*Check this out* :: The Social Network

You know that feeling you get when you watch something good, like, really, really good? Well, I had to share it with the masses, because this feeling only comes around but so often. I finally got around to seeing Chris Nolan's "Inception" today (yes, I know, I'm late, sorry. It was a good flick though) and just before the feature, I saw the trailer for "The Social Network" coming later this year. Although it wasn't my first time watching the trailer, it was however, my first time getting the full experience in the theater, and I gotta tell ya, it looks damn good. Seeing it again reminded me how hype I am to see this flick. I'm hoping it's not just a case of really good marketing and horrible product reviews, because I want to believe in this movie. It's giving us the story behind one of the greatest social and technological tools of our generation; Facebook, but, I wanted to keep this short, so I'll let you be the judge. Check out the trailer below. Oh, and incase you were wondering, the song used throughout is entitled "Creep" by Radiohead, performed by the Vega Choir. You may also remember this song from RockBand...just saying.

Extra Tid Bit: You think Tom ever got offered a movie deal? Poor fella, I wonder how many friends he has left?

Welcome home Roscoe Jenkins (Part: II: Revenge of the Nerd)

*Sigh* We've waited years folks. Hundreds-of-thousands of issues, several B-list character features, and a lot of patience, but we're finally getting it. The Avengers is FINALLY coming to the big screen. Why am I sighing you ask? Well, although I'm elated to see a live-action super-hero team up on the big screen, I can't help but feel cheated. Chris Evans folks. Chris Evans will carry the mighty shield of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like Chris Evans as an actor, and I'm pretty sure he's a nice guy to boot, but #Cmonson, really?! Chris Evans?! You mean to tell me there's no one out there fit enough? No one blonde enough than Chris Evans? I really find that hard to believe.

I think what really bugs me about the whole thing is that Evans did a superb job as Johnny Storm (Human Torch of the Fantastic 4) and in my mind, that's all I can see him doing. He's quick witted, a little goofy, and does a decent job when it's time to get the water works going. I'll give him his role in Street Kings though, but how hard is it to play the "rookie" cop, or the by the book guy? I did almost throw my Common CD out the window, however, because he shot the Human Torch. The nerve.

Honestly, the casting director can eat one, because quite frankly, I'm not buying it. #Nohomo, but the Cap is a man's man and looks likewise. Recently, Sylvester Stallone was interviewed and essentially said the "action hero" is dead, and quite honestly, he's right. Think about it. Jason Statham is really the last action hero, no pun intended. Arnold went and f*cked up California, Stallone is trying to do to death what he did to Apollo Creed in Rocky, and Bruce Willis...well I don't have anything witty to say about Bruce, he's too cool. What I'm getting at is we need someone "built" for the role and Chris Evans is too pretty, yet all the go-to guys have either past their expiration date, or they're foreign, and I don't care how well they act or how well they look the part, my Captain America had better be American! Anything would be considered terrorism and the entire cast would be killed for treason! #RNS!

My suggestion, and you're gonna laugh, but I don't care, Matthew Maconahay. Physique wise the guy's in good shape; young enough he doesn't need CGI but old enough to demand the respect 'Cap' deserves, and not to mention, the guy's a really good actor. As for his notorious southern drawl, it's nothing a speech coach and a few vocal lessons couldn't fix.

I think I can learn to deal with the fact that Ed Norton won't be coming back as the Hulk, you can that creative control and egos for that, but I'm going on record as saying that I disagree with Evans being casted as Captain America...it's lame. Robert Downy Jr. as Tony Stark, genius, this, not so much. I would say how much I hate the new lead for the upcoming Spiderman re-boot, but that's another post. They crossed the line and made it personal when they did that.

So there you have it. Who knows, maybe I'll be surprised and Evans' performance puts Downy Jr.'s to shame; I hope so, but the odds of that happening are highly unlikely. As much as I want to destroy everything Marvel that I own for all of their recent casting blunders (Megan Good as Storm in X-Men: First Class!?) I'm still going to check Captain America out when it hits theaters, and am still giddy about The Avengers. Let's pray to God they get a set of decent writers, and maybe bring in Jerry Bruckhimer for stunts and the whole "blow this sh*t the hell up" factor.

Extra tid bit: Hugo Weaving (Smith of the Matrix trilogy) will be playing Cap's nemesis, 'The Red Skull' #ALLthe Awesomeness!!

Welcome home Roscoe Jenkins (Part I: Baller Beware)

What up people? I know what you're thinking, "This man Darin must be stranded on some remote island somewhere," and if that was an actual thought, let me say screw you for not sending rescue. No, I'm kidding, I've just been away, recently moved from the college town of Statesboro, Georgia and am now residing in Atlanta.

That's right, the "real world" has finally set its massive Mr.Krab-like claws around my jugular and I'm feeling the pinch, but it's all good. I can't worry myself about my current state of unemployment, or the student loan letters being sent to my home, nor the fact that I'll be away from my love for a few months (.38). All I can do is get through it, but that's another post in itself.

As you may realize, a lot of epic events have transpired since my disappearance to Krypton. Let's see, LeBron Jam

es did in-fact join forces with D-Wade and that other tall black guy...Bosh "something," to create what the associated press and fans alike are deeming a Super-Team. Well, in my opinion yes, it does look a little lopsided, but I'm sure there are a lot of reasons that we as outsiders looking in don't necessarily understand about James' move to Miami.

You can say either side (James or the Cavaliers) is the victim, but from what I hear, LeBron is a bit of a douche. It's easy to say, "He's just tryna get his money man! You've gotta respect that man for not letting these owners treat him like a Toby and run his life for him!" valid, angry patron, but it's been said that LeBron has diva-esqe tendencies and pretty much D-Bo's his way around the NBA. Sure, we know that NBA players have their entourages, but this man LeBron uses his status like a glock-9mm.

Case in point, the "Redeem-Team." Many don't know that he tried to coerce the Olympic Committee into giving his friends jobs, or he wasn't going to play...the Olyimpic Committee...whose been around since like, um, forever! #Cmonson. LeBron, I'm sorry, but if that is the case, and you are a Tyler Perry (b*tch behind closed doors) then I can't defend you man. I can overlook the fact that you left a city for dead quicker than George Bush, I can also overlook that you've somewhat tarnished your competitive spirit to win a title before you end up like Malone or Barkley, but what I refuse to defend is a man who feels he's almighty and plays victims for the cameras...say it ain't so 'Bron-bron, say it ain't so.

(To be continued...)

Extra Tid Bit: Next post, I discuss Marvel Comics' Captain America...

Million Dollar Babies

As the day draws to a close, at least here on the east coast, avid sports fans tune in feverishly to hear the news that could either send them into an ecstatic frenzy, or incite a mass riot.

If you're not one of these super sports enthusiasts let me help. Today, the NBA's free agents received the go-ahead to hear offers from teams around the league. However, the biggest news of the weekend surrounds an all-star whose feats have seemed inhuman at times, LeBron James.

That's right, at this very moment "King James" is contemplating a court (NBA humor lol) to call home. The Ohio native has been the face of the Cleveland Cavilers since 2003, problem is, outside of his rim-shattering dunks, heart-stopping buzzer beaters, and Stockten-esque passes, all he's got to show for the last 6 years or so are his personal stats,

a signature move, and green-backs galore; no championship rings.

With the absence of a title in mind, and the biological clock not looking to slow down anytime soon, LeBron James has considered the possibility of carrying his talents elsewhere; this way, maybe he'll have a better shot at not ending up like Charles Barkley. Great player, great carrier, but, no rings.

Recently, the Cleveland Cavalier organization fired the only professional head-coach James' has ever known outside of the Olympics in Mike Brown, and replaced him with former NBA player/head-coach Byron Scott. Does this make sense to me, uhhh, NO! But hey, if you want to pick up a guy who was fired from Jersey after losing in the finals twice, taking another four years or so to even coach his way back into the playoffs and is damn near split in his wins versus losses, then by all means, go right ahead. Maybe there are things behind closed locker room doors that we don't know about. It'll probably come out in a month or two that Brown and the front office butted heads over the players, but as for now, all we know is that Scott is their coach, and they are trying DESPERATELY not to see their city's favorite son pack up and hoop somewhere else.

LeBron isn't the only big named player with options, there's this other guy, Dwyane Wade, maybe you've heard of him. Unlike James, Wade has tasted victory and all of its glory by beating trash-ass (it's a blog, I can do that) Dirk Nowitszki and the Dallas Mavericks to become the 2006 NBA champions.

Since '06 though, it's been tough times down there in Dade County. The Miami Heat have tried to make trades and draft picks to keep up with the one known as "D.Wade," but their efforts haven't led them very far at all. Last season, the Heat were fortunate to make it to the playoffs, but unfortunate to get matched up with the power house Boston Celtics, let's just say they didn't make it out of the first round.

After a string of failures, injuries, and whatever else you want to add into the mix, Wade is also considering leaving behind Miami, where he basically became mayor, and pursue his carrier elsewhere. Last I heard, he was in Chicago taking meetings with team reps to discuss a future outside of the 305.

Let's see, there's a lot going on so I'm just going to skim through the rest:

-Phil Jackson is staying to coach next season in L.A.

-Chris Bosh is a free agent, talked it up with Wade, might be a possible duo signing...maybe.

-The Nuggets may or may not trade Carmelo (Stupid). How quickly we forget he was one of the Big 3 out of the '03 draft class... smh...

-Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) may stay, but New York is showing interest.

-And the Nets may not have the most salary cap room, but i'm pretty sure their new BiGaGillionare owner wants LeBron to play for (Brooklyn) so they can conquer America in the name of Mother Russia.

More to follow as the week plays out....stay tuned...

FUTURE-Music Must Haves

Skip the intros, let's get straight to it.

At the top of the list is one of the nastiest, thought-provoking, out of the box lyricists of our generation, Lupe Fiasco. If you're any kind of cool, you'd know the guy made a name for himself and nerds alike by rhyming about skateboard pleasantries, as well as inciting people to re-think the world around them.

His last studio effort, "The Cool," debuted in 2007 and sold a little over 200,000 copies. Throughout the album, Lupe hinted that his next album, tentatively entitled, L.U.P.END would be his last, but the powers that be have led the west-side Chicago rapper back into the studio for his up coming album LASERS, due sometime this fall.

Next on the list is everyone's favorite prick, Kanye West. Me myself, I have no real issues with the guy. My only quarrel with 'Ye, give us the old 'Ye! We want that "College Dropout" Kanye back! Sure, I understand that as an artist, you can't stay in one spot, that you have to be willing to develop your craft, but at the same time, it seems like all of the "pissed-offisms" have led Kanye to explore sounds that are either hit or miss. Sure, his last CD, 808's and Heartbreak did over 450k in its first week of release, but I mean...eh. It took me several times of skipping, looping and listens to actually appreciate the album, not usually a habit when it comes to Kanye West projects. I understand that a lot of the album's source material came from 'Ye's personal experience, and I applaud him for that as an artist; but as a listener, I guess the presentation could have been a bit better.

Hopefully, we get a glimpse of ol' school Kanye in the long awaited "Good Ass Job" album. The released single "Power" sounds pretty good. It has the arrogance we've come to appreciate in Kanye along with a catchy track with matching chant vocals in the background. "Good Ass Job" is slatted for release on September 14.

HONORABLE MENTION: This one's going to North Carolina's own, J.Cole. I appreciate J.Cole since really all North Carolina's ever given us was Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Little Brother...Petey Pablo, #CMONSON!?

With J.Cole comes the resurgence of all around hip-hop. He's got a delivery that resembles 2 Pac, word play the likes of Jay-Z or Andre 3000, and the intellect of consensus rapper's Talib Kweli and Common. Overall, Emperor Hov found himself a mighty fine apprentice in young Cole (cue Darth Vader breathing). His mix-tapes The Come Up and The Warm Up are definitely worth checking out. Does he have what it takes to take the new Roc-Nation to heights unseen since the early days of Roc-A-Fella? We'll have to wait and see.

Sidenote: Whre the hell is Big Sean?!?

"Sleep is for those who don't have dreams..."

I got that quote from a friend of mine who's involved in visual arts. Like so many others, the odds of becoming a highly "successful" photographer is stiff. We were told to follow our hearts and live our dreams, but they failed to mention the part about expenditures and competition. The "baby-boomers" generation is being forced out, yet "Generation X," as we've been so appropriately named, is fighting within itself to compete in a job market that blows all kinds of chunks.

I was kind of feeling down so I turned to music to reflect my mood. Skip the whole "pick me-up" tunes, give me some sh*t that's gonna make me say, "Damn, this is real." In doing so I opened my computer and found a classic song from a classic album by an artist who's surely going to be labeled (if not already) one of the greats, KanYe West's, "Spaceship." For those that aren't hip, the song comes from "Ye's" freshmen album The College Dropout. In it, he describes the plight that the dreamer with great ambitions goes through on a day to day basis. If you feel like you've ever wanted more out of life than where you're at, this bud's for you. To all my fellow big dream enthusiasts out there, never quit; even if where you're at sucks major! Remember, count it all joy! Our day is coming!

There Goes the neighborhood

How goes it world? Sorry I've been on hiatus, but my personal life has been kinda crazy, which got me to thinking, I didn't formally introduce myself. Well, for those of you who didn't subscribe to my last blog The Urban Sprawl Agenda, you wouldn't know that my name is Darin Woodard II. Yeah, I'm a second, and I think it has a nice ring to it. I just recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors of Science degree in journalism, and am looking to use "The Patriot" as a stepping stone to break into mainstream entertainment.

Like any other schmo, I started this blog with the intent to blast audiences with my radical opinions. Why'd I get a degree in journalism if I'm just going to rant you ask? Well, that's simple, BECAUSE THAT'S THE WORLD WE LIVE IN FOLKS. IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BIG BUCKS YOU'VE GOT TO TRICK THROUGH A FEW HOOPS...but I digress.

"The Patriot" is my, and hopefully your soon to be sanctuary for everything "cool." I warn you, Subjects, thoughts and opinions may get a little raunchy, offensive, or just down right nerdy! In other words, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you don't agree or want to offer a different take on a topic, feel free to leave a comment, that's what the box is there for.

So there it is folks. I'm a starving artist looking to get his foot in the door without getting awkward stares from the in-laws. Thanks for reading!

Oh yeah, and catch all of my twitter antics as well. Follow me: @wered0h

-Darin C. Woodard II

Really? F*ck a Mix-Tape?

The stage was set. Disks had been pressed and the demand was high. The 'Proud to be a Problem' mix-tape from Atlanta rap trio, Travis Porter was ready for release. With a live countdown rolling, followers posted tweets galore in anticipation. Fans of their crowd-chanting party music fevered at the opportunity to click and download their newest mix-tape. Mix-tape; all too familiar words to rap music enthusiasts these days. In an era where album sales are shadowed by illegal downloads, mix-tapes have surfaced as the new means for those looking to break into the industry.

'Proud to be a Problem' is one of over two dozen mix-tapes released this season. Thanks to Travis Porter's indy buzz for hyping clubs throughout Atlanta, the project received a lot more attention from web-surfers than say a, 'Boo-Rossini'...exactly. The mix-tape game has caused record-labels and artists alike to re-stratigize their marketing tactics. Sites

like livemixtapes.com and datpiff.com get their fair share of mix-tapes released by major label artists looking for street attention, but there are literally thousands of mix-tapes put out by rap artists and DJ's still wet behind the ears hoping to break into the limelight.

Though the odds may say the chance of becoming a major-label artists are slim to nil, the mix-tape scenario does have a list of success stories. Case in point, Aubrey "Drake" Graham. The tween drama 'Degrassi' star-turned newest hip-hop phenomenon owes most of his notoriety to the mix-tape hustle. Drake had been pushing his music via mix-tape since 2007 (Room for Improvement), but it wasn't until the Canadian bred artist released his follow-up, 'Comeback Season,' did the wheels of fame begin turn in his favor. Long story short, 'Comeback Season' got Drake a video-shoot with r&b's newest prince, Trey Songz, and a chance to tour with everyone's favorite martian, Lil' Wayne. However, as many background

singers, dancers, and "possiemen" know, just because you're seen with a star, doesn't guarantee you'll be one yourself, so in an effort to capitalize off of his newly acquired attention, Drake's 'So Far Gone' mix-tape was released.

'So Far Gone,' arguably Drake's all around best work, offered a unique blend of cleverly lyrical hip-hop and sensual r&b. The result, his popularity blossomed. Drake's mix-tape presence helped launch his career because it was strategically marketed.

It started out as your ordinary "look-at-me for free" mix-tape, but as Drake's popularity rose and financial backers and producers saw the marketing potential, the 'So Far Gone' mix-tape was re-released for purchase on iTunes.

Now, one thing to remember about mix-tapes is that they are for promotional use only. This is why artists give them away. Though financially backed artists can afford to pay high-end producers, or even have their own 'in-house'

producers, a number of artists grab hold of already popular song titles and make them their own. This is without re-sell of course, simply put--you can't sell what you don't own.

Because most mix-tapes are free, the serve as flyers. They promote the ability of an artist in their most natural realm...the studio. There are those who hate the idea of clocking in long hours behind a mic only to heave it out the window in hopes a passerby spares a few bucks and gives a shit about the music. Lets face it, our society is driven by the dollar, and some feel nothing is worth putting work into for the 'free'. Clifford Harris, notoriously known in the biz as rap artist extraordinaire "T.I." ironically said it best with the release of "F*k a Mix-Tape"...the mix-tape.

"Tip," as he is often called, feels as if mix-tapes are a waste; hell, he even enlisted the likes of famed comedians Kevin Hart and Jamie Foxx to share his sentiment. In the opening track to 'F*k a Mix-Tape,' Foxx rants on how the game lacks fortitude, and that mix-tapes are merely resumes of artists looking for work saying, "Tip! You've been gone all this time and you do a mix-tape? Do an album n*a, an [ALBUM]."

Is T.I.'s point valid? Once an artist reaches celebrity status should they release free mix-tapes? History's taught us that when artists sign with major record labels it's the company that puts the money up, and the artists responsibility to make it back, and then some. Studio time, producers, advertising and merchandise are just some of the areas labels hit to promote their artist, but giving away free material? One would think it's a little unnerving. These days if a person looks hard enough, they'll find the song they're looking for...virus and trojan horse free. Guess execs feel the only way to turn the corner by today's standard is not avoiding the streets, but attacking it in full force.

It takes more than promotion to win in the mix-tape circuit. Like the great Trick Daddy once said, you've got to "know somebody, who knows somebody who knows somethin' 'bout it." Though mix-tapes are given away for free, and may cause an artist to go in on records that have quality album potential, mix-tapes do a service to music. It may or may not benefit the music INDUSTRY entirely, but mix-tapes are seen as a direct link between artist and consumer. What an artist loses in record sales he has the potential to make up on the road by performing shows, so yeah, it kind of does a service in the big picture. There's a certain feeling you get when you hear an album track that you've paid for verses the long lost basement recording raps by your favorite entertainers. Yeah, that's it. Mix-tapes are like the behind the seen footage of your favorite movie. All the stuff that you wish you could have been on set to see yourself. There are those who've chosen a side, but in the end, if you love hip-hop you'll support it monetarily, but if you love music, you'll support it by copping mix-tapes and spreading the word. 'Nuff said.

Tid bit... Check out what David Banner has to say about mix-tapes. Oh yeah, and be sure to leave comments!