The Author and His Point Guard

Recently there’s been a lot of "Bieber Fever" going on for Chicago Bulls point-guard Derrick Rose. The lead candidate for the league’s MVP, Rose has been advocated by the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) Michael Jordan and Chicago-native, sports-columnist/analyst/author Mike Wilbon. In fact, Wilbon has done more then advocate Rose for MVP. As a visible and influential figure on ESPN game telecasts and other programs, Wilbon has taken the lead in spearheading the Rose campaign. Well I think it's time that this author advocates his point guard from a different era and for different reasons. This author is here to remind you how great Isaiah Thomas was as a player and to properly credit him amongst the best point guards in NBA history.

To understand this sentiment, let's examine my dynamic between Detroit and Chicago. Being that I lived in Chicago and Detroit as a youth, I consider both of them as home. But that's now. I come from the era when the Pistons and Bulls had the most bitter rivalry in the NBA. Withstanding the team colors, they were the Crips and Bloods of the league! Imagine a young boy leaving St. Mary's of Redford grade school in Detroit in January '91 to move to Chicago's William H. Ray School on the Southside. At the time, Detroit was the defending champion and had successfully eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs three years in a row. My assimilation to the school was tumultuous initially, but things smoothed out. Fast forward 5 months and I'm hosting a house party for my birthday (May 22) and all my school buddies are there. Game Four of the Bulls/Pistons ECF is on, and by the time the game is over everyone at my party is happy and celebrating except me. I'm in the corner of the room sulking as I knew the Pistons’ reign was over. I even remember listening to EPMD's "Rampage" as this unfolded. If you thought the Pistons walking past the Bulls without giving them dap was foul, imagine a 14 year old 'Martin Payne' kicking folks out with gift or no gift!

In fact, if it wasn't for Michael Jordan retiring in '93 and making the league so boring to watch (NBA League pass wasn't available then so I couldn't watch a certain rookie play for the Warriors), I wouldn't be the converted Jordan/Bulls fan that I am today. I'm uber proud that Michael Wilbon is campaigning for "Pooh" and isn't apologetic or afraid to show it. At the time of this blog, the Bulls were tied with Boston for the best record in the East. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had Lebron James slated as the MVP. But during a succession of national televised games, Lebron's MVP stock plummeted with each late game meltdown while Rose conversely became a hot commodity as the stand-out in big wins versus the league’s elite teams. Also, isn't this year and current Bulls team eerily reminiscent of the 2001 Sixers team that made the Finals and featured league MVP Allen Iverson? I'm not saying Rose is better then A.I., but the sum of the parts sure are. The Bulls no doubt defer to Rose like that Sixers team did, but Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng are better then Aaron McKie, Matt Geiger, or Eric Snow. Initially I thought Wilbon was delusional (even Rose too for his MVP slam cover that preceded the season), but he may have been on to something.

I just wish the influence of Michael Wilbon was prevalent in the late 80s/early 90s for another Chicago point guard: Isaiah "Zeke" Thomas. In my humble opinion, Zeke is the second best point guard in NBA history right behind Magic. If it wasn't for his off-court controversy, Isiah would've been etched along Magic, Bird, and Mike on the NBA’s Mt. Rushmore of greatness. Every time a player mentions the all-time greats as inspiration and Isaiah or those Bad Boy teams are omitted, it boils my blood! Who's the only player in NBA history to successfully beat Michael, Bird, and Magic in the playoffs? The answer is Zeke. Who's responsible for making Jordan and the Bulls battle-tested, tough, and ready for winning? The truth of the matter is that Isiah's insatiable desire to win (or "killer-kill" if you will) can only be matched by a hand-few. People forget that Isiah dropped 25 points in the 3rd quarter against the Lakers at Los Angeles with a broken ankle in the '88 Finals. Bird may have beaten the Pistons in the '86 playoffs thanks to the infamous out of bounds steal, but Detroit came right back the next year and defeated them. Before Michael Jordan became the great MJ we all remember, he had to overcome the Pistons hurdle, who beat them in the ECF 3 straight years! When most people think about a player scoring points in a flurry in the playoffs, Reggie Miller versus New York comes to mind but in 1984 Zeke scorched the Knicks for 16 points in 94 seconds! . Who was the first player throwing bounce pass alley-oops to Dominique Wilkins in the All-Star game or to Gerald Glass in regular season games? ZEKE! But more importantly, Isiah Thomas was the leader and heart and soul of the vaunted "Bad Boys." That hard nosed style of play and tough image the Pistons portrayed, perfectly personified the people who patronized the Palace, of Auburn Hills. The "Bad Boys" are to the NBA what the "Fab Five" are to the NCAA. Instead of transcending style of dress as Michigan did, the Bad Boys changed the league's style of play from finesse to defensive minded and gritty (i.e. Jordan led Bulls, Pat Riley Knicks/Heat).

When I look at celebrated players in the past or present achieve accolades that Zeke didn't amass, it makes me sad. What accomplishments do I speak of? How about MVPs and Olympic selections! Steve Nash is a two-time MVP but his career numbers pale in comparison to Zeke not to mention he's never made it to the Finals. John Stockton made the Olympics in '92, but up to that point trailed Zeke in career scoring and assists, yet he and his 13 straight All-Star Starts stayed home to watch his colleagues travel to Barcelona and make global history(shout out to Jason Kidd of 02-03, and Chauncey Billups of '06—you guys should've won MVP as well).

Let's be real. The main, if not only reason, Zeke has been ostracized from his just due and recognition is because of his poor relations with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Mike Jordan. I'm not here to criticize or defend Zeke's off court transgressions, but on the court there's no denying he's a monster. Pound for pound (all 6'0" and 180 of them) no one may have possessed the skills Isiah had. For those who didn't have the pleasure to watch him play,imagine a player the size of Chris Paul, who's handles, and crossover were more crispier then Allen Iverson, had the passing abilities of Magic Johnson, the heart/"killa kill" of Jordan and you have Isiah Thomas. If the Fab Five film taught us anything, it is that there can be a healing or transitional period where the villain can become hero. On the court, there were few who were more heroic then Zeke, so can we PLEASE cite him and those "Bad Boy" teams when we mention the greatest teams and point guards of all time?

I Don't Need Your Love Part 2

Forgive me for using the highly frequented cliche, but "I'm going in." Where am I going? Im going to a space that has recently thrown Fab Five legend Chris Webber under the bus. I guess I've got to play Shyne to Webb's Diddy and air the joint out. It's time to get in Young Buck mode and shank the Dre assassin.

All of this sudden criticism has stemmed from the well received and magnificently produced "Fab Five" documentary that ESPN aired over the weekend. In the grand scheme of things, the film was successful in catapulting them from urban legends to cementing their status in the cannon of American Icon. When you look at the NBA's most gifted player,Lebron James, compare his Miami Heat to the Beatles, you want to say "Child Please!" The Fab Five were the original hoop Beatles. Perpetrators often imitate them, but they fall terribly short in duplicating them! One must factor they were comprised of too many complex intangibles coupled with the improbable luxury of talent and timing.

Specifically, these are the three things that are "grinding my gears" more then Peter Grifiin: 1) the transgression of the UNC game and 2) his absence on the ESPN film 3)the Ed Martin controversy. To this day, I still don't get the morbid infatuation people have with other's time of adversity. It is what it is, you know what happened. My man succinctly stated what he needed to say in the classic "What I did is what I thought." We all saw what happened. Do people need a remixed, sensationalized version topped with icing and sprinkles? Foreshadowing how he would conduct his career in stand-up manner, the then teenager C-Webb attended the press conference and faced the music like a man. One time. That's all it takes. What more do people want? How can a man let a wound heal if you constantly prod and poke at it? ESPN brilliantly provided footage that would suggest evidence of his teammates signaling with their hands on the sideline. Even Jimmy King pointed out a teammate clapping on the sideline when it went down. There was obviously SOME confusion and miscommunication on the team regarding their dimensions and vital stats. What people need to recognize is the loudest statement he's made through the years has been in silence. He could've obviously placed blame on teammates, but he ate that criticism up like spinach. Instead of compromising the integrity of the group and tainting their legacy as a collective, he individually chose to fall on his sword for his brothers. That's selfless. Why doesn't this point get brought up more often?

People outside of "Fab Five Nation" think it's a pity-party post-1993. Once again, "Child Please!" That whole situation is worn proudly like a badge of honor. When was the last time a "Katrina" survivor not embrace their situation? If anything,their spirit inspired and carried the Saints to a SuperBowl. So dispel any premature rumors why Webb didn't make an appearance on the film . I can't confirm anything, but I can assure you he "ain't never scared" and his absence had nothing to do with dissension or beef with his brothers. As a highly confident, proud, and progressive brother myself, I would probably decline an appearance as well if I had to disclose periods in my life that were personal and sacred to me. In my Damon Wayans inmate voice from 'In Living Color', "How can my people ever advance if we're stuck in the past?"

The last thing is a touchy subject. I have absolutely no authority to discuss or probe the Ed Martin situation. I just know as a result of it, it caused a little tension between the brothers, and that's what ticked me off! As an Afro-Am kid growing up in the inner city, the aura of the Fab Five was imperative if not essential. They were like an Equal Opportunist gang anybody could join, and they preached positive messages of fellowship, brotherhood, loyalty, and hard work. Even in their darkest hours, the one calling card the Fab Five could hold on to was unison. The more controversy they attracted, the closer they appeared to be. This Ed Martin situation seems to be the one chink in their armor, and I'm selfishly salty because it minutely presents the chance of tainting the perception of the mighty superheroes from Ann Arbor. At the end of the day, it may all be hyperbole. But after 20 years of perfect camaraderie them having any kind of rift is a big deal to me no matter how minute it is.

All I know is, regarding Jalen Rose, he kept it so 100, I can never be mad at him. Through his words, I understand from a distance he and some of his teammates had relationships with Ed Martin for better or worse. To make things make sense in my mind, I look at it through a Jackson Family scope. Some siblings were Joe Jackson's favorite and loved him, some of the other siblings didn't get along with Joe. But as long as the brothers were cool, that's all that mattered.

So now there's a lot of expectations on C-Webb to say this or say that in regards to their relationship involving the University. Why is that? Is it because he was the man or the BMOC? It takes two to tangle. If you're my prom date and ditched me at the dance, why would I apologize to you for me getting home safely? I say that meaning when ish started to hit the fan with the NCAA investigation, it appeared the school abandoned them. Jimmy King made a good point about being the "bigger man" and the "bigger picture"; that theory is a two way street. I say until the UM show more contrition or accountability, stick to you guns Webb. We all know he's gonna be bombarded with hounding from Barkley and the TNT/NBA crew, but I'm sure he'll exhibit the same poise we've grown accustomed to. Remember, Dr.King said (and I'm paraphrasing) : " A man's character should be judged when he's faced with adversity and discomfort."

Leaders of the New School

This past weekend was a blessing sent from the basketball gods. If you're heavy into hoop history then you were treated to the televised Revolutions documenting Michigan's "Fab 5" and their blueprint, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Considering the huge impact they made in basketball culture and society overall, I felt compelled to chronicle the four turning points that transcended basketball in the last 30 years.

Thirty years sounds like a random number but it denotes the foundation of the NBA's "Neo" era birthed by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ("Neo NBA" meaning the age of cable rights, national TV games/highlights, sold out stadiums, etc.) If the Christian calendar recognizes the first year of Jesus' birth as "Anno Domini" or "A.D.", then 1979 should be the NBA's version of "A.D."—“After Drafted Bird and Magic.”

Acknowledging the trailblazing feats by these legends should be implicit, so the first person recognized in the NBA's "A.D." era as a transcendent figure is Michael Jordan. Jordan emerged on the scene in the mid 80s with an infectious flare and style of play that was foreign to the general public. He captivated the nation with an aerial assault that featured high-flying dunks and gravity-defying usages of hang time when driving to the rim. This unprecedented style of play and domination lent itself to unprecedented levels of commercial exposure and monetary success in Corporate America. Jordan is known as the godfather of Nike's success and popularity, along with introducing the world to other on-court fashion statements. The extent of Mike's influence reached global proportions as evidenced in the ‘92 Olympics, but his roots in Chicago may have been most pivotal in the shaping of his legend. The Windy City has the resources to be labeled as the New York City of the Midwest while maintaining its hard-working, blue-collar reputation. Michael Jordan encapsulated that double entendre beautifully. Besides, the Bulls had no substantive history or tradition so Mike could do no wrong. His work ethic mimicked the grit of the city's blue-collar side while his game performances suggested Broadway. As a 6'6" guard who could also handle the ball, shoot, pass, defend, and play above the ground, he set the precedent for the prototypical contemporary swingman (think Kobe, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Tracy McGrady all in their primes).

The next two entities that transcended the sport of basketball on and off the court are the aforementioned Fab Five and UNLV Runnin' Rebels. Setting trends and affecting the culture on the collegiate level rarely occurs. Historically, big time college basketball programs are mostly defined by their coaches. Typically, it’s the guys like Bob Knight, Coach K, John Wooden, Roy Williams, and Dean Smith who play the marquee name on the bill when their school is in town, and their programs usually adhere to strict discipline and honor codes. The running joke in Chapel Hill was that the only person to contain Jordan was Dean Smith, so the fact that these teams equaled their coach in stature (UNLV) and even eclipsed him (Michigan) is extremely impressive.

UNLV was the father of the Fab Five in so many ways, particularly because the make up of the teams was so similar. Both teams boasted versatile future power forwards that would eventually go on and become the #1 pick in the NBA (LJ/C-Webb). They both had the luxury of being afforded two head-strong, tough, and talented point guards for leaders (Greg Anthony/Jalen Rose). Everything UNLV did beforehand was subsequently embraced and enhanced by the Freshmen, including style (meshing street fashion with Nike) and social disposition (introducing mainstream sports to hip-hop culture). Additional crucial elements that Michigan inherited from UNLV were the Rebels' racial stereotypes and rivalry with Duke. HBO and ESPN both did an excellent job bringing insight to the magnitude of those social and racial match-ups, but I took the Duke situation far worse then most. In political terms I viewed Duke on the same level as the oppressive, Jim Crow government of the early 50s. When Vegas beat the Blue Devils in the 1990 title game, it felt as if my father just won a civil rights case in court. When the Devils beat Vegas in the Final Four the next year, it was as if government tried my old man in the same case but this time he was sentenced to life in prison. And then when his son (Fab 5) attempted to avenge his father of this injustice the next year, he was convicted to the same fate (loss to Duke in the championship game).

Speaking of the legal system, the arrival of Allen Iverson and his movement was the last lightning bolt to strike and transcend basketball. If UNLV/Fab Five were the malcontents to the media's bark, then Iverson was definitely the bite. What made Vegas and Michigan so scary was the "potential" factor. People really thought Ice Cube was killing people and Public Enemy were breaking people out of jail when the Fab Five hopped on the scene. When Allen Iverson became notorious, mainstream America was becoming more receptive and understanding of the "hip-hop" athlete. I'll never publicly throw the Answer under the bus, but most of the transgressions in his career seemed to substantiate a lot of the preconceived notions that were falsely placed on the likes of a Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, or Larry Johnson. But getting in trouble or being a bad-ass doesn't make you a transcendent figure. Iverson was able to parlay all of the negative press into a great career sans the final year. Corn-rows, arm sleeves, and a plethora of tattoos will forever be credited to Iverson. When the NBA institutes a dress code and Charlie Sheen quotes you ("Practice"), those are clear indicators to me that you transcended basketball on and off the court!

I'm really glad two of my favorite teams of all time got major shine this weekend. A lot of people slept on the UNLV documentary but ESPN wouldn't allow that to happen. They did a good marketing job; it seemed as if Onyx’s opus “Slam” was the soundtrack to every other commercial that came on television advertising the film. I really can't add on much except that I'm pretty salty all of my Detroit/Chicago urban legend stories were exposed to the masses (guess I'm not in the Cool Kids Club anymore). The whole phenomenon of kids going to the league from high school was a major turning point, and you can definitely credit Kevin Garnett and Kobe for that, but that option has since been eradicated. The perpetual and continuous affect of UNLV, The Fab Five, and Allen Iverson resonate to this day!

My Father's Brother, Thomas

If you're a hoop fan and historian, then the only way you don't know about ESPN's 30/30 "Fab 5" film is if you're living under a rock with Rick from that insurance commercial. For cats that are outside of the loop, 3/5 Fab Fivers made an appearance earlier this week on the network's show ("First Take") to promote the film and discuss it.

Jay Crawford interviewed Fab5 Alum's Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and Jalen Rose to get insight and talk about the old days in "A Square" (Ann Arbor, MI). One occurrence in the old days was the bitter feud between the U of Michigan and Duke. As Jay cut to a clip of the film, you saw Jalen express his feelings toward that school in Durham, NC: "…I hated everything Duke. They only recruit Uncle Tom black athletes."

Now keep in mind Jalen Rose is an employed NBA analyst for ESPN, and he responsibly made sure he wouldn't get fired for using such controversial language. Also, that was a 30+ year old man reflecting from his days as an impressionable teen-ager fresh out of high school. But usually where there's smoke, fire is right behind.

To some, Jalen's generalization of Duke and schools of that ilk (Indiana, Kansas) were the smoke, but to me, the fire is the reality. After ESPN showed the clip the adult Jalen didn't clean up or backpedal from his comments, rather restated his comment more politically correct. He basically said during the time of his recruitment, certain schools only recruited black athletes from a certain tenement: polished black families usually with two parent households.

The posterboy of Jalen's angst at the time was Grant Hill. Hill was an All-American guy who's mother was roommates with Hillary Clinton and dad played running back for America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. Hill emerged from an astute and affluent high school in the suburbs, where Jalen conversely hailed from Detroit's Public School League ( sidetone: waddup Southwestern , shout out to Vashon Leonard and Howard Eisley!)

Besides playing in urban Detroit, Jalen's household was broken. His mom led a single-parent home while his Dad Jimmy Walker, also a pro athlete, was inactive in Jalen's life. Quite naturally that made Jalen jealous. Not of Hill, but of his fortunate situation. Assessing Grant Hill as an "Uncle Tom" isn't accurate. Uncle Tom to me is someone who goes out of his way to not be so associated or identified with his culture. G Hill and his family were just ahead of their time. How many black households do you know in 2011 where 1 or 2 parents are college educated with money?

Now for the "fire" part of my analogy, the reality. It is true during the time Rose was being recruited (91) , players from the Fab 5 weren't heavily recruited from Duke, and they were the top players of the country! Why is that? Is it because Coach K came from that Army/Coach Bob Knight dictatorial, disciplined style of coaching he didn't think was conducive for the Fab-5? Or was it because the Fab-5 were the first of its kind: hip hop listening, baggy shorts-wearing, trash-talking ballers from the urban city? Coach K must've been afraid for his life that these potential malcontents were thugs and killers.

Fast forward 20 years later, and the Fab-5 are respectable, suit-wearing, upstanding businessman and citizens of the USA. Not to be blasphemous, but they did sacrifice a lot and were scrutinized so much just so that the modern athlete could be accepted for embracing the hip hop culture and be free to express himself. Jalen's Uncle Tom comment wasn't a slight at Coach K or even an assault at the kids. Jalen's comment was to alert coaches across the country that basketball talent is basketball talent, no matter if it comes from the suburbs or the city. Take the time to know and understand me before you judge me. Only God can do that. Roses do grow from concrete!

I Love You Man: The Crying Game

So the new log of criticism added to the Miami Heat's fire is "crygate." Never-mind that info was voluntarily leaked by their head-coach Erik Spoelstra (I'm still baffled on that one, why invite more drama to a script you can barely direct already?), the point is that he left his players vulnerable to the world's opinion and interpretation of this watery controversy.

Crying in basketball is hardly new and has gone on for years. It's an emotional sport. I remember gaining added respect for Kobe Bryant in 2003 after the Spurs defeated the Lakers in the playoffs. LA was denied a 4th straight title as Kobe wept in surreal shock and disgust from the bench. The "Answer" Allen Iverson couldn't deny the tears from streaming when his upstart Sixers lost in the first round to Reggie Miller's 2000 veteran laden and Finals bound Pacers.

Witnessing this bold statement of security in one's manhood by two of the league's most elite players taught me that it's ok to be passionate for things you love. But I saw these examples transpire on camera. Kobe and Iverson were aware their emotions would be caught on film. They had an option to manifest or censor their feelings to the world and they did so to a relatively positive reception by the masses.

Lebron and Wades' alleged crying was TOLD to the world. We didn't SEE it. Human beings naturally imagine things for the worse when left with the option of open interpretation. With a mountain high of recent criticism permeating, it tends to alleviate any benefit of doubt for apologizing or defending the self-called "Heatles". Watching them meltdown in close game after close game would suggest tears of pity rather respect.

In the aforementioned Kobe/Iverson crying examples, it would imply tears of honor like Denzel tearing-up and staring at his counter-slaves while being beaten by his owner in "Glory." Because we didn't see the Heat players cry, coupled with their negative perception we automatically assume tears of pity a la Celie crying when "Mista" separated her from her sister in "The Color Purple."

I'll reserve my judgement for these boys until their season is over. As a competitor, losing can be extremely beautiful. The words of Ghost come to my mind in describing their recent funk: "We want it so bad, we may cry!" (Mighty Healthy) It's not about crying. It's about any excuse the hoop's world are looking for to "pooh-pooh" on the Heat, cuz right now it's a 'cool to hate the Heat' world.

Dice's Top 10 Dressed (women)

1. All the women in the world that's going to work w/ that lawyer, businesswoman corporate america look. I see ya'll rocking those heels, stockings (or leggings), dresses, skirts, skirt suits. Something ab a lady rocking that corp am look. it exudes confidence, professionalism, and sexiness all in unison. giggity.

2 Kim Kardashian: she be on her hovi all black everything, but her purse game is on point as well as her louboutin game.

3 Rihanna: from the Halle Berry to Ronald McDonald hairdo's, u cant deny her flavor. Nice heel game and colorful...i probably don't agree w/ everything she does, but her boldness and trendsetting capabilities give her the nod.

4 Amber Rose: kind of like the poor womans kimmy k....but 1 sex tape and a cpl more ballers later, she'll be in Kimmy's class. but seriously, i like her dual style. the only other chick w/ a "dual" style (rocking guy outfits, but no homo) is Ciara. But i like Rose's dual style better....i guess yeezie taught her.

5 lala: unlike beyonce, lala's man thoroughly upgraded her. nice purse/shoe/accessory game.

5b Angela Simmons: love that East Coast swag and flavor.

6. Michelle Obama: #Presidential....the black Jackie O'Nasis/Princess Di

7Marcia Dyson: she'd be #1 if she wasn't as humble as she is and invaded your house everynight on some reality tv show ish. But if you ever wondered where i got my love/infatuation for shoes, it's this lady. Ever wonder where I appreciated woman's details, it's this woman. My kick collection looks like a pack of gum compared to her....fabrics, accessories, shoes, patterns, purses,etc.....her shit its, fuggin ridiculous!

8 Maisha Dyson-Daniels: ditto what i just said ab Ms Dyson. She's an actress too, so imagine how many different looks, styles, etc she has. what's scary is the most lethal bullet in the arsenal just turned 3 yrs old. #layla'sworld

9 Gwen Stefani: it was either her or erykah badu...since i rep'd for the black weirdo's in my men's style edition (3 stax), i'll go w/ gwen. I love her steez (at times) b/c its a direct expression from her artistic tenement.

10 Teanna Taylor: like her versatility

Dice's Top 10 Dressed

1 soctt diesek ("kardashian" fame)----labels, custom fit suits, fabrics, colors, swag. definitely exudes a top corporate/business/aristocratic/distinguished look.

2 lebron james: has the scott diesek look/urban/preppy looks on deck….also clad w/ the labels and colors, and custom-fit style. love ppl who roll up their sleeves…also the man w/ accessories (ice, hats, chains, bracelets, scarves, skullies, etc)

3 Jay-z: the only reason he's not #1 is b/c he's on his "all black everything"…but he has the blueprint to the scott diesek/lebron look….they're just ahead of him on the account for my color variety---no momo. Plus he gets props for dressing better than the hottest chick in the game wearing his chain.

4 D Wade: kind of like the black Scott Diesel but more muscular….nice v-neck game…as evidenced in the t-mobile "get me out of here" commercial, knows how to mix patterns, colors, fabrics beautifully and mesh it all together. it's funny, years ago wearing the muscle man shirts was wack, but Wade makes it look fly. Plus Gabby Union is yum-yum….

5 President Obama: Even though the only thing rotating are his ties, he's still presidential.

6 T.I. *on the downslide b/c of jailtime and o.d.'ing of his label. not mad at promoting ur brand ("akoo") but i can't front, he was the only lite skin dude besides me to be so ill w/ style…

7. Kanye *on the downslide as well….mega downslide. w/ the transgressions of the thriller video outfit during the all star game and recently spotted w silk hammer pants knocked him down….plus conceding to scott diesel was disappointing (tho it's true)…where ur's blinding arrogance ye? plus i heard he had a 6'5" whiteboy who dresses/looks like Harry Potter drop out of Harvard to aid his style choice….but can't front, any1 who began the phase of not wearing ur jeans baggy no more, the colorful pastels, reviving the blazers, keeping BIG's Jesus Piece alive , and signing multiple shoe deals w/ giants (nike/louie v) will always make this list. just off his stats alone…i don't know, maybe Ye is dressing for himself and the voices of reasoning in his mind. Not mad.

8. Andre 3Stax----he's on here for when i want to feel fashionably liberated…contemporary 3 stax…not the turban, genie pants, football pads, ski shoes and blonde wig 3 stax…..more like the bowtie wearing, straw hat 3 stax.

9. Kobe---*on the downslide….used to be my top 5, but ever since he did the Pilgrim photo shoot, and was at the all-star game (maybe last year) wearing a baggy cardigan, i was kinda leery.

10. OchoCinco----he's new to the game in terms of flavor, but he still has wears.

Me -----capacity to have a combo of all-aformementioned styles "every other day my whole dress code switch."

My Woodcroft Zoo/NYC nigs: Troop, Ghost, 5th Ave, Killa Ke, Killa Kun

My brother Dr/media figure Mwata Dyson

****s/o to Diddy....he's def a top 10 guy. he's like the ap polls tho, rotating in and out.

honorable mention: wayne (i guess---really a concoction of monkey see monkey do influences) and pharrell (strictly skateboard style limits his versatility)