Recommendations

Hard like DMX but smooth like Nelly, "Outside Inside," the first single from Sho Roc has the potential to become an instant club anthem. Sho Roc's lyrics come through clean and clear exposing a variety of hip-hop influences (imagine that southern style mixed with a smidge of South Bronx). Aside from the deep hook and progressive lyrical style the thing that grabs you about "Outside Inside" is that the song blends classic hip hop themes, (street life, clubbing, pulling down paper) but never sounds generic or played out. Sho Roc covers his roots, his current state, and his future while managing to sound both hard and conscious at the same time. The laid back beat plays well underneath a mellow but driving cadence and makes this a perfect song for bumping in the club, house party or anywhere you want people out their seats. Bounce to this! The B-side "Sho Me Who Rocs Betta" brings out Sho Roc's battle style. Again his flow comes across hard without being over the top. Sho Roc shows that he can be real without talking about guns and bitches in every line. Not relying on these devices allows Sho Roc to exhibit his lyrical prowess and world knowledge. Guest MC LyFE is more conventional but adds a nice contrast both vocally and lyrically. 2001 put the Dirty South on the hip hop map, maybe 2004 will bring Deleware on the scene.

The Will to Change: Men Masculinity and Love, bell hooks

A common way to describe a good book is when "you can't put it down." But have you ever read a book that affected you in such a profound way that you had toput it down? One that spoke such a ground shaking truth that you could only handle it in small doses? This is that book. in "The Will to Change" bell hooks examines how patriarchy, manifested by both men and women, shapes the lives of men and boys in America. The impact of hooks' words will be felt by any man who is ready to examine his inner demons. The book can also serve as a powerful tool for women trying to maintain a relationship, or trying to raise a male child. I urge everyone to read this book, even if you feel as though you're relationships are fine this book can help everyone strengthen the bonds between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children of both genders. Read this book, but give yourself time to do it.

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, Michael Lewis

This is a must read for any baseball fan, especially A's fans. Lewis makes Billy Beane looklike a man among boys, and basically makes him out to be a geneous. ( I on the otherhand can hardly spell). Is Billyball II all its cracked up to be? The only way to knowis to track how Beane's "new baseball thinking" draft picks fair over the next five years. just enough time for Lewis to write a follow up.

Basball's Last Dynasty: Carlie Finley's Oakland A's, Bruce Markusen
A decent account of the A's in the 70's. The teams that won five straight division titles and three straight world series. Follows the Moustache Gang, and crazy old Charlie O. Fun for A's fans, and anyone who's sick of reading about the Yankees and Resox all the damn time.

Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America

Wanna be pissed off about homlessness but not at the homeless? Kozol's book is an eye opener. Read, get pissed, fuck shit up!