Since I discovered the wonderful world of alternative when I was in my early teens, hip-hop and rap have been my mortal enemies. I have constantly spread the ever-so-popular argument that rap is just words without meaning. Maybe I'm just being stereotypical, but how many songs can you write about keeping your ladies (for lack of a better word) in line? This goes out to you, 50 Cent. I'm not going to get started on that, but it isn't right to tweet about hoes in Japan hours after the tsunami.
But now I am starting to see a light (somewhere, somehow). My cousin, who has unsuccessfully tried to get me to listen to classless rappers like Mac Miller, persuaded me to listen to some of the new Lupe Fiasco album last night.
<---------- Lasers by Lupe Fiasco
I rarely like songs the first time I hear them, but "Words I Never Said" is incredible. It has so much meaning, so much emotion, so much credibility. The cuz' did tell me that he is one of the only rappers who raps about world affairs, but I didn't believe it...until I heard it. I am probably going to head down to the Exchange this weekend and pick up the entire album (yeah, I'm shocked as well).
Anyways, onto the main topic of today. I heard a little bit about this yesterday, but Mike and Mike expanded on it this morning. The NFL Players Union, who has been in a battle with the NFL over the last couple months, is asking upcoming draft picks in the 2011 Draft to skip the ceremony.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the name of the first player selected, the player will not walk onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall as has been the custom."
This is getting absolutely ridiculous. These players have been working their entire college careers to take the stage to meet the commissioner. It is their moment to shine, not the NFLPA's chance to take a shot at the NFL.
Yeah, the NFLPA is fighting for the betterment of the NFL. But is it really necessary to ruin a spectacular moment? No.
