The Westbrook Method (Death of a Dynasty III)
Russell Westbrook played basketball with an almost pathological belief in his ability. It made him an MVP, phenomenon, contradiction — and absolutely impossible to ignore.
The Pistons Won. Again.
Twenty years after the greatest regular season in franchise history and 22 since their last world title, this generation’s Stones are back in their familiar role as league spoilers.
To Willie Bell Gibson, Thanks for Everything!
Willie Bell did not abide cutting corners, and it’s that pride she demanded in both our output and overall character that I’ve strived towards since choosing this craft as my life’s passion.
songs of the year 2023
Dive into the best of 2023 with Masego, Don Toliver, Victoria Monet, Baby Keem, Metro Boomin, and more. These artists define the year's sound in our exclusive rankings.
The Ball Is In the Warriors’ Court
Crazy enough, what might be the most stable organization in the National Basketball Association, that franchise roughly 400 miles to the north of Chino Hills, is in pole position to bring LaMelo Ball in the fold. And maybe even crazier, I think he’s the obvious choice for the Golden State Warriors in this year’s NBA draft.
Home Is Where the Patience Is
All things considered, Big Sean probably couldn’t have made this version of Detroit 2 three years ago. Patience is a virtue, and I’m willing to wager he learned that one from the city he calls home.
The Truth Shall Make You Free
Since George Floyd’s murder caught national attention, discussions around issues of race and gender have suddenly become much more candid, and seemingly much less ephemeral. We may actually be our closest to finally getting that boulder over the hill than we’ve been in this nation’s history. Seriously.
The Perfect Sports Villain
You knew what Kobe Bean Bryant was capable of stringing together on that court at full strength, which made actually defeating him that much sweeter. I spent the final three games of the 2004 NBA Finals dreading the moment he’d catch a rhythm and eventually vanquish my resilient-yet-overmatched Detroit Pistons. And, frankly, I never felt confident that it wouldn’t happen until the game clock finally hit all zeroes in Game 5. I mean, you all saw how Game 2 ended. I wanted that sweep badly, and he alone took that from me. Given another couple games, he might’ve snatched that championship from my city, too.
WSH's Movies of the Decade
If you’ve read my past musings, you probably have a pretty good understanding of my taste, and this list is sure to follow suit. As a quick disclaimer, please do not mistake this list of my personal preferences as a ranking of the best, whatever that means. I haven’t watched that many movies, but I’ve watched just enough to build out a list of films I’ve repeatedly returned to last decade as my clear-cut favorites. Here we go:
WSH's Songs of the Year 2019
Triumphant yet grateful, Nip allowed a brief, rare moment to enjoy the fruits of his labor, decking his grandma out in a Puma sweatsuit and bringing her aboard his private jet to enjoy a glass of champagne as visual representation of the generational change he’s providing, even after death. I hate it that Nipsey Hussle died so young. I hate that he died at his happiest even more.
Willie's Two Cents
Keep the Change will inspire you to transform your dreams into reality. Considering the price of music streaming, this project is a true bargain. You normally don’t get this type of game in a place like Detroit without losing a lot of money — or worse.
Surrender to the Air
That’s partially why I chose that picture of Professor Morrison for the August homepage. It’s definitely eerie but in the best possible way, like she’s staring directly into my soul, demanding I snatch control of my destiny. I can’t be a writer if I, er, don’t write. The plainest truths are often redundant that way.
Rhy Speaks: On Her Top-5 Albums of 2018
Long story short: pulling together my five favorite music projects of 2018 was a struggle. Hopefully you’re able to find something new.
Am I a F***boy?
A co-worker and I were discussing the toxic traits that people often bring into a relationship and he gave an example of a person’s “fuckboy”-ness. Alarmed by his example, I felt compelled to a self-examination of my own.
Could I be a fuckboy?
Rhy Speaks: On The Playa Haters' Ball
The Playa Haters’ Ball is easily one of the best in show history. I cannot understand how fans of Chappelle fail to discuss this sketch when talking about its most memorable moments. The skit’s humor is rooted in how natural it all feels, the chemistry between these friends and just naturally funny people fueling the bulk of it.
Welcome to Inc University
On Back to Cool, Willie Mac Jr. tutors listeners in the art of maintaining individual thought on the way to achieving life’s complex goals, skillfully satisfying the desire we all have to remain unique while showing the benefits of leadership and collaboration. Luckily, class isn’t quite full yet, so grab a seat and learn something.
The Philosopher & the Preacher
With vivid detail, enthusiastic candor, and — frankly — better philosophical fluidity than most of today’s elected officials, their bars provide a genuinely sound logic for everybody: for teenagers seeking their purpose, students struggling with academia, politicians trying to make the world a better place, and parents simply hoping to connect with their children.
Takeaways from Game 1
It’s insane LeBron continues to play these 48-minute games in Season 15, but I have no reason to believe he’ll slow down, either. And, to his credit, he has a short memory: for better or worse, he’ll be kicking the ball to Earl for open 3s on Sunday as if nothing happened tonight. He doesn’t really have a choice, no. But I’m not doubting the guy again.