Tonight, I just felt like something different before I retire. Man. At a normal time too. Wow. It’s just nice to be able to chill out after a fun day of working out and blogging.

Damn right I feel good. It’s amazing how much getting in shape helps. I’m so glad I was able to get in this week. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get in tonight for a brief session too before the SI game. We’ll see.

Anyway, I just felt like linking up one of my fave U2 songs, “One.” I really like this song and the words have such meaning and backbone behind them. I’m all about that.

For some reason, this song focuses me. So I think it’s fairly appropriate given how I’m feeling.

One from the greatest Irish rock band and one of my favorites:

U2: “One”

Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without

Have you come here for forgiveness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head

Okay. Maybe you know what cute 1980’s movie I’m referring to. Mannequin was a bit goofy in that you had the incredibly hot Kim Cattrall posing as a mannequin for a department store window which Andrew McCathy’s character ran.

He had just broken up with his girlfriend and then winds up falling in love with what’s perceived to be a female statue which suddenly springs to life transforming into a young Cattrall, who’s a knockout who sweeps him off his feet. Now, while the concept is preposterous, you got to admit it works considering that it’s Hollywood.

I always liked this movie and found it stupidly comical cause some of the scenes were along with the commentary. Plus it’s got the bad guy from Police Academy looking foolish as a security guard with his watch dog, Rambo. It makes for some funny ass stuff as he chases McCarthy and his “imaginary doll friend” around failing miserably.

In any event, someone over at YouTube put together a relatively good video summing up the movie which features Starship hit song, “Nothing’s Gonna To Stop Us Now.”  

Here’s the video along with a bonus one as well:

Mannequin: Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now-remix

Mannequin: Do You Dream About Me

the second one features lines in Spanish before he dances with her. God. Does she look stunning in those outfits. Wow. She aged well too starring in Sex And The City.

Editor’s Note: I found the original Starship song and it appropriately features scenese from the movie. This song was also used during the Rangers’ 1994 Cup video near the beginning when Mike Keenan wanted his team to envision parading down the Canyon of Heroes. When I hear it, that’s immediately what comes to mind as it brings back great memories.

Starship: “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”

Hope you enjoyed this entry even if it was a tad different from what I usually feature in this category.

Occasionally, there are cool videos which just are choreographed to perfection. Say what you will about him but R. Kelly’s one of the most talented R & B singers in the biz.

Whenever I think of his best work, it’s either with the late and great Aaliyah (God Bless her soul- IMHO most talented female singer) or in this almost too perfect song and video, “Down Low” featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley. The music and beat is excellent and the video itself plays out like a mini-movie.

If there’s one thing rappers and R&B musicians know how to do, it’s create these sort of mini-movie videos which draw you in. When do you ever see that in rock videos? Only one comes to mind off the top and that’s Guns N’ Roses priceless epic “November Rain,” where it’s clear a story is being told. Such is how the crazy mind of Axl Rose works. Their videos were always top notch but that one stood out.

Anyway, I happen to like this one from R. Kelly and of course it turns out pretty sad but predictable. :-(  Kudos to the whole production team because it’s outstanding and still is fun to watch:

R. Kelly: “Down Low”

Note: There have been many funny videos mocking the R&B star for his history. Maybe I’ll link some up later.

In all the years since Doctor Dre and Snoop Dogg teamed up to make the awesome Chronic album back in 1994, I’ve never seen the video for the self-named album. Of course, more popular hits such as “Dre Day,” “Ain’t Nuthin’ But A G Thang” and “Let Me Ride” have been seen all over the TV and heard on the airwaves and for good reason as they are freaking dope as hell.

However, I always took a liking to the “Chronic Outro” as it just had that cool funky sound with RBX, The Lady of Rage, Daz, Ruben, Jewell and Emmage singing about getting messed up smoking weed.

Sure enough, when I finally got around to checking out the hidden video, it’s pretty damn good. There’s something about the words, that special plant and blunts along with comical pics and commentary which really works in this P-Funk track.

Yeah. They got it right.

“Make it The Chronic. I wants to get funked up!!!!!”

See for yourself the underappreciated track from this masterpiece:

Doctor Dre: “The Chronic Outro”

As an added bonus video, how about one from the legendary 2Pac on the subject. I still feel this was one of his best as the beat and lyrics are smooth as ever:

2Pac: “Smoke Weed All Day (Rather Be Your N-I-G-G-A)”

Peace out.

George Carlin has been gone over a couple of weeks and it still seems weird that we won’t get to see the legendary stand-up comedian do one of those HBO specials anymore.

For myself, the New York born Carlin was the best in the business and a true innovator when it came to delivering routines which could make the audience laugh and appreciate his warped sense of humor. This man to me was much more than a great comedian but also a very smart individual who made us think about things in a way we never really considered.

Since his passing at the age of 71, the man who dominated like no other on stage for better than four decades has been seen on HBO where the network has reaired most of his acts. Whether it was “Back In Town” or “Life Is Worth Losing,” he always made me come away with a big smile on my face. I can recall watching a few of his specials in the wee hours of the morning after a night out with friends where I had too much to drink. There I’d be though hungover and still able to laugh at his jokes because they always made me feel better. 

Some might not have gotten his act which over the years became a more negative portrayal of the public and America in general. Was he really off tangent though? If you sat on the couch and watched closely, he was giving a reality check to Americans about what’s happened to our country.

Is it still great? Absolutely. Does it make me a traitor if I believe that much of what Carlin said was true and made me view the good ‘ole USA very differently than when I grew up here in NYC? I don’t believe so because like many, I’m old enough to formulate an opinion. It is this respective blogger’s belief that the comic brought up some very interesting observations about the hypocrisy of this country. 

Whether it’s electing a new President only to then complain about the job they’re doing later or hitting home with why so many kids today are bigger and heavier than before due to the surroundings, he had a way like few with words at really stating the obvious but in terms most of the media would never dare say.

Perhaps that explains how during one of his earliest and most infamous act, “The Seven Words You Can’t Say On TV” he was arrested for having the audacity to recite those dirty seven. Was it really that bad or was the country back then afraid of its shadow? One way or another, we all grow up and the vast majority wind up using those words as bad as it sounds.

This radical thinking might not be how I was raised or most of us but sooner or later, we’re all going to be exposed to them. I can recall being a naiive kid who believed in all this country had to offer. Not anymore. I’ve learned that you can’t trust the government. The same one we help elect.

Which brings me to one of my favorite Carlin moments via YouTube. In this video which I recall seeing back in 1996, he states why he doesn’t vote and gives pretty good reasons. I’m sure many have seen this but it’s worth watching again. Especially from a fallen legend who truly got it.

So enjoy a legendary comedian who might be gone but will never ever be forgotten:

George Carlin- Voting

RIP George. You’ll be missed but your legend shall live on.

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Sometimes, I just feel like blasting something old and well any song from the classic Weezer debut 1994 Blue album will do. You really can’t go wrong with anything on it. And while, they’ve produced many hits over the last decade including personal fave “Perfect Situation,” I still feel that blue album was the most complete.

“My Name Is Jonas” doesn’t get as much recognition as more common big hits like “Buddy Holly,” “Come Undone (Sweater Song)” or “Say It Ain’t So” but it’s damn good and sounds great live.

I found an older version from 1994 in Bordentown, New Jersey. So, sit back relax and rock out to some kickass music cause that’s what Weezer is. A band which just totally rocks!

It’s little secret that my all-time favorite rapper has always been the legendary Tupac Shakur (2Pac) for what he accomplished in such a brief time period. The presumed dead rapper for almost 12 years now as hard as that is to fathom got his start with Digital Underground appearing on the hit “Same Song” which got featured in the funny movie Nothing But Trouble.

He eventually would move on to one of the most successful rap careers releasing several albums producing many hits. It’s all been covered before. There are too many 2Pac hits to even cover cause that’s how freaking great he was. A legend!

Not only was Makaveli dope in the studio but also on the stage as well starring in several movies including his notorious starring debut alongside Omar Epps in Juice along with Poetic Justice and Above The Rim as well as a few others.

For a change, I felt like reviewing an overlooked track. “Baby Don’t Cry” is another excellent 2Pac song with the usual superb lyrics which made him one of a kind. I happen to prefer the Wyclef Jean Remix version (Your Love) as the beat is just awesome making for an even better sound.

So, let’s take a look at both the original and remix:

2Pac: “Baby Don’t Cry”

I think what I always liked most about his videos were that they always were well coordinated. Whoever did the shooting really did the freaking job! Everything just always sounded great too. The lyrics are what separated 2Pac from everyone else! 

2Pac, Wyclef Jean: “Baby Don’t Cry Remix (Your Love)”

An excellent remix by another talented artist who I wouldn’t mind catching in concert. The mix on this is great and the beat is top notch. Wyclef’s coming to Central Park this summer. I might try to go. If only 2Pac was still around.

2Pac: “Baby Don’t Cry Remix”

By accident, I also came across another remix of the song with the cool beat from the Outkast hit, “Miss Jackson” which only was arguably their best hit. Go figure. It sounds good.

Today’s edition comes from some new rap artists trying to make a name for themselves locally. From New Jersey and Philadelphia, Journalist featuring Joey Majors, Megan Rochelle and Big Yount have come together for a pretty good track entitled, “Be Alright.”

So much of my video features are based on established talent. But clearly, that isn’t the case here which is why it deserves notoriety. The sound is slightly throwback with hip hop mixed in.

I like the way the video was shot. The street scene clearly works. They used three different locations including Northern and Southern Jersey along with Philly. It took four and a half days to complete.

Journalist fea. Joey Majors, Megan Rochelle, Big Yount: “Be Alright“

It’s been a while since we had some cool music videos. So maybe it’s about time I brought it back and use this category the way I usually do.

That said, I felt like linking up some Kanye West stuff. I like the Grammy winning rapper. What’s a Grammy mean to the Chicago born rapper anyway? He’d probably have rather won a VMA from the music station formerly known as MTV.

Regardless, the 30 year-old rapper/producer is extremely talented. His third album Graduation took home Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance for the hit song ”Stronger.” Let’s take a look at some of his best work to date:

Kanye West: “Good Life”

this song just rocks. funny enough, during halftime of a b-ball game I was scoring last December in Park Slope, I started altering the words and creating my own rap to the beat cracking up the people next to me. Long story. :lol:

Kanye West: “Stronger”

this is the best song on the album and really went big time played all over gyms and even Madison Square Garden during Ranger games. Yeah. They promo’d it successfully showing players working out. It def. worked. Random thought: What’s the deal with those white striped shades? Anyway, the lyrics in this track are off the hook.

Kanye West: “Flashing Lights”

the song is great but the video’s a tad eerie. To quote my good buddy and co-host Rob “Kraze” Davis, “That chick could catch it.”

Kanye West: “Through The Wire”

this is the first single off Kanye’s debut album The College Dropout detailing his comeback from a near fatal car accident on Oct. 23, 2002. It has an oldschool feel to it. Does anyone else think he sounds a little like idol Jay Z who he’s produced for?

Kanye West: “Jesus Walks”

this is definitely one of his strongest tracks with a powerful message. The imagery in the video is really good. You can tell that they put a lot into the making of it.

Kanye West: ”Can’t Tell Me Nothin’”

another great song off Graduation. As good as the others are, I prefer this one as it just has a dope ass beat and is Kanye at his best.

Kanye West: “Bittersweet”

this is really different sounding but excellent and very deep. More top notch lyrics with a nice beat.

Kanye West fea. Chris Martin: “Homecoming”

this song recently came out and it just kicks ass. Having ColdPlay lead singer Chris Martin on the chorus works big time. It’s a great combo. Even better is the video itself which is shot in black and white in Chitown. Fireworks are cool as hell too.

[youtubeUsain Bolt 9.72 Sec World Record 100 M]
Just in case you missed it over the weekend, there was a new world record set by Usain Bolt in the 100 men’s meter. He broke Asafa Powell’s record by running it in 9.72 seconds. The perfect race was ran in Randall’s Island out in NYC.

The start was impeccable and he just flew like an eagle. Scary aspect is that he later admitted it wasn’t his best distance. Yikes. Sure could’ve fooled a lot of track and field experts.

If the video doesn’t work above, then here’s your direct link below:

Usain Bolt’s 100 M World Record

Just awesome.