Javeon Butler - Top 10 Hip Hop Albums of 2012
2012 was a good year not only for rap, but for a plethora of young, up and coming artists that
don’t have the major labels backing them like a Jay-Z or a Kanye West. With the
ability to share their music all over the world via the web, artist like Soulja
Boy and Kendrick Lamar have been able to make the transition from small time
rappers to hip hop icons. With so much
new music being circulated, it’s nearly impossible to comment on them all, so
with that being said, this list is comprised of rap albums and mix tapes
released in 2012 that I could turn on from the first song and listen all the
way through.
1. Kendrick
Lamar – Good Kiid Maad City: This album tells a story that takes you through a
night with Kendrick Lamar and his friends. From home invasions to keeping the
peace, this album is full of surprises.
2. Nas –
Life is Good: In his first solo album
since his collaboration with Damien Marley, Nas easily upholds his title as one
of the best lyricist to grace the game.
3. The Game
– Jesus Piece: This project was a complete turnaround from The Game’s previous
projects. With a new flow, and a controversial album cover, Jesus Piece is a
refreshingly different sound for The Game.
4. Big Sean
– Detroit: Looking to bounce back from his debut album which did well in sales
but did not go over so well with his fans, Big Sean brings along a lot of
friends to help him tell his story about Detroit. His fans say this is the Big
Sean they’ve been waiting for.
5. Rick Ross
– God Forgives, I Don’t: This was a great album with strong instrumentals and
even better collaborations with names like Andre 3000, Drake and Ne Yo.
6. Ab-Soul –
Control System: Calling himself soul brother number 2 (number one being James
Brown), California rapper Ab-Soul uses soulful samples and complex lyrical
concepts, making Control System great brain food to keep you thinking.
7. Schoolboy
Q – Habits and Contradiction: With a gangster rap mentality, and profound
lyrics, Schoolboy Q, along with label mates Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul,
represents a new breed of rappers.
8. 2 Chainz
– Based on a TRU Story : 2 Chainz’s debut album Based on a TRU Story is packed
with big name collaborations. With music to dance to, along with bass heavy
songs with more of a gangster influence, this album gives you everything you
want.
9. Lupe
Fiasco – Food and Liquor II: For all of Lupe’s Kick Push fans, this album was
exactly what they were looking for, with conscious rap that has a message and sounds
amazing.
10. French
Montana – Mac and Cheese III: The surprise album of the year would have to be
French Montana’s Mac and Cheese III album, which was a more upbeat project that
anyone could have anticipated. With its chill music and party vibe, its sound is
new and refreshing.
Gregg Ensminger - Top Ten Worst Oscar Winners Since 1970
Despite the high amount of reverence that the movie industry
gives the Academy Awards, the Oscars aren't infallible. Sometimes an undeserving nominee wins on the
strength of the actor's reputation, or due to industry bias in favor of some
movie genres but not others, or simply because the Academy voters have a habit
of falling for Oscar bait. These are
some of the worst offenses by the Academy from the past four decades:
10. Ellen
Burstyn, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974; Best Actress)
This one wasn’t Burstyn’s fault. But another nominee, Gena
Rowlands, should have won for one of the greatest film performances ever in A
Woman Under the Influence.
9. Eminem,
"Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile (2002; Best Original Song)
A song about once-in-a-lifetime opportunities? Unoriginal.
Slim Shady’s rhymes? Corny as
usual. Oscar-worthy material? You must be trippin’.
8. Martin
Scorsese, The Departed (2006; Best Director)
Scorsese was the Tarantino of his day [in other words, the
Academy's darling by virtue of commercially or critically popular Oscar-bait
(Raging Bull, GoodFellas, Gangs of New York, etc.)]. So Hollywood must have
been desperate to honor him, since he won his first Oscar for this mediocre,
generic cop movie.
7. Cuba
Gooding, Jr., Jerry Maguire (1996 Best Supporting Actor)
Considering that the same actor gave us Daddy Day Camp and
Boat Trip, people must be rightfully wondering how he ever won an Oscar.
6. Cher,
Moonstruck (1987; Best Actress)
She didn’t have a long, productive, or memorable movie
career, and there’s a reason why.
Overact much? (Also see: Burlesque, Mask)
5. Meryl
Streep, The Iron Lady (2011; Best Actress)
In a year with so many worthy nominees in this category
alone (Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Glenn Close, Rooney Mara), they reward
Streep for hamming it up as Margaret Thatcher?
4. The Hurt
Locker (2009; Best Picture)
True, Kathryn Bigelow was technically brilliant directing
this, and it's important to boost female directors. But we all knew at the time that Avatar was
the better picture.
3. Helen
Hunt, As Good As It Gets (1997; Best Actress)
Although Kate Winslet eventually won her own Oscar, it still
rubs some people the wrong way that, on Titanic’s big night, she lost to Helen
Hunt.
2. Charlize
Theron, Monster (2003; Best Actress)
If this were truly Oscar-worthy, then Eddie Murphy would
have the most Oscars ever for all the times that costume and makeup changed his
look.
1. Diablo
Cody, Juno (2007; Best Original Screenplay)
Have you actually seen this movie? “Cautionary whale?” Really?
Cody’s writing is so cheesy that soap opera actors would be embarrassed
to read it.
Matt Esaena – Top 10 Gangster Films
Gangster films have been a popular genre of movies for
decades. People like to watch characters that live exciting lives and
experience things that they will never be able to do. Audiences are easily
hooked on mob stories. It’s human nature for an audience to cheer and
sympathize for the “bad guy.”
Here is a look at some of the most notable Gangster Films
Ever Made:
10. Public Enemies (Director: Michael Mann, 2009)- FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale)
tries to take down legendary bank-robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp). Took
audiences back to the 1930’s, a time when gangsters had a much easier time avoiding
the Feds. An engrossing historical drama.
9. Godfather Part III (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1990)
- The final part in the Godfather saga takes place in 1971 in New York City, as
Mobster Michael Corleone tries to clear his family name. Die-hard Godfather fans might say this film
does not belong on this list, but let’s remember, it was nominated for seven
Academy Awards for a reason.
8. Carlito’s Way (Director: Brian De Palma, 1993) - The audience
follows Carlito Brigante (Pacino) as he is released from jail and tries to
remain out of mob business. Once a hitman, always a hitman it is hard for
Carlito to avoid the life style he is known for. One of Pacinio’s most brilliant performances.
7. Scarface (Directors:
Howard Hawks, Richard Rossen, 1932) - Loosely based on the career of Al Capone,
Scarface helped paved the way for all subsequent Gangster Films. This film had
many scenes that were considered violent and sexual back in the day, but it is
because of this movie and a few other early gangster films that directors were
able to envision films for today’s audience.
6. Casino (Director: Martin Scorsese, 1995) - This film
follows gangsters Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro) A.K.A “Ace” and Anthony
Spilotro (Joe Pesci) as they are sent to Las Vegas to run a casino for the mob
back east. This movie explains in a Hollywood fashion, for the story’s sake,
how casinos were owned and operated by mob families before big corporations
were able to step into the strip and take over the money making scenes of Las
Vegas.
5. A Bronx Tale (Director: Robert De Niro, 1993)- Young
Calogero “C” Anello must choose between the life of a hard-working honest man
that his father lives or the life style of cracking heads like all his
neighborhood friends want. De Niro proves he’s as good at directing gangster
films as he is at starring in them.
4. Scarface (Director: Brian De Palma 1983) - Based on the
hit 1932 Gangster Flick, Pacino portrays Tony Montana, a Cuban man who comes to
America and builds a drug empire. Montana finds conflict between business and
personal decisions when his best friend and business partner is accused of
falling in love with Montana’s sister. Unusual for its focus on non-Italians,
this is one of the best Gangster Films of all-time.
3. Goodfellas (Director: Martin Scorsese, 1990) - Scorsese
once again makes another mob hit (no pun intended) with De Niro and Pesci. This
film uniquely shows how mob bosses get rich and powerful because of the
lower-ranked members that make their money for them. Extreme violence keeps the
audience hooked throughout.
2. Godfather Part II (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1974)
- There is little to no argument that this film is the greatest sequel ever
made, the only sequel to win Best Picture. We move between Michael Corleone trying to run his mob empire
and flashbacks of the young Vito Corleone’s origins and attempts make a name
for his family. Coppola wisely kept writer Puzo on for the sequel.
1. The Godfather (Director: Francis Ford Coppola, 1972) -
Everything worked for this movie: The lighting, the editing, the writing, and
the directing. But what makes this movie is the great acting. Every actor portrays
their character perfectly: Cann, Duval, Pacino, and who could forget Marlon
Brando’s Academy Award for Best Actor? The film, of course, also won Best
Picture. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece might be the greatest movie ever
made.
Sierra Gadberry - Top 10 Books turned to Movies
Books are ways to get the brain thinking, imagining, and
creating. Readers can imagine the characters and plots on their own. Turning
books into movies allows readers to see interpretations of their favorite books
on screen, not always skillfully done. Here's a list of films that are
not only great to watch, but are also a great read.
1. Harry Potter Series ( Author: J.K. Rowling; Multiple
Directors) – A wicked movie series for all you Hogwarts prodigies, who wanted
to see your favorite books transform to life with all their great plot points intact, thanks to awesome digital effects.
2. Water for Elephants (Author: Sara Gruen; Director:
Francis Lawrence)- Set in the 20’s the film heartbreakingly portrays the
inhumane treatment of an elephant in a traveling circus while an affecting romance between Reese Witherspoon
and Robert Pattinson unfolds
3. Lord of the Rings
(Author: J.R.R. Tolkien; Director: Peter Jackson)- Tolkien’s books were a hit
to read so there is no surprise that the film trilogy is equally good, with faithful plot details
and great CGI.
4. The Devil Wears Prada (Author: Lauren Weisberger;
Director: David Frankel)- Meryl Streep’s performance as a high fashion editor
who reigns down on an intern is classic. Watch Anne Hathaway prevail through
the tasks Streep sets.
5. The Help (Author: Kathryn Stockett; Director: Tate
Taylor)- An eye-opening film depicting
the struggles of black women working in rich white households during the ‘60s.
6. Holes (Author:
Louis Sachar; Director: Scott Plank)- Shia Labouf’s debut film shoots him to
stardom with his likeable charm shines as he plays a young man digging holes
out in the desert. From the Newberry Prize winning children’s book.
7. Marley and Me
(Author: John Grogan; Director: David Frankel)- Need a feel good movie? A
struggling journalist writes a column about his trouble-maker puppy, Marley.
Based on a true story.
8. The Hobbit (Author: J.R.R. Tolkien; Director: Peter
Jackson)- The breath taking 3D is amazing! Peter Jackson lets the fans of the
fantasy classic see stone goblins, dragons, and Gollum in a whole new way.
9. The Notebook (Author: Nicholas Sparks; Director: Nick
Cassavetes)- An all-time favorite romantic drama following an old couples past
and how they go to where they are now, lovingly brought to the big screen.
10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Author: Hunter S.
Thompson; Director: Terry Gilliam)- Weird, wild and mind blowing adaptation of
the gonzo classic following journalist Raoul Duke’s acid trip in 60s Vegas.
Sean
Ryan – Top Ten Television Series of the 21st century.
HBO set the stage for today’s great series in the late 1990s with long form
shows allowing for the proliferation of the format in the new century. HBO’s lack
of reliance on advertisers allowed for the use of sensitive subject matter, creating
gripping shows not found on basic cable shows. This reason is why HBO dominates
my top ten list. The influence of HBO’s style is reflected in great shows on
other networks such as Battlestar Galactica and Breaking Bad, with longer story
arcs and deeper character development.
10. Deadwood - HBO (2004-2006). Based on the blood, beer, and mud of gold rush era South Dakota, Deadwood makes
a truly memorable first season. Falling short in the second season is the only
reason it falls to the 10th place.
9. Avatar - Nickelodeon (2005-2008). Cartoons are not only for kids. Who wouldn't love a flying monk that will rule
the world? The storyline and animation keep audiences of all ages hooked.
8 Game of Thrones -HBO (2011- ). Winter is coming and fear of white walkers taking your head makes you feel
engrossed by this HBO series. Falling short of the books, Game of
Thrones comes in 8th place.
7 Breaking Bad - AMC (2008 - )
A cancer stricken high school science teacher that decides to cook high quality
meth. This compelling series makes us question how far we would go for family
and wealth.
6 Doctor Who - BBC (2005- ). Trust the Doctor. This campy British series makes you laugh across the
galaxy and regenerates the old series for the 21stcentury.
5 Battlestar Galactica - Syfy (2004-2009). A cult classic of epic proportions. Cylons, starships and sex makes for a great
science fiction series. If you don't like Battlestar Galactica you
can go frak yourself.
4 Band of Brothers - HBO (2001). Gripping WWII series following the Greatest Generation, leaving no doubt in the
mind of the viewer, that they were the greatest generation.
3 Firefly - FOX (2002- 2003). 500 hundred years later, prostitution is glamorous and our main character looks
like he walked out of the Wild West. With such a devoted fan
base the short lived series Firefly was followed by the film
Serenity.
2 Sherlock - BBC (2010- ). Modern and inventive portrayal of Sherlock Holmes makes you crave for another 3
episode season. The innovative use of text messaging and updated characters
fills out the second best spot.
1 The Wire - HBO (2002- 2008). The gritty street crime drama makes you jones for the next episode. The
fact that there hasn't been a new one since 2008 is a crime in itself. This
suspenseful show about inter-city violence wins the top spot every time.
Chance St George - 10 Best “Bad” 80's movies
These movies aren't bad because one should avoid seeing
them, quite the opposite in fact. Some of the movies on this list rank amongst
our most watched and most cherished. We call them “bad” movies because they
represent everything that made the 80's “bad”. Each and every one of these
movies is chalk full of comical montages, corny one liners, and gratuitous
fight scenes. Transport yourself back in
time to one of our more laughable decades with a “bad 80s” marathon!.
10. Ghostbusters (1984, Directed by Ivan Reitman). When three psychology professors are fired
from their University, they team up and begin to offer their services as a
poltergeist removal service.
Best 80's moment: “Back off man, I'm a scientist”-Bill
Murray
9. The Toxic Avenger (1984, Directed by Michael Herz and
Lloyd Kaufman). Melvin the janitor is a loser who doesn't fit in, that is until
he is mutated into hometown superhero, the Toxic Avenger.
Best 80's moment: The Taco Stand hold up is so full of bad
music, bad acting, and one liners that it sums up all that is the 80's.
8. The Thing (1982, Directed by John Carpenter). When a team
of Antarctic researchers, including Kurt Russell, discovers a dark force form
another planet, they learn that they can either trust no one, or die.
Best 80's moment: The Thing trying to transform into a dog
in the cage.
7. Top Gun (1986, Directed by Tony Scott). Fighter Pilot, Tom
Cruise, must overcome his dark past and prove that he is the best of the best
when it comes to flying jets.
Best 80's moment: Two words, beach volleyball.
6. Rocky IV (1985, Directed by Sylvester Stallone). This time
Rocky finds himself fighting a Soviet Boxer, to avenge Apollo Creeds death.
This one is Rocky's toughest fight yet.
Best 80's moment. Rocky's Russian training montage is one of
the best of all time.
5. Escape from New York (1981, Directed by John Carpenter).
In the future, when the president crashes into an anarchist New York, a convict
must be sent in to rescue him.
Best 80's Moment: It's hard to get more 80's than Kurt Russell
with an eye patch, (though Captain Ron didn't quite make the list).
4. Tequila Sunrise (1988, Directed by Robert Towne). Kurt
Russell and Mel Gibson star as old friends whose lives are changed when one, a
cop, must investigate his drug dealing friend.
Best 80's moment: The cast includes Kurt Russell and Mel
Gibson, you can't get more 80's. Great
dialogue throughout.
3. Lethal Weapon (1987, Directed by Richard Donner. An
unlikely pair of cops, veteran Murtaugh and reckless rookie Riggs, find a way
to work together and stop a violent drug gang.
Best 80's moment: Riggs and Murtaugh's fight that ends with
“I'm hungry, I'm going to get something to eat.”
2. Big Trouble in Little China (1988, Directed by John
Carpenter). Jack Burton finds himself battling ancient Chinese evils after
getting involved with gangs in San Francisco's China Town.
Best 80's moment: Every line by Kurt Russell, especially
when his gun jams in the middle of a karate showdown.
1. They Live (1988, Directed by John Carpenter). With four films on the 'bad' 80s list, this one is director Carpenter's finest achievement. Aliens have
taken over the world, and are controlling humans with subliminal
messaging. Only "Rowdy" Roddy Piper can stop
them with the help of his special glasses.
Best 80's moment: Every time Roddy Piper takes his
sunglasses off.