Dub or Twerk?

Throughout my college years of going to parties, there are two clear genres that dominate the scene: dubstep, and hip hop twerk tunes. While dubstep and house music are certainly on the climb in the 21st century, twerk beats are just as hot, especially since Miley Cyrus did her thing at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Twerk beats take the cake for me. As a DJ, these beats simply have that club sound that actually allows you to DANCE. Though the lyrics can be profane, we live in an age where producers are dominating the game. The rappers and singers of the early 2000s 90s and 80s simply don't exist, at least in the mainstream, anymore. We hear Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, and Drake killing the clubs not with their voices, but through the producers they collaborate with. Sure, Whitney Houston and the Cover Girls were where it was at back in the day, but it's the new school now. Twerk hip hop has the best sounds, utilizing synthesizers, snares, and heavy 808s that get everyone dancing down and dirty.

I can't get into dubstep and house, it all sounds the same to me. Here and there, I'll hear a David Guetta or DJ Snake tune that breaks the norm, but listening to Sirius' Dance and Electric Station has me hearing redundancy over and over again for the most part. On top of the monotony, you can't really dance to these genres. It's more of ecstatic fist pumping and jumping up and down music... Don't get me wrong, some electric stuff, preferably from Europe, sounds really good and has that ominous "walking into the club" tone to it. Other dubstep and house is impossible to dance to. I respect the creativity, but am just not a huge fan of listening to it in the club, especially when everyone's trying to grind, not pump their fists.

So, this is why I always play hip hop, rap, and reggaetone when I DJ. It has the best melodies and timed bass to grind to and envelopes that dark club sound. Very interested to read your thoughts!!!

Best hip hop club tunes, in my opinion (excuse the french, but everyone's 18+ and people love it in the club, again, all about the beats these days):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXRN_LkCa_o Loyal (Prod. NicNac)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq8KghDEJNg Wake Up in It (Prod. NicNac)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45Q4Zk3CN8k Up Down (Prod. DJ Mustard)

Hottest Club Music Out

In the 80s it was the Cover Girls. 90s was Madonna and Mariah Carey. The early 2000s saw 50 Cent, Lil Jon, and Rihanna take over the dance scene. Now? Well keep reading.

Tyga: Rack City, Hijack, Bang Out... Tyga has helped the "ratchet" music sound take over the club scene and hasn't looked back. His collaborations with DJ Mustard have kept the sound relevant and it shows no signs of fading out.

Rihanna: Only Girl in the World, We Found Love, Pour it Up... Rihanna was relevant since she came to the states in the mid 2000s, and her reign isn't stopping.

Sage the Gemini: Gas Pedal, Red Nose... Also taking advantage of the ratchet club sound by composing his own beats and collaborating with Mustard and production group League of Starz, Sage is as hot as anyone in the club right now, his music gets everyone grooving.

2014 NFL Combine Notes

February and March have taken us by storm and as spring is in the horizon, the window to the NFL Draft is steadily dwindling. With the Indianapolis Combine ending February 25th after starting on the 22nd, teams got a chance to examine college players’ athleticism more closely. There were multiple names who improved their stocks through fantastic showcases in front of scouts, general managers, and coaches. New England Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio and head coach Bill Belichick were in attendance and a handful of players undoubtedly caught their eyes.

WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Highlights: 2nd fastest 40 yard dash 4.33… fastest 20 yard shuttle… fastest 60 yard shuttle

Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver. The 5’10″ 190 lber caught 128 passes for 1730 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013 after 67 catches, 1151 yards, and five scores in 2012. The knock on Cooks is his size. Still, most of these draft “gurus” are as reliable as your local weatherman. This kid has elite speed and balance to make up for his stature. Can be a legit slot weapon. Patriots need wide receiver depth and may not be sold on Josh Boyce. Though best suited for slot, Cooks could transition to a dangerous blazer who can make big plays downfield splitting coverages. Steve Smith.

TE Trey Burton, University of Florida

Highlights: 4th fastest TE dash 4.62… 2nd fastest TE three cone drill… 5th fastest 20 yard shuttle

The 6’3″ 230 lb Burton is small for a tight end, but plays the exact role Aaron Hernandez did at UF. While he is nowhere near the athlete Hernandez is, Burton could excel in the same tight end position New England utilized Hernandez in. He is versatile and played full back for the Gators a lot during his career, as well. Burton can be had in the 4th round, but he will be a serviceable NFL tight end or H-Back and has a high ceiling. Also ran the ball in 2010 75 times for 349 yards and 11 touchdowns. 38 catches, 445 yards, just one touchdown in 2013. Not overly physical, just four receiving touchdowns in four years, but solid blocker on passing downs. Good look for spread option team in late rounds… WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Highlights: 4.53 dash…

Evans didn’t post top performances at the combine, but he hung around the top five in most categories. While his speed isn’t spectacular for being 6’5″, he is massive at 230 lbs which slows him down. Evans also tends to have stiff hips, and basketball was his first passion. Even still, he could be the best wide receiver in the Draft. Teamed up with Johnny Manziel for 151 catches, 2499 yards and 17 TDs in two seasons. He is physical, has great hands, will go over the middle, and be force in the red zone. Though he didn’t wow anyone at the combine, Evans solidified his legitimacy earning positive marks from scouts. Should go top 10, could potentially slip. Pats could trade up for this stud or Clemson’s Sammy Watkins if Belichick and co. think one of the two are legit enough to be serious playmakers as rookies. Lil Wayne’s first client signed to Cash Money Sports… could scare teams away… Vincent Jackson.

DT Aaron Donald, University of Pittsburgh

Highlights: Fastest DT 40 4.68… most bench press reps for DT at 35… fastest DT 3 cone drill time

Donald is undersized at 6’1″ 285 lbs, but how has that stature worked out for Cincinnati Bengals stud 2 time All Pro Geno Atkins? The former University of Georgia standout slipped to the fourth round in 2010 due to his lack of prototypical size in the interior defensive line, even after being double and triple teamed every game as a Bulldog. With blob nosetackles becoming endangered species in the NFL, Donald could add to the trend of slimmer, quicker, more athletic defensive tackles anchoring defenses in the pass-happy league. Donald didn’t play against elite competition in the ACC, but man did he dominate. In 2013, Donald had 28.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 11 sacks. His senior season wasn’t a fluke. In 2012, Donald had 18.5 tackles for loss with 5.5 sacks, and, as a sophomore, racked up another 11 sacks. Even at his best, Vince Wilfork’s strong suit isn’t getting to the quarterback. Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich need help on the edges (most defensive snaps in NFL) and a relentless interior pass rusher like Donald could put the two defensive ends in more one on one situations, or potential free looks at the QB. Teams may still be living in the old ages and draft (highly talented) mooses such as Timmy Jernigan or Louis Nix, but interior defensive tackles in the mold of Donald are the prototypes that teams are now looking for. Donald is highly unlikely to slip to 29, but the Patriots could always trade up and grab the Geno Atkins of 2014. FS Brock Vereen, University of Minnesota

Highlights: 2nd fastest 40 of FS 4.47… most bench reps for FS at 25… 2nd fastest 3 cone drill of FS

The younger brother of Patriots scat back Shane Vereen impressed a lot of scouts at the combine and earned himself a serious Day 2 look. Though the Patriots may look for a safety in the first or second round, or stand put with 2013 third round pick Duron Harmon at strong, it’s worth noting that Vereen has skyrocketed up draft boards due to his Combine performance, and he is a free safety, not strong. It wouldn’t be a cute move to draft Shane’s younger brother, it would be a potential insurance plan for 2014 free agent Devin McCourty. Vereen could be had on Day 3 in the fourth round and would be a nice value pick for New England, who was recently rewarded the 140th pick overall from the NFL compensation process. Vereen is scouted as being extremely smart. He takes precise, calculated angles, and has quick instincts in center field. His hands aren’t great, as seen by his career four interceptions, but picks aren’t everything. Vereen has big time football smarts and leadership intangibles that make Bill salivate.

2014 NFL Combine Notes: Offense

February took us by storm and as spring is in the horizon, the window to the NFL Draft is steadily dwindling. With the Indianapolis Combine ending the 25th after starting on the 22nd, teams got a chance to examine college players' athleticism more closely. There were multiple names who improved their stocks through fantastic showcases in front of scouts, general managers, and coaches. New England Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio and head coach Bill Belichick were in attendance and a handful of players undoubtedly caught their eyes.

WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Highlights: 2nd fastest 40 yard dash: 4.33... fastest 20 yard shuttle... fastest 60 yard shuttle

Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver. The 5'10" 190 lber caught 128 passes for 1730 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013 after 67 catches, 1151 yards, and five scores in 2012. The knock on Cooks is his size. Still, most of these draft "gurus" are as reliable as your local weatherman. This kid has elite speed and balance to make up for his stature. Can be a legit slot weapon. Patriots need a wide receiver and may not be sold on Josh Boyce. Though best suited for slot, Cooks could transition to a dangerous blazer who can make big plays downfield splitting coverages. Steve Smith.

TE Trey Burton, University of Florida

Highlights: 4th fastest TE dash: 4.62... 2nd fastest TE three cone drill... 5th fastest 20 yard shuttle

The 6'3" 230 lb Burton is small for a tight end, but plays the exact role Aaron Hernandez did at UF. While he is nowhere near the athlete Hernandez is, Burton could excel in the same tight end position New England utilized Hernandez in. He is versatile and played full back for the Gators a lot during his career. Burton can be had in the 4th round, but he will be a serviceable NFL tight end or H-Back and has a high ceiling. Also ran the ball in 2010 75 times for 349 yards and 11 touchdowns. 38 catches, 445 yards, just one touchdown in 2013. Not overly physical, just four receiving touchdowns in four years, but solid blocker on passing downs. Good look for spread option team in late rounds...

WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Highlights: 4.53 dash...

Evans didn't post top performances at the combine, but he hung around the top five in most categories. While his speed isn't spectacular for being 6'5", he is massive at 230 lbs which slows him down. Evans also tends to have stiff hips, and basketball was his first passion. Bottom line is, he could be the best wide receiver in the Draft. Teamed up with Johnny Manziel for 151 catches, 2499 yards and 17 TDs in two seasons. He is physical, has great hands, will go over the middle, and be force in the red zone. Though he didn't wow anyone at the combine, Evans solidified his legitimacy earning positive marks from scouts. Should go top 10, could potentially slip. Pats could trade up for this stud or Clemson's Sammy Watkins if Belichick and co. think one of the two are legit enough to be serious playmakers as rookies. Vincent Jackson.

2014 New England Patriots Draft: Defensive Targets Pt. 1

Alas, as we look back at the Patriots 2013 season, it pains me to know that when all was going well, New England's offense was under the microscope much more than the defense. With rookie wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins learning the playbook and Rob Gronkowski still on injured reserve from forearm surgery, Tom Brady wasn't firing on all cylinders as he had in year's past. Throw in losing Aaron Hernandez and building rapport with Danny Amendola in there as well.

The point is, the defense was looking good through Week 4 after what was thought to be the team's best win at the time, a 30-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. Critics across the country didn't know what the Patriots would be after close wins at Buffalo and home vs. the New York Jets, as well as a beating of the bottom dwelling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though the perenially-hyped Atlanta proved to be fraudulent underachievers yet again, amassing a dismal 4-12 record, New England's defense held in check a high-flying offense led by 2008 third overall pick, Matt Ryan, and 2011 sixth overall pick, Julio Jones.

Sadly, the Patriots got news that Vince Wilfork tore his Achilles tendon against Atlanta and would be out for the rest of the season. New England fans might as well have set up camp for hibernation, because the despondency became overwhelming after that respected, hard earned Week 4 win.

Week 5-7?: Starting middle linebacker Brandon Spikes suffers a torn ligament in his knee that put him at much less than 100% all season. Did not play in playoffs.

Week 5 13-6 loss at Cincinnati Bengals: Starting defensive tackle Tommy Kelly injured reserve with right knee injury.

Week 6 30-27 win vs. New Orleans Saints: Starting (see the trend?) weak side linebacker and two time Pro Bowler Jerod Mayo injured reserve with torn pectoral muscle.

And that is just the defense... Danny Amendola (Kraft shoulda known): torn groin Week 1, Sebastian Vollmer: broken femur Week 8, Rob Gronkowski: torn ACL and MCL Week 14.

One couldn't help but get an ominous feeling about the season with the dark cloud over the Hernandez murder trial before the season even started. Luckily, New England won't have to deal with any distractions this year (we hope, Jesus Christ), and will start off on a clean slate for 2014.

The defensive line was toyed with all year. 2013 198th overall pick (Houston Texans), Chris Jones, had a solid year for a rookie, but needs to bulk up and work on his technique. Jones did show flashes, though, compiling 54 tackles and six sacks. The rookie out of Bowling Green State has a high motor and is just 23. Joe Vellano, undrafted out of University of Maryland, could be the odd man out this coming season. Vellano also made 54 tackles to go along with two sacks, but lost his job to Sealver Siliga down the stretch. Siliga is a raw, intriguing prospect, much like Jones. The undrafted 325 lber out of University of Utah was signed by the San Francisco 49ers after the Draft in 2011, but was eventually cut. Siliga had stints with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks before landing on New England's practice squad on October 23rd, 2013. He was added to the active roster November 27th. In just five games, starting from his Week 13 debut at Houston, Siliga made 23 tackles and had one sack Week 15, 16, and 17. Siliga helped the Patriots sure up their run defense substantially in the playoffs, holding the Indianapolis Colts to just 63 yards on the ground and the Denver Broncos to 107, for a 3.8 average.

New England will never be as horrid defending the run as they were in 2013; they ranked 30th in the NFL allowing 134 yards/game, a stat that simply never reaches those lows with this team. The injuries were detrimental and the depth was inexperienced. Even still, Jones, Siliga and Vellano will provide nice depth for next year after being thrust into starting roles so abruptly. Somewhat of a blessing in disguise, at least depth-wise, for the Patriots.

New England also signed former USC standout, Armond Armstead, from the Canadian Football League over the 2013 offseason. The 6'5" 300 lb Armstead earned a myriad of high school accolades, including being named a Super Prep All-American, with 88 tackles and 11 sacks at Pleasant Grove High School in California. In 2010 with the Trojans, Armstead compiled 43 tackles and three sacks, despite constantly being double teamed. Armstead wasn't cleared to play in 2011 by team doctors due a heart problem that Armstead deemed minor. USC doctors gave Armstead painkillers, and Armstead later sued the doctor and a physician, claiming the injects of the drug called Toradol caused him to have a heart attack, and, in turn, affected his NFL Draft potentialities. Toradol does not list heart attacks as a side effect. Armstead redshirted that 2011 season, and went undrafted in 2012. He ended up playing for the Toronto Argonauts and was named a 2012 CFL All Star, with 43 tackles and six sacks. The Argonauts won the Grey Cup, the CFL version of the Super Bowl, that year. Armstead was originally projected as a first round pick going into 2011, so the Patriots signed him to a three year deal in the 2012 off season to give him a shot, especially coming off his impressive CFL stint that was injury-free. In late June, Armstead developed an undisclosed infection, though it likely stemmed from his heart attack treatment. Armstead was going to be counted on in 2013, but it is clear he can't be in 2014. That doesn't mean he can't reach his first round ceiling, but New England needs to stock up on some more mooses in the Draft.

Top Talent: Louis Nix, University of Notre Dame

6'3" 345 lbs

5.17 40 yard dash

2013: 27 tackles, two for loss. 2012: 52 tackles, 7.5 for loss, two sacks

Strengths: Elite size, athleticism, quickness, disruptive, total package

Weaknesses: Torn meniscus in early November, overweight...? Will he have same elite burst? Dedication, motor. All Draft gurus gawk at size and athleticism. Similar to Vernon Davis who is an atheltic freak, but has had off years and toughness issues (five catches for 54 yards in three 2013 playoff games). Vernon Gholston, the athetic "workout warrior" pass rusher from Ohio State was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2008, has had zero sacks in his three year NFL career. He hasn't played since 2010. Sometimes you can't trust these Draft guys who love imposing size and athleticism (especially the gurus that like prospects who can jump out of pools). Competition in the Independent Conference is a question with Nix as well.

I would stay away from him, but I do believe if the knee didn't get injured, my opinion would be much different. Nix has everything NFL scouts drool over.

Realistically at #29: Aaron Donald, University of Pittsburgh

6'1" 290 lbs

4.93

2013: 59 tackles, 28.5 for loss, four forced fumbles, 11 sacks

Strengths: Versatility, relentless burst, pass rushing

Weaknesses: Size, run stuffing

Absolutely love this kid. The Patriots went with the undersized, athletic Jamie Collins, and that worked out fine for them. Much is criticized about the team's secondary, but Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich didn't lay a finger on a quarterback after New England's Week 10 Bye. Collins had a beastly game against the Colts in the playoffs, and displayed, as he did all season, the flashes of his instinctive pass rushing ability (10 sacks in 2012 with Southern Mississippi). Donald could bulk up to 300+, and has incredible quickness at the point of attack. He is versatile enough to even play defensive end, and could turn into the heir to Rob Ninkovich at the end opposite Jones. It all depends on if the Patriots view him as a defensive end, or an interior defensive lineman. In any scheme, Donald could be a serious playmaker and X factor in the way Jamie Collins was this season. He will likely play interior D line, though.

Steven Gregory is not a starting strong safety. Period. To New England's credit, the team did attempt to squeeze some juice out of three time All Pro Adrian Wilson who was cut by the Arizona Cardinals, but the 34 year old suffered an Achilles injury during the preseason. Gregory was certainly the back up plan, but he is just 5'11" 200 lbs. Fans look at guys like Kam Chancellor of the Seahawks and Donte Whitner of the 49ers and drool over the game-changing ability they could bring to the Patriots secondary. Though Gregory was playing sound football until he broke his thumb Week 9 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, he is not a starter. I'd expect Gregory to hang around, though. He provides good depth on passing downs and almost never makes a glaring mistake, but he's simply not a game changer at 31 years old and never has been.

Rookie Duron Harmon showed flashes in Gregory's absence. The third round 91st overall pick out of Rutgers University made 31 tackles with two interceptions and four passes defended. Harmon displayed a good deal of physicality and instincts, making a career high 11 tackles vs. Denver Week 12. He hits hard and always is the second or third tackler on the ball carrier. The 6' 200 lber needs to bulk up in the offseason, but he is timely with his hits and plays bigger than he is. Though one interception was off a tip, Harmon has a nice nose for the ball as well. He could be the starting strong safety in 2014 if New England plans to keep chemistry going with former Scarlet Knights Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan starting in the secondary, but competition is needed and the Patriots could very well look to add a bigger, more athletic strong safety in the Draft.

Top talent: Calvin Pryor, University of Louisville

6'1" 210 lbs

4.57

2013: 75 tackles, three interceptions, four passes defended

Strengths: Total package, NFL ready

Weaknesses: Free or strong, competition

Realistically: Deone Bucannon, Washington State

6'1" 220 lbs

4.56

2013: 109 tackles, five interceptions, one pass defended

Strengths: Size, hitting, relentlessness

Weaknesses: Coverage

This kid will be a Pro Bowler, mark my words. Menacing size and delivers "bone-rattling" hits. He is all over the place on the field and has a knack for being around the ball in the air. Buchannon's pure coverage ability could use some work, as he tends to be flat footed at times, but he has the potential to be a game changer. I like the fact that he comes from Washington State, undoubtedly modeling his playing style after Kam Chancellor. Both Pryor and Buchannon can be had in the first round, but I like Buchannon in the second, unless the Patriots fall in love with him. Grab him before Seattle does, Bill.

Cornerback is a position that is suddenly pretty deep for New England. Logan Ryan was the best rookie cornerback in the NFL, 25 year old Alfonzo Dennard is competitive in man to man, and Aqib Talib, when healthy, is a top three cornerback in the league. Still, it is unknown at this point if Talib will be a Patriot for next season. Also, Kyle Arrington had his ups and downs and makes an incredible $4 million/year as a slot corner. He dealt with injuries in the playoffs, but had a terrible game vs. Denver in the AFC Championship. New England did rank 18th against the pass in 2013, a big improvement from being at the bottom in 2012. With the NFL clearly evolving into a passing league, a team can never have too many corners. The Seahawks have Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner (did not play in playoffs, six interceptions 23 passes defended in 2011... teams rarely threw to his side in 2012), Walter Thrumond, and Byron Maxwell, all very competitive defensive backs. Look for New England to potentially find Talib's understudy, as a (healthy!) shutdown cornerback is becoming so valued in the age of Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman.

Top talent: Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State University

6' 200 lbs

4.47

2013: 40 tackles, six interceptions (one for a touchdown), six passes defended

Strengths: Size, bump and run, physical, speed, big plays, leaping ability, return skills

Weaknesses: Technique, agility

Realistically: Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State University

5'11" 190 lbs

4.55

2013: 59 tackles, four interceptions, ten passes defended

Strengths: Stout, man to man, physicality, competitiveness, technique

Weaknesses: Speed, size

Darqueze is the younger brother of Alfonzo and the more talented of the two. If the Patriots want to keep Duron Harmon as the future strong safety with Rutgers alumni McCourty and Ryan, they may also be intrigued by the idea of having Dennard's younger brother on the roster as well. Though it is a toss up on who is the better prospect, Gilbert or Dennard, New England could really like what they see out of the latter and trade up to grab their man. The brothers would feed off of each other and it could be a match made in heaven for the Patriots.