Underappreciated: SWV's "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)"

"Thankfully Riley had the foresight to push the song in an entirely new direction. Combining it with the soulful sounds of Jackson's hit (likely getting his permission after working with the megastar on his Dangerous album). Gone were the unnecessary fast beats, oddly placed harmonies, and weird rap solo. In was a trademark MJ falsetto, a short guest rap hook from Riley protege, Pharrell Williams (yes, THAT Pharrell, who provides the memorable 'S-Double-U-V-V' refrain), and a cameo from Keiko the Killer whale in the video."

Underappreciated, Musicraf esparzaSeptember 3, 2016SWV, Michael Jackson, Teddy RileyComment

Netflix Unleashes The Trailer To The Hilarious-Looking New Christopher Guest Movie, "Mascots"

"Christopher Guest movies are gifts from the comedy gods.

Waiting For Guffman. Best in Show. A Mighty Wind. For Your Consideration.

All ridiculous pieces of comic absurdity. All certified hilarity (we'll up the grading curve for the underrated Consideration)."

Moviesraf esparzaSeptember 1, 2016Christopher GuestComment

For Our Friend Jannese

"Watching that video reminds me not only how lucky we were to get to spend a little extra time together performing outside of the world of forensics, but also how important it is to truly make the time to appreciate the moments you get to share on the stage with the collaborators you love."

Early Late Nightraf esparzaSeptember 1, 2016Game of Thrones, Music Performance, Jannese Davidson, We RememberComment

ELN: Monologue Monday (8/29/16)

Among the topics I take on this week:

Donald Trump
Colin Kaepernick
The MTV VMAs

Early Late Nightraf esparzaAugust 30, 2016Monologue Monday, Comedy, Monologue JokesComment

Everyone, Shut Up And Watch Steven Seagal And GSP Slap Fight One Another Right Now!

To the best of my knowledge, it is not Christmas yet. And yet, somehow, here we are in August with a gift that has been surprisingly dropped into my lap. One that I never knew I needed until it was put in front of my eyes, one that I will now never be able to live without.

This is, without hyperbole, one of the best gifts I have ever received:

The gift of Georges St. Pierre and Steven Seagal slap fighting one another in a low-budget foreign action film."

Moviesraf esparzaAugust 30, 2016MMA, Steven Seagal, GSPComment

VERBAL TAP (Episode 189)

"This week, we not only try to make some sense of it all (Should Demian Maia fast pass his way to a title shot, what does this mean for Carlos Condit, and how many times did Brian Stann jinx the outcomes of the fights with his commentary on the mic?)"

BJJ, Verbal Tapraf esparzaAugust 30, 2016BJJ, MMA, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, IBJJF, WorldsComment

THROWBACK: The Definitive Top 10 Michael Jackson Videos

"In Bad Michael got the chance to show us that although, yes, he is doing the equivalent of a jazz routine in a subway station while trying to act street, he was going to be THE VERY BEST PERSON TO EVER do a jazz routine in the middle of a subway while trying to act street!"

Musicraf esparzaAugust 29, 2016Michael Jackson, Janet JacksonComment

DA FUQ Did I Just Watch: The 2016 MTV VMAs

"Mind you, MTV already gave Beyonce a 15 minute showcase a few years back when they handed her the Video Vanguard award (like they were intending to do with Rihanna last night), but then it seemed like somewhere in the middle of planning this year's music event the just kinda said, 'you know what, fuck it, if Beyonce wants to come to do the show, we'll let her do and say whatever she wants.'"

Music, Award Showsraf esparzaAugust 28, 2016MTV, VMAs, MusicComment

Sober Reflections: UFC on FOX 21

"There are others with great jiu-jitsu, but perhaps no one who makes it look easier. And so tonight, we saw Maia give the UFC slight pause with their intention to put Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson as the first offering for newly crowned welterweight champ, Tyrone Woodley.

And like the true martial artist and respectful guy he is, Maia told Brian Stann in his post-fight interview that he'd patiently wait his turn."

Verbal Tap, BJJraf esparzaAugust 27, 2016MMA, BJJ, UFC, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, Sergio Pettis, Paige VanZant, Joe Lauzon, Jim MillerComment

Bloopers Reveal The "Captain America: Civil War" Cast Can't Keep Their Shit Together

Among some of the gems, you have Robert Downey Jr. telling a young Spider-Man to get his shit together when the camera is on him, Chris Evans forgetting how to be Captain America, and Anthony Mackie making the most comically hilarious landing as the Falcon.

Movies, Nonsenseraf esparzaAugust 26, 2016Comic Book, Captain America, Iron Man, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Civil WarComment