Today’s tune on this March Madness Mock Draft Monday in April is Poetic Justice by Kendrick Lamar featuring Drake. This song was on Kendrick Lamar’s masterpiece of a rookie commercial album called good kid, m.A.A.d city.Poetic Justice was a hit as both of these rappers were still up and coming.
The two collaborated on Drake’s Take Care when Kendrick laid a verse on Buried Alive (Interlude) which was used in the background back on Mock Draft Monday 9/4 ‘23. Not going to lie, I wrote that Mock Draft Monday half-drunk on 2 hours of sleep and then published it right before taking flight from the Jacksonville International Airport back to JFK.
When this song came out in October of ‘12, little did we know that the duo of rappers would only collaborate one more time on another hit song called F*’n Problem, which came out the following fall. Poetic Justice is a timeless classic. I remember it being played all the time on Hot 97 and Power 105.1 as it peaked at #26 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
One thing about Kendrick’s good kid, m.A.A.d city that made the album a masterpiece was the whole album had a theme from start to finish of his story growing up in Compton. The genius of it is that you didn’t even necessarily have to listen to the whole album to get the setting of this in a dark room with dank perfume.
Another thing that should be Noted… the female vocals is a sample of Janet Jackson singing “In the Thundering Rain”. The sample comes from her song, “Any Time, Any Place.” P.S. perfect sample for every second, every minute.
Kendrick’s 1st Verse leads with him hyping up the fine female with perfume.
Kendrick Lamar told RapGenius, “Am I the flower? No, I am thinking she is the flower the whole time because I have no idea about her background, just being oblivious to it. Being young and not knowing. She may look good on the outside, but this flower may be full of bees and no honey. You feel me?” This is interesting and just shows the man speaks in riddles. He says this verse again later so I’ll dive into what I and most who listen to thought he meant by it.
Poetic Justice was a movie that came out in 1993. It starred Compton’s own, Tupac, as well as Janet Jackson. Very poetic.
Conversations and the narratives people talk about certainly do have a major influence on nations as a whole. Kendrick can’t right his wrongs without writing them down for a verse.
I love how they end each of their verses with PS. It flows perfectly with this chorus. Again, very poetic.
It don’t make sense how Drake can rhyme this verse but his flow makes it work.
Here Drake is stating he writes these sorts of songs for women, who are the much more fun sex of the two. I’m sure all the fellas will agree.
The only way to save relationships is through communication, that is for sure. Drake rights his wrongs by writing them down for a verse.
Drake had a great verse and flow on this tune, but I wonder if he realized that Kendrick was going to have a 2nd one. Kendrick Lamar dines on this next one.
Here Kendrick is saying that anytime he writes a song it’s like listening to forbidden fruit. The devil is in the details of his verses. His punctuations are curved with commas instead of periods to show he doesn’t stop. It could also be that he tries to write his verses with question marks, making us who listen question what taboo he’ll say next. Each individual letter in every word of his verses is true. You could also look at it as if every song of his is a letter to us listening. Living in the margin could mean that he lives his life on the outskirts away from the limelight. Proof here could be from proofreading essays, people tend to make edits in the margin. With mathematics, you also have to show proof of how you got your solution to equations.
The flower that bloomed in a dark room here is thought to be Kendrick, being that he is a good kid in a mad city. He’s asking us listening (or the fine female with perfume) if you can trust a flower that bloomed without proper sunlight. Love is not just acts like kissing and whatnot, but to obtain it you have to love yourself too.
Fatal Attraction is another movie reference where both Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas go nuts because they’re madly in love.
I tried my best to find the gold mines between the lines, but I’m sure there are about a gazillion more that I missed. This tune is like a poetic essay more than it is just a song.
I forgot to mention for those not up to speed on hip-hop that Drake and Kenrick Lamar have been rivals for well over a decade. They are both totally different rappers. The charm of Kendrick’s music is that the quality of his verses is filled with double entendres and riddles everywhere. The downside that comes with that is he doesn’t make as many albums and songs. The charm of Drake’s music is the sheer amount of songs that are absolute hits. For instance, I’ve annotated a Drake song once a week for 16 months and I swear I’ve only done about a handful of my favorites thus far. The downside of making so many hits a lot of them may not have as much depth, that said there is something to the fact that his music was being played all the time. They are both great at what they do.
On to the sports…
Week to Week Notes would like to formally congratulate the Women’s South Carolina Gamecocks on their undefeated season and NCAA Championship. A truly dominant team for the record books. Also, I would like to formally congratulate Caitlin Clark on her illustrious college career. The best women’s college basketball player of all time, she’s done wonders to grow the sport and it was awesome to cover it.
Men’s ‘24 Championship Preview
After reshuffling the bracket during the Sweet 16, Week to Week Notes hit on 3 of the 4 Final Four schools and also got the championship teams right. I’m going to sound a bit obnoxious here but my original bracket also had UConn and Purdue in the final, so that’s a win too.
Sidenote: I hate how late the NCAA starts this Championship game every year. No regard to the East Coast hoop fan who needs to get up in the morning for work. Sad!
The last time UConn and Purdue danced in March was in the Sweet 16 of ‘09. UConn won that matchup 72-60 on their run to the Final Four that season. Some of the names in that game bring me back. For UConn, they were led by Hasheem Thabeet (15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Jeff Adrien. They also had a freshman PG off the bench in Kemba Walker. For Purdue, they were led by Robbie Hummel (17 points), JaJuan Johnson, and E-Twaun Moore. All in all, these two schools have faced off 4 times since 1986 and Purdue came up on top in the other 3 previous results.
UConn is a 6.5-point favorite tonight and for good reason. They have become the best College Basketball program in the today’s era. Since 1999, the Huskies have won 5 National Championships including one just last year. On Saturday against Alabama, they were tested a bit and they once again came out on top by a double-digit margin. The 72 points that they allowed Alabama were the most that they have given up in the last 2 March Madness runs and keep in mind that 72.3 points in a game is the median allowed among all 362 Division I schools. Even when they aren’t at the top of their game defensively they still are above average. Offensively against ‘Bama, all 5 starters for UConn each had 12+ points. Freshman G Stephon Castle led the way with 21. When asked after the game what makes this team special, the 19-year-old said, “We’re an unselfish group. There are no haters in our group. Everybody is super locked into a goal.” One of the oblivious keys to this game will be Donovan Clingan’s matchup with Zach Edey. Clingan has been great in this tournament averaging 16.2 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game. The 7’2” C will be the tallest defender that Zach Edey (7’4”) has faced so the battle of the giants will of course be big in this one.
Purdue has never won an NCAA Basketball National Championship. The last time they were in the national title game was in 1969 when they lost to UCLA. Those Bruins had a center named Lew Alcindor and a coach named John Wooden so not a bad loss in hindsight. For Purdue, senior C Zach Edey has been dominant this tournament, averaging 28 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. The Boilermakers’ whole offense is based around their big man, but if they want to win on Monday night they’ll need more of a balanced offense like UConn. Purdue’s PG Braden Smith had a rough game against NC State as he shot 1 of 9 from the floor and fouled out with only 3 points. Smith was the team’s second-leading scorer this season with 12 ppg, but has struggled in this tournament while only averaging 8.4 points. The sophomore PG still can be effective at other parts of his game such as his passing (8.8 assists) and rebounding (6.4 per game), but he’ll have to be somewhere in the same vicinity in the scoring column as Stephon Castle for the Boilers to win. Being that Edey won’t have it easy with Clingan guarding him, expect to kick out to his wings Fletcher Loyer (50% from 3 this Tournament, 11.6 ppg) and Lance Jones (39.3% from 3 this Tournament, 9.6 ppg). It sounds simple but Loyer and Jones must knock down shots for Purdue to have any shot at the Huskies. While UConn has dominated the past 2 March, it should be Noted that the Boilermakers have also won each of their matchups this year by at least 12 points.
Prediction: UConn 68 - Purdue 64
I’ll stick with UConn being that they were the original Champion. Being that it’s Purdue’s first championship game since the Jets won a Super Bowl, it would be cool if they won it. These were the 2 best teams in college basketball this season so we should be in for a good one.
Today’s ‘24 NFL Mock Draft features the 3 Rounds of my friends and family’s favorite teams with an extra Round 4-7 of the New York Jets.
Patriots
- Jayden Daniels is meeting with the Patriots later today. New England will either land him or Drake Maye. Let’s all hope the one they get stinks.
Chargers
- After going a few weeks where San Diego picks big guys to block for Justin Herbert, here we’ll go with someone who can catch for him. The Chargers offense will look a whole lot different after they let go of WR1 Keenan Allen, WR2 Mike Williams, TE Gerald Everett, and RB Austin Ekeler. Odunze is the pick at #5 because Marvin Harrison Jr. goes to Arizona at #4.
Giants
- The Giants pass on Joe Alt and select Penn State’s Olu Fashanu. Would that happen on draft night? Who knows, but I haven’t done a mock yet with Fashanu to the G-Men and it’s a real possibility. College Scout Insider has mentioned in the past he wants the Giants to go O-Line, but we’ll have to check in before the draft night.
Jaguars
- In this scenario, all 9 offensive players that the Jets wouldn’t pass up on at 10 get selected. It would be a nightmare situation if they couldn’t find a trade partner. In this situation, the Jaguars decide to trade up to #10 so they can get the best pass rusher in this draft class with Dallas Turner out of Alabama. Pairing Turner with Josh Allen for this season would make a ton of sense. Allen will be playing this year on the Franchise Tag so Turner could be their long-term #1 pass rusher replacement if Allen hits free agency in ‘25.
- This WR Draft class has so much talent. Xavier Worthy is the fastest of the bunch. The Texas WR was extremely consistent all 3 years for the Longhorns. He caught at least 60 passes each season and racked up 2,755 receiving yards with 26 TDs for his college career. Worthy has blazing speed. He ran an incredible 4.21 40-yard dash, a new record at the NFL Combine. Worthy would provide Aaron Rodgers with an offensive playmaker that he has never played with before. Rodgers getting his own Tyreek Hill-lite (emphasis on lite, he’s only going to be 21) would add a different dynamic to the Jets’ offense.
Dolphins
- While the Dolphins did sign Kendall Fuller to a short-term deal in free agency to replace Xavian Howard, Terrion Arnold could be the long-term answer. Arnold played alongside Kool-Aid McKinstry at ‘Bama so he saw a ton of passes thrown his way and answered the call. The 1st Team All-American had 5 INTs this past season and his 17 pass deflections were the most in the SEC.
Eagles
- Philly takes O-Line with their 1st pick. Taliese Fuaga would start at RG over Tyler Steen and eventually be their RT once Lane Johnson hangs them up.
Cowboys
- After letting Tyron Smith walk, Troy Fautanu is his replacement. Fautanu was regarded highly by the PAC-12 defensive lineman who went up against him. He was named the ‘23 Morris Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 Conference, as voted by the league's defensive linemen.
Patriots
- With edge rusher Matthew Judon out for most of last season, the Patriots had very little pass rush from their edge. In the past 2 seasons at Washington, Bralen Trice had 16 sacks with 23.5 tackles for loss. If the Patriots land him, let’s hope he stinks.
Chargers
- In Round 2 shocker, Jim Harbaugh drafts a 2nd weapon for Justin Herbert. Rome Odunze and Keon Coleman would be a great combo of WRs for the Herb to throw to for the next 4+ years at a fraction of the cost that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams cost. This pick would also be a tough look for WR Quentin Johnston, the Chargers 1st Round Pick from last year.
Giants
- After wisely taking some help up front, the Giants go WR with Ricky Pearsall. The former Gator the past 2 seasons proved he can be used as both a deep threat or a possession WR on short/intermediate throws. He’ll get open.
- With the made-up trade with the Jaguars, the Jets selecting Graham Barton in the 2nd Round would be an excellent get in this spot. Barton has tremendous versatility, playing all 5 offensive line positions for the Duke Blue Devils. He has been All-ACC the past 2 seasons at LT. The Jets always seem to have issues on their offensive line, so getting a guy who can play anywhere with at least some experience can’t hurt.
Eagles
- Philly went with O-Line in the first and I have them taking defensive line back-to-back in the 2nd. T’Vondre Sweat is a massive human that can destroy run games and also the passer. He could fit in quite well with the young Georgia boys the Eagles have drafted the last couple of drafts.
Eagles
- Brandon Dorlus of Oregon may not have had the career sack totals (5 last year were his career-high), but PFF College has graded him above average as a pass rusher in each of the past 3 seasons. Would be the long-term replacement for Brandon Graham once he hangs them up.
Dolphins
- While Miami may be more in need of an interior lineman, Blake Fisher would be a long-term move as one of their tackles. I’ve mentioned this plenty of times before, but before his injury as a freshman, he was the starting LT for Notre Dame instead of Joe Alt, who will now be a Top 10 pick. Fisher’s talent is still there.
Cowboys
- Dallas already has 2 ball-hawk corners in Trevon Diggs (off an ACL) and DaRon Bland. Kamari Lassiter has the size at 6’ to play outside and the physicality to be great in the slot. While he didn’t have the INT production compared to Diggs and Bland, he is a better tackler in the run game.
Patriots
- Ja’Lynn Polk would give Jayden Daniels a #1 target to throw to. If he goes to the Pats, I hope he’s bad.
Chargers
- Finally, Jim Harbaugh gets a big guy for his O-Line with Cooper Beebe. He’d probably start at RG over Jamaree Salyer. Beebe was named the Big-12s Offensive Lineman of the Year the past 2 seasons. He has 48 starts under his belt. Good chance he’s not here in the 3rd Round, but you never know.
Giants
- In ‘22, Dominicik Puni was an honorable mention for the All-Big 12 Conference at LG. Last season, the Jayhawks moved him to LT and he was named 1st Team All-Big 12 Conference. He’s got experience at both positions and the G-Men need to protect Danny Dimes.
- The Jets could certainly use help at Safety. Right now they have Tony Adams, a pretty solid UDFA from ‘22, and Chuck Clark, who is coming off an ACL tear from last summer. Tyler Nubin is Minnesota’s all-time career leader in interceptions. He is more of the mold of a CF safety and would be an excellent 3rd Round pick to have to patrol behind Sauce Gardner.
Cowboys
- Audric Estime of Rockland County could be the Cowboys’ starting RB. With Tony Pollard leaving for Nashville, Dallas currently has Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn in their backfield. Estime is a much bigger back and could be their next workhorse.
Jaguars
- Jared Wiley is a 6’7” TE out of Kansas State. Would give Sunshine Lawrence a big-bodied threat and allow Evan Engram to play even more in the slot. Wiley was First-Team All-Big 12 last year and caught a team-high 47 passes. He has the size that could develop into a starting TE, which usually takes 2-3 years in today’s NFL as it is one of the hardest positions to transition from college to pros.
- With the way that Michael Pratt gets talked about as everybody’s favorite sleeper mid-round QB, he’s probably not lasting until the 4th Round. If he is, the Tulane 4-year starter and 3-year captain would be an excellent young QB to have sit behind Aaron Rodgers. After leading the Green Wave to a 21-3 record the past 2 years, Pratt feels like a QB that will be good with even better talent around him in the pros.
Layden Robinson is from Manvel, Texas, or right outside of Houston. He was named the Houston area’s UIL Offensive Player of the Year finalist by the Houston Touchdown Club while in high school. He decided the Aggies were the right school for him. After redshirting his ‘19 freshman season, Robinson got 32 snaps at RG in ‘20. In ‘21, he came back as the team’s starting right guard and was given the Offensive Toughness Award after returning for the final two games of the season after going down with injury. In ‘22 as a redshirt junior, Layden Robinson made 12 more starts at right guard as he helped block for Phins’ RB De’Von Achane. After the season, Robinson earned the Strength & Conditioning Offensive Aggie Award at the annual team banquet. This past season, the 6’4” and 315 lbs. lineman made 9 more starts at right guard. Layden Robinson also became a part of the ‘23 SEC Community Service Team as he volunteered at Twin City Missions, serving meals, helping to clean up trash, and wiping down walls and windows, while also helping to mop floors and clean flower beds. Jets could use all the O-Line help they can get.
Matt Goncalves is from Out East, Manorville, on Long Island, NY. He has an older brother who played baseball at SUNY Cortland. In high school, Matt was the consensus #1 offensive line prospect out of the state of New York. He first went to Pitt in ‘19 where he redshirted for the season. In ‘20, he made his debut on the field, starting as the LT in Pitt’s final 3 games. He distinguished himself enough to be named to the Freshman All-American. The following season in ‘21, Goncalves made another 5 starts at RT. In ‘22, the 6’6” and 330 lbs. tackle split time between the LT and RT. He was selected 3rd Team All-ACC. Last year with the Pitt Panthers, Goncalves started the team’s first 3 games before missing the rest of the season with a toe that needed surgery. The Jets pick a local kid with the 2nd to last pick.
Zakhari Franklin is from Cedar Hill, Texas. Out of high school, he wasn’t recruited much so he chose to play for the University of Texas at San Antonio. At UTSA, Franklin was a baller. As a junior in ‘21, he caught 81 passes for 1,027 yards and 12 scores. During his senior year of ‘22, he improved in both categories with 93 receptions for 1,137 yards and 15 TDs. This put him on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List for ‘23 as he transferred to Ole Miss as a 5th-year senior. Last year was rough for Franklin as he dealt with injuries and only caught 4 passes for 38 yards and 1 score. Then things got a bit fishy as his head coach Lane Kiffin said “he chose not to play.” Now I can’t even really confirm that Franklin is entering the NFL Draft but he can’t go back to Ole Miss so he’s out of options. The former UTSA stud has great hands but may lack separation in the pros. Another week has gone by and I still have no idea if he’s entered the draft as Franklin doesn’t seem to be on many people's radar. That sounds like the perfect way to end a Week to Week Notes Mock Draft Monday with Poetic Justice.