Lil Uzi Vert Paid For $200,000 Funeral Of Late Rapper Lotta Cash Desto

Lil Uzi Vert dropped their latest album, The Pink Tape, last month. On one of the more introspective tracks, Lil Uzi claimed they paid $200,000 for the funeral of late rapper, Lotta Cash Desto.

Lotta Cash Desto was fatally shot in Houston, Texas last year. Her passing evidently made a lasting impression on Baby Pluto.

The Lil Uzi Vert-affiliate was only 24 years old at the time of her death. Such potential being snatched away must have hit the rapper hard. So, rather than entertaining self-destructive behaviors, Lil Uzi penned their pain.

The Pink Tape dug surprisingly deep. On “Days Come And Go,” Lil Uzi’s reflected: “I got too much on my mind, too much on my plate/I spent two-hundred thousand on Desto funeral, that’s an estate/I don’t know why they be mad at me, ’cause I’m expressin’ my ways.” 

While some things remain questionable, Lil Uzi Vert’s heart seems to be in the right place.

Boosie Badazz Concert Reportedly Ends In Gunfire, One Victim Shot In The Head

A Boosie Badazz concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma reportedly led to gunfire. According to Fox 23 News, more than 20 rounds were set off and four people were hit. The Louisiana lyricist was wrapping up his set with “Set It Off” when the shenanigans started.

Perhaps the track sparked the mayhem or the rapper’s rhetorical call and response incited the pistol-toting shooters. Whatever the case, it got wild.

While poetic license is a thing, it appears as though Boosie didn’t understand his audience. As the show closed, the Tulsa Police Department was called out to help with crowd control. Hundreds of folks peacefully exited the venue.

Others found reasons to act up. As Friday night (June 30) turned into Saturday morning (July 1), some of Boosie Badazz’s supporters began to run amuck. Soon, shots rang out.

According to local reports, more than 20 spent rounds were discovered at the venue’s parking lot. One individual has sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized.

Suspects allegedly exchanged fire with TPD as local news crew reported. Overall, Boosie Badazz has earned the respect of his many of peers and fans. While some folks chase clout, others are about that life. Check out what all social media had to say.

Twitter Spoke Out

Mozzy Detained Following Shooting Involving Seven Victims: Graphic Video Shows Bloodshed

Mozzy was attending an after-party at a club in Wichita, Kansas over the weekend when shots rang out. The incident took place at a venue called City Nightz, where Mozzy had shown up following his performance at another nearby club. Seven people were shot, although nobody was killed. Injuries range from minor bullet grazes to serious gunshot wounds.

According to TMZ, the West Coast rapper was briefly detained by local police on Saturday night (July 1) but wasn’t arrested or charged. The detainment occurred during a traffic stop as police were trying to secure the scene. Police believe someone in Mozzy’s entourage—who was riding in the same car as the rapper—is responsible for the shooting. That person was hauled off to jail, although it’s unclear what his charges are.

In a graphic video making the rounds, blood can be seen splattered across the sidewalk. A woman in the background says, “Never again.” The clip also shows a scuffle break out inside the club before shots are fired. Elsewhere in the video, Mozzy and his crew are stopped and ordered out of the car.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO

Mozzy is lucky he wasn’t involved. Despite being placed in handcuffs, he did get to walk away. The 36-year-old has already had his share of legal troubles. Between 2005 and 2008, Mozzy was arrested three times by the Sacramento Police for possession crimes, including illegal possession of a firearm and evading police. He was arrested again in 2014 and served a sentence in San Quentin State Prison.

After his release, Mozzy decided to focus solely on his music, although probation forbade him from leaving the state of California until 2017. In July 2018, Mozzy was arrested for gun possession during a traffic stop in Las Vegas. Four years later, he pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to one year in prison. He was also hit with $55,000 fine. He served his sentence at USP Atwater before being released in May after serving 10 months.

Rick Ross’s Pool Party Crashed By Parachuting Man: “Don’t Land On The Roof!”

Rick Ross’s sprawling Georgia estate continues to be a source of entertainment. Not long after his massive car show, the Maybach Music Group boss held pool party to usher in the summer. But his soirée got a little more exciting after a man parachuted onto his property. Rick Ross shared video of the moment when the parachuting man flies overhead.

“There he go!” Ross says, excitedly. “Oh my god! It’s the parachute guy. G#######! Hey, don’t land on the roof!” Additional footage included the man packing up his gear and tossing into the back of a black pickup truck. Ross later said they wound up giving him the truck, telling him it was their “destiny.”

This is the second time someone flying through the air has landed on Rick Ross’s property. Early last month, fan Kris Jeter risked his life paragliding into one of Ross’s parties. He told WSB-TV, “I was pretty lucky to make it make it to Rick Ross’ house. It was honestly one of the scariest flights I’ve ever taken. As soon as I got turned around by the wind, I had to fight my way to turn back around. The winds were rushing fast.”

But not everyone is amused by Rick Ross’s ongoing party antics. Several of his neighbors protested the car show, going as far as launching a petition to stop it. The neighbors told Fayette County Board of Commissioners last year’s event brought traffic to a standstill, so members of the Northridge subdivision signed petitions opposing the show.

“I have the petitions here that we signed,” one neighbor told the board during a meeting on April 25, while another said, “Our quality of life was unnecessarily compromised.”

Despite the neighbors’ uproar, Rick Ross was still allowed to proceed with the car show on June 3. Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and Meek Mill were among those who performed at the event and all seemed to go well.

Tyler, The Creator Credits “Dipstick” will.i.am & Sergio Mendes For Shaping His Musical Journey

Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, the Creator is paying homage to will.i.am, acknowledging the Black Eyed Peas frontman’s influence on his early career. 

Tyler, known for his eclectic style and innovative approach to music, has often been candid about his influences, but this recent acknowledgment offers a deeper insight into his musical journey.

“will.i.am is still a dipstick BUT 25 years ago Behind The Front by the Black Eyed Peas was released,” Tyler shared in a heartfelt tribute. “One of the first hip hop albums I owned.”

He recalled writing his first rap to the second half of “Positivity” at the tender age of seven. Tyler also admired the track “The Way You Make Me Feel,” praising the perfect melding of will.i. am’s production with Kim Hill’s vocals. 

He further lauded the simplicity yet incredible creativity of the “Joints and Jams” video and the timeless appeal of “Love Won’t Wait.”

However, the influence of will.i.am on Tyler, The Creator’s career extends beyond the Black Eyed Peas. Tyler credits will.i. am’s work with Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes was instrumental in expanding his ear for music. 

“This album was my introduction to the sounds of bossa nova cause of the great ear will had for samples, which led to him doing that Sergio Mendes project almost a decade later,” Tyler explained.

The album in question, 2006’s Timeless, was a collaboration between Mendes and will.i.am. It was a groundbreaking project that fused Mendes’s classic bossanova sound with will.i. am’s contemporary Hip-Hop production. 

“Will came to my house with a lot of old vinyls that I recorded many years ago,” Sergio Mendes told AllHipHop. “I was so surprised. It was like, ‘Wow!’ He knew every song. He knows every Brazilian riff. I could just feel his passion for the music. We talked, and I said, ‘You know what? You love Brazilian music. Why don’t we bring the Brazilian music and melodies to the Hip-Hop urban world and put them together? I think we can make something really different.'”

The album featured guest artists, including The Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Black Thought, Erykah Badu, Chali 2na and others. 

Timeless was celebrated for its innovative blending of genres and generations, and this fusion profoundly impacted a young Tyler. The album’s unique sound palette, combining traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern Hip-Hop beats, evidently left a lasting impression on the rapper, shaping his approach to music production.

Kim Kardashian Was Ready To “Do Anything” To Get Old Kanye West Back

Kim Kardashian would “do anything” to get back the Kanye West she married. During a sneak peek for next week’s episode of “The Kardashians,” the reality star broke down while talking to her sister Khloé Kardashian about how much the rapper has changed.

Khloé asked her sister if she was OK, which led the SKIMS founder to burst into tears saying she is “not OK.” Wiping tears from her face, the 42-year-old cried, “I just can’t.”

She continued in a confessional, “It’s so different from the person that I married. That’s who I loved and that’s who I remember. I’ll do anything to get that person back.”

Kim met West met in the early 2000s and they developed a friendship before becoming romantically linked in 2011. They tied the knot in 2014, but Kim filed for divorce in early 2021. The divorce was finalized in November 2022.

The former couple welcomed their first child North in June 2013 and their second Saint in December 2015. They had two more children, Chicago and Psalm, via surrogate.

Earlier in the current season of the reality show, Kim opened up about the notoriously controversial rapper, adding, “It’s the hardest feeling to watch someone you really loved and you have a family with just be so different than who you knew.”

Drake Labeled A “Weirdo” After He Shows Off New Pink Manicure

Drake is the recipient of all kinds of criticism—and Sunday (July 2) is no different. Over the weekend, Drake sat down with a nail expert who pampered him with a manicure. The elaborate job included what looks like pink hearts painted on each nail. Of course, the internet lost its collective mind once a photo of the manicure hit social media.

One person wrote, “idc how anyone feel, I’m not messing w no n###a who gets his nails polished other than a manicure. The s### is WEIRD & drake a weirdo lmao.” Another said, “Drake loosing me with the manicure colors & designs,” while yet another commented, “Drake is so corny lol. If you paint your nails a color (not a plain manicure) then you’re gay. idc lol take it up with ya mammyyyyy.”

One more asked, “Why are these dude in Hip Hop constantly trying to shive their feminine ways and styles down our throats to make it seem normal or acceptable! Nothing about this s### is normal, not for a straight heterosexual man!”

Of course, there were just as many who didn’t see a problem with a man painting their nails. As one person pointed out, “This isn’t new. Painting your nails has ways been a thing with men. Stop projecting your toxic masculinity insecurities.” Whatever the case, Drake isn’t worried about anyone’s opinion—he’s rich and successful. He’s also been painting his nails for years now.

https://twitter.com/staccAdonna/status/1675561555079864322?s=20

At this point, Drake has bigger fish to fry. His tour with 21 Savage, dubbed It’s All A Blur Tour, has been pushed back for a third time. The run was supposed to kick off on June 29 in Memphis but now won’t begin until August. Neither Drake or 21 Savage have explained the reason behind the delay, again disappointing his fans.

On Saturday (July 1), Drake shared an old clip of himself to his Instagram Stories pretending to shoot a gun during what looks like an audition. He wrote at the top, “If anyone got beef with Savage on tour this is how I’m coming. Be warned.”

Afroman Says Young Buck Needs To “Control His Alcohol & Drugs” Following Concert Brawl

Afroman is speaking out after a fight broke out between Young Buck and his entourage at a Virginia concert last week. According to the “Because I Got High” rapper, the altercation took place at The Zarati Shop in Abingdon, where both parties were on the bill. Afroman says Young Buck was acting intoxicated and belligerent when the fight broke out.

Afroman explained his side of the story in a lengthy Instagram post, saying he was offended by Buck’s repeated use of the “n-word.” He wrote, “Went to do a show the venue told me to be there at 9:20 when I got there I had to wait because somebody was still on the stage. The venue had to close at 11 I was waiting with my social media photographer, my bodyguard and my artist Lil Sodi when Young Bucc entered the room.

“I am anti N-Word Young Bucc yells out fucc all n-words who don’t do drugs. He was behaving, hostile and aggressive. We were on the right side of the VIP section. He entered the room going to the left side of the VIP section yelling, all kind of insults. He changed his direction and walked bacc over 70 feet He walked over to my socials media photographer, and with a bacc hand strikes him in the side of his stomach.”

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A post shared by Afroman (@ogafroman)

Afroman said that’s when Buck turned his attention to Lil Sodi and started hurling racial slurs at him while encouraging him to “do drugs.” He continued, “Young Bucc bacc handed Lil Sodi in the stomach. Lil Sodi thought he was really drunk, and he tried to checc him verbally with a shove.

“Young Bucc would not go away, and he kept advancing so the altercation occurred. We came to sing we didn’t see Young Bucc on the flyer we didn’t even know he was going to be there my employees felt violated, direspected and the staff needed to do more to control young Bucc plus get him out of our environment.”

Being the Christian man he is, Afroman ended his account by wishing nothing but love to Young Buck, who’s had a helluva time in recent years—from arrests and financial struggles to his ongoing beef with 50 Cent. 

“Young Bucc is my blacc brother,” he concluded. “Young Bucc is my brother in Christ. Young needs to stop punching people he don’t know in the stomach. Young Bucc needs to control his alcohol and drugs. If he’s going to be out in society, he needs to be civil. I forgive Young Bucc. I’m praying for Young Bucc God bless you brother. @buckshotz.”

Of course, Afroman is also a comedian. Since the onset of his career, he’s always injected humor into his music. His social media account isn’t much different. Alongside the caption, Afroman shared a video of Young Buck rolling around the stage, seemingly drunk. The video included the caption that read: “Coke cane A helluva drug young bucc.”

Young Buck, however, wasn’t as forgiving. He later replied: “LISTEN @OGAFROMAN I TAKE ALL FADES THUG… WIT U OR YA N****S. Y’ALL N****S TRY TO JUMP ME THO I CAME TO SHOW LOVE. NA THIS #CASHVILLE FIRST… AND ALWAYS NH60!!! THEY SHOULD OF TOLD U I GOT HANDS THUG!!. COME SEE WHAT S DO.”

Bankroll- “PESOS” Ft. Icewear Vezzo

ZLE Recording is thrilled to announce the release of “PESOS” the latest single from Haitian-born Miami rapper, Bankroll. The track, featuring the talented Icewear Vezzo, is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its infectious beats and captivating lyrics. “PESOS” is now available on all major music streaming platforms.

Bankroll first burst onto the scene with his debut single, “No Love,” which featured the remarkable Zoey Dollaz. This initial offering showcased his unique blend of Afrobeats and Dancehall, instantly resonating with fans across the globe. The immense success of “No Love” propelled Bankroll to new heights, as the track secured a remarkable debut at number 15 on the World Digital Song Sales chart in November 2022.

Known for his dynamic musical style, Bankroll effortlessly fuses influences from his Haitian heritage with the vibrant sounds of Miami. His distinctive sound and undeniable talent have gained him recognition both within the music industry and the world of television. As an integral cast member of Love & Hip Hop Miami, Bankroll continues to showcase his multifaceted abilities, captivating viewers with his magnetic personality and undeniable talent.

The much-anticipated music video for “PESOS” is providing viewers with an electrifying visual experience.

With “PESOS,” Bankroll once again proves his ability to push boundaries and deliver music that resonates with diverse audiences.

To stay updated on Bankroll’s latest news and releases, follow him on social media @walkingbankroll_.

Take a listen to “PESOS” HERE!

Lil Nas X Inks Big Deal With Crocs For Platform & Heeled Footwear

Lil Nas X has been named Crocs’ latest global ambassador. As part of his new role, the “Old Town Road” rapper will star in the footwear company’s campaign for a collection of platform and heeled Crocs.

“I’m always all about taking things to the next level, so I’m super excited to partner with Crocs on this new height collection,” the 24-year-old performer said. “These new styles are so sick, and I know everyone’s going to love them!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuLpSdlL0Yp/?hl=en

The collaboration includes four new bold and colorful shoes; the Siren Clog, the Siren Chain Clog, the Mega Crush Color Dip Clog, and finally, the Crush slide.

“Lil Nas X and Crocs are the perfect pair, representing bold and unbridled self-expression and welcoming everyone to truly come as they are,” the brand stated.

The partnership is the latest in Lil Nas’ continuously growing list of brand deals.

Lil Nas’ other endorsements include Coach and YSL Beauty, while the Industry Baby artist has also been the face of campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Vitaminwater, and Uber Eats.

In 2022, the shoe company joined forces with singer SZA on a Y2K-themed collection. Crocs has also previously worked with celebrities such as Post Malone and Bad Bunny.

Mozzy Arrested After Shooting?

Mozzy JUST completed a 10-month prison sentence in May. Despite being incarcerated on federal gun charges, the West Coast rap don jumped back to it, collaborating with Baby Money and Celly Ru. He released the Kollect Kall EP in April and had been celebrating his freedom. The streets are on fire right now, stating he’s been arrested AGAIN following a shooting.

Videos have emerged online, capturing the moment when the 36-year-old rapper was detained by the police in the middle of the night. One person said, “Maaan, @MozzyThaMotive came to our city Wichita, [Kansas] for an amazing show. We attended the after-party, only to witness his subsequent arrest. SMH, we demand Mozzy’s release, and we condemn the authorities involved.”

According to ABC News, the nightclub where Mozzy was partying was the site of a shooting incident, resulting in seven people being shot and two others trampled. There was one person arrested according to the early reports, but it didn’t say that person was Mozzy.

Mass Shooting In South Baltimore Leaves 30 Wounded; 2 Dead

A block party in southern Baltimore turned into a horror scene early this morning when a mass shooting left two people dead and dozens injured. 

The incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on Gretna Court in the Brooklyn Homes. Among the victims were 30 people who were shot, including an 18-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man who succumbed to their injuries. 

The remaining 28 victims were injured, and three are in critical condition.

The Baltimore Police Department is actively investigating the incident and searching for the gunman. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the tragedy earlier today, expressing his grief and frustration over the incident. 

“This is an absolute tragedy that did not have to happen,” Scott said. He emphasized the need to address the issue of illegal guns on the streets, stating that the incident “again highlights the impacts and the need to deal with the over-proliferation of illegal guns on our streets and the ability for those who should not have them to get their hands on them.”

The incident has left the community in shock and mourning as they grapple with the sudden tragedy. 

The city of Baltimore is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the shooter.

Soulja Boy Catches Break: Judge Reconsiders $235K Awarded To Ex-Girlfriend In Civil Case

A California judge may void damages awarded to Soulja Boy’s ex-girlfriend in a civil dispute over a 2019 assault and kidnapping.

According to MyNewsLA, Judge Mark Epstein raised concerns about the jury lacking information in the case on Thursday (June 29). Jurors awarded $235,900 in punitive damages to Soulja Boy’s ex Kayla Myers at the trial in April.

Judge Epstein said Myers did not present evidence of Soulja Boy’s income, debt, expenses or savings at the trial. The issue will be discussed at a hearing scheduled for July 21.

“The court is concerned that, absent at least some evidence on this point, the issue should never have gone to the jury,” a judicial clerk wrote.

Myers sued Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Way, for attacking her at his Malibu home. She accused the rapper of assaulting and kidnapping her at a 2019 party.

A jury sided with Myers, awarding her damages for “physical and mental pain and suffering.” Myers also received money for mental health expenses.

“We’re pleased with the jury’s verdict,” Myers’ lawyer Max Engelhardt said. “Mr. Way assaulted and terrorized Kayla, and that was borne out by the evidence and testimony. The punitive damages were substantial, and hopefully, they will serve as a lesson to Mr. Way that his celebrity status is not a license to commit violence.”

Soulja Boy demanded a new trial. His lawyers cited jury misconduct as one of the reasons to relitigate the case.

Young Thug’s Artist FN DaDealer Charged With Murder

Another YSL affiliate of Young Thug is facing serious legal problems, after being charged with a murder in Atlanta. Read more

A rising star in the rap world known by his stage name FDA Dealer, has been arrested on charges of murder.

The 20-year-old artist, born Jacoby Moody, is signed to Young Thug’s YSL Records. He is accused of killing Tremaine Glasper, a father of two, on June 5th.

The incident took place at the Columbia and Mechanicsville Crossing apartment on Wells St. Atlanta PD is still on the hunt for two other suspects involved in the shooting.

Moody, who joined YSL Records at the age of 18, is now facing serious legal consequences.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the music industry, particularly due to Young Thug’s own legal troubles.

Young Thug is currently facing a trial in a RICO case.

He is accused of renting a car used in a 2015 killing of a rival gang associate, Donovan Thomas Jr.

This act allegedly triggered a series of gang-related killings in Atlanta.

However, Young Thug is not charged with murder or attempted murder.

He has pleaded not guilty to eight counts, including drug and weapons charges, as well as one count each of conspiring to violate the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and participating in criminal street gang activity.

The rapper’s trial is set to begin soon, and it has drawn attention to the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings.

Young Thug’s lyrics, along with social media postings and images, are being used by prosecutors as part of the evidence to prove his involvement in the alleged crimes.

REVIEW: A Critical Look at “PYTI – Fortuna” (2023)

PYTI’s latest track, “Fortuna,” is an EDM song with strong bass beats and a unique blend of atmospheric sounds. The song’s long intro progresses into a strong bassline layered with many effects and synths to give the melody character. Also, the song does not quite fit the typical radio format, but it contains other elements that make it stand out. This review will look at various elements  PYTI used when composing the track. 

A Closer Look Into PYTI’s “Fortuna” 

“Fortuna” begins with a long intro featuring a gentle melody that gradually develops with layered synths, creating a sense of anticipation and tone for the rest of the song. The energy builds up as the intro progresses, then the artist introduces a solid bassline that is repeated almost throughout the entire song. This baseline serves as the foundation that other instruments are layered. And its beats and tempo are fast-paced. 

As the track proceeds, PYTI layers various synths into “Fortuna” to create an intricate sound. He also uses multiple effects throughout the entire track to give it dimension and personality. The use of distortion, for instance, makes the track more engaging and varied. 

The track also utilizes brief vocal snippets that add personality to it and make it more memorable. The vocals also help balance the song, especially when the artist continuously uses many synthesizers. One of the most memorable parts of the song is when the artist uses fewer instruments. The use of fewer elements creates contrast in the melody and gives the instrument its spotlight allowing the lister to enjoy the melody. 

In the second half of the composition, PYTI uses fewer instruments but layers them afterward to give the song a sense of progression. This section of the song emphasizes chill vibes, generating a sense of space and depth. 

The production quality is great, but there is room for improvement. The repetitive and strong baseline can be monotonous for some listeners. However, the artist has created a blend of atmospheric sounds that captures the essence of EDM music. 

In addition, although “Fortuna” demonstrates PYTI’s talent, the song falls short in some areas. For example, the structure of the track does not quite fit the typical radio format, mainly due to its lengthy intro, therefore, which could limit its exposure. Also, using too many synths, distortions, and other random elements could clutter the melody and distract some listeners. The layering of too many elements at a time could also distract and overwhelm some listeners.

In conclusion, although “Fortuna” is a great EDM track that demonstrates PYTI’s artistry skills. The artist, however, has used different elements to create a distinct sound that captures the basic concept of the EDM genre.

Freddie Gibbs Wants Zero To Do With Curren$y

You hate to see it. First of all, let’s talk about the internet and social media. We need a full-blown moratorium on rappers and the internet. I just wish they would stick to the bars and beats. That said, Freddie Gibbs and Curren$y are two of the dopest artists from the modern era. Both are vets at this point, and they are also a part of a fraternity of rappers that hold the culture down.

But Freddie Gibbs hurt us. He revealed there wouldn’t be a sequel to his highly acclaimed Fetti project with Spitta. Basically, he maintains Curren$y’s alleged failure to effectively promote the project with him was the nail in the coffin. There’s the other “thing” too.

Fetti 2 also wasn’t happening because Curren$y also worked readily with Jim Jones and Benny The Butcher, both of whom Gibbs has beefed with. He addressed the situation on Twitter. I wasn’t holding my breath anyway, because Fetti came out in 2018.

“We wasn’t going to get that sh#t regardless,” Gibbs said to a fan. “N###a s###### on our first project. Didn’t shoot one video or do one show. I ain’t get mad, I just subtracted him from the equation… me and Al made another classic [and] went to the Grammys. and End of story.”

Gibbs seemed to be using his burner account, stating that Curren$y sabotaged their initial collaboration. He said Curren$y didn’t shoot any music videos nor do any concerts in support of the project. He just moved on. Maybe there’ a bit of hope…but probably not.

Man Wanted For Capitol Insurrection Arrested Near Obamas’ Home With Guns & Explosives

A man with a warrant related to the Capitol Insurrection was reportedly arrested on Thursday (June 29) near Barack and Michelle Obama’s home in Washington D.C. According to CBS News,  Seattle native Taylor Taranto was chased down by Secret Service and eventually apprehended with weapons and materials to create an explosive device on him. Two law enforcement officials said Taranto had an open warrant on charges related to the insurrection.

The local Metropolitan police department arrested Taranto on charges of being a fugitive from justice. The explosives team swept Taranto’s van and concluded there were no threats to the public. The Tri-City Herald newspaper reports Taranto was a U.S. Navy veteran and webmaster for the Republican party in Washington state. No further details on what Taranto is accused of doing in the riot were provided.

Supporters of then-president Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in January 2021, beat police officers and pursued leading politicians. They also invaded a congressional chamber in an attempt to overturn Trump’s defeat at the 2020 presidential election before Joe Biden’s victory was certified by Congress.

More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol attack. More than 600 of them have pleaded guilty, while approximately 100 others have been convicted after trials decided by judges or juries. More than 550 riot defendants have been sentenced, with over half imprisoned.

Raekwon Marries Longtime Girlfriend As Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Fat Joe + More Look On

Raekwon married his longtime girlfriend Jasmine on Friday (June 30). The star-studded wedding was attended by Rae’s Wu-Tang brethren RZA, Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck as well as Nas, Fat Joe, Faith Evans and N.O.R.E., among others. Several pictures of the lavish ceremony hit social media following the festivities.

Raekwon, wearing a cream-colored tux jacket, black pants and a black bowtie, posed alongside Deck and his many friends and family. The bride, meanwhile, opted for traditional white and a long vail.

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A post shared by Inspectah Deck (@ins_tagrams)

Loud Records’ founder Steve Rifkind was also among the many special guests. He shared his own photos of the ceremony to his Instagram account.

He wrote in the caption: “Congrats @raekwon and Jasmin on your wedding family’s pictures @divinediggs @rza @fatjoe @therealrichplayer @talanidiggs @therealnoreaga @bellaneri3 @liyah_lee @nas.”

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A post shared by Steven J. Rifkind (@steverifkind)

In 2021, Raekwon released his first memoir titled From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan, which allowed fans to get closer to the veteran MC. During a December 2021 interview, Raekwon opened up about his challenging childhood, which included an addict father and the wild streets of Brooklyn.

“I really was too young to understand it, but they was living in a time where it was very rough,” he said at the time.. “I was living in parts of Brooklyn where there was a lot of killings, stabbings and gangs — this and that. But you never want to come to the realization that your parents separate.

“But, I guess my moms did what she had to do for a reason, because she felt I was being put in bad situations and bad environments. It was just something I had to deal with. Then growing up in Staten Island with a community of guys that were going through the same thing, the only father figure we had was the streets.”

Raekwon also spoke on being a father to the children he had with Jasmine. He added: “Being a dad myself, I never want to abandon my children under any circumstances. I don’t care if I’m arguing with my kids’ mom or whatever, that’s just not going to be me because it’s going to always make me reflect back to what I’ve been through.”

Fat Joe shared photos of Raekwon and Jasmine’s wedding to Instagram as well. He wrote, “Congrats to my brother @raekwon and his lovely wife jasmine love y’all.”

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A post shared by FAT JOE (@fatjoe)

Snoop Dogg: 9-Year-Old In Rapper’s Youth Football League Celebrates Six-Figure Deal

Snoop Dogg‘s youth football league—aptly called Snoop’s Youth Football League (SYFL)—is producing greatness. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 9-year-old boy named Ghalee Wadood Jr. has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the Family 4 Life sports and entertainment agency worth six figures. But it’s business as usual for the young man.

“Ain’t nothing changed,” Ghalee Wadood Sr., the boy’s father, said.  “Like now, we just finished eating dinner. We’re doing an interview, we’re on the phone. Then he’ll go back in his room and play Madden and get on the phone with his boys and have a big ol’ group chat. He doesn’t really know what’s going on.”

The SYFL was started in 2005 by Snoop Dogg and Wadood Sr.’s older brother, Khalil Wadood, the commissioner of the league. Wadood Sr., who periodically servces as a volunteer coach, returned this season when his son was finally old enough to play tackle football.

After the deal was announced, Snoop tweeted the news (although it’s been deleted). Wadood Sr. also posted on Instagram: “Thank you to the Village and The Team. These past couple days have been what we envisioned a long time ago. Still a long way to go, but the mission will get accomplished. Couldn’t have done any of this without @lilghalee @unc_f4l @snoopdogg @westlawadu_ @bigu1 @footballvillenation @theoraclekmac1 #OurTeamvsYoTeam.”

He’s also seizing the opportunity to teach his son some valuable life lessons.

“There’s a lot of business going on behind this,” Wadood Sr. said. “Like, we’re getting a lot of attention for football and how good he is athletically, and that’s great. We love the attention, but it gives us a chance to start teaching the kids at a young age financial literacy, businesses and ownership.”

For now, Wadood Jr. is focused on football, but his father encourages him to pursue other things. He added, “He’s just a kid and we’ll continue to let him live his life and live his dream. But we’re going to continue to push the business end, you know just thinking outside of the box because we don’t want him to put all his marbles into making it in the NFL. I’m just trying to open him up to seeing other things other than just sports.”

Snoop Dogg raps about his goal to have a football league in the 2017 single “Promise U This.” He spits, “Didn’t forget where I came from, went back to the hood/Signed n####as, gave jobs and I made bail/And kept a lot of m############ from goin’ back to jail/Retail, hoe sale, OG’s won’t tell/Oh yeah they will, oh yeah they will/But I paid no mind I get back on my grind/I had a football dream to have a football league and I did that.”

Oh yes he did.

Birdman Conned Out Of $5.4 Million In Oil Scam

Birdman and his brother Slim were reportedly victims of a wicked con. It took the FBI 10 years to find the perpetrator, and they interviewed the two executives in their pursuit.

Kevin Edmundson, then a lawyer for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said the person behind the scam is Mark Roy Anderson.

According to the Daily Beast, Anderson is alleged to have stolen $1 million from a Dallas real estate broker and other investors. As a result, Anderson was slapped with a civil suit that he evaded. A criminal investigation was also launched, and Anderson was convicted and issued a $130,000 judgment.

The oil scam that got the Cash Money executive mixed up happened between March 2006 and November 2010. In total, 20 people were impacted. In 2011, the FBI brought Birdman in for an interview, listing him in paperwork as “B.W.”

As stated in the interview, Birdman said he and Slim formed an oil and gas exploration company with Anderson called BRONALD Oil and Gas.

After meeting with Anderson, Birdman wired him $5.4 million between April and September 2008. He also met with Anderson in Skiatook, Oklahoma, to check on his investment “specifically to see the oil leases” he was supposed to be buying. He played them and other investors.

Anderson swindled the Cash Money executives and hopped out of the oil business. He was sent to prison for 11 years for the scam.

However, in 2020, Anderson went back to his old ways. He was recently arrested for running a three-year scam involving a hemp farm, which stole over $9 million from unsuspecting investors.