Jay-Z has paid tribute to Hip-Hop producer DJ Mark the 45 King following his death. Manager Paul Martinez confirmed The 45 King died at the age of 62 on Thursday morning (October 19).
The producer, real name Mark Howard James, had worked on a number of well-known songs such as Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life” and Eminem’s “Stan.” Jay-Z took to social media to share a touching tribute to the Bronx native.
“Thank you Mark,” he began. “Your instrumentals, namely The 900 Number, were more memorable than our whole albums. You gave me a canvas to have a conversation with the world!! You changed my life. Even when the life is short, the art is long!!”
Eminem also took to social media to remember the celebrated producer.
“Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka the 45 King … I’m 4ever grateful!!!” The Real Slim Shady rapper wrote on X/Twitter.
Queen Latifah, who worked with the producer on her early hits “Ladies First” and “Wrath of My Madness,” said in a statement, “He believed in me before anyone else. He touched every life he encountered. I’ve never met someone like him; he wanted everyone around him to win. His spirit was magic and will certainly live forever.”
The producer’s most groundbreaking track, “The 900 Number,” was released in 1987, launching him into the spotlight. The song has been sampled by several artists since its release. In addition to Jay-Z, Eminem and Latifah, The 45 King also worked with Madonna, Salt-N-Pepa and, of course, his own collective, Flavor Unit. The specific details surrounding The 45 King’s death haven’t been revealed, but promoter Van Silk told AllHipHop he’d been sick for some time.
If you haven’t already caught wind of it by now, fans believe G Herbo and Southside’s behavior in YouTuber FunnyMarco’s recent interview was ordure—or, quite s####y.
In addition to visually berating FunnyMarco due to his appearance, among other things, Herbo and Southside are accused of damaging a $30,000 watch that belonged to him. Things apparently went so wrong during the interview that FunnyMarco issued a lengthy statement regarding the episode on his personal Facebook.
“I understand a lot of y’all mad about the interview. I was upset while it was going on,” he wrote. “But I understand I got a job to do & one thing about me, I respect people on my show.”
However, apparently all of the crappy shenanigans they pulled weren’t revealed until now—as a short clip has begun to go viral and circulate on social media. The clip in question appears to show Southside literally showing his ass on camera whilst his jeans appear to show some sort of dark brownish stain near his butt.
While G Herbo has since reposted the interview himself, calling FunnyMarco his “Freternal twin” and Southside also seemingly responded to the controversy on in a story video posted on The Gram, there’s seemingly no explanation for this secondary stain on the conversation.
Former Black Mafia Family leaders Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory (who’s currently incarcerated) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (who was released in 2020), may have taken a back seat, but BMF remains active and formidable in the criminal underworld. This week, St. Louis became the epicenter of a massive crackdown, resulting in the arrest of more than two dozen individuals linked to the notorious group.
The Flenory brothers, who once led the BMF, had built an empire into an operation that raked in over $250 million that spanned across the U.S., with roots in Detroit. Their nationwide drug-trafficking ring was their downfall, leading to their imprisonment in 2008.
BMF’s story of ambition, power and decline caught the attention of the entertainment world, inspiring a series on Starz executive produced by 50 Cent, who viewed the latest arrests as an opportunity.
“BMF again ain’t this a b####,” he wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday (October 19). “J BO story is a spin off I’m a put it on the tube you know the vibes.”
U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming spearheaded the operation and revealed the individuals face multiple charges ranging from drug trafficking to intricate financial crimes. The arrests were the outcome of meticulous collaboration between the U.S. Marshals, federal agents and local police, all acting on a series of grand jury indictments. To date, 34 individuals have been implicated, with a significant number being charged recently. Even the DEA was shocked at the size and scale of the latest incarnation of the Black Mafia Family.
“The scale of this Midwest criminal operation is uncommon, so it’s no wonder that it took the combined resources of federal, state and local law enforcement to bring the operation to an end,” Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis said. “Protecting our citizens is DEA’s primary goal and the reward is worth the effort,”
Law enforcement’s efforts bore fruit as they managed to seize substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms and cash during the operation. The arrestees, as identified in subsequent detention hearings, were either directly affiliated with the BMF or had close associations.
Chad “JBo” Brown, one of the defendants, has been particularly vocal about his association, referring to himself as the “Junior Boss” of the BMF. His claims, backed by various videos on social media, provide a glimpse into the group’s expansive drug trafficking operations.
However, the BMF’s illicit activities aren’t confined to drug trafficking. Fleming highlighted instances where members were involved in money laundering for the organization.
Some even allegedly exploited the COVID-19 pandemic, securing loans under false pretenses, which were originally intended to aid struggling businesses and employees.
Among those indicted are:
Chad E. “JBo” Brown, 51, charged with bank fraud and using a false document, accused of fraudulently obtaining a PPP loan.
Robert L. Lewis, 45, facing charges for fentanyl distribution and illegal firearm possession.
Robert “Honest” Sims, 40, indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Samir Simpson-Bey, 37, charged with fentanyl distribution.
Jeremy “Welo” Steele, 44, indicted for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Carl Von Garrett, 53, facing charges for money laundering, allegedly laundering nearly $1,000,000 of drug proceeds in 2021.
Tiffany J. “Tiff BMF” Nelson, 42, indicted for money laundering, accused of laundering proceeds from illegal activities.
The ongoing Israel–Hamas war has become one of the most polarizing political topics in the world, and Macklemore has decided to offer his thoughts on the extremely dangerous situation.
On Thursday (October 19), Macklemore posted a lengthy message on his Instagram page about the Middle East turmoil. The 40-year-old Grammy winner blatantly denounced the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. In addition, he criticized the Israeli government for its treatment of Palestinian civilians.
“I have been in fear,” he began. “I have felt a literal lump in my throat and I cannot stay silent any longer. I condemn the murder of any human. The bombings, kidnappings and murder of the Israeli people carried out by Hamas was horrific in every way imaginable.”
Furthermore, the Ben album creator called on both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Macklemore also suggested the United States is responsible for some of the casualties by backing Israel’s bombing and blockade efforts in the Gaza Strip.
“We are witnessing an unfolding genocide in Palestine at this very moment,” he continued. “A U.S.-backed human catastrophe in front of our eyes. Gaza is being demolished. Well over 1 million people have lost their homes. Schools, hospitals, places of worship obliterated.”
On October 7, Hamas militants conducted a coordinated surprise offensive inside Israel. Reports claim the attacks killed around 1,400 Israelis, including 260 people at a music festival near the Gaza border. Over 4,000 Gaza residents have reportedly lost their lives since the start of this latest round in a decades-old fight.
“By no means am I an expert on this conflict,” Macklemore concluded. “I am relatively new to this and learning as I go. [There are] 75 years of Palestinian occupation and deeply rooted pain on both sides, stemming back far before I was born. But there is no side to take when it comes to our collective human spirit. We all have a voice and a platform to stand for what is right and just. Even if it’s a one-on-one conversation with someone.”
There are still some people who express skepticism that Tory Lanez actually shot Megan Thee Stallion in the feet. “Thotiana” rapper Blueface is now claiming he got to see the physical aftermath from that 2020 incident.
The latest episode of Adam22’s No Jumper podcast features an interview with Blueface and his partner Jaidyn Alexis. At one point during the conversation, Blueface spoke about his alleged experiences with Megan Thee Stallion around the time of the shooting.
“When she got shot, I sent her a message, like, ‘Hey, you okay?’ We chopped it up, mixed and mingled,” recalled Blueface. When asked about Meg’s supposed injured feet, Blue responded, “I didn’t examine them. I seen them. It seemed like something occurred. I ain’t gonna say it looked like she got shot in the foot.”
In addition, Blueface said he received oral sex from Megan Thee Stallion around that time. He also talked about allegedly getting head from the Houston Hottie while sitting down with The Jason Lee Show. Meg has not confirmed nor denied those claims.
In December 2022, a California jury convicted Tory Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) of three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and gross negligence in discharging his firearm. A judge sentenced him to 10 years in state prison.
Public figures such as Meek Mill and Iggy Azalea continued to show support for Tory Lanez even after the Sorry 4 What album creator’s assault conviction. Industry insiders like DJ Akademiks and Wack 100 still expressed disbelief that Lanez actually fired a gun at Megan Thee Stallion.
Wale has a new label home. The Washington, DC native reportedly inked a deal with Def Jam Recordings.
According to TMZ, Wale signed with Def Jam several months ago. The iconic record company backed a brand new song by the 39-year-old MC born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin.
Wale first broke onto the mainstream music scene under the Interscope Records umbrella. His debut album, Attention Deficit, dropped in November 2009. That album failed to break into the Billboard 200’s Top 20.
After moving over to Warner Bros. Records, 2011’s Ambition became Wale’s first Top 5 entry on the Billboard 200 by landing at No. 2. He then scored back-to-back Number Ones with 2013’s The Gifted and 2015’s The Album About Nothing.
The Every Blue Moon founder also built his personal brand as part of Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group alongside Meek Mill, Stalley and others. MMG put out three Self Made compilations between 2011 and 2013.
Folarin II is Wale’s most recent full-length solo LP. That 2021 project was released through Every Blue Moon, Maybach Music Group and Warner Records. Folarin II peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.
NLE Choppa released his second studio album, Cottonwood 2, in April 2023. The Warner Records-backed project hosted the successful singles “S### Me Out” and “Do It Again” featuring 2Rare.
Despite NLE Choppa scoring Top 40 hits and picking up Gold plaques, some X users believe the Memphis-bred rapper has fallen off. He responded to the online gripes in his own tweets.
“Folks pissing me off. What NLE y’all watching bug beg it up 😤,” posted Choppa in response to an “NLE fell off” tweet sent out on October 13, 2022. The 20-year-old also had more to say on the platform.
Another tweet from 2022 called for the “old” NLE to return. Choppa addressed that request this week. He fired back, “Y’all keep asking for old NLE like the music I ain’t been giving y’all recently ain’t getting plaques!”
“I’m tryna grow as [an] artist but y’all want me backtracking on BS. But bet that up. I’m on straight dirt y’all got me f##### up. One of the most streamed artists this year BUT BET,” he concluded.
In addition to earning Gold certification for “Do It Again” in May, NLE Choppa also received a 3x-Platinum Award in June for his contribution to 2020’s “Go Stupid” with Polo G, Stunna 4 Vegas and Mike WiLL Made-It
That same month, the RIAA certified Choppa’s 2020 debut album, Top Shotta, as Platinum. Back in August of this year, he declared, “I’M THE GREATEST. Y’ALL COUNTED ME OUT, NOW THEY LOST COUNT. I DO THIS TIME AND TIME AGAIN, HIT AFTER HIT, SONG AFTER SONG. DON’T PLAY WITH ME.”
Y’all keep asking for old NLE like the music I ain’t been giving y’all recently ain’t getting plaques! I’m tryna grow as a artist but y’all want me backtracking on BS. But bet that up. I’m on straight dirt y’all got me f##### up. One of the most streamed artists this year BUT BET https://t.co/W2rJn97OVw
Timbaland has heard Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s upcoming joint album and believes they are sitting on a “classic.”
The legendary producer opened up about the album while discussing the current state of Hip-Hop. According to Timbaland, Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s Too Good To Be True collab project is “what we been missing.”
Timbo shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on Miami radio station 99JAMZ. He called the project a “masterpiece” due to Meek and Rozay doing what they do best rather than trying to emulate a new sound.
“Ross giving you that Big Meech Ross,” he revealed. “And that’s all we want. We don’t want Ross to sound like Uzi Vert.”
He continued, “That album says a lot to me because Meek is being Meek, whether you like it or not. It’s not dated, it sounds current, it sounds fresh, and it sounds like a classic. And you could tell the space they in, I don’t even need to talk to him and ask what space he in, you can hear it through the music.”
The Maybach Music duo shared the second single from Too Good To Be True Friday (October 20.) “Lyrical Eazy” follows the previously released track “SHAQ & KOBE.” Watch the video below.
Rick Ross, Meek Mill – Lyrical Eazy
Meek Mill and Rick Ross announced a fall release date for Too Good To Be True. A trailer, which includes cameos from Diddy and DJ Khaled, reveals the album is set to drop on November 10.
“Nigas ain’t seen me or Ross around each other for a long time,” Meek said in the trailer. “We got back to the business, straight back to the family, love, and jumped right back in the studio immediately. So, y’all about to get that live and direct and what happens. Tune in.”
Cardi B says she doesn’t regret cursing out a Twitter user who said the “Bongos” rapper doesn’t work hard, explaining she clapped back after feeling overwhelmed.
Earlier this week, Cardi B responded to a troll who branded her “the only Mexican I know that don’t work hard.” She fired back with “Hope you and ur mom die.”
When another user warned karma would “come back on you,” Cardi B replied, “IDGAF F### y’all … y’all can call me Mexican, bring me down and hurt my feelings talk s### about everything that’s why I don’t release music.”
Cardi then added a concerning follow-up tweet, writing, “I just want to put a bullet in my head.”
However, in an Instagram Live Thursday (October 19), Cardi B denied feeling suicidal, claiming she snapped after becoming overwhelmed by online hate.
“When I burst, I’m very outspoken,” she explained. “When have one of my bad moments, I will literally get her and curse out everybody, and f###### be like, ‘I want you to die. B####, I wanna die. I don’t give a f###!’ Because that’s just how I’ll be feeling in the moment.”
She continued: “I was just very overwhelmed yesterday. I was very sad. And, I don’t know — I feel like I was just having such a good week, and then, when I got home, and I started paying attention to so much s### that people were saying about me, and all the funny s### about me … I just started getting upset about it.”
Check out the clip below and watch the full live at the end of the page.
Elsewhere during the livestream, Cardi B said she has no qualms about cursing out internet trolls.
“I don’t regret it,” she added. “Yeah I have bad days. All bad b###### have bad days, b####. Don’t take my vulnerable moments to make it a he-he moment.”
Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz have released “Presha,” the first single from their upcoming joint album, Welcome 2 ColleGrove.
Snippets of the single surfaced online earlier this week after Wayne teased the track on Discord. Hours before release, the duo shared a photo album of throwback pics of their friendship over the years. Check out the photos and watch the “Presha” lyric video below.
The duo is expected to perform the song live for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this Friday.
According to the Welcome 2 ColleGrove pre-release on Apple Music, the highly anticipated collaborative project is slated for release on November 17 via Def Jam Records. The joint LP follows Tity Boi’s 2016 project ColleGrove, which included eight Weezy features. The title is a mash-up of 2 Chainz’ hometown (College Park, Georgia) and Lil Wayne’s hometown (Hollygrove, Louisiana).
The pair have already shot some visuals for the highly anticipated Welcome 2 ColleGrove. 2 Chainz opened up about reuniting with Lil Wayne during an interview with The Source last month.
“We’ve already shot two visuals, the photo shoot is over,” he explained. “We’re in the process now of mastering records. All the records are mixed, so it’ll be coming soon. I’m so excited about it and I’ve been talking about it so long. I’m anxious at this point, to try to get it to the fans’ ears. Hear some of the hard work, and the blood, sweat, and tears that me and my brother put into this project.”
Yung Bleu has spoken out following his arrest for misdemeanor battery after allegedly body-slamming a woman during a dispute, claiming he’s “completely innocent.”
The “You’re Mines Still” hitmaker was reportedly arrested on Sunday (October 15) and spent a few days in jail.
On Thursday evening (October 20) Yung Bleu took to Instagram with a statement declaring his innocence. He told his followers he would soon own his masters and has launched “a recording, Marketing distribution, media, and film company,” out of a “2 million dollar facility,” he built himself. “So y’all [know] the storm coming. The FAKE NEWS, the slander.”
He continued, “I’m off this internet thing but I will take the time to tell all my ladies that may be a fan of Bleu, I cherish women and I’m completely innocent. Just [know] this about to be one of toughest times to be a fan of mine because I’m about to go into another bracket as an OWNER and entrepreneur and people hate and you [know] THEY hate that.” Read his statement below.
Authorities charged Yung Bleu with misdemeanor battery after a woman claimed he attacked her during an argument at her home, according to TMZ. The woman claims a confrontation occurred after Yung Bleu showed up unannounced to pick up a 10-year-old child.
She told Hall County Sheriff’s Office Bleu picked her up and threw her to the ground. He then left with the child but returned to the residence a short time later. He then left for a second time before authorities arrived.
The woman claimed she suffered injuries to her hip and right arm during the altercation. She refused to be taken to a hospital.
Munson Steed, the publisher and proprietor of Rolling Out Magazine, recently collaborated on a gospel song with recording artist Koryn Hawthorne, which they released on September 15. This moving track showcases the talents of Koryn Hawthorne, a finalist from Season 8 of The Voice, who graces it with her remarkable multi-octave range.
Steed shared the story of how this song came to life and his aspiration to create more music. He expressed, “This song had been on my heart for years, and I feel truly blessed to have connected with a vocalist like Koryn Hawthorne who breathed life and love into it. I hope this song offers encouragement to everyone who listens, and I eagerly anticipate crafting more inspirational music.”
Koryn Hawthorne herself expressed her admiration for the song and gratitude for the many moments in her life where she can say, “Look at God.” She commented, “‘Look at God’ couldn’t be a more perfect song for me. I’ve experienced so many ‘look at God’ moments in my life, and I’m incredibly thankful. Working with Charles in the studio was a fantastic experience, and collaborating with Munson was a true blessing. I’m thrilled that the song and the video are now available for the world to hear and see. I encourage everyone to download it and watch the video. Look at God!”
Charles Jenkins, who co-wrote the song with Munson Steed, brought Koryn Hawthorne on board after hearing Steed’s vision for the project. Jenkins shared, “When Munson first pitched me the idea, we were sitting outside a restaurant in Chicago. I had tears in my eyes, and I knew it was a gem. I’m truly honored that he allowed me to collaborate on this hit and to executive produce this special moment. Now my superstar friend Koryn Hawthorne is sharing it with the world, receiving rave reviews.”
There was a powerful rumor that Chicago drill rap legend Lil Reese was shot six times. It was like a wave across the internet. But, before I could even get to it, it was squashed! Within an hour or so, there were several posts and reports shooting it down. No pun intended. Shout out to Lil Reese for being alive and well.
Lil Reese’s sister stepped up and squashed the rumors! You can tell she did not want any parts of the trash in circulation.
“Before y’all keep dm me and steady calling and texting me it’s nothing wrong with my brother that sh#t so old ppl just weird as hell out here!!! But y’all heard it from me he’s good at home with his feet up now I’m back off this sh#t!!!”
Of course, the internet had the jokes.
Lil Reese walking out the hospital after being shot and in critical condition AGAIN pic.twitter.com/NKCecLnOcU
The annual MTV EMA’s has been called off as a result of security concerns due to the “volatility of world events,” the organizers have confirmed.
The ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, November 5, in Paris. Taylor Swift led nominees for the event with seven nods, including Best Artist, Best Song, and Best Video.
She is followed closely by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA, with six nominations each.
“Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life,” a spokesperson for Paramount, which owns MTV, said in a statement.
The spokesperson continued, “The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music. As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning.”
The organizers have confirmed that the event will return in November 2024.
France is currently on its highest state of alert after a school teacher was murdered and three others injured on October 13 in the northern city of Arras in a suspected Islamist attack.
On Wednesday, October 18, eight airports in France faced security alerts, and multiple were evacuated, according to the DGAC aviation authority. The Palace of Versailles was closed again due to its third security scare in five days.
Yung Bleu landed in jail for allegedly body-slamming a woman during an altercation in Georgia. According to TMZ, he was charged with misdemeanor battery.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office reportedly received a 911 call from a woman on Sunday (October 15). The woman said Yung Bleu attacked her after the two got into an argument at her home.
Yung Bleu allegedly showed up at her place unannounced. He planned to take a 10-year-old child from the residence, which led to a confrontation. The rapper/singer allegedly picked up the woman and threw her on the ground. She told officers he left with the child before returning and quickly leaving for a second time.
The woman claimed she suffered injuries to her hip and right arm. She did not allow medics to bring her to a hospital.
Yung Bleu, whose real name is Jeremy Biddle, spent a few days in the Hall County Jail following his October 15 arrest. He was released on a $2,400 bond.
Last month, Yung Bleu abruptly canceled his Love Scars Tour. He apologized to fans and promised to perform free shows in all the cities he missed. The tour cancellation was preceded by cheating allegations and a feud with his former mentor Boosie Badazz.
Rick Ross pitched Maybach Music Group as a potential distributor for Kanye West’s next project on Thursday (October 19). The MMG boss proposed a deal following a report about Ye seeking distribution for a new album.
“Imagine if Ye came and allowed MMG to distribute his new project,” Rick Ross said on Instagram Stories. “Imagine that. What’s your favorite Rick Ross, Ye collab? Imagine that. Imagine the artistic drive. And I got some amazing ideas for the Yeezy brand. Amazing ideas for the Yeezy brand! Let’s speak.”
Kanye is reportedly shopping a collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign. According to Billboard, some labels refused to distribute the project due to Ye’s antisemitic remarks.
The antisemitic controversy was not enough to dissuade every label. Billboard’s report said he is considering five offers and expects to make his decision soon.
MMG might be an unlikely destination for Kanye, but Ye and Rick Ross have worked together in the past. The two teamed up for multiple songs, including “Devil in a New Dress” and “Maybach Music 2.”
Rick Ross is currently preparing for the release of a collaborative album with Meek Mill. The duo’s project Too Good To Be True is scheduled to drop in November.
Megan Thee Stallion secured her release from Carl Crawford’s label 1501 Certified Entertainment. Lawyers revealed the two sides settled their longstanding dispute over her record deal on Thursday (October 19).
Billboard was the first report on the settlement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a rep for 1501 said Megan and the label agreed to part ways.
“Megan Thee Stallion and 1501 Certified Entertainment are pleased to announce that they have mutually reached a confidential settlement to resolve their legal differences,” the rep said. “As part of the arrangement, both parties have agreed to amicably part ways. Both Megan and 1501 are pleased to put this matter behind them and move forward with the next chapter of their respective businesses. All of us at 1501 wish Megan the very best in her life and career.”
Megan signed with 1501 in 2018. Problems arose after she inked a management deal with Roc Nation in 2019.
The rapper sued 1501 in 2020. According to Megan, the label misled her into signing a one-sided deal and blocked the release of her music.
Both parties were embroiled in litigation over the past three years. Megan accused 1501 of refusing to let her out of her contract even though she completed the terms of her agreement with the label. She also asked a judge to appoint a third party to manage the label’s finances over concerns about 1501’s ability to pay any judgment awarded to her in the civil dispute. Crawford claimed she made the request in “bad faith and solely for harassment.”
Megan and 1501 reached a settlement a week after she told fans she was self-funding her next album. The Texas native said she was happy to be an independent artist again. She did not want to sign with a new label while working on the project.
A Nevada judge allowed a second delay of Keefe D’s arraignment in the Tupac Shakur murder case on Thursday (October 19). Keefe D, whose real name is Duane Davis, needed more time to settle his legal representation in the case.
Attorney Ross Goodman appeared with Keefe D in court. Goodman asked Judge Tierra Jones for a continuance, telling the judge he was unable to confirm if he would be Keefe D’s lawyer at Thursday’s hearing.
“I’m going to give you two weeks, but in two weeks, we’ve got to get this case moving,” Judge Jones told Keefe D and Goodman, per theLas Vegas Review-Journal.
Goodman spoke to reporters after the hearing. He said Keefe D plans to plead not guilty to the 1996 murder of Shakur.
Las Vegas police arrested Keefe D on September 29. He was charged with one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.
Prosecutors said Keefe D didn’t shoot Shakur but orchestrated the attack. Authorities accused Keefe D of providing the gun to the shooter, long believed to be his late nephew Orlando Anderson.
Keefe D revealed his involvement in Shakur’s death in a memoir and interviews. Goodman downplayed Keefe D’s admissions.
“If you don’t have a car, if you don’t have a gun, and you don’t have witnesses to corroborate what Mr. Davis said under those circumstances, I believe that there’s an obvious defense to that on why he made those statements,” Goodman contended.
Keefe D remains in custody. Goodman will ask for Keefe D’s release if retained as counsel.
Lauryn Hill’s anticipated return to Essex County for a Fugees reunion in Newark on Tuesday (October 17) made it a momentous evening. However, her fans were left incensed when she reportedly kept them waiting for more than two hours before gracing the stage.
Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras took the stage at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, and I almost went to this. The performance was part of her 25th Anniversary Tour for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which kicked off in September.
The show was scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m., but some concertgoers claimed Hill didn’t appear until nearly 10 p.m. We all know the deal—Ms. Hill has been notorious for her tardiness at performances for years. In fact, she rapped about it in a dope song with Nas.
My awareness like Keanu in The Matrix I’m savin’ souls and y’all complainin’ ’bout my lateness Now it’s illegal for someone to walk in greatness They want the same shh, but they don’t take risks Now the world will get to see it’s own reflection And the anointed can pursue their own direction And if you’re wrong and you’re too proud to hear correction Walk into the hole you dug yourself, f#ck a projection
One fan said, “What a colossal disappointment tonight at the #laurynhill concert. Horrendous sound… kept waiting over 2 hours before the performance. Plus, we couldn’t even occupy our seats for an hour after the doors opened.”
Another person shared a text message that said, “It was a disappointment. The sound quality was terrible; I couldn’t discern any of the instruments or lyrics for most of the show. She remixed almost every song to the point of being unrecognizable. She sang the songs at a rapid pace, almost as if she was rushing, and omitted significant verses from the songs.”
And some others said that the online chatter wasn’t actually accurate and at the same time…conceding the lateness was all facts.
Saw some misleading tweets, the Lauryn Hill & The Fugees show was actually fire! Yes she came out late (950pm for a 730pm show) & the first few songs were a little sped up but once she got into the ballads she takes off! The Fugees set was literally perfect! #laurynhill#Fugeespic.twitter.com/pch9bUTYvO
DJ Kool Herc and his sister, Cindy Campbell, are heading back to their homeland of Jamaica for a special event honoring 50 years of Hip-Hop. Per Loop News. the siblings are hosting a jam on December 29 and 30 at Plantation Cove in St Ann. The two have asked some of the most prominent figures in Hip-Hop and reggae/dancehall to attend.
“We are inviting the very best, both past and present, from the realms of Hip-Hop and Jamaican music,” Herc said. “We are immensely proud of our Jamaican heritage and want the world to share in our pride.”
Herc and Campbell’s collective goal is to not only commemorate the 50th anniversary but also use it as a way to show respect to its Jamaican roots. The event follows Kool Herc’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 3.
Over the years, Herc has received the prestigious Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD) from the Jamaican Government in recognition of his contributions to the culture.
