Fresh off dropping his new album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, Outkast's Big Boi made an appearance on NBA TV's The Jump to talk shop on two of his (and my) favorite subjects, basketball and music.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Big Boi is an accomplished hip hop artist and a true hoops fan.

Earlier today, Big Boi, who together with Andre 3000 makes up the rap duo, Outkast, stopped by The Jump studios in Atlanta and chatted with Brent Barry, Dennis Scott and company.  The gang asked Big Boi about everything from his hometown Falcons and Hawks, to recording his new album, the situation the Los Angeles Lakers, and just who would be in his personal Big Three.

"So who would be your big three?" Brent Barry asked the rapper.

"First I'd have to grab me Andre 3000 of course," Big Boi said.  "Really that's all I need.  I don't need anybody else.  Me, Dre and the referree that's it."

Big Boi, who spent the first half of his life in Savannah, Georgia before moving to Atlanta, is known for being a huge Atlanta sports fan.  When asked about being a Hawks season ticket holder and going to the games, Big Boi was ever prideful saying, "I support as much as I can.  Home team first.  I mean it's Bird Gang the whole way."

And this year especially, there's plenty of good reason for Big Boi to be proud of Atlanta sports.  At 12-2, the Falcons are currently tied with the Texans with the best record in the NFL and have already clinched their division.  The Hawks, led by Josh Smith, have a 15-7 overall record so far this season and are only one game behind the reigning Champion Miami Heat for first place in the southeast division.

When questioned about what's gotten into Josh Smith lately, Big Boi dropped the following wisdom:

"I guess you know when you get to mature, you come into your own style.  It's the same thing with doing music.  I guess it just takes experience.  To get growth you get real like that.  You just gotta stay on your craft."

I don't think many would argue about whether or not Big Boi knows a thing or two about experience and honing in on one's craft.  Together with Andre 3000, Outkast has gone platinum numerous times and has taken home six Grammy Awards.

One of the best parts of the interview came when Dennis Scott asked Big Boi, "What do you think is going on with the the Lakers, and Kobe and Dwight Howard, what's your take on all that?" to which the famed rapper responded, "I don't know.  Everybody wanna blame the coach.  I don't know man, 'cuz the coach ain't shootin' free throws, you know?"

Got to give it up to Big Boi for always keepin' it real.

Check out more of the rapper's appearance on NBATV.com's The Jump.

We went through the NBA MVP Criteria and the GOAT player criteria. Those were easy to do, but this is the toughest to sift through. What are the greatest teams ever assembled besides the 1992 Olympic Dream Team? Where do we start? I am pretty sure that this has been done before by other writers and analysts, but I will keep it simple without the discussion devolving in to “playing era” talk. Punching numbers in to a system to calculate outcomes between great teams do not work. And basketball videogames are not the answer either.

This is just water cooler, or mainly message board, discussions. So called “experts” and highly decorated NBA greats even get their highly biased opinions in through online news clippings. The talking heads on television are fans of the game, too. Do not believe how they present themselves on screen. Deep down, they’re biased as hell. Just like you. Just like me. Slow times for the NBA right now especially in the midst of a nasty lockout, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from running their mouths. Rings matter in this argument. 

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Ron Artest promoted it during his interview with Doris Burke following game-seven. As promised, he released 'it' a few days later.

Of course, the 'it' is Artest's new hip hop single 'Champion'.

However, the world hasn't had the 'privilege' of seeing Ron-Ron perform 'Champion' live. Until now. And the lockdown defender has help in the form of Auto-tune crooner T-Pain. 

Watch the clip below and rate Artest and T-Pain's performance in the comment box.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: In his now legendary interview following game-seven of the NBA Finals, Ron Artest told the world he'd be releasing a new hip hop single called Champion.

Well, the popular Los Angeles Laker didn`t waste any time.

Artest`s latest work is out, so take a listen - if you dare - to the 'Tru Warrier' and get at us with thoughts in the comment box. 

Got thoughts? Get at us in the comment box below.