Hoops Hooplah
December 10, 2011
It’s been a crazy past couple of days in the NBA. Chris Paul trade rumors were flying, and Knicks fans like myself were psyched at the possibility of landing him, but nervous about losing our leader Amar’e Stoudemire in the process. Then, the three team deal with the Lakers and Rockets popped up, sending Chris Paul to L.A., Pau Gasol to Houston, and Lamar Odom, Kevin Martin, and Luis Scola to New Orleans. As a Knicks fan, I took a deep breath, happy that Stoudemire wasn’t going anywhere, but a little deflated about not landing Chris Paul. Then, the trade got vetoed by David Stern and the NBA owners. What? That can happen? Crazy! But amidst Chris Paul stuff, the Knicks acquired big man Tyson Chandler (who just won a championship with the Mavs), which is a guy I’ve been saying since last season they needed to go after. They had to get rid of Chauncey Billups in the process but I’m not sweating that. In the end, as a Knicks fan, I’m happy with what has transpired. We needed a true center, and we got the best one on the market. And as I write this, it sounds like the Chris Paul three team trade deal is being re-submitted for approval by David Stern. So we’ll see what happens with that. It’s going to be an interesting NBA season to say the least. I’m fired up for the Knicks, and psyched for the Westcheddar Hoops League fantasy season to get underway as well.
On Friday afternoon, in the aftermath of the big trade veto, ESPN’s Bill Simmons sat down with Michael Rapaport, a major New York sports fan and one of my actors, on Simmons’ podcast The B.S. Report. Rapaport, who also directed the excellent A Tribe Called Quest documentary that came out on DVD in October, talked to Simmons about the Chris Paul trade veto, the state of the NBA, the Knicks, classic sports movies, ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, parenthood, playing against Justin Bieber during All-Star weekend, the Tribe doc, and much more. This is my first time listening to The B.S. Report, and I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Simmons is a cool guy, and of course Rapaport, who name drops old school New York players like Herb Williams and Mark Bavaro during the podcast, is the man. Love that guy. Link below…
The B.S. Report with guest Michael Rapaport : Stream | Download
If you don’t have it already, get yourself a copy of Bill Simmons’ The Book Of Basketball HERE. It’s a must own for any true NBA hoops fan. And stay tuned to Westcheddar for more NBA coverage throughout the season…
*BONUS*
Got a couple Michael Rapaport related bonuses. First, a classic appearance with him on Conan O’Brien in 1997. Rosie Perez was also a guest. Fun clip…
Also, here’s Rapaport with Stones Throw captain and Tribe doc music supervisor Peanut Butter Wolf on Amoeba Records series What’s In My Bag?
Let’s go Knicks!!!!!!!
Philly Flavor
December 10, 2011
My latest interview for Steve Stoute’s The Tanning Of America website was with pro skateboarder/DGK brand owner Stevie Williams, the self-proclaimed “Jay-Z of skateboarding.” We had a very in-depth and candid discussion about his career, race, business, and hip-hop. Here’s the synopsis, with link below…
When Stevie Williams asserts that he is the “Jay-Z of skateboarding,” he doesn’t mean it as a hyperbole. After obtaining his first sponsorship at 11, a 15-year-old Williams left his humble Philadelphia roots to pursue a pro career in the popular skate hub of San Francisco. He lived homeless in The Bay for almost four years, sharpening his skills and making connections, and eventually his grind paid off. As skateboarding grew in popularity through the late ‘90s and early aughts, Williams bubbled along with it, building relationships with sponsors, touring the world, and founding his own brand, DGK (Dirty Ghetto Kids), which he eventually licensed to Reebok. Now with the popularity of skateboarding at an all-time high, and an inner city skate movement continuing to blossom due to hip-hop co-signs from artists like Pharrell Williams, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, and new kids on the asphalt, Odd Future, Stevie Williams’ fame is sizzling, and his DGK brand is more prominent in the marketplace than ever.
In this extensive interview, Williams brings us back to how he used to get made fun of by other black kids in his Philadelphia neighborhood for skateboarding, his early bouts with racism as a professional skateboarder (though he maintains there is no internal racial tension in the skate community), and how he got invited to hang out with Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch. He also explains how he learned the hard way to embrace Pharrell’s efforts to help skateboarding grow in the inner city, why he’s inspired by Lil Wayne’s dedication to the sport (they skate together all the time), and how listening to Jay-Z’s music helped him in the business world.
The Tanning Interview with Stevie Williams
One topic that came up in the interview was Philly rappers. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Stevie Williams favorite Philly rapper is Oschino from State Property. How real is that? So to celebrate Stevie’s favorite rapper, and his Philly roots, here’s a video for one of my favorite State Property songs featuring Oschino, Sparks, and Young Chris, “Do You Want Me”….
And how could I post Philly rap videos without putting a clip up of Peedi Crakk?!?! Check this footage of him going in for almost twenty minutes on the radio in Delaware. This is how you’re supposed to spit when you’re live on the air. No Blackberry, no major flubs, no excuses. Just endless bars. This is crazy….
Plus, some brand new shit from Peedi Crakk’s right hand man, Indy 500, featuring Freeway and PC, called “Run It.” Shout to my dude Ariel, a WP native turned Philly resident, for putting me on to this. Indy 500 and Peedi had some shit on this Best of Peedi Crack mixtape I made with DJ ROZ. Check it out…
Also, since we’re talking about Philly, The Roots have a new album that dropped this week, Undun. And since I already told my The Roots story a couple years ago on Westcheddar about how I rapped on stage with them live when I was 18 at The Knitting Factory, I thought I’d post their recent appearance on hip-hop podcast Juan Epstein with my dudes Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg to promote their latest release…
Juan Epstein with The Roots (Black Thought and ?uest Love)
Thanks for the flavor, Philly. Haven’t been to visit in a while, but hopefully I’ll see you soon. Oh yeah, if you missed my interview on Complex with Philly rapper Asher Roth, read it HERE. Uno.
Fall Nostalgia
October 5, 2011
This Source Magazine Rhyme of the Month clipping of Nas’ “Verbal Intercourse” verse used to hang on the wall in my bedroom back when I was in high school. I stumbled across it tonight on the web, and felt a nostalgic need to post it. The fall weather always makes me feel like this. And to add to the NAStalgia (you like how cornily I did that right?) check out this vintage footage of his first interview, backstage at the famous nightclub The Fever on Video Music Box. When asked who he would like to work with in the future, he responds, “The Beatles. Nah, I’m buggin’” hahaha…
I also want to post the video for this song I’ve been bumping all week that really brings me back to the time when I first got into hip hop. Organized Konfusion featuring O.C. “Fudge Pudge.” This song is dope because the beat is hard and it’s super lyrical, but it’s also really fun! Yes, underground early 90′s New York hip hop at its finest. O.C. especially spits fire on the third verse…
For all your other throwback hip hop (and sports) needs, go to UpNorthTrips. In fact, here’s an example of some throwback baseball shit that was posted on there earlier in the week. We call this WALLY CHAMP…
Get it? Wally Joyner was the man! Anyway, I’ve been working on a new weekly rap music feature for UNT that should be debuting soon (“Fudge Pudge” was a bit of a preview), so stay tuned to their Twitter feed for all the action. One love.
*UPDATE*
Watch Nas’ new video for his summer banger ”Nasty” HERE. It’s hot.
Lockout Laugh
July 17, 2011
With both the NFL and NBA in the midst of a lockout, there’s been a lot of talk about what will happen if the players and owners do not come to an agreement once their seasons start. Will the leagues use replacement players like the MLB did during 1995′s Spring Training? We will have to see. In the meantime, check out this classic clip from Prime Time with Dan and Andrew (our public access TV show we had back in high school), where my buddy Andrew and I spoof the idea of having replacement players in major league sports. This is sooooooo silly, but you have to admit, it’s genius!
Sports Posters from the 80′s
June 22, 2011
My cousin CI over at No Mas NYC and now also Doubleday & Cartwright is part of a very cool event on Thursday, featuring sports posters from the 80′s that many of us had on our bedroom walls back in the day. Here’s more about it, courtesy of Sports Illustrated:
On June 23, Salon 94 in Manhattan is opening its “For The Kids” exhibit, which will feature the classic sports posters of John and Tock Costacos. The brothers were originally sports t-shirt manufacturers, but started a side business creating “fantasy” sports posters that gave professional sports heroes a larger-than-life look and appeal. Here is a sneak peek at some of the posters that will be on display…
I took the liberty of picking out my favorites from the SI event preview. But you can see all 16 they posted HERE. Stay classy Westcheddar.
*Bonus*
I’ve posted this on Westcheddar before, but I have to show it some love here. Not sure if the Costacos brothers are responsible for this one, but I had it on my wall well into my 20′s. Shout out to Don Mattingly, my favorite baseball player and athlete of all time. Go LA Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!
Beat The Cel-tics!
April 16, 2011
The Knicks are in the NBA playoffs for the first time in seven years, and here in New York everyone is fired up. It’s been a fun season, filled with highlights, winning streaks, slumps, trades, and controversy. But most importantly, the Knicks made the playoffs, and their two superstars, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, are confident and poised to advance. Check Amar’e up top on Live with Regis and Kelly, and Carmelo below with David Letterman, as they talk about their first round matchup against the Boston Celtics (among other things). Both are fun interviews. Nice to see the boys getting some love…
Beat the Cel-tics!!!!!!!!!!
*BONUS*
Completely unrelated because the guy is part owner of the Nets, but I’m feeling this new Sade x Jay-Z “Moon and the Sky RMX” produced by Drake’s boy 40. Beat is crack. Listen HERE. And while you’re at it, peep Jay’s new site in its entirety, it’s fresh…
Life and Times (Jay-Z’s new site/blog)
Toodles.
Stat and Melo
February 25, 2011
So the Knicks made it happen and got Carmelo Anthony. I can’t front, watching him be announced in MSG for his first game Wednesday night was one of the most exciting sports moments I’ve ever witnessed as a Knicks fan. I was sad to see my dogs get traded away, particularly Raymond Felton who I instantly became a huge fan of when he came to New York this past summer. And my wife was a little tore up about Gallo getting dealt away. But once the game started, the reality of Melo being here washed away any signs of lingering sadness. And Chauncey Billups is a strong pickup in the deal too! New York basketball was back when Amar’e got here, but now it’s REALLY back! And it only took about 24 hours for the “Black and Yellow” remix we were all waiting for to hit the internet, “Stat and Melo”. Props to the kid Judge Hyp who made this, he did a good job. Amar’e even gave it his co-sign in a tweet!
“Miami Heat? That’s nothin’…” Well, we’ll see on Sunday if Stat and Melo can shut down Wade and Lebron. Should be a super fun game to watch. For now, let’s savor the highlights from Carmelo Anthony’s first game as a Knick (watch below), and hope they can handle Cleveland tonight…
As always, for all Knicks related news and opinions, stay tuned to my dude Tommy Dee and The Knicks Blog. GO NY GO NY GO!!!
*UPDATE*
Tough loss to the Cavs on Friday night, but the Knicks beat the Heat!
Jersey Jargon
February 11, 2011
Knicks rookie Landry Fields took his talents to the local Modell’s sporting goods store in Greenburgh this week, and went undercover as a salesman in an attempt to try and move some new #6 Landry Fields jerseys. Keep an eye out for him when you’re around town in Westcheddar, he’s been spotted in White Plains a couple times recently too. And go cop a Landry Fields jersey man! That’s all Spike Lee rocks (see pic above). Check the video, it’s pretty funny. Definitely love the Stat impression at the end…
Follow LF on Twitter HERE. Hollerrr.
Game Winner
December 9, 2010
Oh man, tell me this isn’t the friendliest roll on a game winning three-point shot in the history of basketball. Props to Raymond Felton for nailing it. He’s been playing unbelievable, and his swag is definitely on a hundred thousand million. And big ups to the star of my fantasy team, Amar’e Stoudemire, who has scored 30 plus in the last six games, and completely took over in the 4th quarter last night. The Knicks are 14-9 baby! They’ve won 11 of the last 12 games! Let’s get it! More on the game at The Knicks Blog. GO NY GO NY GO!!!!!
Hoop It Up
November 5, 2010
The 2010-2011 NBA season is officially underway, and the new Knicks are off to a decent start at 2-2. Tommy Dee of The Knicks Blog, our official Westcheddar NBA analyst, took some time out of his busy schedule to preview what we should expect this season from our hometown boys, and also from the rest of the league. Will Amar’e and the gang finally put the Knicks back in the playoffs? Can Miami’s “Big Three” take out Boston? Is a Lakers 3-peat in the future? Tommy Dee gives us the good word…
IP: So Tommy, I think it’s safe to say that Knicks fans are fired up about this 2010-2011 NBA season. Lots of big moves were made over the summer, we got a new leader in Amar’e Stoudemire, and some other additions to the roster like Raymond Felton that have all our hopes high. Should we still be nervous about making the playoffs?
TD: Initially, it may take time for the offense to blend together. I’ve actually been very impressed with what they’ve done defensively against some pretty good teams. They have to continue to learn how to win and how to close games out. They are young, despite Amar’e and Felton, so they are going to have to lean on them in order to win the tight games that good teams win and great teams rarely lose.
IP: You interact with Knicks fans on a daily basis through your site, The Knicks Blog, Twitter, and Facebook. What was their reaction to Lebron’s “decision”? It obviously was a letdown that he didn’t come to New York, but do they even care anymore that he’s not here?
TD: People may not know this but I canceled TV appearances because I felt like being away from the fans would be disingenuous. Knicks fans were on a journey for 2 years and I owed it to myself not to be talking about it, but to be interacting with fans. The Knicks were very much in it because New York is such a huge draw, but ultimately Lebron wanted to have fun and play with his Olympic teammates in a beautiful city. New Yorkers are very strong-minded people as you know, so it was no surprise that most were ready to move on after the initial and official announcement was made.
IP: What do you think is going to happen to Carmelo Anthony? The rumor mill says he wants to come to the Knicks. Is there any chance that will happen? What will we have to give up to get him.
TD: And I have to accept being a part of that mill. We’ve been saying he’s the Knicks plan B, plan A being Lebron, since last Spring. Melo loves NY. It’s a complicated situation but it’s also an easy one. If Melo wants to come to NY that badly he can do so next year. Now, the Nuggets don’t want to get stuck getting little in return, but because Carmelo has the contract option he can walk or force the Nuggets to sign and trade him. From everything I’m hearing the Knicks are far and away the front runners, but you never know for sure until Melo is at the press conference holding up that #30 jersey in honor of his favorite Knick, Bernard King.
IP: How do you think the Knicks looked in pre-season and in this first couple weeks of play? Are the guys starting to get to know each other a little better? Who’s been playing well so far?
TD: Again, I’ve been impressed with their defensive rotations and hope those continue. Landry Fields, the rookie from Stanford, has been a standout, and Amar’e has embraced the city and taken the role of a true leader.
IP: What’s Mike Di’Antoni been doing to cater to the new players on the team? I mean, more than half the roster is made up of fresh faces. Has he made adjustments to his offense and defense, or are these new guys just trying to “fit in” to his style of coaching? What’s his strategy?
TD: To his credit, he’s extended his rotation and has tried a lot of different combinations. They are not knocking down jump shots which is the backbone, along with the pick and roll, of the system. There are a ton of new faces, but he’s happy to have Amar’e whom he’s had great success with in Phoenix.
IP: Boston and Miami are the powerhouses in the east. Boston’s certainly deep and has lots of experience, but Miami has the “Big Three”. Boston took them out in the first game of the season, but will they make it back to the NBA Finals?
TD: I still believe Boston is better because of what they did up front. Miami’s only weakness is probably on the interior. Chris Bosh is a talented player but he’s not Charles Oakley. He’s more Charles Smith. If Boston can stay healthy, they just know how to win, that’s a tremendous advantage as it relates to competing against pure talent.
IP: What other teams in the east should the Knicks be worried about? Any sleepers? Can anyone take out Miami or Boston? Atlanta Hawks maybe?
TD: Yeah the Hawks are another team that did the right thing about spending money to keep a player like Joe Johnson and now Al Horford who I love. They may take the next step but they are still a step behind the top three (Orlando included) in terms of getting out of the conference. Chicago will be tough when Boozer comes back. As far as sleepers the Knicks can really get out to a good November and if they gain confidence they could be tough.
IP: How about out west? Can the Lakers repeat? Are Kevin Durant and the Thunder championship caliber? Is there anyone else we should be watching for out there? Jazz? Mavs? Bueller?
TD: Love the Ferris reference and the Suns have a Frye, but they may struggle to make the playoffs. Hopefully the Thunder can maintain a top 4 seed so they don’t have to face the Lakers in the 1st or even 2nd round because they match up so well. Artest has another year to try and learn the system and that’s always good, and they win with or without Bynum being healthy. Very scary. Also, never discount Deron WIlliams or Chris Paul, two incredible competitors.
IP: You’re an owner in the NBA fantasy Westcheddar Hoops League. From a statistics perspective, who should the fans be watching for to put up big numbers this season? Any surprises early on in the season so far? Most improved player predictions?
TD: Rondo is ridiculous and is continuing what he did last spring in the playoffs. Blake Griffin is the truth, man. A very efficient big man. Early most improved? Arron Afflalo of Denver.
IP: What about this rookie class? Any future all-stars in the mix? John Wall looks good, huh?
TD: Wall will cut down on the turnovers but he’s a showman. A performer. And he’s the scariest player the league has seen with the ball in terms of strength and speed in some time. Again, Griffin is a can’t miss. Derrick Favors has been impressive. I love Wes Johnson in Minnesota, a pure shooter. And again, Landry Fields is the best rookie you’ve never heard of, even in NY.
IP: Back to the Knicks. Amar’e seems to have really embraced this leadership role. Are the other players reacting well to him stepping up like that? Was that a void that needed to be desperately filled for the Knicks to succeed?
TD: No question. Too many guys had no idea what they future’s were over the past 2 years. Lee wanted to lead but it wasn’t his nature. Al Harrington is a great guy with a good resume but wasn’t a star. There is no doubt who the leader is on this team. That’s a big thing in terms of the locker room. He leads by example too.
IP: Can we expect a big season out of Gallinari? Chandler? Or do they fade into the background with these new guys around? Chandler actually had a couple big games so far.
TD: Will has been very solid amongst contract discussions. He’ll be restricted at the end of the year like the Knicks did with Lee and Nate, which is smart. Gallinari has been very disappointed, but you have to expect him to gather himself and do what he does best, which is make shots. He can do other things but if his shot isn’t falling he loses his swag.
IP: The bench has potential to be strong. Douglas looked good in pre-season, and shot well against the Bulls last night. Turiaf seems like he could be solid, as does Mozgov. Can the Knicks bench really make an impact this season on how many games they win?
TD: The bench has been the best part of the team thus far because they all embrace their roles. Douglas is a ball hound who gets rewarded offensively thanks to great defense. The crowd loves Turiaf and rightfully so. He plays hard every night. Mozgov hasn’t had the same success as the preseason where he really busted out, and needs to earn the trust of the coach. The bench as a whole has competed and given the starters a chance to close out victories, which is all you can ask.
IP: Assuming we don’t get Melo, where do the Knicks finish this season? What if we get Melo? Do things drastically change?
TD: The bet case scenario is that the Knicks get Melo without giving up too much. Do they get a 3rd team involved or do they work out a sign and trade over the summer? Too many variables for me to believe that Melo will get traded anywhere but New York, but I don’t think it happens any time soon. The Knicks are a borderline 8th seed with the potential to be better. But it’s very difficult to predict.
IP: Finally, The Knicks Blog. It’s super popular nowadays, with a large readership. You get tons of comments on big posts, and I know your daily hits have steadily increased since you started it a couple years ago. What have you done right that has made it so successful? And what can you do to make it even bigger?
TD: Thanks and I appreciate that. Not sure what we can do. Probably need the Knicks to get better, bring in Melo and battle Boston and Miami! Honestly, we try to provide sound information on a daily basis all the time in a different manner. I love fans. If people want to yell at me I think it’s great. That’s NY sports passion, which I get and I want them to know I get it. Like any good restaurant or radio station, I want people to feel like we’re there for them and they get consistency. Whether it’s to support the team or to complain about rotations or an owner, GM, player or coach, this is your place. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table. Or pick up the phone and call in. We do like getting scoop on stories to give bloggers some much needed credibility. But that’s always subjective and an impossible task. We want it to be the one-stop shop for all Knicks information.
IP: Thanks Tommy! Appreciate you taking the time to build with me. GO NY GO NY GO!!!!!
P.S. Watch the dunk above by Chandler in tonight’s win against the Wizards at MSG. Wow. Knicks are 3-2 now. Let’s get it!!!!
