The GOAT

Dear Blog Diary,

Michael Jordan is probably the most iconic athlete in history.

Like Mike, if I could be like Mike.

But the most iconic athlete of all time should be Jackie Robinson with Muhammad Ali as a close second.

Few weeks ago I was at Smoked in Ohio, break dancing event in Columbus. Young guy from Vegas named Kobe was battling. He was groovin and at the end of his run, upside down, he gently pointed at this opponent – an elegant burn that went with a very subtle part of the song.

I burst out laughing. I dropped my entire upper body. No one else made a sound. Crowds don't value style.

In the current era, I look for originality. I used to look for biting.

I was talking with one of the younger guys, how he feels about himself in this breaking scene. I asked, “Do you have the respect from the people you want respect from? Who would you want to battle in a cypher? What was your finest hour in a cypher battle?”

Let your ego talk like you're too cool – it’s normal to want the respect from your peers, to prove/distinguish yourself. There are people that you respect and that’s why you want to smoke them. And sometimes you're undeniably yourself.

He paused, thought deeply, then replied essentially, “I don’t know. No one thinks about that stuff anymore.”

We’re there. There will always be pockets but what was once the way is now a nostalgic idea.

Still love the competition. It’s a show. When I get the opportunity, I like to bet. Never been one to gamble but it's fun.

I gave Kobe respect. I asked him, “If I put money on you, you gunna let me down?”

"Probably not.” Very blunt, no hesitation, he knew. Killer instinct.

Thing is, Michael Jordan played basketball better than any human before or since, but Muhammad Ali gave up the heavyweight title for his beliefs. Where most athletes would give their soul for the belt, he gave it away to keep his.

And then you have Jackie Robinson! The courage and fortitude to risk your life daily, every city you play in.

Amazing athletes like Mike, they elevate the level of what humanity is capable of. Iconic athletes elevate the human race.

Also, the bboy Kobe…he won the whole thing. I did not give him a cut.

Best,

E

#ARTiculate