This Week in Backboard & Billboard History: January 18th
Tired of arguing with idiots who want poor people to stay poor? Take a break on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day and enjoy another look back at the weird world of music and sports. I can’t believe we’re barely into January. Oof.
Random Song You Didn’t Know Was a Top 40 Hit: Shaquille O’Neal - (I Know I Got) Skillz
Another appearance by a rapping dribbler of the orange sphere? You better believe it. Before he was a panelist on TNT and being called a casual by Christian Wood, Shaq was not only dunking like a maniac but pulling off a successful rap career on the side. His first ever single made its debut on this day in 1994 at #37. Shaq’s charisma and energy were perfectly suited for the type of music he’d go on to make. It’s no wonder he was as successful as he was with this side-hustle. This was almost as good of a debut as his rookie season when he put up 23-13 on 56% shooting. He’d go on to have some moderate Billboard success with his other singles like ‘No Hook’ with Method Man and RZA and ‘You Can’t Stop The Reign’ with the late Biggie Smalls. 25 years later, Shaq would perform this song at Lollapalooza, where I can only imagine he put on a hell of a show. But he made sure to let his name be known with this G-Funk-inspired track that would propel him to future Platinum status. Now the acting? Let’s not talk about that.
Box Score of the Day: January 18th, 2012
If you think the current pandemic basketball is rough, you should look back at some of these lockout games. We’re going back to the year after JaVale McGee had just had one of the most underrated dunk contest showings of the 2010s. When that wingspan was on full display in all of its glory. This was also my favorite iteration of the Wizards semi-Bullets uniforms. Playing against the young Thunder squad that was still not starting James Harden. I always admired the way the Wizards were formed during the early 2010s. It’s as if they only signed, traded, or drafted guys with the highest chaotic promise. It’s almost the complete opposite of how the Thunder were, built and yet they still came away with a win on this day. Now each team no longer has any player from this game on the team, and the Wizards remain as chaotic, just in a different sense. Russell Westbrook ending up the Rashard Lewis of this version was not something I expected just 9 years ago. Hate to see it. I’ll always treasure just how weird those Wizards teams were. Almost like someone had a fever dream of a basketball team and made it come true for all eyes to see. A special shoutout to the Philippines Basketball Legend Andray Blatche.
Banger of the Day: #26 on the Hot 100 in 2008
Oh, look what we have here. Why, yes, this is my favorite band of all time’s breakout hit. You know I had to do it to ‘em. This isn’t even in their top 15 songs, but it’s still the song that put them on the map. While the song's content has not aged well, it’s hard to blame a teenage Hayley Williams for making a song out of what most people her age were feeling. It’s hard not to get down to this song if you find yourself in almost any kind of mood, despite the shaky lyrics. If you were in my age group, the power of this song and Hayley Williams had you in a spell you couldn’t shake free of. I’m still caught by it, and I love it. The video is also as iconic as Hayley’s hair. Everyone loves an over-the-top dramatic High School revenge fantasy. The band has gone on to do even better things with different lineups and sliding through different genres seamlessly. But they’ve always maintained that sound that makes them Paramore. Put on your best emo bangs and headbang as if you’re a hammer trying to smash down invisible airborne nails.
The News Without Huey Lewis
Most of the news on this day has a lot to do with Inauguration performances, which is boring, to be honest. Instead, we’ll look back on when Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch got checked on by the US Department of Agriculture! After growing concerns by the Karens of animal rights groups known as PETA, the USDA was sent to check on all the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my) ((or should I say ch’mon)). Alas, the department found nothing wrong with the small and large creatures or how they were being treated. Giving us a Federal Agent uttering the words “I'm unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland.” Truly, you love to see it. Michael Jackson made sure his animals were getting the best treatment Thriller money could buy. I wonder if that tiger from the back of the album cover ended up being raised there. A special 15 year anniversary to the No Dunks podcast formerly The Starters and formerly The Basketball Jones. One of the best podcast I was lucky to have found in 2011. The guys have moved around so much and somehow still maintained that same voice throughout. A great mix of humor, analysis, and just love for the game. Like Skeets always says, “embrace the day, people!”