Latest news with #GreatestOfAllTime
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
K.O on the country's issues and owning the ‘goat' tag
K.O. spoke to The Citizen just days before the release of his fifth studio album as a solo artist, Phara City. K.O spoke to The Citizen about his upcoming fifth studio album. Picture: mrcashtime/Instagram Compared to his contemporaries, rapper KO is a modest fella. He doesn't fully own up to the Greatest Of All Time (Goat) tag that's always bestowed on him by his fans. 'This is something that people are actually pushing me towards and actually owning up to,' the soft-spoken rapper tells The Citizen. ALSO READ: K.O finally gets his Metro FM award in his home province K.O owning the G.O.A.T tag 2025 marks K.O.'s 19th anniversary in the industry. He stared out as a member of the rap trio Teargas, which, in its own right, had an impact on the country and was part of watershed moments in South African hip hop through collaborations with other artists. He ticks the longevity box; his music has had an impact outside of the hip-hop community through songs such as Sete and Caracara, and his calibre as a rapper is of a high standard. 'If we're narrowing the conversation down to things like that, definitely, I start owning up to who I am in the space.' He says he was more concerned with making good music than comparing himself to others. 'All these things [his accolades], I was more focused on just doing great things rather than looking at the score board to say, hey, am I in the top five, where am I now?' Real name Ntokozo Mdluli, KO spoke to The Citizen just days before the release of his fifth studio album as a solo artist, Phara City. ALSO READ: REVIEW: Riky Rick's last album 'Boss Zonke Forever' epitomises his passion for young people Phara City The term 'phara' or sometimes spelt as 'para' can be defined as a homeless person who lives off their hustle on the streets. Some definitions describe a phara as a person who has a home but overcomes life's harsh environment through his hustle on the street. 'Yes, it says Phara City and some people might think I'm talking about Joburg, but I'm actually talking about the country as a whole,' shares K.O. K.O says South Africa has become an environment where a phara would only survive. 'Unfortunately, it [South Africa] has become almost like a Sodom and Gomorrah in real time because we see all kinds of things,' shares K.O. South Africa is one of the most unequal nations in the world, with a high unemployment rate and a country that fails to protect its most vulnerable. 'The country has been tarnished on the world stage, in terms of how people perceive who we are as a country, our politics. 'Even internally, as citizens, there are so many things we're critiquing- the lack of leadership, corruption, illegal immigrants,' says K.O., sharing the thought behind the album concept. The 13-track album will be released on Friday. Some of the standout songs from the project include Cross Night and No Chorus. On the latter, K.O. shows off his bravado as a rapper, basically giving the middle finger to his competitors. Through the album, K.O. says he is holding a mirror up to the country's face for reflection. However, despite his criticism, K.O. also shows the celebratory side of South Africa. 'We still celebrate, we still party, we still fall in love, we still hustle and continue with life even outside of these challenges that we are subjected to. I talk about that side of things.' ALSO READ: 'Their win is South Africa's win': Deputy Minister Peace Mabe celebrates TxC's BET award K.O's collaborative nature K.O. has something that very few artists have: a collaborative spirit. Even at the height of the AKA and Cassper Nyovest beef, K.O. still managed to work with both artists. 'I've never been one who's confrontational, I've always just stood my ground,' says K.O. He also demonstrated that he isn't an ageist, being open to working with younger artists like Blxckie and Maglera Doe Boy. This is both a business move and something natural to him. He provides an example of how brands like Adidas can collaborate with other fashion brands, such as Gucci. 'As an artist, you need to go and do things with other artists, because you get to introduce yourself to their following and vice-versa,' he says. Some of K.O.'s memorable work has been a collaborative effort. From his most recent hit Sete with Young Stunna and Blxckie to 2014's Skhanda Love with Nandi Mngoma and Caracara with Kid X. On his 2017 album SR2, he collaborated with House music producer Black Coffee on SA Rising. 'I think it's beautiful when we see people who've shaped society together because we get to send the right vibrations to the rest of the people.' ALSO READ: Amapiano vocalist Thatohatsi loses voice due to 'unexpected' illness K.O's music taste His openness to working with others also reflects his musical taste. When asked what he's been listening to recently, he mentions genres like Afrobeat and R&B. 'I have a very wide and broad sense of musical taste because you'll find me one minute listening to Afrobeat, listening to Blxckie, listening to Summer Walker, R&B and go back and pull out some stuff from yesteryears,' he says. 'I've been listening to a lot of Frank Ocean this year and obviously some of the Kendrick stuff he's done…but I like a lot of R&B, like Leon Thomas.' He says he doesn't only listen for pleasure but also for inspiration. 'On this album [Phara City] I went as far back as listening to the very first Mase album because there was a certain bag that I was trying to get into, stylistically.' The Mase album is Harlem World, released in 1997. He says he captured this '90s hip-hop and R&B fusion on Phara City through his collaboration with Blaq Diamond on the song Phara Love. NOW READ: 'I'm not gonna lie, this is rocking me': Prince Kaybee opens up about health battle
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former LeBron James Teammate Reveals What Lakers Star Did Twice that Michael Jordan Couldn't Do Once
Former LeBron James Teammate Reveals What Lakers Star Did Twice that Michael Jordan Couldn't Do Once originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest players in NBA history. The basketball icons have combined to win nine MVPs, 10 championships and 10 NBA Finals MVPs. Advertisement Jordan won five MVPs, six titles and six NBA Finals MVPs with the Chicago Bulls in the '90s, while James is a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time NBA Finals MVP. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. The Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate between Jordan and James is one of the most discussed topics in basketball discourse. One of James' former teammates recently said he's going with The King over Jordan every time because he thinks James did something twice that Jordan couldn't do once. One of LeBron James' former teammates is going with The King (left) over Michael Jordan. © David Richard-Imagn Images Shane Battier, who won two championships with James in Miami, doesn't think Jordan could have won two rings with him as his starting power forward. Advertisement "LeBron did something twice that Jordan I don't think could have done once," Battier said on the YouTube show "Pablo Torre Finds Out." "He won two NBA titles with Shane Battier as his starting power forward. No way, no way Jordan could have done that. "As great as Jordan was, LeBron dragged me across the finish line." James and Battier helped the Heat win titles in 2012 and 2013. James won back-to-back MVPs and NBA Finals MVPs with Miami. While Battier is clearly being self-deprecating in his take, he is only half right about being the Heat's starting forward. He started every game of the 2012 NBA Finals but did not crack the starting lineup in any of the Heat's 2013 playoff games. Advertisement Jordan, who went 6-0 in the NBA Finals, is first in NBA history in points per game in the regular season and postseason. He has also scored the most points (63) in a playoff game. James, who is 4-6 in the NBA Finals, is first in NBA history in points. He's the only player ever to rank top five all-time in points and assists. The GOAT debate between Jordan and James likely will never end, but Battier is going with James because the future Hall of Famer helped him win two rings. Related: Blockbuster Four-Team NBA Trade Idea Lands Lakers Two New Key Players This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky humbly denies being the GOAT, praises today's NHL stars and evolving game
Wayne Gretzky reflects on the NHL's evolution, acknowledging today's athletes' superior size, speed, and coaching (Getty Images) In a candid interview, hockey icon Wayne Gretzky reflects on the game's transformation, shares his admiration for today's athletes, and offers insights into his post-retirement journey, highlighting the lessons, values, and legacy that continue to shape his perspective on life. Wayne Gretzky reflects on hockey's evolution, sports legends, and his own journey in heartfelt interview In a candid and wide-ranging conversation during Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, Wayne Gretzky shared powerful insights into his life after hockey, the evolution of the game, and the legendary athletes who've shaped sports history. Known as 'The Great One,' Gretzky's words carried the weight of lived experience, humility, and a deep respect for the athletes—past and present—who define greatness. Wayne Gretzky: I'm not the greatest hockey player ever | Dan Patrick Show | NBC Sports 'I just realized, I'm too old,' Gretzky admitted with a laugh, recalling a charity game he played at 57 where he feared injury more than enjoying the skate. Now, with his children graduating college, he reflects on time's passing with grace. 'You realize how fast time goes. I'm proud of the kids and their hard work, but man, it flies.' Gretzky didn't hold back in his admiration for today's NHL. 'The athletes are bigger, stronger, faster, and more coached than we ever were.' He acknowledged that the speed and intelligence of modern hockey have elevated the game beyond what he experienced during his career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He also gave a nod to the unsung advice every goal scorer should follow: 'People miss the net too much now… The key to scoring goals? Just hit the net.' Humble as ever, Gretzky was quick to deflect GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) status. 'There's nobody better than Bobby Orr. Nobody ever touched what he did. Gordie Howe? He's the man.' He reserved a rare level of praise for Alex Ovechkin, calling him one of the only three players—alongside Howe and Mark Messier—who could dominate both physically and on the scoreboard. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky stuns fans with bold new photoshoot as she embraces self-love and her most confident era Beyond the rink, Gretzky revealed a childhood love for baseball, saying, 'I wanted to play for the Detroit Tigers.' He shared memories of Ernie Harwell, Mark Fidrych, and the magic of old-school ballparks—offering fans a glimpse of the kid inside the legend. In every word, Gretzky remains grounded. He doesn't chase legacy—he simply lives it. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Starbucks barista points out major flaw in the new 'writing on cups' rule: 'It's crazy'
A Starbucks barista revealed a major flaw in its newly revived rule for writing on customers' cups. An employee of the coffee chain expressed frustration in a Reddit post that workers are not permitted to use common abbreviations in the messages they scrawl on drinks containers. Some of the popular terms include YOLO (short for 'You Only Live Once') and GOAT (for Greatest Of All Time), the employee stated. The person said workers cannot include such shorthand because the company believes 'different generations won't understand their meanings.' The user took particular offense when noticing a Starbucks advertisement on Reddit that included 'IYKYK,' an abbreviation for 'If You Know, You Know.' 'Of course there's got to be a double standard with the higher ups,' the employee observed. The return of the written messages is part of CEO Brian Niccol's ' Back to Starbucks' plan. Niccol announced the plan in September after he was appointed CEO in August. The plain aims to improve customer and worker satisfaction while boosting morale. In response to the edict, baristas urged their fellow employees to stick it Starbucks. 'Write nothing more than a lop-sided smiley face all the time. Malicious compliance,' a Reddit commenter replied. But even adding a smiley could carry risk, some said. [T]hen we'll get another store meeting on how to draw smiley faces. [T]his f****** company lol,' a Reddit user wrote. 'Our district manager told us smiley faces or hearts by themselves were strictly not allowed and we had to write an "actual message,"' another responded. Workers have shown disdain for the 'writing on cups' rule since it was brought back earlier this year. The action 'has slowed down the pace and is a "forced" way to build connections with customers,' baristas told CNN. Social media users were aggravated over the rule and noted 'smiley faces' were a debatable message inclusion 'It's just a lot for workers to have to add to the number of things we're expected to do,' explained Amanda Rivera of Starbucks Workers United. 'It would be more sincere if I didn't seem stressed out of my mind making 10 other cups.' One of the chain's earlier updates was the removal of surcharges for dairy alternatives. Another was requiring that customers make a purchase in order to use the bathroom or hang out in store. And one that's been talked about nonstop is Starbucks' new dress code policy, which will take effect on May 12. The new code, which requires employees to only wear solid black shirts with any shade of khakis, black or blue denim pants, has made baristas threaten to quit.
