Culture Creators, the esteemed organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating trailblazers in entertainment and fashion, hosted their highly-anticipated 7th Annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch during BET Awards weekend at the Beverly Hilton.
The prestigious awards brunch paid homage to iconic figures Busta Rhyme and MC Lyte, as they were both honored with the Icon Award.
Chloe and Halle Bailey were also recognized as the recipients of the Innovator of the Year award. These remarkable individuals have redefined boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations.
One of the undeniable highlights of the event was Busta Rhymes’ speech. After being presented with the Icon Award by Mona Scott Young and Big Daddy Kane, Busta Rhymes took the stage and delivered a captivating and electrifying speech. Busta’s speech served as a powerful reminder that success comes from perseverance, unwavering passion, and determination.
Keith Powers took the stage to present the Strong Black Lead summer lineup, igniting excitement and anticipation for the incredible content to come.
Karl Kani called for a continued diversity and inclusivity in the fashion world as he was honored with the Fashion Award. Troy Carter, who was honored with the Technology Award, challenged the tech industry to prioritize the inclusion of people of color, underscoring the need for equal opportunities.
Sevyn Streeter paid homage to Laurieann Gibson as Gibson has been the visionary force behind some of the industry’s most iconic artists.
Candace Rodney was honored in the category of Business, Flau’jae Johnson in the category of sports, Stephen Hill in the category of Television, Laurieann Gibson in the categories of Art & Dance and Chris Robinson in the category of Video & Film.
Other notable guests in attendance included Jimmy Jam, Muni Long, Tone Stith, Kash Doll, Lady London, Ayoni, K Camp, Tasha Smith, Chante Moore, Kyla Imani, RAXX, Shalom Obiago, Stephen “Dr” Love, Teyonah Parris, Ts Madison, Myles Truitt, Lizzy Mathis, Christian Combs, Mitchell Edwards, Nzinga, Lodric D. Collins, Myles Bullock, Scar Lip, Novi Brown, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Amanda Reifer, and more.
Joi Brown, the visionary founder and CEO of Culture Creators, certainly set the tone for the brunch as she delivered a powerful message that reverberated throughout the room,
“We are the catalysts of change. Let us continue to defy expectations, empower one another, and shape a future where creativity knows no bounds,” said Brown.
The event was once again a success, and it exemplified the transformative power of unity, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of artistic expression.
The 2023 BET Awards were off the chain (yes, the chain) and had a whole different vibe compared to previous years, and it was lit (another word OGs still use)!
So, I was blessed enough to attend with my daughter. I also sat next to two lovely, industrious young ladies from The Shade Room. Behind me, to my right was AHH senior contributor Rea Davis, and over my left shoulder were three guys I did not know. More on that later, but all of this plays a factor in this op-ed. The BET Awards underscored how varied, diverse, and colorful we are, and all of the conversations are layered and nuanced.
Chuck and his daughter Maia
First things first, this year was all about celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary and the ratings reflect the excitement people entered the Microsoft Theatre on Sunday. The show was packed with rap performances from all kinds of rappers and MCs, representing different generations and regions. They were straight-up celebrating the music and culture that we love. There were a few deviations, but it was mostly Hip-Hop heaven depending on who you talk to.
Because of the writer’s strike, there was no host this time around. All of this was accomplished without a master of ceremonies and a formal script for the presenters. Most folks made it work, and there were even some hilarious instances like the interaction between Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Malcolm Barrett. We also got to bear witness to G-Herbo’s amazing reading skills and Ray-J’s raging insecurity with his wife. But I digress.
The 2023 BET Awards gave us some unforgettable moments, despite some very unique circumstances. MC Lyte, DJ D-Nice and Big Daddy Kane tore it down on the stage, while newer acts like Lola Brooke and Ice Spice spit rhymes with crazy set designs. Mad Skillz dropped knowledge bombs in his “Wrap-Up” edition about the history of Hip-Hop. Quavo and Offset from Migos reunited out of nowhere, offering a public peace treaty in the name of the late Takeoff.
There was more. Busta Rhymes’ Lifetime Achievement Award and subsequent speech with a rapid-fire succession of performances that yielded Bia, M.O.P., Rah Digga, Coi Leray, Remy Ma, reggae and more. She might not be considered Hip-Hop, but we have to mention Coco Jones, y’all. She won the Best New Artist award and everybody fell in love with her after a heartfelt acceptance speech. For the record, she does a mean Busta Rhymes (click here for that).
With all of this Pitch Blackness, what is there to be mad about?
There was a mixed bag of responses to the awards that I began to notice on social media. So, I posted queries on both Facebook and Instagram to get some idea of where people stood. I know for a fact the live show was lit, so I went and watched the televised live show. To me, it was still dope with a few deviatons. I have come to realize that Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary really underscores a conundrum that the culture faces. The quintessential dilemma that Hip-Hop faces: how to make everybody happy.
First of all, this is impossible, even conceptually. But that seemed to be the goal of the awards. As Hip-Hop continues to age and progress, there is work to do (younger people). Also, there is space to allow the youth to be the youth and move the culture forward (older heads). Together, there’s no reason why brute creative forces, the infinite wise minds and hardcore cultural capitalists cannot fully realize Hip-Hop’s greatness. To me, it was all on full display at the BET Awards 2023.
Coco Jones, the new face of R&B, and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
Yes, there were a few moments of extreme ratcheness (shout out to the very pregnant Chrisean Rock and Sexyy Red), but that’s Hip-Hop and it always has been in some shape or form. Old heads, most of you have danced to “I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown)” or “Nann” with Trick and Trina. If you didn’t, you likely boogied to something like it. So, with Hip-Hop aging, there’s a huge range between who we are and who we are. The divide is clear and present, but there’s also opportunity there.
Growing up, my dad and I often wore matching Adidas outfits or I would wear his sneakers, even though those suede Pumas were too big. This BET Awards, I went with my teenage daughter. The generational exchange was appreciated. The experience was enhanced for me. At times, I was asking her “Who is that?” Other times, I am introducing her to pioneers like Play from Kid N Play, who had performed on that very stage at the Microsoft Theatre. And then there was Rea, the Shade Room girls and the guys behind us that were hilarious. A time was had, the jokes flew and the night was epic. Period.
PRE’s Key Glock and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
By the way, outside of the BET Awards, there was a whole activation in Los Angeles for Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary that BET put on. That display included live performances from Crime Mob, Jadakiss, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg and others. It also included a full pop-up museum, Rap City set up and other IG-able installations. The giant boombox was my favorite. Nevertheless, the effort was there and I appreciated it.
Mini Boom, Benny Boom and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
Before I go, one last thing. Stop hating on “yourself.” Stop using Euro standards and trying to apply them to our culture. We are the standard and we are the culture. When you go back far enough, you will understand we are the source. Every music genre that isborn in America has Black roots. Are we perfect? No. We need a lot of things, starting with love. Love us and the rest will take care of itself.
Sexyy Red had a lot to say during the 2023 BET Awards after smelling something foul. A viral video captured the offensive encounter, which evidently involved an audible fart.
The St. Louis spitter couldn’t wait to call out the foul party and soon shared her thoughts in a video posted to her Instagram account. The caption read, “If I knew who did it … we woulda had to rumble cause babyyyyyyyy.” The humorous quote summed up her playful point-of-view.
The emerging rapper gave all the deets. Of course, she ripped into the lady saying, “So, I’m p##### off right now. Some stanky booty-ass b###h just walked past me and farted!”
The colorful commentary continued: “And, it smell like ass. You nasty as f##k, b###h. Don’t ever disrespect a queen by going to walk past me and fart. B##h, f##k you!”
Sexyy Red is celebrated for her candidness. Whether she’s at the studio or at an awards show, she’ll find a way to leave an impression.
NBA YoungBoy bared it all on Sunday (June 25), posting a vulnerable message to his Instagram Stories. about his incarcerated father. As reported by The Fader, YoungBoy’s dad was locked away for a “robbery gone wrong.” His father has been in prison since YoungBoy was 8 years old. In fact, he’s still serving a 55-year prison sentence.
In a bittersweet message, the “Lonely Child” spitter addressed his father. By using social media he spoke to his pops and the public. A photo of a man—who appears to be his father—is used as the background.
“No matter if I see you in the right way or the wrong way again my n###a, I’m gone be smiling,” the first portion of the message said. “I went thru this experience on my own you built that one b#### I’m trying [to] tell you. I’m on top of the love, Jeff.”
Thus far, NBA YoungBoy has been blessed to live his dream. However, fame usually comes with all types of shenanigans—and even a threat or two. Be that as it may, the rising cultural icon leaving his impression on Hip-Hop.
Kodak Black recently celebrated his freedom after a quick stint behind bars. He was seen partying in a Miami strip club. On Monday night (June 26), Yak was released from jail after posting a hefty $250,000 bond. Later that evening, he was seen partying in Southern Florida at an undisclosed Miami strip club.
As reported by 2Cool2Blog, the Florida-bred rapper appeared to be the main attraction. By all means, a steady stream of currency rained down on the floor, and an impromptu performance followed.
Understandably, Kodak couldn’t contain his joy as the Super Gremlin spits lyrics to his hit song “Skrilla.” He’s seen flashing his smile several times throughout the video, rivaling that of his sparkling jewelry. Not only did he make it rain, Kutthroat Bill also showed off a few dance moves. Surely, these impressive maneuvers demanded a lot of attention.
One thing’s for certain, Kodak Black seemingly learned about the importance of keeping bail money on deck. Staying ready, and not having to get ready is something deemed as an invaluable life-lesson.
Deceased serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer once again became a pop culture figure following the premiere of Netflix’s 10-part biographical series in 2022. Miami-based rapper Sukihana recently referenced Dahmer on a remix of “S### Me Out” by NLE Choppa.
“Jeffrey Dahmer ain’t got s### on me, the way I eat a black n#### out,” rapped Sukihana on the sexually-explicit collaboration. She also used those lyrics as a caption for a Twitter photo she took with NLE Choppa at the 2023 BET Awards.
After facing backlash for her tweet, Sukihana returned to Twitter. She added, “So they make a whole movie about Jeffery Dahmer but I can’t make a verse about him? I am a rapper. Y’all pick and choose too much. I said what I said and I’m performing it, move on.”
The Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan-produced Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story generated a lot of controversy upon its release. Family members of Dahmer’s victims accused the creators and Netflix of profiting off their traumatic experiences.
Jeffrey Dahmer murdered seventeen men and boys between 1978 and 1991. Nine of the people killed by Dahmer were Black. According to authorities, the Milwaukee-born psychopath drugged, strangled, and dismembered many of his victims. He also reportedly sodomized and ate their corpses.
NLE Choppa dropped “S### Me Out Remix” featuring Sukihana in April. The Love & Hip Hop: Miami cast member also appeared as a cameo in another version of “S### Me Out” with Sexy Red. Those visuals sparked negative reactions because of a scene where Choppa holds Sukihana and Sexy Red by their hair like dogs on leashes.
Sukihana was also part of another media firestorm earlier this month. Footage of R&B singer YK Osiris forcibly kissing Suki at a public event spread across the internet. Osiris eventually apologized for his actions, and Sukihana accepted his apology.
— Taylor Gang World Leader (@wizkhalifa) June 24, 2023
Althoug the update was short, it was full of information. In the video, Wiz has to use walking sticks to aid his recovery, but he moves with confidence. In a follow-up video, he demonstrates how far he’s already came. Here, he shows off his ability to walk unassisted.
— Taylor Gang World Leader (@wizkhalifa) June 24, 2023
Judging by Wiz’s social media updates, the gifted lyricist seemed to be motivated. He shared, “4 legs was cool but i like two better.” On Tuesday (June 27), Wiz provided even more detail, proving he’s on the mend. Watch below.
Back still f##### up but takin my time to heal all the way.
— Taylor Gang World Leader (@wizkhalifa) June 27, 2023
Ever since her breakout single “Truth Hurts” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2019, Lizzo has graced the cover of magazines such as Elle, Essence, Time, Vanity Fair, Variety and Vogue. Many fans and industry peers of the Grammy winner often celebrate her for expressing body positivity.
Apparently, Roseanne Barr believes she played a role in opening the door for Lizzo to find mainstream acceptance as a full-figured woman. The Donald Trump supporter took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the Atlantic recording artist.
“When is @lizzobeeating going to thank me for paving the way. An homage to Botero. Photo by Annie Leibovitz,” Roseanne Barr wrote on the social media platform. The statement also served as the caption for a picture of Barr’s appearance on a Vanity Fair cover from 1994.
The Roseanne show was a huge hit for the ABC network during its initial run from 1988 to 1997. Other channels such as TBS, Nick at Nite and WE tv ran reruns for years. Roseanne Barr reprised her role as Roseanne Conner for the sitcom’s revival in 2018.
However, ABC canceled the rebooted series after Roseanne Barr made racially insensitive remarks about Valerie Jarrett, a former advisor to President Barack Obama. ABC then repackaged Roseanne as The Conners without Barr.
Meanwhile, Lizzo continues to present her The Special Tour, which next takes place in Gdynia, Poland on June 28. She released the Special studio album in July 2022. That project debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling roughly 69,000 total album-equivalent units.
Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a lawsuit against Diageo, accusing the London-based alcoholic beverage company of racial discrimination. The spirits maker then ended its 15-year business relationship with the Hip Hop mogul.
The partnership between Diddy and Diageo began in 2007 with Ciroc vodka. Six years later, the two parties entered a joint venture for DeLeón tequila. Diageo also produces Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, and Tanqueray.
Diddy accused Diageo of starving his Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila of resources often given to brands associated with white celebrities. He also alleged Diageo limited DeLeon’s distribution to “urban” customers and an executive told him if he were Martha Stewart then his drinks would be more widespread.
According to reports, Diageo terminated its contract with Diddy because he allegedly breached the terms of their contractual agreement. Diageo also filed a motion to dismiss the music executive’s lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court.
“This Lawsuit And Mr. Combs Are Not Going Away”
“Diageo attempting to end its deals with Mr. Combs is like firing a whistleblower who calls out racism,” says Diddy’s attorney, John C. Hueston, in a statement to AllHipHop.com. “It’s a cynical and transparent attempt to distract from multiple allegations of discrimination.”
John C. Hueston adds, “Over the years, [Combs] has repeatedly raised concerns as senior executives uttered racially insensitive comments and made biased decisions based on that point of view. Diageo even acknowledged the problem by agreeing in his contract to treat DeLeon the same way it treated their other tequila brands.”
Diageo has denied Diddy’s accusations. Lawyers representing the company wrote in a court filing, “These allegations are nothing more than opportunistic attempts to garner press attention and distract the court from the fact that plaintiff’s breach-of-contract claim is entirely without merit.”
The legal battle between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Diageo is likely far from over. Hueston also stated, “[Combs] brought the lawsuit to force them to live up to that contract, and instead they respond by trying to get rid of him. This lawsuit and Mr. Combs are not going away.”
Fans hoping to see Kid Cudi and Lil Uzi Vert at the 2023 Moon Man’s Landing Festival in Cleveland may be disappointed by recent developments. Cudi announced the festival has been canceled.
“Got some bad news,” wrote Kid Cudi in a typed message posted to Twitter. “I’m gonna have to cancel Moon Man’s Landing this year. I know [you] guys wanted an outdoor festival, and so did I, but the city wouldn’t approve it.”
The Cleveland, Ohio native continued, “And instead of canceling the whole thing, I decided to have it at the arena because I still wanted to bring something cool to the city, but I know [you] guys weren’t feeling it.”
Kid Cudi went on to tell his followers that he does plan to bring back the Moon Man’s Landing Festival in 2024 at an outdoor venue. However, next year’s edition will likely have to take place an hour outside of Cleveland.
A few minutes later, Cudi returned to Twitter with another message. The musician/actor posted, “I will not stop until we elevate the whole experience of [coming] to Cleveland. I spent years [dealing with] mental health struggles, and now I’m in a better place to lead and be there for my city. I love y’all!!”
Justin Bibb, the 36-year-old Democratic mayor of Cleveland, offered to help Kid Cudi keep Moon Man’s Landing Festival in the city. Kid Cudi also confirmed anyone who purchased tickets to this year’s canceled event can receive a full refund.
The last several days have seen Lola Brooke perform at the BET Awards and earn a spot on the 2023 XXL Freshman Class cover. The “Don’t Play with It” hitmaker also received public acknowledgment from Hip Hop veteran Meek Mill.
Rolling Stone posted an interview with Lola Brooke where the Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn native rapped lyrics from Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares.” The Arista recording artist also referred to the Philadelphia-raised emcee as her personal idol.
Meek Mill got wind of the clip featuring Lola Brooke, and he reacted to what she had the say on Twitter. On Tuesday afternoon, the Dream Chasers frontman shared the Rolling Stone video with his 11.3 million followers.
“I been knew Lola was a star from when I first seen her so I always wanted her to know I see it too! I be thinking I got powers I can see which ones really different off rip lol,” tweeted Meek Mill.
I been knew lola was a star from when I first seen her so I always wanted her to know I see it too! I be thinking I got powers I can see which ones really different off rip lol https://t.co/fE44jI0P86
Lola Brooke teased an upcoming collaboration with Meek Mill earlier this year. At the time, she said, “Meek Mill is one of my biggest inspirations, and we might already have something in the tuck. Tell Meek we need to tap back in, actually.”
In addition, Brooke garnered cosigns from other high-profile Hip Hop stars such as Lil Kim and Cardi B. Fellow New Yorker A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie tapped the self-described 718 Princess for his 2023 “Me Vs Myself Tour.”
Lola Brooke’s “Don’t Play With It” featuring Billy B grew from a regional hit in 2021 to a national hit in 2023. The single made it onto several Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 chart (No. 69) and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (No. 21).
Nicki Minaj has opened up about her breast reduction after her revelation earlier this month that she underwent a downsizing procedure.
While chatting on Instagram Live with City Girls’ JT monday night (Jun. 26), the NYC icon let slip a few details about the surgery, including her size before the op. A fan’s comment prompted a discussion about their breast size, with Nicki Minaj sharing her frustration at how large they were after having her son.
“Boo boo, if I tell you what size my t###### was. I can promise you, once nature did what they had to do for Papa Bear. It’s no way your boobs right now are still able to look like that and be all sexy and cute and stuff like that in your dresses. Trust me. You did not have the size that I had.”
JT interjected to ask just how big they were before sharing her own struggles trying to get clothes to fit correctly.
“If tell you the size…Do you wanna hear the size that they were?” The “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” hitmaker asked. JT said she did, and so Nicki Minaj obliged. “Triple E, double FF. So, trust me, boo boo. You didn’t have what Onika Tanya had because you would have been doing the same thing I did.”
Although JT said her large breasts make her “look wider’ than she is, Nicki warned her against making changes. “Your breasts are perfect. I like how they look. You ain’t there yet,’ she said before advising JT not to go under the knife.
Nicki Minaj first confirmed her breast reduction surgery earlier this month. She took to Instagram to share a video of her slimmed-down cleavage while promoting her “Barbie World” collaboration with Ice Spice.
“New boobs who dis?” she teased in the comment section.
AUSTIN is the record-breaking musician’s fifth studio album and follows Twelve Carat Toothache which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in June 2022. The project includes the previously-released singles “Chemical” and “Mourning.”
“This whole deal has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, and exciting records I’ve worked on. i feel it captures who i am as a man and as an artist in this moment,” he tweeted on May 16. “Thank y’all so much for your patience, and thank you for being there with me in my hardest times. i love y’all so much, and am ready to f###### party with y’all. cheers, and keep spreading love💕🍻”
He added a few more details in an Instagram update after fans voiced their concerns for the rapper’s health. Post Malone had fun with creating AUSTIN, and “played guitar on every song on the record.” he also revealed he shot a music video in Scotland. “It’s absolutely stunning up there. There’s a big ass ice cube in it which I thought was pretty badass.”
SZA turned her London concert into a confessional, dishing the dirt on an ex-boyfriend who cheated on her while they were in the capital city.
The Grammy Award winning R&B singer made her dramatic admission while floating in the air on an inflatable boat at London’s O2 Arena, where she performed Monday (Jun. 27.)
“I never told anybody but, my boyfriend cheated on me in this city before,” SZA began her story. She then paused while the supportive crowd jeered loudly, before revealing her ex’s infidelity left her with a dislike of the city.
“It was hysterical. That’s why I was really sad to come here but you guys made it better. Thank you!” she said before launching into her next number. “This song is about my other trash ex-boyfriend,” SZA added as she began, “Nobody Gets Me.” Check out the clip below.
In the song, the St. Louis, Missouri native recalls a relationship with her ex-fiancé and how it all fell apart. During an interview with Hot97 last year, she revealed ” The stories that I tell in that song about our arguments.” She recalled that their eventual breakup was “terrible.” SZA felt “doomed” because “nobody understood” or “motivated me the way he did.” She added, “He was just this rock in my life that no longer exists.”
Both the man named in the London story and the “Nobody Gets Me,” ex-fiancé remain unnamed, as does the target or her wrath in “Kill Bill”. However, SZA has a couple of famous exes, including Drake and Kehlani.
Back in 2020, SZA exposed another unfaithful ex-boyfriend in a series of social media posts. She claimed she once caught her man at a party in an extremely compromising position with her friend.
The singer pulled up to the party after being invited by the same “homegirl” who had her sights set on SZA’s man. After searching every room in the house, she finally found her man, and her friend.
He was “f###### my homegirl from the back,” SZA explained. “Everybody thinks they become donkey Kong in that situation but I really just said “oop SORRY !!” And closed the door real fast 😂 I walked all the way home in the dark alone and cried 🥴”
That time I caught my ex f###### my homegirl from the back at a house party 😂… 🤦🏾♀️ story time is not enough
Jeezy has been celebrated in his home city, receiving the Spirit of the League Champion award for his commitment to giving back to his local community.
He received the honor at the annual Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) luncheon Tuesday (Jun. 27), alongside a host of fellow local heroes.
In a statement to local outlet, Atlanta News First, Jeezy said he was “honoured” to receive the award, praising the ULGA for their “dedication and diligence,” in assisting and uplifting “our underserved communities.” He said the league “set a standard of excellence that we should all thrive to duplicate.”
“@Jeezy's full impact has yet to be realized. He doesn’t want to just be known as a rapper. He is an entrepreneur, he’s a businessman, and he just wrote a book, said Nancy Flake Johnson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. DETAILS: https://t.co/sTOSulqfjipic.twitter.com/vOvNsQ0ioA
“I look forward to bridging the gap and doing my part to provide support to those in need,” Jeezy added.
During the ceremony and luncheon, Jeezy dished out advice to the youth, inspiring them to stay out of trouble and strive for success. He cited Tupac as a major influence alongside Magic Johnson, Shaq, and TD Jakes. The Grammy Award-winner hailed them as role models for mastering their craft who also flourished in other fields.
“His advice was to stay focused and stick to your dreams and avoid letting negativity pull you off your track,” Johnson continued.
During his talks, Jeezy reflected on his youth when he was running the streets in gangs. He said he was a product of his environment, but his grandmother’s prayers helped him find a new direction. “She took him to church and poured love and guidance into him,” Johnson added. “She reinforced in him that he was a leader.”
Earlier this month, Jeezy announced his upcoming book “Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe.” The launch (Aug. 8), is set to coincide with the upcoming 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop in August. Pre-order the book here.
Kanye West was so enthralled by a homeless man he met in a church car park that he asked the man to become his campaign manager for the 2024 presidential campaign, according to a BBC Documentary.
In The Trouble with KanYe, which launched Tuesday (Jun. 27) in the U.K., BAFTA Award-winning presenter and investigative journalist Mobeen Azhar traveled to Cornerstone Christian Church in California, where the rapper is frequently spotted.
While there, he met an unhoused man named Mark, living outside the church in his car. Mark told the BBC journalist that Kanye West is a frequent visitor to the church. He claimed Ye often attended with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and other members of his presidential team.
According to Mark, the G.O.O.D. Music founder was impressed by his grasp on theology.
“They all said I was the most religiously erudite in the room,” Mark said of one meeting with the rapper and his cohorts. “Kanye started looking to me for my opinion on every topic that came up.”
Mark then claimed Ye reached out to him with a role in his presidential campaign. “He called me the following Monday, the Monday before Thanksgiving,” he added. “The first thing he said to me was: “I want you to be my Campaign Manager to run for President.’”
He said he was “fascinated” that Kanye West chose him to run the show but added, “God chose me. We’re all actors.”
Kanye West Presidential Bid Reshuffle
Last month, Ye reportedly reshuffled his campaign team, firing Fuentes as manager. He rehired far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos to run the bid after a split in 2022.
“I have been in Los Angeles for the past week with Ye, discussing his presidential aspirations,” Yiannopoulos wrote to Fuentes in an email. “The result of those discussions is that I will be taking the reins once again as his director of political operations.”
Jamie Foxx’s health has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, following his hospitalization in April. We still do not really know what is going on and they have not given us any Information. Porscha Coleman, Foxx’s co-star in the Netflix sitcom Dad Stop Embarrassing Me, has stepped forward to address the rumors and provide an update on his condition.
But we want to know something STILL!
Speaking at the 2023 BET Awards, which just passed, Porscha expressed her frustration with media outlets for spreading information without accurate details. She clarified that she has personally spoken to individuals close to Foxx and assured everyone that he is doing well.
But is he?
Cameron Diaz is set to star alongside Foxx in the upcoming Netflix film “Back in Action.” He remains stunned by the sudden turn of events. Their movie was temporarily stopped on April 12 after Foxx was hospitalized. While the filming continued for a few more days, a stand-in was used for Foxx in certain scenes. Diaz wanted to be there to offer support and assistance in any way possible, but Foxx’s family has chosen to keep his condition under wraps, making it challenging to provide direct help.
I think he had a stroke and is experiencing a tough recovery. Of course, we are all praying for his recovery. I think it is just hard to pray when you don’t know what you are praying for!
Casanova was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for his involvement in a comprehensive RICO case that surfaced in 2020.
Judge Philip M. Halpern sentenced the rapper to 188 months behind bars on Tuesday (June 27). Casanova landed in prison for offenses committed as a member of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone gang.
Casanova and the gang were implicated in a slew of crimes, including drug trafficking, violent assaults and the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Upstate New York.
“Caswell Senior is not just a notorious recording artist, but he is also a high-profile leader of a vicious street gang and a magnet for gang violence,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. “At a crowded Miami house party, Senior personally fired a gun that seriously injured and could have killed a victim, inciting a shootout. Further, Senior’s stature in the community was central to Gorilla Stone’s successful recruitment and nationwide expansion. Today’s sentencing — along with the other significant sentences that have been imposed in this case — shows once again that gang life is not worth it and will lead to many years in prison.”
The rapper was initially charged with racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, intent to manufacture and distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Casanova pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct and participate in the affairs of a criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. To reduce his sentence, Casanova renounced his membership in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation and expressed his desire to dissociate from the gang.
His lawyer, James Kousouros, argued that Casanova’s public repudiation of the gang threatened his life and pressed for a lighter sentence for his client. But the judge gave the rapper more than 15 years in prison.
Nicki Minaj offered to pay college tuition for a 14-year-old boy who shot his mother’s assailant at a hot dog stand in Chicago.
Prosecutors dropped murder charges against Carlishia Hood and her 14-year-old son for their involvement in a deadly shooting that went viral. Nicki Minaj extended her support to Hood and the teen in an Instagram Stories post on Tuesday (June 27).
“That 14-year-old boy that backed dat hammer out when that grown ass man was punching his mother in the face as if she were a MAN is a true hero,” the rapper wrote. “If he wants to go to college, I’d love to help. It’s what ANY son should’ve done for their MOTHER.”
Nicki Minaj added, “She raised a dope kid & should be so proud. Also, God knew b4 she knew that she’d be attacked that day & made sure they had protection on DECK. God is GOOD.”
Earlier this month, cellphone videos captured a confrontation between Hood and a 32-year-old man named Jeremy Brown at Maxwell Street Express in Chicago. Brown repeatedly punched Hood in footage of the incident, which caught Nicki Minaj’s attention.
Hood’s son allegedly grabbed a gun and fired shots at Brown, killing him. Authorities claimed Hood instructed her son to do so and charged them both with murder.
Prosecutors later dropped the charges “based upon our continued review and in light of emerging evidence.” Hood filed a lawsuit against the city of Chicago and five police officers.
Trina isn’t pregnant despite the lingering rumors. The chatter came to a head after her performance at the 2023 BET Awards. During the event, where she joined Trick Daddy to pay tribute to 50 years of Hip-Hop, fans—both on and offline—began speculating about her pregnancy status.
According to a representative for Trina, she’s not expecting a child despite the speculation from fans. The representative emphasized that like any other woman, Trina’s weight may fluctuate, leading to misguided assumptions. Trina has said: MOVE ON!
This isnt the first time pregnancy rumors have swirled around Trina. Similar theories were shut down in 2021 after the BET Hip Hop Awards. Trina has also been open about her struggles with weight in the past, but it seems that people are once again jumping to conclusions.
Fortunately, some of Trina’s fans have come to her defense, criticizing those who hastily jumped on the pregnancy bandwagon.
