First day not all it was cracked out to be for Cowboys' Bryant

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Star

You would think the eyes if the NFL universe would revolve around Brett Favre’s injured ankle and his thoughts as he ponders his future on his farm in Mississippi.

Instead the cameras and journalists armed with pen, pad and tape recorder converged upon Valley Ranch, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

A few days remained before draftees and undrafted free agent report for rookie mini-camp, yet a buzz already surrounded an incoming player prior to his arrival on the practice field.

Drafted by the Cowboys late in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant was already hailed as one of the premier talents available.

Armed with size, speed, athleticism and football smarts, his arrival in Dallas added to an already potent offense including the likes of Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Felix Jones and others, team officials felt he was a missing piece for a team expected to make deep playoff runs each season.

He did come with some baggage. Contact with future hall of famer and former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders was deemed “inappropriate” by the NCAA.

Teams knew this coming into the evaluation process leading up to the draft, and despite being a premier talent his stock fell in the eyes of pundits and NFL general managers alike.

Bryant fills one of the Cowboys’ needs, presenting a strong, physical receiver to compliment Austin, who with another good campaign in 2010 could earn a lot of money next season (should the NFL not go into a strike).

However, the rookie likely wasn’t expecting his life – in particular his parents’ past – drug into the equation.

During pre-draft evaluations, Bryant was asked by Miami Dolphins’ general manager Jeff Ireland allegedly asked him whether his “mother previously had been a prostitute?”

All players are drilled during this process. Football is a business and understandably team officials will go to all lengths to find out about a person of whom they may potentially decide to spend millions of dollars on.

It may be just me, but certain questions about people’s parents are out of bounds. Though lacking in taste, however, Ireland is not wrong in asking the question either, particularly when the issue was brought up in evidence, rumor or conversation – whether it be during a discussion with the player in question or another source.

I’m more mad this story seems to be overshadowing the first day these rookies step onto a professional practice field, getting their initial NFL experience. At least for one “freshman,” the first day was more than bargained for.

In time, this storm will pass and he’ll be able to kick back and just play ball. Hopefully, this is one of those passing rains that reaps bountifully for the Bryant and his family, but for the time being they might want to keep an umbrella and a forgiving heart available at all times.

For better... or worse?

Human beings are funny creatures.

I'm pretty sure each of you had already come to that realization prior to reading that sentence.

But especially when it comes to topics regarding relationships and marriage.

Being at an age where you can probably flip a coin as to whether they are in a committed relationship, married or on the open market, these type of discussions occasionally rear their ugly head. Often I know when they're coming, and can prepare myself an escape route just before the rolling wheel of confusion begins.

Unfortunately, I was caught in this storm before being able to find a safe place of refuge. Yet, I kept my ear to the ground because many of the responses being given intrigued me.

Recently while chatting with several friends, of course the issue of marriage came up and everyone was asked their thoughts on a prenuptial agreement. A contract entered by two individuals prior to their marriage or civil union, this agreement commonly includes provisions as to the couple's divvying up of property and spousal support in the event of a divorce or the breaking up of the marriage.

These documents vary depending on what state or nation one may reside, but in most cases prenuptial agreements lay things out cut and dry for both parties, laying ground rules for divorce such as adultery and the guardianship of their children should their livelihood be at stake.

At one time, I remember when this was one of the secondary thoughts cluttering the minds of the potential bride and groom, instead wishing to place their vast amounts of energy on wedding colors and which of the Hawaiian islands they will be spending their honeymoon.

Boy, have times changed.

With approximately 43 percent of all marriages now ending in divorce according to recent numbers obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics, couples now must worry about not only whether them and their significant other will live into old age in marital bliss as well as whether they will be settled in the event of a divorce.

I can say for a fact that this generation's perception of marriage is much different from those in the past; all I have to do is look into my family line to see this.

Though my grandfather — God rest his soul — and my grandmother didn't always get along the thought of divorce never once crossed their mind. No matter what the issue was, they were going to come to a joint decision and run with it.

It was not something either of them believed in; those vows meant something to them. Those rings to them affirmed their belief "we are in this for the long haul... for better or for worse."

Somewhere along the line things changed. Visible from the opinions from several of my friends, a prenuptial agreement would be a priority should they decide to tie the knot.

I am no genius when it comes to this marriage thing, as each of you know I end up in the proverbial "doghouse" for extended periods of time (... don't judge me). However, when I got married the one thing I refused to do was sign that type of document, primarily believing it defeats my entire purpose of getting married in the first place.

Plus, for some reason it made me feel like even more of a dunce for proposing and buying a shiny ring; why do so when I'm already searching for the nearest exit out?

For some reason, the concept of working together has been replaced by the notion of "all for me and nothing for you." During marriage counseling, the first thing the Rev. Julius McAllister (now a presiding Bishop in African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church) told me and my wife were money is the top reason why a lot of marriages fail.

Sure enough, a lot of the answers I received confirmed this. Take this quote for example: "I would have to get a prenuptial agreement. There's no way a woman is leaving with any of my things; she is going to leave with exactly what she brought into the relationship."

Can't argue, after all this anonymous person makes a valid point — why shouldn't a person come leave a marriage with less than what they brought into the union?

However, that concept does not work for me; after all, it took you losing something to jump into that type of commitment in the first place — yourself.

There are times I look at my parents' relationship and sit back jealous of what they have if not totally grossed out. The fact the two of them act as if they are still dating after all this years is something you don't see much.

I respect couples who have spent a significant amount of time with each other, using everyday as another day to show how much they love that person.

Today just happens to be my parents' 34th wedding anniversary, quite an accomplishment in a day where it seems to be the "in" thing to tuck their tails and run should a few things in their relationship go awry.

One day, I want to apply the lessons my father has used during the past three-plus decades, including how he puts up with someone so much different than himself. Men are from Mars and women hail from Venus, right?

Some of the things I want to use are his patience even when visibly annoyed, compassion and willingness to do any and everything even when it's not his activity of choice, and of course spend more time with her. You can never get enough of that.

My have times changed. Less than 20 years ago, he was the exact person I was trying not to be.

In not getting a prenuptial agreement we have at least one similarity, but not necessarily the one I want. My goal is to be as good a man and husband as I can be so that 32 years from now I can be saying the same thing he is today — "Thank God for a blessed 34 years with this woman."

'Almost Famous' — Charlotte a hit

It wasn’t too long ago that a young Atlanta, Ga., artist named B.o.B. used the ‘Almost Famous’ stage to help create a buzz that would soon overwhelm much of the U.S.

How ironic the day he dropped “The Adventures of Bobby Ray,” his first studio album under Grand Hustle Records, a new pack of hungry artists would attempt to use a similar route to their musical dreams.

Using Charlotte’s Bentley’s R.S.V.P. as their proposed launching point, several acts from the Carolinas and Virginia were given center stage to highlight their talents during ‘Almost Famous: Charlotte.’

Since 2004, ‘Almost Famous’ has been used as an avenue for emerging artists to prove themselves. It has been a place where the likes of B

.o.B., Myko Willie Joe and others took their initial steps toward stardom, using arguably Atlanta’s most celebrated artist showcase to do so.

Acts including B-Stacks, Tay-Tay, The Plug, Mica Swain, Derty Den, Maui, the Transfers, King Carter and Moe Diamondz did their part to further the legacy of the event, which hopefully will serve as a catapult to their landing lucrative major label deals.

In addition, “The Carolina King” DJ Chuck T was awarded the 2010 DJ of the Year award for his contributions to the music scene in the Carolinas as well as other portions of the country.

Sponsors for the event were Power 98 FM (Charlotte), Rolling Out, Creative Loafing, Port City Production, Publicity Stunt Marketing, Shebloggin.com, Truth DVD, Crowes Nest TV and Greenhitz.com.

‘Almost Famous’ was a production of Verseus Entertainment.

More pictures will be released soon... be sure to check for updates on Twitter... @thejournalist44

Skeptik Using "The Combine" As Personal Hip-Hop Breeding Ground

It's a place where names become known and millions of dollars made.
Now the combine is being used as a launching point for an Ohio hip-hop artist to present himself and his brand of music to a mass audience.
Skeptik's "The Combine" was released for the world's listening pleasure April 22. A 14-track mixtape mixed and mastered by Philadelphia's DJ GetEmKid, the talent believes the production is more of a showcase of his skills, letting listeners know what to expect from him when the lights shine brightest — or when it comes time to produce an album.
"'The Combine' is an idea I came up with a couple of months ago when I decided to do a mixtape," Skeptik said. "For those who don't know what the NFL Combine is, it is an event where the premier draft prospects run drills and skill tests for scouts to see if they want to draft them. These kinds of drills show skills but don't always accurately predict game-time performance.
"I view mixtapes in the same light; they may show off your skills but don't always project album quality. My free-verses are the same, showing I can rap my ass off but still are not an accurate indicator of what my album will sound like."
According to Skeptik, listeners will notice few changes from him, receiving the same sharp, direct flow and style that has become a staple in his music. "Not many surprises other than the fact that I've gotten A LOT better since my last mixtape (NoId3ntity). More of the same in the sense that its mixtape material and im just spittin, but my flow is tighter and my bars are tougher."
For the Columbus, Ohio, - based emcee, such toughness was wrought from hip-hop beginning as a release rather than a hobby as he struggled with behavioral issues in middle school.
"When I first started writing, it was poetry as a release," Skeptik said. "Throughout middle school I struggled with behavior issues and what not and I was always in trouble or on punishment. As a result I spent a lot of time in the house, I used that time to write and get shit off my chest."
Using every bar as a means to vent his emotions, the artist takes his turn rapping over hits like Drake's "Over" and Clipse's "Champion," adding a twist Skeptik said often is missing in today's music.
"Today there isn't much as far as hip-hop is concerned that inspires me; I draw inspiration from my life and my own beliefs and feelings and I channel them through my words," Skeptik said. "It's mainly because I'm in a place in life where the current "rap" music just doesnt cut it.
"I listen to music as a way to regulate my mood and to relax. None of this bullshit ass, popular ass rap music can do that for me. Dont get me wrong — I still bump some classics and a lot of Joe Budden — but as a whole, I listen to FAR more rock and alternative music on a daily basis."
With "The Combine" now released for everyone's entertainment, Skeptik is already looking ahead to his next project which he has entitled "Loose Leaf." The mixtape is expected to drop later this Spring.
"It's going to be like 'The Combine' but it will be more concept based 32's to help bridge the gap toward the album, which I'm looking to finish and release by late summer," the hip-hop talent said. "The album will be a crystal clear window into me and who I am, which is what I think music should be.
"Fuck a gimmick to sell records. Either you love me or you hate me... but it will be ME that you are judging."
To download "The Combine," visit: http://areyouaskeptik.com

To get in contact with Skeptik visit his Twitter page at @DontBeASkeptik

Almost Famous Showcase hits Charlotte 4-27

Several talents have used this show as a means to their dreams of making it big in the music industry. Hopefully these groups can use the stage at Almost Famous to take their careers to the next level.
Thanks to Mehka and the rest of the Invisible Man Management team for putting this show on. Charlotte, it's your time to shine! Follow Mehka on Twitter @Mehkavelli for further info on this event.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mehka, invisiblemanmgmt@gmail.com

Charlotte NC will be the focal point of the music world April 27th 2010 when the Almost Famous Showcase hits the city! Already Atlanta's most celebrated artist showcase, the Almost Famous brand will take its show on the road this April landing in Charlotte. In the past then up and coming artists like B.o.B, Myko, Willie Joe and others have graced the stage for the Almost Famous. April 27th the legacy will extend to the Carolinas.
The show goes down at Bentleys RSVP in Charlotte North Carolina. B-Stacks, Tay-Tay, The Plug, Mica Swain, Derty Den, Maui, The Transfers, King Carter and Moe Diamondz will hit the stage in hopes of extending the great legacy of the Almost Famous.
Since July 2004, Almost Famous has established itself as the premiere talent showcase for exceptional emerging artists. To truly honor what the legacy has come to represent, the show will feature an awards ceremony and performances by alumni of the AF stage who have gone on to land lucrative major label deals.
Included on the roster of performers for the evening are Konvict Music/Interscope recording artist Rock City, new Sho’Nuff/Capitol signee Willie Joe, and Rebel Rock/Atlantic recording artist BOB.
Almost Famous Showcase-Charlotte will be held at Bentleys RSVP 305 w. 4th Street, Charlotte North Carolina hosted by "The Carolina King" Dj Chuck T and Power 98 personality A-Dot.

Burnside up to a lot of "Myschif"

Local talent Ryon "Myschif" Burnside (left) performs the song "Is It You?" along with fellow Winthrop University alumnus John "Dice" Ross during a recent performance at Apostrophe Lounge in Charlotte, N.C., one of several performances leading up to the release of his latest album, which is expected to drop this month.

By JOE L. HUGHES II
The Gaffney Ledger

Success is usually a long, winding process, reaping bountifully for those patient enough to wait on the "perfect" opportunity.
It has been more than 20 years since Blacksburg native Ryon Burnside met his first love; not in the form of a woman, but in a certain form of music — hip-hop.
"(Hip-hop) has been part of my life since I was seven years old," Burnside said. "It has always been a love of mine, I simply love to make music."
A true student of the music genre, he often listened to the likes of 2Pac, Kool G Rap and Jay-Z, paying them close attention in hope of instituting some of their ingredients into his own work.
Now Burnside is getting the opportunity to make his own impact.
Standing silently in the shadows until it was his turn to take the stage, Burnside — performing under the rap name "Myschif" — gently whispers a few words to a friend of his accompanying him to Charlotte's Apostrophe Lounge a few weeks ago.
"I've been doing quite a few performances lately trying to gauge the buzz in the streets; It's time to take this thing over," Burnside said. "People are in for a rude awakening."
A breath of fresh air may be better used to describe the local native's performance as he makes rounds promoting his SuperNova Records debut expected to be released this month.
Living in Rock Hill since graduating from Winthrop University several years ago, Burnside introduced himself to the Carolinas' music scene through his 2007 album named "Prophecy Fulfilled." During the project, he worked with artists from as far away as California and Puerto Rico, in addition to fellow Palmetto State talent Rudy Currence, who was recently signed to Disturbing Tha Peace Records.
"I wanted to make people think when they listen to my music," Burnside said. "Right now, music has no content and is teaching very little to our youth. But I go to the heart of the matter, taking thoughts and feelings from my inner being in hope that I can translate there are a number of ways to be successful rather than hustling.
"There are pros and cons to hustling. In my case, I was able to find out about the life, make changes and begin again."
The Blacksburg native used a similar concept as he worked on his second album, using lessons learned from his upcoming project which has yet to be titled.
"What I am trying to show in this album is that I'm growing first as a man, as well as an artist," Burnside said. "Since my first project I have become more wise, a bit more mature. Hopefully my audience can see this in my music."
Burnside recently released the lead single for the project, entitled "Fly It Out." The untitled album is expected to include collaborations with fellow SuperNova Records artists Overflow, Marioso and Uno, in addition to fellow Winthrop University alum John "Dice" Ross, who came together with Burnside to create the song "Is It You?"
"(Burnside) is definitely trying to make a name for himself; he's always working trying to see what ways he can get better," Burnside's label mate Overflow said. "I'm definitely eager for what the future holds."

Don't Like 'Em... But They Earned It

Who knew pleasure could turn to pain so quickly?
In the aftermath of last April’s Final Four, one team – my North Carolina Tar Heels – stood head and shoulders above the rest of the college basketball world as national champions.
The Tar Heels had taken fans like myself on quite a roller coaster during the four-year stretch since the school last won an NCAA title in 2005. As a matter of fact, I can tell you exactly where I was for each of the program’s last four losses during March Madness to the likes of George Mason, Georgetown and Kansas, respectively.
However, looking on as the final seconds ticked off the clock in Detroit last year, all I could do was give a slight pump of the fist, happy at what the team had accomplished but also wary of what could happen the next year.
With the likes of Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington making the jump to pro ball, the thought of the uncertainty frightened me.
Little did I know 12 calendar months later my deepest fears in regard to college basketball would come to fruition.
Of course, this year’s band of Tar Heels was not expected to be as good as the national title-winning team preceding it. But who would have known the program would not even make the tournament to defend the crown it worked so hard for less than 365 days before?
Meanwhile, rival Duke was putting together a season for the books, though it was anything but expected. Be truthful, who figured the Blue Devils would be playing in the Final Four as the clock struck midnight, ringing in 2010?
I sure didn’t.
After all, this was the same team that had its toughness questioned following last season’s beatdown at the hands of Big East Conference powerhouse Villanova.
It had been nine years since Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski had taken his team back to college basketball’s promised land, led by the likes of future NBA talents Shane Battier, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy and Jay Williams.
The legendary coach had not taken the program past the tournament’s round of 16 since 2004, the year Krzyzewski led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, losing to eventual national champion Connecticut.
No doubt, as the title drought continued, questions began to linger as to how long the coach would remain on the sideline at Durham, constantly rumored to be taking an NBA coaching job.
Instead the man nicknamed “Coach K” stayed; and for that he and his program were rewarded with a championship.
Let’s not get anything twisted; the thought of the Duke Blue Devils makes my stomach turn. But I have always had a measure of respect for Krzyzewski’s abilities as a coach and father figure to his players.
Through the years, no coach has done more with less than “Coach K,” taking teams laden with sub-par talent and turning them into a cohesive unit able to take on all comers. He also was an intricate part of their time at Duke, yielding lessons able to be used later in life.
To me, that’s what a coach is supposed to be. More than X’s and O’s, wins and losses; but someone who cares about what his players give on and off the court.
Without a doubt, I applaud Krzyzewski and his team for the victory, it was definitely well deserved.
I do find it rather hilarious that a great many March Madness enthusiasts (not necessarily college basketball fans) loathe the success of the program.
Sure, fans of Duke’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rivals get a pass, why would they root for the Blue Devils? But with the school’s success on the hardwood this season, I decided to take a vested interest into why it is one of the most hated in sports.
Is it the fact the school is a perennial power? Possibly. Could it be the fact it is an established institution of higher learning? Maybe. Or could it be the “Cameron Crazies“ that fill Cameron Indoor Stadium for every Blue Devils’ basketball are that annoying?
Two of those are debatable, like the host of other questions I formulated trying to find an answer as to why an estimated (according to me, that is) 95 percent of sports fans loathe Duke. The last question, though “Dookies’ will not agree, is a fact.
A great many of my friends happen to be Duke fans, so I at least wanted to see exactly why people hate them so much. Looks like I have wound up with more questions than concrete answers.
Unfortunately, the Blue Devils took the college basketball world to hell in a hand basket for me with their national title game win. Hopefully, my North Carolina team can restore the universe back to its proper alignment, turning this purgatory I currently feel into a Carolina Blue Heaven.