“Kush & Corinthians” (His Pain) – My Interpretation (My Pain)

This is article was written by my brother Tony Hanes and is part of our decoded series.  Check him at enterdadome.com 

“To the meaning of life..
What's my purpose? Maybe this Earth is..
Ain't a good place to be..
How far is heaven? Let's see..
Is it in the clouds like they said it would be?” - KDOT

Over 30 years ago, kids in the inner city were told that Hip hop was a “FAD” and had no longevity. Well, I believe we can all agree those critics were wrong and their kids are currently enjoying the culture “WE” created. Rap Music is the most diverse and complex music ever recorded. Music is the ultimate expression of life and the world would be incomplete without it. I truly believe this with all my heart. At any rate, art imitates life and vice versa. I call Rappers Street Poets and vivid Poems can provide listeners with a trip into the heart, minds and souls of the artists. Black People (African Americans etc…whatever) are spiritual people. Let me say this again. Black People are spiritual people. Our spirituality predates Religion.

 

“I wonder when I die..
Will he give me receipts?
I wonder will the eyes of the lord look at me?
Look at me, look at me, I'm a loser, I'm a winner
I'm good, I'm bad, I'm a Christian, I'm a sinner
I'm humble, I'm loud, I'm righteous, I'm a killer
What I'm doing, I'm saying that I'm human” - KDOT

 

Don’t get me wrong, Religion has its place within Black America and during our trials and tribulations in America, our faith in God or a higher power sustained families and communities. With that being said, our pain put pressure on a lot of Street Poets which caused inner conflict with our spirituality, faith and at times the God and Devil within us battle for supremacy. In 2011, Kendrick Lamar recorded the song “Kush and Corinthians” for his debut album Section 80. If you made it this far in the Article, you’ve read some of the lyrics already. I fell in love with Hip Hop all over again upon its release. Kendrick displayed a bundle of emotions that few MC’s dare to share. I remember hearing the first verse of the song and thinking where was he going with it.

 

“Ride to it, ride to it
Cause you never know
When a bullet might hit
And you die to it, die to it
Die to it, die to it
Live your life, live it right
Be different, do different things
Don't do it like
He did, cause he ain't what you is
But we can win, wait
Let's be straight, to the point” – KDOT

 

There is a lot of pressure being a BLACK CHILD in America. This is especially difficult when you’re raised in harsh environments. Harsh environments can come in the form of poverty (Projects, Poor Black Communities, Gang Culture & Drug Culture). It’s not a secret that poverty and violence go hand and hand. This is true for all communities but I will stick with Kendrick’s community in Compton and the Black Community. As you read the lyrics above, you notice a person who has self-awareness. He has an understanding of right and wrong but influence holds weight as you will see below.

 

“It go 1, 2, 3
Two in the front
One in the back seat
Seat, seat, seat
Looking for a victim of an AK-47
100 round each, each, each
But why must we retaliate?
Is it human nature?
I don't know
I look for the answers later
Make a right, there they go!” – KDOT

 

The pressure to be part of something is huge in our community. There are broken families so your friends and the neighborhood become family. My interpretation of Kendrick words is a description of our own CIVIL WAR in the Black Community. Again, I’m talking about the poverty-stricken communities as we are well aware of Middle Class and Affluent Black Communities. At any rate, the cycle of violence is displayed in the lyrics and the individual once again is in conflict with himself. As me move forward, contemplation begins…

 

“As I open this book and then burn up some of this reefer
My plan is to figure out the world and escape all my demons
I'm dying inside, I wonder if Zion inside the heavens
A condom, a rollie, pain, a fat blunt and a mack 11
That's all I see in my life and they tell me to make it right
But I"m right on the edge of Everest and I might jump tonight
Have you ever had known a saint that was taking sinner's advice?
Well it's probably you, am I right? If I'm wrong, you a fucking lie
When I lie on back and look at the ceiling, it's so appealing to pray
I wonder if I'm just a villain, dealing my morals away
Some people look at my face then tell me don't worry about it
I give em back they deposit, no money, just total silence
I'm running, they say I'm wildin' a youngin' with lack of guidance
That's hundreds of us with problems: more money, more drugs and violence
Look at the soul of an out-of-control artist
That's dealing with life the hardest” – KDOT

 

As I started in my initial paragraph, Black People are spiritual people. The “Book” Kendrick is referring to is the Bible and it appears that he (the character in the song) is reading it under the influence of marijuana, trying to figure out the complications of life. In the New Testament, Paul wrote letters to the Church, but I digress. Even as I share my interpretation of “Kush and Corinthians”, I’m forced to think about my own childhood. By the time I was a senior in High School, I had been to several funerals of friends who died to Gun Violence. As a freshman at UNCG, I went to two more funerals back home. As I sat in several congregations, you heard the crying and prayers. Spirituality sustained our sanity but our pain was tremendous. The lyrics on this song took me to the Block, Church, my knees and the refrigerator to grab a beer and contemplate my very existence. When I think about kids who live out these lyrics, my heart is in PAIN. With this pain I pray for healing. Kendrick Lamar is a deep thinker. Kendrick Lamar is one of the few MC’s that can hold my attention from the new generation. Kendrick Lamar’s vivid imagery, storytelling and passion can rival some of the greatest MC’s of all time. Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest MC’s of all time.

 

PEACE – Tony Hanes, Da Dome

 

 

Photo: Genius

Lyrics: Kendrick Duckworth

Decoded: Young G's

Jay-Z and Biggie appeared on three tracks together.  Each time they did so, they pushed each other – whether either would admit it.  In Puff Daddy’s 1997 release of his album, No Way Out, the stage was set for a battle.  At that time, the order of the verses seemed to be correct from worst to best (Puffy, Jay-Z and Biggie).  I have outlined some highlights below, but I want to know your thoughts. 

 

Jay-Z’s verse

Jay-Z was sharp on this track, but he had to be with BIG coming right behind him.  There are far too dope bars to state just one, but I love “Won’t be known until I’m gone and niggas study my bones.”  If we unpack this bar for a moment, it is clear Jay-Z felt underappreciated and maybe even disrespected (Remember: This was 1997).  This is a spin on the old adage that you do not get the roses while you can still smell them.  It is funny when you look at this bar now considering just how much Jay-Z has accomplished to date.  My favorite line from this verse is “they got cats likening me to the mob John Gotti, rap dudes biting me cause I got it locked like the late Bob Marley, pardon me ya’ll, the great Bob Marley.  Again, Jay-Z was laying claim to being the best and having the game on lock.  This is no small statement considering that many people believe Bob Marley is a God.  To have the confidence to rap these lyrics in 1997, when he was not the Jay-Z we all know today speaks to his supreme belief in what he could become.  Jay-Z believed he would be great and there are many examples of his beliefs sprinkled in his lyrics. 


Jay also rapped “And I told my nigga BIG I’d be multi before I did and it’s gon happen, whether rapping or clapping, have it your way.”  Yet another bar about what he was destined to do as an artist even when the numbers did not support his claim.  And when you think about the platinum plaques he racked up after this bar was released, it is easy to see why many consider him to be the GOAT. 

 

BIG’s Verse

If the overall theme of Jay-Z’s verse is confidence and laying claim to hip hop supremacy, BIG’s verse is a crash course in dominating the drug game in the 1990s.  If you love BIG, you know this verse was not the last time BIG gave you a blueprint for surviving the dope game (Think 10  Crack Commandments).  Right out the gate, BIG rapped “Damn it feel good to see people up on it; flipped two keys in two weeks and did not flaunt it.”  This verse reminds me of the scene in American Gangster where Frank Lucas wore the mink coat to the boxing match.  This purchase was the beginning of the end of his anonymity (and his career as a drug kingpin).  BIG rapped about doing the opposite – that is, to keep a low profile.  You know, kind of like Stringer Bell from the Wire?  As my dad told me as a child: “The loudest person in the room is usually the weakest.”  Let that sink in.   


Big rapped “Quickly niggas wanna hit me if they get me, dress my body in linen by Armani, check it . . .”  BIG described the paranoia that comes from being knee deep in the drug game.  But, in true drug kingpin mentality, BIG was saying even if his enemies get him, dress him in some fly shit at his funeral.  “Got lawyers watching lawyers so I won’t go broke, now check it . . .” In this line, BIG provided free game on two critical facets of the game: (1) protect your money at all costs; and (2) trust nobody.  Greed and betrayal are the kryptonite for drug dealers and usually end a successful run in the game.  BIG warned you. This verse reminds me of Carlitos Way when Carlito hired the lawyer to help him clean his money, but quickly learned that the lawyer was corrupt and could not be trusted.  No drug dealer song would be complete without mentioning women and the many roles they play in the game.  BIG rapped “Got my shorty flying in with keys taped to her thighs.”  BIG bragged about how much he had the game on lock and how his lady was a big part of the game.  The last bar I’ll highlight is “Them country niggas call me Frank White.” BIG hustled in the south and was locked up in a prison in Raleigh, NC briefly.  And, Frank White was the main character from the movie King of New York, which is about a big time drug dealer.  BIG gave us some similarities between the dope game and the rap game.

 

To choose a winner is tough.  But, I think BIG probably best Jay-Z on this song.    

Nas - The GOAT

Music that is truly classic stands the test of time. As a child, my dad listened to James Brown; The Temptations; and many others.  Although I was not born when these artists were at their respective peaks, I loved their music from the moment I first heard it.  Just like Illmatic, this music is timeless.  I have visited many cities across the country and have frequented bars, clubs, music halls, hole-in the walls, etc.  Anytime I have heard Illmatic, the crowd response is always the same – the hip hop “head nod.”   

 

“I was Scarface, Jay was Manolo.  It hurt me when I had to kill him and his whole squad for dolo . . .”

 

From the beginning of civilized society, our society has loved battles.  There is something inside of us that loves the spirit of competition.  People seem to dislike, or even discount the importance of a battle when held between adversaries on uneven footing. For example, Floyd Mayweather – a man who is one of the greatest boxers ever – is criticized for never having a worthy adversary.  This is not his fault, but it has cast a shadow over some of his accomplishments.  In the same way Ray Leonard needed Hagler, Jay-Z and Nas needed each other.  They needed A one-on-one battle to the death.  Even before they eventually clashed, I found it odd that Nas and Jay-Z had not recorded a record together.  They were widely considered the best in the NY city, yet no collaborations.  So when they started hurling subliminal shots at each other, I was not nearly as surprised as other folks. 

 

By the summer of 2001, the gloves were off and the unofficial war filled with subliminal jabs had given way to all-out war.   Jay-Z performed “Takeover” during Summer Jam 2001.  This was a heavy duty shot that landed on Nas’ chin.  But what ensued later was the greatest collection of counter punches recorded in the history of hip hop.  The crowned jewel of the responses is Ether – the greatest diss song of all time.  When I first heard this song, I was sitting on the stoop with a few of my friends in front of North Spencer Dorm (one time for my UNCG folks!).  Some random guy pulled up to the stoop.  Think, how Ilena’s cousin from Menace to Society crept out of his house to address Caine.  He asked us if we had heard Nas’ new track (mind you, this dude was a complete stranger, but that underscores how big this release was to the culture).  We must have listened to the track five times in a row.  Through a series of diss records, and responses, Nas dropped “the Last Real Nigga Alive,” and with that song, he put the nail in Jay-Z’s coffin.  He had won the biggest battle in hip hop history; and he was the clear King of NY; and he had released another classic album, which is arguably his second-best album ever. 

 

"Queensbridge leader, no equal I come from the wheel of Ezekial to pop thousand-dollar bottles of scotch, smoke pot and heal the people.”

 

Since his debut in 1994, Nas has dropped 12 solo albums.  In 2012, at the age of 39, Nas dropped another classic album (Life is Good) – nearly 20 years after Illmatic.  Make no mistake: hip hop is a young man’s sport much like the NBA and NFL.  So, it is significant that Nas dropped a classic at damn near 40 years of age.  It is the equivalent of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant winning an MVP trophy at the same age.  It is basically unheard of, and I feel confident saying Life is Good is the best hip hop album released by a person over the age of 35. This album received critical acclaim from just about anyone with a pulse.  It was felt by the 20-somethings as well as 70’s babies, which is no small feat. 

 

To conclude: Nas has the best hip hop album in the history of hip hop; he has influenced peers and foes and the younger generation alike; his catalog of work speaks for itself; and, in terms of longevity, he just released a new album in late 2018 – nearly 25 years after his debut.  For all of these reasons, Nas is the GOAT. 

 

 

- Peace

The Movie Characters You Hate

 

Growing up as an only child, I watched many movies.  As an adult, I have watched many of these same movies time and time again.  This helps explain why I find myself quoting a line from a movie in response to a comment.  For some odd reason, I started thinking about movie characters I hated (or hate for the ones I still cannot stand).   If you have watched enough movies, you can identify at least one character you detest – even though you know he or she is a character from a movie.  For instance, the character “Mister” from the Color Purple comes to mind.  People still hate Danny Glover “TO THIS DAY.”

Bishop

If you have been hiding under a rock, Tupac played Bishop in the 1992 classic movie: Juice.  Bishop did not start off as a villain.  Bishop was a sympathetic character.  You felt kind of bad for him because he could not even walk down the street in his neighborhood without being assaulted by Radamez and his crew.  He had a strained relationship with his father who was a little weird to say the least.  However, once he had the chance to hold a gun, he went on one hell of a “f**kboy spree.  He killed old man Quilas.  We all know Quilas did not make a move.  He murdered Raheem, dog.  That was bad, but what he did next was even worse.  This guy stood in Raheem’s mother’s living room during the wake and consoled her as if he were not the killer.  He tried to kill his only friend, Steele.  Next, he framed Q for what he thought was Steele’s murder (Steele survived and told everything he knew to the cops).  In the end, he tried to kill Q, but Q was the only person strong enough to stop him.  Many people say this role changed Tupac as a person and led him down a destructive path. 

Cutty

Clifton Powell is like the uncle that is always around.  He played Cutty in Dead Presidents.  If you think about it, Clifton Powell has made appearances in many classic movies over the years.  He was the older brother of Sherayne in House Party.  He was Chauncey in Menace to Society.  He was Pinky in Friday.  I respect him as an actor, but when I tell you I hate the character he played in Dead Presidents.  Cutty was an older hustler, and when Larenz Tate’s character (Anthony) was deployed to the Vietnam War, Cutty “took care” of Anthony’s girlfriend and young daughter.  However, when Anthony returned from the war, Cutty made it clear that he was still interested in Anthony’s girl.  He continually offered her money and even offered to give money to Anthony when he was in between jobs.  In one scene, after hitting Anthony in the face with a pistol, he said one of the coldest lines ever: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, MF.”  Cutty was a coldhearted MF.

Rico

I did not have high expectations for Camron in Paid in Full.  I knew him as a rapper, but never as an actor.  I must admit he really did a great job in his portrayal of Rico.  Unlike Bishop, Rico was never a sympathetic character.  I suspected that he was a snake from his first interaction with Mitch in jail.  You could tell he was not a team player; he was all about himself. When Ace was seriously injured, Rico wanted Ace to introduce him to his drug connect.  Ace would not acquiesce, which infuriated Rico.  When Mitch’s brother was kidnapped, Ace provided Mitch with the name of the drug connect.  He likely did so for two reasons: (1) Mitch was Ace’s true friend, and (2) Mitch needed the connection so he could sell the drugs to get the ransom money for his brother.  When Rico learned that Mitch had 14 bricks of cocaine, he killed him in cold blood.  Although Rico is just a character from a movie, he epitomizes people in life who might be in your corner, but are not on your team (shout out to Fab).

 

Peace

Society's Failure to Communicate: A Serious Problem

Growing up, my mother emphasized being able to communicate.  She encouraged me to speak during class, and to take great pride in my ability to write.  If you review the annals of history, you will find some of the most impactful figures were great communicators.  That is not a coincidence.  Nowadays, however, it seems that we, as a society, have lost the reverence for effective communication skills.  People seem to be in too much of a hurry to effectively communicate. This failure to communicate, or lack of ability to do so, has been manifested in many ways. 

I do not know if it is just me, but it seems that more and more people are socially awkward.  I am talking about standing by the punch bowl all night during a party socially awkward.  People truly have moved away from holding meaningful conversations.   I have also noticed that people do not take the time to effectively communicate in written form, either.  When I was coming of age, short-hand communication was used sparingly.  Nowadays, it feels that “lol,” and other short-hand abbreviations have truly become the norm.  How can we get back to the basics?

This past weekend, as I sat at a pool, I looked around and noticed people sitting in groups, but not engaging with each other at all.  I even noticed couples who were not engaging with each other.  Instead, they were too busy scrolling their Facebook, or Instagram timelines, or taking selfies.  How did we get here?  Is this inability to communicate contributing to failed relationships?

Growing up, you had to engage in conversations with people because social media did not exist.  If you gathered the nerve to approach a young lady, you had to think about: (1) what you would say to her, and (2) how you would eventually get around to asking for her telephone, or beeper number.  Not only did you have that stress, but you also had to consider what you would say to her on the telephone if and when you received her number.  This was stressful, but we did it.  The kids these days will never know the stress we dealt with!  Now, they can send a text message, or a direct message on Instagram.  These applications—while very convenient—contribute to a generation of bad communicators. 

Surprisingly, the inability to communicate has spilled over to the professional world as well.  In my line of work, I often attend professional networking events, or conferences where people are actively searching for viable business connections.  Too often what I see is people who literally do not know how to start a conversation, or people who cannot hold a conversation.  If I were a betting man, I would bet money that people have missed golden business opportunities because they could not hold a conversation.  This is pretty sad and very unfortunate.  This is also the reality in many places.

I have also noticed that many people cannot effectively communicate in written form, or are in too big of a hurry to do so.  Either way, it is pretty frustrating.  I have always enjoyed reading good prose.  I respect writers who tell a story or analyze a complex topic in a very simple written form.  Although I realize that not everyone is a trained writer, it can be exasperating to talk to someone who abbreviates every word.  At times, it is appropriate to type “lol” or “smh.”  However, defaulting to this kind of communicating can be very misleading. 

I have seen statuses on Facebook and other social media platforms that are so poorly written that you literally are confused as to what message the person was trying to relay.  When I read some of these statuses, I immediately think about my elementary school teachers who made students diagram sentences.  I wonder if students are still required to do so?  Either way, grammatically incorrect statuses, have seemingly become the rule—not the exception.  Maybe they do not care because the President is a terrible communicator.  If he is the leader of the free world and does not care about communication, why should they?  I digress. 

Bad writing has even permeated the professional world.  Too many times, I have received emails from business professionals that are riddled with grammatical errors.  In the professional world, people often will judge you by the written product you present to them.  In many cases, they have never met you in person, so their first impression of you is the email you send to them.    Some professionals are more likely to forgive grammatical errors.  Others, on the other hand, will completely write a person off for failure to proofread an email.  I believe in setting the tone early in a personal or business relationship.  That said, I definitely believe in taking an appropriate amount of time to proofread documents.    

Maybe I am old school in my thinking, but I hope our society places more of an emphasis on effective communication as we move forward.

Peace

Colin Kaepernick: Bucking the System

 

Colin Kaepernick is Still Unemployed

 

As of August 13, 2017, Colin Kaepernick is still unemployed. What a surprise!  Many people saw this coming just as soon as he bucked the system that is the NFL.  Some have called Kaepernick a modern day martyr because he has courageously stood up for his beliefs in the face of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate: The NFL.  Although this situation is unfortunate, it is certainly not a new issue.  Black athletes have stood in opposition to oppression for many years.  And when those athletes ruffled enough feathers, they were blackballed.  Kaepernick is very intelligent, so I believe he knew what he would face by going against the system.    

Kaepernick's Peaceful Protest

For just a moment, let us examine Kaepernick’s action that has offended so many “patriots.”  For those who do not know, Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, decided to sit during the singing of the national anthem.  To be clear: Kaepernick did not defile a flag, or perform any illegal act.  Instead, he exercised his freedom of speech.  The U.S. Constitution provides certain rights to citizens of the U.S.—but like most things—there are limits.

 

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

But I'm Protected by the First Amendment!

The First Amendment is applicable to governmental actors, such as local, state and federal employers.  The National Football League, however, is a private employer.  That said, an employee of a private employer does not have the right to claim First Amendment freedom of speech while at work.  Kaerpernick was an employee of the 49ers, so although they could not force him to stand, they were able to take other actions against him that any other private employer could take against its employees.

To help illustrate that point, let us assume that Employer X is a media company.  John Employee works as a news anchor for the company.  Employer X has a longstanding company policy providing that news anchors cannot have visible tattoos.  John Employee, after working for Employer X for 9 years, decides that he wants to tattoo the Bill of Rights across his forearms, neck and forehead.  John believed he was exercising his First Amendment Right to free speech.  However, because Employer X was a private employer, its policy prohibiting visible tattoos trumped John’s freedom of speech while he was at work.  As a result, John Employee was terminated. 

This hypothetical situation should be considered only to illustrate how an employee’s First Amendment rights are not absolute. 

Post-Racial America

 

Some people believe we live in a post-racial society.  This is not true, however.  Race is still a major factor in a lot of the events that happen in this country.  To suggest that race does not play a role in Kaepernick’s inability to find a new NFL team is either recklessly naive, or intentionally evasive.  My parents have always told me that you can tell a person’s true feelings for you during times of adversity.  It is very easy to be friends with someone when things are smooth.  In the case of the NFL owners, it is also very easy to support a player who helps add value to the NFL brand, which is already worth more than $62 billion.  Prior to Kaepernick’s decision to kneel, to my knowledge, he did not have any issues finding work.  He was a very successful quarterback. He was well-positioned to continue receiving seven-figure paychecks for years to come.  However, the moment he went against the grain, the NFL turned its collective back on him.    

Peaceful Protest is Not Akin to Criminal Acts

The sad part about this case is that certain people have compared Kaepernick’s decision to  peacefully protest to illegal acts committed by other NFL players.  However, it is not at all surprising.  It is eerily similar to how the media often chooses to label black victims as criminals even when they are in fact victims.  Here, members of the media have tried to assassinate Kaepernick’s character by comparing him to athletes who were charged with committing criminal acts.  For the uniformed, this makes it much easier to see Kaepernick as an antagonist instead of a law abiding citizen exercising his rights.  This, again, is a typical media trick.  Do not be fooled.

The Road Ahead Will Be Rough and Rocky

 

The road ahead for Kaepernick will be rocky.  I do not think he will ever play for another NFL franchise.  Further, I do not think he will ever have the chance to work for the NFL in any capacity.  I believe the endorsement deals he once received will never return. 

Kaepernick is fighting against a system of oppression that has been crushing Black men for hundreds of years.  It started with slavery.  Then, after Blacks began to make progress during Reconstruction, those efforts were thwarted with the system of oppression known as Jim Crow.  Once the Jim Crow laws were abolished, mass incarceration reared its ugly head. 

Sometimes an unfortunate situation can push a person towards what they were put on this planet to do.  In this case, maybe Kaepernick was placed on this planet to join the fight against oppression.  Maybe that will be his legacy. Maybe football will only be a small part of who he is as a man and ultimately what his legacy will be.  Only time will tell.

Peace

Lebron James: Not Quite the Goat, but not Terrible . . .

Lebron James is not clutch.  Lebron James is not a good shooter.  Lebron James should shoot a better percentage from the free throw line.  Lebron James is a serial “flopper.”  Lebron James is just bigger than everyone.  Lebron James built his team. Lebron James vanishes in big moments.  Lebron James will never be better than Michael Jordan.

These are some of the comments I have heard about Lebron James during his career.  I think some of these comments are fair and accurate (See: Lebron James will never be better than Michael Jordan).  On the other hand, some of the comments are as illogical as a person who believes the world is flat. 

Lebron is one of my favorite basketball players of any generation, but I am not a Stan by any means.  By that I mean, I can objectively examine any player’s game, and acknowledge weaknesses and areas for improvement.  If someone has an opinion that is different from mine, I have no issue having a discussion, so long as it is respectful.  That said, I have talked to many people about the game of basketball during my life.  During the last 10 years or so, quite naturally, Lebron James’ name is usually mentioned in conversations about professional basketball because he is the best player in the world.  When people make comments about why they do not like him, I always ask them to explain why.  In many cases, the explanation does not make a lot of sense (I will not use the word “hate” because that would be too cliché).  The purpose of this blog is to discuss some irrefutable facts, as well as some opinions regarding Lebron’s career.

 

Exceeding Epectations:

 

Expectation:  A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

 

How many times have we heard of the next great player?  Now, in all honesty, how many times has the "next" great player met expectations?  Now of that small number, how many have actually exceeded expectations?  I honestly cannot think if any basketball player who has exceeded expectations like Lebron.  From the time he was a teenager, or maybe even before, he has been analyzed, scrutinized, and placed under a microscope by the media and any with an opinion (Remember: Opinions are just like assholes-we all have one). 

Lebron was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a teenager and dubbed “The Chosen One.”  He was expected to be a once-in-a-generation talent.  Check.  He was supposed to skip college to enter the NBA draft.  Yep.  He was expected to become a perennial NBA All-Star.  Yeah, buddy.  He was expected to be a gold medal winner.  Check, again.  He was supposed to win NBA MVP award(s).  Yes.  He was supposed to win NBA championships.  Yep.  His accomplishments are irrefutable.  The fact that he has exceeded expectations at every juncture of his career is also an irrefutable fact. 

Lebron Would Not Dominate Other Eras in the NBA

One of the more illogical arguments I have heard is that Lebron would not be dominant in the 1980s or 1990s.  This is laughable at best, and idiotic at worst.  People argue that Lebron would have struggled to adjust to the physical nature of the game in the 1980s and 1990s.  I think people forget just how much of a physical specimen Lebron really is.  This dude is 6’8” with a 40 plus inch vertical.  Oh, and he weighs between 250-260 pounds.  When he entered the league, he was easily the best athlete in the NBA.  As he has aged, he has become so much stronger and developed a back-to-the-basket game.  He would have probably been even more dominant given the fact that he would either be guarded by small forwards weighing 200 pounds.  Or, teams may have tried to put a bigger, slower power forward on him.  Oh, and, by the way, zone defenses were illegal back in those days.  In the famous words of Liam Neeson in the movie Taken: “good luck.”

Sustained Excellence

The greatest players in the game are as lucky as they are talented.  You have to be somewhat lucky to play hundreds of games without physically breaking down.  Look at Michael Jordan’s career, for instance.  After he broke his leg in the 1985-86 season, he remained relatively healthy for the remainder of his career.  If we examine Allen Iverson’s career, it is clear that he was pretty healthy until his last playing days.  His record of good health enabled him to consistently play at a high level and, in turn, to put up hall-of-fame numbers.

If we look at Lebron’s career thus far, he has not been bitten by the injury bug.  He experienced some minor back issues a year or so ago, but nothing too major.  I think a big reason he has been healthy is because of the advancements in preventative medical procedures, as well as other technological advancements for those who are injured.  Either way, if Lebron is able to maintain his health on the back end of his career, he will have some of the best statistical numbers in the history of the game.  Those numbers cannot be ignored.  That is sustained excellence.

Top Five Player of All Time

I think it is time to acknowledge the fact that Lebron is a top-five player in the history of the game.  He is easily the best small forward to ever play the game.  His numbers over his 14-year career support that contention.  For his career, he has averaged 27.1 points per game, 7.0 assists per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 1.6 steals per game.  He has four NBA MVP trophies.  He has won three NBA championships.  He has been to the finals six years in a row.  For those who do not like Lebron’s demeanor, or his off the courts habits, let us focus on the numbers only.  If we do that, it is impossible to reasonably argue that Lebron is not an all-time great player.  Have there been better shooters?  Sure.  Have there been better passers? Absolutely.  Have there been better rebounders?  Yes.  Have there been players with better winning percentages?  Yes.  Have there been players with better “clutch” genes?  Yes.  But, it would be very difficult to identify a player who has sustained his level of excellence in so many different categories for so long.  Do not get me wrong: Jordan is the Greatest of All Time.  But, in terms of who will be considered the second best player ever, Lebron is positioning himself to be in the conversation.

Peace