Back in 2000, I produced and wrote “Echo Park,” a play that hit the Apollo Theater. It chronicled the explosion of hip-hop music. The game of ball has transformed with the music and as the hip-hop game has evolved into rap, I see the results all characterized in the Stephon Marbury and Isiah Thomas fiasco. Essentially, old school Isiah is played out in the mind of the new RAP of the generation - I GOT MONEY, MONEY I GOT. His lyrics are wack, and his credentials–while impressive–are not current. In this what have you done lately world, the 50 CENT spin that the player has outshines the “WALK THIS WAY” RUN DMC unity that gave two clashing personalities a common ground to work in harmony.
I see that in places like San Antonio, Miami, Orlando and Phoenix. As I look at the New York Franchise, I see more lyrics-TALK and less rhythm-MOVEMENT. Check the Zach Randolph highlight today where he holds the ball for 7 seconds, gets stripped and does not run down the floor.
Ball is all rhythm and there is none at the Garden right now. Can’t toss money around to fix everything and New York is hoping for some life from a team that is collapsing early under the weight of the $. Playground fans love Steph, Nate and Jamal; the hope is that they lead this team out into the rhythm BECAUSE IN NYC, IT’S ALWAYS A GUARD’S GAME.
Check:http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CEFD8173CF932A05756C0A9669C8B63.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Reggie MIH Peters says:
Sean:
Every great music has a corresponding dance that coexits to create cultural movement. For example: Jazz/jazz, Classical/Ballet, Salsa/salsa and Rap/Breakdance. The lyrics are used to express emotions. Usually that 3 part expression describes the sign of the times. Today Music, Lyrics and Dance are in dischord. There is no real movement in the culture, the music, or the dance. So why should basketball be any different? Please tell your friends at the Knicks to Get a life! Then get a lifestyle, and most importantly a team effort! Then we will have movement.
Reggie MIH Peters
November 21st, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Sean Couch says:
Reg:
Q-Rich said it the best in paper today. If we give a good effort and get some wins everything will be right. It’s still early and as an optimist I’m hoping that Isiah Thomas keeps his job. Always good to see a brother employed.
On the other side B, the flow of the game is hard to watch. I think we need a little DOMINICAN POWER theme music down at the Garden to get them in synch. There’s the movememt Reg, run the break and get that collabo going. Throw in some serious ball hawking hooks to make some looks a little harder for the opposition and we can get the party started right again at the Garden.
November 23rd, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Nhamz says:
Whats good Sean!
Man, the Knicks are hurting me all the way across the Atlantic B. As far as the pro game goes, I’ve been a Knicks guy longer than most, but the music coming out of the Garden lately ain’t really nothing but noise. I love what Steph represents, but winning has to come before all else - and you can’t win with what we have on the roster unless we get a TRUE playmaker, a pass-first pg who can LEAD and make his team mates better, (like a young Action Jackson) orchestrating the music.
I’m loving the idea of DP at the Garden though…
Shout outs to you and yours.
November 24th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Sean Couch says:
Nhamz:
D. Phillips at the Garden. It would be a good thing.