Basketball is in the air. Let’s just take and minute and breath it all in.

……

..

There we go. The NBA season is just under a week old but its starting to shape up to be a good one. Teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Magic have looked flawless, while early favorites like the Spurs and Cavaliers have already slipped. I find it funny that the Spurs can beat the Hornets (very badly) despite Timmy Duncan only scoring nine points and hauling in 12 boards, but the Spurs lose the next night to the Bulls (of all teams) when Duncan explodes for 28 points, 16 boards and three blocks. What gives? One things for sure, Tony Parker is not as good as people think and Manu Ginobili is through. The Cavaliers on the other hand are just not a very athletic team (outside of Lebron of course). Shaq and Big Z stand no chance matching up with teams that run pick and rolls with their bigs, and Mo Williams has (seemingly) taken a step back from his stellar season a year ago.

The big dogs led by the defending Champ Lakers, are all out for blood. If the Lakers, Magic and Celts can stay healthy there’s a chance all three will have well over 55 wins, maybe 60+. The Lakers’ young center Andrew Bynum has looked spectacular and could push for most improved player of the year if he can stay healthy. The big question on everyone’s mind is Ron Artest and can he keep his head in check. I think he will. Kobe will see to that. Artest may very well be legally insane but he will play nice for at least one title. (After this year, not a chance)

My come back kids this year is gonna be the OK City Thunder. This team has a chance to be good for a long time with youngsters like Durant, Westbrook, Green and Harden locked in. Westbrook may have had one of the most under the radar rookie seasons ever last year as he averaged right at 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The kid does have an issue with turnovers but that will heal with experience. Throw in a veteran center with upside like Nenad Kristic and you have a team that could challenge  the West bottom feeders for the eighth playoff spot.

Game of the Night:

Mavericks @ Lakers tonight on ESPN

While most are out partying, be sure to find a TV at the bar or the apartment with this game on. Should be an entertaining one. Pau Gasol is supposed to make his season debut tonight and Kobe always enjoys playing against Jason Kidd.

Next week we’ll have a better picture of who is on the right track and who needs a fine tuned adjustment.

Photo by Zack Smith

 

Tigerweekly recently had the privilege to chop it up with DJ Soul Sister, the queen of the New Orleans underground DJ scene. A well-respected DJ artist specializing in “positive soulful vibrations,” she is a veteran radio programmer. Well known as a compulsive vinyl collector, habitual crate digger,  top party promoter and all around tastemaker not only in her native New Orleans, but worldwide.

 

TW: Describe yourself in three words or less.

 SS: Positive creative nuisance.

TW: How did you get started with DJ-ing?

 SS: I have no idea.  Seriously, I am a crate digger first, so I’ve been digging for crazy records since I was, like, 6, when my dad took me to the bargain bin at the old Sound Warehouse record chain back in the day.  Then there was that time when I was 5.  The legend has it that I asked my dad and his friends to buy me “Oops Upside Your Head” (a popular Gap Band song in 1979.)  During high school, I kept buying records - I’d hit up garage sales on the weekends and I’d dig wherever I could.  I started volunteering at WWOZ and doing my radio show straight into college, at around 18 or 19.  By the time I got to WWOZ, I already had about 1,000 records.  Around that time, a great friend of mine named Sarah Fritz really pushed me to try what I did live, in the club, so she promoted my first parties back in ‘97.  I’m a fan of the disco mix, so it was always important for me to blend and match beats back then, because I wanted to rock it as true as the disco pioneers did it.  It’s been on ever since, and I am still true to the music I love and to the mix.  And to throwing right on, free-spirited parties, the way Sarah inspired me to.    

TW: I understand you have a lot of influences. What or who are you really grooving to at the moment?

SS: I just bought a compilation of 1970s German funk & disco called G-Funk.  I’m forever listening to James Brown, my favorite artist of all times, so I’ve been wearing out his version of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and you know why.  And, as far as new music, nothing is better than West Coast funker Dam-Funk, who just dropped his first release on Stones Throw Records called Toeachizown.  It’s all about the funk. 

TW: You have quite a following both in New Orleans and around the country. What do you attribute to your success?

SS: Well, I’m thrilled and blessed to know that people dig the original musicians and underground music I feature, what I’m about and what soulful funky music is about.  I’m just having fun and I think people vibe off of positive, fun energy.  I’m not for everyone - I’m not a request DJ or anything like that.  I call myself a “dj artist,” because I’m doing my thing and if you come to enjoy “DJ Soul Sister” or one of my right on party situations, then what you see is what you get.  So maybe folks vibe off the individuality part of my parties.  Or they just like to see someone gettin’ on down and not caring what anyone else thinks.  As long as they join in too, I love it.   

TW: So what’s playing on your ipod or MP3 player right now?

SS: Don’t laugh, but I don’t have an Ipod or MP3.  I’m so analog it’s disgusting.  I have 3 turntables set up in my house, plus one CD player that’s on the fritz.  So right now I’ve been listening to tons of my P-Funk records, cause those are my roots too - Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, The Brides of Funkenstein.  Speaking of the Brides, I just found out that I was blood related to one of the original Brides of Funkenstein, Dawn Silva.  How wild is that? Funkin’s in the blood for real.  I’m listening to so much P-Funk right now because I’m gearing up for a P-Funk Marathon that I will be hosting live on WWOZ this Friday night/Saturday morning (Oct. 31) from 12-5am.  As soon as I leave Voodoo on Friday night, I’m headed to WWOZ where I will throw down 5 hours of P-Funk power all night long.   Everyone can listen in at wwoz.org.   

TW: Okay. Well, as a New Orleans native, how does it feel to be spinning at Voodoo?

SS: I’m happy to bring my energy anywhere that is about having big fun, bringing people together and, especially in the case of Voodoo, getting into the nonconfirmist & underground side of things.  So, many of the New Orleans artists you’ll see at Voodoo are not necessarily the big name jazz & blues acts, but they are the creative artists that are really making stuff happen under the radar - people like Ratty Scurvics, the TBC Brass Band or Katey Red, Big Freedia & Sissy Nobby. I love that Voodoo is a showcase for the real underground of New Orleans.

TW: What is a typical DJ Soul Sister Show like? Anything special planned for Voodoo?

SS: The DJ Soul Sister Show or, as I like to call it, “right on party situation,” guarantees big fun with your behind in mind.  The stars of the show are the audience members who do their own thing while I do mine.  I’ll have my Booty Patrol Dancers with me to help inspired the party, plus I invite all the girls who are down with the Booty Patrol to join us.  My sets typically feature anything from rare groove & deep funk to underground disco to Afro Beat, classic old school, true school hip hop, punk rock, electro, boogie, loud sounds to wake up the neighbors and make them dance, and anything else I feel like at that time.  Saturday night I’m going to do a special feature, thanks to the help of choreographers Trixie Minx & Cynthia Garza and legions of Camel Toe Lady Steppers, members of Fleur de Tease & other dancing zombie friends.  We’re going to stage a live “Thriller” Dance-Along.  And on Sunday - well, anyone who remembers last year on Sunday night knows what surprises to expect.  Let’s just say that last year, I decided to break out my estranged alter-ego, DJ 17th Ward Hot Girl, and take it back to my early 90s high school time with that classic New Orleans bounce.  These days, I only do that set at Voodoo, so get ready.

TW:  How does it feel to be one of the few true female DJ’s holding it down in the 504 and beyond?

SS: The number one rule for me is if there’s no one else around to do what you want, then do it yourself.  I keep throwing the parties I do and spinning the sets that I do because, when I started, I didn’t see anyone doing it.  I hope I inspire others to only do what they love, but I really want to inspire other women because the DJ community, especially in NOLA, is a man’s world.  How does it feel?  1% exhausting, 1% frustrating and, the rest of the time, completely rewarding because I’m sworn to fun and loyal to The One, that being the funk.  It can also feel kind of hilarious.  Most of the time, on these big shows, like the one I’m doing this Thursday (October 29) at Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans with The Knux, Biz Markie & Jay Electronica, I will be the only woman at sound check, trying to set up & take care of biz.  I love the confused looks from the fellas, checking me out setting up turntables & vinyl records!  Lots of cats don’t know what to think of me.  It’s very entertaining.      

TW: Do you feel that the DJ scene is easier to get into as a female now than it has been before?

SS: Well, it’s probably easier because lots of folks that call themselves DJs are just pushing a button on an Ipod player.  That’s human jukeboxing, that’s not DJing.  On the other hand, women who love the culture of DJing and have a real knowledge and love of music will have a very easy time to get in because people want quality and something different. 

TW: Any Advice to people out there new to the craft? Male, female, or both.

SS: Love music and know it inside out.  Learn DJ culture and history, not just of hip hop, but the origins of selectors in Jamaica, the disco and dance music DJs in the 1970s who pioneered most of the DJ technology we still use today.  Learn the history of the turntablists, but know where your strength is and what you want to contribute to the culture.  And do not settle to do anything you don’t want to do.  We need to return to a culture of dj artists who used music to uplift, motivate, inspire & energize.  The original underground hip hop & disco parties were built on that aesthetic.  There’s a crew of risky folks all around the world who are still doing it, but we need more in New Orleans and Louisiana.  There’s millions of DJs out here.  Be different from that and memorable and be a DJ artist, and let your individuality come through in your sets.     

TW: If people like what they hear at Voodoo, how can they get more? What’s next for DJ Soul Sister?

SS: I’m celebrating my 15th year of being at WWOZ 90.7 FM and wwoz.org in New Orleans.  I host the “Soul Power” show every Saturday from 8-10pm.  Also, every Saturday from 11pm-4am, I throw the “HUSTLE!” party, upstairs at Mimi’s in the Marigny (2601 Royal St.) in New Orleans, and that’s been going real strong for 5 years.  I’m throwing tons of additional, specially themed “right on party situations” at other locations, and folks can keep track of the jams at www.myspace.com/djsoulsis.  Other than that, I plan to keep having big fun on the one, hopefully for as long as the people dig the sounds and keep on getting down.

T-Shirt Design by New Orleans Company, Dirty Coast Press

 

Not that the play even mattered, but Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin was right when he criticized the SEC officials Sunday about not calling a penalty on Alabama tackle Terrance Cody after he removed his helmet in celebration following his game winning field goal block to secure the Tide’s victory.

Today the SEC announced that they have “reprimanded” Kiffin for his remarks, which is the equivalent of a warning.

This is bogus. There’s no reason the SEC should act so “snobby” about their remarks towards their refs, especially in light of the horrible calls that have taken place in the last few weeks. Sure Cody should have received a penalty. Would it have affected the outcome? Not Likely, but it would have been warranted.

The SEC is basically saying that you can’t as much as point towards the sky after a touchdown, but if you block a kick you can take your helmet off and run like a fat ass (which is what Cody is) all around the field in celebration. I call bullshit.

The refs need to get on their A-game fast because if they blow a big call in 2 weeks when LSU travels down to Tuscaloosa, the league can expect riots.

As a member of a historically black Greek letter organization, I must say that “Stomp the Yard” did about as much for Black Greekdom and stepping as Spider Man 3 did for comic books movies. Yeah, I went there. Think I’m being too harsh? I don’t.

On one hand, “Stomp the Yard”, which is basically a dance flick with a black fraternity twist, exposed many people to the aspect of Greek Stepping, without any Greek stepping. I wouldn’t be so annoyed with this except for the fact that now the entire world thinks that what was done in the movie IS Greek stepping. Not at all. However, the movie was able to ride and exploit this to a cool 74 million at the box office… None of which I understand was credited to any of the organizations or their charities. That’s right, we actually do more than slide dramatically across stages on our elbows… We help the community.

Despite my ranting, according to THR.com, “Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming” has found a director and will go into production soon. Will Packer, from “Obsessed” fame, (if you want to call that fame) will produce through his Rainforest banner. Hardy was an executive producer on the original “Stomp the Yard”.

As far as credentials, he has a lot of producing credits, wrote and directed the features “The Gospel” and “Trois”, and has directed episodes of “Criminal Minds” and “ER.”

Based on the last one, which as far as I know, leaves a bittersweet taste in many NPHC Greeks mouths, I don’t know what to think. But since it’s already green-lighted and most likely will be made… Hopefully they will do better.

For more accurate depictions of Greek Stepping and Strolling, check out the Sprite Step Off. Click the picture below for more info.

This might just be the staple victory the Tigers need to convince all the naysayers that LSU is a good football team. Early on in the 2nd quarter LSU has a 14-0 lead and show no signs of letting up on the other Tigers.

As long as the LSU defense plays consistent throughout, LSU should have no problem winning this game by at least 21 for the team’s 6th victory of the season.

Geaux Tigers!!!

Ever thought a chicken sandwich could kill you? The WTF moment of the day goes to a new class action lawsuit filed against Mickey D’s, stating that grilled chicken can be lethal. According to slashfood.com, the suit, filed by a group known as The Cancer Project, alleges that McDonald’s failed to warn customers that their grilled chicken contains the compound PhIP, which is considerd a carcinogen in the state of California (wait… isn’t the AIR a carcinogen in California???).

“Consumers deserve to know that grilled chicken from McDonald’s and other fast-food chains can increase your risk of cancer,” Cancer Project President Dr. Neal D. Barnard said in a statement. “Even a grilled-chicken salad increases the risk of developing some cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.”

Fair enough… I guess… But I think a Spokeswoman for McDonald’s said it best:

“Scientific research shows that PhIP is naturally occurring, and is created when chicken is grilled — whether at home — or in a restaurant. It may be present at low concentrations in oven-broiled, pan-fried, and grilled meats, as a result of normal cooking,” Cynthia Goody, McDonald’s nutrition director, said. “There is no scientific evidence to suggest the small amount of PhIP that can be created as a by-product of cooking methods humans have employed for thousands of years, poses a health risk.”

Touche Mickey D’s…. Touche…

I heard the Sun causes cancer too…  guess it’ll be getting a subpoena in the mail soon…

This kid’s got some moves. Four year old Miles Brown recently appeared on the daytime talk show “Ellen” to talk with the host of the same name and show off his prodigious dance steps. Few people are able to match Ellen in wit, but little miles seems especially precocious with his dealings with the media. He’ll need it with talent like that. I wonder if he can moonwalk.

Miles Brown on Ellen

Name: John Lambremont

Band(s): We Landed on the Moon!

Instruments: Guitar, Keyboards

TW: What are some of your favorite local bands?

JL: All the local bands here are terrible. And I mean every single one of them. I hate Man + Building, Thou, the Promise Breakers… Not a lick of talent or sense among the lot of them. I’d advise them to start sounding more like Nickelback if they ever want me to listen to them.

TW: What is your favorite song to play live?

JL: I’d guess my favorite song to play by Live would be that song where he’s talking about hearing the dolphins cry. Either that or that one where he keeps talking about new moms and old moms after lightning crashes. I can’t remember the name of that song.

TW: What’s one talent you have besides playing music?

JL: I can put together any jigsaw puzzle in under thirteen minutes. It doesn’t matter how many pieces.

TW: If you could only read one book, listen to one album, and watch one movie for the rest of your live, which ones would you choose?

JL: What type of sadistic bastard would make me do something like that? I can’t imagine

having to listen to the same album or watch the same movie any more than I can imagine having pizza for every meal. The last record I wore out on my cd player was The Hold Steady’s Boys And Girls in America. But now I rarely listen to it, even though I still love it. I’ve probably watched the movie Ghostbusters a hundred times. But, I don’t think I’d pick anything. I’d hate to start hating a favorite anything from overexposure.

TW: If you could open for any band, which one would it be?

JL: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

TW: What’s one song that you could never get tired of?

JL: I think the songs that are the most timeless are the ones that you link with good times. For instance, the Entertainer. If I hear that song, it means I’m about to get a frosty ice cream treat. Or whatever song they have playing on repeat in the Chinese takeout. Pavlovian response at its best. Maybe the Beatles version of Twist and Shout.

TW: What is your first memory involving music?

JL: I remember trying to strum a really small acoustic guitar while my Dad was playing this old Yamaha classical. In my head, what I was playing sounded like Dancing Days by Led Zeppelin (not that I knew it was the name of the song at the time or who sung it). So I was sitting there getting super into it and thinking I was doing really good when my Dad told me to knock it off and go to my room.

TW: What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

JL: The best concert was probably Radiohead at UNO a few years back for their Hail to the Thief tour. Thom was in a great mood and danced this crazy little dance. He looked like a leprechaun. I had been waiting to see them for so long, and when I finally did it was just a total release. Exhilarating.

TW: What is your favorite song to dance to?

JL: Modern, lyrical or tap?

TW: If you could see any band, present or past, which band would you see?

JL: Does everyone say the Beatles? Because if they do, I’d just tell them to get Beatles Rock Band because it’s the exact same thing. Seriously. But really, I think I’d want to see the Who circa 1970. Loud rock music. Smashing guitars. Blown up drum kits.

BONUS QUESTION:

TW: Does your band have any albums? If so, where can people find one?

JL: Yes. We have two albums. Our self-titled LP and These Little Wars both of which can be found on Itunes, Amazon or at the Compact Disc Store. Or even better come to a show. Shake your booty. And come talk to us.

FINAL THOUGHT:
TW: Where are you playing next?

JL: We’re playing a number of festivals this year. We’ll be touring up to the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC at Kenny’s Castaways in October 23^rd (tonight) and all the way back down to play Voodoo Fest on Nov. 1^st. So tell your friends in other cities to come and say hello.

The “WTF” moment of the day goes to hip hop purveyors Run DMC for announcing that they will be producing a broadway musical adaptation of their life and careers. Hip Hop has definitely “arrived” if the once inner city, street centered, artform has become fodder for Broadway. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing… Not sure at all.

Either way, this week, the group’s surviving members, Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, met with producer Paula Wagner about bringing their story and music to the stage.

 ”I feel their story lends itself perfectly to the stage,” says Wagner in an interview with Variety. “The project has been a passion of mine for some time and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with them.” Wagner is best known as a film producer who has worked extensively with Tom Cruise on the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, ‘Valkyrie,’ ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Vanilla Sky.’

With credits like that, I guess it’ll be a quality… whatever it turns out to be.

As a Hip Hop afficionado, I must send much love out to Run DMC. And honestly, this “WTF” moment is more like a “HTF” or “How The F%&K” moment. I’m really wondering how they plan to pull this off. I’m wishing it well, hopefully no Jazz or Tap will be involved.

MNF has been on a roll in recent weeks, coming off two straight great match ups and tonight is sure to not disappoint.

The surprise of the young NFL season, the 5-0 Broncos, travel to San Diego tonight in a game that is of the upmost importance to a Chargers team that is walking wounded at 2-2.

If the Chargers have any shot sticking with Denver for the division race, this game is as much of a must win as any game to this point in the season for any team. Charger great, LaDainian Tomlinson has been ailing of late and hasn’t had the bounce back season that some had envisioned, and instead has made the doubters of the 30 year old back look right when they said he was done being the dominate rusher he once was.

The story of the Broncos to this point has been the improved defense and the play of the former Chicago castoff Kyle Orton. Orton has managed an overachieving Denver offense to the tune of 1236 passing yards, 7 TDs and only 1 INT, while the running duo of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter have combined for more than 600 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.

The key for this game is can the San Diego defense show any sign of life and limit the Denver offense to less than 20 points, which they have not done to any team so far this season, allowing an average of 25 points per game. If the Charger linebackers can get to the quaterback and limit Denver’s running backs to a sub 4 average, they could put themselves in a great position for winning their third game of the season.

As for Charger QB Philip Rivers, he must play efficient football and not add to his three INTs this season. The Denver secondary led by All-World Cornerback Champ Bailey and ole reliable Brian Dawkins will try and bait the hot shot QB into some risky pass attempts.

LT will have to have a productive game to help take the pressure off of Rivers.

With all of this being said, the Chargers will step to the plate for this game and beat the Broncos 27-17 led by a vintage LT performance.