TROUBL

After last week’s Hall of Fame induction, we wanted to follow up with those to look out for during the 2^nd half of 2008.. The heat has arrived, and it looks like these individuals are following suit.. You know the rules, these are our Power Players.. Not necessarily about income levels or magazine covers, but those that are making a difference – AOG style..

1. Mary J. Blige – I see you. FFAWN.org.. Nice move.. You’re jet-setting now.. Touring with Hov and all that good stuff.. But you stepping out and putting your money and efforts where your mouth is, is a good look.. I see you.. You’re on the watch list, because while FFAWN sounds good, it also sounds a bit vague.. Let’s see where you go with this..

2. Team USA – come on, it’s an Olympic year.. Across the board we need to support and watch for our athletes to do their thing.. Both basketball squads better win it.. Too much talent, and now they have been playing together for a minute.. In Track & Field, it’s been a bad few years for Team USA.. drug issues all around.. Now Usain Bolt has the 100 meter world record.. 9.72.. makes no sense.. But we have some cats.. Tyson Gay is the truth, and I think he’ll pull it out.. You know the Jamaicans have issues running fast through 4 rounds.. Alyson Felix is a beast, and so is Ms. Richards in the 400..

3. Salma Hayek – Not just because you’re a Fine Forty, are you on this list.. As a new mom, I see you.. You stepped it up.. Working with Pampers/UNICEF to provide tetanus shots to babies and mothers around the world.. that’s gangsta.. and beautiful.. for that alone, you make this list.. using your celebrity and your status to help others.. we have our eye(s) on you, and it’s definitely our pleasure!!

4. Baron Davis – not many athletes understand the true benefits of establishing your business empire.. you, my friend, are one of those that do.. born and raised in Cali, you have exceeded expectations to become one of the most feared players in the NBA.. Every year you have a play in the Top 10 plays of the year.. we see you.. but this year your dealings behind the scenes (literally) have surfaced in 2008.. you’ve been at it for about 4 years now, huh? Getting it together.. taking the time to get it right.. this year, it all came together for you, and we’re all better for it.. You got your SAG card.. You started your production company, Verso Entertainment, with your boy Cash Warren (better known as Jessica Alba’s baby’s daddy).. Did your thing at Sundance, and you’re making movies that mean something (I’m making y’all do your research.. sigh, just google him).. My hat is tipped to you, Baron, as you have been patient over the last few years to get to this place.. Your money and time was well spent, and we’re all appreciative..

5. Nas – simply due to his new album and the noise he’s trying to make with it.. we all know the name change from “Nigger” to “Nas”, due to the backlash and label disputes, but that doesn’t change the content.. he’s definitely going against the grain, and this is serious.. could ruin his career.. so, having the “audacity” to just say “forget what they think” and go for it, is truly a gangsta move.. I don’t know what the future holds, but the album sounds good.. Nas is definitely back.. and he’s making a stand..

Who else should be on this list?? Speak up.. Let us hear them..