New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and RESPECT.Magazine managing editor Brandon ”Scoop B’ Robinson. Photo Provided By: Ismael ‘Calligrafist’ Sayeed of Calligrafist Photography

The New York Knicks have not played a regular season game since their 114-113 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12, yet they’re still front page news.

Two weeks ago, the orange and blue fired Phil Jackson as Knicks team President. Over the weekend, former Cleveland Cavaliers GM David Griffin removed his name as Jackson’s successor. According to ESPN reports, Griffin had difference of opinion with Knicks ownership over how much control he would have over basketball decisions.

The icing on the cake?

2013 Knicks draftee, Tim Hardaway Jr., played the role of prodigal son after averaging 14.5 points and 2.3 assists in 27 minutes per game as a part-time starter for the Atlanta Hawks. Last week Hardaway Jr. signed a four-year $71 million deal with the Knicks. Despite that signing, online sportsbook TopBet predicts crosstown rivals Brooklyn Nets will finish next season better than the Knicks.

This ushers in the question: Was Tim Hardaway Jr. brought back to the Knicks to replace currrent star Carmelo Anthony?

If that is the case, Hardaway Jr. will have a lot more fun playing under current Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek than he did playing under former Knicks coach Derek Fisher. My sources told me that during Hardaway Jr’s first stint in New York, he bore the burden of being the son of NBA legend Tim Hardaway Sr. I’m told both both Fisher and Hardaway Sr. weren’t the best of friends during their playing careers in the 90s and at times Fisher took that frustration out on Hardaway Jr.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, before being fired as team president of the Knicks, Phil Jackson openly discussed his want to ship Anthony to another team. Anthony, for the record put up decent stats, averaging 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. It has been widely reported that Anthony, who has one year remaining on his current contract, is willing to waive his no-trade clause if he’s dealt to the Cavaliers or the Rockets.

On Sunday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, reported that the Knicks have a “renewed willingness” to make a deal that would send Anthony to the Houston Rockets following their acquisition of Hardaway Jr.

Anthony has always contended that New York is what he loves since arriving to the Big Apple in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Nuggets in 2011.

Before signing his five-year, $125 million max deal with the Knicks in the summer of 2014, Anthony sought out the services of brand strategist and consultant, Ben Ricciardi. Ricciardi, the CEO of the Burbank, California based Times 10 brand agency, has been trusted to spearhead roll-out brand initiatives with everyone from Adidas, Nike, the Houston Rockets’ James Harden and others.

In an interview with Scoop B Radio on Friday, Ricciardi, an expert and trusted authority of late via his expert analysis about Uber’s ousted CEO Travis Kalanick said that in 2013, he suggested to Anthony that he needed to show his connectedness to New York City through visual campaigns via social media. After all, Anthony was born in Brooklyn and lived in the borough throughout his teenage years before moving to Baltimore.

#TBT a couple of years ago this commercial with @carmeloanthony helped us grow to a whole different level. Big shout out to @whoischristianvazquez! Also amazing job by to business partner and CCO of @Times10 @mistermichaeladrian. #bentimes10 #carmeloanthony #times10

A post shared by Ben Ricciardi (@bentimes10) on Apr 6, 2017 at 6:57pm PDT

Last week, a video clip of Anthony’s workout with his trainer, Chris Brinkley littered the internet. The video showed Anthony running in the park at 2 A.M. Also last week, another video clip showed interim Knicks President Steve Mills and his Knicks staff chuckling at Anthony’s workout while seated and watching hoops at the NBA’s Orlando Summer League. ESPN’s Ian Begley stated that the Knicks declined to comment on the matter, making it difficult to know what, exactly, was going on at the game.

Knicks executives laughing at Carmelo’s workout tapes is all you need to know about that situation pic.twitter.com/43oGvgf278

— 12up (@12upSport) July 2, 2017

While that drew attention, Anthony’s on-camera off season routine is nothing new. Anthony’s ‘Define Yourself,’ a campaign that detailed how Anthony was changing his body and changing his shape was a fan favorite. According to Ricciardi, the concept all began over lunch with Anthony. “I’m hearing how hard he works and he’s working all through the night, every day on his game, on his body and redefining himself,” Ricciardi told me on Scoop B Radio.

Check out Ben Ricciardi and Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson on Scoop B Radio

 

“I went to him and said: ‘man, like, the world doesn’t know this and the world needs to know why you’re staying in New York.’ You were born in Red Hook and you grew up in Red Hook until you were 13 years old. Everyone thinks of you as a Baltimore kid, but really you’re a New York kid and this is your hometown, and you were raised in Red Hook.”

Ricciardi added:

“Secondarily, people think of you as lazy, they think of you as not working hard and I’m seeing you grinding on your shot, working every day, working with your coaches, working with your trainers, we need to get that out there to people.”

The experiment worked. Anthony’s workout routine has been legendary. In the summer of 2014, he shed about 30 to 40 pounds by cutting carbs and meat from his diet and dedicating to his workout routine. “It wasn’t more about my diet, it was more about the training that I was doing and really pushing myself to that limit,” Anthony told me after his weight loss.

Anthony has been adamant about his loyalty to the Knicks over the years. He told a room full of kids at his annual ProCamps basketball camp: “My window is closing, so I’m trying to get this championship to New York ASAP.”

Ben Ricciardi. Photo Credit: Instagram

Ricciardi and Anthony also collaborated on a visual called ‘This Is Why I Stayed,’ a visual that explained why he chose the Knicks over the Houston Rockets and other teams who were courting Anthony back in 2014. “That piece came out incredible and actually ended up being played Opening Night on all the jumbotrons at Madison Square Garden after the first timeout.”

A six time NBA All Star, Carmelo Anthony, 33 was the NBA’s scoring champion in 2013. Anthony holds the record for the most points scored by a Knick at Madison Square with 62. He’s also a three time USA basketball Olympic gold medalist.

The hardest part of working with Melo may surprise you: “He goes back and forth whether he wants people to see stuff or not,” said Ricciardi. “The stuff came out amazing but he’s always wishy-washy, which you get from celebrities, athletes and people like that. One day they’re all excited and gung-ho and then the next day they’re like: ‘I don’t know if I want the world to see this.’”

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The post Scoop B: Meet Ben Ricciardi, The Brand Strategist Who Pushed Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony To Boast His NYC Roots appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Since Michigan is the in thing, here it goes: everybody knows who the Fab 5 is and was and Jalen Rose was the team leader that made it cool.

Leading that team takes both strong leadership and social skills. Rose, now retired after a 13-year NBA career, earned his stripes. A 6’8 was a scorer with uncanny court vision, like a point guard, Rose made an appearance in the NBA Finals as a member of the Indiana Pacers, was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2000 and made a smooth transition into broadcasting. Currently the host of NBA Countdown on ESPN, and co-hosting ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby, Rose plays it cool and is around everyone and everywhere.

I remember that being the case evern when he was a player. Making cameos in music videos like, Jadakiss’ We Gonna Make It and playing himself in the movie, Barbershop. He was everywhere at the right time!

How did he become so cool?? 

Check out Jalen Rose and Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson Chat on #ScoopBRadio

“I am that kind of guy that when I walk into a room I speak to everybody,” Rose told me on the Scoop B Radio Podcast. “How you doing? What’s going on? Hugs and kisses and dap whether I’m at the barbershop, on the airplane, that’s just something that I’ve adopted.”

Rose also credits many in his tight knit family that served as positive role models. Those folks include his mother who raised him alone while working at Chrysler for 20 years and his grandfather who owned a grocery store in Bainbridge, Georgia.

ESPN’s Jalen Rose and sports and entertainment journalist, Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson chat at the NBA Draft. (Photo Credit: Gemini Keez KeezCam/ScoopVision Media)

The 13th pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft, Rose has been in the national spotlight since his high school days at Detroit Southwestern High School. It was there that he played alongside future NBA stars Voshon Lenard and Howard Eisley. On the podcast he discusses the high regard that he holds for Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas, both of whom coached Rose during his days as an Indiana Pacer and why he’s able to get along with just about everybody.

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The post Former Michigan Wolverine Jalen Rose: “When I walk into a room I speak to everybody” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Michigan is making noise in the NCAA tournament. It may give you some nostalgia to the early 90s, it might not. But be clear, that team was special and they were trendsetters!The Fab Five included Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose.

That Wolverines team introduced the world to looking good on the court while also playing even better. Remeber the long shorts, the Nike Huarache sneakers and the self-expression that transcended race, creed, gender and socio-economic status.

Check out Jalen Rose appearing on Scoop B Radio Discussing The Fab 5

Many basketball purists were critical, and even downright nasty toward their early following.

“We looked different, we sounded different, we were a lot more brash,” Rose told me on Scoop B Radio. “When we became mainstream, people didn’t know that we weren’t malicious, we weren’t mean, we were just different. We were just loud! We were giving you guys something that you hadn’t seen before. So I used to take it personal because I had to fight that off for years.”

Jalen and his teammates were trendsetters. How so? It didn’t exactly Rose as strange that people were naming their children after him. But it did flatter him.

“Jalen is a universal name. If it was the most popular in 1992, there’s no surprise when you’re watching college basketball or football each weekend, there’s a variation of a Jalen on every team,” he laughed. “That’s the most humbling thing anybody can do is name their kid after you.”

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The post Jalen Rose on Michigan Fab 5: “We looked different, we sounded different, we were a lot more brash” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hey, did you know that Dirk Nowitzki  joined the 30,000 point club this week?

2017 NFL Draft prospect Jabrill Peppers put on a show at the NFL’s Combine. Speaking of which,his alma mater, the University of Michigan had a wardrobe malfunction! The Wolverines basketball team played a conference game in their practice jerseys!

Then there’s also NFL free agency. By the way, Michigan aren’t the only folks with wardrobe malfunctions! White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer had a wardrobe malfunction of his own.

All of that and the late Notorious BIG 20 years later on #ScoopsTopPlays!

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The post Dirk Nowitzki’s 30,000 Points, Michigan Wolverines & More In Scoop’s Top Plays appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Eric Mical Carter (born February 5th 1985), known by the stage name Callab, is an American R&B/RAP performer, writer, and recording artist. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Growing up in a household where music was everywhere, he quickly began to love and appreciate the art form. From singing at kindergarten assemblies, all the way through high school, he knew this was something to latch on to. Soon after high school, Callab opened for artists such as Trey Songz, Ginuwine, Gucci Mane, Pretty Ricky, Styles P, Young Dro, Trina, OJ Da Juiceman, Young Buck, Silk, Tank, and Verse Simmonds.  At this point in his life, the focus is all on the business aspects of music and building a great brand. Callab definitely has a very unique way of adapting life to his songs and making real fans.

Today, the 31-year Michigan native returns with a brand new single called “Liqher” that was produced by Chris Robinson. The song was recorded and engineered by The Evil Genius Legend for C.O.S at Runthru Records Studios. His other music can be found on online digital music and streaming sites. He also has videos available on YouTube, World Star Hip Hop, Vimeo, etc. Callab is currently doing shows in the Midwest and is working on an EP to be released this spring. Be on the look out for the talented singer and song writer to expand his winning brand.

Social:
www.twitter.com/singacallab85
www.youtube.com/singacallab01
Fan page: www.facebook.com/singacallab
www.instagram.com/singacallab
Snapchat: SingaCallab

Links to song:
https://soundcloud.com/callab/liqher
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1087783375?ls=1&app=itunes
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bnwivxv6gvz3np545neoi2nmlq4&tid=song-Tmlqfpsnrv6gopvur2jxjm56j5a&hl=en
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C7FWYFO?ie=UTF8&keywords=callab&qid=1457372065&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

Written By: E. Carter (Callab)
Arranged By: E. Carter (Callab)
Produced By: Chris Robinson

The post New Music: Callab – “Liqher” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Virginia pulled together for a serious issue in our Nation, the Flint Water Crisis.  People statewide united in a means to help their fellow Americans in need.  The people sent over 2,000 cases of water.  Then, some volunteers took the hike from Virginia to Michigan, and, went into neighborhoods and started to hand out cases.  Many were wondering who carried the weight ($$) when it came to the semi-truck used to ship the water.  The answer is rapper, Pusha T, who is known for his works with Partners in the Community member, Kimberly Wimbush in the past on previous charity events.

According to 13NewsNow,

Lines of volunteers showed up to help “Partners in the Community” donate bottled water to Flint, MI.

According to newsplex.com:

“We want to make sure that the people who mostly need it get it,” said Partners in the Community member Kimberly Wimbush. “A lot of people are lacking transportation or they don’t have citizenship or they don’t have IDs that don’t matter at this point in time they need water so we want to make sure that anybody who is in need of water get that water.”

The call for action started with a Facebook post that went viral and along with the seven cities in the Hampton Roads areas, leaders in Charlottesville felt that it was only right to jump on board.

The post PUSHA T SENDS SEMI-TRACTOR FULL OF WATER TO FLINT, MI appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Original Artwork: Oliver Barrett

For those unfamiliar with Detroit’s Red Pill, just know it’s not too late. He’s a force to be reckoned with, offering nothing short of brutal honesty and sincerity on records for years now. A lot of heads jumped on board and took notice after Ugly Heroes (Apollo Brown, Verbal Kent & Red Pill) formed and released their acclaimed, self-titled Lp in 2013. After a line up of successful works alongside Brown and Kent, he proved that he is more than equipped to deliver quality solo projects as well. With that being said, Red Pill is set to release his solo debut via Mello Music Group on April 7th titled Look What This World Did To Us. Below you can check out his latest visual for “Rap Game Cranky,” and see what he has to say about it.

One thing fans generally note is your content on records and your brutally honest lyrics. You really dig into the blue collar background and touch on a lot of struggles everyday folks can relate to. Can you elaborate on that a little bit for us?

Yeah man, I mean that’s how I grew up in Michigan. That’s the way we live here. We work and we go through stuff, and deal with things. People all over the place go through this type of stuff. Most of us don’t come from money and stuff like that. So, for me to write about anything different would be crazy. I’m glad the content resonates.

Ugly Heroes is quite the group. You three really put out some quality material these past couple years that the masses responded beyond well to. How did you three come about and join forces exactly?

I initially met Apollo Brown around 2010 at a local beat battle event in Michigan that I was asked to be a judge at. I knew of his work prior to meeting him and was definitely looking forward to it. I gave him a copy of a project I had out that I pressed up at the time. He didn’t pay me much attention really, which is totally cool and understandable (laughs). Probably about a year later we met again at a going away party for a mutual friend of ours, where we chopped it up some more. Not too long after we fully connected and he asked me to do the “This Is Life” record. He was impressed, and shortly after this led into doing the whole Ugly Heroes project. It’s funny because I was not too familiar with Verbal Kent prior to this project forming, so we got to know each other on the spot more or less. It was all a part of Apollo Brown’s plan that worked out beautifully, and I’m grateful for it.

You’ve been running alongside Mello Music Group now for a little while, which is arguably one of the best, most authentic labels on the scene currently. Fans have built serious trust around them and for you to be apart of this is a blessing. Can you talk a little bit about your experience working alongside them?

Mello Music group is all about the art, which I respect the hell out of. It’s not about the dollar with them. The creativity and quality of the product is what matters here. That’s not to say the artists aren’t taken care of, because we are. But yeah man, it has been an amazing ride so far. I hope that my career starts and ends with Mello Music Group.

What should we be expecting with your new solo debut dropping April 7th? The few records you have released are all stellar and it gives fans a good idea of what to expect, but we want to hear more. Are you looking forward to the release?

It’s jazzy, man – kind of different. It’s still a general boom-bap sound and straight forward delivery. I had a lot of goals with this record, and the fact that it’s my first solo release under Mello is an important career accomplishment. I did my thing with Ugly Heroes, and I love all of that. But this is moving forward and allowing me to really put my own stamp on something which is important to me. It’s the most complete project I have ever worked on. I want this to be something that fans sit down with and run front to back, and there is an experience that happens with it. This is my best work to date for sure.

Since we are featuring the newer “Rap Game Cranky” video do you mind talking a little bit about this record? It’s almost depressing, in a beautiful sense of course. I think a lot of people can relate to this track, and setting, on so many levels.

The record is a little depressing, and like you said I hope in a good way (laughs). It was a time in my life when I was going through some stuff; a mild depression I was experiencing that hadn’t came along in a while. Some of the stuff I wrote while going through it, and some of it was written after the fact. I touch on alcoholism on the record, as well as on previous records, and I hope it helps in some fashion for people going through it. It was less about glorifying it, and more just reality from my perspective.

Don’t forget to get your pre-order by the time you close out this article. Also, Red Pill has a few live performances coming up: Majestic Café in Detriot, MI (3/27) and The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI (4/3). If you are in the area you probably shouldn’t miss him bless the stage. Hard copies of the new Lp will be available at The Loving Touch show. For more information on the locations and general concerns, hit up Red Pill’s Facebook page here. Lastly, Mello Music Group just released their latest compilation project ‘Persona’, with features from Red Pill, Apollo Brown, Oddisee, Ras Kass, Masta Ace, Quelle Chris, yU and more. It’s beyond loaded, so definitely check that out below right now. Peace and love, world.

The post Red Pill Discusses Upcoming Album, Working With Mello Music Group & Inspirations appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.