The Whole Delivery

The last day in February, but that should never mean that American history from the black tales has a monthly limit. Still, it's always terrific and fitting to turn to this song when this month comes to a close, and how terrific it was to have all of these R&B figures. I always will pick this over "Self-Destruction" because of how soulful and positive it is, although that isn't to say that wonderful rap song isn't sensational in its own right and cherish by me. What is even more special about this song is that D'Angelo, in his "come up" (young) days when he was 20, wrote this song. Just him and him alone for all of this esteemed figures in R&B at 20 years ago. And how this song served as the lead track for one of the more underrated movies ever, "Jason's Lyric," adds to its indelible quality. So without further of do, this Flashback Friday choice for this week, it's Black Men United with the 1994 classic "U Wi...

Glad to see Jelani Cobb and Imani Perry push back on Hayes last night, and just the overall limits to how private elites can't solve public problems in America by just showing their desire to. It's a shame that it will take a president of color, and probably a black president at that, as the only way we will see a "Brother's Keeper" program. It's even worse when this first step to addressing the obvious structural racist problems is probably the last step we'll see unless the president is not black or Hispanic. And it's what makes the pushback from Perry, Cobb, and even this nicely written peace from Philly's public student union  important for the discussion. 2011 marked the first time in almost 40 years that public school spending decreased in America , as the Obama Administration's addiction to charter schools gives further cover to the for-profit first and only frauds. Public spending now accounts for just 70 cents of every ed...

More on Venus Williams' return to the winner's circle in a bit. Stay tuned, but for now, here are the match highlights in Dubai: The Rankings for this week after last week's tournaments:

It will never get old...... The Whole Delivery later. 

As a perfect switch up for you, here 's Plain White T's making their debut in a music thread, with their fine 2007 soul classic "Hey There Delilah."  Yup, I definitely switched it up on you: More to come at The Whole Delivery on this Friday, stay tuned. 

The victim of Serge Ibaka reportedly has a broken nose and is a game time decision on Sunday against the Bulls. The preliminary evaluation on James from most said that he had a swollen nose, but looks like he will have to ware a mask for the time in his career again for the rest of the season. 

While "8701" was a quality album that got Usher back in the picture, when "Yeah" was the first single released for "Confessions," that is when his career reached true global superstardom on all platforms. With Lil Jon and Luda helping especially Lil Jon with the clutch producing, and Sean Garrett playing the role as key writer of many, here is the song that raised Usher to another level. It's "Yeah" from 10 years ago. More to come at The Whole Delivery today for sure, stay tuned. 

Toni Kroos exploits along with Thomas Muller's tally give Bayern Munich the same edge that Barcelona has at the moment, but City and Arsenal will still carry a lot of belief and fight into league two. Meanwhile, AC Milan put on their best display of the season, only to allow Diego Costa a free snap header in the late stages as Atletico continue their sterling season and take a 1-0 advantage to the Calderon. Team of the week in the Champions League-  The @ChampionsLeague team of the week- Courtois; Alves, Mascherano, Koscielny, Gibbs; Fernandinho, Kroos; Iniesta, Kaka, Messi; Diego Costa — Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) February 19, 2014 More to come at in this thread at The Whole Delivery...For now, enjoy Wenger's latest angry post match comments and Guardiola's red. WENGER: "[Robben] has enough experience to make more of it [the contact] - Bayern made the most of every single contact." — Eurosport.com EN (@EurosportCom_EN) February 19, 201...

Full Time (Manchester City 0-2 Barcelona; Bayer Leverkusen 0-4 PSG)  Dani Alves late tally gives Barcelona a major advantage going into leg two, but City still had their chances despite down 10 men.  This tie is still alive but City will need to be their best in attack at the Nou Camp to advance now, and that was before the right back's tally.  Meanwhile, it is unquestionable for Bayer, as they were thrashed at home again for a second time against Zlatan and company, who did it without Edison Cavani.  Still, despite another great display, thoughts of PSG being right next to Bayern and maybe a mix of Barcelona, Madrid, and Chelsea as the prime favorites needs to be slightly scaled back. For Manchester United did one better than them in Leverkusen with that 5-0 pasting that certainly echoed tonight for Bayer manager Sami Hyypia.   (Will be back tomorrow for more Leg 1 action on Matchday 14 of the Champions League.)  Halftime Revi...

From the instant timeless classic that is The Lego Movie, here is the great carefree theme song of it, "Everything is Awesome" from Canadian twin duo Tegan & Sara and The Lonely Island. More to come at The Whole Delivery, please stay tuned. 

As if our timing in life couldn't get any worse, now we have networks desperate for ratings thinking it is a good idea to interview Trayvon Martin's murderer. I mean, my goodness gracious, who thought that was a shrewd decision? Who thought this was a beacon of firm sagacity? Who thought this was just a swell move to win the night for ratings  (CNN) or receive vital attention for a fledging station  (Univision/ABC's Fusion) that badly needs it? Our media culture certainly is exemplary at finding new ways to embarrass itself. I can't blame Trayvon's murderer for saying that he was " the victim ," because he was given the platform to say it. I can't blame Trayvon's murderer for saying that he wants to be a lawyer, because he was given the platform to say it. Furthermore, I can't blame Trayvon's murderer, nor any of the lawyers that represented him, saying the things he or his legal team proudly utter because they are given the platf...

Image from Golden Taylor Twitter's feed  Just to make sure this is stated now, the system of variety in murder degrees displays how much of an alarming nightmare our American justice system is. Clearly, if you intentionally shoot somebody and they die, then it is murder, plain and simple. You can debate and discuss how many years is warranted for that heinous act. But without a doubt, that person is a murderer, the practitioner of a homicide.   No litigation vernacular can alter that or make it less than it obviously is. A murderer is a murderer. Unless of course, you are white and murder someone who isn't black. Our American shame from the inception of this nation continues forever.

We will never forget. NEVER. Rest in heaven soul. 

"And the rich is getting richer, and the poorer getting poorer." Definitely one of the great crossover songs ever and it added to Carlos Santana's fine legacy. However, the backstory of this 15-year classic is quite sad. What was so messed up about this song though is that "The Product G & B" were somehow not recognized and awarded at the Grammys like Santana was. In fact, they're not even recognized on Vevo/Youtube, only the legendary guitar player. The young black R&B singers for Wyclef Jean couldn't get the approbation they deserved. In fact, after that song, you never heard of them again. They appeared to have long stopped working with Wyclef Jean and have gone through the incredible limbo that is the independent rout, having to tour and perform in Europe to survive in the business. That story really makes me a little mad about this song's history now after 15 years, but it doesn't take away from its greatness. We have had...

On this Valentine's Day, here is the best song that represents the day all the way like few other. And that's amazing since there is basically a love song being written in the world in any genre at the moment. More to come at The Whole Delivery later today on this St. Valentine's Day. 

A year after Mario Rivera has returned, Derek Jeter has announced that he will retire after the 2014 season. The Yankees captain announced on his Facebook page that his 20th season would be his final one. "So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last. As I case to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold of saying anything until I was absolutely 100% sure." (More to come in a bit) 

The Whole Album: Some strongly feel that "The College Dropout" is not only undeserving of a classic and think that it is not Kanye West's best album as well as consider him a mediocre lyricist (at least back in 2004). I just disagree with these sentiments and will give you the myriad of reasons why it is a timeless treasure, even with "Breathe In and Breathe Out" taking away from a perfect album. The reason why I said that last sentence is because normally a classic in my mind is a perfect album all the way through. Barely any flaws with little or no mistakes, with "Illmatic" (which will have its 20 year anniversary soon this spring) being one of a hand fill of examples, is the criteria required to truly be an all-time class album in music and especially in the intricate game of rap. However, with the other 20 of 21 tracks (compared to just 10 on an album like "Illmatic" or 14 on "Reasonable Doubt") being superb and ...

Watch when KTLA anchor Sam Rubin confused Samuel L. Jackson for Laurence Fishburne Monday morning. And then how Sam shows no mercy, though with enough light heartedness to not really be too much of a bully.  Yes, Rubin got caught up in "lumping us altogether," particularly embarrassing for a Hollywood entertainment reporter and especially one that is Samuel L. Jackson of all people to mix up with another black actor. It's not Michael Ealy getting compared to Cuba Gooding Jr. here, which would be equally as bad a gaffe of course. But worse with Sam L. being the highest grossing actor of all time for any race making it the worst, laughable mistake.  Still, despite me laughing, I do wish Sam would have cut him just a slight bit of slack. No matter what though, Rubin will forever be in viral history for that, even if criticism of him may go overboard.  Him referring to his Capital One commercial and saying, "I'm the 'What's in Your Car...

It sure will not, especially for an Italian amateur match :  More to come at TWD in a bit, stay tuned. 

Maria Cantwell showed no signs of wavering from ordering Daniel Snyder and Roger Goodell to get rid of the Redskins' name in a really great talk with her former "employee" Ari Melber and the rest of The Cycle today. Cantwell is the first Congressional figure to possibly force the NFL to get rid of the name or face the consequence of losing its absurd tax-exempt status. It really was a great talk with the Washington senator, who has served on the Indian Affairs Committee for years, talked with great strength against a powerful enemy like the NFL. Cantwell and Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole wrote a terrific letter that was inspired after Goodell went full steam ahead at the Super Bowl with how Synder and the league will keep the name. It really was quite wonderful, and refreshing to see. Hope this leads to both the name being gone and the NFL losing their tax exempt status for good. More to come in this thread, in a bit. Stay tuned at The Whole Delivery. ...

Ten years ago today we finally released what had been my life's work up to that point: The College Dropout. — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 I say "finally" because it was a long road, a constant struggle, and a true labor of love — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 to not only convince my peers and the public that I could be an artist, but to actually get that art out for the world to hear. — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 I am extremely grateful to each and every person along that road who helped, lent an ear, lent their voice, — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 I am extremely grateful to each and every person along that road who helped, lent an ear, lent their voice, — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 Ten years later I am still the same kid from Chicago, still dreaming out loud, still banging on the door. — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 10, 2014 The doors may be heavier, but I promise ...

Top Story  Legendary Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust revealed some intriguing news after winning her 3rd Olympic title with her top performance in the the 3,000 meters and becoming the first open gay athlete to medal in Sochi. In an interview with Holland's NOS, Wust has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated her latest gold medal triumph in the women's 3,000 meters. What makes it even more interesting besides Putin congratulating a non-Russian athlete is the fact that she is gay. Wust mentioned that she "got a cuddle" from the under the radar president. Second Top Story  Another prominent gay athlete to make news today is England women's soccer captain Casey Stoney, who announced her coming out today . She becomes the second European soccer player this come out this year and first active one to do so after Thomas Hitzlsperger did so last month. MLS American winger Robbie Rogers came out last year with the Los Angeles Galaxy i...

On the all day celebration of the 10 year anniversary of The College Dropout, which was started on Friday with "Two Words" being celebrated in The Friday Flashback , again, here is the single that started it all and one of the greatest songs ever in any genre, to go along with the music video.  "Through The Wire," directed by of course Coodie and Chike:  More to come at TWD in a bit, and please visit The Intercept if you haven't already.  (Plus, if you, reader, noticed at the top, The College Dropout is featured. If you click on the image, it will take you to the entire album). 

First Version SEC Defensive Player of the Year and future NFL lineman Michael Sam has announced that he is gay, in a story broken by New York Times' John Branch . As Michael Sam, a defensive lineman, began to speak, he balled up a piece of paper in his hands. “I’m gay,” he said. With that, Mr. Sam set himself on a path to become the first publicly gay player in the National Football League. “I looked in their eyes, and they just started shaking their heads — like, finally, he came out,” In what has been a remarkable headline weekend in sports news, Sam has rightfully stollen the headlines here, showing terrific courage in doing so. As he told Branch and ESPN in the interview, Sam announced that he was gay last year with his University of Missouri teammates at a preseason practice. And with the news, Sam has decided to join Twitter to further highlight his delight in revealing his great story: I want to thank everybody for their support and encouragement,especially @e...

His last name already puts enough pressure on him, but just an awful decision by Marcus Smart here in pushing a Texas Tech fan in Oklahoma State's latest defeat to keep their postseason hopes in serious peril. Whatever the fan said to him, even if it was a racist word, it still was unacceptable for Smart to push the fan. Smart is a class act in general, but lately he has gone south with his temper as his team has with their play. He was completely unselfish and showed a lot of maturity to return for his sophomore season and displayed a team first mentality all year to really make himself a top future pick in this year's draft. But regardless of whatever nonsense or hate that fan or fans said, Smart just couldn't keep his composure did there, and it's a shame. More to come....Anyway, here's B.O.B....."Shooting for stars, on a Saturday night."

It seems the Sochi Olympics every hour gives us more negative news than the amount of times we exhale carbon dioxide and inhale oxygen in an entire day. The latest to provide more unfortunate headlines is the opening ceremonies for the much maligned games. Thankfully for Vladimir Putin and Sochi committee president Alexander Zhukov, the first problem with tonight's official curtain raiser of this Olympiad had nothing to do with their social issues controversies or obscene price tag. Instead, it had to do with us here in the US. For yet another Olympics outside of North America, NBC decided to not air the ceremony on TV live (as they will chose to air it tape delayed once again in the primetime slot of 7:30 PM at in all time zones). Even more annoying is that NBC didn't even bother to stream the ceremony live on its web page. Then again, with what would have transpired in front of our faces, it may have been best if most of America would have to avoid spoiler alerts b...

It is live here, since NBC Olympics as always wants to make sure you see it with their tape delay and wonderful commercials. Now live here on this stream . May you please right click it as well.

In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of one of the best albums ever in my mind, The College Dropout, it will be a "Flashback Friday" tribute to some of the singles that made Kanye's first release a treasured classic. It's the magical "Two Words" with Mos Def & even Freeway himself staying on beat with disclipine, and the Harlem Boys Choir adding that sensational, icing on the cake to make this such a wonderful gem. And of course, the magical Chicago video had to be directed by the legendary duo of Coodie and Chike with Kanye's vision. Enjoy this special track from ten years ago. (Just look at who was in the video, include Dave Chapelle. It just doesn't get more wonderful than this).

This is really is rising, and so is K.Michelle, since she is a better Keyshia Cole for sure. Especially since Keyshia Cole is just not caring to do much music nowadays. More to come at The Whole Delivery in a bit. 

One of baseball's greatest announcers ever, Ralph Kiner , has passed today 91.  Kiner is apart of the "Mt. Rushmore of Great Baseball Announcers and Broadcasters," with fellow long time partner, the late Bob Murphy, along with Vin Scully and Bob Uecker.  More on him and his remarkable career as a player (he hit 369 home runs in his career) and an announcer in a bit.  Enjoy from The Daily News from the terrific Bill Madden.  Original Version Fresh off the most embarrassing loss in a season that has just turned downright ugly, the Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has fired general manager Chris Grant. Grant takes the fall for one of the most disappointing teams in the league, as the Cavs look out of playoff contention even in the woeful Eastern Conference. The lack of anything from first round pick Anthony Bennett, the dismissal of Andrew Bynum from the team, the dysfunction and anger that both Kyrie Irving and Dion Waters have displaye...

Well this Lakers and Cavs game was so pathetic that these two things happened: The photo of the night, where the Lakers again have injury woes RT @nbarocksstc : Kamans couch pic.twitter.com/kmPQXRwXSi — Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) February 6, 2014 Only the woeful Cavs & the Lakers can make us bring out the "Team can't have less than 5 players" rule out the book pic.twitter.com/RMvE9xmmJB — Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) February 6, 2014 The Lakers somehow won despite being technically reduced to four men, showing how egregious the Cavs have become in the last month and a half. The Rest In what is shaping up to possibly be the worst winter Olympics ever, Shaun White has decided to pull out of the slopestyle event to solely focus on winning a third straight gold medal in halfpipe. So many problems with this games, making this like an Olympic problem on steroids with how ugly the news continues to be on it. If the NFL and Roger Goodell ...

As always, yesterday's CBO Obamacare job/budget report is the latest lack of critical reading comprehension skills of embarrassment proportions affecting conservatives and anyone who just wants to slam any Democratic thing in a heartbeat. Non-liberals, whether it was conservatives or the centrist liberal loathing Beltway media, lapped it up over writing quick headlines of "CBO projects Obamacare to cost 2 million jobs" and ran away deep into the night of the latest Sean Insanity Hannity comedy episode. They have done it before and will do it again, as they always do. Thankfully, there are more opportunities to clown them since they fail to read things all the way through. It's a real shame though, because in real life the nutcases and their base will believe another untrue thing and added to their straight jacket insane legacy. It's the times we live in, but maybe a simple tweet will have assisted in that.   CBO do not find the ACA would cost 2 mill...