With only three days left of 2009, I wanted to update and do one good for Complex magazine and make my own Best of the 2000's list before we hit the new year. I know I haven't updated in a minute so I wanted to make sure to give y'all a little something before 2010. Below I've listed my top ten favorites of the 2000's in entertainment, fashion, basketball, and women. So sit back and relax as we grind out the final days of 2009. 2010 say what?!
FASHION OF THE 2000's
10. The Hundreds
Scoop: I've never been a Hundreds fan and I never will. I dislike their clothing and everything that they stand for, but I need to give credit where credit it due. These guys built a brand from the ground up and made it into the mainstream while still staying true to the streetwear game. Big ups to you guys, but your clothes still suck.
9. Street Punk/Pop Punk (2001-2004)
Scoop: Skin tight jeans, liberty spikes, band tees, and studs were the uniform for street punks when I was in high school. As soon as bands like Sum 41, New Found Glory and The Ataris received more mainstream success though, we went from hardcore garage to campy, pop punky with wristbands, trucker hats and neckties. Nowadays scene kids and hipsters have taken over leaving punks nowhere to be found. Y'know something's wrong with the world when the new "hardcore" is Bob Dylan and American Apparel V-Necks.
8. Justin Bobby/Pete Doherty Look (2008-..)
Scoop: The scruffy, grungy, I don't give a fuck look. Flannel button ups, dark colors, Doc Mart's and loose fitting stonewashed jeans (usually skinny jeans). Sometimes known as the dirty hipster look...but wait.. if dressing like this means I can ink hunnies that look like
Audrina Patridge and
Whitney Port, then hey.. I'm all for gettin' my homeless swag on.
7. Raw Denim Jeans (2006-Present)
Scoop: Dark denim and raw denim jeans have taken over the second half of this decade to a point where regular, light washed denim has become scarce. Now dark denim is made in different cuts and styles and has become increasingly popular over the last couple years. I ain't complaining...anything is better than those
pocketless jeans.
6. ALIFE (2001-Present)
Scoop: When I think of how much streetwear has evolved, I think of ALIFE. These guys started off as a sneaker boutique in a rough section of NYC, Rivington Street. Ever since they opened in 2001, they've stayed true to the game. Selling streetwear on the street. I've watched these guys grow as a company and now they're doing it bigger than ever. From collaborations with
John Mayer,
Reebok and
Wu-Tang, to branching out and opening shops in LA and Vancouver, ALIFE is now a universally known brand. Much 'ppreciated for all the contributions to the streetwear community, fellas.
5. A Bathing Ape
Scoop: If I were a business man and you told me that your game plan to get rich and famous was to make full zip, all over print hoodies along with matching kicks in outrageously nutty colors, I would have you hanged, racked, and disemboweled (word to William Wallace) for being stupid. Nigo is lucky I'm not a business man though because without his BAPE line, streetwear wouldn't be what it is today. Nigo single handedly changed the game and has the
biggest names in the music biz rockin' his gear.
4. NBA Throwback Jerseys (2001-2004)
Scoop: The sports jersey trend spred like wildfire in 2002-2003. Nelly, Fabo, Fat Joe were all on top of the game at that point... sadly, right when the trend died, so did their careers.
3. Nike SB (2002-2008)
Scoop: Back when Osirus, Circa were still running the footwear game for skaters in '00, Nike took a fly on a skateboard shoe line contract and released their first run on Nike SB Footwear in '01. Now hard to find models released in '02/'03 including
Lodens,
Wheats and
Sharks. Then 2003 came along and Nike SB did it huge with collaborations with well known underground artists like
Futura and Stash to respected skateboarding teams like
T19 and
Supreme. Nike SB has had a monster following ever since and has been going six years strong....well, that was until they released this
piece of shit.
2. New Era (2001-Present)
Scoop: New Era ran the headwear industry during the sports jersey years and is still cold chillin' on the top of that mountain today. Everywhere you go, you should still see a good amount of people rockin' lids with labels on the peak to make the fitted look fresh. New Era's come in various color ways and are now a must have in your wardrobe.
1. The Hypebeast Invasion
Scoop: Limited edition Nike SBs? Check. All over print, full zipup hoody? Check. Evisu jeans? Check. I don't remember a trend that had a following as huge as the hypebeasts...so because of that, the hypebeasts crack my top 10 fashion trends of the 2000's at number one. Congrats. Now let's go camp out for some sneakers!
HUNNIES OF THE 2000's
10. Olivia Munn
Scoop: You're probably wondering why she's even on my list. Get this... she started off playing small roles for TV shows, bumped into a primetime spot on Attack of the Show to provide video game bums with nerdgasms every Monday-Thursday. Now she's doin' it big from minor roles in feature films (Iron Man 2) to front page magazine covers (Playboy). She's anywhere and everywhere and honestly, I don't mind it at all.
9. Halle Berry
Scoop: Top 5 because of her scene in Monster's Ball... -5 because she starred in Catwoman.
8. Keira Knightley
Scoop: From being a no name in Star Wars Episode I, Keira has slowly worked her way into Hollywood's classiest. Starring in hit films like Pride and Prejudice and Pirates, this one can definitely act.
7. Jennifer Lopez
Scoop: It ain't chyo booty, it's your beauty...naw, just playin'. It is. It is your booty.
6. Rosario Dawson
Scoop: We loved her in Josie and the Pussycats and MIB 2, but her performance in Alexander was the most Oscar worthy. A good amount of nudity but who knew her chesticle game was on point? Really, who knew? This isn't the last we'll see from Rosario...she'll continue to
tease us for years to come.
5. Charlize Theron
Scoop: I'd love for her to play Reindeer Games with me but we must abide to the Cider House Rules. I'll start by putting my Head in the Clouds and leave her Waking Up in Reno, while she gives me an Italian Job for 15 Minutes on my Hancock so I can Aeon Flux on her face. Ohhh... I'm such a Monster.
4. Jessica Alba
Scoop: Okay...ohhh kay. I've never been a fan of this B-list actress but it didn't seem right to leave her off my 2000's list. So here you go, Jess. Number #4 because 1) y'know Baron Davis, 2) you were born in Pomona and 3) you're married to Baron Davis's best friend.
3. Kristin Kreuk
Scoop: She's the ONLY reason for you to watch Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li. If you watch that movie because you're a fan of the series and not a fan of Kristin, then you, my friend, are a loser and will die a single man.
2. Anne Hathaway
Scoop: From Disney princess to Academy Award winning actress in only seven years, no one's left a bigger mark in Hollywood than Ms. aka Mia Thermopolis. She's shown her versatility in serious dramas like Rachel Getting Married to romantic chick-flicks like that Jane Adams joint, whatever it was called. Anne can do it all. It also helps that she's a certified dime that just so happens to be dating one of the biggest nobodies in Hollywood who's career is going nowhere but down. Yes, I'm mad.
1. Natalie Portman
Scoop: Is it even necessary?
FILMS of the 2000's
10. American Pie Series (2000-2004)
Scoop: How could I not include the film that created the term MILF?!
9. Finding Nemo (2003)
Scoop: One of the most entertaining children's films released in the 2000's. It is also ranked #1 as the best selling DVD of all time with over 40 million copies and the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time.
8. Ocean's 11 (2001)
Scoop: My favorite heist film of all time. The chemistry between Matt Damon, George Clooney and Brad Pitt is great. The jokes, the script and the final heist are all the reasons you need to watch this flick.
7. The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005)
Scoop: The film that finally set off Judd Apatow's career after many failed attempts (Cable Guy, Freaks N Geeks/Undeclared). The success of 40-Year Old Virgin has helped Apatow greenlight other projects including Knocked Up and Funny People. 'Course not as good as 40-Year Old Virgin, but still good films to have on your resume.
6. Casion Royale (2007)
Scoop: 2005+ was the year of revamps. Superman Returns, Batman Begins and Casino Royale. There was much controversy after the choice of Daniel Craig as James Bond, but I'm sure we can all agree that so far, he's done a superb job. Though
George Lazenby disagrees...he's still out there waiting to reprise his role as 007. And like a true 007 fanboy, I'll wait right there with him.
5. Crash (2004)
Scoop: So much racial tension...my eyes hurt! Get it, because I'm Asian? Aiiightden.
4. Training Day (2001)
Scoop: ...has there ever been a more realistic villain who had more swag than Zel?
"To protect the sheep, you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf." Sooo hard...
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
Scoop: Easily the greatest comic book adaptation ever. So good that when you watch it, it doesn't even feel like a super hero flick. The direction was on point with A-List actors up the ass. Definitely the most realistic comic book film to ever hit the big screen. How's it going up there, Heath?
2. The Departed (2007)
Scoop: A film with a legendary director, three A-List actors (Leo, Matt, Jack) and...AND Marky Mark? That right there is enough evidence that The Departed is one of the greatest films ever made with one of the most original scripts ever written. 'Course, it's not as great as the original (Infernal Affairs) but it's still an excellent movie.
1. Gladiator (2000)
Scoop: Awww snap...didn't expect that?! Well, check this... this movie set the bar for films in its genre. This movie paved the way for the epic film trends but none of those films have ever touched Gladiator. Plus, how can you hate on a Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe combo? American Gangster, the new Robin Hood flick...it's like Christmas when these two work together
MUSIC of the 2000's
10. The Dream "Love/Hate" (2007)
Scoop: This is the only recently released album on my list. It seems a little premature to have The Dream's debut record on any list, but that's how good this album is. Any track on this album could have been released as a single, you can take my word for it. Cheyea... it's that good. What's crazy is that the entire album was written and recorded in eight days and it's already hit platinum. That has to say something.
9. Avril Lavigne "Let Go" (2001)
Scoop: This is more of a guilty pleasure than anything else. I'ma catch a lot of flack for this one, but dude.... it's a good album! The reason Avril cracks a spot in my top ten is because she was the first to take pop music in a new direction. She introduced the "teenage pop rock" genre with
"Sk8er Boi" and
"Complicated." Also, I used to want to wife this chick up...that was until she married that piece of garbage Sum 41 frontman,
Derek . Why your nose look like a bull's nose, dawg?
8. John Mayer "Room for Squares" (2001)
Scoop: Believe it or not, this is actually a really nice listen. One of those albums you'd listen to while you wait in line for a drink at Starbucks or at your friends art gallery opening in Downtown that you don't really want to be seen at, but hey...you're there for moral support. This album is filled with great hits!!!!! From John's legendary love making hits like
"Your Body is a Wonderland"and
"Great Indoors." Also throw in some nice funky, laidback tunes like
"Neon" and
"No Such Thing" and you have yourself an award winning album. Other than John's sexy guitar skills and his partnership with ALIFE, he doesn't carry much else in his bag of douche. A+ album to go with an A+ asshole.
7. The Killers "Hot Fuss" (2004)
Scoop: The Killers, to me, are one of those groups that have massive success with one record and are never to be seen again (word to
New Radicals). I remember when these guys came out, people were dubbing them "The Next." Sure, with an album that had four hit singles, I'd jump on that bandwagon too. Good thing I didn't though because these guys are nowhere to be found. RIP The Killers.
6. Outkast "Speakerboxxx/Love Below" (2004)
Scoop: This was a great idea. Instead of breaking off and doing your own thing, 'dre and Big decided to do a split album and it did them good. Good enough that 'dre took an indefinite hiatus to work on his acting career. For real, dawg? You did "Four Brothers" and now you looking for an Oscar? Stick to doing music, my dude.
5. Blink 182 "Blink 182" (2004)
Scoop: Every track has that signature Blink sound. Everything from Tom's prepubescent scream to Mark's lazy, huff-and-puff voice. There's nothing about dicks, balls, ass, titties on this record. This album is more romantic. There are no "fuck-fuck-shit-fucks" or "shit, piss, cock sucker, mother fuckers." This album is more mature. "Fuck my dog in the ass" and "finger my butthole" are nowhere to be found on this album, but we do have.....wait--I thought we were talking about Blink 182?
4. 50 Cent "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2002)
Scoop: How do you go from being featured in a rap track as a no name with a legendary hiphop group (Onyx) to creating one of the greatest rap albums of all time two years later?
You get shot nine times, that's how.
3. KanYe West "College Dropout" (2004)
Scoop: How do you go from being a no name producer making hits for Jay-Z. to a platinum selling artist who is now one of the most famous entertainers in the world?
You get in a fatal car crash, that's how.
2. U2 "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (2000)
Scoop: The most consistent band in the world. Listen to their earlier albums then follow up and listen to their most recent albums, and you'll see that this band cannot be touched musically. The three year wait after their Pop album was well worth it. They came back harder and stronger than ever before on this record. From the hardcore guitar riffs of the Edge to Bono's iconic voice, there is no other group out there currently playing that has made as big a comeback as U2 did in 2001. This one's a classic.
1. Justin Timberlake "Future Sex/Love Sounds" (2006)
Scoop: The only NSYNC band member who grew more popular than the great Lance Bass. JT killed it with this one. You thought the Neptunes/JT collabo on his first record was dope? Pfft...y'all don't even know. This is one of those albums that you can listen to start-to-finish, no skips. Not only that, during JT's run with this album, he was able to bag Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel and...get this... Rihanna. Rihanna, dawg? That forehead is too much to handle. Can someone say perfect role model?
BASKETBALL MOMENTS of the 2000's
10. The Bust that is Greg Oden
Scoop: First pick in 2007 draft.
- Misses entire 2007-2008 season due to microfracture surgery on his
right knee.
- Now comes the 2008-2009 season, Oden enters the season as rookie
because of his knee injury the previous year. Debuts against the Los
Angeles Lakers on Dec. 28th and 12 minutes into the game, he leaves
the game because of a foot injury. He misses two weeks.
- Oden returns on November 12, 2008. Oden puts up serviceable numbers
from Nov-January, averaging 9.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 blocks.
- February 13th, Greg Oden injures his left knee and misses 3 weeks
due to a fractured knee cap.
- Greg returns in late-March and plays limited minutes, averaging 15
MPG.
- 2009-2010 season rolls around and Oden is showing signs of dominance
averaging 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks.
- December 5, Oden reinjures left knee and is taken off the court on a
stretcher. The injury is season ending.
Pattern, anyone?
9. 2000 NBA Draft
Scoop: Y'know this is a bad draft when your top 3 picks are: Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift and Darius Miles. This is easily the worst draft in history. Don't believe me? Get this... 16 of the 29 picks taken in the first round don't even play in the NBA anymore! The only thing that could have saved this draft was Mateen Cleaves, but we all know what happened to his career. SMH.
8. The Rise and Fall of Steve Francis
Scoop: Back in 2001, this dude was running with the best of 'em. He was one of those guys that you could argue was better than TMac, AI and Kobe. He lived up to his nickname "Franchise" taking the 2004 Rockets to the playoffs before losing to the Lakers in 5. He had back-to-back all star seasons in 2001-2003 averaging 20.9 points, 6.3 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals on .44% shooting. Until the injury bug hit him in 2005, he hasn't been the same. Of all the players who went downhill in their career, Stevie had the biggest falloff of all guys. At 6'3, duke had game like Mike and hops like Spudd. Now, he's nowhere to be found.
7. 2008 Playoffs: Celtics vs. Bulls
Scoop: Quite possibly the best series the NBA has ever seen. It was the coming out party for 2008 Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose and alien faced Rajon Rondo. In game one of the first round of the playoffs, Rose exploded for 36 points against the Garnett-less Celtics (tying Kareem's record for points scored by a rookie in his playoff debut). The series had a total 7 Overtimes with the point spread average at 3.5.
6. New York Knicks
Scoop: I'm a closet Knicks fan. Well, actually...I wouldn't say fan because I only try to catch as many Knicks games as I can, so a Knicks follower would be more appropriate. Now... where do I start? Psssh... the Knicks are a troubled franchise. After the Allan Houston era, this franchise went down and their situation keeps getting worse. I'm not going to go deep into the whole Isiah Thomas situation, but I do think he did a better job as a talent scout than a President. He's probably one of the best talent evaluator in the league. Wilson Chandler, Renaldo Balkman, Channing Frye. All the players he drafted are excellent players who were just in a bad situation.
The only hope the Knicks have at this point is the summer of 2010. If they can ink two all stars (Joe Johnson/Wade and Bosh/whoever), then they'd be in good shape and the franchise we all know and love would be competing again.
5. The Wild Wild West
Scoop: The 2007-2008 season was the most exciting season that I could remember. It was the first season where nine teams were above .500 and a 9th seeded 48-34 Golden State Warriors didn't make the playoffs. It was also the end of Baron's run as a Warrior. Perfect timing, B-Diddy!
4. 2007 Playoffs: Lakers vs. Celtics
Scoop: This had to be the most eventful NBA season in years.
- Celtics trade for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
- Lakers trade a future HOF'er in Kwame Brown and get back the perfect
piece to the triangle offense, Pau Gasol.
- Celtics roll through the season finishing top in the league.
- Lakers run train on the Western Conference and meet the Celtics in
the NBA Finals.
- Lakers/Celtics becomes the most watched NBA series in recent years.
3. Spurs Win Fourth
Scoop: With career averages of 21.4 points, 11.7 points, 2.3 blocks and 3.2 assists, Tim "Elmo face" Duncan cemented his legacy as the greatest power forward to ever play the game.
2. The End of a Dynasty
Scoop: One of the greatest 1-2 punches in NBA history ended in 2005 with Shaq bringing the heat in Miami (
buenvenidos a Miami) and Kobe staying in Lalaland. Shaq went on to win a chip with new sidekick Dwayne Wade while Kobe stayed at home telling Shaq how his ass tasted. The rivalry died out a couple seasons later when Shaq was traded to Phoenix. Even though they're no longer teammates, it's nice to think of what could've been.
1. The Chosen One
Scoop: The one man who changed the face of the L came into the NBA in 2003. Ever since then, he's been taking the league by storm. He single handedly took what was a broken Cavs squad to the playoffs in his first year. The NBA has never seen a specimen quite like LeBron. A 6'9 280 lbs monster who has point guard quickness and a Magic Johnson game. He IS the future of the NBA...well, until he wins a chip. Kobe:
"sup, Bron?" (shots fired)
And that's a wrap. Have a Happy New Year, y'all.
2010 say what, say what?!
