Sports & Hip-Hop: Doug Martin Runs Wild, The Lakers Struggle & More Posted by Lucas Garrison on 11/07/12 | Filed under Sports, Sports & Hip-Hop

A Note from Nathan S: Since the dawn of time, or at least since N.W.A. started rocking Raiders hats, sports and hip-hop have gone together like Rosa Acosta stretching videos. So while most sites might just recap the last week's biggest sports stories, we're upping the level of difficulty and attempting to recap the week's biggest sports stories...via music.

I'll let the homie Lucas Garrison take it from here:

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Doug E Fresh "The Show"


Being a rookie in the NFL is no picnic. They say the level of play from college to the pros is greatly elevated and the learning curve is steep. Players are faster and smarter, playbooks are thicker, and starters have to perform at a high level each week because there is someone below you coming at the bit to get some playing time. Well this year’s class of rookies, highlighted by RGIII and Andrew Luck, is showing an exceptional ability to make an immediate impact on their respective teams

Besides the two quarterbacks, there is another NFL pup who is playing at a level well beyond his rookie status, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin. While Martin has been a solid contributor to the Bucs offense throughout the season, racking up double-digit touches in all games but one, which was against the Redskins, who have an abysmal pass defense, he has recently emerged as a real threat, posting back-to-back phenomenal performances. Two weeks ago, Martin rushed for 135 yards and1 score on 25 carries against the Vikings normally stout run defense and outdid himself in week 9.

While his week 8 effort was impressive, it paled in comparison to the career day Martin had in week 9 against Oakland. Last week, Martin ran his way into rookie of the year talks by rushing for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns. Martin had a day many running backs dream of, breaking several Buccaneer records and propelling his team to a huge 42-32 victory, putting the team back at .500, which is good enough for second in the NFC South. The Boise State product, who was drafted 31st overall, even put himself in the NFL record books by being the first player since at least 1940 to rush for scores on rushes of at least 45 yards (according to STATS LLC). Martin almost had the single game rushing record, finishing only 45 yards short of Adrian Peterson’s single game record of 296 yards. To see all of his amazing touchdown runs check out the video below. Be sure to turn your volume down, unless you enjoy hearing “Teach Me How To Dougie”. Yeah I didn’t think so.



At 5’9, the back may look small, but rest assured, he is no pushover. Martin is nicknamed “Muscle Hamster” because of his superior strength despite his small stature. Martin showed his versatility in his impressive day. He ran around defenders, planted some quality stiff arms, and hit holes with breakaway speed. Combine those impressive qualities with his ability to pass block and pas catch and you have yourself a quality back, which, at the age of 23, will be providing the Buccaneers with explosive performances for years to come.



In order to pay respect to the Bucs new found superstar, I chose a tune form another famous Doug, Mr. Doug E Fresh’s old school jam “The Show”. I chose this not only because of they have the same name, but because Martin’s versatility and explosiveness allow him to put on quite the show for fans.

Brother Ali "Win Some & Lose Some"


While it is sad to think that the football season is more than half over, there is a silver lining; the most important football games, the ones that decide playoff seedings and division winners are just around the corner. I am however; a little disappointed when I look at the standings, because it appears as though most of the divisions already have a clear-cut leader and probable winner, lessening the value and watch-ability of late season games. Several divisions, are either nearly locked up or barring an epic collapse, have an easily projected winner. On of those divisions is the AFC South, where the Texans, who have only lost one game, are 2 games up on the second place Colts, who, with a young, inexperienced offense, wont challenge the Texans for the top spot. The other division that is all but locked up is the NFC South, where the 8-0 Falcons have a commanding lead and are 4 games up on the less talented Bucs squad.

Several divisions, such as the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC East, may not be totally decided, but they all have clear-cut favorites. The Giant in the NFC East are the only team with a winning record. The 49ers, of the NFC West, have the Cardinals nipping at their heels, but the Cardinals offense has been anemic lately and they appear to be on the decline. The Patriots are a surprising 5-3, and are followed by the 4-4 Dolphins. The Dolphins are a young team with a first year coach and I just don’t see anyway they can dethrone Tom Brady and the Patriots, who have won the divisions 9 out the last 11 seasons.

Despite the lack of competitive play in many divisions there are a few still to watch, some more exciting than others. One of the weaker divisions in football is the AFC West, in which the Raiders, Chargers and Broncos all have a legitimate shot at the title. The Broncos’ who are in 1st with a 5-3 record have to be the favorite, but the could easily fall off, if Peyton Manning can not stay healthy or productive in the brutal Denver winter weather, which will undoubtedly rear its ugly head and effect the passing game of the Broncos. Not to mention they have had trouble remaining consistent all season. The Chargers are one of the most inconsistent teams in football and have always had trouble winning when it counts, recently losing in epic fashion to the Manning led Broncos by surrendering a 24 point lead on Monday Night Football in week 6.



Thankfully there are two divisons that will indoubetly have exciting finishes, and the both happen to be the North divisons. The AFC North is neck and neck between the Ravens, who, at 6-2, have sole possession of first place and the Steelers, who at 5-3 appear to be hitting their stride. Not far behind is 2011's surprise team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals may be 3-5 but certainly have the tools, like stud wide receiver AJ Green, to make a late season rally. Check out Green’s tremendous playmaking ability in a highlight reel below. Helping their cause are two huge late season divisional games. The Bengals play the Steelers week 16 and follow it up with a home game against Baltimore to close out the regular season. The NFC North, while only a two-team race should be just as exciting. The Bears have a 7-1 record, which is great except for the fact that the always dangerous Packers are right on their tails at 6-3. The Bears, who have been known to get flustered, have to remain calm and keep winning, especially in week 15, when the Packers roll into Soldier Field, hoping to make up some ground should the standings hold.

I chose "Win Some and Lose Some" by Brother Ali for this segment because consistency has been a struggle for teams not named the Texans and the Falcons. Teams like the Patriots and Packers have lost more than expected, but are still in the hunt and can redeem themselves from early seasons struggles by winning important games when it really matters in November and December.

Outkast "2 Dope Boyz in a Cadillax"


While the NFL season is on its second half, the NBA has just kicked off its season. One of the more intriguing stories in the infant stages of the season is the struggle of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers underwent some drastic changes after an early exit in the playoffs and totally revamped their roster bringing superstars like Steve Nash and Dwight Howard and ditching Andrew Bynum, who never lived up to some pretty lofty expectations and the aging Lamar Odom. With powerful lineup of Bryant, Nash, Gasol, Howard and Artest…ahem excuse me….Metta World Piece; the Lakers are heavily favored to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. However, the Lakers have sputtered out of the gate to a 1-3 start that has fans who aren’t accustomed to losing a little nervous. They have looked flat and out of sync and appear to be struggling to mesh. To make matters worse, Nash recently fractured his fibula in the teams loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Although Nash will only miss a week, it hurts the team, as this is an important time for the new look Lakers to blend and get adjusted to one another playing style.



Despite the struggles there is no reason for Lakers fans to panic. The NBA season is so long and a few early season struggles don’t mean much. Especially because Dwight Howard appears to be fitting in quite well, as you can see from the highlights.



Also Kobe is still playing at a high level, averaging 26.8 points per game, which is good enough for 2nd in the league behind James Harden. Much like the Heat’s first season after bringing in James and Bosh t help D-Wade, the Lakers will have ups and down as the 5 superstars learn each other and figure out how to best play as a team. So like Outkast in Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac) Lakers nation needs to stay calm and let Kobe and drop bombs. Which is why I chose that classic tune for this segment.

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