The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (Week Of 3/23-3/29)

1. Michael Vick-For those who don't know or who haven't been paying attention to NFL in the off-season Vick signed a one-year $5 million contract with the New York Jets on March 21, 2014. Only time will tell how this season looks for him. Hopefully he can mentor fellow quarterback Geno Smith to further greatness. Let's see.

VERDICT: GOOD (?)

2. PETA-When they're not throwing red paint on furs and being advocates for animals, they keep it rather classy. Just check out what they tweeted upon finding out about Michael Vick's new contract with the New York Jets:

At least Michael Vick can’t drown, electrocute, hang, or shoot a football the way he terrorized "man’s best friend. #smh #Jets

I guess all the apologies and the work he's done to rise above his mistakes don't count. Atta way, PETA. Atta way.

VERDICT: UGLY (God hates that, you know)

3. Kanye and Kim's VOGUE cover-People are making a lot of noise about Kanye West and resident baby mama Kim Kardashian being on the cover of VOGUE. I have no opinion, truthfully. OK, I lied. I do. They're stylish so they're on the cover of a style magazine. In theory that's how it works...at least, I thought that was how it worked. As polarizing as people may find them, the truth is the truth. Moreover, this shit is an attempt to divert your eyes from the real issues.

VERDICT: BAD (that this is such a big story)

4. Miracle Watts-I never had a chance to say it but this video vixen is GORGEOUS. I mean, super gorgeous. That's all.

VERDICT: GOOD

5. Duke: For another year Duke is fucking up March Madness brackets once again. This year, Duke loses to Mercer 78-71. For those who thought that Duke could be the team of old, you are sadly mistaken...and extremely disappointed...and out of some money if you bet on them.

VERDICT: BAD and UGLY

'40oz' Of Amazing (Mixtape Of The Week)

I rarely get the opportunity to review a lot of mixtapes from Savannah, GA born artists. As a proud hometown boy it made me proud to be reviewing one.

The artist who brings us this is a rapper by the name of Nicolas Cash. His project, 40oz Dreams, is a strong effort and a slice of Savannah's style and delivery as far as hip-hop is concerned. Featuring production by Tony Skees, Tony Easley, Tha Officialz, NBC, and Taz Gutta is another of those mixtapes that I find myself listening to in its entirety.

Let's jump into it, shall we?

The first track I want to draw your attention to was “40 oz Dreams”. As you'd expect from a good hip-hop mixtape, EP, or LP this track is the standard cool track referencing the beautiful green marijuana. NBC crafts some amazing sounds that feel tailor made for a calm night of puff, puff, pass.

Another two tracks that really appealed to me were both produced by Tha Officialz. One is “Hobby”, a track that references getting, making and chasing money as the 'hobby' that he most actively pursues. Everything about it feels like a hustler's anthem but it to me it speaks to everything that I have come to associate with my hometown. “Yo Mind” is smooth player music at its finest. Here Cash spins a story of easing the mind of a beautiful woman with the promise of an amazing night in the company of a thug. Although it is previously hit point in modern hip-hop, Cash puts his entry into an already well done lexicon.

Producer Taz Gutta samples the Jodeci classic “Cry For You” for “Cry 4 U”. At a glance the song is a more modern take on the classic. The rapping is full of a lot of the emotion but with a decidedly more hood influence to it. Featuring vocals by Lil One the track shows a bit of vulnerability from the tough talking rapper.

Aside from these tracks might I also suggest “Be Right Here”, “Smokin' Solo”, and “My Life”.

With no bias because of being from the same city, 40oz Dreams is a strong mixtape from what I personally think could be a big name in Savannah or a wider area if given the opportunity.

Download the tape HERE: http://www.datpiff.com/Nicholas-Cash-40oz-Dreams-mixtape.589359.html