Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is finally available for the public to purchase… as a $1 NFT. The album’s owner PleasrDAO launched the sale on Thursday (June 13).
“This album sale is more than just about the music,” a PleasrDAO rep said. “It’s about redefining how we think about ownership of music and fan collaboration in the digital age.”
The lone copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was originally sold to “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli in 2015. A legal agreement prevented the album from being commercially exploited until 2103. Shkreli forfeited the album as part of his punishment for a fraud conviction. PleasrDAO bought the Wu-Tang Clan project for $4 million in 2021.
PleasrDAO negotiated with the album’s producer Cilvaringz to secure Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’s commercial rights and make it available to the public. According to Decrypt, PleasrDAO acquired the rights to 16 of the 31 tracks.
The world's most expensive album is available for $1.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was digitized and encrypted for a unique sale. NFT buyers will receive immediate access to an album sampler created by Cilvaringz. More music will become available as PleasrDAO works on securing the complete rights.
PleasrDAO aims to accelerate the 2103 release date with each NFT purchase, which shaves time off the countdown clock. Wu-Tang Clan members, Cilvaringz and other contributors will receive a part of the proceeds from the sales.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is “distributed in partnership with Privy, Crossmint, and Holograph and is built on Base.” Fans do not need cryptocurrency to buy the album. Credit cards and Apple Pay are also accepted on TheAlbum.com.
Wu-Tang Clan’s album went on sale days after PleasrDAO sued Shkreli for misappropriation of confidential information, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage and unjust enrichment, among other claims. Shkreli was accused of illegally retaining copies of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.
Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel avoided spending the weekend in jail for a contempt charge in the YSL RICO trial. The Georgia Supreme Court granted bond to Steel, who was held in contempt and sentenced to 20 days behind bars, in a ruling on Wednesday (June 12).
“Pretermitting whether this emergency motion for supersedeas or the related appeal fall within this Court’s jurisdiction over murder cases … we hereby grant a writ of certiorari as to both the emergency motion and the appeal of the contempt order,” the court declared. “When the appeal of the contempt order is docketed in the Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals is directed to transfer that appeal and record to this Court.”
The court added, “We further grant supersedeas with respect to the trial court’s order holding Steel in criminal contempt. As a result, enforcement of the trial court’s order is stayed pending resolution of the appeal.”
Judge Ural Glanville held Steel in contempt for refusing to reveal who told the lawyer about a private meeting between the judge, prosecutors and witness Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland on Monday (June 10). Steel raised concerns in court, questioning why the defense wasn’t included in the meeting
Steel was arrested for not disclosing the source of his information. Glanville ordered Steel to report to jail by 7 p.m. on Friday (June 14). Steel filed an appeal.
The judge intended to have Steel spend 10 weekends in jail amid Young Thug’s trial. The Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling allowed Steel to stay out of custody until his appeal is settled.
“We are thrilled that Brian will be home with his family for Father’s Day this weekend,” Steel’s lawyer Ashleigh Merchant told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We appreciate how quickly and thoughtfully our appellate courts handled this unfortunate situation.”
Young Thug’s slow-moving trial began in November 2023. He has remained in jail since his May 2022 arrest.
Sisters Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young host the ribbon cutting and tasting of Clark & Chesterfield Whiskey in Washington to advocate for women and minorities in the booming spirits industry
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, renowned for its exceptional handcrafted whiskey creations, is proud to announce its exciting expansion into the heart of Washington, DC on June 24.
Sisters, Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, the visionaries behind New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, are thrilled to bring their passion for whiskey and culinary innovation to the vibrant culinary scene of the nation’s capital. To celebrate this momentous occasion, owners Alisa & Nilaja will host a Whiskey and dessert tasting crafted in collaboration with acclaimed Food Network Champion Tiffany Lightfoot.
“As a whiskey maker, I’ve always been captivated by the idea of pairing our unique flavors with pastry-making and I’m thrilled to know this will be nothing less than a magical experience,” said Young.
The tasting promises an unparalleled sensory experience, inviting restaurant enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs alike to embark on a journey of taste and texture. Infused cupcakes were an idea born to create memorable sensory experiences for food and beverage enthusiasts. The event features a delectable infusion of New England Sweetwater’s finest Maple and Honey whiskeys along with a conversation on economic opportunities for women and African Americans in the spirits industry.
The Black ribbon-cutting ceremony presented by Good Juice DC will feature a gathering of esteemed local bakers, culinary influencers, and community leaders. Guests can savor the inaugural batch of signature cupcakes while enjoying complimentary tastings, music and remarks by the area’s esteemed hospitality community members and special guests.
“We are thrilled to welcome the New England Sweetwater family into the Washington, DC community,” said Lightfoot “This collaboration celebrates our shared love for exceptional flavors and craftsmanship, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences together.”
The event will occur at My Cake Theory, 325 7th St SE on June 24. For media inquiries, please email LaWanda at la*****@*************pr.com.
About New England Sweetwater Distillery:
New England Sweetwater Distillery is a renowned whiskey maker dedicated to crafting exceptional handcrafted spirits with a commitment to quality, innovation, and community. Owned and operated by sisters, Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, the distillery prides itself on its rich heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and passion for pushing the boundaries of flavor exploration.
The former drug kingpin locked in a fiery $1 billion lawsuit against 50 Cent over the hit TV series “Power” has the rap star’s lawyers on high alert after threatening to kill the rap star turned TV mogul.
Cory “Ghost” Holland asserts that “Power” closely mirrors his life story, depicted in a 2007 CD titled Blasphemy, which he claims he sent to series co-creator Courtney Kemp’s father as a plea for a legitimate exit from the drug trade.
He insists that the characters and storylines, specifically the protagonist, Ghost, are based on his real-life experiences, and he accuses the defendants of exploiting his life for profit without permission.
The feud took a menacing twist, and the tension ratcheted up after Holland made a bold declaration in correspondence to 50 Cent’s lawyers that AllHipHop.com has exclusively obtained.
“If a m########### gets killed because your m############ client threaten me and my family, file a m############ motion for that,” Holland declared, escalating tensions in this high-stakes battle. “I ain’t playing with your m########### client no more, next time he or anyone he sends pull up, f### the litigation.”
“50 Cent plays games with people’s lives, he humiliates people, he comes to their homes, then plays a victim. He constantly in somebody mess. Plaintiff has warned 50 Cent, he ain’t no entertainer.”
50 Cent’s legal counsel expressed grave concern over these violent proclamations to Judge Analisa Torres.
“This language can only be understood as a threat of violence against Mr. Jackson and his counsel,” they informed the court. “We are also in the process of notifying the relevant local authorities.”
Still, Holland contends that in previous incidents, 50 Cent has dispatched “goons” to his home, forcing him to flee Michigan.
He alleges a chilling confrontation at a gas station where purported henchmen threatened him.
Adding to the drama, Holland charges that he had to relocate his mother out of fear for her safety due to 50 Cent’s alleged harassment.
“Plaintiff had [to] up and move [his mother] from her state out of fear that 50 Cent was go harm her and me. Plaintiff try’s [sic] to protect himself and deal with the constant pressure and fear that is real,” Holland wrote in another letter to the judge.
50 Cent’s attorneys have dismissed Holland’s case as baseless, emphasizing that “Power’s” characters are fictional.
They stressed the untimeliness of Holland’s claims and argued that halting the series’ expansion would infringe on their intellectual property rights.
Despite the sharp rebuke from 50 Cent’s camp, Holland stresses the extensive emotional and financial damage he claims to have suffered, including the alleged theft of his life story.
“This is about the actual theft of my life, and the damages that it has done as well as the profits that the defendants have made,” Holland claims.
I recently talked to a source, who shared some exciting information about LL COOL J. First things first: LL COOL J is one of the original Hip-Hop G.O.A.T.s. Despite the time that’s passed since his debut, some things just don’t change.
Here’s the rumor: my source says LL COOL J will release his greatest album ever this year. Knowing LL COOL J’s legacy, this is a bold statement considering his numerous great albums and incredible bodies of work. To claim that this new album, made while he’s in his 50s, will be his best yet is huge. What’s more, he’s collaborating with another legend—Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest.
Q-Tip has been focusing on his personal life and hasn’t been at the forefront of the music industry recently. However, my source insists that this collaboration will be a landmark and truly represent a paradigm shift in classic Hip-Hop. This project could also shift the perception of older artists, proving they can still produce groundbreaking work.
I am excited for LL COOL J, Q-Tip and everyone involved in this project. I believe my source when they say this album will be a classic. The big question is: are people ready for it?
Here’s a bonus tip that I cannot say more about, but Q-Tip is working with a legendary artist from the South on new music. Guess who!?!
Luh CEO’s incredible journey from a little village with fewer than 1200 residents to the early phases of the music industry is deeply rooted in the streets of Mississippi, just outside of Memphis.
Luh CEO was found on Instagram Live with only a few thousand followers. His rise in the music industry is largely due to his unwavering determination and natural skill. His perseverance and tenacity have cleared the path for his accomplishment even in the face of potentially fatal situations.
Luh CEO, at only 15 years old, narrowly avoided a terrifying bullet wound that may have put an early end to his aspirations. The fact that his grandma passed away in 2020 from COVID-19 added to the anguish of this incident. Although these severe losses might have brought anybody to their knees, CEO used them as fuel to drive transformation. Following these catastrophes, he decided to focus his energies on music, finding comfort and meaning in his work.
His talent attracted the attention of Carl Crawford and Darrian Smith from 1501 Certified Entertainment a year after these significant events. Even though he only had 3,500 followers at the time, his potential was clear. He closed one chapter of his life and entered the professional music industry, leaving behind the streets of Mississippi.
Apple’s Street Politics playlist featured Luh CEO’s debut single, “Never Lackin,” which was produced by SGT J, who is most recognized for his work on Erica Banks’s popular song, “Buss It.” The song grabbed popularity fast, independently accumulating over 100,000 streams. His early success served as a crystal-clear indicator of his abilities and the potential influence of his music.
Ever since “Never Lackin” came out, Luh CEO’s profile has expanded dramatically. Since January, he has added more than 50,000 followers to his YouTube account, and in only six months, his videos have received 1.5 million views. These achievements signify more than simply statistics; they also show a rising fan base and influence within the rap scene.
Another noteworthy accomplishment in Luh CEO’s blossoming career is performing at SXSW. He has demonstrated his skill to a larger audience thanks to this esteemed platform, which has enhanced his reputation as an artist to watch. His genuine narrative and the unadulterated passion he brings to the stage, drawn from his own struggles and experiences, define his performances.
The challenges Luh CEO has faced are significant, but they have also shaped his journey. Surviving a gunshot wound and losing his best friend have instilled in him a resilience that is evident in his music. His ability to overcome these obstacles and continue pursuing his dreams is a powerful message to his listeners.
CEO has lofty goals. He sees his songs reaching the Billboard charts and playing at Rolling Loud. His goals demonstrate his resolve to make a significant contribution to the music business and to keep developing as an artist.
The story of Luh CEO‘s ascent from a small Mississippi town to the stages of SXSW and beyond is one of skill, tenacity, and unshakable resolve. His ascent is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that everything is achievable with dedication and effort.
Rapman and Netflix shared the official Supacell trailer, revealing appearances from British rap stars Ghetts and Digga D.
On Wednesday (June 12) the multi-hyphenate creator teased the highly anticipated all-Black superhero series, revealing two London rappers make cameos in the show.
“Things are about to get Krazy,” Ghettswrote alongside the trailer, giving a nod to the name of his character in the series.
Meanwhile, Digga D shared his reaction via his Instagram broadcast channel from behind bars, where he’s awaiting trial on drug charges. “Digga in his acting bag,” he wrote alongside the trailer.
Rapman gained initial success and caught the eye of Roc Nation with his viral three-part web series Shiro’s Story in 2018. After signing to Jay-Z, he made his directorial debut with the musical crime drama Blue Story in 2019.
He conceived the idea for Supacell around the same time. Back in March, Rapman posted a video from 2019 of him talking about his dream of making a sci-fi movie one day.
“Never thought much of it at the time it was just a concept floating in my head,” Rapman wrote. “Come like the minute I spoke it out loud God said “DONE” 5 years on here we are. Sometimes you just gotta say what you want out loud.”
Nicki Minaj shut down rumors her marriage was in trouble after putting on a united front with her husband Kenneth Petty and their son Papa Bear.
Cryptic posts from earlier this week sparked speculation her marriage was on the rocks. However, On Wednesday (June 12), Minaj took to Instagram with a video showing her family climbing aboard a private jet. The rapper and her husband watched proudly as their little boy climbed the steps himself.
After promoting her sold-out Pink Friday 2 Tour shows, Nicki Minaj hopped on the plane, closely followed by her husband.
Fans in the comment section addressed the gossip, with one person writing, “oh she stopped them allegations and FAST!!!” Another added, “Rumors often carried by haters. Nicki said well not on my watch and family name.” A third person addressed the post that led to the rumors, noting, “Soooo u not single queen.”
Nicki Minaj caused shockwaves online with a two-word post on Monday (June 10.) “Yes Single,” she shared. Confused fans were unsure whether to expect new music or a divorce announcement.
The speculation only continued when Minaj shared a PSA video for fellow moms hours later.
“And then one day, they’re yelling push, and you’re in pain,” she began. And then one day, he comes out a beautiful baby boy. To God be the glory. Congratulations to every momma out there. You’re doing a great job. In case no one’s told you that, you’re doing a great job.”
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are continuing to parade around Italy in a series of controversial outfits despite angering conservative locals with their risqué attire during a previous visit.
Last summer, furious residents criticized the couple over Censori’s near-nude outfits. However, the couple have ignored the backlash on their return, with Censori donning multiple flesh-baring fits on the street of Florence since their arrival in late May.
On Wednesday, West and Censori were spotted enjoying a romantic dinner at a restaurant in the city, per TMZ. A fellow diner snapped a photo of Censori, who appeared completely naked under a sheer, flowing cape-like dress.
The outfit appears similar to others Censori has worn recently while in Italy. Earlier this week, West donned a baggy white sweatsuit as he held hands with Censori, seemingly nude under a transparent smock.
Meanwhile, Censori left little to the imagination in a daring white thong bodysuit while on another outing.
West and Censori faced public outcry over their attire last year, with citizens calling for them to be fined for flouting “public indecency” laws. Others were harsher, calling for cops to arrest Censori for indecent exposure.
Although they escaped legal repercussions, a boat company banned the pair over their amorous antics. Cameras captured Kanye exposing his entire butt while engaged in a lewd act with his wife on a water taxi. The Venetian riverboat company slapped West and Censori with a lifetime ban.
Young Thug’s father, Jeffrey Williams Sr. continued to show his support for Gunna after making a surprise appearance at his Atlanta concert.
Williams Sr. has staunchly defended Gunna despite allegations he snitched on Thugger. On Wednesday (June 12), he was the life of the party when the Bittersweet Tour rolled into Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
He stood in the front row for the show and turned all the way up while Gunna performed his Young Thug collab, “Ski.”
Gunna faced allegations he snitched on Young Thug after taking a plea deal in the YAL RICO case. Nonetheless, Williams Sr. has repeatedly rejected the allegations.
“I love Gunna,” Williams Sr. said during an interview last December. “Let me try to help the attorney clarify that a little simpler. Gunna hasn’t done anything whatsoever that can hurt us on this case, period.”
Young Thug's dad:
"I love Gunna… Gunna hasn't done anything whatsoever that can hurt us on this case. Period. " pic.twitter.com/jbIsvzGNA0
Young Thug’s dad also called out Lil Baby for allegedly taking shots at Gunna. “He need to shut the f### up cause he don’t know what’s going on,” Williams Sr. said. “He going off a what he heard. Ask Lil Baby has he ever come to a court date. That’s what I want y’all to ask these g###### rappers and these bloggers with this snitch s###.”
Sexyy Red fired back at fans with an expletive-laced rant after questions about where her two kids are, but her little boy was not happy with his mother’s foul language.
On Wednesday (June 12), the “Rich Baby Daddy” rapper took to Instagram with a PSA for nosey fans.
“Why is ya’ll worried about my kids? They right here, they cool, they fed, they good,” she said in a video. “Go have some kids and worry about them dirty ass b######.”
However, her language upset her son Chuckie, who told her to stop cursing. “Okay im sorry,” she replied. “But they be pissing me off. My kids right here, they always with me b####.”
In another video posted on her Instagram Stories, Red apologized to her son for her language.
“I’m sorry, you want me to stop saying bad words?” she asked before the boy politely confirmed that he did. “But bad words is fun to f###### say. You know what the f### I’m sayin?”
Sexyy Red further defended her right to shield her kids from the public. “You don’t know me,” she added. “Y’all be too invested in these celebrity lives. That’s just so crazy to me. I feel like that’s some pervert ass s###. Why do you wanna see me kids, b####? You f###### pedophile.”
https://youtu.be/YO1nBBnKdS8?si=JIkKn8YimKEPa_q8
Little is known about Sexyy Red’s kids. Chuckie was born in 2020, and the rapper gave birth to another child in February.
Both Sexyy Red and Mike Jones have voiced their opinions on the viral clip of a white TikTok user casually dropping the N-bomb on camera in a cooking video she recently shared to the platform.
In case you missed it, the controversy erupted when TikTok user @llddiiss, whose name is presumed to be Lilly, posted a cooking video in which she lackadaisically used the N-word to describe the male partners her married friends.
More specifically, Lilly said that all of her friends are currently “married to broke ass n###as” without even batting an eyelash. Adding insult to ignorance, the young caucasian woman proceeded to troll on social media as the saga fanned out across platforms such as Twitter (X) and Instagram.
“The n###a that was heard around the world,” Lilly wrote in a string of tweets she authored shortly after the controversy unfolded.
X user Lilly (@llddiiss) is going viral on X and TikTok for calling Jewish influence on politics “gay," unapologetically using the N-word and saying she’s America First.
She’s since thanked “the black community” for launching her “new career in conservative media.”
This incident quickly gained traction on social media, with widespread backlash over her use of the racial slur. Lilly was also then quickly identified as a former employee of Rophe of the Carolinas, a healthcare services company.
The company responded promptly by firing the employee and issuing a public statement condemning the use of racist language and reiterating its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Lilly responded by seemingly embracing the controversy and using the publicity as a tool to announce her new career path.
“Thanks Black community for helping to launch my new career in conservative media! You all played your role well like the puppets you are,” she wrote in another tweet.
Lilly went on to criticize Black people at large for channeling their collective outrage into a campaign to make her unemployed, describing people who were upset by her rhetoric as “obsessed” among other things. Before long, she began receiving attention from artists such as Big Sexyy and Mike Jones, who both were in agreement that Lilly was indeed in the wrong here.
“She bet not let me catch ha,” Sexyy wrote in the comment section of a post re-sharing Lilly’s tweets.
Former Swisha House artist and Texas rap artist Mike Jones opted for a different approach, blasting her in both the comments section of the post, and taking matters in his own hands by creating a post of his own chastizing her.”
Former Swisha House artist and Texas rap artist Mike Jones opted for a different approach, blasting her in both the comments section of the post, and taking matters in his own hands by creating a post of his own chastising her.
In hit initial comment, Jones utilized reverse psychology and flipped Lilly’s own logic on it’s head to use against her.
“I’m not even racist , but since she was cool and got a pass to do what she did , Thanks white community for helping to launch her racial upbringing thinking she used the “ Black community to launch her new career in conservative media,” Jones wrote in part.
He continued, “Naw u all played your roles well just like we expected , just like the puppets yall are , ( co-signing & gaslighting the b#######! don’t come now telling us u got fired as u should a knew what came with it‼️ s/o to her job which I’m sure was not cool with this racial s### that u was heard saying all over the world.”
In the post he shared, Jones went on to explain that he wasn’t singular in his outrage while also sounding off on Lilly for appearing to play the victim role.
“All I can say is …. fair exchange ain’t no robbery is what I was told! I got a lot of white friends and even they was shocked by it,” he said in part.
He continued, effectively labeling Lilly as a “clout chaser” among other things.
“& not happy by her statements as they said she purposely used the N-Word , knowing that it came from her would by default make it go viral , #TheyDoAnyThing4Clout s/o to her Job who fired her soon as they got the word! Don’t use our community and disrespect at the same time thinking u finna blow up in media , u blew up alright , not the type of hype I think she was expecting – We gotta do better,” he said.
In a twist that would likely make “The Force” itself do a double take, it’s emerged that George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Star Wars universe, had a secret dream in casting none other than the late, great 2Pac as a Jedi Knight in The Phantom Menace.
The tantalizing tidbit resurfaced recently, sparking wild speculation about what could have been had the iconic rapper not tragically passed away in 1996 before his audition. Could 2Pac have brought the same fire and intensity to the role of Mace Windu that he brought to the rap game and his other films? Let’s dive into this galactic “what if?” scenario and imagine why 2Pac wielding a light saber and taking on the Sith could’ve been as badass as it sounds.
My favorite random star wars fact is George Lucas first choice for Mace Windu was 2pac lol pic.twitter.com/ZyF1onbfON
Imagine the explosive blend of 2Pac’s raw energy channeled into the tranquil discipline of a Jedi. 2Pac’s transformation into Mace Windu would have brought a unique edge to the Star Wars saga that likely would’ve changed the dichotomy of the franchise forever.
Picture him donning the Jedi robes, a look as iconic as his bandanas and Thug Life tattoos, standing tall and resolute on the Jedi Council. 2Pac’s tumultuous life, marked by a series of public feuds and controversial statements, mirrors the struggles of the Jedi Order in maintaining peace in a chaotic galaxy. His fierce advocacy for justice, reflected in tracks like “Keep Ya Head Up” and “Changes,” aligns with the Jedi’s commitment to balance and righteousness.
Can’t you just see 2Pac delivering a rousing speech to the Senate, his passion rivaling that of his lyrics? Perhaps he would have channeled the same intensity from his infamous interviews in which he spoke out against systemic oppression, now directed at the corrupt machinations of the Galactic Republic.
In a universe where peace hangs by a thread, 2Pac’s Mace Windu would’ve been the no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners Jedi the galaxy needed. Not to mention, his performance, by default, would’ve been up there with the Billy Dee Williams and Donald Glover’s portrayals of the classic character Lando Calrissian.
Plus, 2Pac’s poetic and gritty lyrical style has fantasizing about what the soundtrack could have been. Imagine his iconic track “California Love” remixed with a Star Wars flair, blending Dr. Dre’s forward-thinking Hip-Hop beats with orchestral grandeur.
The essence of “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” could serve as his personal theme, with its menacing baseline and unyielding tempo capturing the essence of a Jedi warrior unafraid to defy the Sith. His song “Hail Mary” could echo through the halls of the Jedi Temple, its haunting melody and contemplative lyrics reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by those in tune with The Force. And It’s easy to envision a remastered version of “Me Against the World” playing during an epic lightsaber duel.
And the fact that 2Pac was also becoming a powerhouse on the silver screen, in his brief but impactful film career proves he embodied the versatility and depth that would have mandated portyaying the complex role of Mace Windu.
In the gritty drama Juice, 2Pac’s portrayal of the volatile Bishop highlighted his ability to convey a range of emotions from vulnerability to fierce determination, qualities that are essential in a Jedi Knight. As Lucky in Poetic Justice, he demonstrated a softer, more introspective side, perfect for the meditative aspects of a Jedi’s life. His performance in Above the Rim as the conflicted Birdie showcased a complexity that would have brought a rich, layered depth to Mace Windu’s character.
Overall, It’s not hard to imagine 2Pac, with his commanding screen presence and intense gaze, delivering powerful, memorable moments in the Star Wars saga. Who knows, maybe the West Coast rapper’s role could’ve ended up redefining what it means to be a Jedi Master, in turn, opening doors for other artists. I could totally see how 2Pac would’ve paved the way for artists such as Travis Scott or even Playboi Carti to realize their potential in the Star Wars universe.
Check out the post above for a glimpse of “Thug Wars” 2Pac.
JR Apparel, the owner of the Members Only brand, filed a lawsuit against Drake’s company Away From Home Touring in New York on Tuesday (June 11). According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, JR Apparel sued the OVO star for using the phrase “Members Only” on his tour merchandise. Billboard was the first to report on the case.
“Away From Home sold, offered for sale and/or advertised a t-shirt bearing JR Apparel’s MEMBERS ONLY mark on the front of the t-shirt at Drake’s ‘It’s All A Blur Tour’ (the ‘Infringing T-shirt’), including in this judicial district,” JR Apparel’s lawyers wrote.
JR Apparel accused Drake of trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution. The company sent a letter to Live Nation about the infringing t-shirts on April 1.
“Between April 3, 2024, and June 6, 2024, JR Apparel and Away From Home attempted to resolve their differences amicably,” the lawsuit noted. “However, no resolution was achieved.”
Drake released a track titled “Members Only” in 2023. JR Apparel claimed he created confusion by putting the song’s title on his tour merch.
“JR Apparel also asserted in the April 1st Letter that ‘the fact that ‘Members Only’ is a song on Drake’s album ‘For All the Dogs’ does not obviate the likelihood of confusion or give Live Nation and/or Drake license to use our client’s MEMBERS ONLY Marks in such a confusing manner, particularly on or in connection with apparel items,” the company’s lawyers argued.
Attorneys pointed to eBay listings as examples of how Drake harmed the Members Only brand.
“Away From Home’s damage and/or injury to JR Apparel is exacerbated by the fact that, upon information and belief, counterfeits, intentionally confusing imitations and/or materially different garments of the Infringing T-shirts are being sold, offered for sale and/or advertised on eBay,” the lawsuit contended.
JR Apparel sought damages for trademark infringement, among other claims. The company asked the court to preliminarily and permanently prohibit Drake from selling any merch with “Members Only” on it.
Los Angeles police detained Danielle Bregoli a.k.a. Bhad Bhabie and her boyfriend Le Vaughn in a case of mistaken identity on Tuesday (June 11). The internet personality/rapper admitted she was “shaken up” by the incident on Wednesday (June 12).
“Yesterday we got pulled over by LAPD,” she wrote on Instagram Stories. “They eventually released us and explained they were looking for a similar vehicle that matched the description of a car involved in criminal activity. We are okay but a bit shaken up. Luckily my daughter was not in the vehicle at the time.”
Cops stopped Bhad Bhabie at a gas station near Woodland Hills, per TMZ. Police were looking for a burglary suspect in the area. She was cooperative and released once the cops realized she wasn’t their suspect.
Earlier this year, Bhad Bhabie gave birth to her first child with Le Vaughn. She had no plans of being a stay-at-home mom for the foreseeable future.
“Really, if I wanted to, I could retire right now and be a mom and never come out the house,” she said. “But I know that I still have more in me, and I feel like I have more to do. I’m still in the middle of figuring out what that is exactly, but I want to make sure whatever I do this time is definitely something that I’m really into and passionate about.”
Bhad Bhabie initially achieved fame as a teen thanks to an infamous appearance on Dr. Phil. Since then, she embarked on a rap career and earned millions of dollars from OnlyFans.
Jeezy and his ex-wife Jeannie Mai finalized their divorce in Georgia on Tuesday (June 11). The former couple settled their contentious dispute and agreed to keep the documents under seal, preventing the public from finding out the terms of the deal.
“The harm resulting to the privacy of the parties and their child, if the documents were made public, clearly outweighs public interest in these specific documents,” the Fulton County Superior Court determined, per Entertainment Tonight.
Jeezy and Mai cannot “disseminate, distribute, post, nor cause the dissemination, distribution of posting of the Settlement Agreement or Child Support Worksheet to any person or in any manner, including but not limited to any form of media, social media, or the internet.” Many details of their legal battle surfaced throughout the divorce proceedings.
Mai accused Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Jenkins, of physically abusing her during their marriage in court documents. She detailed several incidents, including one in which Jeezy allegedly choked her and pushed her down hotel stairs. He denied the allegations.
“The allegations are not only false but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved,” Jeezy said. “This malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family is ridiculous. It’s disheartening to witness the manipulation and deceit at play and at this time my main concern is being an active father to our daughter as I continue to fight for court-mandated joint custody. Rest assured, the truth will prevail through the proper legal channels.”
Jeezy’s ex Mahlet “Mahi” Gebremedhin, the mother of his eldest daughter, defended him against the abuse allegations.
“For almost four years, Jay’s eldest child lived with us and I was able to see their relationship grow every day,” she declared. “At no point was Jay ever physically, mentally or emotionally abusive to his children or I.”
Jeezy filed for divorce in September 2023. He and Mai fought over custody of their two-year-old daughter Monaco for months.
Camila Cabello unveiled the tracklist for her forthcoming album, C,XOXO, listing City Girls members JT and Yung Miami as separate artists despite the two appearing on the same song. The distinction forced fans to cope with the City Girls officially parting ways and billing themselves as solo acts.
JT and Yung Miami began focusing on their solo careers following the release of their 2023 album, RAW. The LP’s underwhelming performance helped convince the City Girls rappers to split.
“I think when the City Girls album just dropped and it didn’t do too well, and we was just trying to do our press run,” Yung Miami said. “The whole rollout of the album was just so bad because we was just in two different spaces. We older now, and she was doing her own thing.
“She on the West Coast, I’m in Miami. I’m doing my own thing. And I felt like naturally, when she doing her own thing, it just worked for her. And when I’m doing my own thing, it worked for me. But when we get together as a group, it just wasn’t connecting. It just wasn’t working no more. So I think we both was at a point where we were just like, ‘We probably should just do our own s###.’”
Cabello’s album will give fans at least one more opportunity to hear JT and Yung Miami together. The project also features Drake, who contributed to two tracks. One of the songs is a solo cut.
“Why does he have his own song? Because selfishly, I just want to hear Drake on my own album,” Cabello explained in May. “I love that for me — it’s like that rebellious mood. Who says I can’t do that? It’s Drake talking his s###.”
T-Pain briefly spoke about the memory of his friend and former collaborator, deceased rapper Mac Miller at one of the most iconic live music landmarks in the country.
On Tuesday (June 10), the “I’m Sprung” vocalist shared a video on Twitter (X) to commemorate selling out Milwaukee’s world-renowned venue, The Rave, on three separate occasions.
The honor reserves a particularly special place in T-Pain’s heart. Not only did he achieve the feat as an independent artist via Wiscansin Fest, he was also able to reunite with his fallen collaborator Miller in spirit.
“So @therave has a giant spooky ass pool on the bottom level,” he began. “And if you sell it out three times, they give you the honor of signing the inside of it. Being included alongside @MacMiller and so many other legends that have played this venue and selling it out three whole times with @WiscansinFest as an independent artist means so much to me. Again I can’t thank The Rave crew and of course the people of Milwaukee enough.”
In the video of which accompanied the tweet, T-Pain further remarked on the company his signature now keeps. He continued, “Now, among many other greats in here, Mac Miller signed this pool and I get to do it this time. Machine Gun Kelly. Holy crap dude.”
So @therave has a giant spooky ass pool on the bottom level 😂 And if you sell it out three times, they give you the honor of signing the inside of it. Being included alongside @MacMiller and so many other legends that have played this venue and selling it out three whole times… pic.twitter.com/2iSQss99oT
T-Pain and Mac Miller shared a genuine and collaborative friendship, which was initiated byd by mutual respect and creative synergy. Their bond was evident through their music and interactions. T-Pain reminisced about Mac’s infectious enthusiasm and kind spirit, noting that Miller’s positivity and artistic openness made him a cherished friend and collaborator.
Their collaboration on “Dreams,” featured on T-Pain’s 2018 mixtape Everything Must Go Vol. 1, showcased their ability to blend their distinct styles seamlessly. T-Pain has fondly recalled how Mac would light up a room with his presence and how they would spend hours in the studio, not just creating music but also sharing laughter and stories.
The release of Bad Boys: Ride Or Dierevived the discourse surrounding Will Smith’s infamous slap at the 2022 Academy Awards. Two years after the incident, comedian Rob Schneider bashed Smith for smacking Chris Rock during an appearance on The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
“Will Smith is a t###,” Schneider said. “Will Smith has been hiding the fact of who he really is, and it was exposed that night. He’s really an a######. He’s a deep, dark thing—to do that in front of all those people to a really great legendary comedian who’s literally the best comedian of our generation. You wouldn’t have this whole wave of comedy if it wasn’t for Chris Rock.”
He added, “He’s a liar. Complete, utter fraud. It was exposed in that time … Will is a d########.”
Schneider’s comments attracted online attention just days after ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith voiced concerns about Will Smith’s reemergence in the spotlight. Stephen A. Smith believed Will Smith owed the Black community an explanation for slapping Rock.
“You got to have a conversation as to why you did that,” SAS said. “It’s primarily us Black people that have loved and supported you and watched you go on an international stage and slap one of us in the face.”
He continued, “A lot of folks ain’t get over that. A lot of folks find it hard to just go to the movies to watch you. I’m one of those people, and I never missed a Will Smith movie.”
Stephen A. Smith faced backlash for his comments. The talking head declared he would “stand down” in response.
“Throughout Will Smith’s life, not just his career, there has been exponentially far more good than bad, and I certainly did not mean to gloss over that,” SAS said.
Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, the fourth entry in the Bad Boys franchise, hit theaters on June 7. The film raked in $56 million in its opening weekend.
Father’s Day is a special occasion that allows us to express our love, gratitude, and appreciation for the incredible men in our lives. Our fathers work tirelessly to provide for and support us, often putting their own needs and well-being on the back burner. This Father’s Day, show your dad how much you care by gifting him something that will help him relax, unwind, and prioritize his own self-care. MOUNTRAX massagers are the perfect way to do just that.
MOUNTRAX Foot Massager
The MOUNTRAX Foot Massager is a game-changer when it comes to relieving foot pain and stress. This innovative device features a combination of deep kneading, compression, and heat therapy to soothe tired, aching feet. The ergonomic design ensures maximum comfort, while the adjustable intensity settings allow your dad to customize his massage experience.
One of the best things about the MOUNTRAX Foot Massager is its ease of use. Simply slip your feet into the massager, choose your desired settings, and let the device work its magic. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, so your dad can enjoy a relaxing foot massage whenever and wherever he needs it.
Whether your father spends long hours on his feet at work or simply enjoys the benefits of a good foot massage, the MOUNTRAX Foot Massager is sure to become his new favorite tool for relaxation and stress relief.
MOUNTRAX Back Massager
For dads who suffer from back pain or tension, the MOUNTRAX Back Massager is a must-have. This versatile massager features a unique design that allows for full back coverage, from the neck to the lower back. With multiple massage modes and intensity levels, your dad can tailor his massage experience to his specific needs and preferences.
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MOUNTRAX Scalp Massager
The MOUNTRAX Scalp Massager is a unique and often overlooked tool for promoting relaxation and stress relief. This handheld device features soft, flexible silicone bristles that gently stimulate the scalp, promoting blood circulation and releasing tension.
Using the MOUNTRAX Scalp Massager is an incredibly soothing experience. As your dad gently massages his scalp with the device, he’ll feel a sense of calm and relaxation wash over him. The increased blood flow to the head can also help to reduce headaches, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood.
The compact and lightweight design of the MOUNTRAX Scalp Massager makes it easy to use anytime, anywhere. Whether your dad is watching TV, reading a book, or just relaxing, he can enjoy the benefits of a scalp massage with minimal effort.
Why MOUNTRAX Massagers Make Great Father’s Day Gifts
MOUNTRAX massagers are not only practical and thoughtful gifts but also promote relaxation and self-care, which are essential for overall well-being. By gifting your dad a MOUNTRAX massager, you’re showing him that you care about his health and happiness.
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How to Choose the Right MOUNTRAX Massager
When selecting a MOUNTRAX massager for your dad, consider his specific needs and preferences. If he spends a lot of time on his feet or suffers from foot pain, the MOUNTRAX Foot Massager may be the perfect choice. For dads with back pain or tension, the MOUNTRAX Back Massager can provide much-needed relief. And for those who enjoy the soothing sensation of a scalp massage, the MOUNTRAX Scalp Massager is a unique and thoughtful option.
Budget is also an important consideration when choosing a Father’s Day gift. MOUNTRAX massagers are available at different price points, so you can find the perfect option to fit your budget without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MOUNTRAX massagers are top Father’s Day gifts that show your love and appreciation for the special men in your life. Whether you choose the foot, back, or scalp massager, your dad is sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness and practicality of this gift.
By prioritizing relaxation and self-care, you’re helping your father maintain his physical and mental well-being, which is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. MOUNTRAX is committed to providing high-quality, effective massage products that promote relaxation and stress relief, making them the perfect choice for this Father’s Day and beyond.
FAQs
Are MOUNTRAX massagers easy to use?
Yes, MOUNTRAX massagers are designed with ease of use in mind. They feature simple controls and intuitive operation, making them accessible for users of all ages and technical abilities.
Can these massagers help with chronic pain?
While MOUNTRAX massagers can provide relief from various types of pain, including chronic pain, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
Are the massagers portable and travel-friendly?
Yes, MOUNTRAX massagers are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making them perfect for use at home, at the office, or while traveling.
What is the warranty on MOUNTRAX massagers?
MOUNTRAX offers a 1-year limited warranty on all of its massagers, ensuring that you can feel confident in your purchase and the quality of the product.
Where can I purchase MOUNTRAX massagers?
MOUNTRAX massagers are available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy and convenient to order the perfect Father’s Day gift for your dad.
