NBA All-Star Jersey First Look: Reported Images Leaked

Nike had it rough the first year it became the official NBA uniform manufacturer, with lightweight uniforms being ripped to shreds, and Christmas day uniforms being less than festive- seems like they’ve learned from their mistakes, and have turned it up to 11 if the leaked images of the new 2018 All Star jersey are anything to go off of.

The big test will come in February; with the traditional East vs West All Star format, anything is possible; thankfully it looks like Nike decided to keep it calm with a black and white motif this year rather than going all out on some fabulous design.

While the images have not yet officially been revealed, however the player’s team logo will make a front-facing debut with Jordan Brand’s Jumpman logo and the KIA logo on the back.

https://twitter.com/conradburry/status/953483224814112768

https://twitter.com/conradburry/status/953486552478486529

No word on which teams will wear black jerseys and which will wear white, especially since the 2018 All Star game is being decided by draft vote- decisions are due by the 25th though, so we should know soon. The game itself is going down at the Staples Center in Los Angeles from February 16-18th, starting at 8pm ET, Feb 18th.

Keep your eyes peeled for the “official” unveiling of the 2018 All-Star jerseys and keep your eyes peeled to Hip Hop Bling for the hottest iced out chains like Lebron rocks off-court.

Russell Westbrook Ejected From Game: Carmello Anthony “Done” With Refs

Carmelo Anthony has reached a breaking point with the refs, after what many are calling an unjust ejection of Russell Westbrook.

Carmelo Anthony is finished with the refs if his most recent report is anything to go off of- after the ejection of Russell Westbrook, Anthony’s postgame interview revealed as much. After a 95-88 win over Sacramento, Carmelo made his thoughts known about that evening’s official rulings. In reference to the refs; “I’m done with them.”

Thing is, Westbrook was hit squarely in the face by De’Aaron Fox while going in for a layup and at the time was just one assist away from another triple double- after colliding with Fox, Westbrook fell into Willie Cauley-Stein and fell to the floor with the ball. Referee Matt Boland then whistled Westbrook out for traveling.

Even Sports Center in a tweet thought it was ridiculous- Westbrook rightly argued the call and was awarded two quick T’s, and an early exit from the game. While Westbrook left the arena without speaking to the media, Melo full comment of I’m done with the refs. No disrespect, but I’m done with those guy” accurately speaks for all of us.

What’s more is that Anthony’s comments come just about a month after his original message on how the relationship between players and the refs have changed over time. Check out the quote and clip below, and check out Hip Hop Bling for a set of iced out pendants to rep like Melo and Westbrook when they’re off the court.

The game has changed a lot since I came in 15 years ago — the players and the officials had that dialogue, whether it was good or whether it was bad, there was always a point where they would let you get a little steam off, and then would come to you and say that’s enough, let’s move on,” Anthony said last week. “And now, the trigger is too quick. You look at somebody wrong, you get a technical foul. You say one wrong thing, you get a technical foul. So I think that’s the difference from when I came in — the dialogue and communication and the relationship the players and officials [had] when I first came in and from now is a lot different.

Blake Griffin Puts His Acting Skills On Display In New “The Female Brain” Trailer

Last year Blake Griffin wrapped in his first ever film role- with that on the books, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if his role in “The Female Brain” is the last project we’ll see him in off the court.

The romantic comedy starring Whitney Cummings, Blake, Cecily Strong and Sofia Vergara among others debuted back in June at the LA film festival, however it’s only now that the official trailer has surfaced.

Louann Brizendine’s 2006 book “The Female Brain” is what the movie is based off of, which follows a female scientist as she studies the male & female brain, and how her discoveries come to govern her decision making.

Whitney Cummings both directs the film and serves as the main character (Julia Brizendine) alongside Blake Griffin and fellow cast members; previously Griffin had stared in numerous Kia and Foot Locker ads, however this was his first (of likely many) larger acting role.

While “The Female Brain” debuted back in June, the official theatrical release isn’t slated until February 9th, wherein Clippers fans can watch him for themselves on the big screen. As far as time on the court away from his acting gig, Griffin is averaging 22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds & 5.2 assists in 24 games so far this season.

The Clippers are currently sitting in 9th in the Western conference, but if you can’t wait to see Blake Griffin on the court next, scope out the trailer below for the official first look at his acting chops!

This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop jewelry and iced out pendants online.

Russell Simmons To Discontinue His #NotMe Campaign, Taking A Step Back For Women To Speak

More than 13 women have come forward accusing hip hop legend and DEF Jams founder Russell Simmons of sexual assault and rape- at this point, it seems like he may finally be taking a step back.

In an original photo posted to Instagram with the hashtag #NotMe, Simmons detailed in a comment how he would “prove without any doubt” that he was innocent.

First accused by model Keri Claussen Khalighi, Russell took a polygraph test in an effort to prove his innocence- TMZ reported that he passed with flying colors.

Per Page Six, Russell will be stepping back from his #NotMe campaign because it’s “a time for women to speak,” with his only recent posts to Instagram being inspirational quotes such as “God Is Working On Me” and “Everything Is In Divine Order.”

A representative for Russell responded to Page Six’s questions about his silence in the media, to which the rep responded that his “previous statements stand, and he has nothing to add to [them] at this time.”

This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop jewelry and iced out rings online.

Kevin Durant Drops A Cool $3 Million On The University of Texas

Former University of Texas student Kevin Durant has dropped a cool crop of cash on his former institution; $3 Million has been donated by the NBA superstar marking the largest single donation by a former student-athlete.

Giving a nod to KD, $2.5 million of Kevin Durant’s gift will go directly towards Texas basketball; KD will also have his name on the main entrance of the Denton A. Cooley Pavilion, now titled the “Kevin Durant Basketball Center.”

Substantial improvements have already been made to the Cooley Pavilion brought on by KD’s gift; both the men’s and women’s locker rooms have seen renovation, the men’s and women’s practice courts have been resurfaced, a formal office space has been created, new graphics have been installed in the men’s practice areas, and substantial audio improvements are in place.

“My time as a Longhorn helped build the foundation for who I am today as a player and a person, and the UT team will always be my family,” Durant said. “It’s important to me to continue to give back to The University and ensure that future student-athletes have all the opportunities they need to succeed. It’s an honor to have such a close and unique relationship with Texas Basketball, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute.”

“Kevin Durant has an incredibly strong and personal connection with not only our basketball program, but The University of Texas as a whole. Each time I’ve had the opportunity to visit with Kevin, I’ve been impressed with his genuine appreciation for his time, growth and development at Texas,” Texas Men’s Basketball head coach Shaka Smart said. “This gift means a great deal to our entire University, but it’s more of a reflection of how meaningful the relationships that Kevin built while at Texas remain true to this day.”

Big ups to Kevin Durant for his major contribution to UT, even though he was only there for one season. In that time, he averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during the 2006-07 season, winning the Naismith and Wooden awards, as well as the Rupp Trophy. The rest is history; KD declared for the draft and was picked up at No. 2 overall by the Seattle Supersonics.


This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop bracelets and hip hop jewelry online.

 

Kim Kardashian Opens Up About Saint West’s Pneumonia Hospitalization

For the past several days Kim and Kanye West have been by Saint West’s side in the hospital- today Kim K opened up about the hospitalization over the holidays due to pneumonia. Taking to twitter to release an official statement, much to everyone’s relief Saint is feeling better and is home resting.

Kim gave a wholesome shoutout and love to the doctors and nurses that helped their family during the hospital stay; “My precious baby boy is so strong! After spending three nights in the hospital & seeing my baby get multiple IV’s and hooked up to oxygen machines, our end of year was challenging. Pneumonia is so scary.” Kim wrote with an accompanying photo of Saint.

I just want to thanks every nurse & doctor out there who works so hard around the clock. We are so grateful for you all! He’s home and all better. He’s so resilient I’m sure he will still say the ambulance ride was cool! My strong Saint.

https://twitter.com/KimKardashian/status/948229194739195904

Both parents spent time overnight with Saint while hospitalized from reportedly Tuesday through Saturday. Thankfully, Saint got to spend New Years Eve at home- despite former differences, it appears the power couple is one of the strongest in hip hop besides Beyonce and Jay Z.

We wish the West family well, and are glad Saint is back home and happy. Keep your eyes here for more hip hop news, and keep up with Hip Hop Bling for the hottest selection of new hip hop watches and iced out jewelry for the new year.

Snoop Dogg’s Merry Jane + Jack In The Box Team Up For New “Merry Munchie Meal” Box

California has without a doubt turned itself into the marijuana capital of the US; with the legalization of marijuana to use for medicinal purposes spreading throughout the nation, California was well on the way towards spearheading an effort to make kush recreational.

Come Monday, marijuana will be available for purchase for recreational use. Whom better to capitalize on this fact than Snoop Doggy Dog himself? Blazing a trail like the veteran he is, Snoop has partnered his Merry Jane website with Jack In The Box fast food for a match in heaven.

Pioneering a new “Merry Munchie Meal,” this limited time box meal comes packed to the brim with enough munchies to sate even Snoop Dogg himself. Find two tacos, five mini churros, THREE chicken strips, a drink and a box of half curly fries/ half onions rings for only $4.20.

All in Cali get on this because the Merry Munchie Meal will only be around for a limited run; each box will be co-branded with Snoop Dogg’s Merry Jane website’s marijuana leaf logo making it a collector’s piece for a special kind of mind. This limited run is only available in 3 select locations- hit up Long Beach CA (Snoop’s hometown), for the MMM starting January 18th through the 25th. As their relationship buds, if this joint venture between Jack In The Box and Snoop Dogg goes well, there’s a very real chance we could see further related promotions in the future.

Jack In The Box has taken note of their clientele, often making direct note of their stoner market in multiple adverts before, most specifically in their “Two Tacos for 99 cents” deal. Check out more info from the Merry Jane website here, and check out Hip Hop Bling for the hottest bling bling pendants for the new year.

 

Jay Z’s 4:44 Tour Rakes In 45M Despite Poor Ticket Sales Rumors

Some critics were on the fence when 4:44 made its debut, others confirmed from the offset that it was fire- gaining several Grammy nominations including Album of the year, the 4:44 tour had originally been plagued by rumors of poor ticket sales. Strange, as the project has by far more support than haters.

Even with some cancellations, Live Nation revealed ticket sales were still through the roof on Jay Z’s 32-City run of shows, netting him a cool 45M- $44,698,354 to be exact. First reported by Complex, the figures reported come from a whopping 426,441 tickets sold- that works out to roughly $1,396,823 per show.

Safe to say, even with stage expenses Hov is still netting an impressive profit. While on tour Jay Z addressed the rumors that ticket sales were poor, straight up putting them into the ground while simultaneously thanking the packed stadium- his claims weren’t just bravado, to date 4:44 looks to be Jay Z’s highest grossing solo tour.

These numbers are in spite of the fact that Jay Z failed to sell out every venue, and some tickets ended up going for less than $50- it seems that Live Nation made a smart move in signing Jay Z to a multi-year $200M contract, the veteran rapper has already made up nearly a quarter of the costs in less than a year.

Whether you think the numbers are rigged or not, one thing that can’t be denied is the incredible performances the veteran rapper put on at each stop- after more than 20 years, the man’s barely missed a step.

This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop jewelry and iced out bracelets online.

Future And Taylor Swift Team Up In Miami For “End Game” Video

TSwift is a veteran of breaking it down, her dance moves have been the stuff of legend making her famous or infamous depending on your view- when footage surfaced of her dancing on a rooftop for her new Future collaboration “End Game,” a few brows were raised but not for why you think.

As TMZ points out, it seems Taylor Swift is down to emphasizing the size of her bust wearing not one, but two pushup bras.

Why this sparks interest is in the past, Swift has gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of theme for her songs and personifying the role she portrays in her music. This minor note could be a key hint as to determining the facets of her upcoming visuals.

The visuals for the music video were filmed on a yacht in Miami- Ed Sheeran who’s also featured on the song from her upcoming album titled “Reputation” was nowhere to be seen. For the time, we’ll just have to be sated with the whole act captured below, wondering where it’ll actually be used or seen.

At the beginning of the month, Taylor Swift’s 15 track album took up two weeks on the Billboard Top 200 Charts, a feat that only Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN has accomplished in recent times.

This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop bracelets and CZ Iced Out jewelry online.

Kyle O’Quinn Explains How He Became The “Bar Mitzvah Man”

Kyle O’Quinn has made a name for himself over the years but it may not be how you think; over the years he’s earned a reputation both on and off the bench for bringing energy and all the little things that keeps a team moving. The kind of intangibles that don’t show up on the scoreboard or the stats sheet.

Strangely enough, O’Quinn has developed a solid name for being the go-to Bar Mitzvah entertainer off the court in NYC.

Ian Begley of ESPN posted a piece about how O’Quinn obtained the moniker- while not on the court, apparently he spends much of his time at partying on Saturdays at Bar Mitzvah’s, often times spending a little too much time simply because it’s “so much fun.”

Per ESPN:

“The parties are crazy,” he said. “I did one, did two, and the next thing you know, I was just Bar Mitzvah Man.”

“A lot of times, I go and I stay longer than I’m supposed to because it’s so much fun,” O’Quinn said. “The food’s always good. The only thing that gets a little overwhelming is the kids; sometimes they don’t listen to the structure of the party and it just gets loose.

“And the [parents] kind of leave it like, ‘Kyle, you deal with it.’ And it’s kids saying, ‘Selfie, selfie, selfie, snapchat, what’s your snapchat?’ But once you get that out of the way, it’s fun.”

While growing up Kyle didn’t have any Jewish friends, but it seems the lifestyle kind of fell upon him after attending the Bar Mitzvah of the daughter of his agent, Andy miller. Hitting up the community has become a tradition now for O’Quinn, attending multiple Bar Mitzvah’s and Bat Mitzvah’s through his agency.

They see how much I enjoy it and they let me rock out,” he said. “The parents are partying with the kids and it’s a big festival. They’re letting loose, having a good time and the kids are having a good time.”

Honestly, it’s really nice to be a part of their culture and be down with them.

While it may seem like a case of two cultures colliding, the contributions O’Quinn is giving to many young lives will likely be remembered as a highlight throughout their lives, and that’s a gift that one can’t put a price upon.

This article brought to you by Hip Hop Bling, the premier provider of high quality hip hop rings and hip hop jewelry online.