Album Review: Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager

So...Kid Cudi's sophomore effort "Mr. Rager" has been released officially for a week now, which has given me time to listen to it a couple times through and form a fair analysis of it. Overall, this album is not the mind-blowing perfection of The End of Day. However, I wouldn't call it a sophomore slump. The album, I think, is appreciated best when it is listened to as a whole - a concept rare in modern hip hop. It is like a hip-hop version of the rockoperas of the late 70s and 80s. This album immediately reminded me of MGMT's "Congratulations," in that is what more about the psychedelic trip of listening to the sounds both for the audience and the artists, rather than being about the singles or the formation of individual "radio-ready" songs. This album is a commentary of Cudi's year goneby with his drug problem, fan altercation, jail time, and the birth of his daughter. Many critics have said that this album is just liquid cocaine to which Cudi replied, "I want my shit to be like you're reading a novel, not a Dr. Seuss book. (Complex)" Cudi did admit however that he needed cocaine in order to get past the emotional barriers that kept him from talking about his past - a major theme of the album. Read more and CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO...

Four Lokos: Down, But Not Out

Recent press has shown that the popular college alcoholic/energy drink Four Loko was banned from the state of New York yesterday. This follows previous Four Loko bans in the states of Washington, Michigan, Utah, and Oklahoma.

Four Loko bans have been seen due to the "dangerous mixture of an energy drink and a malt liquor". Some who are for the ban are even calling the drink "liquid cocaine".

Here at Rip City Soccer, we're outraged with Four Loko bans. For a little over two dollars, one of these tall boys will get you slizzard and feeling wide awake for the rest of the night. The taste is a little questionable, sure, but it's definitely on par, if not better, than the cheap beer and vodka that most of us college kids drink anyways.

Recap: MLS Semifinal: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

It looks like there will be a first time MLS champion this year, as FC Dallas rolled over Los Angeles Galaxy last night 3-0. In the early moments of the game, Galaxy of course enjoyed the majority of possession. However, the was an early half chance by Dallas in which Atiba Harris was sprung on a breakaway the gave Dallas hope. Then, completely unexpectedly, David Ferreira opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a brilliant piece of skill. He received a bouncing ball on the eighteen with his back to goal, took a touch and turned while freezing his defender, and ripped the ball of the halfvolley under Ricketts and in the far lower corner. Soon after, Donovan had a chance that almost found the net with a hard and low shot the went across Hartman but was just wide. Read more....

Upcoming: USA VS South Africa, Nov. 17, 1pm

The United States are heading back to South Africa, this time for the Nelson Mandela Challenge.  Wednesday at 1pm ESPN2 and Galavision will have the coverage of the game.  Bob Bradley went with an extremely young squad with several never before capped players, including Canadian prospect Teal Bunbury.  While the roster is clearly at best a B squad this should be a great game to watch if you're interested in the future of the USMNT. The detailed roster that ussoccer.com supplied and Michael Kammarman's Studio 90 interview with assistant coach Mike Sorber about the roster after the jump:

COMEDY: Baracka Flacka Flame - Head of The State

Here's something to brighten up your Monday. A Brooklyn Boy showed me this video of a presidential parody of rapper Waka Flocka Flame's "Hard in Da Paint." It features Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and of course, Oprah. Take this video lightly and Enjoy....

From the Gridiron to the Pitch: My Life with Soccer

Soccer has been a foreign concept to me for most of my life. As a child my father always told me that soccer was a game for “lawn fairies” and that the real sports to play was the big American three: football, basketball, and baseball. Yet, as a kid, you do what your friends do and in my small home town in Wisconsin that was to play soccer.

Josh Gotoy

Recently our attention has been called to a young budding musician named Josh Gotoy at Loyola New Orleans. He sings, creates all his own beats, raps, and plays the piano. Josh's music can best be described as a positive and soulful mix of R and B, Hip Hop, with some jazz influence. Josh grew up in BedStuy Brooklyn. His debut album, J.A.G is set to drop sometime in the near future.

Check and become fans of his Facebook music page:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1344597533#!/pages/Josh-Gotoy/165167413498465

LA Galaxy VS. FC Dallas

Upcoming Cover It Live Event: LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

Rip City Soccer will be covering the MLS Semifinal tonight but seeing as it is on ESPN we will not be doing as much play by play.  We want to use the program as more of an open forum tonight so that our readers can interact with us and other readers. So join the discussion tonight at 8.

Top 10 Boots

Because that youtube video was off, Rip City Soccer decided to make our very own top 10 football boots. This list evaluates the best 10 recent football boots based on a quantum formula that takes into account comfort, price, performance, longevity, and style.
10. Puma PowerCat 1.10
9. Copa Mundial
8. Predator Pulse
7. Puma V1.10
6. Adipure II
5. Laser I
4. Adizero
3. Legend I
2. Vapor VI
1. Vapor IV Euro Edition (The Rolls Royce of boots)

Premier League Fantasy Game Week 13: Heros, Zeros, and The Random Walk

Dear Readers,

I know were all getting pumped for the second burst of semifinal action in the MLS Cup tonight, but I feel the need to take a second an acknowledge the weekend gone by in fantasy premier league soccer. Here's how this column is going to work. First, I give the nod to the player or group of players who performed above and beyond expectations and racked up the fantasy points (Heros). Then, those who have disappointed will get dully lambasted (Zeros). Finally, in the last section I will throw in my two cents about next game week and or soccer happenings (The Imaginary Number). This is my first attempt at this column so bear with me.

Men among Boys: Wigan Athletic Defense

With a clean sheet against WestBrom, Wigan defenders manned two out of the four dream week defender spots this game week. Al-Habsi recorded a respectable 7 points in goal while Alcaraz posted an impressive 8 points at center back. Although the Wigan defense is more likely than not on the wrong end of a seven goal lambasting this week

at the JJB the boys came through in spades. Roberto Martinez is no slouch and his well drilled back line is a testament to his coaching ability; however, next weeks away fixture to Manchester United may well see Wigan defenders making an appearance in the Dog House.

The Dog House: Chelsea FC

What happened? Having woken up early to commentate on the Arsenal Everton game I went back to sleep with visions of clean sheets, goals, and an all star performance by the men in Blue. Yet, upon waking I found Steve Bruce and Sunderland had stolen the show, at Stamford Bridge nonetheless. Now personally, this was an occasion for a jig, but for the many thousands of us in Fantasy premier league who had Drogba or Malouda as captain or maybe even gave that coveted arm band to the dark horse Ashley Cole (oops oops) and started lively Solomon Kolou this was a disaster. Shipping three unanswered goals to sunderland, especially in light of Newcastle's drubbing of the Black Cats at home, is just plain silly. Malaria or no Malaria, Lampard or no Lampard, Terry or no Terry, an entire back line of outside backs (haha Ferreira playing center back) or not, Chelsea were dealt a black eye by the black cats.

The Random Walk through Soccer:

Feather in the cap to Stewy Holden with a goal and an assist this week for Bolton. His first premier league goal if I'm not mistaken. Even though you are beginning to speak like one of them Brits, Rip City's got your back mate.

And next weeks pick: NANI ; as I mentioned above Manchester United to host Wigan Athletic. Can't see that one going any other way than a home win. Nani should, no doubt, be in on the spoils.

Thanks for reading,

Bosque

Preview: MLS Cup Semifinals - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

After winning an entertaining game last night, Colorado Rapids will learn their foe tonight as the semifinals wrap up. At 9:00 p.m. ET (8 CT), Supporters Shield Winners Los Angeles Galaxy will host FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center. The game will be televised by ESPN 2, ESPN Deporters, or if you're in the Macalester area, on ESPN3 on XBox Live in Wallace 316!!!! Rip City!!! takes a preview of the game:

Los Angeles Galaxy
the gals are looking to head to the playoff final for a record seventh, and the second in as many years. Although they won the regular season title, their form had dipped a little towards the end of the season. However as the playoffs commenced, Beckham and Co. regained their winning formula - score early (usually through Buddle) and defend well. In the quarterfinals, the Galaxy dumped arguably the hottest team in the MLS, the Sounders. In the first leg, a Buddle wonder-volley sealed the away victory while David Beckham stole the show in the home leg, garnering 2 assists en route to a 2-1 win (3-1 on aggregate). Statistically, Edson Buddle leads the team with 19 goals in all competitions, while Donovan has notched 16 assists.

FC Dallas
For much of the season FC Dallas were a tough read. They broke the undefeated MLS streak, yet they drew a lot of games and lacked a finishing "bite." The team's legitimacy was questioned further with two late season losses to Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy. However, the playoffs gave Dallas a new look as they methodically finished off defending champs Real Salt Lake 3-2 on aggregate. The highlights of the series included Eric Avila's gamewinner in the first leg, the Shea chest to McCarty finish to silence the home crowd in the second, and Hartman's heroics in goal. FC Dallas are looking for their first final appearance and their first silverware since their lone U.S. Open Cup. Statistically, Jeff Cunningham leads the team with 11 goals, and David Ferreira leads the team with 13 assists. Look for Schellas Hyndman to mix things up in the midfield as Atiba Harris is back from suspension and McCarty, Shea, Hernandez, and Chavez all came off strong performances that deserve starting nods.

Head-to-Head
The Galaxy leads the all-time series 25-18-9. This year the Galaxy took the series 2-0 (May 20: LAG 1-0 FCD, goal by Magee;Oct 24: LAG 2-1 FCD, goals by Beckham, Junihno, and Harris)
Look for there to be a tactical battle between the coaches as both teams like to defend off of their quick-scoring leads. Coach of the Year Schellas Hyndman of FC Dallas will be up against last year's award-winner Bruce Arena. Another interesting matchup will be the goalies: Kevin Hartman of Dallas and Ricketts of LA, both goalie of the year finalists. Hartman, formerly of the galaxy, was the showstopper against Salt Lake and is still coming off an injury. Ricketts, the Goalie of the Year, showed strength against Seattle's few chances but is always injury-prone.
Another battle will be up top. Buddle is red-hot and is out to prove he is the true golden boot winner and MVP. Jeff Cunningham is out to prove is MLS's all-time greatest goalscorer. The biggest match-up will be in the midfield. Veteran stars Beckham and Donovan, along with Juninho, will look to exploit the likes of in-form Dax McCarty, Brek Shea, and Daniel Hernandez.

Share your predictions below!!

Top 10 Football Shoes?

I saw this on youtube and thought the idea was pretty cool but its a little outdated and i was definitely dissapointed that my puma v1.10's weren't included. Please, lets be real...number 1. Thoughts? What is your favorite boot?

Arsenal vs. Everton 8 AM Sunday

Colorado VS. San Jose

"LIKE A G6" (OFFICIAL) FAR EAST MOVEMENT (FM) feat The Cataracs & Dev

TIME TO GET SLIZZARD

NCAA playoffs have arrived and its time to bust out the beer, vodka, rum, four loco or whatever other inebriating liquid you prefer. Tonight 7 PM at Macalester we need hundreds of crazy fans to help the Scots move on to the next round of the tournament.



-When we drink we do it right, get SLIZZARD!

CHING!! puts a stumbling block in front of the Fire

Last night a spectacular hat trick by Dynamo legend Brian Ching kept the Chicago Fire at bay. The fire, with a short turn around after a midweek game against the revs, looked sloppy. Sean Johnson and the defense certainly had a game to forget as they allowed four goals from a struggling Dynamo team. Ljunberg kept his good form going with two assists to wilman Conde on a corner and Calen Carr in the run of play. That and an own goal from the Dynamo could not earn even a single point for the fire on the road. Points that are dearly needed if the team is going to make the playoffs. Something Fire fans have come to expect. Johnson and the defense looked particularly unorganized as men went unmarked and goals flew into the back of the net all night. Im not the boss but its my guess that Carlos de los Cobos won't be around long in Chicago. His constant lineup changes and attempts to bring in sub par El Salvadorans has not boded well for the fire this year. I hear Bob Bradley might be on the market again. I'm just saying.

MLS teams begins push to the playoffs and concacaf champions league group play

Most MLS teams have made their mid-season moves and have their rosters set to begin the push to the playoffs. Last night the Revs and the Fire played a crucial game in terms of playoff implications. An 85th minute Calen Carr goal snuck past Reis and gave the Fire a 2-1 victory. As the standings sit right now the fire still remain outside the playoff picture as the Western Conference looks to put 6 teams in. Also last night Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew improved MLS teams to 3 and 0 in Champions league group play. Perhaps MLS teams are listening to Garber and taking this contest more seriously. Tonight at 9 the Sounders will look to make it 4-0 for MLS as they take on Marathon. Who do you think makes the playoffs this year? Will this finally be the year an MLS team takes Champions league title?

Macalester Pre-Season Approaches

Determined Scots will be descending on Macalester's campus in just a few weeks time to prepare for the upcoming season in the MIAC. Expectations are high as the Scots will look to repeat as conference champs and more importantly will look to make a deep run into the NCAA tournament. In what some may see as a shocker, Coach Ian Barker was able to keep budding stars, Jonathan Dachenhaus, Ian HC, and the Mercurial Doddy, from being lured overseas by the likes of Tottenham, Mito Hollyhock, and Dutch giants Ajax. One of the more exciting developments for the upcoming season is the new headband rule that the team decided upon. For every game the Macalester Scots will wear either a blue or orange headband, that includes coach Ian Barker. This may come as a surprise to some of you but what most people don't know is that headbands let you jump twice as high, run twice as fast, and have the killer instinct of a great white shark. Yes, it is shocking but you better believe it and you better get ready for a crazy season in the MIAC.