[Video] Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar & More Perform at 2014 NBA All Star Game
Ever since Michael Jordan retired and the new breed of superstar was established in the NBA (a la Allen Iverson, Dwight Howard), the NBA All-Star game has been much more performance than true sporting event since Tracy McGrady threw himself an alley-oop off the backboard in-game, and this weekend's jam-packed 2014 edition was no less light on the entertainment. Held in New Orleans, the 63rd installment of the annual competition of the league's brightest stars saw performances from the likes of Pharrell, who showed up with both his infamous hat, and former Neptunes/N.E.R.D. partner Chad Hugo in tow, performing a slew of his hits on both the production and singing tips. He did the classic, decade-old song, "Frontin", brought out Nelly for "Hot in Herre", did the hook on Jay Z's "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It to Me)", although Mr. Carter wasn't in attendance, and brought out Busta Rhymes and Diddy for a fresh version of "Pass the Courvoisier Part II". He aldo did "Blurred Lines" for which Robin Thicke was also a no-show and followed it with the cult classic, "Rock Star" with his Hugo, who played the keytar flawlessly. Pharrell finally finished, playing "Beautiful" with Snoop Dogg and, following the Western Conference introductions, did an interpretation of "Get Lucky", again, without Daft Punk, and during "Happy", he popped on the big hat. Kendrick looked as intense as ever, performing "m.A.A.d City" and "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" in an understated black hooded sweatshirt. Janelle Monae continued to prove why she is a favorite for performances like these, tapping none other than Trombone Shorty, Gary Clark Jr., Doctor John and Earth Wind & Fire for a memorable performance that included a rendition of her song, "Electric Lady", before joining Earth, Wind and Fire for "Shining Star". All in all, there was plenty to make up for the mediocre basketball. Watch it all below.
Pharrell:
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Kendrick Lamar
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Janelle Monae & Trombone Shorty
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[Video] Derrick Rose Commercial ft. Common, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & More
God damn I love Derrick Rose. Chicago's prodigal son will be back on the court in full swing soon and Adidas has been ramping up his marketing with a slew of new videos and commercials, last week dropping a recap of his "All in for Chicago" event with INNANETAPE beats. In the latest installment Derrick reflects on everything he has: the money, the rich friends and the lifestyle, only to remember that at the end of the day none of it matters. It's been fun to see Derrick break out of his shell over the years and it seems he's a popular guy amongst artists. Common, Big Sean, 2 Chainz and Dom Kennedy all make appearances throughout the piece. Basketball season is right around the corner and it will be refreshing to see No. 1 back on the United Center floor.
http://youtu.be/JKWhh8mC0Ww
[Photography] Lost Hoops By Adrian Skenderovic
Photographer Adrian Skenderovic has traveled the world for his latest photography series capturing basketball hoops from his travels. This series really takes me back to my childhood and gives me a feeling of nostalgia because I remember the days of making makeshift hoops. As you can see from the photos some of the hoops are in good shape and some are barely standing but they both serve the same purpose. By looking at the photos you can just imagine the great times people have had shooting hoops with just the bare essentials. For more visit Adrian's website here.
[Photos by Adrian Skenderovic]