The recent shortcomings of the team around him make people forget he’s statistically the best pass thrower in Cowboys history. Not only does he own the record books in Dallas he also has a career quarterback rating of 96.4 which is fourth all time! Higher than Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Dan Marino. QBR is an accumulation of all statistical categories, and a much better gauge of indiviual performance than team oriented achievements like Super Bowls.

Prior to the start of this season former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Joworski ranked every QB in the league from best to worst. A list where Tony Romo was #15. While such disrespect is expected from a former Philadelphia Eagle even someone with a lifetime of hatred towards America’s Team should be able to suppress their emotions to make a more legitimate assessment. After one year of success Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Colin Kaepernick are better than Romo? Seriously? Jay Cutler? The same Jay Cutler who hasn’t surpassed 4000 yards in a season since 2008? Matt Schaub ranked ninth!!?? The credibility of any list is completely lost when Matt Schuab is top ten, and Matt Ryan ranks higher than Drew Brees.

Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, and Eli Manning aren’t statistically better than Tony but are consistently ranked higher because of their championship rings. I’m not trying to negate the influence of championships on individual player evaluation but it simply isn’t the end all be all. How can that much emphasis be placed on a single game? Jeff Hostetler, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer, and Jim Plunkett don’t exactly make up the Mt.Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks. They were all mediocre players who benefited from being on exceptional teams. Their Superbowl victories certainly don’t make them better than all time greats like Marino, Moon, or Tarkenton who’ve never won the big game.

“Romophobics” like to mention his short comings in big games as the reason why he cant be considered elite. Last years week 17 loss to the Redskins with the division title and a postseason appearance on the line. The interception thrown while down three points with two minutes left against the undefeated Denver Broncos in week 4. The infamous botched hold on a field goal attempt to win a playoff game against the Seahawks. In each case Tony has been the fall guy for mistakes made elsewhere within the team. The Cowboys defense gave up 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns to rookie Alfred Morris in last years winner take all game for the division. The interception thrown against Denver came in a game where the defense gave up fifty-one points, seven more than the Broncos league leading average of 44 ppg. Its virtually impossible to win a game if your defense surrenders 200 rushing yards or 51 points no matter who your quarterback is! In the case of the botched hold Tony had been promoted to starting QB eight weeks earlier, meaning his status as the holder on field goals should have also changed.

Not only is Tony Romo one of the best to play the position both presently and of all time he’s a prototype for the quarterback of the future. Lightning quick release, pinpoint accuracy, great mobility, and a sixth sense for avoiding pressure in the pocket. As defensive players continue to evolve becoming faster and more athletic the statuesque quarterbacks of yeateryear become obsolete. Being a “mobile” quarterback traditionally meant your legs had to make up for what your arm lacked. In this case his scrambling ability actually enhances the Cowboys passing game by extending plays leading to big gains down field.

Romo currently has America’s Team atop the NFC East with a 4-3 record (3-0 in the division), but realistically no amount of regular season success will get him the respect he deserves. He simply needs to win the big one! At the end of his career he’ll certainly have the stats to be inducted into the hall of fame, but a Superbowl title (preferrably accompanied by an MVP) will get him in on the first ballot!

PUBLISHED 10/23/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/tony-romo-underrated_b_4144224.html

Publicity is needed for a celebrity in any field to be successful. However, they’re still people and that entitles them to maintain some sort of confidentiality regarding their personal life. Waiting outside airports or studios is fine, but showing up at Kanye’s home at 4 a.m. in an attempt to snap an unflattering photo is deplorable. Where’s the decency? Does the fact that you’re a musician mean you sacrifice your basic human rights?

The dynamic of the entire system is flawed. There’s no way someone should be able to take a picture of you against your will, then sell it to a publication without you even seeing the slightest form of compensation. There should be limitations on when and where pictures can be taken, and a portion of the money received by the photographer should also be paid to the person featured in the photo. The entertainment industry is based on images and branding, anytime someone’s likeness is used to turn a profit said person is entitled to a percentage. With public perception being such a determining factor for a musician’s success how is it even legal for photographers to operate in such a manner?

Kanye’s been sued multiple times by paparazzi claiming he assaulted them or destroyed their property during confrontations they themselves initiated. How ridiculous is it to press charges against someone after antagonizing them so deliberately? Princess Diana was killed by an overzealous paparazzo in a car chase on a civilian highway. A tragedy of such magnitude should’ve sparked a change over a decade ago, but their reckless pursuit of incriminating photos continues to jeopardize the safety of not only celebs but civilians to this day.

Photojournalism is a necessary evil. Celebrities need it to be successful, and society needs it to quench their insatiable thirst for pop culture. Kanye mentioned in a recent interview with Zane Lowe that he’s working towards adding some type of regulation to help this flawed system. Hoping that by the time his new born daughter is old enough to grasp the concept of paparazzi taking her pictures she can also receive compensation for them. Is Yeezus capable of performing such miracles? Only time will tell, but if things do stay the same it’ll truely be an injustice for us all.

PUBLISHED 10/7/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/kanye-the-flashing-lights_b_4057657.html

It feels dumb saying I didn’t realize how unbelievably offensive the name “Redskins” actually is until now, but it’s true. Prior to the recent media attention that’s arisen the thought had never once crossed my mind. While tradition is in no way an excuse for bigotry or racism, it’s the historic significance of the team which lead me to ignore such a blatant display of prejudice. They’ve been the Redskins for as long as I’ve been alive! And even 50 years before that! But society has changed drastically since then, and its an unacceptable representation for an American franchise in 2013. Although, it is understandable how such an issue could go unnoticed for so long.

How ironic is it that the team representing our nation’s capital would use a name and logo with such oppressive implications towards Native Americans. “Redskin” specifically refers to race or complexion, which makes it much more offensive than names like Florida State Seminoles, Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Indians, or my beloved Atlanta Braves. Though it is believed by many that all such names should be removed from pro and college sports, the distinction between the name Redskins and all others is obvious.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated, amongst others, has actually stopped using the name ‘Redskins’ all together. Honestly it’s a trend we should all follow. It’s naive to think the National Football League would change the name of one of its most profitable franchises simply because it’s the morally correct thing to do. As long as selling the team’s merchandise provides such a lucrative source of income for the NFL things will continue to be business as usual, despite how ridiculously offensive it is to refer to a team using a racial slur. Perhaps if enough people demonstrate some form of protest, whether it be no longer using the name, or refusing to buy merchandise we can put enough pressure on the league to make a change.

I honestly feel terrible for the fans, the real life long die hards! The ones who sacrifice so much time and hard-earned money season after season in support of their favorite team. To now have to sit by and watch that team be portrayed in such a negative light must be excruciating. The name is more a product of ignorance than of racism or malicious intent, but the franchise is still accountable, and the fans will ultimately suffer for it. Eventually the name must be changed to something more appropriate. Wasington Pigskins maybe? The “D.C. Reds”? Call em The Hogs? Probably all terrible suggestions, but at this point any name would be better than the one Washington’s football team is currently using.

PUBLISHED: 9/23/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/dallas-cowboys-indians_b_3962631.html

I’ve done dozens of showcases, and open mics around NYC but the atmosphere inside of Nuyo Rican was like none other! The diversity of the standing room only crowd immediately caught my attention. Thugs, hipsters, suits, punks, and a couple of sexy songstresses had the joint packed to the door! The unwavering support shown for each and every artist was uncanny.

The show featured gangster rap, spoken word, piano solos, breakdancing, R&B, freestyle rap, beatboxing, and almost any other artistic form of expression you can imagine. Performers from Atlanta, California, Arizona, and even a couple of international performers were kind enough to bless the stage. We were even lucky enough to hear a couple songs from the uber-sexy, immensely talented host Nisha Asansi.

Its was dope to have such an assortment of cultures, ethnicities, and musical sub-divisions together in one venue. So indicative of New York’s true spirit. Absolutely the most entertainment you’ll ever get for only seven bucks! Your summer experience in the city will be severely lacking if you don’t get to attend at least one of these shows. They’re happening every Monday from 9pm-midnight, and with there only being about five Mondays left in the summer of 2013 I’d suggest you make it happen ASAP! His Holiness The Honorable Sir Carnegeezie Kid Esquire (me) will also be there the next couple weeks so if you’d also like to witness history now is the time! See ya’ll at Nuyorican!

PUBLISHED: 7/26/13
CHECK IT OUT HERE AT HUFFINGTONPOST.COM http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/monday-nights-at-nuyorica_b_3661281.html

While everyone (myself included) was preoccupied with the new Jay-Z masterpiece, Lupe gave us a dose of what the culture so desperately needs. Hi 12-minute, 53-second, three-song video for “Lamborghini Angels/ ITAL Roses/ Audubon Ballroom” was a slap in the face to themolly popping, dumbed down music that’s polluting our culture; to the social and political restraints that continuously oppress our people; and to the many players responsible for perpetuating these ugly truths.

This serving of food for thought from Food and Liquor 2 is the best rap video ever made in my opinion. How appropriate it be released on America’s Independence Day. What validity does such a holiday have for our people when we’re still so heavily influenced by the mental chains? With the “Slave Mentality” so prominent in our community, what freedom is there to celebrate? Independence should mean a bit more than a day off from the plantation and all the BBQ we can eat.

Lupe Fiasco is one of the few rappers whose main objective has always been his social and political obligation to the community. We could use more instances of artists like Kanye West making songs like “New Slaves” and using their influence for something greater than fashion trends or brand endorsement. I’ve always admired Lupe for being so proactive about the problems facing our people, even when it’s not the most popular thing to do. We should all have the courage to be individuals and fight for what they believe in.

Visually captivating, innovative, ground breaking, revolutionary — I could go on praising this video forever, but the highlight of the entire thing was the kid who starred in the “ITAL Roses” portion of the film. He’s absolutely adorable, but it’s the symbolism of his character that makes the role so significant. He is me. He is my unborn son. He is my dad, my brother, my cousins, and all of my friends. Metaphorically, he’s all of us. Every black man born in America unfairly handicapped and brainwashed by the propaganda we’re force-fed from birth.

The problem is bigger than the best rap video of all time. Bigger than Lupe Fiasco, and the entire Hip Hop culture as a whole. But it’s dope for us to be able to use rap music as a tool to combat socioeconomic inequality. As the methods used to oppress our people become more sophisticated, so must we. It’s imperative that we adapt to the times so the message can resonate throughout every demographic. The social media age makes a music video the perfect vehicle to deliver such a message. Thanks to sites like Facebook, Twitter, IG, etc millions of people will get to experience this gem despite the reluctance of radio and television to support such a radical message.

From one American to another, from one rapper to another, but most importantly from one black man to another I thank you Lupe. So many artists claiming to be “real n****s” don’t have the audacity to make this type of statement, but thank God for us you do. Salute.

PUBLISHED 7/11/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/lupe-fiasco-music-video_b_3577337.html

The true brilliance of the project was the idea to have an entire movie take place on stage. At first glance it seems as if the film is merely a concert, but it’s actually so much more. One cohesive story of revolution, sex, love, God, politics, heartbreak, marriage, and infidelity told through each individual song.

“Boy vs. Girl in the World Series of Love” the ingenious opening line from the duet with Sheena Easton “U Got the Look” is the dominant premise of the film. The constant battle for supremacy between masculine and feminine in songs like “Hot Thing” “Slow Love” and “Never Take the Place of Your Man” are masterfully written, but reach new levels through the personification of these emotions by Prince’s ridiculously sexy female co-star known simply as “Cat.” Paired with the incomparable drumming of the legendary Sheila E., the sex appeal of this film is off the charts! So much so that when I discovered it as an eight year old I can vividly remember the “weird” feelings it gave me…I wanted to do things to Cat… things I didn’t quite understand… but THINGS none the less! Before Lisa Raye in “Playaz Club”, or Claudette Ortiz from City High, Cat set the precedent for the type of women I love! Sexy, sassy, voluptuous, curly haired brown girls have been my kryptonite ever since! To this day I still get a tad bit lusty thinking of her lime green bikini in “Hot Thing.”

Prince’s songs are already the best in he world, but the intricacies added to them in the film versions make them that much better. The organ solo at the beginning of “Hot Thing”! The guitar solo in the middle of “Never Take The Place Of Your Man”!! Sheila E’s drum solo on the kit with like a thousands drums where she throws her sticks and starts playing with her hands!!!!! Absolutely incredible! The perfect purple cherry on top, if you will. But the best added nuance was the combination of two of my favorite songs on the album “Forever In My Life” and “It”. Prince combines both songs to create one acoustic confession of why one special girl made him realize he’s finally ready to settle down. With the assistance of the entire cast on background vocals methodically chanting “aaaaall-right… aaaaaall-right” Prince professes his love for not only her body but her mind, and soul. While the song resonated with me so deeply as a child, living through similar situations as an adult has given me a new found appreciation.

Overall both the eighteen track double album and motion picture are masterpieces! A true testament to the creative genius of the greatest entertainer in the universe. The one question I always had about the movie is why “Starfish & Coffee”, “Ballad of Dorothy Parker”, “Strange Relationship”, and one of Prince’s best love songs of all time “Adore” were left out? Were those performances edited out? Does the footage exist in some hidden archive somewhere? I feel like “Strange Relationship” and “Adore” could have greatly contributed to the plot, but who am I to question the artistic direction of The Purple One?

I implore you to experience both the musical and film adaptations of Sign O’ The Times if you haven’t already. Your life will be tragically deprived if you don’t. The DVD seems to be extremely rare in the U.S. but can be purchased from Canada through sites like eBay. Please feel free to comment and let me know your opinion on my review, and of the project itself. I’m very interested to see what the world thinks of this hidden gem! Further proof that the ’80s rule all!!!

PUBLISHED 7/09/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/the-underappreciation-of-_b_3559375.html

Men from Mars and flying saucers sounds more like science fiction than proven fact, but I feel we’re rapidly approaching a time where the existence of aliens is universally accepted. It’s not a coincidence some of the most influential people in human history have been believers. Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Steven Hawking, His Holiness The Honorable Sir Carnegeezie Kid Esquire…

Its just ridiculous to think that with an infinite amount of galaxies, in a universe of infinite space that modern day homo sapiens could be the most advanced life form to ever exist. Its so wildly egotistical and narcissistic that only a species as audacious as the human being would believe such a thing.

Many people think believing in extraterrestrials is somehow blasphemous, and is in direct conflict with their religious beliefs. That accepting the fact that there’s a higher level of intelligence somewhere in the universe refutes the word of God, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Remember that it is religion, not God, that claims humans were God’s greatest creation, and religion is an invention of man. Being that religion is the human interpretation of the word of God, it cannot be perfect and must always be viewed with some margin for error.

I fully and wholeheartedly believe in God. I know God exists and to me his presence is indisputable. But forgive me for not thinking the creation of the human being is for lack of a better term his “crowning achievement.” Forgive me for not believing that people living 3,000 years ago knew more about the origin of man than we do today. In my opinion whats blasphemous is suppressing our God-given logic when trying to solve the mysteries of the universe. Blindly following the word of a religion and disregarding such extensive scientific evidence. Is this just one big hoax? Are the thousands of people with first-hand accounts just making things up? Are they all crazy? Why have a universe with an infinite amount of space for intelligent life to only exist on Earth — billions of other stars, planets, and galaxies — for absolutely no reason? I find that very hard to believe.

The Vatican has even released statements saying that the existence of extraterrestrial life does not discredit the presence of God. I believe God is responsible for creating every life form in the universe. It just so happens that human beings probably aren’t the most intelligent ones.

The French government now actually allows the public full access to all its files involving aliens and the UFO phenomenon. How much would we know if the U.S. Government and the rest of the world were to do the same? There has to be some type of happy medium between the scientist and the religious fanatic. The answer doesn’t lie in one of the two extremes. It may lean more heavily in either direction but neither argument is 100 percent true or false.

We probably aren’t ready to face such a provocative truth, it would undoubtedly tear at the very foundation of society. But with the current state of the world maybe its the foundation that needs fixing. Five-hundred years ago we didn’t know the earth was round. Two-hundred years ago, we had no idea dinosaurs ever existed. What don’t we know today? Don’t let fear of the unknown cloud your judgement or restrict the quest for knowledge.

PUBLISHED 5/24/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.CO – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/the-separation-of-church-and-space_b_3332218.html

This summer when LA added Dwight Howard and Steve Nash it was assumed that they would instantly be the favorites to win the NBA title. But a tumultuous start to the season including a sub .500 record at the All-Star break, and one of the quickest head coach firings in history led many to believe the Lakers were done.

Alas you can never count a team out that has Kobe “Vino” Bryant on the roster. Since the all-star break, L.A. is 11-3, with Kobe averaging over 30 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists a game while shooting close to 55 percent from the field. Howard has become much more effective offensively and seems to be transitioning into the defensive anchor Laker-Nation was hoping for when they acquired him in a trade for All-Star center Andrew Bynum.

The cohesiveness of the team has improved dramatically as of late. With the offseason additions of Howard, Nash, and Antwan Jamison, L.A. added 2 MVPs, 3 Defensive POY awards, 8 All-NBA 1st teams (11 total), 16 All-Star appearances, and 1 Sixth Man award to its already illustrious trophy case. The overabundance of experience currently has the Lakers in the 8th seed just a half game back of the Houston Rockets for 7th.

These are the signs of a team poised to make a run deep into the playoffs. Pau Gasol’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise, as it led to the emergence of Earl Clark who immediately became a significant contributor in Pau’s absence. Gasol’s return to the starting lineup will allow Clark to add depth to an already formidable Laker bench which includes Antwan Jamison and Steve Blake. Had Jordan Hill not been lost for the season with a hip injury, we could be talking one of the best second units in the league.

Kobe merely guaranteed a postseason appearance, but I’m willing to take it a step further. The Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the championship this season. Yea I said it… take a moment to let it all sink in. 2013 is the year the most envied player and franchise in sports once again reaches the mountaintop. So remember when it happens that you heard it here first!

The unparalleled leadership of Kobe “Bean” Bryant paired with the championship pedigree of Gasol and savvy of Steve Nash will guide LA through the Western Conference Playoffs. The Spurs play incredible ball during the regular season but like in years past will run out of gas before the finals. Oklahoma City trading James Harden killed any hopes of them winning this year. And teams like the Clippers, Grizzlies, and Nuggets simply lack the “it factor” needed to win an NBA title.

So where does that leave us? With the match up everyone’s been dying to see. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat for all the marbles! The way to beat the Heat is to eliminate their transition opportunities by making it a half court game. Who better equipped to do so than L.A. with two of the most talented seven-footers in the world on the same roster? If Metta World Peace can be the all-world defender he’s capable of being, and somewhat contain Lebron James the door would be wide open for some of Kobe’s last minute heroics. Lakers win in six games on Miami’s home court capping the biggest single season turnaround in history. See you at the parade!

PUBLISHED 3/22/13
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/la-lakers-2013-champs_b_2929686.html

We live in a society where it’s commendable to divulge all incriminating information you may have against someone else when you yourself have been proven guilty of a crime. Where I come from that’s referred to as “snitching”. No, Lance Armstrong isn’t a rapper and the rules of “street credibility” do not apply to him, but in contrast to his accusers his current stance seems much more respectable.

The world wants Lance to not only take responsibility for what he’s done but to also expose all other parties who he may have information against. I for one respect the hell out of him for not discussing anyone but himself. If you get caught doing something wrong, man up and accept responsibility for it yourself. Giving up information about someone else isn’t commendable at all, its actually quite cowardly. Its merely an attempt to move the spotlight off one self and onto another. In the case of Lance Armstrong it gave everyone an opportunity to fry the “bigger fish” because he is the most prominent figure in the history of the sport.

Don’t be naïve and think that Mr. Armstrong is the only professional cyclist guilty of doping. Doping has been a large part of this sport’s culture for decades. I’m sure he could’ve incriminated dozens of former and current riders, but for what? To satisfy the same people who are trying to crucify him now? Many of the cyclists who are presently viewed as “clean” are merely ahead of the curve when it comes to the testing for illegal substances. The tests either aren’t advanced enough to detect them, or the substances themselves simply have yet to be deemed illegal.

What’s bigger than doping, performance enhancing, or any of the allegations against Lance is what his foundation has done for cancer research. “Livestrong” has raised an unparalleled amount of money and awareness toward finding a cure for cancer, and being a cancer-survivor himself Lance Armstrong still serves as an inspiration for millions of cancer patients and survivors alike.

Forgive me for not condemning a professional athlete who’s had one of his testicles removed for taking testosterone. Can that even honestly be considered performance enhancing? Should he be forced to compete with half the normal amount of such a vital hormone? Wouldn’t things like eyeglasses and knee-braces technically be considered performance enhancing by those standards?

If he weren’t such a prolific champion his test results would be insignificant. No one cares if Tyler Hamilton or Floyd Landis is guilty of doping because they simply aren’t superstars. The media takes pleasure in building celebrity to ridiculous heights only to bring it crashing down at the first hint of controversy. Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Britney Spears, and now Lance is the media’s latest victim.

A man’s life is ultimately judged by the impact his actions have on the world. In the case of Lance Armstrong the good far outweighs the bad. I personally think the cycling world should be applauding him for bringing the sport more money and notoriety than it’s ever seen rather than blackballing him. You can argue all day about who’s guilty of doping and who isn’t but the news of a cyclist even using PED’s would be insignificant without the success of Lance Armstrong. He’s the reason the sport is even relevant in the first place. That paired with the countless number of lives his foundation has impacted would allow me to sleep very well at night if I were Mr. Armstrong.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. He’s definitely done wrong, but at one time or another so have we all. Maybe his lows are lower, but how many life changing opportunities have you created through your career and charitable organization? I can’t look down my nose at Lance because I actually still look up to him. For his perseverance, determination, fearlessness, and for all the things his foundation has done and will continue to do in the future. Live Strong.

PUBLISHED 2/20/12
CHECK IT OUT ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharief-easterling/lance-still-lives-strong_b_2708793.html