Here is a good one to start the new year. Skillz once again delivers his Rap Up, this time wrapping up the year 2011. All major happenings in the worlds of basketball, music, politics, the world in the last 12 months, can be found in Skillz 2011 Rap Up. Check it out and a happy new year to all of you!

Famed for ghost writing and the year end rap up (and, also allegedly working as a parking attendant in Richmond), Skillz has a firm place in hip-hop culture. His latest release, via Koch, is Million Dollar Backpack Bdue July 22. The cover art has something vaguely Kanye/Lupe about it. First, the color scheme… a bit Lupe. Second, Skillz stance and backpack reminds of the Louis Vuitton Don’s "College Dropout Mixtape" look. Beyond, it appears a mic, a map of I-95 and (oddly) a pair of Spizikes are central to Skillz mindset. More like the contents of a $1,000 backpack, but given Skillz track record, one can assume the material on the record will be more inspired. If not, hopefully Shaq will resume their battle.