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Young Thug Says He Has Lost $5 Million Due To Pandemic

(AllHipHop News) A few weeks ago, Young Thug pointed to the Holy Scriptures to give a theological context as to why a universal pandemic like the COVID-19 outbreak has occurred.

Quoting 2 Chronicles 7: 13-14 on his social media, Thugger offers up a couple of verses from this Old Testament canon that seems to give a solution to how to heal the land: The people should humble themselves and pray.

But the question now is, can that religious writ also give him what he needs to regain the millions of dollars that he has said he lost as a result of being contained in his home?

During an interview with KRRL Real 92.3’s Big Boy on how he is faring during the pandemic, Young Thug answered that he probably has lost about $5 million.

He said, “See, it’s gon’ cost me double, right, cause I ain’t going to be able to do the shows.”

“The money that I get for the shows— let’s just say I get $500,000 — if I don’t do these ten shows, that’s 5 Ms. Then I don’t make five million ’til June, and then I might spend a million, I might spend two million just on this quarantine s##t. I got my mom and daddy. I’m like, ‘Man, y’all stay in the house,’ they like, ‘Yeah.’ They get tired of their house they every week, now they want a penthouse suite at the hotel. That s##t costs money. However, much money I lose on the show, that’s probably the same amount of money I lose spending my money.”

Playboi Carti Busted With Guns, Xanax, Codeine And Oxy

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Playboi Carti was cruising in his Lamborghini in Clayton County, GA and was pulled over for having expired tags.

But that was only the beginning of his troubles on Thursday night as he was later arrested by the county sheriff’s “elite COBRA strike force” on drugs and gun charges.

Deputies, under the leadership of Victor Hill, pulled the “Magnolia” rapper over and found guns and a variety of drugs, according to a news release issued by the Clayton County Sheriff’s office.

The report says that Playboi Carti had in his possession 12 bags of marijuana, three guns, Xanax, codeine and oxycodone.

When pulled over, he did give his real name, Jordan Carter. Later on the authorities made the connection that he was actually an established rapper after he was taken into custody.

Playboi Carti and another gentleman, Jaylon Tucker are now facing the wall at Georgia’s toughest paramilitary jail known as the Hill-ton.”

According to AJC.com, Playboi Carti was officially charged “with marijuana possession, improperly passing an emergency vehicle and not displaying an updated decal on his license plate.”

His manager said he has been released from jail.

No word as to if he returned to his Buckhead home, where he lives with his girlfriend, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.

Will Smith Launching New Stand-up Comedy Series “This Joka”

(AllHipHop News) Will Smith is heading back to the small screen to host a stand-up comedy series for Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg’s new Quibi initiative.

“This Joka” will explore the world of comedy while featuring stand-up showcases from on-the-rise comedians and interviews conducted by Smith, who will also executive produce the series alongside his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Shot in and around Las Vegas, the 16-episode show will feature the talents of Baron Vaughn, Megan Gailey, Punkie Johnson, Vanessa Gonzalez, Jackie Fabulous, and Daphnique Springs, among others, and Smith is promising a few surprise appearances from comedy veterans.

It’s not clear when Smith’s new show will air but Katzenberg’s short-form video platform, Quibi, launches on April 6th.

Lil Yachty’s New Song Is One Of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorites

(AllHipHop News) Wanna make Oprah Winfrey giggle with glee?

Name your hit song after the media mogul.

Artists have name-check influential personalities and rich folk in their rhymes since they were boombapping in the South Bronx in ’73.

It is a quick way to prove you are aspirational while informing others on various movers and shakers.

It is also a no-brainer way to get the attention of someone that you probably would never kick it with ordinarily.

Rappers have used Donald Trump as a go-to. Movie star and just flat-out fine woman, Halle Berry has about 100 songs that mention her.

In fact, Spotify has a playlist that is called: Songs that Mention Halle Berry.

Well, Lil Yachty is already on the world stage… but was he ever on Oprah’s radar?

He is now.

His hit song “Oprah’s Bank Account,” along with its hilarious nine-minute music video to accompany it, has made its way to the Oprahsphere and she adores it.

How much does she adore the song?

According to the Associated Press, she said “I love it. I love it. I loveeeeeee it! Yes, I love it!

The song is hot but the video takes the cake as Lil Yachty dresses up as an Oprah like character named “Boprah” who interviews Drake as an in-studio guest and DaBaby via a clip.

While the song is a bop, it is not on the top of the Billboard rap charts right now, ranking at 23 in the nation.

How about this Oprah… when you do your next “Favorite Things List” on your new streaming show or your website, mention the song and let’s take this love to the next level.

We are sure that Lil Boat is with it.

Especially, since his new album, Lil Boat 3 comes out later this year.

Hit Series “Empire” Ending Over COVID-19 Pandemic

(AllHipHop News) Lee Daniels and FOX’s#### show “Empire” will be coming to an end, and due to the international coronavirus pandemic, even sooner than expected.

According to Deadline.com, the filming of the season was cut short.

Tuesday’s episode, entitled “Love Me Still,” revealed to all of you ‘Cookie Monsters’ that there are only three more opportunities to see the Hip-Hop threaded soap opera based on the lives of the Lyons family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-seYFxXSDk

Tuesday, April 21st will be the series finale.

Led by Terrence Howards and Taraji P. Henson, “Empire” as a franchise introduced us to a gang of fresh talent and provided a community for some trusted actors that over the years we have come to love.

New faces like Yaz the Great, Trai and Grace Byers (who met, fell in love and got married while filming the show), Serayah McNeill and Ta’Rhonda Jones have made a name in the industry based on their roles on the show.

Artists like Mario, Xzibit, Courtney Love, Cassie, Rita Ora, Estelle, Jason Derulo, Kelly Rowland, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo, Swizz Beatz, Pitbull, Ludacris, Timbaland, Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Mary J. Blige, Petey “where did they find him” Pablo, Juicy J, Funk Flex, Da Brat, and Uncle Snoop have either slid in as special guests artists or had real solid roles.

How could anyone forget Kelly Rowland as Lucious’ mother?

They also had vet actors like Academy Award-winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Tony Award-winning and everybody’s TV mom Phylicia Rashad, Taye Diggs, Chris Rock, Wood Harris, and Leslie Uggams lend their talents and credibility to the dramatic musical.

This six-season lacked one cast member that at one point played an essential role in the telling of this family’s story: Jussie Smollett.

But due to his alleged fake hate crime, Jussie was written off the show and was not even given the chance to tie up his character’s arc with a bow.

There are rumors, according to Deadline.com, that “Empire” was almost done the 20th episode when COVID-19 shut down Hollywood.

That means the ending has changed and according to the Hollywood informational, “The show’s long intended ending, the series finale Episode 20, will never see the light of day for the once blockbuster.” 

Drake Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant With “Toosie Slide” Video

(AllHipHop News) Drake has paid a subtle tribute to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant in his new “Toosie Slide” video.

The Canadian rapper dropped the new tune on Thursday, with the accompanying video showing him entertaining himself in his huge Toronto mansion amid self-isolation.

In the style of the much-loved MTV show Cribs, the video sees Drake wandering around his giant abode, past trophy cabinets and swimming pools, before he strolls past two Los Angeles Lakers jerseys – a number eight and a number 24.

Kobe started out as number 24 during his high school basketball career, before switching to number eight before the 2007 basketball season to represent a clean slate.

It’s not the first time Drake – a huge basketball fan – has paid tribute to Kobe, who was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in January.

After learning of his passing in January, he shared an arty snap on Instagram and wrote: “It can’t be.”

Elsewhere in his “Toosie Slide” video, Drake shows off the now infamous accompanying dance.

The star gave the tune early to social media influencer Toosie, who proceeded to “leak” it online alongside a dance to go with it.

That dance became known as the “Toosie Slide” and became a viral challenge on TikTok – as well as earning Drake’s song its title.

“It go right foot up, left foot, slide / Left foot up, right foot, slide / Basically, I’m sayin’, either way, we ’bout to slide, ayy / Can’t let this one slide, ayy,” Drake sings in the chorus.

DaBaby Risks His Life To Deliver Food To Raven Symone

(AllHipHop News) DaBaby found his way to Raven Symone’s house as he broke quarantine to make a special delivery to his childhood crush.

The 28-year-old rapper had been self-isolating amid the coronavirus pandemic and went live on Instagram with the “That’s So Raven” star from his car following a grocery store visit.

DaBaby was very flirtatious with 34-year-old, and he said that she is going to make all of his female followers mad by publicly speaking with the “Bop” star.

“Oh, they’re fine. Y’all, I’m a lesbian. Y’all can have him,” she quipped back.

The hitmaker then showed Raven he had a box of Corona beers and some Snickers ice cream in the vehicle and she said she wanted some – so he drove over to her house to drop it off.

When the pair met up outside of her home, DaBaby took his mask off and got up close with the former Disney Channel star, who was quick to insist: “You’re not supposed to be this close to me… Watch I get the coronavirus because of this one right here!”

Cardi B Gives Fans Coronavirus Update After ER Room Visit Over Stomach Pains

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Cardi B has assured fans she isn’t suffering from coronavirus symptoms after checking herself into a hospital emergency room on Wednesday night (April 1st).

The “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker told Twitter followers she had been suffering with “real bad stomach problems” for the last few days, and when she could no longer stand the pain, she decided to head to her local medical facility.

She was treated and discharged, and in an Instagram Live post on Thursday, the hip-hop star insisted her ailment had nothing to do with the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’ve been very f##king sick these past five days… not corona,” she said. “I have really bad stomach issues… I started throwing up…”

Cardi revealed she even took a pregnancy test “’cause a b##ch never f##king knows,” but the results were negative.

The 27-year-old, who is married to Migos rapper Offset, the father of her daughter Kulture, is still ill but has been advised to “drink ginger tea” by her doctor, who denied her request for an in-home visit due to coronavirus concerns.

Cardi believes her stomach troubles are related to her diet, as she has been forced to rely on restaurant take-outs while stuck in Los Angeles.

“I don’t have nobody to cook for me,” she complained. “I hired a chef two times and they were nasty and expensive!”

“I threw up seven times… I didn’t want to go to the hospital… (but) I went to the hospital,” Cardi continued, admitting press coverage of her ER visit prompted her publicist to get in touch.

“It ain’t nothing coronavirus-related, thank God!” she added.

Cardi explained she has another doctor’s appointment scheduled for Friday.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Will Be Back Soon…Via Social Media.

(AllHipHop Rumors) I have not written the name of Tekashi 69 for quite some time. I have not had reason to do so, because the news department has been following his ever move.  That was a great! They did a great job, shout out to Grouchy Greg. Now. on the other side of the game, the rumors are already piling up. Tekashi is coming home after doing a massive snitch job that got a bunch of people arrested. Personally, I think these guys were all headed to some kind of legal drama, but Tekkie expedited that process.

The word on the street is that Tekashi will have no restrictions while on house arrest. When I say no restrictions, I mean…we are already quarantined. Tekashi is now able to release music and take to social media while he is on house arrest. We could be hearing new music any day now.

I really would like to see what the people do in response to Tekashi as an artist and a rat. I know there are a lot of “law-abiding citizens” that don’t care about the codes of the streets. 

Here is what Lisa Evers is reporting…2 new albums!

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A post shared by Lisa Evers (@lisaevers)

“Lean On Me” Creator Bill Withers Dead At 81

(AllHipHop News) Bill Withers has died at the age of 81.

The soul legend, responsible for hits including “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Just the Two of Us,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” died on Monday (March 30th) from heart complications, his family told the Associated Press on Friday (April 3rd).

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” the Withers’ family statement read.

“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”

The three-time Grammy Award winner had a string of hits in the early 1970s, including “Lean On Me,” which topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972.

The track, which talks of supporting others through difficult times has become something of an anthem during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions online.

Withers’ songs have become hugely popular classics but he withdrew from making music in 1985. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFCCK3sqMQw

Quavo Hosts Epic Quarantine Birthday Party

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Quavo didn’t let lockdown spoil his 29th birthday as he took to Instagram Live for a special online celebration – but host Travis Scott was nowhere to be seen.

The Migos member streamed his 29th birthday party on Thursday, after announcing the event earlier this week on his Instagram Stories.

Quavo teased a night of fan-favorite hits as well as some never-before-heard records by stars including Scott, Meek Mill, Nav, Gunna, the late Pop Smoke, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVuBt9OysHY

“Shout out to all my Aries, man … Quarantine party,” he said in the announcement. “Stay safe, everybody. Make sure y’all practicing social distancing.

“We playin’ all the Migos classics … We ain’t battling, we just vibing. We celebrating and going crazy all night long,” he added. “And, guess what? We openin’ up the vault and we playin’ s##t we’ve been slidin’ to. Don’t tell nobody. We gonna give y’all a sneak peak.”

However, keen viewers were soon left disappointed, as streaming issues threw the event into chaos, and host Travis was a no-show.

“So Quavo lied, Travis ain’t show up. They ain’t play any unreleased with trav too. Lies on lies on lies,” one fan tweeted, as a second questioned, “Did Quavo even ask Travis to host before announcing it looool.”

“Why does this Quavo live stream look like he’s holding a kids party in some community center,” a third fan added, as one user called it “the worst live party ever.”

The online bash comes as people worldwide follow World Health Organization (WHO) advice to stay indoors and practice social distancing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Royce Da 5’9″ Postpones “The Allegory Tour” & Performs For Vevo’s ‘Ctrl’ Series

(AllHipHop News) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Royce da 5’9″ announced the postponement of his “The Allegory Tour” until further notice. The respected wordsmith made the decision based on the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“It has been four years since I’ve toured the US, and I miss the energy my fans give me while on stage. I was also looking forward to meeting those who have discovered my music via the release of The Allegory,” says Royce in a statement.

The PRhyme member continues, “The COVID-19 virus is seriously attacking our nation in the worse way; not only am I staying in as much as I can and following the guidelines our government and the CDC have given us, but I am asking all of you to be safe and do the same. Please know, we are in the process of rescheduling the tour and will have more info as soon as possible.”

While he will not be hitting the road this spring, Royce da 5’9″ is the latest Hip Hop act to take part in Vevo’s music original content series known as Ctrl. The Detroit-bred emcee performed the tracks “Thou Shall” and “Overcomer.”

Both songs appear on Royce’s critically-acclaimed The Allegory album. Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, KXNG Crooked, Cyhi The Prynce, DJ Premier, Eminem, Sy Ari da Kid, T.I., Vince Staples, Westside Gunn, and other artists are featured on the LP.

Indiana’s Freddie Gibbs debuted his own Ctrl session earlier this month. Other artists that have performed for Vevo include Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, and A$AP Ferg.

Mozzy Looks Into His Own Mental Health With ‘Untreated Trauma’ Web Series

(AllHipHop News) Timothy Patterson is looking to help remove the stigma associated with mental health treatment. The California rapper, better known as Mozzy, decided to sit down with psychologist Dr. Millie Rose for the Untreated Trauma web series.

Mozzy published the first episode of Untreated Trauma to YouTube on Thursday. Dr. Rose took the 32-year-old emcee through grounding exercises before they discuss the recent passing of Patterson’s grandmother.

Untreated Trauma is set to be released in six parts. The series will also explore other topics including Mozzy’s struggle to gain custody of his daughter, battling depression/anxiety, and unconditional love.

The Sacramento native’s public therapy is the precursor to the release of his new Beyond Bulletproof album on May 1. Mozzy will also offer a DVD/CD package version of the upcoming project. “I Ain’t Perfect” featuring Blxst is one of the singles off Beyond Bulletproof. 

Future Releases ‘Beast Mode’ Mixtape To All Digital Streaming Platforms

(AllHipHop News) Future’s famous run of well-received releases in 2014 and 2015 turned the Atlanta rhymer into a rap superstar. Part of that “five-peat” included the Beast Mode mixtape.

The critically-acclaimed October-to-March trilogy of mixtapes also consisted of Monster and 56 Nights. Future then followed up those projects with the DS2 studio album and the What a Time to Be Alive joint effort with Drake.

Beast Mode, which was initially dropped in 2015, is now available for streaming on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more. The nine-track project was produced entirely by Atlanta-based producer Zaytoven.

The success of Beast Mode eventually led to Future and Zaytoven’s Beast Mode 2 streaming-only commercial mixtape in 2018. The sequel debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart with 57,000 first-week units and 73.5 million streams.

YNW Melly Files For Early Release After Reportedly Testing Positive For Coronavirus

(AllHipHop News) According to YNW Melly’s verified Twitter account, the currently incarcerated 20-year-old has contracted coronavirus. The Florida native is now seeking to be released from custody.

“Melly has tested positive for COVID-19 while awaiting his trial in Broward County Jail. He’ll be filing a motion for restricted release in hopes of better care due to any jails not being prepared to treat this new virus He hopes for your support and to recover soon #prayformelly,” reads a tweet posted on Thursday night.

YNW Melly (born Jamell Demon) is currently behind bars awaiting trial for two counts of first-degree murder. The “Murder on My Mind” rapper and Cortlen “YNW Bortlen were charged with killing their friends, 19-year-old Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and 21-year-old Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams.

Last year, Melly pled not guilty to the October 2018 homicides in Fort Lauderdale. Both Demons and Henry are also accused of shooting the outside of their own vehicle and then driving around with the victims’ dead bodies in the automobile in an attempt to make their deaths appear to be the result of a drive-by shooting from other suspects.

G-Eazy Taps Tyga & Tory Lanez For NSFW “Still Be Friends” Music Video

(AllHipHop News) Bay Area rapper Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum and adult content company Vixen Media Group collaborated to produce a music video for “Still Be Friends.” Hip Hop artists Tyga and Tory Lanez appear on the song and in the visuals.

G-Eazy made two versions of the video. The safe for work version premiered on MTV Live, MTVU, and Yo! MTV. The explicit version lives on sites such as Vixen.com, Pornhub.com, and G-Eazy.com.

“I was brainstorming concepts for the video and thought of the Playboy mansion scene from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood so I played it on mute and it miraculously synced with ‘Still Be Friends’, so we decided to run with a ‘70s theme,” says G-Eazy.

He continues, “I think the ‘70s were an iconic time, especially when thinking about the adult entertainment industry. So, we brought on Vixen to provide the girls and their massive platform. The increased streaming numbers from adult sites with everyone having to stay inside became a no-brainer way to premiere the XXX version of the music video.”

Daniel CZ directed the “Still Be Friends” MV which features Vixen Angels like Ariana Marie, Mia Malkova, Ivy Wolfe, Vicki Chase, and others. Additionally, G-Eazy designed a special edition t-shirt that can be purchased at the artist’s online store as well as via Vixen’s recently launched apparel line

Drake Drops The Official Music Video For “Toosie Slide”

(AllHipHop News) Drizzy Drake is a master of capturing the moment. After a snippet of “Toosie Slide” sparked a TikTok dance challenge, the OVO leader dropped the official version today. A music video for “Toosie Slide” also hit YouTube.

The Theo Skudra-directed visuals feature Drizzy performing the instructional steps presented on the song in his Toronto home. Like a large number of people around the world, Drake is currently practicing self-distancing because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Toosie Slide” first made the rounds on Sunday when social media influencer Toosie showed off choreography in a clip posted to Twitter. He told Rolling Stone, “Drake hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, I need your help.'”

The Atlanta resident also stated, “We got receipts. Literally, he fell in love with it. It was just an idea for it. I said, ‘This is just what we came up with so far.’ He was like, ‘Bro, this is it. You don’t need to do nothing else.’”

Drake dominated Summer 2018 with “In My Feelings.” That song topped the Hot 100 chart for 10 weeks thanks to an Instagram dance challenge started by internet comedian Shiggy.

 

Frank Ocean Returns With New Acoustic Songs “Cayendo” & “Dear April”

(AllHipHop News) This morning, Frank Ocean became the #1 trending topic on Twitter. That’s because the singer-songwriter let loose two new songs.

The acoustic versions of “Cayendo” and “Dear April” are now available on DSPs. Ocean originally premiered the records at his PrEP+ club in New York City last year.

2016’s Blonde was Ocean’s most recent studio LP. He also released the Endless visual album one day before Blonde. The 32-year-old’s Channel Orange won a Grammy in 2013.

Kanye West’s Art Hits The Antiques Roadshow Auction Block

(AllHipHop News) Art pieces created by Kanye West when he was a high school student have been unveiled on a popular TV show.

The husband of the rapper’s first cousin appeared on a recent taping of “Antiques Roadshow,” seeking a valuation on 17-year-old Kanye’s art, explaining it had come into his possession following the death of West’s mom, Donda in 2007.

Art specialist Laura Woolley examined the pieces and suggested the collection could fetch up to $23,000 at auction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6se2lGrxhI

“I think these pieces demonstrate an extraordinary facility as an artist…,” Laura said as she picked through her favorite pieces. “They’re all really exceptionally well done.”

The collection also included a flyer promoting a Kanye exhibition and detailing his artistic life, which Woolley also found really interesting.

“My favorite part of this flyer is actually the very end; it says in the fall he will begin his studies to get a bachelors of fine arts at the American Academy Of Art in Chicago and continue to pursue a career as a music producer as well…,” she added. “We all know what happened; obviously music kind of took over.”

EXCLUSIVE: Tekashi 6ix9ine Gets Police Escort From Prison To Start House Arrest

(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine needed some law enforcement officers to get him out of prison so he can serve out the rest of his two-year prison sentence on house arrest.

The rapper was protected by a bunch of police officers as he headed to a private residence to finish the last four months of his sentence for racketeering with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

“Delayed docketing of the Order will allow law enforcement agents to ensure that Mr. Hernandez is transported safely and securely from the facility where he is currently housed to a residential address previously approved by the Probation Department…” lead prosecutor Geoffrey Berman wrote to Judge Paul Engelmayer today (April 2) as the rap star was released.

AllHipHop.com broke the news yesterday (April 1st) that Tekashi 6ix9ine had been granted his request to get out of prison early, due to his fear of dying by contracting the deadly coronavirus.

Tekashi 6ix9ine had been begging Judge Engelmayer to release him, but the rapper was held up on a technicality because he was not considered an inmate with the Bureau of Prisons.

Initially, the Feds objected to Tekash 6ix9ine’s request for an early release when prosecutor Geoffrey Berman asked Judge Paul Engelmayer to make the rainbow-haired rapper serve the last four months of his sentence in prison.

But the possibility of the rap star contracting the coronavirus became all too real when five inmates inside of the Queens Detention Facility were quarantined with symptoms of the coronavirus.

After some court wrangling and a possible outbreak within the prison, the Feds backed down and did not object 6ix9ine’s release, paving the way for 6ix9ine to walk out of prison.

The government seems to be taking Tekashi 6ix9ine’s security seriously, at least until he gets to his private residence.

“The Government respectfully submits that delayed docketing of the Order for a short period of time will ensure the safety of law enforcement agents and Mr. Hernandez upon his release from custody,” prosecutor Geoffrey Berman wrote.