J. COLE | The DREAMER by Hussein Abdullahi

The Dreamer

J.Cole is the epitome of a dreamer; the Grammy-Award artist continues to emerge as a musical giant in the landscape of Hip-Hop. Cole’s last studio album K.O.D. reached its pinnacle by breaking Apple Music’s first-day streaming record of 64.5 million. The Previous record was the musical giant himself; Drake. At the ripe age of 35, Cole has transcended the hip-hop culture by displaying his unique flow, wordplay and conscious rap references. Beyond all Cole’s unprecedented successes, he has set his eyes on fulfilling another one his life aspirations. Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole honed his basketball skills on blacktop courts. As his passion for basketball grew, Cole then emerged as a star at his HS. With dreams of becoming a Division 1 athlete, Cole would then go on to attend St. John’s University in Queen, New York. NYC has always been an ideal market for Cole, his deep passion for music intertwined with a burning desire for hoops. St. John University exposed Cole to some divine life experiences that influenced him earlier in his Rap career. In present times, Coles continues to embody the unique message for his fans and all dreamers worldwide across the fields of Music, Sports, and entertainment.

Not because making it to the mountaintop was something that I needed to do, but because not trying was something that I couldn’t accept.
— J.Cole

Hoop Dreams

As Cole arrived on the Queen’s campus of St.John’s University the inception of his dream hatched, Cole wanted to be apart of the Red Storm program. Throughout the summer’s Cole would play intense pick-up games with the top hoopers on-campus including potential walk-on candidates. In his Sophomore year, Cole was a final try-out away from becoming a member of the Red Storm. Cole was among 10 other candidates selected for the final try-out, unfortunately, Cole was a no-show to the final try-out but still has kept his dream alive to pursue am NBA career. Turning a page to 2020, J.Cole has been training with NBA Skills Coach Chris Brickley from (@blackops.basketball), many people have seen footage of the two training and competing against NBA talents + NCAA standouts.

To get one of these NBA jersey’s is not going be easy, It’s going to be a lot of hate, people not believing in you, but I think J.Cole has a shot.
— Master P.

While J.Cole is considered one of the top musical artists of our generation, will he be able to make the push for a potential NBA roster spot? Back in 1998, a Rapper known as Master P made his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets in pre-season. Master P also suited up for the Toronto Raptors one year later in pre-season, although his NBA career was short-lived, Master P broke barriers by becoming the first Rapper to play in a professional sports league. Master P has been an avid mentor for Cole throughout his process and has even given him a co-sign!

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HOOP DREAMS

Will J.Cole make an NBA roster?


NBA PUSH?

Reports have circulated in the media about J.Cole prepping to join an NBA roster for the 2020-21 Season. Sources have reported that the Detroit Piston may be a top contender, as they offered Cole a try-out for the next season. Can the 35-year artist make an impact or will it be a marketing tool to generate revenue and ticket sales for the pistons? Either way, it’s a great opportunity for both parties to merge sports, music, and the entertainment culture. Rappers are always connected to athletes, look at renowned Toronto artist Drake, he might as well have a roster spot for the Raptors. Sports is one of the driving forces of culture and it’s refreshing to see artists step outside the box and wear the shoes of athletes. The intersection of sports and music is a beautiful sight to see, and with the added opportunity for Cole to pursue a potential NBA shot, he’s carving a unique blueprint for artists to follow. All due respect to Master P., his influence has paved the way for the generation of artists like Cole to chase the NBA dream.

If I can blow up in the next three years, that means I’ll only be 27. That still might give me enough time to train and pursue a professional basketball career.
— J. Cole
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NBA PUSH

Pistons offered J.Cole a try-out.


J.Cole x Puma Hoops

Earlier this year J.Cole signed a multi-year partnership with PUMA. Cole joined the PUMA team alongside NBA athletes Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, & more. Their extensive partnership features a collaborative process for product creation, marketing campaigns and film production. PUMA has produced two short films for the release of J.Cole’s signature sneaker RS-Dreamer. J.Cole signature sneakers released on July 31st exclusively on PUMA.com and limited retail stores. Rumours has it that Cole will release 4 new colours ways at a later date. Adam Petrick who serves as PUMA’s global director of brand + marketing spoke highly of Cole’s, he believes that Cole will be a special piece to the PUMA family because of his stance on social justice issues as well as, his connection at the intersection of sport and music culture. Having J.Cole as the brand ambassador for PUMA gives them an ultimate advantage over their competitors because of a divine marketing advantage and influence that artists like Cole can create. PUMA is a brand that continues to submerge itself across the driving forces our culture, from music, art, fashion, sports, + entertainment, PUMA has done phenomenal job targeting prominent figures to get on board. As for PUMA’s Basketball division, the highly anticipated sneaker releases from J.Cole has created a unique buzz for the brand. Check out PUMA’s new commercial titled “The Audacity” featuring J.Cole and Master P.

Art Graphics by: @tgq.inc

Art Graphics by: @tgq.inc


Written by: @TGQ.INC

Produced by: @TGQ.INC

Art Design + Graphics by: @TGQ.INC




NBA Bubble Action | Return of the NBA by Hussein Abdullahi

NBA BUBBLE ACTION

After the 141 day shutdown, the NBA has officially returned live from Buena Vista, Florida. The previous week of games featured the top 4 contending teams in the league (Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Clippers). The L.A. Lakers have marked unfamiliar territory, clinching the #1 seed in the western conference with a 116-108 win over the Utah Jazz Monday night. The Last time Lakers clinched a No. 1 seed was back in 2010, that season ended up a championship victory over the rival Boston Celtics. The battle of L.A. just got more interesting, with the season series tied 2-2, the Lakers look to take the slight advantage heading into the playoffs sporting a 51-15 record. Unfortunately, given the circumstances of this season and games being played in the bubble, the Lakers will not have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Does the #1 seed still work in the Lakers favouring or will the perennial powerhouses of the Eastern Conference take the crown?

Photo courtesy: Sporting News

Photo courtesy: Sporting News

Number one, we’re trying to be the best version of the team that we can be. We’re still not done but, this is a big accomplishment for our organization
— Anthony Davis

The dark horse in the Western Conference is the Houston Rockets. Led by the offensive tandem of Harden and Westbrook the Rockets have won two big games over the Mavs 153- 149 and the Bucks in a nail-bitter 116-120, before taking a loss to the Portland Trailblazers. The synergy of Rockets small-ball effect has presented mismatches over other ball clubs, especially on the defensive end. Currently the Rockets ranks second in clutch plus-minus (plus-64), which has created a strong case for their late playoff push. The Houston Rockets sit at 4th in the Western Conference trailing two games behind the #3 seed Denver Nuggets, many are waiting to see a potential second-round match-up between the Rockets and Lakers. Will Harden and Westbrook have enough firepower to dethrone King James, AD and the Lakers?

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Beard x Brodie

Houston Guards James Harden & Russell Westbrook


Now Crossing over to the Eastern Conference where the Bucks and Raptors are clear-cut contenders for the NBA title chase. The Toronto Raptors have won their last 3 games and are coming off two superb wins against a top-heavy L.A. Lakers and Miami Heat ball club. Under the guidance of Coach Nurse, the Raps looks to continue the quest of repeating as NBA Champions. Despite winning a nail-bitter against the Heat, the Raps are showing some signs of life with the stellar play from their lead guards VanVleet and Lowry. The Two combined for 50 points and 10 assists in their win Monday night vs the heat. The real question is do the Raptors have what it takes to sustain playing at an optimal level heading into the playoffs? We’ll have to wait and see as they prepare to take on a fiery Boston Celtics squad Friday night, the last time the two played back in December 2019 the Raptors escaped with a 113-97 victory. This time around both teams are at an even level playing field.

Photo Courtesy: @ESPN

Photo Courtesy: @ESPN

You just look at all the ingredients that come into winning basketball, the Toronto Raptors have that and I would give them an edge over Boston
— Stephen A. Smith

Black Lives Matter

As professional sports resumed, millions of athletes are fighting for racial equality amid a world revolution. Given this unique time in history, professional athletes have used their platforms to advocate for social justice advancement. In the arena of pro sports, franchises have become more aware of the excessive racism and oppression against African-Americans. The NBPA has done a phenomenal job pushing the conversation forward, although it’s still too early to determine the implications of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, NBA athletes such as Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown + many others have stepped to the forefront as Afro-American leaders. We’ve begun to see a domino effect due to the influence that professional athletes have on the rest of the world, The WNBA has also made it a serious mandate in their league. Having a high population of visible minorities throughout both apparent leagues allows the basketball community an opportunity to educate, inform, and influence those in other ethnic groups.

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NBA athletes are fighting to end racial tensions in America.

I really don’t think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership. The game will go on without his eyes on it.
— LeBron James

Circa 1996

We now turn a page in the history book back to 1996 NBA season, where Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended and fined $32,000 by the NBA for refusing to participate in the national anthem. For Mahmoud, he spoke his mind stating that the American flag symbolized racism and oppression against African-Americans and that the anthem conflicted with his beliefs of the Islamic faith. Ultimately, as a result, Abdul-Rauf was punished for standing up for what he believed in. According to sources, the NBPA supported Abdul-Rauf and the league compromised a rule that would allow Abdul-Rauf to pray during the playing of the national anthem. Abdul-Rauf know the implications of his decisions would one-day influence athletes for generations to come and that’s exactly what he did.

You can’t be for God and for oppression. It’s clear in the Quran, Islam is the only way. I don’t criticize those who stand, so don’t criticize me for sitting.
— Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Now 24 years later, we witness a vast majority of NBA athletes continuing the fight for social justice. President Trump made repulsive comments in regards to players kneeling during the national anthem. NBA global icon LeBron James continues to display his unique leadership as he advocates for the basketball community spreading knowledge and education. NBA players are not concerned about President Trump remark as they have the eyes focused on a larger task at hand. Since the NBA Bubble restart about 300 players had social justice messages worn on the back of their jersey, It’s been interesting to see other minorities join in this movement regardless of their race or personal beliefs. The NBA as we know has grown to a global game including fans of different, race, ethnicities, religion, and world views. But, we all stand together to support our athletes. Personally, it has taken some time adjusting to watching NBA games with virtual fans (320 Fans/games) but, it’s a beautiful time for professional sports as they embark on a new era; #WHOLENEWGAME.

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STAND TOGETHER

NBA Supports Black Lives Matter Movement

Written by: TGQ.INC

Produced by: @TGQ.INC

Photo Courtesy of: @Sporting News, @ESPN