As someone who isn’t happy with the current state of rap, I have to say: I’m sick and tired of rap songs that tell us to do a certain “dance.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the hyphy movement. I like Keak Da Sneak and E-40, just like anyone else. If I’m at a dance, sure, I’ll thizz face and do what the songs tell me to do, whether it’s to “walk it out” or “lean with it.”

But it’s getting old. When I listen to a song, I want more than a catchy beat – I also appreciate good lyrics and a message.  It’s a problem when an industry that should be known for its creative lyrics and beats is bombarded by seemingly the same melodies, lyrics and dance moves.

As I was flipping channels the other day, wondering what to watch instead of studying for my econ test, I remembered that it was time for the NFL Pro Bowl and the NBA All-Star games.

I had a little internal debate about whether to watch the games, measuring each game's pros and cons. Then I realized that both games, and all-star games in general, had some unfortunate similarities.

Like most sports fans, I enjoy the thrill of watching teams band together and work hard to achieve a goal. But after watching these types of games all these years, I’ve realized that there is virtually no effort displayed in these contests.

Sports have and always will be filled with controversy. Whether it’s cheating, lying or drugs, tons of athletes have succumbed to the ne gative sides of fame and fortune.

But recently, athletes have taken it to another level. The major headlines in sports have had to do with violence, both on and off the playing fields. Suspensions have been dished out, and, sadly, a life has been lost.

In a sight that has become all too familiar in the NBA, players from the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets brawled at a December game. Players threw punches and tackled each other to the floor. They gave fans at Madison Square Garden a wrestling match in addition to the basketball game they paid to watch.

Editor's note: This is the latest installment of "Unnecessary Roughness," a column by Read This! writer Vidur Malik. Watch for this column on the third Tuesday of every month.

In my quest to surround myself with intelligent rap, I find myself mostly listening to old-school artists.

I haven’t been able to find a mainstream, chart-topping rapper who can actually rap and produce complex lyrics and rhyme schemes, and infuse positive messages and creativity. That all changed after hearing “Doctor’s Advocate” by The Game.

The Game might be best known for his falling out with 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew. After releasing “The Documentary” with G-Unit, Game has since left the group, and made them his No. 1 enemies.

Editor's note: This is the first installment of "Unnecessary Roughness," a column by Read This! writer Vidur Malik. Watch for this column on the third Tuesday of every month.

One of the biggest Bay Area sports headlines recently has been about the Oakland A’s proposed move to Fremont, my hometown. After disputes about stadium contracts and other financial troubles, the A’s have decided to pack their bags and move into a suburban town with a population of about 200,000.

Obviously, this move will bring much more exposure to my hometown, but I fear the new hustle and bustle that will come with a pro team will take away from Fremont’s slow-paced, suburban feel.