Public to Artest: Stick to Hoops!

In between game days and after practice, the Sacramento Kings Ron Artest stopped by the TPL offices this week to talk about his new album, My World, which hit stores Oct. 31 (Check out the video for “Fever” here.) The album features appearances from Diddy, Mike Jones, Juvenile, Capone, Big Kap, Nature with production from DJ S&S, LT Hutton and others. Artest felt that with this album he could share a side of him that usually doesn’t get to the media.

The public reaction so far, based on net sales (365 albums sold ) is: "Too much infomation."

“I named the album My World because it shows who I am in a way that people don't usually get from the media,” Artest told us. “The media has kind of made me out to be some sort of crazy person, but really I’m just a regular dude. I wanted people to see the different sides of me - My World is partially autobiographical and shows my different views on the world, and I hope people enjoy it. I first started rapping about eight years ago, but I wasn't very good at it. I made enough material for probably about two different albums, but never put it out. This album I started working on about four years ago, and I’m happy with the way the album came out.”

During the off-season Artest was able to do shows with Young Jeezy, Fat Joe and Mike Jones, but said it’s not easy being an NBA player and trying to pursue a rap career.

“It's definitely hard balancing being a professional basketball player and an artist,” he said. “I try to pace myself and make sure I am getting enough rest. If you don't take care of your body, it takes a toll on you. During the summer, I was making beats and doing like one song a day, and now I try to do two songs a week. It was definitely a lot easier to concentrate on doing music during the off-season. But I love music and I love basketball so I just try to do both to the best of my abilities. I do plan on doing some shows during the season, on days we don't have games in various cities.”

Artest made headlines (before the brawl) when he asked his team for time off. Everyone speculated it was to get his label, Tru Warier Records, off the ground and promote his artist Allure’s new album. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that, Allure’s album didn’t do too well (they’re no longer working with Artest), and now Foul Monday, a new artist on Tru Warier, will debut next year. More than anything, Artest hopes that fans take his career as seriously as he does.

“I realize that even though I have some sort of celebrity established as a basketball player, I’m still a new, up-and-coming artist and I have to work hard, do my grind, and prove myself, just like any other new artist does,” he said. “I always knew there were going to be people who don't take me seriously as an artist; those people probably don't take any ball player seriously who's trying to do music. And there are always haters, everywhere you go. But I do take music seriously, and hopefully when I release my second album, people will understand that I’m serious about this.”

Braylon Edwards Gives Up a Million

Last week, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards announced that he’s pledging $1 million towards academics scholarships through his Advance 100 Program, the education initiative of the Braylon Edwards Foundation. The program offers 100 eighth graders from the Cleveland Municipal School District scholarships toward college tuition once they graduate from high school. Those students selected are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better and to accumulate at least 15 hours of community service each year, while displaying exemplary citizenship and conduct. They will not be allowed any unexcused absences.

"The fundamentals of success can only be achieved through a quality education," Edwards said. "I am fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to create access and opportunities for young people."

D. McNabb Launches Clothing Line

Looks like Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is trying to expand his interests. Last week he announced his partnership with Reebok and the launch of his new clothing line, Super Five Apparel. The clothing line will consist of t-shirts, fleeces, knit sweaters and vests.

"This is very near and dear to me," McNabb told the Associated Press. "I took a lot of pride in the design, the comfort level and the look. I've always wanted clothing that was casual and comfortable, but had a more refined look and feel.”

McNabb hosted a fashion show last week at the RBK Concept Store on South Street in Philly. Fortunately, he wasn’t sashaying down the runway with the models.

Melo Commits $3 Million

Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony has been killing it on the court lately and is now doing big things off the court as well. Melo announced that he will be donating $3 million to his alma mater Syracuse University towards building a new basketball practice facility. Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim and athletic director Dr. Daryl Gross flew into Denver last week for the announcement.

"It's what I wanted to do," Anthony said at the press conference. "The whole city took me in like I was a Syracuse native. The six months I was there, I had a great time."

The six months he was there, Anthony led the Orangemen to the national title, averaging 22.2 points and 10 rebounds a game. The new basketball facility will feature two practice courts, men's and women's locker rooms and offices.