero, Blink 182, Megadeth. I like Maiden but not as one of my favorites. Bullet For My Valentine, Children Of Bodom, Angels and Airwaves.

Nick Dos Santos: My range is ginormous. Children of Bodom, Protest The Hero, The Faceless, The Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Nirvana, Megadeth, Metallica.

Peter King: Death Cab For Cutie is always a big one of mine. Blink 182, Green Day, A Day To Remember, Drive By Satelitte. Rise Against definitely.

FAVORITE CONCERTS

NC: I’ve been to one. Avenged Sevenfold concert. That was awesome. I had mad fun. The main concerts I want to be at is my own.

NDS: I would have to say Megadeth with Children Of Bodom. And Trivium at the Starland Ballroom. That was sweet.

VH: I’ve been to six. Dream Theater/Iron Maiden, Ratt, Angels and Airwaves, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Story Of The Year, Atreyu. My favorite was the Maiden and Dream Theater but I liked Dream Theater better when they played. I met David Mustaine from Megadeth (book signing). I was in the presence of a God.

PK: That’s an easy one. Senses Fail, Saves The Day and Hidden In Plain View in Brooklyn in 2004. It was freaking phenomenal.

KK: My first concert was Mest at The World and that was definitely one of my favorites cause it was the first one. September 20, 2002. And my first Warped Tour ’03 in Asbury Park. That is definitely one of my favorite concerts because I got to sing on stage with The Ataris. They were the first band that went on that I liked and for their last song, they played “San Dimas High School Football Rules.” The lead singer got on the mic and said, ‘We need people to come help us sing the song.’ So, you know. I tapped some random dude on the shoulder to help me crowd surf and I went over there, jumped up on the barricade and I got to sing. So, that was definitely it.

A Word To Describe Kenny’s Comic/Rock Shrine

NDS: Fantasmagorical.

VH: Random.

PK: Unique.

NC: Donna (sarcasm).

KK: It started when I was 14. I haven’t changed a thing since.

THEIR MESSAGE

PK: Each song, people can take away what they want. That’s one of the best things about music. Each song we have is completely different. There’s always different messages behind them. Personal messages but like everyone from listening to music takes away a different message. You and I could be listening to the same song and you could take it as something and I can take it a whole other way. … All four songs we have have different meanings and hit people in different ways.

VH: I got a message cause I love to do it. I don’t give a crap what people think cause I love to write and I like it. I mean, it’s great that other people do but it does it for me. … Everyone who plays an instrument, never ever stop because you’ll forget everything and you’re not gonna know what to do anymore. Do what you love. Never put it down.

NDS: Writing your own music with your bandmates is like taking Ecstasy.

KK: Our message is talk to us, interact. We don’t bite. And have fun. Don’t be our fan. Be our friend.

NC: I can’t agree more with Kenny.

“It Ain’t Easy”

D Flex

Sometimes, it feels like a lie

And I’m left asking why

There’s a dark sky up ahead

Just feel emotion is dead

I’m not all I’m cracked up to be

You don’t know but there’s another side of me

One which is quiet and more reserved

Pondering what’s fake and if I’ll ever learn

Is it really all just a twisted game

Suddenly bringing pouring rain

That feels like it’ll never stop

As drops fall, am I just a prop

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, I lose control

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, shit really takes a toll 

Maybe it’s cause I expect too much

Only to wind up on a crutch

Trying to climb a never ending hill

Seems to be teasing my will

Yet I always try to carry on

When deep down I know something’s wrong

But there I am putting on the brave face

In front of everyone when I’m really lost in space

You just don’t notice cause you’re all wrapped up

Go ahead pour some more liquor in your shot cup

Down it like it’s all good

Jiving bullshit that kills the mood

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, I’d rather be anywhere else

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, I feel lost and hopeless

Everyday, I try to be Kool Aid

But what’s it gotten me not paid

Always think it’ll turn around

It ain’t the truth I’m lost and found

You see me smile and think it’s alright

If only it were true cause I ain’t right

Sometimes, I really am in my own zone

Only you can’t read me cause it’s unknown

Had it all figured out

But then it comes back creatiing doubt

So hard to explain

That’s my story, my pain

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, I want to run away

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, it’d be nice to live by the bay

Too bad that ain’t reality

Nothing can save me not even this city

Can’t always be everyone’s show

Just shut up cause you don’t really know

Always expected to be centerstage

But on this day, I’m turning the page

Get someone else to satisfy your needs

Time to do for me, some good deeds

Stop doing for others pay attention to myself

Focus more and live in good health

Must strive to be the best I can be

That way I like what I see

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, I just need some time

It ain’t easy

Sometimes, it’s all about the climb

“Tonight’s The Night”

by Derek Felix AKA D Flex

Tonight’s the night

We make it out of sight

Rocking on till the break of dawn

Cause this time nothing can go wrong

Sparking it on fire

Playing the electric wire to wire

Turning the volume up 

Now drink that vodka shot cup

Until it takes you higher

Dream your heart’s desire

Cause it’s all worthwhile

Make it last a while

And always smile cause you’re magic Kool Aid

Now it’s time to get paid

Raise the roof and give ‘em some proof

Cause we’re all the truth

Tonight’s the night 

We’re napoleon dynamite

Standing on top of the world

Swagging it up with diamond necklaces and pearls

Dancing under the moonlight

Partying it up all night

Drawing plenty of attention

We truly are in our own dimension

Shining like the stars above

As we spread all the love

Giving you quite a show

Constantly under the evening glow

Here we are in paradise

Making it twice as nice

Flying like the birds

Echoing over many words

Tonight’s the night 

We match the starlight

Making the beat hot

Demonstrating what we got

Getting down like never before

Crowd pleasers now hear them roar

Painting pictures never seen

Damn right we’re the kings and queens

Creating new memories

Let us bring you to your knees

Into our world of unknown

Here’s your chance to grab the throne

Get it in while ya can

Or face a lifetime ban

Raise it to another level

Time to dance with the Devil

Tonight’s the night

We make things right

Forgetting all the bull

Pound your fist let’s go

This time we have all the power

Feeling as fresh as a cold shower

Ready for whatever comes our way

Time to make things fall our way

It’s a game we must win

No such thing as a cardinal sin

Just about getting respect

We’re no longer getting wrecked

Make it your best day

Sun shining like the month of May

Lighting up cause we’re stars

The special ones who’ll go very far

Just call him King Rafa. Indeed, there’s nothing the energetic 24 year-old Rafael Nadal can’t do on a tennis court. Following the electrifying Spaniard’s virtuoso performance in an epic four set win over equally deserving runner-up Novak Djokovic, the new U.S. Open champ staked his claim to the throne.

“For the first time in my career, I played a very, very good match in this tournament,” a thrilled Nadal said. “That’s my feeling, no? I played my best match in the U.S. Open at the most important moment, so I am very, very happy for that, for sure.”

The one major that had eluded him prior didn’t come easy against his 24 year-old Serbian counterpart. For his part, Djokovic demonstrated the same fight that carried him to an emotional come from behind five set win over nemesis Roger Federer. A gutsy performance in which he fought back from a set down, saving two match points with monster forehand winners just to reach his second Open final. The new No.2 proved worthy, bouncing back from a momentary lapse to capture the second set after a lengthy rain delay.

Nadal took a quality opening set 6-4 in which both went toe to toe, slugging it out at a frenetic pace. The rallies dedicated fans, who made it out to Ashe after Sunday’s washout got were breathtaking. No.1 versus No.2 pushing each other to the limit. The amount of running involved keeping points alive combined with the sheer power and determination had a New York crowd murmuring during extended rallies. It was the kind of tennis Federer could appreciate if he had actually watched. The hitting reminded us of some of those classic showdowns between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

To his credit, Djokovic never backed down. After losing a tough first set, he immediately broke Nadal pushing out to a 4-1 lead. But just when it looked like the fiery Serb would square things, Rafa struck back in a seventh game that lasted 10 minutes. Every point was played with vigor as if the entire match depended upon it. When Nadal held for four all and was two points from breaking Djokovic again, the rain came.  It would’ve been easy for Nole to cave but he didn’t, holding for 5-4 and then forcing a Nadal miss to break in the 12th game, leveling the match.

His downfall came in the pivotal third frame when Nadal delivered the knockout blow. The thing that makes Rafa so special is his persistence. Every point is played like the last. John McEnroe has repeatedly stated that he plays like a bum on the street. Desperate to get every ball back. Hustling shots down. Coming up with inconceivable angles. The way he plays is how Jimmy Connors did. Grinding it out and showing emotion after winning big points. A crowd pleaser. He lets you in.

“I think the talk about if I am better or worse than Roger is stupid, because the titles say he’s much better than me,” Nadal pointed out. “So that’s true at that moment. I think that will be true all my life.”

New U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal poses next to runner-up Novak Djokovic.

Against anyone else, Djokovic would’ve captured his first Open and second slam. He was absolutely bombing forehands and crosscourt backhands at Nadal in an all out blitz. Somehow, Rafa withstood it and kept on coming. You could see it all over his opponent’s face. The disbelief at some of the shots the “best player in the world,” as he’d praise later during the on-court ceremony, delivered under pressure. Novak tried everything, including some nifty touch at the net which resulted in entertaining conclusions. It just wasn’t enough on a day which turned to a late New York night in Flushing Meadows.

Nobody was going to deny Nadal of making history. That’s how he pulled out the third set, breaking Djokovic’s back. All the running finally caught up in the fourth when Rafa broke twice en route to a hard fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win to win his first Open- becoming the seventh male tennis player to complete a career grand slam (Australian-1, French-5, Wimbledon-2, U.S. Open-1). With nine slams already, he’s ahead of Federer’s record pace. However, before we start discussing whether he can stay healthy enough to catch his close rival who’s at 16, this isn’t the time.

Just seeing an emotional Nadal lying flat on his stomach on the baseline after a final Djokovic forehand went wide was enough to tell you what it meant. Shaking in amazement at what he’d accomplished. No male player had won the French, Wimbledon and U.S. Open all in the same year since the legendary Rod Laver back in 1969.

While Nadal composed himself receiving a hug from Djokovic, his proud family that included his Mom, Dad, proud coach Uncle Toni and beautiful sister stood up cheering their hero. Even Toni understands history.

“The best of all time are Federer, [Bjorn] Borg, Laver,” he said. “Rafa is a good player, but I don’t think he’s part of that group.”

Pressed further, he again was much like Rafa. Respectful.

“I don’t know, I don’t know. Ask me in five or six years and maybe I can say.”