The Low End Theory 7.28.12 The Batman Made Me Late Edition
Posted by Tony Acero on 07.28.2012
News and thoughts on Chris Brown giving advice to the Jacksons, Drake claiming he's the first successful singing rapper, Lupe Fiasco claiming that 97% of hip hop sucks, 50 Cent becoming a boxing promoter and more!
Have you seen The Dark Knight Rises yet?! Well why the hell not?! Go see it! I have, and that's why this column is late. Well, that, and the fact that yet again I am using a computer that isn't mine to create this bad boy. I don't feel angry though, because I still love doing it. Anyways, a few changes are a brewing and one starts today. We've got a new writer for Douche of the Week every with my good friend Joseph Paige. He's been in the column before, and he's truly one of the funniest men I know. He's also apt in spelling and has a keen ear for celebrity gossip. He's like my own little version of TMZ (only he's bigger than me). Walter will probably be popping back in from time to time, but as of now we're getting Joseph to take over the reigns and he starts with a doozy this week; a JACKSON! Aside from that, Crystal will not be joining us this week because she was mauled by a Killer Whale and she's fighting off a hangover (one of those is probably true). Yours truly, however, is still here and ready to talk about Hip Hop! Let's get to it!
Video of the Week
New Day – 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and Alicia Keys Hello Dre, how's Detox comin along?
- The possessions of Young Buck were auctioned off and came in at a reported $53,000. No one wanted to buy the box full of G-Unit clothing he had.
- Eve claims that female MC's need to show much more unity than they do. Queen Latifah's response: "I been tried that."
- The Game recently said his marriage and reality tv show was off. I celebrated with champagne. Late yesterday, it was reported that the marriage and reality show is back on…bring on the tequila!
- Lupe Fiasco made a claim that 97% of rap is bad then proceeded to praise Drake. Silly ol Lupe, that don't make no sense.
- 50 Cent has decided to become a boxing promoter. Don King jokes are not allowed as per my lawyer, so just insert one here.
Chris Brown Gives Advice
In sort of a companion piece to this week's Douche of the Week, the always laughable Chris Brown has taken to Twitter (what else) to – get this – give advice about airing laundry. The most recent Jackson Family fiasco (more below) has sent Brown into a frenzy of anger, and he tweeted about it, saying, "That Jackson family feud sh*t gotta stop! Stop making y'all business public! Michael was under enough scrutiny. Don't put the kids through the bullsh*t!" Brown added. "Work y'all s*** out as a family and stop giving them the pleasure of f***ing wit y'all! "Love y'all. Oh Brown, ever the worry wart. While I appreciate the love for the Jackson family, it's really no different than posting one's chin on Twitter to show just how badly one was hit with a bottle, right? Look, I'm not here to sound off on the immaturity of a 14 year old little girl who most likely has daddy issues (I left that for someone else to do), but I will say that Chris Brown just needs to shut his mouth…again.
Lupe Fiasco Speaks on Hip-Hop
In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Lupe Fiasco had this to say about hip hop: "97% of Hip Hop is terrible." Quite the bold statement, but he prefaced it with talk about what his standards are. I came from a different school. I came from Canibus, Eminem. To me, that's up here. Early Jay-Z is up here. So, for me, lyrically it's a different kind of conversation. But, I guess if it's just technically rapping, making words rhyme, metaphor here, metaphor here, it's cool. For me, technically it's good, beats are good, everything is good, it's fresh. But to me, the substance is just terrible. He also mentioned how after this last album, he would definitely be going Indy.
The thing about Lupe, is he always struck me as the guy that speaks from a crowd of his own. He's a mainstream name now, and I'm almost positive he wanted to be there at one point. He got there and didn't like it, so now wants to go back to where he was universally loved. It sounds good, right? Well, the thing is he does it with an air of arrogance that I never really was able to latch onto. He seems to almost always be complaining about something. Regardless, he does have a point and he solidifies it with word on Kanye West and 2 Chainz new song, "Birthday Song" which was just released. When asked about it, he lumped it in with bad rap, making them a part of the 97% I suppose. I can't say that I blame him because I have yet to jump on the 2 Chainz bandwagon. I simply cannot see a consistent body of work for me to say, "Ok, you have something." Nonetheless, I'm going to hand it over to the readers. Is Lupe's assessment right?
Your Turn: Does 97% of hip hop suck?
Drake Talks Out of his Ass
So far, my disdain for Drake has only gone so far as his album, Take Care where he took the concept of singing his own hooks a bit too far, and sold the album as something other than it truly was. Most recently, he has said something that just makes no damned sense. "There were people who incorporated melody before me, but I would deem myself the first person to successfully rap and sing." Aubrey, sir…sit the fuck down. It's this type of attitude that bothers me. I'm all for arrogance, hell I'm as cocky as they come, but there's got to be some air of truth and some respect of whichever game you are in. In Drake's case, he is in hip hop, and to assume that he is the first person to successfully rap and sing is just…well, it's tootin his own damned horn a bit too hard. He claims afterwards that it's not a gimmick, and I can see that because it seems more of a crutch than anything. Drake can rap; I've heard him do it, but he feels the need to make these crooning songs that make the ladies moist between the thighs, and gets a kick out of it. That's fine and dandy, but don't go one on track telling me you're a lady killer then the next tell me to respect a lady. I could list names of people that have done it better than Drake, and so can you, so I'd rather just let this sit here on its own and have you all digest it. Drake, learn your place man.
The Rake – Street Justice
Imagine, for a second, a dude in a gangster like hat, snapping down the alley and telling you a story. You don't know where the hell the music is coming from, but his voice is taking you on a trip that is all but unheard of. The soothing feel is only juxtaposed by the lyrics and only once you realize just how serious the content is. That's The Rake, and that is Street Justice. The year was 1983, and it was around the time where political angst and self-awareness was at its high. Along the same lines of "The Message," The Rake (real name, Kieth Rose) took this story of a man whose wife was raped by two men who got away with it and made it something extremely thought provoking. The catchy beat in the back makes you want to bob your head, but the severity of the situation really makes you question the times. It was a slept on track for sure, and I can only hope if you've never heard it before, that you sit back and enjoy this as best you can.
It was around this time last year that I interviewed my good friend Yader Estrada. I've known the guy for over 10 years and have always been enticed by his massive shoe collection. When I started The Low End Theory, I wanted to bring something different to the table and thought an interview into the shoe game and a person involved in it would bring the hits. A year later, and it's still a great read that's both informative and fun. I figured since I have a lot of issues right now in terms of getting this column to what it used to be due to my laptop taking a proverbial dump, I'd bring back a few interviews from the past and check up on these guys to see how they're doing. So, ladies and gentlemen…I bring to you The Mean Shoe Game Interview.
6th Grade is a time in life where you're looking for an identity, trying to figure out who you are, and realize that those people with long hair that they call girls may have a little something to them other than cooties. This is the time where you developed a style, regardless of how dumb it looks now, back then you thought you were unique as hell. When I was in 6th grade, there was one guy who's shoe game was impeccable. Of course, we didn't know what the hell a "shoe game" was and probably wouldn't have cared much if we did know what it was, but one kid on our little ass playground had some of the fliest and cleanest shoes ever. His name is Yader Estrada. 12 years and running I've known this guy and he's ben a large supporter of my writing career here at 411mania.com. With it being Summer, I thought now would be as good a time as any to bring him to all of you for an interview about his massive collection of shoes. Get ready for one hell of a surprise...
I started by visiting Yader in his home where his room-length closet was filled to the upper portion of nike boxes. We sat down for a bit and talked about the importance of this collection to him, his reasonings behind it and what he's got to say to the critics of what he's doing with his collection and money.
Tony: Let's start at the beginning, when did you begin collecting shoes and where does the yearning for a fresh pair of kicks come from?
Yader: See, I was born in Nicaragua. I didn't come here to America till I was two. I mean, I was raised here but for the first two years of my life, I was over in Nicaragua. My Dad used to travel a lot because we owned a store in Central America and he had to meet up with mass producers. He'd buy Levi's and Nike's all the time from other spots all around and bring them home. So since I was a toddler, I had shoes. As a kid I always had Jordans, Nikes. I didn't knew what it meant, but I knew when the new ones came out, I wanted it. As I got older, I began to like basketball and my favorite player was and is Michael Jordan. Jordan's [the shoes] became big and him being my favorite player, watching him play, I had to have those shoes. Thinking I can play like him haha. Basketball is my favorite sport and it all kind of ties in together. So yeah, I've always had Nikes and always have Jordans. Since a young age. Once you get to a teenager, you want a lot more shit. Whenever my parents could, they'd buy shoes. I always had them, but I always wanted more. Once I started working, that's when I went crazy with it! I'd say the collecting started was about three years ago, around the time my son was born. No more going out, no more doing this so I needed something. It's been three years that I have been buying specifically for the collection, so when I see other people and they're collection I know I'm nowhere near where I want to be...but someday...
Tony: haha. Do you have a favorite pair?
Yader: Actually, I do. Air Jordan 3's, the True Blues. The color, the cement print (some call it elephant print), it looks amazing. The blue just makes it all pop ya kno? It's the favorite model of my favorite shoe. They've been out for a while, like since 01 I think and the last time they came out was in 09. It's funny cuz, in 09 they only came out internationally, so they were nowhere to be found in the US. I had to buy them from a sneaker store in Canada and pay like an extra bill for em. Well, I bought them then a month ago they came out for sale again and I figured I could get another pair. You know, one to hold on to and one pair I could wear. So I went on Eastbay.com (that's where I get a lot of my shoes) and ordered me a pair. Now I'm a size 10.5 so when I opened the box and saw that I got a size 13, I was heated! I called them up but of course, they were sold out, these things sell out in like 2 hours. I sent them back and was pretty bummed out but then it hit me that I just had to have them so I went to eBay. Obviously, you can find anything there. So I ended up paying another extra hundred just to get my second pair. Point is, I had to have em. Hell, I even got the sandles version of this shoe.
Tony: So you say you're nowhere were you want to be. Where is it that you want to be?
Yader: Once I start getting on the level of collecting old shoes is when I think I'll be closer to where I want to be.. Anyone can buy a pair of Jordans tomorrow ya know, but not everyone can buy a pair of 85's out there at the mall. I don't really know if I'll ever be content though, to be honest with you, because look at my collection, this ain't nothing compared to others out there. There's people with a ROOM full of kicks and I'm over here with just a closet. There's a lot of money in this so you have to spend a lot. It's hard for me with bills, a car, myson, and I'm gettin older with more worries. Shit, if I was 17-18 with a bomb ass job and no worries, if I didn't have all that, my collection would be doubled, tripled even. Yeah, I go crazy with the shoes but I make sure my son is straight first. Always.
Tony: Your son is three now, and I already know he's got his small collection of Jordans. Do you think he'll follow in your footsteps?
Yader: I hope so, if not I'll disown his ass. haha. Nah, you know there's a lot of people that ask what am I going to do with my shoes? My first answer is always "give em to my son." How sick would it be for him to be like 15 or 16 at school wearin shoes that nobody's got? He could wear a new pair every day of the school year ya know? That'd be bad ass.
Tony: haha. That really would be pretty fuckin sweet. So how many pairs do you have?
Yader: Truth is, I don't know. It's bad luck to count em. Sounds funny, huh, but it's true. I know it's more than 100, probably closer to 200. Thing is, I only collect certain shoes you know. I gotta like em, I gotta see some value in them. I'm not a completist, I don't have to have EVERY shoe out there, just the ones I like...I just happen to like a lot of shoes. haha
Tony: Now, as with any collector's there's going to be a lot of people on the outside lookin in and thinking you're a damn fool. haha. What do you say to them?
Yader: Yeah, I ain't mad at em for hating. Let em hate. This is something I love. I read every site that talks about shoes. I know release dates, names, types, the little things only others in this game know; it's a passion. It's like calling wrestling fake. Yeah we know that but it don't change the fact that we love it and nothing is really going to change that. If people don't understand, I ask them to look at their biggest passion or addiction and tell em to try to explain it. Ya can't, it's just....It's just a passion that I HAVE. Once you find something you love, you'll want to learn more about it and never let go. That's how this is.
Tony: I feel ya on the wrestling comment. It's still real to me, damnit! haha. So, bein a collector, there's always that "one" item that alludes you. Do you have one?
Yader: Ah, you're talking about what we call The Holy Grail. Yeah, I got one. haha. The Air Jordan 5 Grapes is a pair that I've been wanting for a minute now. Yeah, I can find em on eBay but they either used or not something I want or trust. I'll get em one day though. Another pair would have to be the Air Jordan 5 Laney's. They got a color scheme that matches the high school that Michael Jordan went to. You can find both of em, you know and sure it'll be really expensive, but to try to find them in perfect condition...that's a little hard. There's a rumor that both are coming out together and if that happens, then it's a wrap. I got a special spot in my closet for those. haha.
Tony: Aight, now I have to ask these for my co-writer otherwise she'll kill me. haha. She wants to know a) How do you feel about Super Sky Tops? and b) Would you ever sell your shoes or are you just going to keep them?
Yader: I'll answer the second one first. I haven't sold one pair of my shoes and I have no plans to. I know there's people that do that, you know. Buy the shoes then jack up the price and sell them. I don't particularly care for that. It's cool if people do that, hell they may have I pair I want, but I wouldn't do it. I think the only time I would ever sell my shoes is if I was dead broke and I needed to feed my son or give him what he needs. I collect shoes cuz I love it. As for the Super Sky Tops....well, when they came out they was hot. A lot of people wanted them and Wayne was wearing them so I could see why people copped em. I think a few special editions were cool but they fell off super quick. They were voted as the #1 shoe the same year they came out then nothin. Pretty much, they're not my style so nah I wouldn't wear em. I don't hate them, but I don't love em.
Tony: Ok, let's wrap this up with your personal Top 5.
Yader: Ok. My #1 is most definitely my True Blues. #2 would have to be the Jordan #11 Space Jams, #3 Airmax Infrared cuz red is my favorite color and it's a different type of red on these shoes that I like. #4 Nike Air Max Griffey 2's, I remember gettin my first pair in 6th grade and I was happy as hell. And #5 is classic white on white Air Force Ones. You can never go wrong with them. These shoes are never goin out of style. Never.
That wraps it up. I want to thank Yader for taking time out of his day and some of his collection out of his closet for The Low End Theory. If you guys have any additional questions, he doesn't mind answering them at all so have at it in the comment section and I'll forward them all to him and get at you next week. Thanks again, Yader!
Some of you may know me, some may not. Those who I do know are aware that I've been a die-hard fan of the Jackson family from birth. Not just Michael, but the whole damn family! I own just about every record, movie, television show, toy, etc. that pertains to whom I consider the first royal Black family of America. So as an honorary Jackson myself (I've completed my application for membership many years ago) I was pretty disturbed when I discovered there was a disturbance in my family which had taken place at the estate.
Allegedly the children *cough* *cough* of the late pop star Michael Jackson were involved in an altercation with their uncles Randy and Jermaine, and aunt Janet Jackson. All of this drama apparently begun after Michael's daughter Paris sent out a series of tweets that alluded to the fact that she was unaware of the whereabouts of her 82 year old grandmother Katherine. Ever since MJ's untimely death in 2009 any statement given by his children has been placed under a microscope. Therefore persuading the public to believe that the matriarch of the Jackson family was possibly missing and or kidnapped set off a media fire storm that has kept the nation glued to the news.
Unfortunately no facts were checked prior to Paris going onto her public Twitter account and spreading these rumors. Nor did she take the time to at least call one of thousands of Jackson family members who could have easily verified Katherine's location. And as much as it pains me to do this I have to give douche of the week to Paris Jackson. Paris it must be hard being that you are the spawn (allegedly) of one of musics' biggest icons ever, not to mention the hormones which must have taken over the moment you laid hands on your auntie Janet during the now well documented altercation at the family home and called her a bitch. But I'm going to need you to do us all a favor and delete your Twitter and give your phone to Blanket so he can stay occupied with Angry Birds. I'm a firm believer in that the truth will always reveal itself.
So if its in fact true that the Jackson family is in a scheme to earn the rights to MJ's estate than by all means I will consider you the first individual to have their Douche of the Week title revoked. However, as of right now you hold the crown for your attention seeking ways and utter disrespect not only for your own family members but for the legacy of your father. Michael is moonwalking in his grave right now not only because of this whole ordeal that has gone down this past week, but also because you and your brothers saw it fitting to remove your mask and sheets.
Why can't you be more like your little brother Blanket? Blanket never starts no shit. While you're going through life desperately seeking attention from any one willing to pay attention Blanket is just chilling in the cut hoping that his ass doesn't get dangled off the edge of a balcony ever again. But what I'm confused about is while everyone was worried about where Katherine Jackson was we should have been concerned about Joe Jackson. With one swift swipe of Joe's belt none of these stories would have ever made it far enough to make the news.
That's all for this week, folks! I'd start Save the Laptop fund, but I'm just going to by a new one and start my porn folder all over again...damn.
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