Chilling like a mad villain
Making a killing
Playing them fools
Like a game
Cause they got no brain
Easy come easy go
Now you know
Who’s in control

-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

Any day can be reserved for 2Pac. Makaveli was a poet and ya ‘ll God damn know it. Let’s look at some of the lyrical genius whose legend lives on.

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

“Ghost”

[Tupac - speaking]
The only way, for me to come back, is by Makaveli
That’s it! All these motherfuckers stole from me
I’m takin back what’s mine

[slowed down voice]
[laughing] You motherfuckers can’t stop me
Even if I die, I’m gon’ be a fuckin problem
Do you believe in ghosts, motherfucker?
Real live black… ghosts
Feel me?

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Some say I’m crazy, these punk-ass cops can’t fade me
Mama tried to raise me, but had too many babies
Papa was a motherfuckin, joke
Used to find dope in his coat
And nearly choked when he’d tell me not to

“Still Ballin”
(feat. Trick Daddy)

Straight motherfuckin ballin
Part two, still ballin
Westside

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Now ever since a nigga was a seed
Only thing promised to me was the penitentiary, still ballin
Ridin on these niggaz cause they lame
In a six-one

Then, you’ve got the Knicks who have come apart at the seams in Mike D’Antoni’s second season similar to last year. Monday, I was busy all day on Battle Of New York catching up on all the chaotic NHL hoopla leading into today’s 3 ET trade deadline. It cost me a chance to see a championship game I’d have liked to have caught. The BC Lady Lions fell at Martin Luther 51-44. Sounds like it was a really good game. Darn. Between that and former Berkeley standout Zoe Cohen’s New Paltz losing their league title by five (50-45) over the weekend, bad luck I guess.

At least those teams put out the effort. A foreign term for the Knicks, who are back to humiliating themselves. How else to explain their 30+ point loss to LeBron’s Cavs? A game so uncompetitive that a disgusted orange and blue fan tweeted about it, which made me check the score. When I saw 74 points for Cleveland and only halftime, my eyes almost popped out. They trailed 101-59 at the end of three quarters. C ‘mon!

While the Knicks have dropped 10 of 11 and 13 of their last 15, there aren’t even words to describe the ineptitude of the Nets, who amazingly with their 104-96 upset of the Celtics in Beantown have fared better. Yes. Remarkably, they’ve won two of their last seven. Break ‘em up! Too bad this sad bunch had just four more wins in 59 games, making the Jersey disgrace 6-53. Impossible. This is a pro sports franchise who boasts talented inside/outside duo Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts aren’t bad either. However, it hasn’t mattered with injuries and lackluster play costing Lawrence Frank his job. If only it was getting better under Kiki Vandeweghe.

Amazingly, when you look at some of the pieces along with the enormous opportunity to win the NBA Lottery and select Kentucky’s John Wall, they could be much improved this Fall. Given the franchise’s uncertainty surrounding Brooklyn with the club shifting from the Meadowlands to The Rock, would a July 1 big name consider them? A lineup featuring Wall, Harris and Lopez is intriguing.

While their closest rivals cleared plenty of space by acquiring Tracy McGrady, there appears to be more unknowns surrounding the Knicks. Outside of Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, there’s little else who will be back. Of the other moves Donnie Walsh made, Eddie House has been alright in his familiar role off the bench. With not many other options, D’Antoni is overusing him which has led to more misses from the outside. Speedy Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez has proven he can get into the lane and dish but has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much. Spanish Chocolate needs to bulk up. As for Bill Walker, the jury’s out.

For all the positives David Lee brings, his defense is atrocious. Mr. Double Double can’t guard bigger centers and is exposed daily. Would you re-sign him and only target one max player? The Knicks are better off letting Lee walk while chasing Chris Bosh and either LeBron or D-Wade. They still need to address the lack of true point guard and a big man. Something they’ve lacked since that No.33 which hangs from the rafters.

Finally, just to exhibit how bad Net bball is, they’re so desperate to get people to come that they’re whoreing tix anyway they can. Ball Don’t Lie’s Trey Kerby had more on the bizarro marketing of the Nets:

This Friday, the Nets will unleash another in their long line of minor league-esque promos:

Their latest promotion will be unveiled Friday, when the Nets play the Orlando Magic. New Jersey residents 18 or older who attend the game will get a coupon that they can redeem at a Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free.

No one likes doing their taxes, but is it worth having to go to a Nets game? At just a $29 value, I’m not so sure.

Uh…this is a new low. If you’ve flipped to a Net game, the empties make it seem like nobody cares. Either that or huge blizzards every night which come to think of it, could’ve been possible given how the winter’s been. Perhaps it’s time for a new slogan.

CHASING HISTORY: Catch The Circus Before It’s Too Late

Today, we feature Jay Elektronika with Mos Def and one of my homie’s faves Joe Budden, who’s just sick to original Rihanna hit “Russian Roulette.” Let it all flow to an alternate universe where nothing can stress.

Tossing in a little Budden Bonus. P’s favorite track which has also become mine. “Sidetracked” is just the way rap should sound. Just the beat alone will hook ya. But the words are the stuff of genius.

[Verse: Joe Budden]

Look…

Sometimes I wanna make money,
But sometimes I ain’t motivated
Sometimes I think it’s overrated.
Sometimes I’m thinkin’ I wasn’t supposed ta’ make it
But what I show is basic, I normally pokerface it. (What else?)
Sometimes I wanna make music
Sometimes I think it’s jus’ useless.
So y’all don’t hear alot of new shit
Clueless, dependin’ on what my mood is.
Sometimes I wanna dress-down
I mean I wanna let-up, but’chall be let down.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I wanna stop somebody an’ keep it real
But know that they’ll understand ‘fore I tell ‘em how I feel.
I wish I knew how it’d feel
I swear I needed somethin’ from the store.
Got a call that I jus’ ignored, my day’s hectic
I’m overwhelmed wit’ thoughts, leave a message.
This Saturday I… plan ta’ go shoppin’ for my kid
Wanna smoke, no cigs., I’m like where the fuck’s the store?
Got a migraine, but I forgot that I was sick
‘Cause these jeans don’t seem to lay right over my kicks.
An’ this’ll be the last time that I buy this brand
That I try this brand, oh shit, the bitch called me.
She seems like the perfect girl ta’ cheat wit’
Sleep wit’, I bet that she can keep a secret.
I turnt’ the radio on an’ heard a beat, sick
Know I could kill that shit better than he did.
Sometimes I could be so analytical (why?!)
Wit’ no audience, so who am I a critic to? (Nobody)
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that
Beat of my drum thrown off by a hi-hat (oh!)
I should hit the club, get a outfit
But fuck that, the lifestyle ain’t about shit.
That no longer gets me up, it don’t arouse shit (why?)
See, I’m on my OnDemand in the house shit.
I’ve lost so many relationships (tell me…)
Is it jus’ because I don’t relate ta’ shit?
(Me I) Me I… I hate ignorance so much
I’m prayin’ for niggas that didn’t grow much.
Maybe our whole generation was raised wrong
I’m only responsible for me, I gotta’ stay strong.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
But besides that…
I’m so easily sidetracked
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
I’m so easily sidetracked
Cig’s still unlit, lookin’ at a pic of a man cross-eyed
On my way ta’ kill the nigga ’till the thought died
(Or…) or it’s a lie, I’m jus’ hogtied
Got frog-eyes ’cause chick wit’ the phatty walked by.
Nice complexion, nice tan an’ so behind her I ran
‘Till I seen her destination was a man.
(So) In the street I stand, wit’ my heat in hand
For what reason, I don’t remember beefin’.
Note to self on my hand: Get even
But I don’t remember needin’ re-venge.
Now anybody comin’ toward me, I’m reachin’
Leg bleedin’, (so) fuck it -
I’ll retrace my steps followin’ the path of my blood leakin’
Lead me ta’ Juan’s house, which I visit every weekend.
To my knowledge, me an’ him wasn’t speakin’…

In what’s been a chaotic winter, fittingly it’s a makeup with the game originally slated for last Thursday at Long Island Lutheran. Due to another snowstorm that dumped over a foot of the white stuff in the metro area, instead it will be played at top seed Martin Luther’s gym at 4 PM this afternoon. They met once back on 1/22 with ML prevailing in the same building. But that was then. Now, it’s all on the line.

Can Sevigny’s five starters who all return next year upset the No.1 seed in enemy territory? They’ll need a big game from leading scorer Keyanka Bailey and good shooting days from Tess Salvatore and Sarah Paller. Defensive stopper Olivia Wilson and first-year starter Morgo Miller have contributed all season on both ends. It’ll take a yeoman effort defensively along with good execution in the halfcourt set.

Berkeley Carroll will need to be extremely disciplined staying out of foul trouble and limiting turnovers. Sevigny and assistant Manny will be limited in their options off the bench. If needed, Gianni LaTange could see some important minutes. However, it will largely depend on how well the starters handle the pressure. Are they up to the enviable task?

Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn and Jake Taylor are warming up for a new season.

As the exciting, action packed Vancouver 2010 Winter Games draw to a close with Team USA (that’s right!!!!!) battling Canada for Olympic Gold in men’s hockey later today, believe it or not baseball’s around the corner.

February’s gotta be the fastest month ever. Especially with President’s Week and you know. The whole leap year thing. Normally, I don’t mind it but this winter’s been one of the craziest with plenty of white stuff here in Shaolin and all over NYC, the Garden State, CT and the East coast. Just wild. We got hit pretty bad the other night with another foot-plus flying down in the morning hours. Should’ve seen how it looked outside my window. As Crazy Eddie might chime:

“Insane!”

March can’t get here soon enough and is tomorrow! Spring Training will be in full bloom as prognosticators get ready for another season. Can the Yankees do it again minus World Series MVP Godzilla and Johnny Damon? Will Curtis Granderson light it up in center field and Nick Johnson make fans forget Hideki Matsui? Can Jason Bay carry the Mets until Carlos Beltran gets back? Is Jose Reyes batting third a novel concept or just more proof that Jerry Manuel has lost it? What about Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey? Bounce back or Amazin’ attack? Can Javier Vazquez II work in the Bronx? Will Da Melkman be missed? What of Joba and Phil Hughes?

All are great questions for locals. Getting more to the point, baseball’s already started up in the land of BK. Park Slope to be exact where coach Walter Paller’s Berkeley Carroll Lions take aim at defending their title. Last year was a coming out party for one of the best baseball programs this city has to offer.

The BC Lions dethroned heavy favorite Poly Prep in a classic, hanging on for dear life thanks to a great diving catch by right fielder Theo Guest (Dayton University) and superb closing from Phil Seay (Denison College), who look to help their new schools this Spring as will former ace James McDonagh (Trinity College). Senior backstop Walker Harrison returns looking to lead Paller’s club to the promised land again along with slugger Rob Paller. He’ll be joined by plenty of hoop ‘mates such as Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Jesse Chalfin, Joey Martinez, Mike Andria and Adam Kochman.

With the crack of the bat and pounding of the mitt coming before you know it, one of our favorites from Major League to get warmed up and melt away all the snow. Paging Willie Mays Hayes, Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, Jake Taylor, Roger Dorn and Pedro Cerrano!

AZ's classic style reminds us of how hip hop once was.

Lately, I’ve been on an oldschool kick. Notorious was on HBO again. Even after exciting Olympic hockey with Slovakia holding off upstart Norway, it never gets old. Plus the movie on Biggie is recent and portrayed well. That final scene where his Mom played by Angela Bassett takes him home one last time still gets me.

It’s still fresh how both Big and Pac were picked off less than a year apart. That was the pinnacle of rap/hip hop. They’ll always be on top in my book. East/West. It don’t matter because they’re both gone for way too long. But their memories live on cause like I’ve said before:

Legends Never Die

Since we’re on the subject of great rappers, it’s time to mention another gunner who doesn’t get enough due. AZ’s been in the game for years. Sugar Hill’s still one of our faves. Of course, it’s the only one that everyone knows along with his work with Nas on epic Life’s A Bitch, The Firm and numerous other tracks. They’ve convened on plenty of stuff combining Queensbridge and BK for classic hip hop. Take a gather of more greatness in How Ya Livin‘.

If you’ve ever heard AZ spit, then you know the homie comes hard, always bringing it. He’s just never had the commercial success of more well known artists we hear all the time. Doesn’t make him any less gifted. If you want that nostalgic sound, he supplies it, which brings us to today’s selection. Every time I’ve heard “The Come Up,” it always gets my juices flowing. It’s real and got street to back it up. Listen to every word because they all have meaning. Delivered with authority. Our favorite line:

“It’s still crazy how them suckers hit up Big. Pac is gone. The state of hip hop is wrong. You want more, then log onto AZ.com.“

Strong lyrics. That’s only a hint. Take it all in along with the classic scene as it was well shot. As P would say, this stuff is crack. So are Sour Skittles.

Second year coach Morgan Sevigny’s BC squad got a balanced attack with leading scorer Keyanka Bailey paving the way with a game high 20. Point guard Tess Salvatore had 11 while teammates Olivia Wilson (7 Pts) and Sarah Paller (3 Pts) also hit the score sheet.

It was the Lady Lions’ eighth win of the season. They’ll aim for elusive No.9 against a tough opponent over in enemy territory with tip off at 4 PM at Glen Head, New York.

With first-year coach Carmine Giovino back on the sideline, his players appeared elsewhere at the start. After previously holding off St. Ann’s last week to gain home court advantage, the Lions came out lethargic while their crisper opponent built an 11-point opening quarter lead. In fact, they blanked them by executing perfectly.

Even with their best player in early foul trouble following an early hoop from in close, others picked up the slack with four different players contributing. Moving the ball well and able to get open looks, the visitors made BC pay the price. They also did it defensively really forcing the Lions to the perimeter. Part of the issue may have been due to nerves with the Brooklyn hosts stagnant on offense- forcing too many quick shots which played right into St. Ann’s hands.

After they stretched the lead to eight, Giovino used a timeout trying to settle down his club. The good news is they only allowed three points. The bad was t they didn’t break the shutout, ending the forgettable quarter with a goose egg. While they walked back to the bench mystified, every St. Ann’s player were up cheering with the leader pointing out the obvious:

“We shut them out.“

Even more support from a couple of Varsity girls who play their PSAA playoff semifinal later today at Evangel Christian couldn’t shake the young Lions out of the doldrums. Despite a better start to the second quarter that featured four in a row thanks to a nice Mike Andria finish and an offensive Dondre Benson put back, Berkeley Carroll couldn’t sustain it scoring only five more for nine points at halftime.

Getting timely perimeter shooting including a couple of three-point daggers, St. Ann’s turned it around outscoring BC 14-5 to take a commanding 16-point cushion into intermission.

While the much happier road team stayed on the court, a fiery Giovino laid into his guys downstairs, urging them to play with more intensity. The plea worked as a different bunch of Lions showed, finally pushing back against the guests. Playing much more aggressively on both ends, they immediately got the first four cutting the deficit to a cool dozen. Benson was more assertive offensively and every BC player guarded with intensity, scrapping for every loose ball which led to turnovers. In particular, Andria was a beast getting the uniform dirty. His sheer determination resulted in steals, firing up the bench.

Giovino also inserted both Anthony Spina and Will Perry, who each provided sparks with Perry committing at least half a dozen thefts and Spina picking up the offensive slack with a few big hoops that got BC within single digits. Max Jens also came off the bench and scored immediately, generating enthusiasm.

The Lions’ relentless style helped rack up fouls. However, a key reason their comeback bid fell short was that they didn’t take advantage, missing on 13 of 17 free throws. Ultimately, falling behind by as much as 18 along with the clanks doomed them. They had a few three-point play opportunities but never converted.

St. Ann’s got a huge bucket in the closing seconds of the third off a broken play. Milo Ben Amotz came up with a steal but the Lions handed it right back, paying when the visitors’ best outside threat drained a long two increasing the margin to 29-19 with one quarter left.

Berkeley Carroll continued to force their suddenly shaky foe into mistakes. Despite that, they could only shave two points off staying within range. Going a little cold, it looked like the end was near. But a full court press paid dividends with the Lions scoring quickly to get within 35-30 with under two minutes to play. In the double bonus, they used one of two Andria freebies and a Benson put back to make it 37-33 with under a minute to go.

With a crowd that also included prepping varsity baseball players and a few varsity boys hoops as well, they forced another miscue, getting the ball back with 37.5 ticks remaining. But after a St. Ann’s timeout, Benson forced a prayer that turned it back over. Forced to foul, they put the guests’ center at the line. Even with a few silly girls trying to distract him, he coolly sank a pair for 39-33.

Following another wild miss, Ben Amotz fouled one last time with 3.2 left. After two misses, they got the ball to Spina, whose 25-footer swished at the buzzer for the disappointing final score. One they’d rather forget until next Fall.

Note: The girls varsity visits Evangel Christian, who edged them in the only meeting at Park Slope 35-33. Coach Morgan Sevigny’s crew were shorthanded, minus leading scorer Keyanka Bailey, who’ll be a go tomorrow with tipoff at the Queens school’s gym set for 3:45 PM. If they advance, the PSAA championship is Thursday.