WWE Shacks Things Up! : The Draft Picks to both RAW & SMACKDOWN.

The 2011 WWE Draft took place Monday night & Tuesday afternoon, and 30 random wrestlers established brand new homes on different TV Shows. With many surprises and alot of changes that could definitely create alot good matches and storylines. Which fresh faces will dominate at their respective programs!? Below is who is went where...

Monday Night RAW gets: Alberto Del Rio, Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Chris Masters, JTG, Tyler Reks, & Curt Hawkins.

Friday Night SMACKDOWN get: Randy Orton, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, Sin Cara, Yoshi Tatsu, William Regal, Ted DiBiase, Alex Riley, Alicia Fox, Tyson Kidd, Natalya, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Tamina.

I don't know about yall but I can see alot of potentially great rivalries that can come out of these new draft picks and current stars on each show. Consider these - Sheamus Vs. Undertaker, Big Show Vs. John Cena, Miz Vs. Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston Vs. R-Truth, Ezekiel Jackson Vs. Mark Henry, etc-etc. If yall would like, please feel free to comment back and leave some of your own thoughts and some fresh feuds that can start from these changes.

Memphis Bleek & Beanie Sigel Both Open Up To Forbez DVD about the Beef Situation.

Well...from an old school RocaFella fan, this might get interesting...


On April 11th, Memphis Bleek was interviewed by Forbez DVD and covered many topics, but cleverly "tried" to clear the air about the Beanie Sigel beef. He keeps things civil, BUT all the little giggling and gassing up makes it less believable. Check it out for yourself:

@MemphisBleek Clears The Air About Past Rap Beef With Camron And Jim Jones Etc. (PT.2 Of 3)

THEN...On April 25tth, Beanie Sigel was shown the Memphis Bleek interview, and interviewed himself by Forbez DVD. Beans gives you his thoughts, his remarks to what Bleek said, and speaks on where the JayZ beef stems from, as well as the inherited past beefs with: Mobb Deep, Jadakiss, Styles P, & Nas. Check this out too:

Beanie Sigel Explains Where The Beef With Jay-Z And Memphis Bleek Stems From

Well, sounds like Bleek is a liar to Sigel. I personally only see Memphis Bleek as a glorified hype-man, and think he won't have any success without Jigga; but I do respect that he knows that he can't say anything bad about Beanie Sigel. It's also good that Beanie is free & in a good spot, but I wanna hear some new music. I think a new album would help him get his financial issues in order. Like usual...please lemme know your opinions.

WWE Trivia Showdown

Ok, so here's the debut WWE Trivia Showdown. The idea is simple - the first person to get ALL questions correct will win a copy of my Wrestlemania 27 DVD. Because these questions are difficult there is no deadline, but mind you that I'm getting 200-300 visits a day and competition should be tough - so work as quick as you can. To be eligible to win, you MUST EMAIL your 6 answers to my personal email address, drj18@bellsouth.net - Good luck, and may the best fan win!


1) We have just completed our 27th Wrestlemania a few weeks ago; which have always been known for championship matches - Can you name the ONLY Wrestlemania not to feature a WWE/WWF Championship challenge, and what year?

2) With Edge's recent retirement on 4/11/10, we witnessed the end of one of the WWE's most decorated champions, and a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. Counting ALL belts he's won in the WWE, how many TOTAL days of championship reigns has he had?

3) Where/When was the very 1st Cage Match ever in history? And between who?

4) What current WWE Superstar played a stunt extra in what 2003 horror film?

5) When was the last time the classic 'WWF' logo was used for WWE TV Programming?

6) Roddy Piper was one of the most spontaneous & dirtiest villians in WWE history, but he was dealt his fair-share of unfair losses as well. Since his debut in late 1983, how many years did it take for an opponent to earn a CLEAN pin-fall victory against him (and who)?


Now remember, this is 1st come, 1st serve...and the VERY FIRST person to get all correct answers in to me, will be crowned the winner, so work fast. And don't forget to EMAIL your answers into me personally.

Video of Lil Wayne Kissing Baby Video!! (2002, on BET's Rap City)

Ummmmm, ok. Well, I know there was a photo floating around the net for years of Baby & Wayne kissing - that the Wayne fans have always disputed as a fake. But ABOVE is actual video proof of them kissing live on TV. It was back in 2002, on BET's Rap City. Men don't get down like that, and I don't know what else to say. Do any of yall care to share your opinion about this!?!?! - If so, leave a comment.

Weekly Urban CD Sales (April 10th)

A couple independent releases made a bleep this week on the Billboard charts. We are reminded Jim Jones why he's a 'Capo', as Brotha Lynch Hung scores a Top 75 debut as well. Pharoahe Monch sadly leaves the Top 200, and Blueprint does not even make an appearance.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania emcee Wiz Khalifa's major label debut, 'Rolling Papers' sold another 60,000 units in its second week in stores. Coming in under Britney Spears, Radiohead, Hollywood Undead and chart-topper Adele this week, the album, which features Too Short and Curren$y, came in at #5.

Chris Brown continued to enjoy his 'F.A.M.E.' The Jive Records release pased the 400,000 benchmark. Diplomas rapper Jim Jones scored a Top 20 debut with his latest solo album, 'Capo'. The Harlem, New York mainstay returned to E1 Entertainment to release the album, after a brief major tenure with Columbia/Sony Records. Capo sold just over 20,000 first-week units with an album featuring Lloyd Banks, Raekwon, The Game, the newly-released Prodigy, Cam'Ron, & Chink Santana; as well production from: Drumma Boy, Wyclef Jean, AraabMUZIK, & Logic.

Falling eight spots to #21, Rihanna's Loud pushes well past platinum. Bruno Mars' debut approaches platinum, as Doo-Wops & Holligans slid a mere five slots in the new additions this week.


Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip-Hop/R&B)
#5 - Wiz Khalifa: "Rolling Papers"
= 59,000 units sold this week (257,000 sold total)
#6 - Chris Brown: "F.A.M.E."
= 51,000 units sold this week (413,000 sold total)
#20 - Jim Jones: "Capo"
= 21,100 units sold this week
#21 - Rihanna: "Loud"
= 21,000 units sold this week (1,160,000 sold total)
#24 - Bruno Mars: "Doo-Wops & Hooligans"
= 19,000 units sold this week (905,000 sold total)


Lupe Fiasco fell 11 spots to #27 with 'Lasers'. At over 300,000 units sold the Atlantic Records, this CD has been enjoying the release of the new "The Show Goes On". After landing a Top 10 debut, west coast icon Snoop Dogg fell 25 spots with his 11th solo album, 'Doggumentary'. The Long Beach emcee is hoping the 2nd single 'Platinum' featuring R. Kelly will help sales.

One of Snoop's inspirations, Sacramento, California emcee Brotha Lynch Hung scored a Top 75 debut of his latest album, 'CoathangaStrangla'. Lynch's 2nd album under Tech N9ne's indie label Strange Music, is conceptually based upon a serial killer, and follows up last year's acclaimed 'Dinner & A Movie'. The work features longtime Lynch affiliates Tech N9ne, G-Macc, & 1st Degree the D.E.

Gucci Mane's Warner Brothers-backed retail mixtape 'The Return of Mr. Zone 6' approaches 50,000 units sold. The work features Wale, Master P, & Waka Flocka Flame. Last week, Gucci Mane was again arrested, this time on parole violation for an outstanding warrant involving pushing a woman from a moving vehicle after a sexual proposition for money was allegedly denied.

Chef Raekwon fell 58 more spots to #133 with 'Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang' after a fall of 50 last week. The album was a concept in development since 2007, released on his own indie IceH20 imprint, and distributed through EMI.


Sales Stats [Other Charting Hip-Hop/R&B]
#27 - Lupe Fiasco: "Lasers"
= 17,000 units sold (320,000 sold total)
#35 - Snoop Dogg: "Doggumentary"
= 14,000 units sold (64,000 sold total)
#66 - Brotha Lynch Hung: "CoathangaStrangla"
= 7,300 units sold
#78 - Gucci Mane: "The Return of Mr. Zone 6"
= 6,200 units sold (41,000 sold total)
#191 - Raekwon: "Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang"
= 2,700 units sold (52,000 sold total)


Well, some more indies on deck next week - Will Minnesota-group Atmosphere land a Top 20 with 'The Family Sign'? Or will Canadian crew Swollen Members make a chart appearance with their 'Suburban Noize' support? Stay tuned!!!

2011 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF BRACKETS ARE SET!!!

Well, after last night's thrilling night of games, the Western conference playoff picture is now clear and seeding is set in stone. 8 teams are locked in and ready for post-season action. Below is how the West matches up:



Similarly to the bracket I made for the East, this again is open for discussion, debate, and yall are welcome to talk smack. I'll be back in a day or 2 and leave opinion as well. Let's get ready to rumble!

I Love the Growing Support...Contest Announcement! (coming this Friday)

Wow...today alot of yall showed love & visited my blog. Just today my page's traffic rose almost 900%. That's pretty impressive! To thank yall 4 coming & hopefully helping my continued growth, I'd like to announce a contest!




For all my WWE wrestling fans out there...I got my hands on an early promo DVD of Wrestlemania 27 (yes, the one that just past, lol). On this upcoming FRIDAY MORNING, I will be putting up WWE Trivia on this blog. They will be pretty difficult, and require research - but the 1st person to get all questions correct will win a FREE copy of my DVD. You won't have to wait until May 10th, when it is released in stores. Remember, check out this page Friday morning for your chance to win...I hope you're ready!!

2011 NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF BRACKETS ARE SET!!!!

With so many up & downs this season, and the West looking like it'll go down to the wire, at least the East Playoff picture is very clear. Last night marked the Eastern Conference locking in their 8 teams ready for post-season action. Below is how the teams match up:



Now I will leave my opinions to myself for now, and return back here to talk some junk. But please, the floor is now open for yall to dicuss these matchups, make your predictions, talk smack, and of course argue. Let's get ready to Rumble!

DOC J's BREAKDOWN OF CD DUPLICATION Vs. CD REPLICATION!!

(as written by Doc J, published 2/18/2010)

With modern technology the duplication (or burning) of a CD has become increasingly easy. Nearly every home computer comes equipped with a quality CD/DVD burner, there are thousands of softwares out that help you, and stand-alone CD duplication towers are more affordable as well. However, as an artist makes the push to become more professional in the music business, there are more standards that have to be met, requiring the use of a replicated (or pressed) CD. Understanding the differences in copying your CDs is not important in determining the quality & budget of your next project, but also important in how far you're able to push it.


HOW A BURNED CD IS MADE...



To duplicate, a blank compact disk is ordered in bulk and is used as a final phonograph plate that your data will be duplicated onto. As shown above, a CD-R is purchased pre-manufactured, and is constructed with a thin varnished label face on top, a thin layer of nickel-based dye, a center layer of reflective aluminum foiling over the dye, and a clear polycarbonate plastic plate on the bottom. CD burners use a high-powered laser that heats up to etch (or 'burn') a microscopic track of translucent and opaque grooves rotationally into the underside. This laser is accurate enough to pass through the bottom plastic plate leaving it untouched, and etch your data's 'pattern' into the aluminum foil sandwiched in the center. As long as the bottom plastic plating is clean/unscratched, most CD players can then use a lower-powered reading laser to magnetically interpret this pattern and digitally translate it into music. The burning pattern that is duplicated is only compressed numerical data, meaning it can be created straight from computer files, so you don't even have the need of using the finalized 'sound' of a mastered disk. While sounding complex, this is actually the same process that your home computer's burner does everytime you burn a disk. The only difference is a duplication company uses larger, multi-drive towers allowing them to burn many disks at once, from one central computer hub.


HOW A PRESSED CD IS MADE...



CD replication (or pressing), on the other hand, does not use pre-purchased blank CD media, and is created solely during the manufacturing process. When submitting a project to be replicated, the first thing the plant does is bit-test your master disk to make sure there is no data corruption, buffer errors, and surface defects. Warning: your master may very well play fine in your car or stereo, and still fail this test. After a master disk is accepted, a glass mold copy of your data is manufactured, and this is used to develop a 'stamper' mold. This stamper, in turn, is loaded into an injection molding press machine. With each turn, new molten glass is poured into the machine's cast, and this stamper mold is 'pressed' into it, replicating the same exact clone of the original master disk each time. Once dried, a layer of thin aluminum foiling is applied underneath it, shaping to the glass mold's pattern perfectly. Lastly, a varnished label is added on top for a printing surface, and a clear polycarbonate plastic plate is added on bottom for protection, as diagramed above.


ADVANTAGES OF DUPLICATION...

> Since only data is needed to 'burn' copies, often times, you do not even have to submit a master disk.
> Most software now allows burn-list editing, so you can change song orders or tracklists all together, at the last moment before burning your CD.
> A glass mold & stamper don't need to be made, so turn-around time is faster (2-3 days vs. 8-10 days)
> From the use of thermal printers, digital text printing can be done on duplicated CDs with no prepress charge to you.
> In terms of small orders (lower than 500 cds), duplication/burning is a lot cheaper than replication.
> Since duplication can be done on smaller/cheaper equipment, a majority of local shops are out-of-home businesses now, and you can request to pick up your order to save on shipping fees.


ADVANTAGES OF REPLICATION...

> Pressed CDs do not use pre-purchased media, so there's no shipping harm or defects prior to copying.
> Because replicated CDs are manufactured, you can select a multi-level storage setup (2-sided disks) if needed.
> Replicated CDs are slightly thicker, giving you the option of silk-screening your full-color artwork on the upper face.
> Since it does not contain the same light-sensative dye, a replicated CD is more resistant to UV/sunlight damage.
> The glass mold contained in pressed CDs have a digital read-speed of only 24x or lower, which can be read more efficiently, when compared to a burned CD copied at speeds of 48x or higher, that sometimes cannot be read flawlessly by all CD devices.
> Because most of the replication cost is in setup, much larger bulk orders (10,000 units or more) of pressed CDs actually cost less than the same amount of duplicated CDs.
> As a result of high-volume capacity, replication plants can auto-assemble your CD into jewel cases with art inserts, prior to shipping out to you, saving you the assembly work and time.
> Comparing the aluminum shaped over a glass mold, to just aluminum over dye that can eventually dry out through time, a replicated CD shows less deterioration of readability speed than duplicated CDs, after years of undisturbed storage.


MY HONEST ADVICE...
As with everything else in life, there's a time and place where both methods of CD manufacturing are useful. Scientifically, both give the same exact storage space, and it has been proven that there isn't much difference in sound quality, so I support both. If you are promoting/selling an indepedent CD locally, I see no problem in using duplicated CDs. Likewise, with crowd-thrown disks at shows and event giveaways, your main objective strictly is just to get heard - so duplicated CDs would work. Where I think the difference lies, is in at which level of music business you are trying to aim for. Many labels and radio stations today DEMAND pressed CDs, and often use older PA systems that cannot play burned CDs efficiently. This is an old industry practice of 'weeding' out the lesser professional artists, and those that don't want to listen to directions. If your aim is to gain radio airplay or earn a record deal - this is where I suggest you spend the money and order replicated CDs. If you are in the beginning stages of breaking out regionally and starting promotion outside of your local area, you really have no idea who or what company can get their hands on your music. To be safe, I'd often suggest using pressed CDs more once you have reached this amount of exposure. There aren't alot of opportunities given in this industry, and I don't think you want to miss out on one because your CD simply cannot play for someone.


Good luck & God Bless!

BREAKING NEWS: WWE SUPERSTAR EDGE FORCED TO ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT LIVE ON RAW!!!

Less than a week after his successful title defense against Alberto Del Rio at Wrestlemania 27, World Heavyweight Champion Edge (Adam Copeland) made the surprise announcement on Monday Night Raw that he’s forced to retire from in-ring action due to chronic injury. This shocking and unexpected news brings to end a storied WWE career spanning 13 years, and consisting of 31 different title reigns.

For over a week The Rated-R Superstar had been suffering numbness and uncontrollable trembling in his arms and hands, medically known as the result of nueropraxia. A decisive MRI administrated in Atlanta last Monday, and after careful examination, it was determined that Edge would be never be cleared to compete again, and thus, is forced to retire immediately.

In 2003, Edge underwent a two-level spinal fusion of the discs between his C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae. After being cleared to compete, he returned to ring work, resulting in strenuous use of the spine and a narrowing of the spinal column, both above and below the fused discs. This narrowing resulted in less and less of the vital fluid needed to protect the spinal cord and nerves. Medical professionals fear continued in-ring action in the WWE could result in compete paralysis or even death, and have stated they will not clear him for physical ring activity ever again.

I have little doubt in my mind though that this isn't the last we'll see of Edge in the WWE. While he may not be able to compete in ring action, he'll more than likely take a host, general manager, and/or commentator role in the future.

Weekly Urban CD Sales (April 6th)

"It's Pittsburgh Pimpin!" as Wiz Khalifa meets massive expectations and his little buddy Mac Miller sells over 10,000 digital EP units. Snoop scores another Top 10, and E-40 dips in with three new chart spots.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania emcee Wiz Khalifa's major label debut on Atlantic/Rostrum Records, 'Rolling Papers' sold approximately 198,000 first-week units as projected. Wiz's CD entered the charts at #2 and features include: Too Short & Curren$y, and production from the likes of StarGate, Bei Maejor, Benny Blanco, & Jim Jonsin.

Chris Brown continued to enjoy his 'F.A.M.E.' The Jive Records release passed the 350,000 benchmark, on an album that features Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Tyga, & Justin Beiber. Some of producers he worked with were: Tha Bizness, Timbaland, The Underdogs, DJ Frank E, & Free School.

West coast icon Snoop Dogg scored a Top 10 debut with his 11th official solo album, 'Doggumentary'. The California emcee included production from Kanye West, Scott Storch, Lex Luger, Mr. Porter, Battlecat, Jake One, DJ Khalil, Scoop DeVille, & The Cataracs - on an album that features: Kanye West, John Legend, R. Kelly, Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, Young Jeezy, The Gorillaz, Devin The Dude, Too Short, E-40, Daz Dillinger, Goldie Loc, & Kokane.

Elsewhere - climbing three spots to #13, Rihanna's 'Loud' already platinum selling CD sold another 24,000 units. Lupe Fiasco fell six spots to #16. The Chicago emcee may have had his share of disagreements with Atlantic Records over the content/direction of his 3rd album, 'Lasers', however it pushes past 300,000 units, the 1st 2011 Rap album to do so. Lupe's album features labelmate Trey Songz, John Legend, Skylar Grey, & longtime 1st & 15th singer Sarah Green.

Top Seller Stats [Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B]
#2 - Wiz Khalifa: 'Rolling Papers'
= 198,000 units sold this week
#4 - Chris Brown: 'F.A.M.E.'
= 91,000 units sold this week (362,000 total sold)
#8 - Snoop Dogg: 'Doggumentary'
= 51,000 units sold this week
#14 - Rihanna: 'Loud'
= 24,000 units sold this week (1,139,000 total sold)
#16 - Lupe Fiasco: 'Lasers'
= 23,000 units sold this week (303,000 total sold)

Vallejo, California emcee E-40 took multiple spots on the charts. For the 2nd straight year, E-40 has released 2 albums on the same day - complete with a combo pack as well, all of which charted. 'Revenue Retrievin': Graveyard Shift' which features Bun B, T-Pain, Slim Thug, Tech N9ne, Click band-mate B-Legit, & 40's son Droop-E sold slightly better than it's counterpart - 'Revenue Retrievin': Overtime Shift' which features Devin The Dude, the entire Click, & Dr. Cornel West.

Another Rostrum Records artist, Pittsburgh emcee impressed the charts with a #54 debut. Mac Miller's 'On And On And Beyond EP' was a digital-only release with little marketing, but the indie projet cleared 10,000 first-week units.

Wu-Tang rep Raekwon fell 50 spots to #133 with his 5th album 'Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang'. Released on his own IceH20 imprint, and distributed through EMI, the album features: Nas, Method Man, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones, Black Thought, & Lloyd Banks. Production is handled by Alchemist, Scram Jones, Mathematics, DJ Khalil, Evidence, Oh No, and legendary House deejay Kenny Dope.

Queens, NY lyricist Pharoahe Monch's 1st album since 2007, 'W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)' fell 95 spots to #149. This is Monch's 1st album under the legendary Duck Down Records imprint, and features production from longtime collaborator Diamond D, D12's Mr. Porter, M-Phazes, Marco Polo, & Exile. The indie release sold another 4,000 units.

Sales Stats [Other Charting Hip Hop/R&B]
#40 - E-40: 'Revenue Retrievin': Graveyard Shift'
= 14,000 units sold this week
#42 - E-40: 'Revenue Retrievin': Overtime Shift'
= 13,000 units sold this week
#54 - Mac Miller: 'On And On And Beyond EP'
= 11,000 units sold this week
#133 - Raekwon: 'Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang'
= 4,600 units sold this week (51,000 total sold)
#149 - Pharoahe Monch: 'W.A.R. [We Are Renegades]'
= 4,000 units sold this week (14,000 total sold)

MY INTRODUCTION...

So who is Doc J? And why the hell do I have a blog??

Well in the last 11 years: I've had poems published in 2 books; written articles for (4) publications; worked at (2) college radio stations; graduated college; hosted a middle school-age club Lyricist Lounge; amassed over 850+ stage-hours of DJ experience; gained production placement with (2) commerical recording artists; and released (6) regionally-successful mixtapes.

Regrettably, on the other end of the spectrum: I wear glasses; have worn braces; was diagnosed with flat-feet; broke my left collarbone (4) times; had to retake Calc 3 (5) times to pass it; hate eatting chocolate; been in love with a psycho girl; lived through a major car accident; successfully beat a lawsuit; watched my parents go through bankruptcy; handled by younger brother being shot on (2) different occasions; dealt with my father's suicide; counseled my girlfriend through her father's death; witnessed my best friend sent away to prison; was laid-off from a job; can occasionally drink excessively too much...and many more personal issues that I'll probably share on accident later.

All that said - one fact I'm proud of is that I've had to work very hard at every stage of my life...so I like to think that I can relate to nearly everyone's struggle/situation. You'll learn quickly that I like to laugh and joke alot - I've grown up quickly, so I'm at the stage in my life where I aim for as much fun & peace as I can find. Look for that to transfer over into this blog too. I already know some of you will disagree with, oppose, and may straight up hate my views, but I don't care - As long as we respect each other, you might learn something & I might too. Here's to sharing new experiences & stories! Now that you know a little about me: fasten your seatbelts - because it's going to be a bumpy ride.