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chance the rapper October 10, 2017
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10 things you should never do when you’re in Chicago

It could just be my narrow perspective, but I feel like everyone always has something to say about Chicago.

The deep dish is challenged whenever someone gets a chance, people who have never lived in the city love to speak for it, and somehow it’s become the scapegoat for every act of violence against African American lives.

The rise of drill music hasn’t helped either. Unintentionally I’m sure, but producer/videographer DGainz was instrumental in reflecting that limited perspective of Chicago.

We’re talking 308,293,331 views on YouTube from shooting mega-hits like “Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa,” painting a picture of a prominent but small fraction of what Chicago represented.

You bring up Chicago to anyone and the first thing that comes to their mind is bang, bang.

https://twitter.com/__HeyDrew/status/916750286127030274

I figure people buy into what they hear simply because they have not heard any other side or seen anything else represented to contrast their preconceptions with.

So I figure I’d give you mine — an alternate reality to what you’ve heard in the news or on songs from someone who’s lived here for the past three years.

And what better way to tell you what I know about a city than telling you what I learned not to do in the city. Here are my top ten things you should not do in Chicago.

#1: Do not false claim Chicago.

Barack Obama Chicago GIF by Obama - Find & Share on GIPHY

Let me start off by saying that I was not raised in the city of Chicago. I’ve only moved here recently and by no means am I claiming to have been from here at any point in my life.

You see how easy that was?

Yet somehow that’s become a main point of contention for Chicagoans and the suburbanites and implants who come here.

The people from Chicago take living here with a sense of pride. Yeah, it’s some bullshit sometimes. But it’s their bullshit. When it’s poppin’, it’s poppin’ and when it’s not, they bundle. Why let anyone just claim that?

It’s a pass that will be checked and snatched. Towns as close as Evanston — less than ten miles out — don’t get to claim Chicago.

So, if you are to ever move to Chicago and fall in love with the city (which is inevitable), don’t suddenly get amnesia and forget where you came from, regardless of how long the stay.

#2: Do not call Chicago ‘Chiraq’.

The fastest way to be a goofy in Chicago would be referring the city to “Chiraq.”

That nickname has not endured well here and it’s actually pretty bogus.

All it does is perpetuate a culture that Chicagoans are fighting to suppress. Don’t ever do that.

#3: Do not call The Willis Tower ‘The Willis Tower’.

Sears Tower Day GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Want to know another way to stick out like a sore thumb? Call the Willis Tower it’s proper name.

No, they literally don’t care who changed it when and why. It’s the Sears Tower.

#4: Do not order chicken without mild sauce.

Reddit

Ah yes, the condiment exclusive to the windy city: mild sauce.

Don’t ask what the ingredients are or what it is. Just know that you would be out of your mind to eat a piece of fried chicken without it.

There are two main chicken spots: Harold’s (Southside) and Uncle Remus (Westside). Both have it, so there is no excuse.

#5: Do not put ketchup on a hotdog.

Hot Dog Ketchup GIF by ADWEEK - Find & Share on GIPHY

It’s an unwritten rule in Chicago that if you put ketchup on your dog you’re not a Chicagoan.

President Barack Obama has said that once you’re past eight years old, ketchup does not belong on a hot dog. Vienna Beef executive Bob Schwartz feels so strongly about this that he titled his hot dog history book Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog.

It’s just something you don’t do.

#6: Do not leave the house without a jacket.

Summer Yolo GIF by extra3 - Find & Share on GIPHY

Ignore the weather channel. Ignore the app on your phone, ignore what it currently feels like outside, and listen to me. Take your jacket.

The weather in Chicago changes like a wardrobe. You’re better off stuffing your jacket in your book bag than being caught in the rain, snow, or hail.

Also, the weather randomly drops out of nowhere. You can see the sun and be enjoying a seventy-degree day and after lunch suddenly find yourself chattering from thirty-degree wind chill.

On top of that, whatever building you go in is just as wrong as the weatherman, often guessing the temperature wrong. Cold when it’s hot, hot when it’s cold.

Take a jacket always.

#7: Do not explore an unfamiliar hood.

Hood GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

This is advice that should be taken anywhere, but especially in Chicago. This is not the city to just go exploring for the heck of it.

With nearly 3k shootings in Chicago so far this year, it’s smart to have someone with you if you’re going to a place you’ve never been before. Whether it be a party, art show, or whatever, don’t go venturing off somewhere that’s unfamiliar to you.

It’s just a matter of moving the right way and being where you’re supposed to be. “Stay Safe” is how they say goodbye in Chicago because lacking ain’t always what you aren’t carrying, it’s being where you shouldn’t be.

#8: Do not answer to ‘Check it out’.

Bang Bang Dope GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Your instincts should always be keen and on point so hopefully this advice doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, but you should never answer to “check it out.”

In these instances, said individual asking for your attention most likely does not have your best interests at heart and it would be best for you to move along.

Again, beckoning to a stranger’s call goes against conventional wisdom yet it’s still important to state that those are trigger words meaning get the heck out of dodge.

#9: Do not clout thirst at functions.

Last Call Drinking GIF by Party Down South - Find & Share on GIPHY

The art and music scene in Chicago is small and now that some of the biggest names atop of the music industry are from Chicago, everyone is bound to have known or seen someone with notoriety at one point in time.

Good. Keep it to yourself.

Do not be the guy who name-drops or who is over-the-top about networking and “building.” Such antics of thirst do not bode well and will have you out here looking really dumb.

#10: Do not step on my G Fazos.

YouTube

“Do your thing just don’t step on these all white G Fazos Gang …”

G Herbo aka Lil Herb renamed and really rebranded the Nike Air Force One as the G Fazos and made them immortal in his 2015 hit “Rollin” off his mixtape Ballin Like I’m Kobe.

More than a song and some shoes, stepping on someone’s shoes in Chicago is a no-no and is viable cause for a fist fight.

Whether it be G Fazos, J’s, or some slides, watch where you step at all times.

lil pump October 9, 2017
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ScHoolboy Q listens to Lil Pump. Does that mean you should too?

Yesterday TDE affiliate and Cali’s own ScHoolboy Q took to Instagram to defend listening to Lil Pump.

“Ahh Q why you listen to Lil Pump?” he asked mimicking his haters. “Cause bitch, I ain’t fuckin’ boring like you. I don’t listen to one style of music. N—as always in my comments when I play Lil Pump. N—-a, I fuck with it.”

@groovyq fucking with @lilpump. Are you?

A post shared by HotNewHipHop (@hotnewhiphop) on

The Blank Face rapper went on to say that just because he gives other music a chance doesn’t mean he’s lost his roots.

“Look, my favorite rapper Nas, but if you think I just wanna listen to that style of music all day every day, you’re a fuckin’ idiot,” he said. “That’s probably why you’re in the same spot you’ve been stuck at, ’cause your mind ain’t open to new shit and different shit. Stop judging people.”

Q was probably listening to Lil Pump’s self-titled debut project. That’s right, up until Oct 5, Pump had only been putting out singles, racking up insane numbers on SoundCloud, which got him this spotlight.

“D Rose” has a cool 7.86 million plays.“Lil Pump” 6.35 million, and “Boss” has garnered 2.11 million plays in less than a week.

But if anyone knows Lil Pump, they know that he’s clearly the voice of the newest generation and has the antics to go along with it.

The 16-year-old from South Florida’s lifestyle has raised eyebrows and caused criticism for his perceived negative influence.

Like promoting Xans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMORB8WvLaY

Between his chopped cadence which flows like Lil Uzi, his rainbow-colored locs, and his subject matter, Lil Pump is everything hip-hop purists hate balled into one.

It’s why a lyrical artist such as ScHoolBoy was chastised for bumping Pump’s music.

Personally, I was not interested but maybe Q has a point. I mean, we aren’t obligated to like and make Pump a constant in our music library, but in the name of hip-hop doesn’t it deserve a chance?

We can go down the moral rabbit hole all day and we’d get nothing but a game of pointing fingers and one-upping transgressions.

Why not give it a spin?

Lil Pump Boss GIF by Worldstar Hip Hop - Find & Share on GIPHY

When I did, I found that all my suspicions were spot on. Lil Pump is trash. “Gucci Gang” had promise, but that’s about it.

And that’s just my humble opinion. I mean, he had the creme de la cream featuring on his debut mixtape. What is my validation when Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane, Chief Keef, and 2 Chainz gave theirs?

You don’t have to like Lil Pumps’s music; trust me, I think his audience is specific. But that doesn’t mean he should be immediately dismissed either. New sounds are just evolutions of old sounds that will eventually take life into completely other ones. Each deserves their chance to phase out.

For every kid ragging on ScHoolboy for listening to Pump, there’s another cracking a joke about my Soulja Boy fandom. To each their own.

Lil Pump is getting a pass from me, but aye, you may love it. You never know.

https://soundcloud.com/wavey-hefner/sets/lil-pump

Bruh October 9, 2017
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Lil B calls Post Malone ‘thick’ in most bizarre Twitter beef of the year

Anyone who knows anything knows that Lil B aka the BASEDGOD is a prophet, philanthropist, and doer of all things good.

At the same token, anyone who knows anything knows that his media and Twitter presence is a vacuum of randomness that should be taken with a grain salt.

Post Malone learned that on Friday.

Lil B was a little all over the place as he decided to address everything from the pro-Black agenda to his admiration for white artists like Eminem, Beastie Boys, and Mac Miller.

In the midst of his rant, Lil B meandered to the topic of cultural appropriation in rap, pointing to Miley Cyrus and Post Malone as culprits.

Lil B’s thread of tweets were Gucci-like (right before going to jail). Whatever stream of consciousness he was riding, though with merit, in theory, was random and speculative. At least in Post Malone’s case.

It’s hard to say how serious Post Malone takes Lil B, but in a way, Lil B achieved his intended purpose — bringing awareness to cultural appropriation and authenticity in hip-hop.

And for that, thank you BASEDGOD. As for that last part about him being “Kim K thick,” IDK.

Peep his latest album, Black Ken below.

Bruh October 9, 2017
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Dove removes racist ad after backlash, but this isn’t the first time

According to Dove, they “missed the mark” representing black women after releasing a racially insensitive ad on Facebook this past Friday.

Taken down on Saturday, the 3-second GIF starts off introducing the product with the line “Ready for a Dove Shower?”

It then shows a looping image of a black woman removing a dark brown t-shirt to reveal a white woman. She then removes her beige t-shirt to show a third woman.

https://twitter.com/HIPWEEKLY/status/917356509536890880

“This did not represent the diversity of real beauty which is something Dove is passionate about and is core to our beliefs, and it should not have happened,” Dove said in a statement Sunday.

“We apologize deeply and sincerely for the offense that it has caused and do not condone any activity or imagery that insults any audience.”

But when the internet caught wind of it, Dove had some problems on their hands.

https://twitter.com/quintabrunson/status/917112415262670848

https://twitter.com/keithboykin/status/917048777864867840

Although Dove has received praise for their efforts on diversity and body positivity in the past, this is not the first time they’ve been called out regarding racially offensive ads.

A 2011 Dove ad lined up three women from lightest to darkest skin tone. They appeared below the words “before” and “after,” which was meant to indicate skin dryness but was received another way.

What’s tough is that amongst one of the most racially sensitive climates we’ve had in a while with one of the most divisive presidential administrations, one would think they could catch a break from the bs when scrolling down their Facebook, but apparently not.

The only thing Dove’s apology accomplished was serving as a reminder to another apology — Pepsi’s.

You remember Pepsi’s attempt to piggyback on a social movement with the help of the Kardashian regime back in April?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA5Yq1DLSmQ

Yeah, well their apology was very similar. In a snippet, they said:  “Clearly, we missed the mark and apologized.”

Apparently, there is an abundance of marks just too darn difficult to hit because tone-def ads have become an overplayed theme.

I would not go as far as to say Dove is canceled — I just bought a couple of bars and I cannot afford to be financially irresponsible — but there is an accountability that must be answered to.

Until then, it’s important that these corporations aren’t let off the hook.

basketball October 6, 2017
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Damian Lillard, aka Dame Dolla, breaks myth of athlete rappers with ‘Confirmed’

“Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous
’cause we wanna be them and they wanna be us.”

Truer words have never been spoken. As the great philosopher Aubrey Graham stated, there has always been a special bond between rappers and basketball players. 

So the fact that Damian Lillard is balancing a successful basketball career and — as of today — able to drop his second major album, Confirmed shouldn’t surprise us.

Back in May, Dame explained the album’s title on his Instagram as he wrote, “I’ve never had issues with stardom. I’m also not new to music. I’ve always created music while playing at every level of basketball.

“But now this is no longer an experiment. This is my second album. I’m putting out respectable music yearly. I’ve invested in that. I’m settled in. I don’t feel the need to answer questions or address concerns. This is who I am and what I do.”

My new album CONFIRMED drops this Friday on all major digital music platforms, including @spotify. It features @liltunechi, @hairweavekiller, @nickgrantmusic, @allstarbozzle, @bjthechicagokid, @versesimmonds, @em_i_see, @brookfieldduece and @dannyfromsobrante. — Why did I name the album CONFIRMED? One of the definitions of confirmed is “fixed in habit and unlikely to change.” I named the album that because there’s always been something said about me spending time in the studio, even though I’ve always shown up and produced for my team every night. I’ve never had issues with stardom. I’m also not new to music. I’ve always created music while playing at every level of basketball. But now this is no longer an experiment. This is my second album. I’m putting out respectable music yearly. I’ve invested in that. I’m settled in. I don’t feel the need to answer questions or address concerns. This is who I am and what I do. #CONFIRMED — Inspiration behind the album cover? I wanted the cover to pay homage to some of my favorite artists. Crown: Biggie Prayer hands: PAC Gold rope and Rolex: @nas Highlighting my chest tattoo: for the art culture and community in Oakland. Shoutout to Olugbenro Ogunsemore (@olugbenro) for the 📸 work and @kampashai for the design work and 📸edit. #DameDOLLA #FrontPageMusic @frontpagehits Distribution partner: @human.re.sources

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But as today got here and his album became available for streaming, I found myself hesitant to give Lillard a fair shot.

Despite his efforts to promote, invest, and set time to put this album together I still asked myself how good is Dame, really?

In the past, Tony Parker, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Metta World Peace, and Lou Williams all pursued rap careers and we all saw how those faired. Why give Dame Dolla a chance?

The number of athletes who’ve tried and fail at music are so high, it’s created this stigma that new rapper athletes have to overcome.

And it’s not like it hasn’t balanced out. Master P and his son are examples of the playing field being even. The Game can hoop a little, but surely not at an elite level.

So naturally, there’s this myth that you cannot do both, that your skillset is bound to either art or sports.

But Dame proves that wrong.

If you remember it was the internet — the people, essentially — that first raised their collective eyebrows at Dame’s rapping capabilities back when he spit that insane freestyle on Sway in 2015.

You’ve also never seen an athlete get this much support in his musical endeavors. It’s usually clowned and not taken seriously.

Not to mention the rap game sees something in Dame’s art. His last album, 2016’s The Letter O, has Jamie Foxx, Lil Wayne, and Marsha Ambrose on it — big names for an NBA player’s debut rap project.

Even from competitors like Iman Shumpert — who isn’t chump change on the mic either — gave him props.

While still picking himself for pro baller with the best bars, on Complex’s Everyday Struggle Shump admitted that Dame has a different lane, saying he’s a Meek Mill, Nipsey Hussle, inspirational bars type rapper.

Although dismissing rapper athletes is tempting, I think we owe it to Dame to give his project a spin.

He’s humble on and off the court, plays his heart out, and has a hell of a come up story.

Rap gives us an in-depth look at an artist’s life and being that Dame is a superstar basketball player, we have a unique opportunity to view a player in a way we haven’t before.

Confirmed is available for streaming on all platforms today.

eminem October 5, 2017
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Eminem is done recording his next studio album. Will it be his ‘4:44’?

Rumors of a new Eminem album have been circulating around the web since early July when, in an interview with Uproxx, the Defiant Ones director Allen Hughes let it slip while responding to a question about Dr. Dre’s recent business moves. Hughes said,

“Dre still records. People don’t know this: Dre records every day. Literally, he’s in there recording songs every day. He’s like Picasso in that way. He’s always painting. Right now he’s producing, in the 11th hour, a track for Eminem’s latest album. So Dre’s still real active in music, you know?”

Then 2 Chainz added to the speculation when pictures of Daniel Son Necklace Don and Em surfaced along with his interview on DJ Drama’s Shade 45 program, ‘Streetz Iz Watchin.’ 

Joe Moore

2 Chainz was speaking on recording with Em when he revealed that the verses were for his new album after a phone call was made by D-12 member, Denaun Porter.

Now a third piece of evidence has risen, this time from long-time producer Mr. Porter via a live stream.

Answering a bevy of questions about Eminem’s forthcoming record, to one in particular, Porter declared the album “done” and also described it as “amazeballs.”

“Am I working on Eminem’s new album? No, we are done. How about that?” Porter said.

If this is indeed true, this will be Em’s first full-length project since his 2013 effort, Marshall Mathers. 

Seeing how popular surprise albums are, there may be no real date etched out for us.

But with the success of 4:44, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested to see what this veteran has in the tank.

We’ll have to be on watch ’till then.

cam newton October 5, 2017
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Clueless Cam Newton makes cringeworthy comments about women, again

Unlike his Superman touchdown celebration, his red zone presence, and his 6’5″ frame, it’s become clear that we cannot count on Cam Newton

The Carolina Panthers quarterback received heavy criticism on social media and by the NFL Wednesday after he told a female reporter that it was “funny” to hear her ask a question about route-running.

Reporter Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer asked Newton about the toughness of Detroit native wide receiver Devin Funchess, to which the former league MVP smiled and said, “It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes. It’s funny.”

And the internet reacted.

https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/915682599326162945

https://twitter.com/NoeIHive/status/915906869478268933

It’s bad enough that we’ve just learned to accept how Cam chooses to express himself through his wardrobe, but don’t tell me sexist retorts toward the media is becoming the norm, too.

What’s worse is that statements like these are consistent with the left-field head scratching takes that Cam often has.

Back in 2016 in an interview with GQ, Cam said that we as a nation are beyond racism, and further questioning (confusingly) how one-eighth of an inch of skin can cause so much discord. He’s also refused to back the Black Lives Matter movement.

But I guess no one thought Cam could be this clueless.

Finding a reporter’s knowledge on a subject that’s their expertise ‘funny’ implies that Cam didn’t think Rodrigue got to where she did on merit. Or even worse, that her role is different from every other reporter.

How is a national sports reporter asking a former MVP about his receiver’s routes funny?

Steven Drummond, who is the spokesman for the Panthers, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Newton had a conversation with Rodrigue after the news conference ended and said the Panthers “strive as a department to make the environment for media comfortable for everyone covering the team.”

Rodrigue fired back with a statement of her own, saying that she was “dismayed” by Newton’s comments, which she said “not only belittled me, but countless other women before me and beside me who work in similar jobs.”

Rodrigue added that she had sought Newton out after the press conference, but “he did not apologize for his comments.”

People may come to Cam’s defense stating that it’s not often to hear a woman speak on route running and that he may have been genuinely taken aback, but that does not excuse his lack of situational awareness to recognize that it’s a journalist asking the question, not his aunt twice removed.

Cam Newton is clueless and deserves the lesson the internet will undoubtedly teach him.

Until then we can only hope no one puts a mic in front of him with any tough questions.

bodak yellow October 4, 2017
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Deadass: Miley Cyrus should never be allowed near hip-hop again

If you didn’t know, let me remind you: Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” is the number one song in America for a second week in a row.

Yes, the Bronx princess who was hustling for money just a few years ago is signed to a major label and holding the belt for the most popular song in America over the likes of Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift.

As you can imagine there has been praise and congratulations from peers like Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott to J.Cole and Simone Biles. And justifiably so, it’s beautiful that hip-hop can give opportunities to people who might not have gotten them otherwise.

However, when it comes to hip-hop, and specifically Cardi B, certain people shouldn’t be allowed to comment. And Miley Cyrus is one of them.

Just four years removed from her pop/hip-hop album Bangerz — which was executively produced by Mike Will Made It by the way —  Miley Cyrus decided to declare herself “out of the hip-hop scene” in an interview for Billboard’s May 13 cover issue. 

Miley explained,

“But I also love that new Kendrick [Lamar] song [“Humble”]: ‘Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks.’ I love that because it’s not ‘Come sit on my d*ck, suck on my c*ck.’ I can’t listen to that anymore. That’s what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much ‘Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my c*ck’ — I am so not that.

“I was torn on whether I was going to work with certain producers that I really like. But I feel if we’re not on the same page ­politically.”

Not only has she validated every accusation of cultural appropriation she got back when she was twerking at the VMA’s and rapping about wearing Jordans, now she’s proved herself a hypocrite by having the audacity of going near the hottest song in the country, which so happens to be Cardi B’s, which so happens to be hip-hop.

Yesterday on Fallon, while participating in ‘the musical genre challenge’ — a game where you remix a popular song in a different genre — she lands “Bodak Yellow.”

Now, many would say that it wasn’t her fault or that she had no control over where the generator would land, but that does nothing more than spreading the blame.

And in that case, there’s enough blame to go around.

Call it extreme, over the top, sensitive, or whatever you want, but the simple truth is if one producer, programmer, engineer, or anyone who put that show together understood what it meant to have someone use your culture for profit then denigrate something you cherish, they would not have given her an opportunity to come close to that genre.

Bangerz went on to sell 1 million copies, out-selling her 2010 studio effort Can’t Be Tamed by a landslide. Now, that her new album Younger Now is out, she’s moved on, decidedly satisfied from what she’s sucked out of our culture.

It’s not fair because people should be on top of this. She should be held accountable and not allowed to go near anything hip-hop. Especially something as sacred as a Cardi B.

We’re okay with her not performing or making hip-hop again — the exit door is lined with streamers, balloons, and confetti.

However, it’s not okay for her to dip back in to enjoy what she so clearly doesn’t want anymore whenever she feels like it. That’s not how this works.

big baller brand October 3, 2017
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6 things we learned about the Ball family from watching their new show

It seems like ever since Lonzo Ball’s monster alley-oop slam against Pacific while playing for UCLA last year, he and his family have not been able to escape the public’s eye. They also show no signs of trying to avoid it.

Lonzo’s stellar play at UCLA catapulted him onto the basketball world’s radar but it’s his father LaVar Ball, his attachment who we’d all learn is part of a joint inseparable package, who caught the attention of the world.

Whether you like to admit it or not, LaVar has managed to crack that unique algorithm where you give people no choice but to check in on you, to have an opinion on you,

You know, the same thing the Kardashians of the world have managed to perfect.

Love them or hate them, they win because people care. And LaVar seems to have gotten this formula down to a science.

Be it his bold proclamations like beating Michael Jordan one-on-one or firmly touting that his son Lonzo was better than two-time MVP and NBA champion Steph Curry, LaVar became must-see TV, booking shows on all major sports networks.

https://giphy.com/gifs/lavar-ball-3ohzAgdTsd8ZjTIwve

And his reception has been pretty much down the middle. His critics say that he’s overbearing, an opportunist living his dreams out through his sons, and talks too much. His supporters say he’s a black father that’s been a positive and consistent figure in his son’s life, an entrepreneur, and visionary.

Well, after partnering with Facebook to bring his own documentary series Ball In The Family to life, people will have an opportunity to challenge their preconceived notions by taking an inside look at the Ball family’s life outside the scope of framed interviews.

You’d be surprised at what you learn about the Balls and even may change your opinion on them. Here are 6 takeaways of mine.

Lavar cooks breakfast for his family every morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4gRwCYLPrE

I don’t know how you grew up but I rarely had breakfast cooked for me every morning as a kid, and the few times it happened it sure wasn’t my dad.

So, to see LaVar dedicated enough to give his sons and wife a warm nourishing meal every morning is dope to me.

Lonzo can spit bars… a little

Hip-hop and basketball are kindred spirits who were probably twins in a past life and Lonzo’s love of spitting bars is just the next generation taking on that torch.

He did the #SoFarGone challenge which was decent and he even dropped a single accompanied with a music video for his signature shoe titled “Z02.”

But on the show, he calls it “a hobby” more than a career. You get to see on the show just how decent he is.

Lonzo is also very wifed up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0-gDt-1MCE

Being that the 19-year-old will be playing amongst grown men who go on the road to major cities with pretty women everywhere, it’s pretty interesting that Lonzo is with longtime girlfriend Denise and displays their relationship on the show.

Everyone has heard about the road life of athletes, in any professional sport, so people are going to be rooting for and expecting him to slip up, simply for their own entertainment.

It’s going to be interesting to see how he handles the pressures of the game and his personal life off the court.

LaVar employs positive reinforcements to teach his sons

https://giphy.com/gifs/lavar-ball-xUPJPwaeiupqqOmuys

On the third episode of Ball In The Family Lavar takes his sons to the Ferarri store to buy his second oldest son LiAngelo Ball a car before sending him off to play as a freshman at UCLA.

He says,

“I give them these gifts on the fact that I believe they deserve them. It’s just about hard work. All they want to do is work on they game, playing basketball. And that’s all they trying to do — be the best players in the world.”

Making his children feel like winners and like they’re big-time may be a cause for concern for some. Many believe those things must be earned.

But LaVar believes that telling his sons they’re worth it only makes them feel that way when they step on the court.

LaVar is his wife’s caretaker

In the opening episode, you learn that Lavar’s wife Tina suffered a serious stroke in February that kept her in the hospital for two-and-a-half months and cost her the ability to speak.

Instead of hiring a physical therapist, Lavar decided to designate himself as her primary caretaker. He insists that the familiarity of being around people she knows and loves will help her recover far faster than being with a stranger. You have to admire his heart.

LiAngelo misses home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCQ85SsO18Q

Lavar’s second son LiAngelo Ball is quite the baller himself. The 6’5″ forward made the UCLA squad this summer, making his transition out of the nest no-brainer show material.

While it’s quite natural for an 18-year-old to be missing his father, mother, and little brother, there is a moment in episode 6 when he’s speaking on their absence in his new life with his girlfriend that humanized both him and the Balls in a way I hadn’t appreciated before.

He says in episode 6,

“College is a big adjustment, I just wish I could do more stuff with my family. You never really know how much you miss them ’till they’re actually gone.”

You see, there are people out there like Kristine Leahy who try and denigrate Ball and his name by perpetuating false narratives. One in particular that Leahy suggested, is that LaVar has some threatening control over his sons.

Here she is at 1:20 mark:

This then created the infamous “stay in yo’ lane” response from Lavar that eventually became a signature t-shirt line for his Big Baller Brand line.

LiAngelo didn’t sound like someone who was afraid of his dad, he sounded like someone who loved him immensely.

Say what you want about LaVar, Lonzo, or even their crazy lil bro Melo, but why don’t you get to know them a little bit before you do?

basketball October 2, 2017
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The WNBA Finals is very low key the best kept secret in sports right now

The WNBA is currently showcasing some of the best basketball in league history and not nearly enough people are hype about it.

Last night the Minnesota Lynx tied the best-of-five series with the Los Angeles Sparks at 2-2 with a decisive 80 to 69 victory, setting the stage for what should be a must-see game 5 Wednesday, October 4th.

But that doesn’t scratch the surface of the competitiveness and quality of ball that’s been on display.

First of all, it’s a grudge match from last year’s WNBA Finals which went down to the wire.

We’re talking about series-deciding, last-second, step-back buzzer beater (courtesy of Ogwumike) game where the Los Angeles Sparks escaped the Minnesota Lynx 77-76.

Seeing that the culmination of the Lynx’s entire 2016 campaign was decided in a match with 24 lead changes, 11 ties, and a last-second shot, they clearly have revenge on their minds, making Wednesday’s game five that more epic.

Since Game 1 of the 2016 WNBA Finals, the teams have played 12 times. In those 12 games, the combined score is 908-908.

And to add to the dramatics, the games are panning out the same way.

Game 1 – 2016 – LA wins on the road
Game 1 – 2017 – LA wins on the road

Game 2 – 2016 – MIN evens the series at home
Game 2 – 2017 – MIN evens the series at home

Game 3 – 2016 – LA wins and is one game away from a championship
Game 3 – 2017 – LA wins and is one game away from a championship

Game 4 – 2016 – MIN wins on the road to force a Game 5
Game 4 – 2017 – MIN wins on the road to force a Game 5

Game 5 – 2016 – LA wins Finals on the road on a game-winner from Nneka Ogwumike
Game 5 – 2017 – ????

I’m not sure what else you could ask from a basketball game.

Four league MVP recipients out of the last five years.

Four former Rookie of the Year winners.

And the two most recent Defensive Player of the Year selections.

And the talent has not disappointed.

Game 1 was crazy, if y’all don’t watch the WNBA finals then you’re bugging. These games are good!!

https://twitter.com/RealLifeKaz/status/912862113680510978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

It’s almost a crime not to be watching the games at this point. I understand it’s the playoffs season in baseball, football is underway, and NBA pre-season just kicked off, but damnit, if you love sports, you can’t pass these games by.

What makes a good professional sporting event? Stars? Competitiveness? The match-up? This series ticks all the boxes.

Between Mya Moore, Sylvia Fowles Lindsay Whalen, Candace Parker, Ogwumike, and others we’re getting top tier talent backed by a heated rivalry on the highest stage.

It’s funny, when the L.A Clippers were “lob city” their biggest critique was that show-off basketball couldn’t win games. But when women don’t dunk, it’s a big detraction, despite world-class skill and technique.

Whatever stigma surrounding women’s ball that has served as a deterrent for you, I urge you to block them out, at least for game five Wednesday night.

The NBA is not here yet, and while all of our tongues are collectively salivating for opening tip, it’s blind for us not to take a peek at what the women are doing on the national stage of their own. It might even be a more impressive product.