(AllHipHop News) Twitter pride strikes again. Minutes after news broke that Robin Williams had committed suicide, Todd Bridges described it as a “very selfish act.”
Monday (August 11th), Robin Williams was announced to have committed suicide in his home in California. In a consecutive tweets on his personal Twitter account, the former Diff’rent Strokes actor remarked that the suicide was a very selfish act:
Bridges soon faced criticism over his comments and quickly apologized for the timing of his statements. In his explanation for his comments, Bridges revealed that a friend of his committed suicide seven months before Williams. In an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon, Bridges stated that
What I meant by saying it’s a selfish act was to say that he wasn’t thinking of us. I know that we all have demons and we have things that we chase and things that we have to deal with. But, we’re the ones really suffering around this now. I’m driving in my car sometimes and I just start crying.
Check out the full interview between Todd Bridges and Don Lemon here.
Eric Garner. John Crawford. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. All these recent news stories about police brutality are heart-breaking and a painful reminder that, despite how far this country has come in terms of race relations, law enforcement and the justice system still have African-American males in their cross hairs. Moreover, there’s no damn good reason these humans are are dead. It isn’t right and things need to change. And then, there is the media. Why is the mainstream media seemingly more concerned with relatively minor indiscretions surrounding a tragedy than the tragedy itself? These were human beings with families and loved ones.
Never forget: The real tragedies were caused by the police. And while not all police officers are bad, racist, or corrupt, Hip-Hop has never shied away from addressing the ones who are. Here is a list of 10 Hip-Hop songs to vent to as we toil over the issue of police misconduct and pure brutality. And don’t get it twisted, this isn’t about fanning the flames. It’s about calling out those responsible for starting the fire in the first place sometimes.
10). “Constables” by O.C.: “Constables” confronts the issues of unjust suspicion and police brutality head on. The track begins with O.C. explaining his feelings about how law enforcement is watching him like a hawk. Then the song then gets heavier when, even though no crime has been committed for police to investigate, O.C. spits, “They clocking, shocking, and knocking me / Wanting a reason for whocking me.” For those who think that everyone who runs from cops are criminals, sometimes they do it because criminals are cops.
9). “Crooked Officer” by Geto Boys: While there are some violent lyrics in this record, it deserves inclusion on this list for other reasons. The opening imagery in the song’s video is very poignant and with rhymes like, “Friend, do I have to move to River Oaks? / And bleach my f****n’ skin so I can look like these white folks? / Just to get some assistance / Because the brutality in my neighborhood is gettin’ persistent,” it reiterates the issue of police not being as responsive to crime in black communities as they should be.
08). “The Enemy” by Big L feat. Fat Joe: Track 8 from The Big Picture has Big L and Fat Joe criticizing overzealous cops who see them as guilty until proven innocent, instead of the other way around. “Pulling me over to see if I’m drunk, but I’m sober / They wouldn’t f*** with me if I drove a Nova.”
07). “Friendly Game of Baseball” by Main Source: This is a very clever and insightful song where baseball is used as an analogy for police brutality. Instead of “runs batted in,” R.B.I. stands for “real bad injury.” A “good batting average” means shooting lots of people. And the umpires are the government. Obviously this is no game though and the songs ends powerfully with the cops being sarcastically called out for the damage that they do. “Instead of innings, we have endings / What a fine way to win things.”
06). “Who Got the Camera?” by Ice Cube: Cube is widely regarded as one of rap’s strongest storytellers, and this record strongly supports that argument. With The Predator being released in the aftermath of the L.A. Riots in 1992, “Who Got the Camera?” finds Cube putting himself in the role of a motorist being harassed and beaten by cops, not unlike Rodney King. It’s a great example of Ice Cube balancing social commentary with his hardcore attitude.
05). “Illegal Search” by LL Cool J: Before Mase and Kanye each borrowed the beginning of this song (“What the hell are you looking for? / Can’t a young man make anymore?”) to simply talk about how fly and successful they were, LL first came up with it to question police about their desire to search without probable cause. Fortunately, on this song, it concludes on an uplifting note. “Jail is something that I can do without / Case dismissed, and now you wanna pout / You feel like trying it again, but you know it won’t work / Illegal search.”
04). “Sound of Da Police” by KRS-One: The second single from Kris Parker’s solo debut is an amazing record. It doesn’t just deal with police misconduct, but also institutionalized racism within law enforcement that African-Americans have had to deal with for generations. “Yeah, officer from overseer / You need a little clarity, check the similarity….” It’s one of KRS’s most memorable songs, and, after one listen, it’s easy to hear why.
03). “Invasion” by Jeru the Damaja: Atop haunting keys, the song starts with Jeru getting pulled over by police and then he goes into how as a young black male he is stereotyped and therefore targeted by police once he starts rapping. He then takes it a step further and explains his plight of life in the ghetto. Props to DJ Premier too for outstanding production on this cut, especially the Nas sample from “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” for the title.
02). “Claimin’ I’m a Criminal” by Brand Nubian: One of the standouts from Everything is Everything is definitely this record. One of the most brilliant things about it is that the beat samples Luther Ingram’s “I’m Trying to Sing a Message to You” while Lord Jamar talks about being labeled a criminal for speaking out in order to make others aware about police corruption. And then Sadat X tells listeners to reserve judgement on the penal system until they’ve been there themselves.
01). “F*** Tha Police” by N.W.A: This iconic cut takes the top spot because it was the first time police were addressed so bluntly about their wrongdoings. This song is all about expressing the frustrations a community feels about being mistreated by the cops in three bold words. When speaking on the song in a documentary for Vh1, Will Smith said, “That was in everybody’s hearts, that’s what we felt. Being 17, 18 years old with a new car. You can’t drive two blocks without getting stopped.” Being a brown skinned young man who has personally experienced that nonsense, I’ve certainly shared Mr. Smith’s sentiments…. As have countless others who have gone through the exact same thing.
What do you think of the list? Add your favorites in the comments section!
Man. I had faith in this one, but supposedly Tyga has decided to throw in the towel.
TMZ reports that the couple has split:
“Call off the wedding … Tyga and baby mama Blac Chyna have split.
Sources close to the former pair tell TMZ … Tyga’s the one who called it quits. It’s unclear why he threw in the towel.
We’re told Blac Chyna isn’t acknowledging the breakup — she’s in denial — and some of her stuff is still at the house.
We’re told Tyga hosted two pool parties at their home in the last few weeks (including one for Kylie Jenner’s birthday) but she wasn’t invited to either.
The couple was together since 2011 and got engaged in December of 2012. They have a son — King Cairo — who turns two in October.”
FX’s Emmy nominated American Horror” series will return with yet another icon; joining the ranks with Angela Basset (who appeared on American Horror Coven), legendary diva Patti Labelle will appear in four episodes when the series returns this Fall with American Horror: Freak Show.
Playing the grandmother of actress Gabourey Sidibe (known for her role as Precious,) this season will be set in 1952 and will focus on the “last American freak show.”
While LaBelle will reportedly not be singing, her character will play a key figure in unraveling a mystery surrounding Twisty the Clown killer. The role is already being praised as potentially being a role custom fit for Labelle.
This one may come as a shock, considering how crazy in love they seem to be, but word is Wiz Khalifa is ready to be a free man and Amber ain’t haven’ it.
A source shared with MediaTakeout a few details of what’s been going on within the marriage:
“The insider told MediaTakeOut.com that during his tour, Wiz has gotten accustomed to sleeping with GROUPIES – and he’s ready to be single again. The snitch told MediaTakeOut.com, “Don’t get me wrong, Wiz loves her and she’s a cool [girl]. But he needs to be single right now.”
So why is it MESSY??? Well the insider told us that Amber has been PRETTY OPEN WITH WIZ during their many arguments – that if he leaves, she’s getting the most VICIOUS LAWYER IN THE WORLD – and is gonna hit him for the MAXIMUM CHILD SUPPORT that she can get.”
As the country zeroes in on the civil unrest currently underway in Ferguson, Missouri following the death of an unarmed teen (the latest in a string of incidences involving excessive forced used against Black Americans,) new details have emerged which paint a picture of racial tensions that have been simmering within the St. Louis suburb for some time now.
In a report leaked to the press this week, records show that while Whites make up nearly a third of Ferguson’s population, they account for only 12.7% of stops made by the police department last year. In comparison, African-Americans made up 93% of arrests following car stops, despite the fact that Whites have been noted as more likely to actually contain contraband upon being searched. African-Americans were also more likely to be assigned tickets than their White counterparts within Ferguson, with Hispanics following behind in the number of citations and warrants issued.
This information has only added to the growing frustration amid concerns that the Ferguson Police Department has unjustly targeted minorities throughout the community, an underlying issue that may have played a contributing factor in the death of teen Michael Brown.
As previously reported by the Los Angeles Times, according to a statement made by Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson, “Ferguson’s police chief and mayor are white. Of the six City Council members, one is black. The local school board has six white members and one Latino. Of the 53 commissioned officers on the police force, three are black.”
As the country zeroes in on the civil unrest currently underway in Ferguson, Missouri following the death of an unarmed teen (the latest in a string of incidences involving excessive forced used against Black Americans,) new details have emerged which paint a picture of racial tensions that have been simmering within the St. Louis suburb for some time now.
In a report leaked to the press this week, records show that while Whites make up nearly a third of Ferguson’s population, they account for only 12.7% of stops made by the police department last year. In comparison, African-Americans made up 93% of arrests following car stops, despite the fact that Whites have been noted as more likely to actually contain contraband upon being searched. African-Americans were also more likely to be assigned tickets than their White counterparts within Ferguson, with Hispanics following behind in the number of citations and warrants issued.
This information has only added to the growing frustration amid concerns that the Ferguson Police Department has unjustly targeted minorities throughout the community, an underlying issue that may have played a contributing factor in the death of teen Michael Brown.
According to a statement made by Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson, “Ferguson’s police chief and mayor are white. Of the six City Council members, one is black. The local school board has six white members and one Latino. Of the 53 commissioned officers on the police force, three are black.”
Rumors recently sparked back up that Chris Brown and Rihanna were rekindling their flame, but a source close to Rihanna says its all the way out.
Urban Islandz reports:
“A close source to the Bajan pop star told Urban Islandz that Chris called up Rihanna begging to see her but she shut him down.
“He has been texting her nonstop and blowing up her phone begging to meet with her but surprising this time she is holding her ground and told him no,” the source told us.
“She basically told him straight up she don’t want him or his basic chick anywhere near her. Robyn [Rihanna] is in a better place now, she is more content and focus on herself and her career,” the source added.”
As authorities and civilians continue to collide in Ferguson, a suburban area of St. Louis, Missouri; the Ferguson Police Department has decide not to release the name of the officer responsible for slaying unarmed teen Michael Brown on August 9th, citing concerns for the safety of the officer.
According to a statement made by Timothy Zoll, a spokesman for the department, to the Washington Post; a name will not be released at this time due to threats made against Ferguson police officers on social media sites.
Since the tragic shooting , residents have struggled for facts regarding the events that led up to the fatal shooting . The FBI has officially stepped in to assist in investigating the case, after local police released tear gas and rubber bullets on civilians and media alike last night following various protests that have erupted throughout the city.
So its obvious that Kanye and Kim West feel some type of way about Jay-Z and Beyonce not showing up to their wedding. Kim recently spoke of a certain celeb couple who didn’t bother to call and say they were showing up to the show ceremony.
Kimmy recently shared a pic via Instagram that now everyone is saying is throwing jabs at the “elevator incident.”
So is she really shading The Carters or are looking to deep in to things?
In response to the overwhelming success of the PlayStation 4, Microsoft is gearing up for the Holiday season by getting aggressive in marketing their alternative, the Xbox.
Looking to attract a variety of consumers, Microsoft has announced a series of Xbox One bundles which will include gaming titles like FIFA 15 (which will only be available in Europe,) Sunset Overdrive, Madden 15 and the wildly popular Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Also added to their roster of games is
Looking to bridge the gap created by the impressive sales of the PlayStation 4, Microsoft has also introduced a number of additions including reduced prices, the inclusion of the Kinect camera on some bundles and TV streaming to mobile devices.
Explained Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, “We’re excited to offer fans more choices and value than ever before. These bundles offer a great opportunity to enjoy Xbox One alongside an incredible line-up of games, making Xbox the best place to play this holiday and beyond.”
(AllHipHop News) Future getting some tough honesty. According to reports, Ciara has called off the 10 month engagement to the father of her only child, Future amid cheating rumors.
Ciara and Future’s engagement began after Future surprisingly proposed to Ciara during her birthday party in October 2013, seven months before their first child,Future Zahir Wilburn was born on May 19th. Sources with US Weekly state Ciara is “devastated” and “[Future] cheated on her. Game over.”
Ciara’s “focus now is the baby” according to the source and she will be featured in MTV’s upcoming House of Style TV show later this year.
(AllHipHop News) Drake once rapped “know your self, know your worth” and the Toronto Raptors just showed him what they think of his value. According to reports, the NBA offered to revoke the $25,000 “public recruiting” fine over Drake’s actions if the Toronto Raptors let go of Drake.
Last September, Drake was announced as the Toronto Raptors’ “global ambassador”, however his limitations and roles were not disclosed. The NBA fined the Toronto Raptors for $25,000, alleging that Drake publicly attempted to recruit Kevin Durant during his OVO Fest.
Canadian news outlet The Globe and Mail reported yesterday (August 12th) that the NBA offered to revoke the fine if the Raptors relinquish Drake of his global ambassador title. The Raptors declined.
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West is very protective of his music, but somehow his upcoming single “All Day” has already made its way to the internet. A rough copy of the track leaked online this week.
Kanye talked about “All Day” in an interview with GQ last month. He told the publication, “I think about certain lines that I say on my new single, which is called ‘All Day,’ that usually [Jay Z] would say, but Jay’s not on there.”
Ye can be heard rapping the lines:
Y’all already know I’m straight from the Chi (all day n***a)/South, southside (all day n***a)/This Ye, n***/Shopping for the winter, and it’s just May, n***a/Ball so hard, man, this s### cray, n***a/You ain’t getting money unless you got eight figures.
(AllHipHop News) Jeezy called in some big names for his upcoming studio album Seen It All. The Atlanta rapper already released the title track featuring Jay Z, and now the LP’s other guest features have been revealed.
T.I. and YG will join Jeezy on the track “Addicted,” Rick Ross and Game make appearances on “Beautiful,” and Boosie shows up on “Beez Like.” Other songs will also include Future, Akon, and Kelly Rowland.
Jeezy’s Seen It All: The Autobiography is scheduled for release on September 2. Check out the cover art and tracklist for below.
1. Block
2. What You Say
3. Black Eskimo
4. Enough
5. Holy Ghost
6. Me OK
7. 4 Zones
8. Addicted (featuring T.I. & YG)
9. F### The World
10. Seen It All (featuring Jay Z)
11. Win Is A Win
12. Beautiful (featuring Rick Ross & Game)
13. Beez Like (featuring Lil Boosie)
14. No Tears (featuring Future)
15. Perfection
16. Shady Life [Bonus Track] (featuring Kelly Rowland)
17. Been Getting Money [Bonus Track] (featuring Akon)
(AllHipHop News) Drake and Lil Wayne have presented their latest joint outing as a battle between the two YMCMB artists. The “Drake VS Lil Wayne” Tour made a stop in Illinois this week, and after Wayne performed his verse from Chris Brown’s “Loyal,” Drizzy clowned the hit single that also features Young Money’s Tyga.
“That s**t sounds like a f**king car commercial or some s**t,” said Drake to the crowd about the CB track. “That’s what y’all cheering for? This n***a Tyga at the movie theater with Chris and s**t.”
Chris Brown and Drake feuded in the past. The two stars were involved in a bottle throwing melee at a New York club in 2012 which reportedly started over Brown’s ex-girlfriend Rihanna.
Shanti Das, Marlon Nichols, and 10 Squared PR presented the third annual All White Affair for the August edition of ATL Live on the Park. The all-white event, at Piedmont Park’s Park Tavern, included outstanding performances by Tank, RL, Jagged Edge, Havok Jones, and Kris Kelli. AllHipHop Caught up with Tank and Kris Kelli to talk about the state of R&B and the atmosphere of ATL Live on the Park. Revolt TV’s Kenny Burns hosted the event and got the crowd moving, alongside DJ Trauma and house-band, Quinn and Jukebox. Sponsors of the August edition of ATL Live on the Park included Gentlemen Jack, Aaron’s, Cantu Beauty, Magic 107.5, and the W Atlanta-Midtown.
The show kicked off with a performance from the quadruple force, female group, Havok Jones as they performed their rendition of “Who Can I Run To,” by the 90s band Xscape, followed by a cover of En Vogue’s “Lose Control.” Kris Kelli, fresh out of Kingston, Jamaica, blew the crowd away with songs like Dawn Penn’s “You Don’t Love Me” and “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Following Kelli’s performance, Kenny Burns encouraged R.L. of Next, Columbus Short, formerly, of ABC series Scandal, and members of Jagged Edge to hit the stage. R.L. sang, while Short danced, followed by an impromptu performance by Jagged Edge of their popular song “I Gotta Be.”
Singer, songwriter, and Grammy nominee, Tank headlined the event in celebration of his new album release, Stronger. He performed many of his top hits, including “You’re My Star,” “Slowly,” “Emergency,” and ” Maybe I Deserve.”
Celebrities in attendance include: Columbus Short (formerly of ABC’s Scandal), Actor’s Jackie Long and Keith Robinson, Block of Block Entertainment / Bad Boy, Jagged Edge, Peter Thomas (RHOA), Chaka Zulu (Ludacris Manager), Kawan KP Prather (VP of A&R, Atlantic Records), Michael Mauldin (industry veteran), Jennifer Drake (Universal Records), Cannon Kent (Atlantic Records), Greggory Smith (Associate Dir, SESAC) and more. If you’ve never been to ATL Live on the Park its an event you don’t want to miss. Make sure you are at the next!
Eric Garner. John Crawford. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. All these recent news stories about police brutality are heart-breaking and a painful reminder that, despite how far this country has come in terms of race relations, law enforcement and the justice system still have African-American males in their cross hairs. Moreover, there’s no damn good reason these humans are are dead. It isn’t right and things need to change. And then, there is the media. Why is the mainstream media seemingly more concerned with relatively minor indiscretions surrounding a tragedy than the tragedy itself? These were human beings with families and loved ones.
