How the Playoffs will be covered
And I renounce my nickname
My plan for slamonline’s coverage of the playoffs is so simple and obvious, I don’t know why it didn’t cross my mind sooner. But first, a public service announcement.
Nobody has to email me about this. I am aware. Maybe I’m getting soft in my late 20’s, but I feel like I have outgrown Cam’ron and Dip Set. After years of dumbing myself down to be able to understand it, I just can not do that anymore. He says he wouldn’t snitch if there was a serial killer living next door to him. I think there is a difference between snitching and being a responsible citizen. You could say that going on 60 Minutes and talking about not snitching is a form of snitching. I understand that he is playing a character as 95% of rappers are, much like many people who act one way professionally and another in their personal life. Pretending to be an organized crime figure is the exact opposite of what real members of an organized crime family do. Their concern is to have the appearance of legitimate businessmen, not draw attention to themselves on one of the most widely viewed TV shows in the world. This is a new low.
Seriously, this is too ridiculous for me. I am ashamed to have ever been called Sam’Ron or Killa Sam. Kids, don’t be afraid to talk to your local authorities. Not all cops are out to get you. I have already emailed information about the story to some of my favorite bloggers, which means that I have snitched. Take THAT!
Again, I am fully aware of the preposterousness of this story. Will it move me to watch 60 Minutes? Probably, but only because of that Anderson Cooper and his steely gaze. No ho…… sigh. It’s over.
Onto the playoff coverage. To be honest, I’m only writing this post to have an excuse to write about the end of Dip Set in my life. But here goes.
Eight different writers will be covering each of the eight series. Each one has been instructed to take ownership of his series. That’s the whole idea. Brilliant in its simplicity, much like Hannibal’s plans from A-Team. Or were those needlessly complicated? Anyways, they are assigned like so:
WEST
1 DALLAS 8 Golden State– Ben Collins
2 PHOENIX 7 LA LAKERS - Marcel Mutoni
3 SAN ANTONIO 6 DENVER - Cub Buenning
4 HOUSTON 5 UTAH - Emry DowningHall
EAST
1 DETROIT 8 ORLANDO – Ryan Jones
2 CLEVELAND 7 WASHINGTON - Jake Appleman
3 TORONTO 6 NEW JERSEY - Vincent Thomas
4 CHICAGO 5 MIAMI - Russ Bengtson
Vincent was SLAM’s latest copy editor. It was too good not to have someone named Vince doing the Toronto series, plus he will be at the games where everyone will be cursing out someone else named Vince. Lang and I will manage the whole project, chime in with more general observations, and keep the whole thing moving along. Look out for the previews today. Jake already got started. It’s playoff time. Welcome to everyone who is here for the first time after ignoring the glorified exhibition schedule. It begins.
CRITICAL UPDATE: I have created a new category for all the playoff posts, which you can go to here. Maybe next week we’ll fix a special page for it like All-Star. But today is Jason Brightman’s last day. If you scroll to the bottom of any page on the site, you will see his name. He is moving on, and he should be able to enjoy his last day without taking on an extra project like that. But go to the playoffs home page for the latest posts.
47 Responses to “How the Playoffs will be covered”
Apr.20 at 8:56 am
ThePerfectStorm says:
Outgrown dipset? welcome to 2 years ago, Sam.
Apr.20 at 8:57 am
James says:
If that ever was actually truec then hopefully said serial killer would get him next. One can hope
Apr.20 at 8:59 am
James says:
Im presuming its a “he” - i’ve never heard of the chap
Apr.20 at 9:13 am
deestarbuckz a.k.a The Notorious H.A.T.E. says:
Does this mean that you are throwing away all your tight fitting jeans, studded shirts and belt buckles Sam? No more pink or purple? No more of the appreciation for simplistic ABC rhymes? Good lookin’ out Sam… No more of your computers, ‘puting as you update SLAMONLINE.COM
Apr.20 at 9:16 am
Sebastian says:
Sweet, my man Russ covering the Bulls series. I am so pumped.
Apr.20 at 9:21 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
I know. No more listening to Jim Jones scream about being Goon’t up. No more of the magic of Sheist the Bubarian.
Yes, Cam does deserve to be murdered by a serial killer after this.
Apr.20 at 9:26 am
J says:
The real question here is why would 60 minutes interview Cam of all people?
Apr.20 at 9:35 am
deestarbuckz a.k.a The Notorious H.A.T.E. says:
Cam has not been the same since the “Killa” was dropped… Best song he ever made was Pull It with DMX… after Horse and Carriage dropped, it was downhill from there. And Jim Jones was always better served riding shotgun like in the “What Means The World To You” video.
Apr.20 at 9:36 am
deestarbuckz a.k.a The Notorious H.A.T.E. says:
Big L is rolling over in his grave…
Apr.20 at 9:42 am
Ron says:
I lost respect for Cam’Ron a while back. Check out the youtube clip of Cam and Dame Dash on Bill O’Reilly. He was a total jerk towards the Principal of my daughter’s school. His ignorance at that time turned me off, and it’s been lights out ever since.
Apr.20 at 9:51 am
Bill Biehl says:
Cam’Ron is a selfish human. Had that serial killer, killed Cam’s mom or daughter i think his words would be different. To sit here and say that in the instance one of his close family members died, he would say “I know who killed my mom, but im not telling” is the dumbest thing i have ever heard anyone say. I would change my nickname too.
Apr.20 at 9:58 am
Bill Biehl says:
In other news, Jake you have the easist game of all. Cleveland is going to wear Washington the F out. I have been watching the follower on tv, and i always read SLAM, but I feel like Cleveland gets no respect. Maybe im missing something here, but it seems like im the only one that wants them to come out of the east. One thing is for sure, if we get another Detroit/San Antonio finals, im not watching.
Apr.20 at 10:02 am
Max Airington says:
I will never take Purple Haze off of my ITunes. Never.
Apr.20 at 10:06 am
Logan Light says:
I’m expecting big things on the Orlando/Detroit coverage… so many back stories to report on too. Yo Ryan, can you get an interview with Darko?
Apr.20 at 10:56 am
Cub Buenning says:
Sam, everything Hannibal did had a purpose.
Apr.20 at 11:05 am
albie1kenobi says:
my question with the simple brilliant plan is, who’s covering the next round? do the writers have write-off or something to see who gets to cover the next round? for example, is Ryan or Russ going to cover the detroit versus bulls/heat series? that’s the kind of answer i need to know. yes i’m jumping the gun, which is what makes it fun.
horse and carriage was a great song. when i was in high school that is.
Apr.20 at 11:17 am
Max Airington says:
Theyre actually all in the office playing a game of Twister with NBA logos on it to see who gets what matchups….left hand, Wizards!
Apr.20 at 11:20 am
dez says:
Camron is a ‘major rapper’? in which country?
Apr.20 at 11:23 am
Toney Blare says:
wow, i just feel empty now. i mean, we all knew this day would come, but still… keep your head up, no-longer-Sam’ron.
Apr.20 at 11:29 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Thanks Toney.
The second round doesn’t start for like 3 weeks. we have time to figure that out.
Apr.20 at 11:51 am
Bryant Reeves says:
Sam, did your “roommate” have anything to do with this lifestyle change?
Apr.20 at 12:44 pm
Ben Osborne says:
I generally like 60 Minutes a lot…but this is LAME. As Khalid and I said, why give a voice to a moron who can’t even get a XXL cover? Using Camron to make all rappers look stupid. I guess it’s predictable on one level, but still disappointing. Geoffrey Canada is on point though.
Apr.20 at 12:50 pm
Ali says:
Question for u guys….I posted this on Forum blue and gold and was hoping to get a discussion on this. Does Kobe HAVE to get past the Suns this year and is it comparable to the MJ/Pistons rivalry of the early 90s. Kobe has done some amazing things over the past two years but if he pulls a David over Goliath..will this legitimize him as the air apparent, as the best player in the league. I love Kobe as a player but there is a part of me that feels that to really go to the next level in the pantheon of greats he has to get to the second round this year so even if KG or Oneal is traded to the squad next year ..it will be known that Kobe could carry this lakers team by himself..even in the playoffs. Thoughts?
Apr.20 at 12:58 pm
deestarbuckz a.k.a The Notorious H.A.T.E. says:
Have you seen the Bill O’Reilly interview? I think that we all know why Cam’ron was picked. Ignorrance personified! The general publics view of hip-hop is that of misguidance, disrespect, and overall ignorrance. Why not continue to feed the stereotype by putting Cam’ron on 60 minutes as opposed to someone like Chuck D, or someone with something valid to say?
Apr.20 at 1:00 pm
Shiz says:
I tried to tell you about them dudes, Sam…Dont’ worry though…Firm allegiances die hard…The “set” had a good run. but he’s the opposite of Ghostface (since the face been reveiled, game got real). Since dropping “Killa”, he been spittin that “computers computin’” bullshit..His best shit was when him and “Murda” Mase made up The Children of the Corn, but thats history like whoa…Now you got him and 50 racin to be the first one to dry snitch on the other…Sad…But Dame and Cam on Bill O’Reilly is classic shit…Cam is too childish, taunting dudes. LMAO.
Apr.20 at 1:01 pm
jbn74sb says:
I was hoping that Ryan would get to cover the Lakers-Suns, so he could finally confront his real feellings for Kobe, and stop acting like a jilted lover. On the other hand, I love reading Mutoni’s stuff. I guess you can’t have everything…
Apr.20 at 1:10 pm
Shiz says:
But we shouldn’t be too surprised by rappers’ reluctance to help cops. I don’t help cops either. Look at Bussa-Buss. His homeboy took one for em, the cops threatened to throw him in jail and the family of son-duke hate Busta with a passion now, but he STILL won’t say nothin. Look at Kim, who came outta jail wit rep intact and look at Cease who gets jumped and robbed like every other wednesday. (Shrugs) some dudes is just like that. And as far as rappers go, it truly can be “bad for business”, but leave it to the guy in the pink coat to take it too far.
Apr.20 at 1:20 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Don’t worry, bodie, I’ll comment all over Mutoni’s blog after the Lakers lose to the Suns.
Apr.20 at 1:21 pm
mutoni says:
i believe in kwame brown and his cake-throwing abilities. lakers will prevail.
Apr.20 at 1:26 pm
Mike says:
I’ll never wear pink again.
Apr.20 at 1:37 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
I’ve always enjoyed Cam’s ignorance for comedy’s sake and preposterous lines like “I kidnap adults but its usually children”, but when he’s speaking on behalf of a whole group of people or even a culture if you want to go that far on 60 minutes, it’s not right.
Bryant Reeves… entirely possible.
Apr.20 at 1:58 pm
Felipe Amaral-Alves says:
The reason Cam’ron is getting 60 Minutes airtime over someone like Chuck-D is precisely because Cam’s content is more representative of the majority of topics (gang-banging, womanizing, purposeful stupidity) of rap in general; maybe a hyperbolization of that aspect, but representative nonetheless.
Apr.20 at 2:27 pm
Joel O's says:
Respect, Sam. NOT helping cops for the sake of “street cred” is one thing, but when it comes to not “snitching” on serial killers, that isn’t just detrimental to the police - it’s detrimental to EVERYONE. What if that hypothetical serial killer’s next victim was one of Camron’s friends or his family? Does “street cred” matter then? Race, culture and politics aside, dude’s comments were just plain selfish, silly and ignorant at a very deep level. Sheesh.
Apr.20 at 2:39 pm
Eb says:
Ummm, didn’t Cam snitch on child molestors with the “To Catch a Predator” DVD? Or doesn’t that count? Are child molestors worse people than serial killers?
Apr.20 at 2:40 pm
Chris says:
Hey Sam, are you going to have a play off section (like you did for the all star game) so we can click on that link and get all the latest coverage?
Apr.20 at 3:14 pm
j holla says:
I’m 16 and outgrown dipset when i was 13. I only respect juelz as an artist. Now, I think the playoffs will be exciting. Hope Dallas get knocked out by golden state. I’m a BK cat, but I see a Heat repeat. And in honor of the death of cam’ron as a rapper- “Heat repeat, Repeat Heat, Heat repeat”
Apr.20 at 3:15 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Good idea Chris. I have adressed that with an update in the post.
Apr.20 at 3:32 pm
Jonathan says:
Can’t wait till tommorow for the playoffs to start. Sam check you e-mail.
Apr.20 at 4:00 pm
Bimbo Coles says:
im disappointed that the toronto/new jersey series is going to be covered by someone other than jake appleman. only he can truly describe what the Boston Snackbar brings to the table.
Apr.20 at 4:22 pm
Cam'ron is a clown says:
So if a serial killer is running around raping women and children he would not say anything because it would hurt his already pathetic album sales. Cam you sold 200k last time out and that’s with so called street cred you certified clown. Message to all if you commit a crime I am telling. If your dog takes a poop in my yard I am calling animal control. If you play your music way to loud at night and I can’t sleep because of it I am telling. If you even think about hanging out let alone selling drugs on the corner of the street I live and pay taxes I am telling. At the end of the day it’s my job to make sure my neighborhood is safer for my wife, my kids, and everyone else’s kids who live there. Cam’ron is as fake as WWE wrestler. It disturbs me that 60 minute would put this clown on TV knowing what kind of influence he has over the kids that believes the nonsense that comes out of his mouth. Since that other WWE character Al Sharpton also loves being on TV and get in face time maybe he should boycott this. This issue has way more of a negative effect on our community then the Imus situation.
Apr.20 at 5:55 pm
Andres David says:
I vote Barack Obama and I get gully with dip set cuz I’m only 22 just a young buck on the way up.
Apr.20 at 7:06 pm
what says:
I never had to outgrow Cam’ron, because I realized he was a no-talent idiot the first time I heard his pathetic attempts at rapping.
Apr.20 at 7:35 pm
Chris says:
Dip Set is wack anyway…
Apr.21 at 12:49 am
Nick says:
Dip Set always was and will be the worst song in the history of music.
Apr.21 at 3:38 am
BUM says:
Cam’ron is just a fuckin’ wannabe gangsta. He ain’t no gangsta, he’s a fucking bitch. Yeah, that’s what he is, a fuckin’ lil’ bitch. They should call him Lil’ Bitch. Ladies and gentlemen, I present you Cam’rons new name: Lil’ Bitch.
Apr.22 at 11:59 am
seppo says:
the dipset movement appeared to be on a downswing some time ago. but right now they are trendsetters again. diamond skulls on their chains and all. but no matter how you think about dipset as a collective, you gotta give props to juelz santana. he has gotten his swag back and is spitting fire on all those new mixtape releases. juelz and lil wayne are the hottest mcs in the game.
Apr.23 at 4:36 pm
O'Neezy says:
Are you giving up Juelz Samtana as well?