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Kid Cudi To Star In & Executive Produce Director Ti West’s ‘X’ Horror Movie

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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HBO recently finished airing season 1 of We Are Who We Are. The dramatic coming-of-age story featured performances by Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi.

Deadline reports that Kid Cudi has already secured another acting gig. He will star in  Ti West’s forthcoming horror thriller titled X. Cudi is also credited as an executive producer. English actress Mia Goth and former Disney Channel star Jenna Ortega are attached to the film as well. Production for the movie is expected to begin at the top of 2021.

Additionally, Cudi is part of the star-studded cast of Netflix’s Don’t Look Up. Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Himesh Patel, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, and Matthew Perry will also appear in that movie written and directed by Adam McKay.

“Excited isn’t even the word. To be a part of this epic cast is unreal. And my first movie [with] my brother Timmy. God is good,” wrote Mescudi on Instagram about Don’t Look Up. His filmography contains other motion pictures and television shows such as How to Make It in America, Creepshow, Westworld, Entourage, and Bill & Ted Face the Music.

Plus, Kid Cudi excited many of his music fans when he announced the third installment in his Man on the Moon album series was in the works. The original Man on the Moon: The End of Day came out in 2009. The sequel, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, landed a year later.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVeSlulx2F/

Travis Scott Reportedly Deleted Instagram To Focus On His Family

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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For several days, social media users speculated why Travis Scott decided to deactivate his Instagram page. People making fun of the “Sicko Mode” rhymer’s Halloween costume was one of the reasons offered for his break from the platform.

“Halloween had nothing to do with it,” a source told Page Six. “He is focusing on his family and their well-being and wants to influence his fans to do the same instead of being so consumed with social media.”

The source also suggested Scott’s exit from Instagram had to do with it being “a critical time in the world.” That statement likely referred to the election season in America which is highlighted by the contentious presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

Travis Scott dressed as Batman for Halloween this year. The brown-colored superhero suit was ridiculed online, leading to rumors Scott was run off Instagram because of the jokes. There was also speculation the Instagram deletion was connected to a forthcoming music project.

Waka Flocka Flame Calls Media Coverage Of 2020 Election “Disgusting And Disrespectful”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Waka Flocka Flame is not a fan of the way the media is covering Election Night 2020. The 34-year-old rapper shared his views about the American press on his Instagram page.

“The way the media spinning this election is disgusting and disrespectful to the people… propaganda a m########### but an [eye-opener] on another level. So many walking zombies think they alive,” posted Waka on IG.

The “O Let’s Do It” performer did not provide more specific criticism of the coverage. He simply added in his Instagram caption, “Please over-stand and not understand!!”

Last month, Waka implied that he believes Donald Trump has been a better President of the United States than Barack Obama. He was among a group of rap stars, such as Lil Wayne and Lil Pump, that expressed their approval of Trump.

While all the ballots have not been counted, Joe Biden currently holds a 238-213 lead in Electoral College votes. The critical toss-up states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina have yet to be called for either candidate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHJhIO-Amcn/

Offset Helps Feed Georgia Voters Waiting In Line On Election Day

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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As of press time, the final 2020 presidential vote tally in Georgia is unknown. The southern state could end up determining whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden takes the White House.

Offset has spent the last few months encouraging his fans to take part in the political process this year. He worked as a State Ambassador for Amazon Studios’ #AllInForVoting program and performed at a drive-in rally for the Biden campaign. 

On Tuesday, the Migos member also stepped up to help Georgia citizens waiting in line to vote. Offset partnered with The Lincoln Project and AXSD Media to give out free food at the polls in Gwinnett County and Fulton County.

Photos and videos of the “Clout” rapper serving food from the Big Dave’s Cheesesteak and Slutty Vegan restaurants made their way to the internet. Offset was also seen preparing the food for his fellow Georgians.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHJUVQbDI6k/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHJWFeaDLDh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHJaQbcjSsb/

 

Kanye West Suggests He’s Running For President Again In 2024

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Election Night 2020 did not turn out the way Kanye West had hoped. The longshot independent candidate will not be elected the next President of the United States.

West seemed to accept this outcome, but he hinted that he could make another run for the White House in four years. Early this morning, the Chicago native tweeted, “KANYE 2024.”

After spending several years supporting President Donald Trump’s administration, West officially announced his own 2020 candidacy on July 4. There were reports that the Republican Party was assisting West to get on the ballot in certain states.

At the moment, America still does not know who will be inaugurated on January 20, 2021. Democratic nominee Joe Biden currently leads Donald Trump by 238 Electoral College votes to 213, according to the Associated Press. A candidate needs 270 votes to win the election.

https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1323727338387902465?s=20

https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1323914087340781569?s=20

Lil Wayne’s Girlfriend Leaves Him Over Trump

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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Lil Wayne‘s girlfriend has left him for his endorsement of Donald Trump. This is wild to say the least. But his model girlfriend who is white did not approve of his endorsement of Donald Trump! How your model jawn more militant that you? She deleted her Instagram on Tuesday, but watchers noticed that they unfollowed each other a way back, a sign of trouble.

But she reportedly became completely finished with her lil dude after he did the photo-op with Donald Trump last week. Wayne has not removed the pictures of her from his Instagram but she’s out of here. Maybe he can win her back somehow.

Good for her though! Black Lives Matter!

 

DaBaby’s Older Brother Dead, Allegedly From Suicide

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Tragedy has struck the family of Charlotte, North Carolina rapper DaBaby.

Police are investigating the death of a man who was shot and killed in the Northeast section of the city earlier today (November 3rd).

The cops were responding to a call over an assault with a deadly weapon that was in progress a little after 1:30 PM.

According to Fox 46, they arrived to find Glenn Johnson, 34, suffering from a gunshot wound. Johnson died a short time later at a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Police are currently investigating the death, but according to various reports, DaBaby’s brother committed suicide.

Earlier in the day, Johnson posted a video of himself holding a gun, visibly distraught and crying. Tragically, Johnson leaves behind three young children.

Suge Knight Old Malibu Mansion Hits The Market For $30 Million

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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A tech executive who purchased Suge Knight’s old mansion has put the lavish property up for sale. 

Suge’s old 8,000-square-foot Malibu mansion was put up for sale for $30 million earlier this week. 

“This is an incredibly rare opportunity for a visionary to create an iconic Malibu masterpiece,” said realtor Dylan Eckardt. “It’s a great opportunity for families to own this perfect Oasis during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Suge built the mansion in 2001, which sits on seven acres and boasts seven bedrooms and 10 bedrooms, as well as a media room and a recording studio with some of his original designs still intact. 

Suge resided in the mansion, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, until 2008. He was forced to sell the property after filing for bankruptcy in a $107-million-dollar fight over control of Death Row Records.

The mansion was sold in bankruptcy court in November of 2008 for $4.56 million. Despite the hefty price tag, Suge Knight’s former home is being put up for sale as a development project, since it needs some rehab. 

In October of 2018, Suge Knight was sentenced to 28-years in prison after he ran over Cle “Bone” Sloan outside of a Compton Burger restaurant during a dispute.

Drake Tops Aretha Franklin & Stevie Wonder For Most #1 Hits

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Drake’s stranglehold over the charts became a little tighter, thanks to his latest song with Lil Durk.

According to Billboard, Drake, and Durk’s song “Laugh Now Cry Later” is the #1 song in the U.S., just over 10 weeks after its debut.

“Laugh Now Cry Later” hit the charts on August 29th, and took a backseat to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s smash single “WAP.”

Drake and Durk had a surge this week, which pushed “Laugh Now Cry Later” to #1, allowing drake to shatter a record set by two legends – Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. 

Now, Drake has the most #1 songs in the history of the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, the former being founded in 1958.

A whopping 12 of those songs feature Drake as a solo artist, while nine of his chart-toppers are collaborations. Drake has the most number one records in the history of the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart as well.

Thanks to “Laugh Now Cry Later, Drake has more songs than Aretha Franklin (20), Stevie Wonder (20), James Brown (17), Janet Jackson (16), The Temptations (15) Marvin Gaye, (13), Michael Jackson (13), and Usher (13).

Kanye West Casts Ballot For The First Time, And He Votes For Himself

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Kanye West voted for the first time in a presidential election, and he voted for himself. The rapper shared a video casting his ballot earlier today (November 3rd) from his home state of Wyoming. 

The 43-year-old rap star was a write-in candidate along with his running mate, Michelle Tidball.

https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1323727338387902465?s=20

“The first vote of my life. We are here to serve. We pray for every servant leader in the world,” Kanye captioned his post. 

Kanye has spent well almost $13 million in his quest to become president of the United States of America.  Kanye appeared on the ballot in 12 states as he faces off against President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Last week Kanye revealed that his political ambitions went well beyond the boundaries of the United States, when he revealed he wanted to be the leader of the free world.

If Ye’s plans for POTUS fall through this year, he floated the possibility of running to be the Governor of California.

“If it’s in God’s plan that part of my path is to be the Governor then that’s fine, but my calling is to be the leader of the free world,” Kanye West told Joe Rogan during an interview.

What Does It Matter That Kodak Black Has Endorsed Trump?

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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Yep.

Kodak Black has endorsed Donald Trump for reelection.

WHO CARES! I am not sure why this matters to anybody, but this happened. Kodak Black is currently serving a 46-month jail sentence.. The rapper, a month or so ago, decided that Donald Trump was his best way of getting out of jail and he made a plea to the sitting president to help him out!

The rapper took to Twitter to say that he is in support of Donald J Trump‘s Spinning Wheel Platinum Plan for Black America because it helps people in their plight against prison and systemic injustice! He also regurgitated some stuff about ownership. And he tagged Donald Trump in the post.

Well, guys I got news for you this is nothing new and this is the way that Trump has been moving. If you really read our reports and our coverage you will know that Donald Trump has been buying rappers on the sneak tip! 50 Cent made it clear that Donald Trump at one time offered him $500,000 to endorse him, which 50 rejected. Other rappers have been getting money on the side. Others have been getting help with their legal issues which is the rumor about Lil Wayne and this is where Kodak Black seems to fit in just perfectly. We do not know what promises may have been made to Kodak Black at this time but he has been reaching out to Donald Trump long enough for us to deduce that the president probably offered him something or another.

Personally, I think that Kodak Black is just a little late in asking Donald Trump for anything because if he gets re-elected he’s going to forget about that lil n-word so fast it will make his dreds fall out. At the end of the day, Kodak Black just wants to get his severely abused badonkadonk out of jail. I don’t blame him, the man cannot defend himself against the constant pressure that the other inmates seem to be putting on him! He’s got to get the hell out of dodge and he sees Trump as the best way to do that!

He’s a coward, so I’m not going to say much more about him. I know a lot of people love Kodak Black but I am not one of those folks, but I wish him well in siding with a fascist dictator in his efforts to free himself from the crimes he’s legitimately incarcerated for.

Lockdown Forces Eve To Quit As Host Of “The Talk”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Rapper and actress Eve is leaving Sharon Osbourne’s daytime chat show, “The Talk,” just months after Marie Osmand quit the program.

The 41-year-old has been co-hosting the show via satellite from her home in London for the past two months due to COVID-related travel restrictions. She admits it has been a huge bind that helped her make the decision to quit and focus on her new BBC podcast and family life in Britain.

“It’s been a crazy year, obviously for all of us,” she said on “The Talk” on Monday. “And I’m so grateful that I’m able to stay here in London and do the show, but I can’t see for me, the foreseeable future of traveling back at the moment, and have decided that at the end of December, this will probably be my last time on the show, in this capacity as a host.

“We’re on another lockdown (in the U.K.) from Thursday, and that’s another reason, obviously staying home has been such a blessing, because my husband (Maximillion Cooper) and I got to know each other in a different way, a beautiful way. So I want to be closer to him. I want to concentrate on expanding our family, being with my family.”

Eve added, “I have had the most beautiful experience. I’ve grown as a woman, as a person. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, I never thought that being on a talk show would be this much of an opening of my spirit, soul, personality, everything. Sitting on stage with all you women has been the best thing ever. I truly love you.”

Osmond quit the show after just one season over the summer (20) and she has yet to be permanently replaced. Her spot on The Talk has been filled by guest hosts like Amanda Kloots and Rumer Willis.

R.I.P. – “The Chi” Director David Rodriguez Dead At Age 50

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Producer/director David Rodriguez, who worked on TV hits such as “The Chi” “Scandal” and “Chicago Med” has died at the age of 50.

The New York native passed away on October 29th after suffering complications related to a recent stroke.

A former U.S. Marine, Rodriguez began his entertainment career writing, producing, and directing various short films, before making his first feature, “Push,” in 2006.

He also shot 2013’s “Once Upon a Time in Queens” from his own screenplay, a movie which starred Paul Sorvino, Michael Rapaport, and Renee Props, Rodriguez’s wife.

He went on to work mainly in TV, with directing credits on episodes of “Power,” “Chicago P.D.,” “S.W.A.T.” and “The Chi,” for which he additionally served as co-executive producer for 10 installments in 2018.

Rodriguez was also known for producing episodes of Ellen Barkin crime drama “Animal Kingdom.”

Gucci Mane And Keyshia Ka’oir Expecting A New Baby Boy

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Gucci Mane and his pregnant wife Keyshia Ka’oir are expecting a baby boy.

The couple confirmed the sex of their baby by sharing pictures from their stunning gender reveal party, for which the rapper, 40, and his partner, 35, both dressed in blue to symbolize the baby’s gender.

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A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017)

Gucci wrote, “We got a lil baby boy on the way,” while his wife added, “It’s a Boy,” in her own Instagram post.

Keyshia wore a sheer dress covered in blue feathers while her husband donned a suit in a matching color, with the pair posing for pictures in front of a wall made to look like lettered baby blocks.

Thanking their guests for the stacks of presents they received, including teddy bears and hampers, Keyshia added: “Thank u guys for all our beautiful gifts! Also my mom & husband for my GORGEOUS shower.”

It’s the first child for the couple, which wed in 2017. Keyshia is the mother of a son and two daughters, while I Get the Bag star Gucci has a son from a previous relationship.

Common And Tiffany Haddish Shoot Down Split Rumors

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Common is healing and a great deal of his growth has come from the positive relationships he has in his life. One of those exceptional people that have come into his life as a support system is his girlfriend Tiffany Haddish. 

When Karen Hunter interviewed him on her SiriusXM’s “The Karen Hunter Show,” she asked how the lovebirds were doing and he leaped at the opportunity to celebrate his lady.

“We’re doing wonderful,” he replied. “She’s a really incredible human being, and the more I get to know her, I just see how dynamic she is as a person.

“How intelligent, how selfless she is, how she stands up in Hollywood for black women. I’m learning. You know what I mean?” Common said.

One of the things that he said he loved most about Tiffany is her emergence as a social justice advocate, marveling at how dedicated she is about her work to empower the Black community and women’s rights and taking on racial inequity when it shows up on her sets. 

Tiffany is one of the few actresses that is considered a huge box office draw.

“She takes it like the law. It’s not on back – she’ll be like, ‘If there ain’t no Black people on the set, or no Black people working on this, then I’m not going to do it. Or, why can’t we go to these black makeup women?’” he continued. “And I think it takes that type of courage and mouthpiece and rawness to get the equanimity that we’ve been looking for – the equality that we talk about.

“Especially within – any area of life – but then the Hollywood structure, sometimes you have to shake them up and say, ‘Hey, y’all, this is what it has to be,’” the “Glory” actor remarked.

After dropping his new album, A Beautiful Revolution, and releasing his autobiography “Let Love Have the Last Word,” finding peace in a partner like the Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker actress, has enhanced his life … bringing joy.

“She’s also fun. She’s fun. And ultimately…the one thing that I’ll say about anyone I’ve dated that you name, I like good-hearted people, and Tiffany has a good heart at the end of the day.”

Ultimate Rap League Debuts VOD Feature on App

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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One year after its BETA stage, the most influential entity in emcee battle culture’s App has changed the way that fans consume media, developed new stars, provided licensing opportunities for smaller leagues to have their content shared, and created a video network for the culture through this high-volume platform.

“When we said that we were going to start our own App to distribute our own content, many believed our sights to be too lofty,” says URL owner Troy “Smack White” Mitchell. “But that is why we are the only ones owning this space — pushing the culture forward in ways that no other player in the space has done.”

The App Gang, the nickname for subscribers who are privileged with exclusive content from the Hip-Hop sporting agency, agrees. This is proven by the high traffic that each segment of the App receives via categories that include artist profiles, battles, interviews, marquis card collections, interviews, trailers, and URL Originals (consisting of scripted and reality series created with the hundreds of thousands of viewers in mind).

“Many people believe that our partnership with Caffeine is our first venture into streaming, it was not,” Mitchell contends. “We want to show the culture how to successfully navigate multiple tiers of streaming, content sharing, and marketing of our events and have been doing so even before the global pandemic stopped in-person activations.”

“This is nothing new. We transitioned from the DVD era (early) to participate via YouTube. As a business model, we understood that our fans that could not get into our events because we either sold out or because of distance desired to have more access to our experiences and so we created a Pay-Per-View option, with a Video on Demand component for a nominal price. Still, our fans, including Drake, wanted more access for less money, so we created our App which became the first wave of accommodating their wishes.”

Mitchell explains adding that the partnership with Caffeine, where fans get to see the first live streams of their top cards for URL for free, has elevated this vision tremendously.

Through the service events like Summer Madness, NOME, and the Ultimate Madness tournaments are curated and produced by the league. At the same time, the URL staff works tirelessly to maintain its signature authenticity, producing App only events like Born Legacy, Banned, The Crucible, and more.

The URL App is available across multiple servers such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, and XBOX on Androids, Apple Tablets, phones, and televisions for a monthly fee of $7.99.

CyHi Announces ‘Barcode’ Digital Series Featuring B. Simone, Desi Banks, Karlous, Chico Bean & More

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Atlanta-raised lyricist CyHi has officially dropped “The Prynce” from his stage name. The G.O.O.D. Music affiliate born Cydel Charles Young is also ready to drop a new video series called The Hardway Musicals Presents: Barcode.

“I’ve been kept silent for a while, just biding my time, but now I’m ready to start sharing myself in a way I haven’t done before,” says CyHi. “Barcode has allowed me to showcase my screenwriting skills and acting ability in the most creative and impactful way possible.” 

Barcode is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, November 4. New episodes are set to arrive every Wednesday in the month. The show will feature live performances, comical skits, interactive tools, exclusive merch, live chat functions, and Q&As with CyHi. 

https://twitter.com/CyhiThePrynce/status/1323398576316305409?s=20

B. Simone, Emmanuel Hudson, Desi Banks, Nav, Karlous, Trizzy, Phillip Hudson, Chico Bean, Wallo267, Money Bag Mafia, and Tracy T are expected to make guest appearances on Barcode. The series also serves as a precursor for Cyhi’s forthcoming album.

A segment on Barcode will give viewers the chance to donate funds to finance the release of CyHi’s next music project. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will go to prison reform initiatives and assisting with medical attention for prison facilities.

CyHi released his critically-acclaimed debut studio LP, No Dope On Sundays, in 2017. His discography also consists of the Royal Flush, Ivy League, and Black Hystori Project mixtape series. He also collaborated on albums by Kanye West, Royce Da 5’9, Killer Miker, B.o.B., and other Hip Hop acts.

Taraji P. Henson Tapped To Host 2020 American Music Awards

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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The 2020 American Music Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, November 22 at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC. Oscar-nominated/Emmy-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Empire) will emcee the event as the evening’s host.

“The AMAs brings together the music community to celebrate what really drives all artists – the fans,” says the former Howard University drama student. “I’m proud to take the stage as this year’s host – and also a fan – for what promises to be an electrifying night of music.”

Henson also teamed with the American Music Awards to put together a 15-track Voting Playlist on Spotify. The collection includes songs by Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, Gil Scott-Heron, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mary J. Blige, Lil Baby, H.E.R., Boogie, and more.

Hip Hop artist Roddy Ricch and R&B/Pop singer The Weeknd go into this year’s AMAs with the most nominations (8). They are followed by “Savage” rapstress Megan Thee Stallion (5) whose nods include New Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year.

Roddy Ricch, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Tand Taylor Swift, are up for Artist of the Year. The Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop category features Roddy Ricch’s Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, Lil Baby’s My Turn, and Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake.

The 2020 American Music Awards will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Winners for the show are decided entirely by fan-vote. Voting is open for all AMA categories at TheAMAs.com/Vote.

Reform Alliance Appoints Former Bad Boy Artist Loon To The Organization’s New Fellowship Program

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Amir Junaid Muhadith (formerly known as Loon) was chosen to serve as the inaugural Fellow in the REFORM Alliance’s Fellowship Program. The former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist will work closely with REFORM executives on the Advocacy and Communications team to receive hands-on experience in policy creation, policy writing, coalition-building, research, digital organizing, and more.

This new position with the program comes about three months after Muhadith was granted an early release from federal prison following his nine-year incarceration for conspiracy with intent to traffic heroin. He is currently on probation.

“I can personally relate to the stress of navigating life on supervision with the risk of reincarceration, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my experience to help REFORM and collaborate on ways to make a lasting impact on the system,” stated Muhadith. “It’s imperative that we provide people on probation with the support, training, and counseling to truly succeed rather than resort to punitive punishment.”

Muhadith began connecting with REFORM Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer Jessica Jackson while he was still behind bars. Jackson advocated for his compassionate release under the federal First Step Act following the COVID-19 outbreak in the prison system. She partnered with Weldon Angelos and several other activists to petition for Muhadith’s release in July.

“Amir’s firsthand perspective and strategic thinking will be invaluable to helping us improve an ineffective and destructive supervision system,” comments Jackson. “In the short amount of time he’s been released, Amir has already impressed us with his ideas and commitment to creating positive change.”

Last month, the REFORM Alliance announced new hires. Janet Choi (Chief Content and Communications Officer), Adia Smith Parker (Senior Director, Development), Meagan Bond (Senior Director, Creative Campaigns), Geoff Holtzman (Director of Communications), Britton Smith (Senior Organizing Strategist), Colleen Donnelly (Director of Digital), Jasmine Wadsworth (Advocacy Chief of Staff), and Yesenia Valdez (Special Assistant to the President and Chief Growth Officer) joined the criminal justice reform organization.

2020 also saw the REFORM Alliance celebrate a big legislative win in the state of California. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the AB 1950 bill. The law caps probation terms to a maximum of one year for misdemeanor offenses and two years for felonies. REFORM Alliance worked with AB 1950’s primary sponsor, Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles), to gain support for the legislation in California’s State Assembly and State Senate.

Hip Hop artist Meek Mill and Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin are the Co-Chairs for the REFORM Alliance. Founding Partners for the collective includes Roc Nation founder Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Vista Equity Partners CEO Robert Smith, Third Point CEO Daniel S. Loeb, Galaxy Digital CEO Michael E. Novogratz, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, and Arnold Ventures Co-Chair Laura Arnold. CNN commentator Van Jones is REFORM’s CEO.

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photo via: REFORM Alliance, Berk Communications

Erykah Badu Celebrates The 20-Year Anniversary Of Her ‘Mama’s Gun’ Album

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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A rising singer-songwriter named Erykah Badu introduced herself to the world with 1997’s Baduizm. It was the 2000 album titled Mama’s Gun that helped solidify the vocalist’s position as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.”

2020 marks the 20-year anniversary of Badu’s sophomore studio LP. The 4-time Grammy winner is celebrated her Motown Records classic by using her Instagram page to shout out some of the musicians that worked with her during the Mama’s Gun era like Common, Questlove, D’Angelo, and James Poyser.

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A post shared by UNICORN Mutant Cobra jumpin time lines (@erykahbadu)

Badu will appear on the first installment of The Message series hosted by Apple Music’s Ebro Darden. The conversation, which debuts on November 3 at 1:00 pm PT, covered several topics including Mama’s Gun. She also creates an exclusive Apple Music playlist of songs that inspire her to keep pushing forward.

“Wow, it seems like yesterday. Ebro, I’ve been on the road so long, I don’t remember growing up. It’s crazy. I try to live life so present that things happen, and the next day, you’re in another year. Kind of like this year, for example, this has been a very long and short and long and short year. 2020, it describes how my life is. The dramatic pauses and crazy endings and rapid beginnings,” said Badu.

Mama’s Gun was released on October 31, 2000. The project contains the singles “Didn’t Cha Know?” and “Bag Lady.” Both of those records earn Grammy nominations – “Bag Lady” for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song (2000), “Didn’t Cha Know?” for Best R&B Song (2001).