Author: Ray Mullan

Album Review: Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly.

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For those of you that have been living on Mars for a few years; Kendrick Lamar is one of the most highly touted and well-respected rappers to emerge in recent times. Adored by both rap fans and fellow musicians, he has been compared to the likes of Tupac Shakur, Ice Cube and Bob Dylan. And before you ask….Yes, I said Bob Dylan. Well, Pharrrel Williams did.

Album Cover: Kendrick Lamar -To Pimp a Butterfly.
Album Cover: Kendrick Lamar -To Pimp a Butterfly.

After taking an almost 3 year hiatus, The Compton native released “To Pimp a Butterfly”, his first album since the critically acclaimed “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”. The story behind the album title is a strange one; after ditching several other planned titles, Kendrick claimed, “I just really wanted to show the brightness of life and the word “pimp” has so much aggression, and that represents several things. For me, it represents using my celebrity for good. Another reason is, not being pimped by the industry through my celebrity.”

The anticipation for this album is something that’s been lost from Hip-hop in recent times. In all honesty, the last time I can remember a hip-hop album release becoming so captivating was on September 11th 2007, when both Kanye West and 50 Cent released their respective albums (“Curtis” and “Graduation”).

The pressure was well and truly on Kendrick, who at this point has become a rap deity to his fans. With titles such as “savior of hip-hop” and “the new Tupac Shakur” synonymous to Kendrick, there’s no question many were expecting a classic in the proportions of “Illmatic”.

Did the album live up to expectations? I don’t think it did. I think it surpassed them.

Many expected him to release a music album and what his fans got instead was a socio-political manifesto, the likes of which I personally haven’t experienced through the medium of modern hip-hop music (on this level anyway). The album is both contextually poignant and thought provocative. There are many layers to the album and to mention them all in this article would read similarly to a college dissertation. So I’ll try and keep it brief.

After first listening to the album, I was completely flabbergasted. I was overawed by his consistent challenges to black culture’s ethos, as well as the condemnation and reluctance to allow himself to become “pimped” or bought by the entertainment industry in the name of selling out his morality. This theme has been heard by many black entertainers before; Dave Chappelle for example quit his show and allegedly turned down £50 million dollars to stay, in the name of his morality and racial integrity. “And if I gotta brown nose for some gold, then I’d rather be a bum than a motherfuckin’ baller” sums up his argument in “King Kunta”. Pretty heavy stuff, considering we’re only on track 3.

The constant idea that Kendrick is the new face and voice of the black community is constantly reinforced. He has mixed views on this idea and can be heard In “Mortal Man” interviewing Tupac Shakur posthumously about this. The complexities associated with Kendrick taking on this role are consistently referred to. “I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence, sometimes I did the same” is heard repeatedly throughout the album to reinforce this.

His overall disgust and confusion about himself is also referred to in “Blacker the Berry” when he says, “So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street, when gang banging make me kill a n***a blacker than me? Hypocrite”. The mention of both the Trayvon Martin case and black gang culture are very sensitive subjects, but Kendrick shows bravery by going headfirst into it. He holds nothing back and condemns his own actions and thoughts. More importantly, this lyric directly condemns the gang elements related to civil rights cases, such as the events surrounding the Trayvon Martyn case. The term “paradigm shifting” isn’t a strong enough expression for a message as powerful as this, and sets this album apart from other modern hip-hop albums. Truly revolutionary material.

Kendrick’s brutal honesty and constant referral to historical context and political influence is a breathe of fresh air in modern hip-hop. Kendrick’s taken the genre of politi-rapping to a previously unattainable level, and has embedded this poetic message into a beautifully produced music album. His unique commentary on black culture is an audio masterpiece and his take on entertainment and show-business is fascinating. This, in my opinion, is the best album I’ve heard in years and a true lyrical masterpiece. I’d rate this album 10/10, 5 microphones out of 5 and reward the album all the accolades I could. I don’t think anything rap/hip-hop related holds a candle to this. Nothing even comes close.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AhXSoKa8xw

Conor McGregor: The Uncrowned UFC King?

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The takeover is complete; on the 9th October 2014, history was made as a huge banner displaying an image of UFC Featherweight contender and Irish patron Conor McGregor was displayed on Dublin’s famed “O’Connell Street”.

NOTORIOUS: (Left to Right) Aisling Daly, Paddy Holohan, Cathal Pendred and Conor McGregor posing in front of banner displaying image of Conor McGregor seen on O"Connell Street.
Left to Right: Aisling Daly, Paddy Holohan, Cathal Pendred and Conor McGregor posing in front of banner displaying image of Conor McGregor on O’Connell Street.

The significance of this event is staggering. London is known for Soho. New York is known for Fifth Avenue. Dublin is known for O’Connell Street. And yet most people still consider mixed martial arts a largely underground sport. In Ireland however, the reach of the UFC has came leaps and bounds as a result of one man and one man only; “The Notorious” Conor McGregor. RTE channel “3e” has become the official Irish platform for Conor’s most recent UFC fights, much to the delight of Irish fight fans that get to view these events for free. Furthermore, the UFC is delighted to keep the freebies coming, with McGregor and the UFC signing a deal to broadcast his next fight on 3e (free of charge, of course). TV3 Group Head of Sport Kieran Holden commented on this, saying “(McGregor’s last fight) reached a massive 600,000 viewers, proving how quickly Mixed Martial Arts has grown in Ireland. Conor McGregor has quickly become one of the biggest names in Irish sport and we are thrilled to be able to show his next fight to the free-to-air viewers in Ireland.”

And yet, there’s a level of mystique and allure to the attraction that is, Conor McGregor. How did this happen? How did McGregor single handedly galvanise an entire country into viewing a sport favourably? And furthermore, how did McGregor provoke pre-existing UFC fans into “believing the hype” and following the fighter so relentlessly? For a start, there’s no question that the guys got talent, and his accolades speak for themselves. He was crowned an Irish amateur boxing champion at a young age, and was Cage Warriors first and only two-division champion. Partner that with the fact that he’s got a 16-2 MMA record, with 14 of his wins coming by way of knockout. It’s worth noting that his 2 loses came quite early in his career, and he’s evidentially improved dramatically since then.

But to suggest his talent for fighting is the only reason behind his native nation’s interest in the fighter (and the sport) would be ridiculous. McGregor is blessed with what’s known by many as “the gift of the gab”. His speeches are incredible. He hypes fights with a passion like no other. His poetic linguistics often hypnotises viewers into watching his fights. To summarise, he creates interest through what he says and how he says it. And let’s not get it twisted. This isn’t completely unheard of. It’s been done before. Muhammad Ali did it. Prince Naseem Hamed did it. Chael Sonnen did it. Floyd Mayweather continues to do it. Talking gets people into the tent. People tune into McGregor’s fights for two conflicting reasons; either they want to see the cocky, brash, Irish dude get his head knocked off his shoulders OR they want to see him triumph with a level of flair and confidence rarely seen in fighting.

There’s entertainment value to his words. There’s also entertainment value to his style of fighting. His managing of distance on the feet, as well as his crisp punching and acrobatic kicks are an enigma. He fights with the mentality that he has to finish his opponent, to the delight of his fans. And what’s amazing about McGregor, is that he usually does. You can’t tie down the reasoning behind McGregor’s meteoric rise in the UFC to one action or event. He’s a multifaceted character that appeals to an entire nation, and provokes dialogue from an entire sport. What’s most interesting about Conor McGregor though, is that he’s just getting started. At 26 years old, he’s ranked number 5 in official UFC Featherweight rankings, and seems to be posturing strongly for a title shot. He’s got everyone talking, including UFC President Dana White, who recently said: “If you go down the list (of UFC Featherweights), every one of those guys has fought Jose Aldo already. Conor hasn’t. So who do you line up next for the champ other than Conor?” He’s become Ireland’s most interesting man in less that 3 years, and continues to grow in popularity. And with whispers of the Aviva Stadium being mentioned as the venue for his next fight, it’s worth paying attention to how the next few months play out.

My heart says one thing, but my head says another; the BJ Penn phenomenon.

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How you choose to view Hawaiian MMA legend BJ Penn is all about context; in one hand, you have the former Welterweight and Lightweight UFC champion. In the other, you have a 35-year-old veteran, whose only won one fight since 2010.

The case of BJ Penn is a complex one; because his fans find themselves making excuses for some of his so called “failures”. His fight record (16 wins, 9 losses and 2 draws) isn’t exactly exemplary at first glance. But when you consider the nature of this record, it’s something to marvel upon.

Consider the idea that most people view BJ Penn, as a lightweight, one of the scariest individuals the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has ever seen. His record is a reflection of many ventures to unsuitable weight-classes; he’s fought a staggering twelve times outside his optimum weight of lightweight, and even won a title at welterweight by dethroning UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes at UFC 46. In the modern era of combat sports, that’s complete lunacy.

BJ Penn Highlight Reel

But then again, in many ways, BJ Penn personifies lunacy. He’s from the old school breed of fighter; A breed that is remembered for fighting at open-weight and one known for a focus on the passion for fighting, rather than sporting performance. Because of this view, his stance on weight cutting is, in many ways, inexcusable in 2014. He’s also a strong opponent of PED’s and sporting supplements. His recent venture to welterweight is considered by many as a “shut your eyes and pretend it never happened” moment in MMA, with dominant defeats dished out by both Nick Diaz and Rory MacDonald.

BJ Penn VS Nick Diaz Highlights

And even after these heartbreaking performances, many still find themselves in his corner, expecting the “Old BJ Penn” to come to fruition and deliver the blistering performance we all know he can deliver. Or is that even true anymore? Maybe we’re all victims of wishful thinking, blindly and mindlessly assuming he can still perform at a level he once did, and counting out the effect “Father Time“ has on athletes.

There are also other variables to consider. He’s fighting at a weight he’s never been at (Featherweight, or 145 pounds for our Non-European readers). Basic mathematics dictates this is 10 pounds below his perfect weight of lightweight, but what basic mathematics can’t dictate is what effect this will have on his body. Will he lose stamina, a common effect from a grueling weight cut, or will he be faster, stronger and sharper than he’s ever been?

BJ Penn thinks he’s found a home at Featherweight

He will also has to combat “cage jitters”, a common psychological effect from an extended leave of absence from UFC competition. Although he’s no stranger to the bright lights of fight night, he’s been out of action for more than a year and a half. He will need time to acclimitise himself with an atmosphere he’s had so much wars in, and get a renewed feel of what competing in the UFC is all about.

But most importantly, Frankie Edgar has beaten him already…twice! Edgar, a former lightweight champion in his own right, looked to be faster, hungrier and more youthful than BJ Penn in their previous bouts, and it remains to be seen what BJ Penn can do differently to beat him. This fight perhaps exemplifies Frankie Edgar’s nickname, with Edgar previously being “The Answer” to the jigsaw puzzle that is, BJ Penn.

Frankie Edgar Highlight Reel

It’s an interesting predicament, and definitely a fight that UFC fans will pay attention to.

BJ Penn definitely has a mountain to climb, and I wouldn’t be a true MMA fan if I didn’t watch him try and reach the top. He’s truly got his back against the wall, with UFC President Dana White claiming “If he wins, we’ll see what he does from there, but if he loses, I will actually push for him to retire”.

In regards to the fight, Dana White also said, “It could be possibly watching Michael Jordan playing his last basketball game”, “It could be Tiger Woods’ last golf game”. Or it could be the glorious return to a sport Penn truly epitomizes. Could he defeat the odds one last time, and rubbish the idea that “the old dog cant hang anymore”.

The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale (Headlined by Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn) is on July 6th and broadcast from the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas. To find out how you can watch the fights, click here.

UFC 168. Wow.

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The anticipation for the rematch between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman reminded me of some of the great rematches in boxing; Muhammad Ali Vs Joe Frazier, Manny Pacquiao Vs Juan Manuel Marquez, Lennox Lewis Vs Hasim Rahman to name a few.

There were still questions many had about the first fight. Was it a fluke? Was Chris Weidman in Anderson Silva’s league? Could Anderson Silva really hang with the best in his division at 38 years old? We all thought these questions would be answered tonight. But for many, Weidman’s victory was tainted.

The fight started with Anderson Silva looking very tentative on the feet. He seemed much more respectful of Chris Weidman’s skills than he did in the first fight and looked to strike from distance. Weidman clinched Anderson and attempted a takedown, which was stuffed. Very promising signs from Anderson.

Then we seen Anderson Silva attempt to gain the plum (or Muay Thai clinch) and strike with Weidman. We’ve seen this before; a perfect example would be the dismantling of Chris Leben in 2006. But unlike Leben, Weidman looked to present his own offense and clipped Anderson, forcing him on to the canvas. He landed devastating strike after devastating strike, before being tied up in Anderson’s guard.

As the round ended, I was overcome with tenseness and anticipation; it’s not that I wanted either fighter to win, I just wanted answers to the many questions I still had from the first fight. What was clearly apparent though, was that Anderson Silva had his work cut out and Weidman was dominating him. By miles.

The second round is a blur. Because trying to analyse individual strikes and events is completely redundant when you consider the ending. Anderson Silva threw a strong leg kick (which he’s done for the entirety of his career). The kick itself wasn’t out of the ordinary. But Chris Weidman’s reaction to the kick, as well as the impact of the kick was heart wrenching.

Weidman checked the kick strongly, which shattered Silva’s leg and may have ended his career. It’s one of the most gruesome sights I’ve seen in sports, and really drives home the idea of “combat sports”. Many refer to MMA and Boxing as “The Pain Game” and I can guarantee you there’s not many experiencing pain like Anderson Silva is at this time.

So, here’s the kicker (no pun intended); Did Weidman “leave no doubt” about who the best in the world is? There are two subjective answers to this question:

Yes – Checking kicks is a very functional technique that neutralizes opponents’ movement and stops leg kicks landing effectively. Weidman’s reactions were the direct reason for Anderson’s injury, thus the stoppage was because of Weidman and not because of Anderson just having a random accident.

Or….

No – This could have happened to anyone. Weidman got lucky and Anderson got injured as a direct result of Anderson’s kick and nothing else. We need a rematch when Anderson gets back. Weidman didn’t blatantly beat Anderson and for this win to hold any credibility, Weidman needs to beat Anderson again.

So. Which side are you on? After reading hundreds of tweets, I wasn’t surprised to see many of you calling this fight a “fluke” and a “fraud” and siding with “No”. But I was disappointed…

The idea that “ignorance is bliss” isn’t completely true; ignorance is only bliss to the ignorant. Everyone else has to hear ignorance and either attempt to combat it or just ignore it. With this though, I really feel the need to stress the genius of Chris Weidman and combat ignorance.

I’m certain Weidman didn’t expect to end a fight by checking a leg kick. But in a sport as competitive as MMA, defence is as important as offence. By implementing the defensive strategy of checking kicks, Weidman avoided taking unnecessary shots to his legs (thus staying mobile and away from Anderson Silva’s devastating strikes) and also, quite obviously, incapacitated his opponent.

John Danaher (Chris Weidman’s Jiu Jitsu coach) amazingly criticised Weidman’s performance in the first Anderson Silva fight by stating, “I didn’t like how he was taking those leg kicks”. There were improvements made from the first fight, which resulted in Weidman’s win.

It wasn’t a complete freak of nature. The leg break happened as a result of an action by Chris Weidman. The same way a knockout can happen as a direct action from an opponent. Although it was wasn’t meant to completely end the fight, it did.

To call the win a “fluke” is silly. Was the ending shocking? Absolutely. And could Anderson maybe have did more later on in the fight to win? Absolutely. But the fact remains, the events unfolded how they unfolded. These things happen. Actions have consequences.

I’m not dismissing Anderson Silva’s ability by any means. He’s by far the greatest the sport has ever seen. But Weidman won tonight. So give the guy his dues and stop acting like this event is as unbelievable as aliens landing on the White House.

 

UFC 164.

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The long awaited rematch and a matchup that should have happened years ago awaits; UFC 164 kicks off on August 31st , live on Pay Per View (UK viewers can watch this on BT Sport).

The Rematch

Benson Henderson will defend his UFC lightweight title for a fourth time against former WEC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. The pair has fought before, with Pettis winning a close decision. This fight proved a classic, with both competitors having their moments in the fight. What many find most memorable about the fight though, was the “Showtime kick” which was landed by Pettis in the 5th round. I usually try and avoid making bold statements when talking about sports, but the “Showtime kick” was probably the most insane moment in MMA history. I’m expecting fireworks folks, and so should you.

The kick heard around the world

 

The Overdue Fight

Frank Mir and Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett are also set to collide in a matchup that could have easily headlined a UFC event a decade ago. Both competitors are former UFC Heavyweight champions and crafty MMA veterans but have led very different careers.

Barnett seemed untouchable on March 22nd 2002, when he defeated the legendary Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight title (via TKO). However, his glory was short lived as he tested positive for banned substances (something he has always vigorously denied). He was stripped of the title and never seen in the UFC again. He went on to fight legends such as Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Alexander Emelianenko, Mark Hunt and Mirko Cro Cop in Pride FC, but there was always the question of how he would fair against the UFC’s elite fighters. Barnett’s a fighter that has been ranked in the top ten for the last decade, and isn’t to be taken lightly.

With Frank Mir, his record speaks for itself. He’s the former UFC Heavyweight champion, the only man to submit and knockout Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and is considered one of the greatest grapplers to ever grace the Octagon (as is Josh Barnett). His last outing was against Daniel Cormier, where he was defeated by decision. However, when dealing with Frank Mir (a guy whose been involved in title matches throughout the entirety of his career), it’d be unwise to think, “The old dog can’t go anymore”.

Josh Barnett vs Frank Mir – Pre-Fight Interviews

UFC 164 is stacked from top to bottom with intriguing matchups and potential wars, so I’m definitely suggesting that you sit in this weekend with a few friends, watch the fights and avoid doing one thing; blinking.

International fans can find out where they can watch the fights by going here:

http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC164#howToWatchModule