#ball hog

James Harden has SEVEN games with at least 14 missed three-pointers in his career. 

Buffalo rapper and founder of the BallHog collective, Protect, has shared a new single, "Undercover groupie" out now, alongside an accompanying music video.

With production from Zion, mightbejohn and Patrick delivering a rumbling sub bass, metallic hats and a video game-inspired plucked melody, "Undercover groupie" finds Protect rapping in an auto-tuned-trenched flow, letting off quick-witted lines about his fast-paced lifestyle. The accompanying video serves as a testament to Protect's lifestyle, as he rotates between different studios.

Protect is also set to perform at Rolling Loud Orlando in May and Toronto's First Class Fest in August. This run follows a momentous year in 2025 that saw the release of Protect's highly-anticipated project 500 Days of Summer in August. With his next era in front of him, the release of "Undercover groupie" out now, along with a recent trip to Paris for Fashion Week, are positioning Protect to carry his momentum into 2026 while elevating his profile and mastering his sound.

Protect's knack for unconventional melodies and experimental flows over wonky beats have turned him into a quickly rising cult favorite in the modern-day Hip-Hop scene. Possessing a golden ear for beats, an ability to bend and warp melodic hooks to his will, and a down-to-earth personality that resonates with the masses, Buffalo rapper Protect is ready to show the city has more to offer in Hip-Hop outside of the boom-bap revival.

AI Prompt: Write an entry in Dr. Eggman’s diary about his badnik, Ball Hog.

Dear Diary,

Today, I need to rant about one of my badniks. Specifically, Ball Hog. What was I thinking when I created this guy? He's a literal pig-shaped ball. I mean, c'mon Eggman, get it together.

First of all, Ball Hog is useless. He just rolls around aimlessly, hoping to run into something. And when he does, all he does is bounce off harmlessly. How am I supposed to take over the world with this kind of badnik?

And let's not forget his name. Ball Hog? Really? I must have been on some weird Sonic-related pun high that day. It doesn't even make sense. He's not hogging anything, except maybe some space in my factory.

But the worst thing about Ball Hog is his personality. Or lack thereof. He just squeals and grunts like a mindless animal. I can't have a badnik representing me that doesn't have any charisma. It's embarrassing.

Maybe I should just scrap Ball Hog altogether. Or better yet, turn him into a lawn ornament. At least then he'd be somewhat useful.

Note to self: brainstorm better badnik designs, and also work on my puns.