The Section 357 Show: The Ball Street Journal

We're back for a special episode! Unprecedented times create remarkable opportunities, and we couldn't think of a better time to bring the Section 357 Show back from hiatus than during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a moment where there's no live sports around the world, we breakdown how we ended up in this historic moment, the response and shift to a digital culture for both sports and Hip-Hop, and how we all move forward from here. This is still "Sports Without Borders"...

Keeth Smart--our favorite Olympic medalist--drops by on this episode of the Section 357 Show to talk about his new venture, RXACTIVE, a sports fashion technology company. Keeth gives some insight on starting the company, tending to the business of raising money and product development, and comparing this process to his training for the Olympics. Lastly, we couldn't let Keeth go without discussing his beloved Knicks and what hip-hop music he's digging these days. This was a great show! For more sports and hip-hop conversation, visit: http://section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

In this episode of the Section 357 Show, Floyd and Big Shot Ron discuss the recent N.W.A Biopic "Straight Outta Compton", the impact of Fantasy Football on the Madden video game franchise, and highlight the recent practice of celebrating Hip-Hop album anniversaries. Segment 1: - Did "Straight Outta Compton" really capture the essence of N.W.A? - How wide was the audience's age range? - How would "Straight Outta Compton" been produced had it been told from MC Ren and Yella's perspective, instead of Dr. Dre and Ice Cube? - Did the movie go too easy on Jerry Heller? Segment 2: - As Hip-Hop matures, how are we celebrating classic albums? - How has the notion of a "classic" album changed in the current single/mixtape culture? - Is there money to be made in celebrating these anniversaries? Segment 3: - Is Fantasy Football stealing the thunder of the Madden video game? - How has Madden changed its marketing approach? Does it make sense? - Can EA Sports realistically improve the Madden video game franchise? - How important is gambling to this discussion? For more sports and hip-hop conversation, visit: http://section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

In this episode of the Section 357 Show, we cover the motivations, accusations, and conversations surrounding the beef between Drake and Meek Mill. Rarely in hip-hop has the discord between two artists spilled over into pop culture in this way, with brands, celebrities, and athletes all weighing in on the matter. With that in mind, Big Shot Ron and Floyd addressed the key issues surrounding this moment and its aftermath. What precipitated Meek Mill’s initial Twitter rant? What “unofficial” protocol was breached? What role does Nicki Minaj play? Where does Drake’s diss response compare to other moments in hip-hop history? How has Social Media affected anticipated response times? What were some of the best Social Media memes? Did Drake pick an easy target in Meek Mill? What should Rick Ross do? What does Meek Mill's career look like going forward? For more sports and hip-hop conversation, visit: http://section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

With the NBA in its post-draft/free agency period, Big Shot Ron and Floyd decide to have a 2nd (or 3rd) helping of NBA conversation at the family BBQ to address some pressing questions around the structure and state of the league heading into next season. Can the NBA improve it's draft coverage by finally embracing social media the right way? Did the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls really improve or fall behind by default? Will Emmanuel Mudiay be a trendsetter in the high-school-to-overseas basketball route? Is Sam Dekker really the 2nd best player in this draft? If answering those questions wasn't enough, the guys shine a light on how the Golden State Warriors are built for the long-term, and how the NBA's star players are exerting control over the financial machine of the league. Lastly, with the Pistons, Lakers, Knicks, and 76ers in such dire straits as franchises, which franchise bounces back to prominence first? The answer might surprise you. (Hint: It's not the Knicks. Obviously.) For more sports and hip-hop conversation, visit: http://section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

We break down Big Shot Ron's recent articles about this year's NBA playoff projections and the best draft picks of every team. Plus, some candid talk about the Kobe Bryant and the Lakers' misfortunes, Anthony Davis vs. Dwight Howard, and the Atlanta Hawks' ownership situation. We round out the show by reiterating what the NBA suits and sponsors may have been reluctant to admit: the NBA and Hip-Hop are intertwined business cultures. For more, visit http://section357.com or find us on twitter at http://twitter.com/Section357 This is "Sports Without Borders"...

We recently chatted with Atlanta Hawks insider Kris Willis from Peachtree Hoops about the off-court and organizational saga surrounding the team, including the ownership status of Bruce Levenson and Danny Ferry's future with the club. Kris also gives us some perspective on the Hawks' chances in a suddenly wide-open NBA Eastern Conference, and what needs to happen for the current collection of players to take a San Antonio Spurs-like leap into contention. "This is Sports Without Borders..." Search "Section 357 Show" on iTunes and Stitcher. http://Section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

In this wide-ranging chat with NFL veteran Ronnie Brown, we talk about his Cartersville, GA roots and giving back to that community, playing for an undefeated Auburn team and recent NCAA changes, and being the focal point of the "Wildcat" offense as more college schemes grow in the NFL. Brown, a former #2 pick in the NFL Draft and 2008 Pro Bowler, also gives his perspective on the growth of social media and fantasy football since he first started playing, and how he's managed to have such a long career as a running back. Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes/Apple Podcasts and Stitcher) http://Section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

Crystal aka @rvngirl, drops by to give a Baltimore Ravens female fan perspective on Ray Rice and his domestic violence-related suspension. Her perspective might surprise you; but then again, if you embrace a wide range of conversation, it might not. Either way, it's a great listen, and we're sure Crystal and Dee were able to make amends afterwards. Crystal also plays our Favorite 5 segment and gives us her favorite five Baltimore-area sports moments. We think you'll be able to guest a few of them, but there are a couple of surprises. Lastly, we remind you that you--the fans--hold the power to dictate the kinds of opinions you want receive. There are far more platforms besides the major networks that provide interesting and entertaining conversation (like this show!), and we encourage you to support them. This is "Sports Without Borders"…. Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes/Apple Podcasts and Stitcher) http://Section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

Basketball contributor Mia Hall stops by to talk about her personal travels, the NBA's development work in Ghana and getting the chance to connect with Chris Bosh, and the decline of NYC hoops. Mia also shares some thoughts on NBA Free Agency, plus gives a couple of surprise names when asked which past players she'd love to see in today's social media environment. This is Sports Without Borders... To subscribe, search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes/Apple Podcasts and Stitcher) http://section357.com http://twitter.com/Section357

We can't ignore the fact that so much of our sporting culture takes place in the shadow of larger social issues. In this conversation we chat with one of Chicago's favorite sons, Red Jerz from the Sportzfam, to talk about that city's gun violence and educational challenges, and the role that athletes, owners, and leagues can play in creating positive change. We also hope you (yes, YOU!) will get involved and help spread this dialogue to the sports fans and communities wherever you are. Red Jerz also gives his favorite five Chicago sports moments. We must admit, there were a few pleasant surprises on his list. Listen for yourself and see if you agree! This is Sports Without Borders Search: The Section 357 Show (on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

The final chapter in Donald Sterling's notorious stint as an NBA owner would never have happened without the assistance of the women in his life. In this conversation we focus on V. Stiviano and Shelly Sterling as central characters to this saga of money, betrayal, deceit, and ultimately, power. We also discuss who the real winners and losers were in this situation, as well as what it means for the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver. This is Sports (Conversation) Without Borders... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

We induct the latest class of Hip-Hop legends into The Section 357 Show Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, and like the previous classes, we salute those artists and contributors who's talent and appeal continue to influence the culture to this day. The nominees included a few new names as well as some holdovers from previous ballots: Rick Rubin, Nas, Hype Williams, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Outkast, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and Will Smith. While the selection process was definitely tame compared to last time, there was an unexpected curve ball thrown in the mix that led us to a historic moment for The Section 357 Show Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Listen and find out who charted some interesting new territory. This is Sports Without Borders... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

On this episode of the Ball Street Journal we discuss the notion of Sports Patriotism and "wrapping yourself in the flag" when it comes to international competitions like the World Cup or the Olympics. When it comes to sports fandom, do you always have to root for the "home team" or "home country"? (Are you less of a patriot if you don't?) Does patriotism matter in sports that you don't care about, or do you always have to pull for your home country? We discuss these questions and more in a very heated debate that brings personal choice and global perspective into the mix. This is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (on Stitcher and iTunes/Apple Podcasts)

It's time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the Ball Street Journal wants to make sure you're ready. Every 4 years the world gathers to compete for global domination of "the beautiful game", and this year's competition has some great stories to complement the action on the pitch. Will host nation Brazil ride the emotion of the moment to victory, or will Europe's domination of the sport continue in the form of Germany, England, Spain, or the Netherlands? These are the moments when new stars can be born and current stars can become immortal, and The Section 357 Show breaks it all down as only we can. In this episode we also give new fans some tips on how to watch the World Cup, plus throw out a few interesting developments to watch for as the competition goes along. And lastly, we picked our winners, plus a few dark horse teams that might make a great run. This is truly "Sports Without Borders"... Connect with us: http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com Search: "The Section 357 Show" on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher

It’s that time of year! The Section 357 Show hosts its annual PYT (Pretty Young Thing) Draft, highlighting the best and brightest ladies in sports, entertainment, fashion, and pop culture. We present the PYT Draft every year to coincide with the NFL Draft and put our own spin on the selection process, as only the Ball Street Journal can. Listen as Dee, Trey, Ron, and Floyd break down their draft strategies and dissect each other’s picks with such skill and clarity it would make even the most diehard draft fans raise a toast in recognition. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Search "The Section 357 Show" on Stitcher, iTunes and Apple Podcasts http://twitter.com/Section357 http://Section357.wordpress.com

What are the five favorite moments in your hometown’s sports history? That’s the question we answered here on the Ball Street Journal, as Big Shot Ron, LA Trey, and Floyd reminisced on the best sports memories of their hometown fandom, plus give some insight into how being a sports fan has changed for them over the years. This is “Sports Without Borders”… Search “The Section 357 Show” on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher. http://section357.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/Section357

The NFL is the most popular American sport and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Over the past several years, however, the league has managed to turn its offseason schedule into truly “must-see” events that attract more fans, more coverage, and ultimately, more revenue. But is “more” actually better? Some would debate that the NFL is doing too much, growing to fast, and over-saturating our media space with their product. In this podcast we discuss the NFL’s presence as we know it, how it might grow in the future, and what changes need to be made to accommodate that growth while not negatively impacting the product on the field. This is “Sports Without Borders”…. http://twitter.com/Section357 http://Section357.wordpress.com Search: The Section 357 Show (on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

Atlanta Hawks organist Sir Foster is a favorite of fans all across the NBA. He swings by The Section 357 Show: The Ball Street Journal to discuss his unbelievable ride to the NBA All-Star Game, his musical inspirations, and the Atlanta Hawks’ surprising season. It all started with a Craigslist posting. Sir Foster saw the Atlanta Hawks were looking for an organist, so he decided to apply to see what would happen. Fast forward to 2014 and he’s everybody’s favorite NBA musical attraction, adapting past and current hip-hop music into the sports experience at Philips Arena, while entertaining local Atlanta fans and TV viewers across the country. Foster spends some time with us to talk about his path to this point in his career, how he got the call to work the NBA All-Star Game, and what he’s learned along the way. This is "Sports Without Borders"… Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

Corin "Tiny" Adams joins us to discuss her basketball career, from her New York City roots to Morgan State University to Bulgaria, where she's currently playing professional basketball. Tiny gives us the scoop on what it's like to travel the world in following her passion, her WNBA aspirations, and what music is currently on her playlist as she gears up for games. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

We induct the latest class of Hip-Hop legends into the Section 357 Show Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, and like the previous classes, we highlight a list of performers who left an indelible impact on the culture. The nominees included a few new names as well as some holdovers from previous ballots: 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Salt-n-Pepa, Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, Jay-Z, and Hype Williams. Additionally, we honor our history and cast a nod to one of Hip-Hop's pioneering groups in our Veteran's Committee Selection. This round's class was not without a bit of a shakeup: After much impassioned debate, complete with verbal body blows and contentious claims, the selection committee could only come to a unanimous decision on TWO nominees, rather than the customary four. This definitely made for some interesting deliberations, however this willingness to deviate from the norm only reaffirms our belief in the strength of our selection process. This is Sports Without Borders... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

Lifestyle writer Branden Peters drop by to talk about his recent work covering NHRA drag-racing culture, getting to test drive the latest cars, and his thoughts on the most recent sports-related video games. On top of that, we get to pick Branden's brain on the resurgence of West Coast hip-hop, and especially the popular music coming from his Bay Area hometown. Branden's work can be found in the pages of Complex, Slam, Men's Health, and more, but it's easiest to keep up with him on Twitter; follow him at @BrandenLSK. Connect with our blog here: http://Section357.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/Section357 Search "The Section 357 Show" on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher

Beer expert Ale Sharpton drops by The Section 357 Show to talk about craft beer and sports, including his first beer experience, finding beers to fit your drinking palette, and debunking common beer misconceptions. Ale also talks about his favorite athletes and sporting moments, plus which beers he enjoys during a typical sports day. Whether you’re cheering your favorite team at your favorite sports bar, stopping by a house party, or hanging out at a summertime cookout, beer is often the beverage of choice to keep everyone in good spirits. Please continue to enjoy responsibly. Find us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Section357 Search "The Section 357 Show" on Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts http://section357.wordpress.com

Steven Gaither of HBCU Gameday stops by to discuss some of the current news and issues surrounding HBCU athletes and programs. We cover some potential NFL draftees from Alabama State and Tennessee State, a few academic and branding challenges confronting many smaller schools, and how the new NCAA playoff system might impact the "big payday" games going forward. We also show some love to the CIAA conference, plus give some suggestions to help you NOT be a couch potato as we head into the warmer months. This is Sports Without Borders... http://section357.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/Section357 To download and subscribe to the show on iTunes and Stitcher, search: "The Section 357 Show"

These days it's hard to ignore that fashion has become an integral part of many athletes' brand appeal, with some stars generating as much conversation about their personal attire as their game performance. We chat with fashion expert Heather Zeller of AGlamSlam.com to get the latest on how many players have been able to establish themselves as credible fixtures in the fashion industry, how some leagues have capitalized on the popularity of sports-related fashion, and what trends to expect in the coming seasons at a post-game press conference near you. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Connect with us: http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com Search:"The Section 357 Show" on Stitcher and iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Gloria Govan, formerly of VH1's "Basketball Wives", chats with us about life in the Reality TV spotlight and what it's like to navigate career and family on such a public platform. Gloria gives us the scoop on how much of Reality TV is "real" and how she deals with her husband's lifestyle in the NBA, as well as how she's learned to handle public opinions on Social Media. As she moves into other career ventures, Gloria also sheds some light on new opportunities in her life, including her new cookbook and her non-profit work with Athletes Versus Cancer. Connect with us here: http://twitter.com/Section357 Read our blog: http://Section357.wordpress.com

John Wooten, Chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation, joins us for a frank discussion on diversity in the the NFL, a proposed rule change regarding the N-word, and his favorite moment from his legendary playing career.The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation works with the NFL to support more diverse and inclusive league. While many have worked hard to achieve this - the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation has devoted its entire existence to this mission. This is a classic conversation. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Connect with us: http://twitter.com/Section357 Search "The Section 357 Show" on Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts. Visit: http://section357.wordpress.com

In this classic conversation John Wooten, Chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, discusses the organization's start and initiating the "Rooney Rule" in the NFL, how he and other legendary public figures rallied to support Muhammad Ali, and the disconnect between current athletes and their communities relative to past generations. This is a classic conversation. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Connect with us: http://twitter.com/Section357 Search "The Section 357 Show" on Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts. Visit: http://section357.wordpress.com

Our favorite fitness expert, Holly Lowe Jones, stops by to talk about the important issues surrounding Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in sports and society. We’ve all been taught to “Just Say ‘No’ to Drugs”, but is it finally time to say, 'Yes'? The answer isn’t so clear-cut. We cover a wide spectrum of issues, including legality, money, access to drugs, testing oversight, league cover-ups, regulatory agencies, morality, competition and health effects, bioengineering, and whether fans (that means you) really even care if their favorite athletes take certain drugs to enhance their performance. This is Sports Without Borders… Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://Section357.wordpress.com

The Super Bowl is arguably the most important sports party of the year, and we're here to give you some suggestions on how to both make the game better and make your Super Bowl party a top notch affair. Should the Super Bowl be moved from Sunday to Saturday? How can the NFL make the entire experience more fan friendly? We answer these questions plus a few more; from the right food to the right gadgets, we've got you covered, and we even give a little bit of relationship advice along the way. This is "Sports Without Borders"... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

From her charity work as an NFL Cheerleader to having fun at the Full Throttle Saloon, we take a ride with Alicia Dove as she gives us a peek into her world of dance, music, and sports. As a former standout Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, Alicia gives us some background on how she got started, debunks some common myths you probably have about NFL cheerleaders, and lets us know that entertaining on the sidelines was only one aspect of her role in the community. We also fast-forward to Alicia’s current project: The Cherry Bombs. Since leaving the NFL sidelines, she’s taken her love of dance to new heights and destinations, including the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Want to see for yourself? You can check her and the Cherry Bombs out on TruTV enjoying all the crazy fun: http://www.fullthrottlesaloon.com And to top it all off, Alicia talks about her love of MMA and Heavy Metal music, plus gives us a few of her favorite artists. This is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://Section357.wordpress.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts

Is making the Hall of Fame really all that it's cracked up to be? It depends on who you ask. In this episode we debate the merits of the Hall of Fame versus winning championships and making unheard of wealth, plus we break down how Hall of Fame voting can sometimes get in the way of truly rewarding the players that deserve to be there. We also give some international perspective on how players are honored in leagues in other countries and sports. After all, this is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://Section357.wordpress.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts)

From uncensored sports channels to helmet cameras, we discuss both the fan and league sides of the argument for more access to your favorite players and sports. Is the future of sports viewing already here? If it is, will it be coming to a screen near you anytime soon? It’s clear that the technology isn’t too far away, but does it make financial sense for a league to implement new changes? What would YOU be willing to pay for an all-access sports viewing experience? We also dig deeper into the 24-hour online media inspired coverage of athletes and the “scandals” in their lives, something we’ve dubbed the “TMZ Effect”. How much do you want to know about athletes in the public eye? Beyond that, how much do you need to know? We know off-field drama can affect the field of play, but is there any way to change how the media goes about it? We discuss. This is Sports Without Borders… http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

2013 was an amazing year in the world of Sports and Pop Culture. Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Team Mayweather had great years, as did Kendrick Lamar, Bayern Munich, and Pharrell Williams. We also saw “Twerking” make a triumphant surge into our daily conversations, as did pretty much everything Jay-Z and Beyonce did. However, 2013 wasn’t without some moments of regret: the NCAA continues to find ways to get it wrong, while it seems like “softness” is running rampant throughout our culture, both on and off the field. Eminem, Kanye West, Robin Thicke, and Rick Ross also made headlines in 2013, while the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Ravens showed us how to finish strong. As we look forward to 2014, we’ll also have our eyes open for more secret albums, good things from Jhene Aiko, the first year of the NCAA Football playoff, good times in the World Cup in Brazil, and more episodes from The Section 357 Show. This is just a taste of a great year-end "wrap-up" conversation. Listen to the whole show to get the full effect and all of the winners of our 2013 Awards. This is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

Kanye West loves Kanye West; that we know, but Kanye West also wants you to love Kanye West. And sometimes we actually do. When it comes to Kanye West’s music, his greatness and talent and influence are undeniable, but not without some limits, many of them self-imposed. In this continuation of our conversation with Rosalyn Ross, we take a look at Kanye West’s musical legacy from College Dropout to Yeezus, while analyzing his catalogue and some critical turning points along the way. How should we interpret Kanye West’s desire to be the best at everything? Do we not give Kanye enough credit? How did his music change after his mother passed away? Was Yeezus a stepping-stone to something greater artistically? We answer all of these questions and ask plenty more. This is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) Listen to Part I here: http://ow.ly/trk2k

We peel back the curtains on some of the major challenges surrounding cultural minorities in Hollywood. Why do films like "12 Years a Slave" and those produced by Tyler Perry get made so frequently, while movies like "Best Man" are a rarity? What have Will Smith, Samuel Jackson, and Forest Whitaker been able to do that others haven't? What does the future hold for actors like Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino in rap circles)? Also, are the issues put forth by African Americans limited to just them? What about Latino or Asian American Actors? We tackle all of these issues and those above, plus give some alternative media offerings on the big, small, and mobile screens. Grab your popcorn; this is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.wordpress.com

Team USA bobsled driver Jazmine Fenlator joins us to talk about her journey to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. A former track and field athlete, Jazmine tells us how she made the transition to the bobsled, how she manages her on/off sport responsibilities, and which current athletes from other sports might make great bobsled stars. She also lets us know who's on her current music playlist, and how you can follow along as she competes for the gold medal in Sochi. This is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (on Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts)

Artist. Genius. Outcast. Provocateur. Those are just a few of the labels used to describe Kanye West, a Modern-Day Ferris Bueller, as he continues to inspire, appall, and confound fans and critics alike. As part of the Section 357 Mixtape Conversations, blogger/writer Rosalyn Ross joins Ron and Floyd in this episode as they focus on Kanye West the man, including his Chicago roots, his willingness to say what’s on his mind, and the shifting perceptions of his own stature within our culture. We also get some extended current thoughts from West in his own words, plus an early version of Kanye when he wasn't quite the global star he is now. This is Sports Without Borders… http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) Listen to Part II here: http://ow.ly/trjxR

The holidays are here, which means two things: great sports and great food. Luckily we have some great sports conversation to hold you over. How do you deal with your favorite players getting injured? How have conversation "trolls" taken over social media? What does it mean when a sports team leaves the "city" and moves to the suburbs? Is the military analogy a good thing for sports? Is Johnny Manziel really a 1st Round talent? We answer these questions, and so much more on this "Sports Buffet" version of the Section 357 Show. http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts)

The drama of this year's NFL season has provided so many great storylines. In this episode we take a look at what we know and what we don't so far, including surprise teams (good and bad), surprise players, and our early predictions for this year's NFL MVP. This is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts)

Ex-NFL lineman Anthony Alabi joins us to give some perspective on the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin Saga, plus lets us know what it’s like to step away from the Sunday spotlight into the bright lights of Hollywood. We get to the heart of NFL locker room culture, including the role of veteran leadership, managing camaraderie, and understanding how players have to be accountable for their presence on a team. Anthony also gives some perspective on the NCAA video game lawsuit, Fantasy Football, and his successful start in Hollywood after retiring from the NFL. This is "Sports Without Borders"… http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

We continue to highlight some of our best off-air debates in the episode, including the plight of female MCs and a spirited debate about Eminem. Is there a "shelf life" for female MCs? Is it just about beauties and the beats? Also, does Eminem get the recognition he deserves? How much of his success/hate has to do with race? Lastly, which of your favorite artists never got his/her due? We discuss all this and more. This is Sports Without Borders... For more, visit: http://section357.tumblr.com http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

We're bringing some of our biggest off-air debates to the show. Up first, we talk about the future of hip-hop and what we'd like to see going forward--more variety, more competition, and more distinct styles of music. But the conversation doesn't end there; the notion of "beef" has been lingering over our crew for a while now (ever since Kendrick Lamar's "Control" verse) and we decided to tackle the issue head on. Is "beef" good for hip-hop? We'll let you decide, but before you do, you should listen to this conversation. For more, visit: http://section357.tumblr.com http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

We induct the second class of The Section 357 Show Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, and this time Rick Rubin, Hammer, Diddy, Hype Williams, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, 2Pac, and Will Smith are all up for consideration. It was difficult to narrow this list down to four inductees, but through some great debating we finally got it done, and may have formed an unlikely law firm in the process. Last, but not least, we show love to one of Hip-Hop's instrumental figures in our Veteran Selection. This is Sports Talk without borders... Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher) http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com

In our annual "I Love HBCUs" show, the Ball Street Journal reporters bring back Masterpiece Theater for a college recruiting scenario. How could/should Historically Black Colleges and Universities treat the recruiting process in the social/digital era? What opportunities are there to even the playing field? Is there true pride in the "product"? Should the product be changed? We discuss all these questions and more. This is Sports Without Borders... Connect with us here: http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts)

Peachtree Hoops blogger Kris Willis drops by to give us the scoop on the upcoming season for the Atlanta Hawks. With a new coach and a roster in transition, can the Hawks maintain their status as an Eastern Conference playoff team? Plus, Steve Smith vs. Joe Johnson and some classic Atlanta sounds. This is Sports Without Borders. http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.tumblr.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher)

We get a visit from Steven Gaither of HBCU GameDay to talk about the state of HBCU athletics, big payday games, whether HBCUs should venture into other conferences, and some current players with NFL potential. Plus, we get some input from Wiz Khalifa and some new music from Aubrey. Strike up the band...this is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 http://section357.podomatic.com Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Stitcher,and Apple Podcasts)

The Ball Street Journal breaks down the present and future of the NFL Quarterback. Is the Read Option a signal of a larger shift? What are the financial implications of a future franchise QB? Is a dual quarterback system a legitimate strategy? We answer these questions and more, plus deconstruct what makes a great NFL QB and identify the current signal callers with the best of those attributes. (Some of those answers just might surprise you.) Finally, your Mobile QBs craft some heartfelt love letters to the starting quarterbacks of their respective NFL teams. What's not to love? This is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (On iTunes, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts)

The Ball Street Journal celebrates its 300th episode. Listen as Trey, Floyd, Ron, and Dee take it back to the origins of the show and highlight some of their favorite moments, guests, and show features over the past 300 episodes. It's been a fun ride thus far, and we're not ready to get off the train. Thanks to the fans and our peers who have been so supportive in helping this show grow into what it has become. This is "Sports Without Borders"... http://twitter.com/Section357 Search: The Section 357 Show (on Stitcher, iTunes, and Apple podcasts) Also visit: http://section357.tumblr.com

It's Week 2 in the NFL, and there are already some signs of distress for a few teams. Will Cam Newton make a better fit for the Tennessee Titans than the Carolina Panthers? Is Mike Shanahan ruining RGIII? Can the Miami Dolphins take over the AFC East? These are just a few of the thoughts on our mind during out "Two Week Notice". Flipping gears into College Football, did Johnny Manziel help or hurt his legacy by his performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide? Have you seen enough from Johnny Football to see him making an impact in the NFL? We discuss this and much more. Lastly, Floyd Mayweather Jr. continues to show why he's the best in the business, but is he good for the sport? Also, will this lopsided loss actually help Canelo Alvarez going forward. Trey thinks so; Floyd doesn't. Will "Money" Mayweather need to retire to help the sport? The debate lingers. (Also, we take a trip to the bakery for a slice of Pound Cake for our musical selection. This is Sports Without Borders.) http://twitter.com/Section357

After one week of NFL action, what did we learn? First off, Peyton Manning was playing a different game than the Baltimore Ravens in the kickoff game, showing much disdain for most recent Super Bowl ring recipients. (Insert "Run the Jewels" reference.) Beyond that, there was plenty of sloppy play all around the league, and we touch on a few important observations that might mean more to fans as the season goes along. In addition to the kickoff of the NFL season, the gamers out there have had a chance to get their paws on the new Madden 25 edition, which led to this debate question, "Which has had the biggest impact on growing the NFL as a sport: Madden or Fantasy Football? The answers might surprise you. Lastly, Serena was just being Serena at the US Open, but how many Grand Slam titles does she ultimately win? We cover all of these topics and more, plus have some great hard hitting music from Jamie and Mike (Run The Jewels reference #2). This is Sports Without Borders... http://twitter.com/Section357 (Also, for Players Circle and other great content, check out http://section357.tumblr.com)