3 Up
1. Tracy Chapman - It was pretty damn cool to see Chapman grace the stage - seemingly coming out of wherever she's been to lay down some tunes on her smash hit. Sorry, Luke Combs version is okay (not overly a fan of the cover), but having Chapman at the Grammys to sing alongside was an awesome moment. I'm a sucker for those collab moments in music.
1a. Taylor Swift - Sticking with the Grammys, Taylor won best album of the year - as expected. Of course, Swift caps off an amazing 2023 by announcing she's dropping a new album in 2024 - thus crushing the hopes of every artist out there. Did you see faces when she announced that?!
2. Neo Hutiri - Innovation in the healthcare field is needed, and Hutiri is doing in a space where it is very much needed in Africa. It's a great story where he is changing the game via a smart locker dispenser system, getting meds and prescriptions to patients at a much quicker pace.
3. Carl Weathers - My guy. From Rocky, to Predator, to Action Jackson, and so much more - Weathers was a staple for so many of us growing up. Long live Apolo Creed. And yes, despite the tragedy that is forever notorious in Rocky IV, I still think Sly killed off the character too soon.
3 Down
1. Eplicit AI Images - We've entered a new low regarding technology. Call me whatever you want, but it's about time we begin to reign in and heavily legislate some of these actions. Society has lost itself...
2. Hate Crimes in Schools/Colleges - Hate crimes in educational spaces have doubled since 2019. And it only feels like it's getting worse with parents and adults adding to the mess with their own political influence and lack of communal values. Just my two cents...
3. Taylor Swift Conspiracy - Folks really believe the NFL is rigged to get Swift to the Super Bowl to influence her audience to vote for Joe Biden, thus, impacting (or manipulating?) the 2024 Presidential election. SMH.
It hasn't been dialed up yet, and I already despise the upcoming Presidential election period.
Cover Photo
Carl Weathers (L), as Apollo Creed, in action vs Sylvester Stallone (L), as Rocky Balboa, during a fight sequence in filming on the set of "Rocky II" movie.
Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images