Happy New Years Eve, everyone! I'm ending 2009 with a mini-bang of sorts. My write-up on Rick Ross' "Hustlin" appeared in NPR Music's "Songs We Love" series to celebrate the release of Def Jam's 25th Anniversary Box Set. Also be sure to check out friend and colleague Laurenellen McCann's ditty on Sisqo's "Thong Song." It's only appropriate that this story published today, because today, I'm attending my first Georgetown basketball game of the 2009-2010 season. Go Hoyas!

Thanks for all the support from friends and family in 2009, and here's to a happy and healthy 2010 for all.