BOBBEE BEE: MARCH MADNESS!!!!

It's officially!! March Madness has begun, so get your brackets done, because it should be an exciting tournament, especially if the No.16 seed, Hampton Pirates, beat Manhattan, in the qualifying round, and  then, go on to defeat the No.1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats,  which would destroy their quest for a perfect season. 

With that said, Bobbee Bee "The Hater," your cartoons, favorite cartoon,  has prepared some cartoons for all of you Basketball lovers, especially after watching the recent ESPN 30-for-30 documentary-"I HATE CHRISTIAN LAETTNER!!" So, GET READY TO LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!

 1. Did you see the ESPN 30-30 documentary "I Hate Christian Laettner"?

 

YES. And, Brian Davis was angry like a woman scorned.  

 

2. After watching the documentary about Christian Laettner, do you think he is gay?

 

No. But, think former Duke basketball star Danny Ferry is....

 



 

3. Do you like Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari?

 

No. I think he is a dirty rat, who knows how to recruit.

 

 

 

4.Who do you hate more Bill Laimbeer, Dan Ferry, or Christian Laettner?

 

Bill Laimbeer!!! He was the original Bad Boy!! The Original Rude Boy!!

 

 

 

5. What's your opinion on freshman sensation Jahill Okafor?

 

He's so overrated. It's pathetic. I am not impressed at all.

 

 

6. Are you cheering for Duke or Carolina in the NCAA Tournament?

 

I am pulling for the Hampton Pirates. Besides, I don't like Carolina. Plus, I don't like the smell of DOO-KEY!!

 

7. Did you go to the 2015 CIAA Tournament?

 

Nope. I was in the bathroom, with the door locked, sitting on the toilet, reading some of my uncle's old Jet magazine. 

 8. Did you attend the annual Saviour's Day Convention this year?

Nope. But, I will always remember what T.H.E.M. said, which is: "Do For Self."

 

9. Are you going to watch the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight?

 

Man, I really don't want to see Mayweather fight Pacquiao. To be honest, I rather see DeMarcus Cousins box Charles Barkley for 3 rounds. (LOL) Now, that's some good television!!

 

 

10. Is Lebron James your favorite basketball player?

 

No. I hate Lebron James. But, I love James Harden. I know, it sounds weird. But, I dig the beard. BOSS!!!

Eric D.Graham, a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he received a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio and Television and a minor in History, with an emphasis in African-American Studies,  is currently the Managing Editor  of  Black Athlete Sports Network, where his articles  appear daily along with his controversial  cartoon character Bobbee Bee “The Hater.” Graham can be reached at lbiass34@yahoo.com 

BOBBEE BEE: BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A NEW ATTITUDE IS BACK!!!

In this crazy world, where on the nightly news, we, as parents, hear so many sad stories about school shootings, and school violence due to bullying, it's refreshing to know that some one, somewhere, is attempting to offer some solutions to these disturbing issues that our children are encountering on a daily basis.

His techniques may not be "bulletproof."

And, his methods may be unorthodox.

However, no one, can deny his love for wanting to help children.

 Yes.

The creative mind behind Magnolia's favorite cartoon character Bobbee Bee "The Hater," which is a clever acronym that stands for H.is A.nger T.eaches E.verybody R.eality, is back to offer his serves to all schools, religious institutions and civic organizations with his "BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A NEW ATTITUTE" literacy program, which attempts to address certain issues our children maybe facing at home and at school.

Graham, who has performed, to near perfection, his educational and somewhat inspirational comedy "skit,"which is a big part of his literacy campaign, at least a hundred times over several years, which highlights his cartoon characters Bobbee Bee "The Hater," Fannie Four Eyes, The Gossip Girls, and Larry Long Legs, in front of many smiling children of all ages, which always seems to amaze teachers and staff, who usually watch nervously as he cautiously maneuvers through his hilarious routine, that covers issues like anger management, personal hygiene, self-esteem, character development, bullying and academic achievement

"I am not bragging, but I believe I have one of the best children's programs in the state, if not the country." said the independent filmmaker, who debuted his first feature film last year.

"I cover a lot of issues within a 30-minute time period, which many teachers can't address, because most of them have their "hands tied behind their backs" with trying to prepare their students for the EOG's (end of the grade) test."

 

With over 60 children's books written and illustrated, ready to be published, along with an Anti-Bullying Curriculum (designed by his brother Terrence Graham), which comes with Tee-shirts and colorful posters, informative workshops,  a full-length feature film, which he wrote and directed, and a potential classic Hip-Hop album entitled Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems, which is scheduled to be released this summer, the world "sits back" and waits for his next project.

So stay tune.

It should be a long Hot Summer.

BOBBEE BEE: CIAA WEEKEND

1. This is the 10th consecutive year Charlotte has hosted the annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.

The city almost lost the event, which brings in tons of revenue, last year, but managed to negotiate a new contract to keep it here at least until 2020.

2. In the past, visitors in town for CIAA often complained of price-gouging at hotels. This year, the conference took care of that. "We contracted 90 percent of the rooms downtown and some on the outskirts so we could build our own housing program," says CIAA commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, "to get the best rates possible for the fans of this event, so it's consistent across the board."

3. Tournament game ticket prices have dropped from the last couple of years. "The CRVA is actually covering the expenses for the building costs, so we now don't have the [usual] operational costs" and are able to do some new things, McWilliams says.

Last year, upper level tickets for students were priced at $50. This year, anyone can get all-session upper level seats for $50. If center court is more your speed, those all-session ickets are $250.

4. From the conference's perspective, one of the biggest struggles has always been getting people to come to the actual games. When we spoke to McWilliams last week, she reported that they'd already sold more than $1.9 million in ticket revenue from the conference office alone, "which is significant." That's not counting what will be sold in the building this week.



5. Free alert! Formerly known as the Fan Experience, the Fan Fest now runs Thursday through Saturday instead of Friday through Sunday. "We reset that event to bring more energy for all those fans who are coming to town to go to the convention center," McWilliams says.

Ricky Smiley and Tom Joyner will host their morning shows on Thursday and Friday, respectively, and John P. Kee, Elle Varner and Jeremih are all scheduled to perform.

                                                                                            

6. Fun Fact: In addition to performing at the CIAA Legends of Hip Hop Concert on Thursday night, Doug E. Fresh is slated to appear at at least 10 other parties this week.

7. The CIAA hosts an official day party for the second year in a row, thanks to a partnership with Coors Light. "There are a lot of day parties that have nothing to do with CIAA," McWilliams says. This one, hosted at Rooftop 210 at EpiCentre from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, isn't one of them.

8. Six hundred. That's how many pairs of shoes the CIAA, partnered with Coke Zero, plan to distribute to kids at Billingsville Elementary School in the first ever Shoes of Hope charity event.

9. When asked what's changed in the 10 years Charlotte has hosted the CIAA, McWilliams pointed to organizational structure. "The collaboration between the conference office and the city ... we have really joined hands in managing the direction of this event." She also talked of the important lesson she taught party promoters a few years ago of protecting one's trademark. Nowadays, event fliers don't say "CI," "CIAA" or "official" anymore. That's because the conference cracked down on that, hiring an attorney and sending out cease-and-desist letters to anyone who used their trademark without permission. "This tournament belongs to the CIAA and nobody else," McWilliams says.



10. Next year, locals, McWilliams could be living next door to you. The city of Charlotte contracted with the CIAA to move its headquarters here from Hampton, Virginia. McWilliams says they're currently looking at housing and office space and plan to be fully moved in by August 2016.

BOBBEE BEE: THE MAKING OF A HIP-HOP CLASSIC!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, let the countdown begin for the release of the most anticipated Hip-Hop album in 2015, entitled Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems by Eric D.Graham. 

With several songs already released on Sound Cloud and Facebook, the Carolina-born (MC) confidently claims he has produced a Hip-Hip classic, which will super cede all expectations, which, eventually, will be discussed for years to come by Hip-Hop connoisseurs. 

As a result, as the final touches are being placed on the album, along with additional mix downs by Supreme DJ NYBORN, the songs have been selected for the “potential” ground-breaking project. 

“At first, I thought to myself, this album could be a Carolina Classic….,” stated Graham, who is a graduated of Winston-Salem State with a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio and Television, with a minor in History, with an emphasis on African-American Studies. 

“But, after, listening to the album, it might be a Hip-Hop classic. Seriously!!” 

With that said, here is the final song list for the album: Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems:

1. Saturday Night Surprise

2. Jesus Christ the Kid is Nice

3. Money & the Power

4. Wanted Man

5. CI-DOUBLE A
6. Dope Boy Fresh

7. Personality is Borderline

8. Revolutionary Suicide

9. Illuminati

10. Angels from the Sky

11. This is Real Hip-Hop

12. Too Many MC’s

13. True Master
14. Revolutionary Ideas

15. Look Mama We Made It

16 Magnolia Memories

17. Rock Me Tonight
18. I Hate You So Much
19. BLACK WOMAN SINGS THE BLUES
20. MY LAST BLACK LOVE LETTER
21. Mister Officer

22. Bang-Bang!!! Boo-Boo!!

23. Bulletproof
24. Farrakhan/Dr.Khallid

25. Hex on Me

26. No Happy Endings

27. Breathe & Let It Go

For more details about the album Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems contact Eric D.Graham at lbiass34@yahoo.com

BOBBEE BEE: DUKE VS CAROLINA

As basketball lovers get ready for the second-round of the hated CIVIL WAR between Duke versus UNC, this time at The Dean Dome in Chapel-Hill on Saturday, we, at Black Athlete Sports Network, decided to poke some fun at both schools in the week of Here Comes the Hater. Enjoy!!

NORTH CAROLINA-(BASN)-1. What was Dean Smith's greatest decision?

Recruiting Rasheed Wallace!!!! Yes Indeed.

2. Was Dean Smith your "white" daddy?

No, my daddy was Black. Plus, I am a free Black man, off the plantation

3. If you got a basketball scholarship from UNC, what would be your major?

African-American Studies....of course. Now, that was dumb question.

4. What advice to you have for Duke's Tyrus Jones?

Don't go pro!!! Stay in college and develop you game. Don't end up like Austin Rivers.

5. If you could ask Dean Smith one question, what would it be?

Why didn't UNC hire coach Larry Brown after you retired instead of Matt Doherty?

6. Do you know who J.P. Tokoto is?

Of course. He is a sumo wrestler from Japan. Everybody knows that....

7. Give me one reason Carolina can't win the NCAA Championship this season?

OK. They are too light skin to win.

8. Do you believe in the scripture that says, "The Meek shall inherit the earth?

Yes. But, UNC's center Kennedy Meeks is too dam Meek!!! Toughen up Boy!!!

 9. Did you hear the news that NC State's Trevor Lacey got arrested last week?

Yes. But, in my opinion, the only reason the cops arrested him, was because, the Wolfpack beat Carolina the other night. It's a conspiracy theory. But, I sticking with it.

10. Do you know who Sub-Zero is?

Yes. It is former Duke standout Austin Rivers. And, he has been frozen in time, since he hit that game-winning 3-pointer against Carolina three years ago.

11. Do you like Duke?

No!!! But, I must admit, I like point guard Quinn Cook!!! First, I love his uncombed afro. Plus, I love his level of intensity!!!

12. Which player on UNC's basketball team his the greatest potential?

Justin Jackson. Why? Because, he remains me of former Kentucky basketball star, Tay-shawn Prince. You feel me....

Eric D. Graham is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio and Television and a minor in History, with an emphasis in African-American Studies. Currently, he is the Managing Editor of BASN, where his thought-provoking articles appear on a daily basis. To contact him e-mail at lbiass34@yahoo.com

BOBBEE BEE: From the 4 Corners of the World: The Legacy of Dean Smith

By Eric Graham 

"There is not one single thing I could ever tell you about Dean Smith that would do that man justice.” -John Thompson

NORTH CAROLINA-(BASN)-I am going to upset some people with this article.

But, I have to keep it real.
Therefore, for those die-hard Carolina fans, I am not a devil-worshipper, which means, I am not a Duke Blue Devils fan.

With that said, first and foremost, I would like to give my condolences to the Smith family during their time of loss and grief, along with all of the athletes, who Dean Smith coached in the past, as well as his extended Carolina Blue family.

Truly, without argument, Coach Smith has had a great impact on college basketball and the way the game is played.

However, despite Smith’s unlimited wisdom and wins, which in his legendary career, totaled 879, along with 13 ACC Championships, he did not, I repeat, did not create the “four corners.”
Sorry Tar Heel fans…

But, I won’t allow this lie to linger on even in death, especially during Black History Month.

Why? Because, as the Adolph Hitler stated, ‘If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.’

So, therefore, let me nip this in the bud, now…before another generation of ballers, are misled by the mainstream media, like NBC’s News anchor Brian Williams did this week, with his claims of being forced down by snipers, while flying in a helicopter in Iraq?
Honestly, point blank period,  the real inventor of the “four corners” offense was Dr.John McLendon, who coached at North Carolina College (North Carolina Central) in Durham from 1941 to 1952.

Yes, despite, what ESPN is reporting, Coach McLendon pioneered basketball’s full court game, using such strategies as the full court press, the full court zone (now known as the zone press), the open center of­fense whose variants include the “four corners,” the rotating pivot, and the double-pivot, according to www.nccueaglepride.com.


I suggest that all of you non-believers, who adorn Carolina Blue to watch the film “Black Magic,” which is a remarkable four-hour documentary directed by Dan Klores and produced by Earl Monroe, Libby Geist and David Zieff, which oddly enough aired on ESPN.

And, even though, I respect Smith  for being the first coach to desire to integrate ACC Basketball, by recruiting Charlie Scott in 1966, when the University of Chapel Hill was as racist as any other southern school in the south, in order to collect a lot of wins and establish UNC as an economic and athletic powerhouse.

I, however, feel terrible that with Scott becoming the first African-American scholarship player at North Carolina, recruited by Dean Smith, that other top-notched Black athletes followed his lead, which literally destroyed Historical Black Colleges and Universities leverage to recruit them.

The Legendary Coach Clarence “BigHouse” Gaines’s, who coached basketball at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) from 1946 to 1993, where he compiled up 828 wins, eight CIAA titles, and one Division II NCAA Championship 1967, which made the Rams the first basketball program from a historically Black college or university to capture an NCAA national championship, wife Clara Gaines, seemed to have agreed with me when she said,“In the end we just all wish that integration hadn’t taken place. Because it did change things.”

Yes, with Black athletes like Scott going to UNC, with the help of Smith, college basketball did change, whether for the better or the worse, depending on your vintage point.

Honestly, in my opinion, it was a freshman from Laney High School in Wilmington, N.C. named Michael Jordan, who made Smith a household name in 1982.

This, however, is debatable, like which came first, the chicken or the egg, on whether Dean Smith made Michael Jordan, or Michael Jordan made Dean Smith.

“He was more than a coach,” Jordan said in a statement. “He was my mentor, my teacher, my second father.”

Despite coaching NBA Hall-of-Fame players like Michael Jordan, Bob McAdoo, James Worthy, and Billy Cunningham, Smith was only able to mustard up two NCAA Titles, which, in my opinion, were by default.

I am not hating.

I know, a win is a win.

But, let’s remember, the 1982, UNC Championship victory came at the hand of Georgetown point guard Fred Brown, who blindly tossed the ball to James Worthy in the closing seconds.

Plus, let’s not forget, UNC’s 1993 NCAA title win against Michigan, when FAB-5′s Chris Webber made his infamous timeout-with no timeouts.

My point is, if it wasn’t for these two odd plays, Smith would have gone title-less, despite all of his alleged basketball brilliance.

Therefore, maybe the headline that read, “Smith was a better man than coach..,”  is true after all.
I am just saying…..

Rest in Peace Coach Smith.

May your spirit live on, in the Dean Dome, in North Carolina, and  around the “four corners of the world,” thanks to Dr..John McLendon.

Eric D. Graham, a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio and Television and a minor in History, with an emphasis in African-American Studies, is currently the Managing Editor of BASN, where his thought-provoking articles appear on a daily basis. To contact him e-mail at lbiass34@yahoo.com

BOBBEE BEE: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!

Hip-Hop history was made at Payroll Studios in High Point, NC on Wednesday, February 11th, when Eric Graham, and the legendary Supreme DJ NyBorn, finished recording the final songs on his up-and-coming album,  Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems, which many consider to be a Hip-Hop classic.
 

With anticipation of something great happening, this historical studio session was filmed by Terrence Graham, of 5 Foot Productions, in preparation for a future documentary, which intends to highlight the recording and writing process, as well as the potential rise to Hip-Hop stardom, of the self-proclaimed Black poetry writer, turned MC, from Magnolia.

Amazingly, with every song made, the North Carolina-born Hip-Hop fiend displays his versatility, story-telling ability and overall lyrical prowess.

Matter of fact, during his last studio session, he revealed some new material, which included the following songs:

1. True Master
2. My Last Black Love Letter
3. Bulletproof
4. Money and The Power
5. CIAA
6. Too Many MC’s

“At this point, I am really surprised at the type of support I am receiving from Facebook as well as from people in the community, who have heard some of the songs that I have shared over the Internet so far. Especially, when one considers that I am an unknown so-called artist "said Graham, who is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he received a B.A. in Mass Communications, with a concentration of Radio & Television and a minor in History, with an emphasis in African-American Studies.

 

“But, honestly, this whole process has really been a humbling experience, especially from an art standpoint, when you allow other people to critique your work.”

As Graham, who some know by the name Steel Magnolia, continues to shock people with his ability to rap.
 

It’s, however, his level of creativity with his image-driven videos that have really impressed so many people.

“Yes. For those, who know me from college. They are very familiar with my God-given ability to capture and relay a message through the power of images…” admitted the writer and director of “Bobbee Bee “The Hater” The Movie.
 

“Plus, everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words. So, this helps, give seemingly, meaningless,- music- meaning.”
 

With that said, Graham is definitely painting a beautiful picture worth seeing or in his case, to be heard, especially by those willing to listen.

“They are many layers in this mixtape-slash-album,” stated the Magnolia native.

“If those, who purchase it, when it is made available, really listen to the content within it, they will find out, it is really is a masterpiece.”

 

“Especially, after see-ing the visual videos made along the way.”

If you doubt it, go to www.soundcloud.com and type Bobbee Bee “The Hater” in the search engine-and judge for yourself.

 

If you like it, please let us know. So, go listen and leave a comment, whether negative or positive.

Why? Because, the HATER is motivated by HATE. So, let the hate begin.