NBA Draft Recap 2014

Ah yes!  One of the most exciting nights of the year for basketball fans... The NBA Draft!

This year's Draft class has been highly anticipated for the past 2 years!  In some ways, teams even had the nerve to tank this past season [Philly! *clears throat] in attempt to place their bid in the "Andrew Wiggins Sweepstakes".  Yet, as the Draft Lottery positions were solidified and Cleveland found favor, once again securing the #1 ping pong ball, speculation of just who should be taken as this year's top prospect was in question leading up to Thursday night.

Prospects showed the best of what they had to offer in the NBA Draft Combine as well as individual team workouts.  Along with Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker also gained his fair share of next-level foreshadowing during the college season.  Being described as "the most NBA-ready" of the entire Draft class, his name also remained atop most mock draft boards even up to the moment of truth.  However, this year's post-season, pre-draft buzz definitely bubbled amongst questions surrounding the health Joel Embiid.

With NBA TV showing weekly replays of the 1984 Draft Documentary, fans and media alike, can't help to be reminded of the dream picks of Hakeem Olajuwon at #1 and Michael Jordan at #3 in that draft, but also the nightmare that became the career of #2, one Sam Bowie.

You don't have to go much further to remember the likes of Greg Oden taken #1 ahead of now MVP, Scoring Champion, and All-Star, Kevin Durant... or other Bigs who's potential was cut short due to injury: Michael Olowokandi... or Kwame Brown... or Yao Ming.  Bigs just don't seem to, shall I say, rebound from back or foot injuries, much less, both!  But as seen through last night's decisions, Philly is either practicing the patience of Job by selecting Embiid right after taking Nerlens Noel last year (while also injured) or they enjoy the risk taking business.

As with the results of any NBA Draft, only time will tell...

Best Player:
Jabari Parker (Milwaukee) - Dynamic offensive prowess. potential weight concerns, yet surprisingly light on his feet. NBA-Ready.
Comparisons: Carmelo Anthony > Paul Pierce > Jamal Mashburn

Biggest Upside:
Andrew Wiggins (Cleveland) - Wiry Wing with world class athleticism. Can defend and create.  Offense should only improve as he learns where he can be most effective in the NBA game.  Cleveland seemingly made the right pick at #1 this year! 
Comparisons: Latrell Sprewell > Jason Richardson > James White

Biggest Risk:
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) - Prototypical Center with great size and athleticism.  Recent foot injury and previous back problems are of immediate concern. 
Comparisons: Hakeem Olajuwon > Greg Oden > Sam Bowie

Good Fit Picks:
Julius Randle (Los Angeles LAL) - Rebounding machine, beast with the rock. His 1-on-1 game is already mature and he'll be a tough cover for anyone on the block. Should offer Kobe a few more second-chance attempts.
Comparisons: Zach Randolph > Royce White > Marcus Fizer

Aaron Gordon (Orlando) - Best MOTOR in the Draft with very quick bounce.  Undefined offensive position, but should be able to defend most wing or post players. Should be a nice fast break option with Victor Oladipo (and Elfrid Payton) in Orlando. *MJ fist pump
Comparisons: Blake Griffin > Shawn Marion > Josh Smith

Doug McDermott (Chicago) - Shooting Specialist with a knack for scoring.  Very fluid offensively, may have challenges matching up defensively.  Much needed scoring addition for Chicago.
Comparisons: Keith Van Horn > Adam Morrison > Kyle Korver

Kyle Anderson (San Antonio) - Offensive PG, Defensive PF.  Great decision maker with the ball in his hands; questions about being able to adapt to the pace of the next level. San Antonio will be good for him.
Comparisons: Lamar Odom > Boris Diaw > Anthony Mason

My Sleeper:
Zach Lavine (UCLA) - Versatile PG/SG with crazy athleticism, good handle, and NBA-range.  I expect him to initially come off the bench, but he has the tools to be a solid pro and gain a few of your Sports Center Top 10 nominations playing alongside Rubio! Oh yea, and if he enters the Slam Dunk Contest, I'm picking him NOW! #QuoteMeOnThis
Comparisons: Russell Westbrook > Jamal Crawford > Gerald Henderson

The Home Team:
Charlotte Hornets - After unveiling the new court, the NEW Charlotte HORNETS made some nice selections by landing Noah Vonleh at #9 (so glad they didn't pull the trigger for McDermott) and later trading the draft rights of Shabazz Napier at #24 to Miami for the draft rights of P.J. Hairston at #26 along with some future picks.  I'm cool with both moves; way to begin bringing back the buzz Rich Cho!

Best Pick:
Isaiah Austin (NBA) - Well played Commissioner Adam Silver... very well played:
Isaiah Austin Drafted By The NBA

Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

"Goin Up" x "No 13" The Official Fixtapes ft. Elevator Jay

If you've rocked with me over the past few years, you've probably heard the sounds of Elevator Jay.  If you're looking for someone who embodies the truest definition of an "Artist", visit www.ElevatorJay.com.  From the artwork you see, to the beats you hear, and the voice that accompanies it all, Elevator Jay is a Rapper, a Producer, and a Graphic Designer mixed into one, with limitless potential across the board. 

A Charlotte native, he brings a Southern spirit with a lyrical cadence that makes listeners automatically bounce!  Having shared the stage with the likes of Big K.R.I.T., Slim Thug, and others, Elevator Jay continues to make his mark as one of the South's noteworthy voices.  Check out this joint called "Fresh Cut" which chops up a sample from Rich Boy's "Throw Some D's On It", produced by none other than Elevator Jay himself!

 

As you can see from his resume, Elevator Jay has an expansive music catalog, and I was fortunate to mix and host two of his first FIXTAPE projects entitled, "Goin Up?" (2011) and "No 13" (2013).  As many know, working with Elevator Jay on these projects gave me the motivation to begin the YAK TrYAKs Mixtape Series as a way of highlighting him and other talented artists in the region.  Click the links below to get your Fix! 

 

"Goin Up?"

The Official Fixtape

"No 13"

The Official Fixtape

 

Stay tuned to @ElevatorJay via Twitter and Instagram and before you go, press play and smell the Fonk on this latest release entitled "Clear My Throat".  #YAK

Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK

 

 

YAK TrYAKs Mixtape Series

The YAK TrYAKs Mixtape Series, presented by Thank God For DJs, is a collection of remixed songs "re-produced" by DJ Dexter Dynamite featuring some of the regions dopest artists.  With a sole objective to highlight NC-based artists under one mixtape, YAK TrYAKs takes popular records and remixes them with a "YAK" theme.  Artists were sent an array of instrumentals to consider, and after recording their verses, they submitted their vocals to "The People's Champion" to light fire to the turntables! 

Fans became seduced by hearing new artists over recognizable beats... artists who hadn't even met each other were blended on the same records with complementary flows... in the end, the vision worked!  New relationships between fans and artists were formed and the region became united across the board!  Every trYAK has been radio edited for air play in any market - club, cookout, mixshow, birthday party, etc. - so other DJs are encouraged to download and mix the trYAKs in their own sets as well.

We got talent! Str8 #likeYAK

YAK TrYAKs, Volume 1.11.11

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD:

YAK TrYAKs, Volume 1.11.11 via Dat Piff

YAK TrYAKs, Volume 1.11.11 via Sound Cloud


YAK TrYAKs, VOLUME 2.22 (Double Disc)

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD:

YAK TrYAKs, Volume 2.22 (DISC 1) via Dat Piff
YAK TrYAKs, Volume 2.22 (DISC 2) via Dat Piff

YAK TrYAKs Volume, 2.22 (DISC 1) via Sound Cloud


Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite
Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK

Tournament Week 2014 Video Recaps

"Vator Cam" Footage @ Velocity Sneaker Boutique

Shot/Edited by Elevator Jay

 

 

Hip Hop Sneaker Summit ft. 9th Wonder @ Velocity Sneaker Boutique

Shot/Edited by AblackTV

 

 

Atomic Day Party @ Vapiano

Shot/Edited by AblackTV

 

 

Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK

Tournament Week Whereabouts!

THURSDAY

 FRIDAY

                              SATURDAY

Twitter/Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Tournament Week Rundown

Tournament Week is quickly approaching... govern yourselves accordingly.

YAK TrYAKs Credits

YAK TrYAKs was produced by DJ Dexter Dynamite in an effort to unite and highlight NC-based artists.  By remixing popular music under a common mixtape series, artists were sent instrumentals to rock out on; they did their thing, then I did mine to create what we have, YAK TrYAKs:

YAK TrYAKs Mixtape Series via DatPiff 


YAK TrYAKs, Volume 1.11.11

 

YAK TrYAKs, Volume 2.22 (Disc 1)
YAK TrYAKs, Volume 2.22 (Disc 2)

"Beez On Dat YAK" (BODY) *Bonus TrYAK

To all the ARTISTS who contributed to YAK TrYAKs, THANK YOU!

Akilz // @IamAkiliz
Beattys World // @BeattysWorld
Benie Beatz // @BeNieBeaTz
B.R.A.M.S. // @MicLawrys
Cam // @The_Cam_Kent_
Cleo Jones // @ReclaimMyName
D. Blake // @ItsDBlake
Dean // @Dean704
E-Brooks // @ItsBrooksBaby
Elevator Jay // @ElevatorJay
Fhayze // @SkinnyBoiFhayze
Harvey Cummings // @HarveyCummings
Hi-Def // @HyD3f
Jae // @BellaKryp2nite
Jae Cash // @JaeCash
Jocelyn Ellis // @MindofJE
jon 'jB' Brown // @brownmuzik
K. Riss // @IamKRiss_
Kt // @ItsKtBaby23
Lillian Cierra // @LillianCierra
LockStarr // @IamLockStarr
Loui3 VC // Loui3 VC
Lz // @YaBoyLz
Mars Medley // @MarsAurelius
Mike Jack // Mike Jack
Nevamind // @Nevamind910
Omega Sparx // @OmegaSparx
Perry A // @PerryAEMG
Ricky Ruckus // @RickyRuckus
Senior // @SeniorYr
Shome // @Shome504
Timbo // @TimboHimSo
T.O.N.E. // T.O.N.E.
Veega // Veega

Album Art: Solo Graphix

YAK TrYAKs Videos [Watch in HD] via Youtube

To all the VIDEOGRAPHERS who provided visuals for YAK trYAKs, THANK YOU!

Aaron Barnes, AMIL // @ShotByAMIL
Blach Collar Entertainment // @IamDonaldWilson
Manny Mac Productions // @MannyMacQc
Purple Cardinal // @RyanPCM @Lee4NDERSON
WhoShotYa TV // @WhoShotYaTV


Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Mama Told Me There'd Be Days Like This...

As a kid, my mother openly prayed for me everyday I left the house... seeing that example, I learned the power of consistent prayer!  I've always BELIEVED that God has blessed me with a big heart to positively affect others and a host of angels to protect my soul while doing so, but it's through prayer that my belief is sustained... her strength through tough times has helped me to walk confidently in my own faith today...

Thank you Mama Dynamite!  I love you!

So today I want to take a moment to thank EVERY PARENT, GUARDIAN, SIBLING, and even STRANGER who have ever instilled God's provisions over a child's life!  Someday they WILL reflect on it... and God will be glorified... that's all He really wants from us.

#YAKfact #YAKPIE #prayHARDER #GodBless


Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Trayvon Martin Foundation Contribution

In James 2:14-26, the Bible explains that Faith without works is dead.

With that knowledge, once God places something on your heart, we become accountable for both our actions, as well as our "inaction".  Well, this has been placed on my heart, so I'm stepping out in Faith and trusting God for His purpose.

On the night of February 26th, 2012, a young man by the name of Trayvon Martin was shot and killed.  Months later, the man who shot Trayvon still walked free under a claim that he acted in "self-defense".  After pressures from the community at-large, as well as national civil and human rights activists, further investigation lead to the case going to trial.  Continual national media coverage took hold of our nation's attention in some form or another, and opinions of what occurred that night were formulated across the country.  Racial tensions grew as the verdict was "controversial" to say the least, and a magnifying glass again focused on race relations in our society.

Regardless of the verdict, in the end, a young man's life was taken and his future was cut short - that is the tragedy!  Unfortunately, this scenario has become more and more common in our current society, so the fight for human justice continues.  That's why I'm stopping today, to faithfully contribute to this cause; hopefully, in doing so, I'm prompting others to assist as well - and even if THIS isn't your personal "faith step", let THIS be a message to encourage you to go ahead, and do whatever has been tugging on your heart.

In the wake of the case, The Trayvon Martin Foundation was established to create awareness of how violent crime impacts the families of the victims, and to provide support and advocacy for those families, in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin.  Often times, months, even weeks after a case is over, society has a tendency to move on and forget about the tragedy which held them captive everyday for weeks.  However, the same can't be said for the families involved.  Months, even years will pass, and the families of the victims can remain in a victimized state themselves, so I commend this foundation (and others with a similar mission) that attempt to support their needs.

Today, Thank God For DJs, LLC (TGFDJs) will make a contribution of $50 to the Trayvon Martin Foundation and will MATCH the total donations contributed and collected by TGFDJs by Tuesday September 24th at 5pm to provide to the Trayvon Martin Foundation.  The goal for TGFDJs is to donate at least $250 on September 25th, and I believe it's possible.

Thank you all, and God bless you in advance.

For more information about submitting donations, please email:
djdexterdynamite@gmail.com

For more information about the Foundation, please visit these websites:   

Trayvon Martin Foundation

Miami, Florida Foundations

Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite

Nature Boy!

Sometimes you see something and you just have to take a moment to thank God for your vision.  This was one of those moments for me...

Octopus Encounter

I love nature, and specifically, nature at it's unique core.  Sunsets; Tornadoes; Snow... but wild animals in particular intrigue me the most! Stuff like watching a Sidewinder draw "S" patterns across a desert sand... seeing the unbreakable concentration of a lion preying on a Zebra... or even witnessing an octopus shuffle through it's camouflage catalog in attempt to make it's escape... I love nature.

Twitter / Instagram: @TPClikeYAK
Facebook: DJ Dexter Dynamite