So, this ridiculously sick sticker of Michael Jordan palming the Apple logo pretty much speaks for itself! Seriously.
Regardless of whether or not you're a Jordan fanatic, it's impossible to contain your lust for this image. Even if it is fleeting.
This is exactly what happened to me last night while on Twitter. @shegotgame RTed @suga_shane and the rest is history. Eventually, tweeps (mostly NBA heads) had a RT fest trying to find the mastermind behind this idea. Minutes later, because that's how fast twitter works, the creator's identity was revealed.
All props to Jirobot of Jirobot.wordpress.com for this brilliant design. After I checked out his site, I learned that this Michael Jordan design isn't new at all. In fact, it's the second installment of his year old sticker collection.
Last night I went to bed with two things on mind, NBA 2K11 and Def Jam Rapstar. This morning I woke up with two things on my mind, NBA 2K11 and Def Jam Rapstar. Yesterday, both of these video games dropped and my mind started racing with ways I could play these games without actually coming out of pocket.
Now, I haven't owned a video game console in over 15 years. Growing up, I had Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis. However, somewhere along the way, I lost interest. But, with the release of NBA2K11 and Def Jam Rapstar, I'm seriously thinking about copping a console and coming out of retirement. Here's why.
NBA 2K11 has some of the most advanced graphics and simulation you'll ever see. It looks beyond real. The player's signature moves are unbelievably close to the real thing. The player's likeness is uncanny. The fluidity in which the player's move is incredible. Oh, and the GOAT, Michael Jordan himself, is the cover athlete for this year's edition. So you know how you NBA heads debate how Kobe and MJ would've matched up, well NBA 2K11 provides the means for you to explore that scenario. So the players of the 80s and 90s can face off against today's stars. I live for this type of stuff! Anything that will allow me to relive the glory days of my favorite Knicks players from back in the day gives me joy! The last time I picked up a video game controller to play basketball was about six or seven years ago, but after reading reviews on the game here and here, I'm trying to be all over it without making the full commitment, lol.
If you need further convincing, check out the trailer.
Now, on to Def Jam Rapstar.
This game has me hype because I'm all about my 80s and 90s Hip Hop. Do you see a pattern here, lol? I enjoy some of the music of today, but nothing compares to the good ol' days of '90s Hip Hop. I remember "scratching" my brother's JJ Fad, MC Lyte, and Big Daddy Kane records and thinking I was doing something. Man, do I miss those days. I also remember "writing" rhymes with my cousin and "performing" for my brother and his friends. Wait! There's more! In college, my best friend and I renewed our desire to be female MCs and picked up a pen and started "writing" lyrics. I admit, I was never any good, but I could flow....along with a track, lol.
A few years back, I went to Hip Hop Karaoke in NYC with a group of friends. We performed a Salt N Pepa song on stage in front of 100s of people. It was the greatest feeling, rocking the mic and moving the crowd. It sent chills through the body. I don't even know if that spot still hosts Hip Hop Karaoke, but I remember thinking it was the best thing ever in life. I want that ol' thing back.
Well, Def Jam Rapstar is giving us just that! Although the tracklistis a little thin, it satisfies my appetite way more than pretending to rock out to Rockband or Guitar Hero songs that I'd never heard of before. If you're a lover of Hip Hop, get up on Def Jam Rapstar. You won't regret it. Get your people together, start a cipha, and get it in!
Although I think their trailer isn't as effective as it could've been, check it out anyway.
Update: So, I actually found someone who's going to buy NBA 2K11 so I can play it. One down, one to go. Who's going to hook me up with Def Jam Rapstar?
As you know, Michael Jordan recently became the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. My initial reaction upon hearing this was, ummm, I wonder how this'll turn out. Let's be real, when it comes to bball, MJ hasn't had much success in many endeavors beyond lacing up as #23 for the Chicago Bulls.
Since the Bobcats made the postseason for the first time in franchise history, they finally have a story to tell that people (sports + fans + networks + sponsors) want to hear, but it's up to Michael Jordan and President & COO Fred Whitfield to finally make the Bobcats financially viable. Today, Sports Business Daily reported,
The team prior to the '09-10 season was "projected to lose $35[M]," but team officials said that "several successes of late have improved the Bobcats' bottom line." The Bobcats have sold "more than 800 new season tickets for next year," and renewal rates have "climbed to 85%, up from around 70% in recent years." That ranks the team sixth and 12th, respectively, in the NBA. Whitfield said that those sales, "much like several corporate sponsors expected to be added in the next few months, are the culmination of an 18-month push." Industry execs said that the Bobcats "must pounce on the momentum" from making this year's playoffs. SportsCorp President Marc Ganis: "They must stay in the public eye after the playoffs. Every week or two, they need to have something that puts them in the public eye. It almost needs to be scripted." (via Sports Business Daily)
I totally agree with this, but it's easier said than done. With everyone speculating about where today's top free agents will land, it'll be very difficult for the Bobcats to keep their seat at the cool kids table. The Bobcats' PR department have a tough road ahead of them. They must craft a killer strategy to continue the buzz about the team. Unfortunately, the Bobcats don't have any picks in June's draft. That would have been an immediate and obvious opportunity to stay relevant. And, with rumors swirling that Larry Brown is going to return to the 76ers, it doesn't seem like the PR team has much to work with. It'll be interesting to see what "news" the PR team will be able to manufacture to accomplish Ganis' challenge.
The Sports Business Daily article also mentioned,
Jordan "approved increased budgets for game operations at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs, adding flair to the team's post-season push," and he allowed Whitfield to "hire eight staffers, the franchise's first gain since laying off 38 employees" in '08. (via Sports Business Daily)
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, but MJ should be careful not to overdo it. It's going to take more than one successful trip to the postseason to turn the team around financially. Yes, increased season ticket subscribers and sponsorship packages help, but team execs shouldn't lose focus on putting a product together that people will want to pay to see. The last thing you want is for the Bobcats' fan base to feel duped because the team's success was a one and done situation. If they can't hold on to Larry Brown, they're going to be in trouble. It's doubtful that a team with their pool of talent will make back-to-back appearances to the NBA Playoffs.
Michael Jordan has the business and basketball worlds taking note of every move he makes. He's finally back in the spotlight. Just the way he likes it. Will he come through in the clutch like he's done so many times in the past, or will this be another blemish on his record? Looks like we'll have to play the wait and see game. Although, my money is on the Bobcats returning to obscurity. Just sayin'...
