Sunderland Kings 22- 0 Lincoln Colonials

Yes, yes, we beat the Lincoln Colonials, 22-0 on Sunday (Nov. 26) It was an amazing game. The pitch was muddy, so everyone came off dirty as hell. I wasn't particularly satisfied with my performance, but we won, so I won't complain. Lincoln need to work, they are too complacent, they don't apply enough pressure, they better man-up if not they would be crushed by teams like Teesside or Newcastle. Speaking of Teesside, we face them next week. We can beat them, nothing is Impossible. Anyway, I'm happy we beat em, and I can't wait for next week.

P.S. Jess and Hal came to support. Hal took the photos, they were a bit confused with the game, can't blame them, half the guys playing don't fully understand the game.

Word to my Momma!

I penned this a few days ago:

Now I Cry
A mother's love
A mother's love
A mother's love
Three times
only two times three
was the age of the number two son
when his number one mum
left us
one-five,one,nine-five
no tissue
no tear
no issue
her other issues looked on, perplexed
Death is far too complex
the infant,
far too innocent
to comprehend
but me too,
far too young
to understand
The father, eyes red and wet
but I stand still
The warmth that nursed me is still
Still, Cold
Till we meet again
the hymn goes
Now Eighteen
I Cry,
because I couldn't cry when I was six
Death was far too complex
Now I Cry,
Now I Cry for her
Now I can comprehend Death
Now I Understand life without Her

and I was also inspired by Nas' ode to his mom, so I penned a verse to Dance

Dance
If I could dance with my momma I will
My heart gets heavy and my eyes fill
Why couldn’t you leave another day?
Why’d it have to be that way?
Can’t believe it, I was only six
There’s nothing all my prayers can fix
But your young face is infixed in my memory
Momma I love you till the day, there can’t be any rivalry
I want my wife and daughter to be like you
Have your qualities, face, smile, and talk like you
True, I can’t bring up the dead
But I’ll take six pieces of lead
To see you
I cry at times, but ain’t no way to see you
Please do!
Beg God, ask him for a leave
Your youngest son needs to see you, he needs to believe
I know only God can judge us
Till today I still have trouble bearing the loss
And during your funeral I pictured you going up
Why did that doctor have to mess up?
But no matter what I say
I can’t change the past
Momma I love you, I wish for one last
Dance!

Anything

I have been listening to Jay-Z's album a lot lately, and I am beginning to like Anything, produced by The Neptunes featuring Usher. It's a good party song. I dissed it before, coz I was in a different mindframe. But yes, the Neptunes standard has reduced, but the song is nice, danceabel. Album is still a CLASSIC, Peaches!

F**k Jim Jones

That fool needs to go and drink a gallon of chill syrup. Foolish one hit wonder idiot. Plus 'We Fly High' is boring, homes is surprised people like it. If Jim Jones is ballin' then what Jay-Z does cannot be defined. Cam'Ron is old news, he has only one flow, haha. My little brother can out-rap that fool. Anyway, I'm beginning to sound like those obsessed fans, but its a fact. Jay-Z can buy Jim Jones' life. This is a worldwide superstar we are talking about, not a foolish gun-talking idiot. (who always looks high as shit) and DMX needs to close his mouth, I used to respect him, but dissing a brother's shoes? thats how bitter you are? Well as Jay-Z said 'Men Lie, Women Lie, Numbers Don't'

P.S. Jay-Z gives a shout-out to Nigeria on the album. yeah! Certified.

Jay-Z Don't work with Dr. Dre again, work with Cool & Dre, and DJ Toomp, Dre didn't give you his best work, they all hot, but they could be hotter. But how can Jay-Z falter? When he is the Rock of Gibraltar.

Jay-Z is Back

New York, New York we back! yes yes yes, I am officially overjoyed, Jay-Z has dropped his much anticipated album 'Kingdom Come', and its the biggest selling album of the year so far, 850,000 in its first week, thats almost a Million. Damn! Stop it, this man is a Legend, JayHova. As far as I'm concerned, the critics can criticize, but the album is a classic. Yes a classic, 5 stars. Plus, it might even win the Grammy for best album packaging, coz the cover is even better than Diddy's, it comes with a red-see through sheet, (the pic u see) but when U remove the red cover, there is another pic, a green pic, Jay-Z with glasses, so its really innovative. I am listening to his album as I am writing this. His lyricism game is on top, no doubt. Only one track I aint really feeling- 'Anything' featuring Usher and Pharrell- NOW TIME TO CRITICISE PHARRELL, Skateboard P needs to check himself, coz his recent beats are very very bland. The song sounds forced, and P did not need to be on it. He is such a track bully. Anyway, High points are 'Oh My God' 'Kingdom Come' 'Show me what you got' 'Lost ones' 'I Made it' 'Minority report' and the standout track is 'Beach Chair' featuring Chris Martin from Coldplay, also produced by Martin. Wierd title 'Beach chair' but you have to listen to understand it. Thank God, Scott Storch didn't come on this album and give generic bushtit, Yeah, I'm smiling right now, coz I am so damn exicited HOV IS BACK. Now when Nas drops, we can say 2006 was a good year for Hip-Hop, Two classics (Jay-Z and Nas) and VVGA (Very Very Good Albums) from T.I., Diddy, Ludacris, Method Man, and Ghostface. Hip-Hop has woken from a coma, now Nelly has to come and liven things up.

But go and buy Jay-Z's album, now! It's necessary.

Sunderland Kings 19 - 6 Paisley Pyros

Yes, the Kings beat Paisley Pyros- 19-6. I'm so happy, only if I were there to contribute to the win. Anyway, with this win, our confidence should grow, and we would go and do bigger things.

Finally got The Woodsman

Me and my 'The Woodsman' DVD

Paisley game

I feel really terrible and stupid. We had a game in Paisley in Scotland, this Sunday, 19th Nov. We were supposed to meet up at 6.00am. So I decided to go to bed early, I went to ebd around 1am, set my alarm for 4.30, normally I would wake up, but I lay in bed rolling around for more than two hours. So I actually slept off at 3.30, and I missed my alarm, and woke up at 7:15. I was shocked and angry at myself. I had missed the easiest game of the season, it doesn't get much worse. Now, the guys would think I'm an uncommitted git, who doesn't give a damn about games. I need to put 110% in training to redeem myself. And for next time, I won't go to bed, I'll stay up all night, take a shower in the morning, and sleep on the bus. I did that the last time we went to Scotland, and it worked. Argghhhhh I'm so pissssed. I hope we win.

Work starts.....Damn.

Finally, NastyWest has opened my bank account. Yay, can you imagine, it took me a whole MONTH to get my account opened, 1 full month, 30 days! Those guys are ridiculous.


Anyway, I'm in the University Library, trying to write my essay, its going well, but I'm taking a break now. I've been working so hard I think I'm turning Asian- Ha! (jk, in case a Chinaman reads this) I'm gonna be in the Library till very late at night, I'll make sure I don't go back home till the essay is completed. I'm also broke (whats new?) but my dad is sending me dough tomorrow, (dunno how much dough though) it better be a lot, coz I am starving. Haha! Refugee in Sunderland. I'm enjoying this free week so far. I dunno if I should go out today...hmmm well if I finish my essay early, then I might hit the Glass Spider, otherwise its bed. I bought some Southern Fried Chicken the other day, let me tell you, there's nothing better than Southern Fried Chicken and pancakes, while watching a black movie like ATL or Friday. When I have dough, I'll cook up some Louisiana Creole Cuisine and that Southern Fried Chicken and I swear I'll be floating in heaven by the time I'm done.

The Game and the Game

I just found out we lost the game against Newcastle, I mean we got 'knocked the fuck out', 48-0, Damn! that's just wrong.

Anyway, the Game's album launch party was off the chain. Good music blasting all night, hot senoritas, chicas, hotties, all them were up in there celebrating the Game's album launch. Most of them hadn't even heard the single 'One Blood' but its all good. I am not a fan of the game (despite the bandana across the face) so I was just there to party. And since I know the DJs, I was chilling at the VIP spot, you know what it is! the Game's DJ was there playing it up. People got free Red bandanas, and free albums: 'The Documentary' and 'The Doctor's Advocate'. Drinks were pouring, girls were dancing, hip-hop was blaring. What more could one ask for? The Glass Spider is like the spot all blacks in Sunderland go to on Sunday and Wednesday nights, it's packed full of Ethiopians, Ghanians, Kenyans, Nigerians, lil' Africa there. There was this old man in the club, like 60 something or older, he looked like a war veteran, he was chatting up young girls (funny as hell) everyone was so bemused by his presence.

Well, I've had my fun, now it's time to get down to work and write essays, I have three, 2000 word essays to do by the end of the week (Good luck to me) The Sunderland Kings play Paisley Pyros up in Scotland next Sunday, I hear they are crap, so we should win, in fact we should get some triple figures. Damn..48-0 Thank God I wasn't there.

Class of 2006

Standing L-R Troy Mytinger, Lorenzo Rijk, Sarah 'Susu' Milly, Eline 'Blonde-E' Annink, Annique Krukkert, Christina Hofer, Mrs. Ensink (tutor)
Seated L-R Marjanne 'Boba' Bruin, Julian 'Julez' Obubo, Jonna 'Ted' van den Berg, William 'Billy-Bones' Obubo, Vanessa Keickenbeck, Amber 'Bambi' van der Graaf
Seated on the ground L-R Marlene 'Marly' Koslowsky, Beerd Kaan

Yeah, that's the IB2 Class of 2006. I guess our class was one of the most memorable classes ever to graduate from the AIS. We had so many social gatherings, it was always 'We' rather than 'I'. I miss those times. Tutorials were hell though, arguing over dates was our favourite pastime. We had fun times in Buren (pizza falling down, falling down over dirty water, falling down in rivers) It was sad when we all had to part ways and pursue 'further education' But we'll all meet up someday.

The Diarrhea Monologues

Great, I couldn't go to the game, coz I had diarrhea, and its not something you gamble with (it can get real shitty out there) I don't know how I got it, I started feeling funny last night as I was assembling my football stuff, but I felt that things would clear up by the morning. But I woke up still feeling funny, so I decided not to gamble, and stay at home, rather than being stuck in a toilet with shoulderpads on (not a nice feeling) I hope we win, it's not as if I'm Warren Sapp or anything, the team has a bunch of 'all stars'. We should get a result, with Jon, Christian, Ashtray on defense! damn, we might even get some sacks, interceptions and a defensive touchdown(or two) Offense seems to have shaped up (after we lost to Caledonians) so I'm hoping they get out there and whip that Newcastle's defense like Cream. Coz nothing is worse than losing at home.

Newcastle Game

Yep, the Sunderland Kings play the Newcastle Raiders tomorrow (Nov 12) I can't wait. I know they are a good team, but we'll go in with a positive mentality, and we will come out with a win. I hate dwelling on the positives of an opponent, I like to think that when I lose, its because I was worse than my opponent, not because my opponent was better than me. (Get it!) I'm happy now, coz I was broke an hour ago but my aunt surprisingly sent me money, so I'm good :-D I'm boutta eat some Southern Fried Chicken. yes! aint nothing better than some soul food the night before a big game.

Ludacris Release Therapy Album Review

Ludacris (DTP/Def Jam Recordings)

Track by Track review

1- Warning- Ludacris' comes hard on this one, displaying his lyrical prowess, with Braggadocious lines like 'your favourite rapper went to Ludacris' training camp' (9/10)

2- Grew Up a Screw Up- This track featuring fellow ATL-ien Young Jeezy has my vote for Street Anthem of the Year, matter of fact Hip-Hop song of the year. I'm a fan of Jeezy, but I feel Ludacris should have handled the song on his own. The beat is undescribable, words that spring to mind are 'ridiculous!' 'thumping' 'banging', you have to listen to believe it. Ludacris as usual brings lyricism to another level on this one. A standout track (10/10)

3- Money Maker- You have probably already heard this song, number 1 song in the US. Acutally it is not that great, the Neptunes beat seems bland, the opening score is perhaps the highlight of the song. And Luda just seems to freestyle 3 boring verses. Also, you can barely dance to it. The hook is catchy though. (6/10)

4-Girls Gone Wild- The Neptunes redeem themselves on this track. A bumping beat. Perfect for the club, and perfect for your iPod. Ludacris' lyricism is top notch on this joint. Still as hilarious as ever. Ludacris proves that he is a lyrical genius on this one, with many qoutables 'Just figured out I'm ahead of my time, with a flow so fast, I'm ahead of my rhyme' (7.5/10)

5- Satisfaction- DTP members Field Mob are featured on this track. I wasn't feeling the beat, it samples Benny Benassi's 'Satisfaction'. The lyrics are tight though (7/10)

6- Mouths to Feed- Another standout track. Ludacris talks about the need to earn money. He handles the subject matter without sounding played out or corny, with lyricism unparalleled by no other Atlanta artists. Lots of bragging on this track 'I stay in heavy rotation like a wachine machine' The beat is also tight. (9/10)

7- End of the Night- Finally, Ludacris brings the bedroom to the forefront. Ludacris has many similar songs from past albums, but this one is special. Ludacris' lyrics are funny, smart, sensual and raunchy all rolled up. Bobby Valentino sings the chorus. Flow is more important in this song than lyrics, but lyrics don't come wack as many artists on radio with similar songs. Perfect hip-hop 'getting into the mood' song (7.5/10)

8- Woozy- featuring R.Kelly. The worst track of the album. The beat is boring, lyrics and flow seem uninspired. When you listen to it you get the feeling that Ludacris and R.Kelly did the song just for the sake of doing a song. A skippable track. Uninspired and bland.(3/10)

9- Tell It Like It Is- Forget the last track, Ludacris delivers on this one. He talks about the difficulty and complexity of the rap game, emphaszing the need to own one's image, and not be pushed around by others. Lyrics- 1st class, Flow- 1st class. Luda addresses the Chingy problem once more 'Never took no money from Chingy, thought I was cool with him, I wish his ass well, but I don't want NOTHING to do with him' Lots of advice for aspiring rappers, Luda raps: 'the first rule to the accumulation of wealth is don't trust nobody but your Godamn self!' His daughter Karma is featured on this track- Cute! (10/10)

10- War with God- You have to listen to understand the greatness of this track. The beat is soft and soulful. Here Ludacris disses an unamed rapper. Whoever it is, we'll never know, but it's a warning shot for any rapper who attempts to take Ludacris on in a battle. It can be called a 'Preemptive-Diss' track. (10/10)

11- Do Your Time- A solid track about black men in prison, Ludacris rap is heartfelt: 'I'll definately die for Jesus, coz he died for me' The track features Beanie Siegel, Pimp C and C-Murder, all of whom have recently been in jail. Solid beat. (7/10)

12- Slap- The perfect frustration song. The hook goes 'I feel like slapping a nigga today'. Ludacris vents frustration on this song. A standout track (9/10)

13- Runaway Love- Arguably the best track on the album (perhaps second to track 2) featuring R&B Queen Mary J Blige. Ludacris tells the stories of three young girls growing up in the hood, facing challenges and deciding to run away. Might bring a tear to the eyes of the emotional. Definately single material. Mary J is perfect for this song, she reminds me of 'No More Drama' in this song. Ludacris doesn't seem forced on this track. Perfectly placed, penultimate track (10/10)

14- Freedom of Preach- A seven minute long track, with a brief 'sermon' by Bishop Eddie Long. Here Ludacris discusses with God, with lines like 'Forgive Oprah for editing most of my comments off her show'. Bishop Eddie Long's sermon is inspiring and deep, only if many rappers and youth would listen and adhere to what he says. A perfect way to end a strong album (10/10)

Altogether, I think Ludacris delivers his best album yet. Most notably missing are skits. He manages the funny and the serious perfectly. It would have been better if the album were a double-disc or partitioned into 'Light' and 'Serious'. This album is almost a classic, but I believe for a classic album to be made, all tracks have to be hot, and 'Woozy' spoils that for this album. Ludacris also shows that he can rap to the ladies without compromising lyrical depth (End of the Night). Although 'Money Maker' is a huge hit, the Neptunes beat is not their best. With this album I can see Ludacris going on to create a classic. Less 'Pussy Poppin' and more 'Mouths to Feed' and Ludacris would be mentioned amongst names like Biggie, Nas, 2Pac, Jay-Z and Rakim.

The England Bunch

The England Bunch: Me, Marlene Koslowsky, Christina Hofer, William Obubo (a.k.a Big Lil' Bro)
we were the only members of our class to come study in England. Me in Sunderland, Marly in Newcastle, Chrissy in Sheffield and Will in Bradford

Writing raps

Damn, it's been a long time since I last wrote a song. I used to be writing raps everyday (a loooong time ago) but now I just lack the inspiration. Everytime I attempt to write, it ends up corny, and my subject matter ends up being braggadocious rather than meaningful. Don't get me wrong, I love bragging, and I think it's one of the nice things in hip-hop, but sometimes I prefer to talk about other things, like love, like the black woman's plight, like female dependence on men, frustration...things like that.
Here's one of my verses that I'm extremely proud of, it's called Monica, and it's basically about a prostitute who has kids, and men come to her home and pay for sex. (one of my inspired moments)

Monica
Monica represents the lost, the weak and the brokenhearted
The addicts, dope-peddlers, the dearly departed
women that have been products of our society
lost all hope, forced to sell their anatomy
Beautiful women
Symbols of female power and pride
But no telling the hurt inside
Many recount stories of lost fortunes
Abusive husbands or parents unfortunately
lands them in their present condition
and the behaviour of several men conditions
them to be doubtful of men and avoid commitment
it all adds to the predicament
every night men be payin’ for sex
sometimes fathering kids in the process
fatherless sons or daughters from babyhood till when they getting bigger
growing up without a father figure
and it’s hard to figure
what’s goin’ through the kids heads
when they are surrounded by the life mommy leads
a grown man walks into mommy’s room and then leaves later
Smiling
And mommy comes out
Smiling
Coz now she can pay the rent
But inside she’s torn, she weeps, she’s bent
On creating a future for her daughter
She don’t want her to be like her mother
But when a girl grows up in world with morals upside down
Her life is more likely to be turned upside down
The chain continues
Soon mother and daughter supplyin’ the same clienteleThis is a living hell………living hell.

The Beginning

I just started this blog thing, everybody seems to be on it, so I might as well. I'm bored as hell right now. It's been almost two months in Univeristy, and work is piling up, I need to start. I'm gonna go to the Library tommorow and get down to 'bi-ness'. Then on Sunday, I have a football game (American Football) in Newcastle. Hopefully, we should win. And after that, its church, and after church I'm off to the Game's album release party in the Glass Spider. My friend Sipho is the DJ so I should be rubbing shoulders with peeps from Interscope, even though I'm broke as hell. I don't even like the Game but why not? There's gonna be ladies and good music, I might as well go. Peace, holla at y'all later