I Am ShaqSmith

Heinz Ward Arrested

2011-07-09T10:44:00.001-04:00

Hines Ward In DUI Bust

(NewsCore) - DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- NFL star and reigning "Dancing With the Stars" champion Hines Ward was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, TMZ reported.

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was taken into custody after being picked up in DeKalb County, Ga.

The site carried the mug shot of the 35-year-old two-time Super Bowl champion following his arrest. He was apparently released after posting $1,000 bond.

Ward attended the University of Georgia in his adopted home state before being drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Beyonce’s ‘4′ Tops Album Chart

2011-07-07T16:17:00.001-04:00

The good news for Beyonce: 4 has gone straight in at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, marking her fourth consecutive chart-topping solo LP. The bad news for Beyonce: with first week sales of 317,000, it’s the “Best Thing I Never Had” diva’s lowest opening number out of her four #1 albums. (Blame it on the fact that the record leaked online three weeks ahead of its actual release date.)

More After the Jump!

Despite how you look at it, 4 still managed to post better out-of-the-gate sales than such other high-profile 2011 releases as Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. (270,000) and Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale (276,000), and the album now has the third-highest debut of the year, behind Lady Gaga’s Born This Way (1.1 million) and Adele’s 21 (352,000). Billboard also notes that Bey is only the third act ever (after Britney and DMX) to see their first four albums debut at #1.

Looking ahead, next week we find out if Beyonce’s album can maintain some longevity now that “Best Thing I Never Had” is finally making headway in sales following her recent TV performances of the single.

The Top 10 of Billboard’s Top 200 chart:

1. Beyonce, 4 *new* *1 week*
2. Adele, 21
3. Big Sean, Finally Famous *new*
4. Selena Gomez & The Scene, When The Sun Goes Down *new*
5. Jill Scott, The Light Of The Sun
6. Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
7. David Cook, This Loud Morning *new*
8. Jackie Evancho, Dream With Me
9. Bad Meets Evil, Hell: The Sequel
10. Scotty McCreery, American Idol Season 10 Highlights *new*

Source: idolator

WAMO Returns to Pittsburgh Radio as 100.1 FM

2011-05-24T02:36:00.001-04:00

WAMO Returns to Pittsburgh Radio as 100.1 FM

Pittsburgh has been without a full-time urban radio format for two years, but that's about to change.

In the next few days, the sale will close on WPYT-AM (660), and the new owner will launch an urban contemporary format there early next month.

In December, San Francisco-based Radio Power Inc. announced that it would buy WPYT from Langer Broadcasting Group of Framingham, Mass., for $290,000.

"When you go into a market with a station, you look at who's doing what," Tim Martz said. "WAMO had a big audience. Nobody has filled the void. It's an attractive format."

Urban stations WAMO-FM and WAMO-AM were sold in May 2009. The new owners -- St. Joseph Missions -- changed the format to Catholic programming.

The new WPYT's reach will be extended by broadcasting on an FM translator, or booster signal, located at 100.1 on the FM dial. WPYT-AM is a daytime-only signal and signs off at sundown. The FM frequency will broadcast 24 hours a day.

WPYT is licensed to Wilkinsburg, and the studios are located in Forest Hills. The FM frequency is a 99-watt low power signal licensed to Pittsburgh.

The AM daytime signal is fairly strong, stretching into parts of Ohio and West Virginia. The FM should cover the entire metropolitan Pittsburgh area, except for areas farther south of the city, Mr. Martz said.

The stations are currently being tested. People who tune in the 100.1 FM frequency will hear WDUQ-FM programming until the new station launches.

Mr. Martz said construction was still ongoing at the new studio, and that technical issues and programming were still being tweaked. He said there would be more details on programming and staffing when the station officially launches. The target is early June.

The call letters will stay the same for now, Mr. Martz said.

Although Pittsburgh hasn't had a 24-hour-a-day urban station for a while, several outlets have helped to fill the gap.

Adult contemporary WLTJ-FM airs urban programming, hosted by former WAMO air personality Tracey Lee, six nights a week. 101TheBlaze.com, a local site run by former WAMO program director Ron Atkins, streams an R&B and hip-hop format. Gospel station WGBN-AM (1150) has added some talk programming devoted to minority issues, including the syndicated "Bev Smith Show," which used to air on WAMO.

"I think it's great" that urban music is returning to the local airwaves, said Donna Baxter, founder of The Soul Pitt, a website devoted to news and issues of interest to local African-Americans. She also hosts "The Soul Pitt Xtra Radio Show" on WGBN.

"Being able to sit in your car and listen to radio. You have artists who come to town who need airplay. It's going to help everybody.

"It's going to be like that big gulp of water after being thirsty for so long.

George Steinbrenner dies from heart attack

2010-07-13T10:31:00.001-04:00

George M. Steinbrenner, the principal owner of the New York Yankees since 1973, died Tuesday, reportedly after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80.

The Steinbrenner family confirmed his death in a statement issued by the Yankees.

"He was an incredible and charitable man," the family's statement read. "First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family -- his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.

"He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."

Steinbrenner's final legacy was completed in 2009, when the Yankees opened a new ballpark in the Bronx.

Steinbrenner is survived by his wife, Joan, and their children, Hal, Hank, Jennifer and Jessica.

Via: Yankees Website

ShaqSmith’s Take:

Sad day in sports. The Yankees have seen many recent tragic occurrences in the past few days. However, this shouldn’t stop them, should only make them stronger. Lets go out there and win a ring for George.

The Boss!

Who owns the Yankees now?

4 Minutes

2010-07-12T22:01:00.001-04:00

ACE YILMA presents in association with TRIFIK PRODUCTIONS “4 MINUTES” a short film by ACE YILMA starring RUFFIN PRENTISS III directed, written, and edited by ACE YILMA produced by TRIFIK PRODUCTIONS and ACE YILMA.

I have a minor role in the short film…LETS GO

RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2010

More Info: HERE

LeBron James chooses Miami Heat

2010-07-08T22:06:00.002-04:00

The most highly-anticipated and celebrated free agent decision in NBA history finally was resolved on Thursday, with LeBron James ending nearly two years of speculation by choosing to sign with the Miami Heat. Seated in a chair and flanked by dozens of children, James made his announcement in an interview with Jim Gray at a local Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Conn., during an hour-long primetime special on ESPN.

James, a native of Akron and Northern Ohio's favorite son, had spent his entire career in Cleveland, leading the franchise to its only NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and winning two NBA MVP awards.

James met with six teams in Cleveland the first three days of the free agent negotiating period -- New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami, the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland. Leading up the unprecedented telecast, rumors had been swirling about a possible union of the three biggest prizes on a heralded free agent class, with Chris Bosh joining former NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade with the Heat. He supported those beliefs by proclaiming that the Heat "is going to give me the best opportunity to win and to win now. I want to be able to win championships and I feel like I can compete now. I'm looking forward to it."

-Michael Lee of Washington Post

DWade and Chris Bosh Join Forces

2010-07-07T12:52:00.001-04:00

LETS GO!

Full Story: HERE

In Spirit of 4th of July….LMAO

2010-07-04T13:51:00.001-04:00

Nadal Wins Wimbledon

2010-07-04T11:57:00.001-04:00

Wimbledon Finals: Rafael Nadal def Tomas Berdych

WIMBLEDON, England -- Rafael Nadal has swept Tomas Berdych in straight sets to win his second Wimbledon title and eighth Grand Slam championship.

The top-ranked Spaniard beat the 12th-seeded Czech 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Sunday to reinforce his current status as the No. 1 player in the game.

Nadal broke four times and never lost serve in 15 service games.

It's the second time he has won the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back. He is now 5-0 in his last Grand Slam finals.

With eight Grand Slam titles, Nadal joins a list of greats that includes Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewall. He also has five French Open championships and one Australian Open title.

Serena Williams….Wimbledon Champion Again!

2010-07-03T15:42:00.001-04:00

Serena Williams powered her way to an easy, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Vera Zvonareva of Russia on Saturday to capture her fourth Wimbledon Women's Singles crown

Full Story: HERE

TOP 25 Free Agents (Via: NBA.com)

2010-06-30T22:54:00.001-04:00

Taking a look at the NBA's top 25 free agents

Posted Jun 6 2010 6:29PM

No waiting for the Fourth of July this year. The fireworks begin on July 1 when the most talented crop of free agents in history explodes over the landscape and could alter the face of the NBA for the next decade.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amar'e Stoudemire lead the talent parade that could wind up producing a super team with two or more stars choosing to blend their talents in pursuit of a championship(s).

There are also intriguing prospects for some veterans -- Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming -- who aren't expected to change teams, but nevertheless have options in their contracts that would allow them to test the open market and, at the very least, throw a potential scare in their current clubs.

Toss in players that range from 38-year-old Shaquille O'Neal to 23-year-old Rudy Gay and there are plenty of players that will cause GMs and coaches to play recruiters this summer and get fans excited with the possibilities of instant improvement.

What follows is a rundown of NBA.com's Top 25 free agents. A couple of notes:

A restricted free agent is one whose current team has the right of first refusal on any offer made. A player option means the player can end his contract one year early. Early termination means that a contract can be voided two or more years early. In both cases, a player is an unrestricted free agent, available to sign with the highest bidder.

All player ages listed are as of July 1, when the free agency period begins.

1: LeBron James

Pos: SF

Height: 6-8

Age: 25

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

Where will the rumors end? With the Russian billionaire who bought the Nets offering him half of Moscow if LeBron will play in New Jersey? With the Knicks offering to build a Manhattan skyscraper in his likeness? With Nike unveiling a new logo shoe at each stop of his "recruiting" tour? With him gathering up his own personal all-star team to conquer the basketball world? The two-time MVP is the best free agent ever to come onto the open market. His decision could change the NBA for the next decade.

2: Dwyane Wade

Pos: SG

Height: 6-4

Age: 28

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

After four seasons of wearing himself to the bone trying to get the Heat back to their 2006 championship level -- or even the second round of the playoffs -- Wade clearly needs help. He is still amazingly explosive and virtually unstoppable from getting to the basket or getting himself an open mid-range shot. Attacking, attacking, attacking all of the time. At the defensive end, he's a force blocking shots from the weak side and getting into the passing lanes for steals. Odds are that he'll stay in Miami if team president Pat Riley can deliver that long-promised help.

3: Dirk Nowitzki

Pos: PF

Height: 7-0

Age: 32

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

The fact that he'll probably exercise the option to end his contract early doesn't necessarily mean that Nowitzki is looking to bolt from Dallas after a first-round playoff loss. It's more likely that he's taking a page from the Big D icon book of Troy Aikman and restructuring a new deal that will allow the Mavericks to upgrade the roster of talent around him. He'll turn 32 before the free-agency period begins, but has shown no signs of slowing down. If a team like New York strikes out in its bid for LeBron and Wade, Dirk could be a most tempting fallback.

4: Chris Bosh

Pos: PF

Height: 6-10

Age: 26

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

The consensus says that Bosh is the most likely big-name free agent to change teams. Plenty of teams would like to hitch their wagon to the still young power forward. The Rockets have targeted him No. 1 to play alongside Yao Ming for quite some time. But Bosh's wish list of destinations for next season -- Raptors, Lakers, Knicks, Bulls, Heat -- did not include Houston. He's also seen as the player most likely to sign on as a sidekick to LeBron or Wade. That might make the most sense, considering that in seven seasons in Toronto, Bosh has been able to carry the Raptors to the playoffs just twice in the weaker East.

5: Joe Johnson

Pos: SG

Height: 6-8

Age: 29

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

After he turned down an offer for a reported four years and $60 million from Atlanta last season, the Hawks have ramped up their efforts to keep their star shooter. If Johnson gets away, the Hawks' climb up the ladder of Eastern Conference contenders is halted. The question is whether the big-time offensive gun thinks he can be patient and wait it out in Atlanta or if he should jump into the express lane and join LeBron or Wade as their wingman. He'll get plenty of attention from Chicago, New York and New Jersey, all of whom have plenty of money to burn.

6: Amar'e Stoudemire

Pos: PF

Height: 6-10

Age: 27

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

It really all comes down to whether Stoudemire is feeling loved enough in Phoenix. Even while the Suns were making their surprise run to the Western Conference finals, he insisted it was 50-50 that he'd be back. Seems that two years of being dangled out there on the trading block has ruffled his feathers and bruised his ego. There are reports that say the Suns have agreed to offer him a new max-level deal, but STAT wants to see how management will improve the team. If he leaves, he'll likely have decided joining LeBron or Wade is a surer path to a ring.

7: Carlos Boozer

Pos: PF

Height: 6-9

Age: 29

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

Very few around the league expected Boozer to still be with the Jazz past the trading deadline. Almost no one figured his season would be turmoil-free. But after so many angry words were exchanged last summer, that's exactly what happened and Boozer's stock went up again. Seems unlikely the Jazz will re-sign him and keep expensive Paul Millsap as a backup for another season. Boozer isn't known as much of a defender, but he can score and rebound and he'll get attention from the teams with cap space who end up empty in the LeBron-Wade derby. Rumors have had him headed to Miami, where he makes his off-season home, for quite some time.

8: Yao Ming

Pos: C

Age: 29

Height: 7-6

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

The Rockets -- and probably no one else -- are in no hurry to give Yao a new max-level contract until he gets back on the court and proves that he can stay there. Yao missed all of last season following reconstructive foot surgery. His minutes will be closely monitored and limited, especially for the start of next season. He has missed 173 games -- more than two full seasons -- over the past five years. Yao will likely not exercise his option to become a free agent and show that he can return to All-Star form. But as he approaches 30 before next season, he could try to strike it big before the next CBA takes effect. That would shake the Rockets' world to its core.

9: Rudy Gay

Pos: SF

Height: 6-9

Age: 23

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

This time a year ago there were plenty of folks in Memphis who were willing to hold the door open for Gay to walk right out. But after he and the Grizzlies tightened down on their loose parts and showed real signs of coming together under coach Lionel Hollins, now everyone is panicked that he might leave. Team owner Michael Heisley has said repeatedly and publicly that he will do whatever it takes to re-sign the talented wing man. Of course, a whopping offer sheet could make a sign-and-trade the way to go.

10: David Lee

Pos: PF

Height: 6-9

Age: 27

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

Lee tried to cash in for a big payday last summer, but a tumbling economy and the fact that the Knicks held a right of first refusal forced him to sign a one-year deal to become an unrestricted free agent this time around. Unless they can do some creative accounting gymnastics, the Knicks will have to let Lee go if they succeed in their bid to sign two big name free agents. A 20-11 big man with high energy, there are places -- Oklahoma City, Houston -- where he would be a welcome addition to the lineup.

11: Paul Pierce

Pos: SF

Height: 6-6

Age: 32

Status: Early termination; unrestricted free agent

Player page

Why would The Truth give up $21.5 million on the last year of his contract when there's no way he'd get that kind of salary for next year on the open market? Well, the truth is that he'd be trying to beat the ax that is supposed to fall with the new collective bargaining agreement that will take effect in 2011 (assuming no year-long lockout). Especially if the Celtics are able to figure out a way to beat the Lakers and especially if he has anything close to another Finals MVP showing. Maybe he can get one more four- or five-year deal, at say $12- to $14-million per, that would give him a big payday over the long haul. You've got to figure the Celtics move first to extend Pierce.

12: Josh Childress

Pos: SF

Height: 6-8

Age: 27

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

Childress has until July 15 to opt out of his contract with Olympiakos Pireus in Greece. All indications are that he's ready to come back home to the NBA after two seasons abroad. Atlanta still has right of first refusal on any NBA deal. A return to the Hawks would seem to make the most sense, adding another piece to the puzzle for a team trying to build a Finals contender. Childress is a long, aggressive wing defender with a nose for the ball and a knack for getting to the basket for his shot or to clean up the glass. If Atlanta doesn't want to pay the price, there are plenty who will.

13: Luis Scola

Pos: PF

Height: 6-9

Age: 30

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

The Rockets are trying to spread the word that you're only wasting your time submitting an offer sheet to Scola, because they'll match virtually anything that's tossed out, just as they did a few years ago with Carl Landry when Charlotte tried to pry him away. Considering that he's already 30 years old, this could be Scola's one time to hit a home run in terms of a contract. It stands to reason that one or more courters will test Houston's resolve when it comes to this tough, wily, smart, dependable veteran who has an assortment of nifty moves around the basket and can stick the mid-range jumper, too.

14: Tyrus Thomas

Pos: PF

Height: 6-9

Age: 23

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

How long does Thomas continue to get by with being the young guy who is still full of potential? After 3 ½ mostly exasperating seasons in Chicago, where he battled with coaches and feuded with teammates, is there a team willing to make a big play for big dollars for this long defender? You never want to write off a guy who is only 23, but Thomas is getting close already to that point in his career where he is either going to "get it" and become a key contributor or spend the next half dozen seasons being passed around like a bad check. You figure Larry Brown believes he can get through to Thomas, so the Jordan-owned Bobcats keep him.

15: Ray Allen

Pos: SG

Height: 6-5

Age: 34

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

They way they were peddling Allen ahead of the February trade deadline, it would seem unlikely the aging Celtics would be looking to re-sign a guy who'll turn 35 over the summer and seems to have lost something off his fastball. Then Boston went and made the run to the Finals and maybe that changes things. But probably not. Of course, Allen at not quite his peak is still better than a large majority of shooters in the league. It won't take long for one of the other elite teams to scoop him up as a weapon to bring off the bench if Boston starts planning for the future.

16: Shaquille O'Neal

Pos: C

Height: 7-1

Age: 38

Status: Unrestricted

Player page

Yes, he's 38 years old. No, he's no longer the dominating force who ruled the NBA for more than a decade. But if you're a team that needs someone to take up some space, chew up some minutes and get some rebounds, you could do a lot worse than the Diesel. And don't forget that he can still put some points on the board, though not consistently and not at his former pace. If you're sitting in Houston, Shaq might just be the answer as the backup to a mending Yao Ming and also a mentor who could impart a few tips about being mean. New York, New Jersey and Chicago are a few other spots where the original NBA Superman could be flexing his muscles next season.

17: John Salmons

Pos: SG

Height: 6-7

Age: 30

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

Salmons carved out a reputation over the past two seasons as a closer. He joined Chicago at the midway point of the '08-09 campaign and was an offensive force when the Bulls took Boston to the seven-game limit in the first round of the playoffs. This season he jumped aboard the Bucks' train at midseason and was a key in Milwaukee steaming down the tracks into the postseason. There's no question that he can put the ball in the hole and be a consistent offensive force. The Bucks would love for him to play out the last year on that contract. But if he decides to strike while the iron is hot -- and that's most likely -- Salmons can lock up a deal that will have him paid well for four or five more seasons.

18: Brendan Haywood

Pos: C

Height: 7-0

Age: 30

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

A lot of people thought he was a critical part of the deal that also brought Caron Butler to Dallas in exchange for Josh Howard. But as the season and the playoffs wound down, the 7-foot Haywood saw his playing time fall off. He's not going to fill up the basket, but he can rebound and block shots. And, oh yes, he's still a 7-footer and, as Frank Layden used to say, you can't teach height. He's not going to break anyone's bank, but his size will get a reasonable contract and playing time as a sub, probably with a playoff team.

19: Udonis Haslem

Pos: PF

Height: 6-8

Age: 30

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

Haslem has lived in the shadow of Dwyane Wade in Miami, but has carved out a nice reputation as a team player and a glue guy. His offensive output went down with the addition of Michael Beasley. But he didn't let it affect his defense or his willingness to go to the glass to get rebounds. He's Shane Battier without the pedigree, not the least bit reluctant to do whatever dirty work is asked, and he can put on those defensive clamps when needed. There are plenty of teams that would welcome his hustle, his professionalism and the always-under-control game that's hiding down there in the shadows.

20: J.J. Redick

Pos: SG

Height: 6-4

Age: 26

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

Redick is the poster boy for perseverance. He came into the league and seemed lost, because he's undersized as a defender and doesn't do much of anything as a shooting guard except fire up shots from long range. But he toiled long and hard to play just enough defense to get onto the floor for Stan Van Gundy in Orlando and his 40-percent shooting on 3-pointers makes him a nice weapon to have coming off a bench. The Magic will likely keep him in the fold. But if they hesitate and leave the door cracked open, somebody could sign him to an offer sheet that raises the price.

21: Ronnie Brewer

Pos: SG

Height: 6-7

Age: 25

Status: Restricted free agent

Player page

It's all about defense with Brewer, who was sent from Utah to Memphis in a cost-cutting move, promptly tore a hamstring and played only five games with the Grizzlies. With Memphis ready to fork over big money to hold onto free agent Rudy Gay, there's not going to be a lot of extra dollars to toss around. But if there's one area the Grizzlies have to improve, it's their defense. Brewer can definitely get after it on the perimeter. For a reasonable price, he makes a lot of sense to stay right where he is.

22: Raymond Felton

Pos: PG

Height: 6-1

Age: 26

Status: Unrestricted free agent

Player page

Larry Brown is tough on point guards. Felton has learned that the hard way, losing minutes and stature within the franchise over the past season. It looks like Felton and the Bobcats have reached a fork in the road, The former No. 5 overall pick is going to have to go elsewhere to get his payday and his respect. He's respectable on defense and can pass the ball. His offense is below average, so he needs to find a place where the job is just to set the table.

23: Josh Howard

Pos: SF

Height: 6-7

Age: 30

Status: Team option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

With all of the pieces they have to pick up in Washington, it would seem certain that one of them will not be the $11.8 million final year on Howard's contract. After wearing out his welcome in Dallas, he lasted all of four games before a torn left ACL ended his season. He is questionable for training camp, but supposed to be ready for the regular season. His stock has dropped precipitously, but there are sure to be a few teams who'll risk the mid-level or a little below to try tap into the old Howard who was such a wild card in the Mavs' lineup not so long ago.

24: Matt Barnes

Pos: SF

Height: 6-7

Age: 30

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

After a rocky start to his NBA career in Philly and New York, Barnes keeps bouncing around the league and proving himself valuable at every stop. While he might like to think of himself as a long-range shooter who can knock down the three in the clutch, his value to every coach has been his intensity and aggressiveness on defense. He gets up in your face to play fly-paper defense, rebounds beyond his stature and takes the floor every night with an attitude like somebody just kicked his puppy. Stan Van Gundy kept him in the starting lineup all season, which tells you his motor is always running hot. He's the kind of tough-guy role player that every playoff contender likes to have.

25: Richard Jefferson

Pos: SF

Height: 6-7

Age: 30

Status: Player option; unrestricted free agent

Player page

If Jefferson comes anywhere close to exercising his option and becoming a free agent, somebody ought to take him in to have his head examined. He'd be walking away from a guaranteed $15 million next season a year after he was a $14.2 million bust in San Antonio. It seemed like a good idea at the time when the Spurs got Jefferson to add punch to their offense. But they forgot that Jason Kidd and all those lob passes didn't come with him. Jefferson spent the year mostly lost in the San Antonio offense and rarely contributed on defense. Truth is, the Spurs would love to see him exercise the option, but aren't holding their breath.

Fran Blinebury has covered the NBA since 1977. You can e-mail him here and follow him on twitter.

Kanye West sued for 'copying' Stronger

2010-06-30T18:24:00.003-04:00

Kanye West is reportedly facing legal action after another rapper has claimed that West's manager stole the hit 'Stronger' from him.

Rapper Vincent Peters, known as Vince P, is said to be suing for copyright infringement after West's manager John Monopoly gave Peters's demo of 'Stronger' to West, claiming that the track sounds very similar to his initial concept.

Peters states that his song was sent to Monopoly seven months before 'Stronger' was released.

According to X17Online, court documents allege that West's version "copies significant and important parts of Peter's lyrics identically or almost identically".

The papers also claim that both tracks carry the lines "that which does not kill me makes me stronger" and "can't wait much longer". A reference to Kate Moss is further used in both songs.

Peters is seeking damages and the blocking of selling, distributing and having West perform the song.

Besides the fact that both songs reference Kate Moss, compare the lyrics below:

Vince P.'s “Stronger”:

What don’t kill me make me stronger.
The more I blow up the more you wrong-er.
You coped my CD you can feel my hunger.
The wait is over couldn’t wait no longer.

Kanye West's “Stronger”:

N-n-now th- that don’t kill me can only make me stronger
I need you to hurry up now cause I can’t wait much longer.
I know I got to be right now cause I can’t get much stronger.
Man I’ve been waiting all night now that’s how long I’ve been on you.

West has not yet responded to the allegations, but Vince P.'s lawyers are demanding a trial by jury. Don't worry, Yeezy.. if this doesn't kill you, it will only make you stronger!

ShaqSmith's Take:

First Drake and now Kanye...
SMH!

Wimbledon Update: Roger Federer is OUT?!?!

2010-06-30T17:35:00.003-04:00

Wimbledon Quarterfinals: Tomas Berdych def Roger Federer

Tomas Berdych (12)		6	3	6	6
Roger Federer (1)		4	6	1	4

WIMBLEDON, England — For the first time in eight years, Roger Federer won't be striding onto Centre Court for the Wimbledon final.

The six-time champion was upset in the quarterfinals by big-hitting Tomas Berdych on Wednesday, stopping his bid for a record-tying seventh title at the All England Club and extending his recent stretch of disappointing play.

The 12th-seeded Berdych used his big serve and forehand to beat Federer 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, on Centre Court for the biggest victory of the Czech's career.

Berdych will meet No. 3 Novak Djokovic for a spot in the final, with No. 2 Rafael Nadal facing No. 4 Andy Murray in the other semifinal.

It's the first time since 2002 that Federer has failed to reach the final. Since losing in the first round eight years ago, Federer had played in the championship match a record seven consecutive times. He won the title six times and finished runner-up once, bolstering his reputation as the greatest player of all-time.

Winner of a record 16 Grand Slam titles, Federer said he was unable to play his best tennis Wednesday because of pain in his back and right leg.

"I couldn't play the way I wanted to play," said Federer, who had been chasing the record of seven titles won by Pete Sampras and 19th-century player William Renshaw. "I am struggling with a little bit of a back and a leg issue. That just doesn't quite allow me to play the way I would like to play. It's frustrating, to say the least."

Berdych said he didn't notice anything wrong with Federer.

"I don't know if he is just looking for some excuses after the match or something like that," he said. "I think he was 100 percent ready."

Berdych ripped a clean forehand winner on his second match point to become the first Czech to reach the men's semifinals since Ivan Lendl in 1990.

"Not many other moments can compare to this one," Berdych said. "Standing on Centre Court here in Wimbledon, beating the six-time champion here. It couldn't be better. But there is still one match to feel better feelings than this one. I hope I can get to that."

Berdych will next face Djokovic, who swept past Yen-hsun Lu in straight sets to reach the semifinals for the second time. The third-seeded Djokovic never faced a break point as he beat the 82nd-ranked Taiwanese player 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in less than two hours on Court 1.

Nadal, who beat Federer in the 2008 final, lost the first five games of the match but rallied to defeat No. 6 Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-1. It was a rematch of this year's French Open final, which the Spaniard also won.

Nadal will play Murray, who defeated 10th-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2 to make the semis for the second straight year. Murray rallied after losing his first set and punctuated the victory with a vicious forehand winner on match point.

Murray is bidding to become the first British player to win the men's title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. The last British man to reach the final was Bunny Austin in 1938.

With the loss, Federer will drop to No. 3 in the ATP rankings next week for the first time since Nov. 10, 2003. Since winning the Australian Open in January, he has failed to win a tournament.

Federer said his leg and back have been bothering him since the grass-court tournament in Halle, Germany, the week before Wimbledon. He hadn't previously mentioned any injury problems.

"When you're hurting, it's just a combination of many things," Federer said. "You just don't feel as comfortable. You can't concentrate on each and every point because you do feel the pain sometimes. You tend to play differently than the way you want to play.

"Under the circumstances, I think I played a decent match," he added. "But I've been feeling bad for the last two, three matches now. If there's anything good about this, it's that I'm going to get some rest."

Federer was playing in his 25th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal. He had won 23 straight, but now has lost two in a row. Federer fell to Soderling at the French Open earlier this month.

Federer had won 76 of 77 grass-court matches dating to 2003 coming into this month, but has now lost two of the past six, including to Lleyton Hewitt in Halle.

Federer was clearly outplayed Wednesday by a man who has always possessed enormous talent but often failed to live up to expectations.

The 6-foot-5 (1.96 m) Berdych was on the offensive for most of the match, smacking first serves consistently in the 130s mph (above 210 kph), winding up to rip forehand winners and not buckling under pressure. He hit 51 winners, compared to 44 for Federer.

"He played well when he had to," Federer said. "It was brutal for me. Every time he had a chance, he took it. On the break points, he played great on those. ... When I did have chances, I played poorly. It was just a frustrating match the way it all went."

Berdych broke Federer four times, with the final break coming in the seventh game of the fourth set. Berdych served 12 aces, was broken just once and saved seven of eight break points.

Federer came in with an 8-2 career record against Berdych, having lost the first match at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the last in Miami this year.

"I don't think I played poorly," Federer said. "I think he went after it. I know Berdych. I think I've played him 10 times already before. That's the way he plays.

"I think he's been able to play more consistent last year or so, and I was just not able to defend well enough and I didn't come up with the good stuff when I had to. It was disappointing."

Lu stunned three-time finalist Andy Roddick in the fourth round, but couldn't replicate that performance against Djokovic, the 2008 Australian Open champion.

Djokovic lost just 12 points in 13 service games. He won 26 of his first 28 service points, including 15 in a row. The Serb had 29 winners and 17 unforced errors, and converted five of 15 break points.

"Nothing is easy these days, especially at this stage of the tournament," Djokovic said. "But the way I played, I deserved to win. I was hitting all the shots and I was really playing very solid from all parts of the court. I'm very, very happy with the performance today."

Djokovic reached the semifinals here in 2007 but had to retire against Nadal with a foot injury while trailing in the third set.

"This time physically I'm fitter," Djokovic said. "Those were very strange conditions and circumstances. I had to play three very long matches in three days and couldn't hold on in the semifinal. This time everything is in order and I'll give my best."