Spartacus Party @ Stingaree

Let's face it, Comic-Con is not just for comic book readers anymore. The annual Comic Convention held in San Diego's Convention Center has become a national attraction for any type of popular culture phenomenon seeking promotion.

Its almost like each year a red carpet is laid out throughout the Gaslamp District where at any given time you can see A-List celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey, Jr. having dinner at a local restaurant, having a drink at the Hardrock Hotel's lounge or just embracing the San Diego lifestyle while visiting.

This year I didn't take part in the insanity at the convention center because I knew that because Comic-Con is so big now it would spill out of the convention center and into the city.

Besides the usual yearly Comic-Con party like the Syfy Party at the Hotel Solamar, some of the spillage included the Starz hit show Spartacus party sponsored by AMC Theaters at Stingaree.

Stars such as Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford could be seen engaging on Stingaree's prestigious rooftop enjoying hosted movie candy and popcorn.

*Sidenote: I love my life and I had to take advantage of the free candy because usually when you buy snacks in the theater you're going to end up paying an arm and a leg. I'm just saying.

Anyway, Check out the photos from the Spartacus party Here.

*photos courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations

Ron Artest @ Belo

Ron Artest stopped through San Diego to celebrate his LA Lakers Victory party with fans. I don't think he brought his psychiatrist with him though. The evening was full of energy and Artest performed his song Champion. I actually like the lyrics especially seeing as Artest doesn't claim to be a rapper.

I guess he had some things on his chest and felt the need to express it through song.

Anyway, Check out the song "Champion" here.

Check out the victory party photos HERE.

Jay-Z - Good Old Days (DJ Green Lantern Mix)

It really seems like there's nothing like the old school. I know it also seems like they really don't make them like they used to, and I definitely remember the good old days.

I feel like as I get older, the memories keep getting better and the present is just a portal taking me to the future to begin actually living life by reminiscing on past to propel me to become better than I was.

Of course you should never live off of past fame and you should always work hard to become better than you were 5 seconds ago, but when I think of the past, it just reminds me that a lot of times its definitely not like it used to be.

After doing my weekly scroll of acquiring new music, I came across DJ Green Lanterns Jay-Z mixtape Creative Control. Skimming through, I realized some of the music is older Jay-Z material but it reminds me of the glory days.

One song in particular is Good Old Days, blended with Styles P and none other than 2Pac's verse from Old School. The blend is a perfect mastering of three genius rappers telling their recollections of growing up within their respective Burroughs of New York.

What I have learned from just listening to this song is yes we should cherish the old school but as we all get older, we should also realize that each day of life is a chance to do better than we did before.

Anyway, check out DJ Green Lantern's Mixtape Creative Control.

Jay-Z - Good Old Days featuring 2Pac & Styles P

T.I. - I Got Your Back feat Keri Hilson (Video)

More often than not, we as men don’t give the strong and positive women in our lives enough credit for the love and compassion they provide us. Whether it’s our mothers, sisters, girlfriends, wives, lovers, aunts, or grandmothers, for some reason we seem to focus more on the negative women and gloomy experiences in our life, rather than appreciate the positive ones that make it possible for us to stroll through the city with a smile on our face.

Throughout the years, hip hop/ rap music has been criticized for portraying women in a negative light, although there are a few cases such as Common’s “The Light,” Nas’ “Getting Married,” and Ghostface Killah’s “All I Got Is You,” where nothing but appreciation and glorification is shown for the women in each respected artist’s life.

I had the pleasure of growing up with my mom and sister when I was younger, so needless to say, I’ve always had the utmost respect for strong willed women. Both of them are amazingly tough women who have conquered some incredibly difficult obstacles throughout their lives and have made various personal sacrifices, in order to take care of their family and children.

A track that I’m truly infatuated with right now is TI’s dedication to his fiancée Tameka“Tiny” Cottle, “Got Your Back” ft. Keri Hilson. Honestly, I have to commend TI for taking on a song like this, especially considering his “thug” image, in a genre where the word “bitch” is used nonchalantly all the time, TI has gone another route, much like Tupac did with his famous dedication to poverty stricken women “Keep Ya Head Up.” He boasts about his relationship and the fact that he’s in love with one woman and is no longer interested in “playing the field” as some say.

In the last verse TI raps in his southern accent:

“The pieces to the puzzle in my life/ With all of my good days and all of my bad/ You stood by your man and you know you got my back/ Worth every car, every bag, with me they wanna be that/ I know what I got at home/ I ain’t gon’ ever leave that.”

Throughout the song’s lyrics, TI does nothing but compliment his future wife and takes the time to thank her for everything she’s done for him while he’s been going through life changing trials and tribulations.

Tiny took care of their children when TI was incarcerated and was there for him everyday, continuously showing emotional support for the troubled rapper, who’s been given a second chance to try to make things right in his life.

Recently released from prison after serving nearly 10 months for federal weapons charges, ATL’s suave emcee seems hungrier than ever to prove to the world that the “bad guy” he used to be known as (and to some extent is still viewed as by many) has in fact come full circle and is working nonstop to become a positive role model for today’s society.

After his turbulent upbringing and previous run ins with the law, TI is now on a mission to give back to the underprivileged and provide positive insight to youngsters who look up to him and think that being “gangster” is the hip thing to do.

Last year’s hit show “TI: Road to Redemption” was the first of what is hopefully many positive steps for the incredibly talented young artist. Songs like “Got Your Back” represent the matured TI, who now finally seems to realize what really is important in life.

Not the guns, drugs, or money, but rather the loved ones, experiences, and what we as individuals can give back to our society and community, in a time when we all seem to be out solely for ourselves.

T.I. - Got Your Back featuring Keri Hilson

Nicki Minaj - Your Love (Official Video)

In order to be the best you have to keep trying even when you fail. Don't give upon your goals. Trial and error. That's what constitutes being a true artist. You have to keep trying to find your niche until your passion leads you to become successful.

Nicki's first attempt Massive Attack didn't quite hit the masses like she had hoped. The thing is if she had packed it up early, we would not have this new masterpiece Your Love for her second single which is actually the first female rapper song to go number 1 in 8 years*.

To be honest with you, I was not a fan of Nicki, only because the dirty rapper girl has been done before. I was thinking she should come with something unique and fresh. Low and behold, she switches it up a little and here we go!

What's interesting is Nicki Minaj wasn't even going to officially put this song out but you have to give the people what they want.

Obviously the people wanted to hear this song, so to drop Your Love for the second single was going to be nothing short of a success.

I am actually excited for Nicki because I like this song and the video is even a better jewel. It shows that she can be versatile, which makes for a great artist's longevity.

In the video, Nicki is a student with a crush on her teacher, but there is another student quite fond of the same teacher. Of course that student is the one person that stands in the way of Nicki's love.

Anyway, check out the video here.

Nicki Minaj - Your Love

*sidenote: If you didn't know by now I am also into samples, meaning I like to know where a songs influence originated from.

In my opinion, it was very smart of Nicki and her team to switch up her "In-Ya-Face-Sexuality" with a softer more feminine touch by using Annie Lennox's 1995 song No More I Love You's.

Like I said, versatility is great. Do BOTH!

Check out the original song if you're into understanding music like I am.

Annie Lennox - No More I Love You's

*credit and video courtesy of www.Mtv.com

Jay-Z - Lebron Is Gone...

Jay-Z - Lebron Is Gone Featuring John Mayer (Affion Crockett Spoof)

Wow...I actually have no words for this...

Check the video here.

*Video Courtesy of youtube.com/AffionCrockett

Getting Ready For Opening Day...

Oh You Fancy, Huh!?

"All my 'DAYGO' girls, let me see your hands, Wave em at the 'breezies' hating on you with their friends, Girl you got it, Let em know everything big, Nails done, hairs done, everything big!

Go Cinderella, Go Cinderella! Orgasm blush Lipstick ‘n concealer, Devil in a tight dress, Girl you a killer and ain't nobody realer, And ain't nobody realer...Showtime... Go, Go, Go! As we proceed!!!"

- Fancy by Drake

And so here we are again. Tomorrow the Opening Day of Del Mar Race Track will be upon us. Opening day is the first day of the Del Mar horse racing season and the very special day where all the girls get dressed up wearing the Big Hats and fancy dresses and all the guys throw on a suit jacket to enter the infamous Turf Club. This is a premier day in San Diego.

Missing Opening day of the racetrack is like visiting Atlanta and not going to the Underground Mall, going to Chicago and not having a Maxwell Street Polish or Hot Dog, or going to New York and not visiting Times Square.

These epic events and places are things you must take part in if you visit the respective cities.

Tomorrow, I can atleast assure you of one thing, I will be a professional tourist with a professional camera, so it won't be just a mere "work" day. It will be an extravaganza for sure.

The most exotic looking people always make for a great photo opportunity and I will definitely be snapping photos of the fancy people.

A List Media and TV Host Eric Edwards will be on hand covering the event as well.

All I can say is it will be Christmas in July, so step up and get your photo taken. ALL of the best photos from opening day will be posted here for sure.

*Photo Credit - Olivia Munn on the cover of 944 Magazine for Del Mar Opening Day.

The Summer anthem "Fancy" provided by Drake, T.i. & Swizz Beatz

Kid Cudi's "Sky Might Fall"

“What a world that I'm livin' in/

will the rainstorms ever end?/


Still I feel my…. path narrow/


Oh, I run again/


See happiness is gone again…”

Kid Cudi: “Sky Might Fall”

The reason why I have such a passion and thirst for lyrically captivating music is quite simply because even when you’re having a horrible day, week, month, or even year, a truly talented artist will inspire you to keep your head up and stay on the grind.

Lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot of internal issues that have been tugging on my heart’s strings, I’ve been battling demons of year’s past, and I’ve sought remedy to these problems through uplifting music.

People who I could’ve sworn were my “friends” have stabbed me in the back and purposely betrayed me, my father passed away recently, and it almost feels as if the whole world is out to get me at times, or maybe I just have a flair for the dramatic?

Whatever the case, Kid Cudi’s “Sky Might Fall” off his album “Man On The Moon: End of Day,” has honestly helped me from falling deeper into contemplation of the “Why Me?” state of mind and has helped me cope with these obstacles, man up, and face them ,rather than fleeing from them, which the younger, unpolished me, would’ve done.

The track basically summarizes the day- to- day struggles we all have faced before and the chorus isn’t the most complex, but definitely gets the point across.

“The sky might fall, but I’m not worried at all.” – Cudi sings on the hook

Point blank and simple, when it rains it pours, but you absolutely have to keep your chin up and stay focused. People will constantly try to deter or derail your dreams, it’s your decision whether you want them to succeed or if you’re going stand up for yourself and fight fire with fire.

Bob Marley once said:

“Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you’ve just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.”

I can’t think of a better quote than this at the time to put all these obstacles I’m facing in perspective. My true friends and family know I’ll fight for them until the bitter end, that’s just the kind of guy that I am.

The day that I can no longer fight for my loved ones or myself is the day that I no longer belong on this earth, so the sky might fall, but I sure as hell am not worried at all. Mad props to Kid Cudi, awesome track, keep it coming my man.

Kid Cudi - Sky Might Fall

You're Never Over

If you have ever lost anyone, whether it be that person moved away, you had a falling out or even something as tragic as death, then you know the pain that comes along with that loss.

A lot of times, we never really get over the loss, but we eventually learn to move on. I have some significant people that shaped my life and sometimes I wish they were as close to me as they used to be.

Everything happens for a reason and sometimes those people need to leave in order to make room for new people. Actually, I don't know if that's true but it sounds good for the time being.

The fact remains that there are certain people I miss and for whatever reason they will always be special to me because of the time that they were in my life.

I will never forget anything that anyone has done for me regardless if I still speak to them or not. I'm appreciative of everything that people do for me because I know that no one owes me anything.

Eminem has a song I am vibing to right now that fits my mood while I am missing these certain people.

The song I'm feeling right now is called You're Never Over from Eminem's new album Recovery. I love the fact that he samples Cry Little Sister (thou shall not fall) the theme song from The Lost Boys movie soundtrack. That's Old School!

My favorite part is actually the chorus where Eminem sings, "The days are cold livin' without you, The nights are long, I'm growing older, I miss the days though, thinking about you. You may be gone, but you're never over!"

I feel like Eminem hit the nail right on the head because the saying "You're Never Over" is the God's honest truth.

As long as you have the memories and lasting impressions those people missed have left with you, you will always have them in your heart and they will always be with you.

To those people that we have lost, you may not be with us, but you're never forgotten and you're never over!

Eminem - You're Never Over

Lloyd @ Belo hosted By Rocsi of 106 and Park

Living in San Diego, you never know what "the life" will bring, so I almost always try to have my camera with me.

As it turns out, my good friend DJ Ironic had to DJ when Lloyd stopped through San Diego's nightclub Belo and brought his special guest Rocsi from BET's 106 and Park to host this special night.

Actually, Rocsi was a surprise guest host, so when the sexy TV personality came on stage, naturally the crowd went crazy.

It was all love for me, because I wasn't even scheduled to work this event.

Lloyd gave an excellent performance and stayed later in the night to take photo opps with fans and staff.

See Lloyd Photos here.

*shout out to Albert Calderon for those exclusive photos mayne!

Waka Flocka Flame @ Kress Hollywood

Being sick or even in the hospital can put a damper on all your plans. Although I am not 100 percent, I have a never say die attitude even if the doctor says I should rest.

I have to send a special thank you to those people that stuck with me by checking on me, the calls and other special messages because that love keeps me going.

Anyway, Waka Flocka Flame had one of his only California performances at Kress in Hollywood and of course your boy I.S.H. had front row to the exclusive event. There were some guests in the building including adult films starts Nat Turner, Pinky and Lexi Cruz.

See Waka Flocka Photos Here.

Drake - Paris Morton Music

Ahhh, just like clockwork it had to show up right on time. I knew It had to be somewhere. He never lets me down.

Every time I hear a song with Drake with no actual rap verse on a track I feel let down at first. So of course when I heard Aston Martin Music by Rick Ross, Chrisette Michelle and Drake, I knew there had to be a Drake verse somewhere out there.

But then again when I think about it, wait a minute, this is Drake the same person that redid "Unthinkable" and "I'm Still Fly" and in my opinion made them better. Enough Said.

Anyway, I think this is more of a freestyle moreso then a lost verse but I could be wrong.

Oh well here you go.

Drake - Paris Morton Music

(Paris Morton is a Model by the way)

*Song courtesy of October's Very Own

Friends...

Its amazing to me how GREAT music can be timeless and remain relevant years later. Certain artists have this ability to make timeless music that will constantly be as fresh as the first time you heard it.

Ever since I got this TB Hard drive (that's a terabyte which means 1000 gigabytes of information) I have been stocking up on my hits all while reminiscing and listening to some of my old favorites.

Also through my reminiscing, I have started to think about my true friends that have been there since the playground days.

I have heard, you will probably only have 5 or 6 real friends in a lifetime. Those true friends are people that no matter what happens, you can always come back to right where you left off like you never left.

Lately, it seems as I strive to work hard, gain more exposure, and continue to climb the ladder of success by gradually achieving my goals, I can't help but start to wonder who is a real friend, who is a business acquaintance and who is just there because of what I can do for them. But as I do that, I have to take a step back, look and the mirror and say, "Wait a minute, am I a good friend myself?"

A song that sums up how I have been feeling lately is 2Pac's Never Had A Friend Like Me. I think He made this song in 1994-96 era and yet it is still relevant today.

"I'm Down for you, so ride with me...Nobody knows where will be...You ain't never had a friend like me." -2Pac

If you've ever had a true friend or been a true friend, this Throwback song is for you. To all my true friends, thanks for everything and hopefully, I'm just as good of a friend to you.

2Pac - Never Had A Friend Like Me

RIP To The Boss

The epitome of big business. The American dream. From Rags to Riches. My Way Or The High. George Steinbrenner was the poster child for what it means to be an American with a dream.

Steinbrenner bought the New York Yankees Baseball team in 1973 and turned the then almost defunct organization to the most successful sports franchise in history through monetary value and championships (27) alike.

Born in Ohio, Steinbrenner moved to New York to make a better life for himself and his family. With small time roots and big city dreams, I definitely am inspired by "The Boss", because that is the same path I want to follow.

Some people hate the Yankees and the empire, but I embrace it saying, why are we all here? To make millions doing something we love. Its a business man, so we should handle business, damn. (A little Empire State Of Mind)

My condolences go out to the family, Mr. Steinbrenner was not only the boss, but a family man.

The irony of this is, ONLY The Boss WOULD pass away on the morning of the All-Star Game.

With his defending World Champion Yankees having the best record in the league going into the break and battling for home field advantage for the playoffs is only a story of ghostly proportions. Could the plot be any thicker or become any greater?

For that alone I say...

Let's GO YANKEES! Lets Go Big Business! To anyone with a dream, Lets Be SUCCESSFUL!

I guess Kanye was wrong, one man CAN have ALL THAT PoWER...wow, talk about inspiration!

If you gotta go, Go out with a BANG!

RIP George Steinbrenner III

July 4, 1930 – July 13, 2010

I Just Want To Be Happy...

If its true that everything happens for a reason, then its definitely true that you should live life to the fullest. You should also live with no regrets because life is too short.

A lot of times we worry about what people will think about our actions so we hesitate to live the way we want to.

The truth is, these same people that "judge" you only know what they see from the outside looking in, so how can they really tell you how to live your life when they don't know your whole story.

The phrase "walk in my shoes before you tell me where you think I should step" rings of truth to me as of late.

After being sick and actually having to take off from work for the past two weeks, I realize a few things. One, you can't and shouldn't count on anyone to make you happy. (Family not included).

You can't and shouldn't count on anyone to be there for you, and you definitely can't and shouldn't count on anyone to make you happy.

You and you alone are responsible for your happiness. Don't get me wrong its great if you do have someone to count on, but you have to remember people have their own lives and situations, so they may not be for you right when you need them. Then what will you do?

When people say, she made me mad, or he makes me happy, that's a figment of their imagination and a fallacy. The truth is you need to be happy with yourself or you will feel hollow from striving from other people's happiness.

Its like a topical ointment, it provides temporary relief but eventually it will rub off leaving you needing another fix. You need fulfillment from the inside.

Some people ask me why do I go out all of the time, or why am I so active within the social scene, and honestly the answer is because I know what it means to lay in a hospital bed weeks at time not being able to do things for yourself because of pain.

So every day that I have a chance to live, interact and entertain myself amongst energetic, lively people is another day for me to rejoice and be thankful for being healthy.

Whenever I need to seek out my happiness and find my own inner soul searching journey to completion, I turn to Mary J. Blige's song Be Happy. It is the truth. "I Just Wanna Be Happy, But The Answer Lies In Me...Life is too short to be trying to play some games."

Happiness comes from growth and in order to grow you need to be aware. Awareness comes from maturity. And with all that, maturity brings happiness because you realize you have grown and learned from your mistakes.

This cycle of life is a continuous process and until we understand this concept we will always be searching for the topical oinment, not the actual cure.

If none of this made sense, the easiest way I can explain is to let go of your troubles, find your own happiness and don't let anyone take THAT away from you.

Mary J. Blige - Be Happy

Aston Martin Music

To be honest, I need motivation music. I yearn it. I wake up every day hoping to hear that new song that will make me want to go be great.

Every now and then a song comes out and it just moves me to want to move mountains. Actually, Rick Ross may or may not be true to his rhymes, but the rhymes themself are motivational.

Who wouldn't want to have a maybach with recliner seats or money to blow to take care of their families. I personally love Rick Ross' choice of "music" and beats. Its what keeps me listening even if sometimes he does step off track from his own personal reality.

The truth is he makes good music to the ears. I'm not talking about the content per se, but the music, his voice and the melodies usually are very melodic and moving.

For his latest effort, it is business as usual as he calls upon the help of Chrisette Michele and Drake to sing on the hook and melodies.

Aston Martin Music is exactly the song I would play with the top down driving up the coast. I'm just saying.

Anyway, check out the latest from Ricky Rozay...

Rick Ross - Aston Martin Music feat Drake & Chrisette Michele

That Girl...

While surfing the net, I came across a video for one of my favorite songs. I didn't even know they had a video for this song, so I guess I am late on this one. I love Vevo. Oh well!

Pharell teamed up with Snoop Dogg a few years back on his solo album In My Mind to make one of my favorite songs of that album called That Girl.

I used to listen to it all the time with no idea there was a video. Maybe it was released maybe not. Either way, here's the throwback video of the day.

Pharell - That Girl feat Snoop Dogg

The New School...

This day and age good R&B is hard to come by. Its even harder to get the egos of R&B stars to come together on a track. Its almost impossible for the top stars of the day to do a remix for someone elses song.

One Chance has managed to do all three by making good music and featuring Trey Songz, Lloyd and Bobby Valentino together on a song called Look At Her (Remix).

Now actually this song is about a few years old and never really got the promotion or exposure it should have, but I feel this should be the mold for great R&B.

Although One Chance has not had mainstream commercial success such as other acts like Jodeci, Dru Hill Or Boyz II Men, they keep their presence felt through the social networking stream.

Look At Her Remix is a classic song and no matter how you look at it, to me it is the essence of R&B.

So Thank you to One Chance, Trey Songz, Lloyd and Bobby V. for this work of art.

Hopefully when their debut album drops this song will make the cut.

One Chance - Look At Her (Remix)

The Decision...

At 9PM EST, the world tuned into ESPN to find out which team the last member of the 2010 mega free agent roster Lebron James would sign to.

For weeks, the speculation between whether King James would sign to the New Jersey Nets along with Russian affiliates and co-owner Jay-Z?

Would he gain an empire state of mind in New York with Spike Lee and Fat Joe?

What about joining the Miami heatwave with Dwyane Wade and palm trees, is that an option?

Or should the King return to be the hometown hero in Cleveland?

All of these sceptical situations have had fans and nay-sayers alike on pins and needles since 2008.

After a 45 minute wait, Lebron finally let the world know where he was going...

Southbeach with DWade, newly signed teammate Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.

Without hesitation, mouths dropped across the country and of course everyone had an opinion about his decision.

Will Lebron's legacy be tarnished, did he take the money over loyalty, what will it do for his brand? All kinds of questions raised from this life changing decision.

The fact remains that no, Lebron will not be considered the next Magic, Jordan, Kobe or Wade because all these guys stayed with their perspective teams and won championships.

But on the same hand, all the greats had help and didn't do it alone.

Magic Johnson had SHOWTIME.

Michael Jordan had "DA Bulls" dynasty.

And Kobe Bryant had the LAKESHOW.

If you think about the dynamic of all of these teams, the members were of a fine caliber of players.

Magic had Kareem and Worthy.

Jordan had Phil Jackson, Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, and Paxson whom were all the greatest in the league at their perspective position.

And Kobe and DWade both had SHAQ Diesel in his prime. Enough Said.

In legacy talks, we can't forget about the Celtics championship history and the orginial Big 3 (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce & Ray Allen) that started the mold for this olympic gold medal style glory day for an actual league team and not just an exhibition pick up game.

Basketball is a team sport and regardless if Lebron stays at home and eventually wins or goes to another team, the common demominator is of course setting a goal to win an nba title.

A man should always have the right to better himself and his family if the opportunity presents itself.

Obviously, after 7 years in Cleveland, Lebron felt Miami presented a better opportunity to win a championship by providing him with the help he has so desperately needed while in Cleveland.

Will Lebron be revered under those great legendary names such as Magic and Michael? After all Miami Heat is Dwyane Wade's team.

The facts are Lebron is already going to be a hall of famer and has already proved that he can be league MVP. But an MVP title with no ring means nothing to him anymore.

To be great, you have to win championships because its a team sport and individual stats are nothing but fun, useless stats.

Honestly, if he is winning in Miami, making money and consistently dominating the league with the help of his aliance to this new big 3 membership, who will remember individual stats? The 3 headed monster will reign supreme.

At the end of the day, its about winning championships, playing for the love of the game and of course making lots and lots of money.

The reality is, teams are getting smarter, making more money and going for the win. In the end, only time will tell if the George Steinbrenner Evil Empire mentality will actually be successful.

After all, every team can't have 27 championships. Or, then again if they spend the money, can they?