A Florida judge granted YNW Melly’s request to strike an entire panel of prospective jurors on Wednesday (November 8). The jury selection process had to start over after the defense made a misstatement of the law, per Law & Crime’s Cathy Russon.
The defense told jurors the prosecution had to prove all elements of the crime, including YNW Melly’s alleged gang association, beyond a reasonable doubt to find him guilty. Prosecutors objected, noting how the defendant can still be found guilty of murder “whether or not the jury finds the gang enhancement.”
Prosecutors wanted the jury instructions to be read again to clear up the confusion. The court agreed, but YNW Melly’s legal team asked to strike the entire panel because the defense would lose “all credibility with the jurors should the court read that instruction.” The defense got its wish, much to the chagrin of the prosecution.
“While the state understands the court acting in an abundance of caution, objections being sustained and jury instructions being read by the court to rectify the misstatement of law should not rise to the level of starting over,” prosecutors argued in a motion. “All of this time being spent on jurors that have now been struck could have gone to time both sides clearly need to further prepare for the trial. The state does not want this to become a pattern where with each objection made, another group of jurors is struck.”
YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, faces a retrial for the 2018 murders of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. The rapper was previously tried for first-degree murder over the summer. The trial ended with a hung jury.
Jury selection for YNW Melly’s retrial began in October. The process started after his lawyers successfully convinced Judge John Murphy to remove former lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley from the case.
Prosecutors convinced a Georgia judge to allow rap lyrics to be used as evidence in Young Thug’s RICO trial. Judge Ural Glanville granted the prosecution’s request in a ruling on Thursday (November 9). According to multiplereports, the judge conditionally admitted 17 sets of lyrics as evidence.
Young Thug and his YSL co-defendants claimed their lyrics were protected by free speech. The defense argued it was “racist and discriminatory” to admit the lyrics as evidence.
“[Prosecutors] are targeting the right to free speech and that’s wrong,” Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel said. “They are saying that just because he is singing about it, he is now part of a crime.”
Judge Glanville rejected the free speech argument.
“They’re not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote,” the judge said. “They’re using the songs to prove other things your clients may have been involved in. I don’t think it’s an attack on free speech.”
Judge Glanville said prosecutors would need to “lay the foundation” to use the lyrics in Young Thug’s trial. The rapper and five co-defendants face gang and racketeering charges in their upcoming trial, which is scheduled to begin on November 27.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was one of the 28 people named in a sweeping RICO indictment of YSL members. He has remained in jail since his May 2022 arrest.
Jermaine Dupri is celebrating the 30th anniversary of So So Def Recordings this year, the label he started when he was barely out of his teens. Late last month, he was welcomed to Atlanta’s Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and now, he’s partnered with TIDAL on a new product called TIDAL Collabs. The idea is to help emerging artists discover and connect with recommended collaborators in an effort to jumpstart the collaboration process, something Dupri truly believes in.
After all, the reputable producer has been instrumental in establishing Atlanta’s Hip-Hop and R&B community with artists like Kriss Kross, Xscape and Da Brat. His subsequent work with Mariah Carey, Usher, Monica, Bow Wow and Destiny’s Child further established his reputation both a gifted songwriter and executive. But he knows without collaboration, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
“This is a new way for artists to collaborate, which seems to be something that has a been a little harder in the past, so TIDAL is creating a way for artists to connect much easier,” Dupri tells AllHipHop. “And a lot of artists today need a collaborator. A lot of artists don’t understand that they need that extra piece to probably just open their mind up a little bit more than what they’ve done in the space they normally in.
“I feel like I’m probably one of the best creative collaborators in music. I’ve been collaborating with people since I started. I have collaborated with someone since the Xscape album, and I also was a guy that was weary about even doing it. So I know the space of a young songwriter-producer not wanting to do it, and then I also know the space of the young songwriter-producer doing it.”
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Without Dupri’s willingness to pair up with another creative, Kriss Kross might not have become No. 1 Billboard artists or had the monster 1992 hit, “Jump.” And he understands why an artist might be hesitant to work with another creative. As he explains, “You want all the credit and you want people to know you are as talented as you believe that you are. So in the beginning, somebody’s asking you to create with someone or collaborate with someone, you don’t actually see the reason for that. Let me rewind.
“Since the beginning with Xscape, I actually had to collaborate with Joe The Butcher for Kriss Kross because I was so young when I got in the game. So that’s another thing. It’s like there may be a young producer, songwriter that really has the skills, but don’t have all that information to make his music sound or make her music sound the way it’s supposed to. And that’s the person. That’s who I was. Right? So I’ve been every one of these people.”
TIDAL is partnering with Dupri for the TIDAL Collabs Spotlight contest. Artists based in the U.S. who match through TIDAL Collabs can win in-studio time with him, where they’ll get advice and insights into the collaborative process. Winners will also receive marketing support for their collaborative track from the TIDAL Collabs Spotlight contest. The deadline is January 17. To access TIDAL Collabs, artists can log in or sign up for TIDAL Artist Home. Learn more about TIDAL Collabs here and watch the promo video below.
Local authorities have charged four people in connection to the murder of 27-year-old Fresno-based rapper Freddie “Fred Locz” Carrasco. Two family members are among the named defendants.
Fred Locz passed away at Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center on June 12. According to The Fresno Bee, police investigators claim multiple rounds of gunfire struck Carrasco’s Honda Accord while driving on Highway 99.
22-year-old Shamon DeJohn Butler and 25-year-old Aquilla Quincy Bailey III entered not guilty pleas in the murder case. The Fresno County District Attorney’s office charged Gracie Mae Snowden, Butler’s mother, and Juliana Woods, a friend of the suspects, with dissuading a witness.
Prosecutors also charged Juliana Woods with an enhancement of dissuading the witness for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Woods reportedly pleaded not guilty in September and received a pre-trial release. Gracie Mae Snowden is out on bail while awaiting to be arraigned on December 1.
“It makes me angry, very angry,” said Fred Locz’s mother, Chastity Gossett. “I want to know why did you do this to him. He was just driving on the freeway on a sunny summer day. And not only did they kill my son, they could have hurt other innocent people on the freeway. It just makes no sense.”
Fred Locz released songs such as “Shorter Days,”“Smoke Wit Us” and “Views Of My Life.” His discography also contains the 2021 full-length projects Fresno To Reno and Pain Unexplained 2. Plus, The Better Dayz EP dropped in January 2022.
Chris Brown did not seem to enjoy parts of Omarion’s recent interview. It looks like the creator of the forthcoming 11:11 album had some words for his “Post To Be” collaborator.
Omarion recently appeared on The Jason Lee Show, and the conversation included him discussing Chris Brown. The Q&A session also covered Brown’s ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran.
The episode included Jason Lee talking about trying to connect Karrueche with Omarion in the past. According to Lee, it appeared they were “feeling each other” and he thought a relationship was likely to happen.
“Yeah, that’s true,” Omarion replied. Jason Lee then brought up that Karrueche Tran was later seen with Brown, and he questioned why Omarion had not spoken about the situation. The “Touch” performer responded, “C’mon now, you got to be unbothered!”
Apparently, Chris Brown got wind of Omarion’s sitdown with Jason Lee. The Grammy Award winner took to social media to address the rumors that his ex nearly dated the fellow R&B performer.
“Mannnn… If you don’t get [your] lame ass on somewhere. N##### be reaching for the [stars],” Chris Brown wrote on his Instagram Story from Wednesday, November 10.
Hours later, Omarion used his own Instagram account to actually show some love to Chris Brown. The B2K singer shared another clip from The Jason Lee show where he insisted the two 30-something entertainers have a mutual respect for each other.
Deion Sanders took the college football world by storm when he took over the head coaching job at the University of Colorado Boulder. The team has slipped to 4-5 for the season, but Coach Prime did receive a special honor this week.
Snoop Dogg announced that Deion Sanders now has his own limited-edition Snoop Cereal flavor. The former professional football and professional baseball player’s face appears on the front of the brand’s box.
“[Master P] and I are celebrating [Deion Sanders] for leading and inspiring us. First Coach on [Snoop Cereal] box [Post Cereals] Prime Time Honey-O Snax,” Snoop Dogg wrote on Instagram.
Earlier this year, Master P and Snoop Dogg announced a national distribution deal with Post Holdings. Both Hip-Hop legends joined forces to present Broadus Foods, a breakfast line available on Amazon and in stores across the country.
“HAPPY MLK DAY @snoopdogg and I are the first Black-owned cereal company with a national distribution deal. Salute to [Post Cereals] for believing in diversity. SnoopCereal.com BroadusFoods.com. The more we make, the more we give. #GODisGOOD #goldspoon,” Master P posted in January.
Additionally, Master P recently posted, “[Deion Sanders] is a Real Leader. Even [through] adversity, he’s preparing his team to weather the storm. They can’t stop God’s Plan. #WeAllWeGot It ain’t how you start it’s how you finish. [Colorado football] have NO QUIT in them!”
Longtime music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid helped establish the careers of many of today’s top stars. However, the former head of Epic Records, Def Jam Recordings and Arista Records is now facing a sexual assault civil case.
According to multiple reports, former Arista executive Drew Dixon filed a lawsuit against L.A. Reid in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York. Dixon claims Reid assaulted her twice while working at Arista in 2001.
The suit reportedly alleges that Reid groped, kissed and penetrated Dixon without her consent on a company trip and during a ride home from an event in New York. She accuses Reid of stalling her career after the alleged assaults.
Back in 2017, Drew Dixon accused Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons of being a sexual abuser. At the time, Dixon also named L.A. Reid as another industry heavyweight who allegedly sexually harassed her in the 2000s.
“It was a quid pro quo: ‘I have power, you want access, sleep with me — or I’m going to be really mean to you the next day. And there will be consequences,’” Dixon said in 2017 about the alleged harassment.
In response, Reid stated, “I’m proud of my track record promoting, supporting and uplifting women at every company I’ve ever run. That notwithstanding, if I have ever said anything capable of being misinterpreted, I apologize unreservedly.”
L.A. Reid, alongside Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, launched the R&B/Hip-Hop label LaFace Records in 1989. The Atlanta-based company was once home to successful acts like Toni Braxton, Goodie Mob, OutKast, TLC, and Usher.
While at Def Jam, Reid oversaw the rise of Kanye West and Rihanna. His run at Epic produced hit records for DJ Khaled, Future and Travis Scott. He is also credited with assisting the recording career resurgence of Mariah Carey in the mid-2000s.
Vevo has released the list for the music video network’s tenth “DSCVR Artists to Watch” campaign. Hip-Hop performers such as Fridayy, ScarLip and Teezo Touchdown made it into the class of 2024.
“For the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of watching the alumni of this program go from talented emerging artists to global superstars,” said JP Evangelista, SVP, Content, Programming and Marketing, Vevo.
Evangelista continued, “From Billie Eilish to Sam Fender, Ice Spice to Wet Leg, to Feid and beyond, the exceptional amount of diverse talent our past list members have is astounding to say the least. Today, we are thrilled to announce the lineup for 2024.”
Chappell Roan, Elmiene, Florentina, HARLEY, Jazzy, Judeline, Khamari, Libianca, LU KALA, Mae Stephens, Nathan Galante, Olly, Qing Madi, Sarah Kinsley, Strandz, and The Last Dinner Party are also part of Vevo’s “DSCVR Artists to Watch” for next year.
Beginning November 8th, Vevo’s DSCVR ATW will showcase high-quality live performance video content from each act. Vevo shot two exclusive performances for each artist. Additionally, Vevo’s network will feature ATW artists/bands on playlists and editorial features.
“This list is a true passion project for all of Vevo, powered by our in-house team of music lovers who are committed to finding the next big act to shine a spotlight on,” JP Evangelista also stated. With the help of our vast distribution network, marketing and promotional efforts, and top-tier production team, we have the ability to assist these artists in their journey to the top.
While Jeezy is business savvy enough to turn his life story from the streets to fame into a bestselling book, he didn’t even have a bank account at the start of his career.
The Adversity for Sale author revealed that he was so clueless about the music business Jay-Z had to warn him to “quit playing” over a multi-million-dollar check.
During the latest episode of Revolt’s Assets Over Liabilities podcast, Jeezy recalled receiving his first publishing check for “a few million” dollars. However, when he failed to deposit the check for over a year, he got a call from a Warner Music Group executive.
“I ain’t cash the check for like a year and a half,” Jeezy explained. “He called me and said, ‘What’s going on with the check I gave you?’”
Jeezy said he kept it real and admitted he left the check in some pants and lost track of it. It took a call from Hov before the “Put On” hitmaker got his act together.
Jeezy Said Jay-Z Told Him To “Quit Playing” Over The Check
“Jay-Z called me like, ‘Yo man, you gotta quit playing,’” he added.
According to Jeezy, he “was straight” when he left the streets for the music industry.
“I was more infatuated with the fact that people liked what I was doing,” he shared. “I didn’t need the money, or so I thought.”
At the time, Jeezy said he was “paranoid of banks,” fearing that the feds might think he was money laundering and so used to keep his money in a shoebox.
“When Def Jam gave me my check, I didn’t even have an account. I was just putting the checks in the box,” Jeezy revealed. “Because I didn’t understand how it worked. I was too embarrassed to ask.”
Check out the clip below and watch the episode at the end of the page.
Patti LaBelle and Cardi B have joined forces in a seasonal partnership, uniting their dessert brands for the holidays.
The R&B/soul legend is pairing her Good Life pies with the NYC rap icon’s alcoholic whipped cream Whipshots for a sweet, festive combo. Despite meeting for the first time, Patti LaBelle said she felt like she and Cardi B were “supposed to be together” for a long time.
“I’ve been her mother in my mind for a long time because she’s just all that and a bag of chips,” LaBelle told PEOPLE. And I’m all that and a bag of chips.”
The “Bongos” hitmaker admitted she felt “like I’m not worthy” and “shook” to meet LaBelle. “I’m super starstruck. I’m on my best behavior,” she added.
“Oh, don’t be on your best behavior with me because I’m really bad,” Patti LaBelle replied, prompting Cardi to joke, “I will be doing splits on these tables.”
The campaign ad shows Patti LaBelle greeting Cardi B with a warm embrace before the duo whipped up some pie and cream combinations with glasses of wine in hand.
LaBelle initially questioned Cardi’s sweet potato pie and pumpkin cream suggestion. “They make love together. You gotta trust me on this one,” Cardi insisted as Labelle tasted the treat. “You were right,” she replied. Check out the teaser below.
A$AP Rocky sat in court on the first day of his probable cause hearing as his former friend A$AP Relli testified that Rocky threatened to kill him before shooting him and fleeing the scene.
Rolling Stone reports video of the alleged shooting was played in the Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday (November 8) at a hearing to determine if there’s enough evidence to try the “Praise the Lord” hitmaker on two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
According to the outlet, things got so combative in the courtroom that the judge ordered a break in the afternoon for all parties to cool off.
A$AP Rocky denies the charges and believes the case is a shakedown attempt. Relli told the court he and Rocky had become estranged and claimed his former friend shot him in an armed ambush.
The grainy video does not depict the actual shooting, but it shows a group of men involved in an altercation on November 6, 2021.
Relli testified that he sent a text to Rocky days before the shooting, calling him “fake” for going back on his promise to pay for a friend’s funeral expenses. He sent other texts that went unanswered before Rocky finally replied on the evening of November 6, 2021.
They agreed to meet, and Relli claimed A$AP Rocky showed up with Illijah Ulanger, also known as A$AP Illz, and Jamel Phillips, also known as A$AP Twelvyy.
A$AP Relli Testified A$AP Rocky Told Him: “I’ll Kill You Right Now”
Relli testified Rocky pulled out a gun and said, “I’ll kill you right now,” to which he replied, “Shoot that s###. Why you brought a gun if you’re not going to use it? You don’t scare me.”
He continued saying, “I was talking a bunch of s###,” but denied getting physical. “I was letting [Rocky] know how much he failed everybody, because nobody else was brave enough to say how they feel about this man.”
Relli claims Rocky fired at him several times, with the first shot grazing his left hand before everyone fled the scene. He said he did not call 911 because he wanted to consult a lawyer first. He also said he only sought media attention for his hand when he returned to New York.
In the hours following the shooting, Relli claims he and Rocky exchanged text messages. He accused Rocky of trying to “set me up,” but his former friend told him to call the cops.
“Rel wtf why u telling people I shot at you,” A$AP Rocky wrote in one message. “Now u tryna extort n—-s talking bout i shot u n shot u 4 times…all types of nonsense,” he wrote in another. “Call the police… you weirdo.”
ASAP Rocky maintains his innocence. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm last year. He is currently free on a $550,000 bond. If found guilty, he could face up to nine years behind bars.
As he left court, Rocky told a reporter that he’s feeling “Good.”
Grammy-nominated producer/artist, actress, chef, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Malissa “Mali” Wilson (formerly Mali Hunter) has a full plate of responsibilities but still makes it a priority to feed the hearts and minds of her community through service.
Mali’s successful collaborations with Chris Brown, T.I., J. Cole, Usher, Drake, Rick Ross and many others opened up opportunities for her to build bridges that would help close the knowledge gap for those looking to break into the entertainment industry. In 2008, Mali founded EarthGirl to help women of color compete in the business and provide a safe space for holistic healing.
StoneWood Studios and StoneWood Ranch Estates are home base for Mali’s Earth Angel Worldwide venture which serves as a non-profit, private university and campground for the EarthGirl village of creatives.
Last week at the StoneWood Ranch Estates Mali and her incredible husband, Real Estate Mogul, Eric Wilson, hosted her annual EarthGirl event in conjunction with Toyota. The Toyota EarthGirl Music Academy is a creative camp for music and art lovers to receive instruction and nourishment from some of the best in the industry. The ladies received various fruits of wisdom from a diverse list of well respected instructors such as, Mickey Factz (Hip-Hop Historian/ artist), Joy Young (promotional director & music executive), Charlece Delacourdray (music technologist) and Ashlee Roberts (composer/musician) just to name a few.
Check out some of the images and vocals from the event.
The Weeknd has postponed the Australia and New Zealand leg of his tour.
Two weeks before the ANZ shows of his ‘After Hours Til Dawn Tour” were scheduled to begin – the last dates on the tour – concertgoers received an email announcing its postponement.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must reschedule the Australia/New Zealand tour. New dates will be announced next year and current tickets will be valid for the new shows,” the email read. “Refunds will be available for those unable to attend the new dates. Deeply disappointed but can’t wait to be there with you!”
Live Nation Australia & New Zealand also posted: “We understand fans will be disappointed, and Live Nation is focused on working with The Weeknd to secure a new tour schedule. We will make a further announcement as soon as possible.”
The Weeknd was set for an 11-date trek across Australia and New Zealand, including two shows in Brisbane, three in Sydney, four in Melbourne, and two in Auckland.
The Weeknd kicked off his current tour in July 2022 and recently completed the Latin America run of dates.
Magic Johnson has stated that the NFL approves of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance.
During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the Washington Commanders co-owner commented on Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs player’s budding relationship.
After Jimmy noted, “By the way, get one of those Commanders to date Taylor Swift. It seems like you make so much money,” Magic replied, “Exactly, well the NFL is very happy about that whole situation.”
Taylor and Travis first sparked romance rumors when the singer attended a Kansas City Chiefs game in September, sitting beside the player’s mother Donna Kelce in the stands.
The appearance followed Travis’s failed attempt to hand Taylor a friendship bracelet during an Eras tour stop in July.
Taylor and her celebrity friends, including Sophie Turner and Blake Lively, have recently been spotted cheering Travis on at several games.
Fanatics have reported a 400% increase in Travis’s jersey sales since his rumored relationship with Taylor began.
Additionally, StubHub has reported a threefold increase in ticket sales for Kansas City Chiefs games since September.
Before coming into co-ownership of the Washington Commanders, Magic, real name Earvin, played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Travis Scott is now in the SoFi Stadium history books following his recent Circus Maximus Tour in Los Angeles. According to HITS Daily Double, Scott became the first rapper to headline and sellout SoFi on Saturday (November 5)— which purportedly attracted more than 70,000 attendees.
Scott’s merch sales are also outperforming mainstream artists of similar or higher caliber, considering the average dollar amount for merch sales per attendee is nearly $85, a higher amount than the average for both BTS and Taylor Swift’s recent performance dates at SoFi. Per the projected earnings, the Live Nation-produced tour is currently on pace to generate more than $100 million in revenue with only 39 dates in the set.
The record-breaking start to Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour follows an incredibly successful rollout campaign for his recent chart-topping LP, UTOPIA. The star-studded project has also sustained a massive online presence since it was released in August, generating more than 1.5 million in online impressions and activity thus far. The album also spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 500,000 units in its opening week.
Check out a recap of the SoFi Stadium concert below.
Eazy-E, founder of N.W.A and Ruthless Records, is getting a street named after him in Compton, the same California city he grew up in. The City of Compton will rename Auto Plaza Drive South after the gangsta rap legend, officially giving it the name “Eazy Street.” A commemorative event celebrating the name change will be held on November 22 from noon to 3 p.m. PT and is open to the public.
Senator Steve Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, Compton Mayor Emma Shariff, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Compton City Council members Andre Spicer, Diedra Duhart, Jonathan Bowers and Lillie P. Darden were among the elected officials who unanimously voted to make Eazy Street a reality. Eazy’s s son, Lil Eazy-E, will be on deck for a performance with N.W.A’s DJ Yella of NWA as will fellow Compton native DJ Joe Cooley of Rodney O and Joe Cooley fame.
“To hear our father Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright is being honored during the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, it’s a testament to his impact and legacy in the genre,” Lil Eazy-E tells AllHipHop. “His contributions to Hip-Hop music and the entertainment business and culture continue to be recognized and celebrated, and we are truly grateful. We will continue to make sure our father’s charitable contributions will continue to be our goal thru our nonprofit, the Eric Wright Foundation. We truly appreciate the honor.”
Eazy-E passed away in March 1995 when Lil Eazy-E was only 10-years-old. Like his father, Lil E is a recording artist and an executive in his own right, serving as the president of Rich & Ruthless Records. Earlier this year, Lil Eazy released The Legacy featuring Daz Dillinger of Tha Dogg Pound. He’s also the president of Rich & Ruthless Cannabis, a company that grows and supplies cannabis product. Also like his father, he’s been active in philanthropic efforts, and remains committed to encouraging peace on the streets between rival gangs.
He adds, “The street naming serves as a symbol of recognition and commemoration, ensuring that our father has a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. It is a wonderful way for the city of Compton to honor his influence and the cultural significance that he brought to the community. I am truly grateful and honored to see my dad’s legacy continue to be remembered in my hometown, Compton, California on Eazy Street, 90221.”
Quando Rondo accused a person with close ties to him of snitching on Wednesday (November 8). The Georgia-bred artist did not identify the alleged snitch but said someone in his circle was cooperating with the authorities in his drug and gang case.
“I ain’t fw with nobody right now!” Quando Rondo wrote on Instagram Stories. “I don’t want nobody with my number right now! I got one of the best lawyers and private investigators on my team. This discovery [and] paperwork done [opened] my eyes one of y’all n##### in the circle been talking that’s why I cut all ties. I’m innocent!”
He added, “They gone say who lul brah talking bout, I’m talking bout everybody. I’m putting this out there so everybody can see this y’all n##### hell, I’m [too] solid to fold! & I don’t want no beef with you, I’ma str8 up tell you in yo face you got it I’m scared of you.”
Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, was indicted on drug and gang charges in June. He was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act, participating in criminal activity in association with a street gang and illegal use of a communication facility.
The rapper was one of 19 people indicted in the drug and gang case. A Georgia judge granted bond to Quando Rondo despite the prosecution’s objections.
“We’d like to invite you on a less-than-luxurious tour of a filthy (for that’s what they are) crocodile factory farm with us to see the living origins of your ‘Millionaire’ bag,” PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said in a statement sent to AllHipHop. “You’d want to bring along nose plugs and high boots to wade through fetid, waste-filled water. If we go to an indoor tank, also bring a flashlight, because you won’t see daylight. There are no blurred lines here. Killing wildlife for a bag isn’t cool—it’s cold.”
Williams assumed the role of men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton earlier this summer. His controversial new bag, dubbed the “Millionaire Speedy,” is only available on a made-to-order basis. The bag isn’t available on Louis Vuitton’s website, which likely means an invite is required to buy it. A variety of crocodile colors are available, including rouge (red), vert (green), bleu (blue) and marron (brown). Both the bag, handles and leather strap appear to be crafted from crocodile, and the body of the bag is topped by the label’s signature LV monogram. There’s also a gold chain and an engraved gold lock included.
The colorful bag is also available in non-croc version, but an invite is still required. Something tells us, PETA won’t be requesting one—alligator skin or not.
Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden revealed the company might be unable to sell roughly $320 million worth of unsold Yeezy shoes on Wednesday (November 8). According to the Associated Press, Gulden admitted the company could write off the remaining inventory after terminating its relationship with Kanye West.
“Right now, that is financially the worst case and it is a possibility,” Gulden told reporters on a conference call. “Currently, there is no decision.”
Adidas sold some of its Yeezy inventory via two releases in 2023. A portion of the profits were donated to the Anti-Defamation League and a charitable organization founded by Philonise Floyd, the brother of the late George Floyd. Gulden wanted Adidas to release more of its Yeezy stock in 2024 but did not know if it was feasible.
“We of course hope we can do more drops next year and we can get more value out of it and donate the proceeds,” he said. “But right now, financially, we haven’t made a decision and that’s why the outlook is the way it is.”
Adidas ended its partnership with Kanye in 2022. The company cut ties due to Ye’s antisemitic remarks. The company reported a $540 million loss following the split.
Before gracing the Super Bowl Halftime stage, Usher is paying tribute to the legends who paved the way for him. In a conversation with E! News, the veteran singer shared his personal R&B Mount Rushmore—a classic method for highlighting one’s top four favorites.
Right from the start, he confidently asserted, “I get to include myself in there.” He then revealed his esteemed quartet: “Marvin Gaye takes his place, Michael [Jackson] is a must, Prince is unquestionably present, and I’d also honor a few remarkable female vocalists like Whitney Houston. It’s not limited to just men, after all.”
But wait a second, is Usher worthy of such an incredible distinction?
Usher’s confidence is something that I can’t help but admire, and I believe him to be a G.O.A.T. with a few of his peers. His resurgence, resilience and relevance is unparalleled in modern times. So whether you’re a fan or not, you have to give it to him; he knows who he is and he’s not afraid to show it. But let’s take a moment to delve into what this confidence means in the broader context of the Mount Rushmore of R&B.
LeBron James put it down in basketball in a way that it sparked the worldwide conversation of who is better, him or Michael Jordan. In the basketball world, the brother—like Usher—put himself on the pedestal alongside the all-time greats so the scrutiny is bound to come. It’s like an unspoken challenge to the world, saying, “Judge me by the standards of the best there ever was.”
It’s only natural for us to start examining the receipts.
Now, the term “receipts” (slang coined by Whitney Houston) can mean many things. Some might focus on statistical achievements like record sales or the number of chart-topping hits. Others could argue that a successful Las Vegas residency, like Usher’s, is a testament to an artist’s enduring appeal. Some artists like MJ sold a staggering amount of records, showcasing his immense popularity. It’s interesting to note the distinction made between R&B and pop, with the assertion that pop such as MJ or Whitney Houston is essentially R&B for a broader audience. They transcended all boundaries, especially those of a racial sort. In a way, this highlights the fusion and evolution of music genres over time.
But it’s essential to recognize that while we can have these discussions about pop, R&B and their intersections, the heart of it all is music. Regardless of labels or categories, music, at its core, is a universal language that connects people across the globe. It’s about personal expression, cultural narratives and the emotions it evokes.
So, when artists like Usher proudly claim their place in the pantheon of greats, it’s a reminder of the power of music to inspire and transcend. Their confidence challenges us to engage with the art form on a deeper level, to appreciate the diversity within it and to acknowledge that music, in all its forms, has the potential to move and unite us all.
And that’s exactly what he’s doing right now. His Las Vegas residency is a sight to behold. Usher, without question, is an A-list singer and songwriter, a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dancer with a magnetic charisma. The show blends timeless classics and his R&B hits. The series marks an unforgettable moment in music history.
R&B, or rhythm and blues if you will, has a rich and storied history, with legends like Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin who used their music to challenge the status quo and stand up for the greater good of Black society. These artists created songs that became anthems for social change, addressing the pressing issues of their time.
In contrast, when we look at more recent figures in the R&B world, like Usher and R. Kelly, it becomes challenging to find songs in their repertoire that have had a similar impact on society or taken a stand on significant issues. The absence of protest and militancy in their music leaves a void that their predecessors worked hard to fill.
R. Kelly, who has always been a scoundrel to me, made significant contributions to the genre, particularly with his “Trapped in the Closet” series, which pushed the boundaries of R&B storytelling. However, his career took a hit due to personal controversies, most notably the infamous “P### on You” video scandal. Now, R. Kelly whatever greatness he may have had has been destroyed by accusations of sexual abuse that stretched back to the early days of his career in the 1990s. Now, the one-time Pied Piper of R&B sits in a cell after being struck down with a 30-year prison sentence coupled with numerous counts of sex trafficking, racketeering related to underaged girl. This legal series has left a lasting, permanent stain on his legacy, overshadowing his musical achievements.
Usher, on the other hand, has enjoyed a successful career with numerous hits and the iconic Las Vegas residency. Still, his music has not been marked by the kind of social responsibility and activism that defined the R&B greats of the past. That is not to suggest Usher doesn’t give back, because he does, but does he have a seminal song that represents for the people?
To be considered at the top echelon of R&B, artists have historically had to make sacrifices for the greater good of Black society. Legends such as James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Michael Jackson used their music as a platform to address pressing social issues and advocate for change. They created songs that stood as calls to action, addressing racism, inequality and injustice.
Marvin does. Michael does. Prince does. Even Whitney does. While Usher undoubtedly produced enjoyable and influential music, his work doesn’t have the same social impact. And we can definitely argue it’s needed right now.
There’s a rich tradition of protest and militancy in R&B music. We’re looking for contemporary artists to take up this mantle. Music is a powerful medium that can inspire change, raise awareness and challenge the status quo. As we continue to enjoy the sounds of modern R&B, it’s worth asking whether these artists can rise to the occasion and contribute to the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice. The responsibility of continuing the legacy of R&B’s greats lies not only in creating hits but also in inspiring change through the power of music.
We don’t see it so much, but there are some remnants. Jill Scott has shaken things up with her rendition of the “National Anthem.” Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar recently joined voices on a hit record talking about America—and this is all legacy that started since we set foot on this land.
Regardless, Usher stands as one of the immortal figures of R&B. While I may not find Usher’s tunes gracing my personal playlists, it’s an undeniable fact that he’s an omnipotent force in the world of music—a sentiment I’m never, ever going front on. His contribution to the industry is nothing short of legendary, and it’s essential to recognize the gravity of his influence on music lovers worldwide.
And that’s what is key: concocting a formula that transcends personal tastes and preferences. His ability to unite people through the medium of music is a testament to the universality of his work and the power of the art form itself. So respect.
Usher’s much-anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next February may be the biggest show of his career, as the Super Bowl is the most watched event of the year. This could be a transcendent moment that puts him on that Mt. Rushmore. He said, “The power of manifesting things into reality is genuine, and I’m genuinely thrilled about what’s in store for that night.”
He admitted that iconic headlining sets by Michael Jackson and Prince were partial inspiration for his looming Super Bowl outing. Personally, I can’t wait to see what he has for us on that day.
