Repeat Worthy (TBT Edition): SWV "Release Some Tension"

Can we just discuss how incredibly dope SWV was back in the day? From the asymmetrical haircuts to the fly outfits, I loved them! So, of course I was extra excited when their reality show "SWV Reunited" debuted on WEtv last month. Since January 16, I have been planted in front of the television every single Thursday watching their drama unfold on camera. But what's even better than the drama is the chance to sing along to all of my favorite 90's songs by them and reminisce on my childhood. I'm convinced I hear "Weak" and "Anything" every single week, but I don't care. I dance and sing my heart out to both every single time I hear them perform.

In 1997, they dropped the album Release Some Tension, one that I don't feel gets the recognition it deserves. That cd was amazing! I don't know why I was singing every song with so much passion at the tender age of 13, but that's neither here nor there lol. Not only were the songs hot, but they had some great features. One of my favorite slept on songs from that album is the title track "Release Some Tension" featuring Foxy Brown. LISTEN, this song still knocks. Not only was I a huge SWV fan, but Foxy Brown was one of my favorite female rappers back then. Therefore, it's no surprise that I still rock with this song. Many of you probably remember this song, but if you don't, prepare to dance in your seat as you listen.

My Thoughts On Super Bowl XLVIII

For the past two weeks, football fans (and those looking forward to wings and a good time) anticipated Super Bowl XLVIII. Although my beloved Chicago Bears were not playing, I was still very excited about the game. It was set to be a clash of the titans. The Seattle Seahawks' top-ranked defense was set to take on the highest-scoring offense in the league's history - the Denver Broncos. After reading so much nonsense about Richard Sherman's interview, I was just ready to put the focus back on what was really important...the game. So, I went to church, enjoyed dinner with my family, and came back and settled in for what was sure to be a great night of football. Boy was I wrong.

Let's just start with the fact the Seahawks scored a safety in the first 12 seconds of the game. That's right, 12 seconds - the fastest points ever scored in the Super Bowl. (Fun Fact: The Chicago Bears previously held that record from Super Bowl XLI when Devin Hester scored on a 92 yard kickoff return.) I guess that should've been a great indicator of how the game would go. But no, I tried to be optimistic and give the Broncos a chance. I figured they were just nervous and had to shake it off. Ummm, not the case. From there, things continued to get worse. By the time the Broncos FINALLY decided to score at the end of the 3rd quarter, it was too little, too late. By the middle of the fourth, I was ready for them to stop the game and hand the Lombardi trophy to the Seahawks. Just put everyone out of their misery please.

Eventually, the clock finally clicked to 0, and the Seattle Seahawks were crowned Super Bowl XLVIII champs, and Malcolm Smith was named the MVP. Coach Pete Carroll has now won a National Championship as a college coach and a Super Bowl title. Kudos to him. And congratulations to the rest of the team particularly Russell Wilson, who took me to church with his postgame interview. Also, congrats to the 12th man - their fans.  I feel bad for the Broncos because that had to be embarrassing. I also would have liked to see the 2013 NFL MVP Peyton Manning tie his brother with two Super Bowl rings, especially since this may be his last year. However, I was more so neutral and just wanted to see a good game. So, I'm happy for the Seattle Seahawks. As the old saying goes, "Offense sells tickets; Defense wins championships." I guess in this case, it's true. With the Seahawks being such a young team, it'll be interesting to watch how they grow in the future. We may be looking at the next dynasty.

 

 

In addition to the game, there were some other things that caught my attention. Broadway Joe Namath was one. That man was cleaner than the Board of Health, and I was here for him. Joe hit up Andriana Furs on Saturday to prepare for his big moment on Sunday. Little did he know the weather did not call for a fur, but he said who cares. I'm wearing it anyway. And oh, did he wear it. I gave him two snaps and a twist for not only that pimpalicious fur but also his botched coin toss. Listen, Joe was on his own agenda, and I loved it. Werk, sir, werk!

 

 



 

Also, Pam Oliver let us know she is not her hair. I respect all of the work that she has done as a sports reporter especially as a black woman, but I also want her to win in the glam department. Last week, she shot back at critics. She let them (well us) know that she is about her work, and that's what we should be focused on. And to prove it, she showed up with matted bed hair wearing yesterday's makeup. Girl, GIRL! I just can't with her anymore. But I think she's married. So, if her husband likes it, then I love it.

As a marketing and advertising girl, I must mention the Super Bowl ads. I can pretty much sum it up in one word...Blah. I wasn't too impressed with what I saw. If I had to choose a favorite, I guess I would give it to Cheerios. Lately, I've loved their commercials, and it was their first year airing a commercial during the Super Bowl. How can you not like a commercial that promotes family while selling the product?

Lastly, I cannot forgot to mention Bruno Mars' halftime performance. Let me be the first to say, I was not looking forward to halftime. I planned on hitting the kitchen and grabbing some snacks during that time. However, before I could escape, Bruno appeared on my television screen getting it IN on the drums. From then on, he kept my attention. I am all for a great performer, and he did not disappoint. Before yesterday, the only songs of his that I knew and loved were "Just the Way You Are" and "Count On Me". After his halftime performance, I'll be adding a Bruno Mars Pandora station and checking out some more of his songs. Bravo to him on a job well done! In case you missed it, check out the video below. Now let's just hope for a better game, more intriguing commercials, a Joe Namath sighting, a new wig for Pam, and another great halftime performance for next year's Super Bowl.

This Week In Sports

I'm back like I never left (but I did). And what better way to start back blogging than to give a recap of the crazy things that have happened in sports in the past 7 days. Here's a few of the headlines that caught my eye.

Richard Sherman's Outburst

Unless you've been under a rock, I'm sure you've heard that the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers to head to the Super Bowl. However, that has been overshadowed thanks to the Seahawks' cornerback Richard Sherman's postgame interview with Erin Andrews. If you missed it, then here you go.

 



 

I don't know about anyone else, but I was shaking my head and cracking up all at the same time. SIR! As a former athlete and a competitive person by nature, I totally understand that your emotions can sometimes take over. I just hate that it had to happen on national television with a white lady interviewing him. Erin Andrews has since said that she loved the interview and was not intimidated whatsoever. However, we ALL know that the media loves to create a big story out of nothing and has continued to talk about an interview that lasted less than a minute. Sherman has been painted as a thug, which is the furthest thing from the truth. He has even apologized since then. So can we all move on please? The 25 year old is an intelligent Stanford graduate who let his emotions get out of hand. It happens to the best of us. Let it go!

 

Darren Sharper is a Rapist?

 

This story broke my heart because Darren Sharper has always been my NFL crush. The former player is now (or was) an analyst on the NFL Network. This past weekend, it was reported that he was arrested in LA on suspicion of rape. Wait, what? Apparently, he is being investigated in connection with 3 separate sexual assaults. SMH! I wouldn't put anything past anyone, but I really hope this isn't true. A man that fine has to have women throwing themselves at him. Why rape someone? Again, I hope the allegations prove to not be true. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent, but I don't know about this one.

 

Vince Young Has Filed For Bankruptcy

 

Another day, another "broke" athlete. Of course, he probably still has more money than me right now, but he apparently has spent/lost millions. Maybe I'm crazy, but how can you make so much money and have close to nothing left only several years later? Athletes (and entertainers) have to do better with their money. I'll just leave it at that.

 

Luol Deng Faces the Bulls

 

That didn't even feel right to type. I'm still upset with the Bulls management for letting Luol Deng go for a number of reasons. Yes, I understand it will help us in the future, but I'm not okay with it right now. Tonight, we must face off against him for the first time as a Cavalier. I'll be pulling for my Bulls, but I'll definitely be cheering for Lu everytime he scores as well. He was a vital part of the Bulls squad for nearly 10 years, and he's just an all-around great person. So, I'll always cheer for him no matter what team he is on.

 

And that is just a few of the sports headlines that caught my attention over the past week.