One of the most impressive talents out of the Bay Area is Brill 4 The Thrill. He’s continued to put out excellent content over the years, as he builds a catalog and perfects his sound. He has incredible lyrical abilities and knows how to entertain listeners. For his birthday on September 15, he released his latest hit song and music video “Blizzard”. I really enjoyed the refreshing track, which was paired well with the crispy visuals by SkiiiMobb.
Brill is a rapper who’s earned his spot in the industry. His work ethic is what truly differentiates him from the competition. He stays in the studio and will shoot multiple music videos in a night. He continuously networks and builds his brand Active Worldwide. He is also a known associate of Money Counter Music with co-signs from Detroit rapper GT. If you aren’t already familiar with Brill 4 The Thrill, I recommend checking out his new music video “Blizzard”.
New Jersey’s Albee Al was released from jail after accepting a plea deal for his role in a 2019 shooting.
According to the Daily Voice, Albee Al and his co-defendant Darnell Reeves pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on Monday (August 15). They were released from the Passaic County Jail later that day.
But Albee Al, whose real name is Albert Robinson, and Reeves could end up back behind bars in a few months. Their plea deals come with a mandatory minimum of 18 months in prison.
The two had been in jail since September 2019. It’s unknown if a judge will credit them with time served when they are sentenced on October 14.
Both men were originally arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder, for a non-fatal shooting in Passaic, New Jersey. Prosecutors said Albee Al and Reeves shot two men in August 2019.
Albee Al previously beat a murder charge in 2014. He was acquitted of murder, aggravated manslaughter and reckless manslaughter in the death of a 17-year-old boy.
Prosecutors accused the 34-year-old rapper of dumping the kid’s body in the Hudson River after his cousin shot the teen. His cousin Joshua Robinson was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the teen’s death.
EA Sports unveiled the Hip Hop-centric soundtrack for Madden 23, which contains a score produced by Hit-Boy.
The game’s soundtrack includes Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Pusha T, Benny The Butcher, Doechii, Cypress Hill, Lil Uzi Vert and Tyler, The Creator, among others.
Madden 23 features exclusive tracks from Killer Mike, Symba, Big K.R.I.T. and more. Hit-Boy also created 33 original beats for the video game’s cinematics.
“Never would’ve thought as a kid I’d be able to score my favorite game,” Hit-Boy wrote on Instagram.
More tracks will be added to Madden 23 once the NFL season begins. The additions include Hit-Boy and Cordae’s “Checkmate” and Money Man, Babyface Ray and Key Glock’s “No Limit” featuring BLEU.
Check out the Madden 23 soundtrack’s tracklist below and stream it here.
Aha Gazelle – Tear It Down Bas – Run It Up* Benny The Butcher – Remember Me Big K.R.I.T. – EXTRA CREDIT* Blackway, Aeph, Koko – Impossible Boslen – LEVELS Cam Wallace – ENERGY! Charmaine – LOGIC (LuckyCharm Freestyle) Coast Contra – 505 Cordae ft. Lil Wayne – Sinister Cypress Hill – Hit Em’ Doechii – Crazy Dreamville with Bas ft. A$AP Ferg – Lifestyle EarthGang – GHETTO GODS Erica Banks – The Best (TUA Remix)* Gizzle ft. BRE-Z – One Shot* IMRSQD – Run It Up Joey Bada$$ – THE REV3NGE Kendrick Lamar – N95 Killer Mike – Get Some Money* King Green – Cold* Kwesi Arthur ft. Vic Mensa – Winning Lord Afrixana – Touchdown* Malachiii – Hold Me Malachiii – How To Be A Star* Marqus Clae – Are You Ready* Nas – Meet Joe Black Nigo ft. Tyler, The Creator – Come On, Let’s Go OnCue – Any Given Sunday Pap Chanel – No Biggie* Pusha T ft. Lil Uzi Vert & Don Toliver – Scrape It Off Risqkae ft. Rti$ – The Intro* Robert Glasper ft. Killer Mike, BJ The Chicago Kid & Big K.R.I.T. – Black Superhero Simon Said. & Jazzfeezy ft. Steve Samson – You Gotta Choose* Snoop Dogg ft. Nas – Conflicted Symba – Go Get It* Symba – Put Me In The Game* Trev Rich & Wallis Lane – Whole Team* Ty Dolla $ign ft. Wiz Khalifa – Champions
There is a new song by Amar Alwani called “Added,” which was just released. The song has a large following as a result of its popularity. Immediately after its release, it became viral. This is a true piece of art thanks to the song’s catchiness and Amar Alwani’s incredible musical ability.
His musical ability belies his youth as a newcomer to the music industry. This year, Amar Alwani has released five tracks. While listening, you can hear Amar Alwani attempting to elicit strong feelings from them. “Added” is not any different. It’s a terrific song for people of any age, according to experts.
Because it’s so infectious and energetic, “Added” is difficult to get enough of. Regardless of how many times you hear a song, there’s something about it that beckons you back to listen again and again. That speaks much about Amar Alwani’s abilities.
Follow Amar Alwani on Instagram for more about his personal life and music here:
Asad Yusupov has given his fans what they desired finally. He has made a track that is able to drive people nuts at the party. His music has always been the life of parties. “Freedom” is no exception to that. Slowly the track has become a recurring piece of music at parties across the nation. People can’t seem to stop enjoying it.
Asad Yusupov is mostly known for arranging parties in Northern Virginia. That place has hosted many artists over the years and is always full to the brim with people ready to party. Having been in touch with many musicians over the course of his event management, he has picked up many skills and has been exposed to many kinds of music. He started his musical career with that knowledge and now nobody can stop him.
“Freedom” turns the party up to three notches. Whenever the track comes on, you can stay rest assured that the time that follows will be a good time and you can enjoy yourself to the fullest. The song hypes up the party and makes for an evening that you won’t be able to forget in a long time.
Dirty O, a consistent up and coming artist out of Niagara Falls NY has already experienced the game and feels now is the time to force his way through the door. After finishing up tours with Conway the Machine and an independent tour with Ponzo Houdini in 2021 Dirty’s focus has now gone back to the music.
On July 6th the day that marks the loss of his best friend (Josh), Dirty dropped Less Than A God More Than A Man and is following that up with the Deluxe Edition of Less Than A God More Than A Man early August as well. With the likes of Rick Hyde, Che Noir, Tre’Von Waters, Shotgun Suge, and more appearing on this album.
Production from local up and comers Crash Carson, Bless 3K, Yuself Holt, and GoGo 13 bring a new sound to these projects. Dirty believes these projects have a song on there for every man, woman and child regardless of race or age. Be sure to follow Dirty O’s movement and see where this witty street artist journey leads him to in the music industries world.
Kenya Barris has signed on to write and direct a “reimagining” of the classic The Wizard of Oz.
Warner Bros. executives have employed the “Black-ish” creator to write and direct their new take on the 1939 fantasy classic. Barris’ production company, Khalabo Ink Society, is also producing the remake.
According to Deadline, the project has been described as a “modern reimagining of the iconic musical”, but plot details are being kept under wraps.
“I’m doing THE WIZARD OF OZ!!!!! (mind-blown emojis) Thank you everyone who made this happen. WB, @caa, my entire team at @khalaboinksociety, @khalabomusic and a special shout out to my man (music video director) @colebennett …. I have NO WORDS… other than it’s f**kin’ GO TIME!!!” Barris wrote about his new job on Instagram.
Kenya Barris’ screenwriting credits include “Girls Trip,” “Coming 2 America,” and the recent remakes of “The Witches” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.”
His directorial debut, “You People,” which he wrote with Jonah Hill, will be released later this year.
The original “Wizard of Oz” follows Dorothy, portrayed by Judy Garland, as she is swept into a tornado and transported from Kansas to Oz.
To get home, Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to find the Wizard of Oz. Aided by a pair of ruby slippers, her dog Toto, a scarecrow, a cowardly lion, and a tin man, Dorothy must outsmart the film’s antagonist, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Photo credit: press photo courtesy of Warner Records
Erica Banks has certainly been busy from releasing back-to-back fan-favorite records to releasing her debut album ‘Diary of a Flow Queen’ earlier this year.
With bass-forward records, classic samples, and a Texas drawl, the 23-year-old rapper definitely held her own on the project.
“‘Diary of a Flow Queen’ is definitely the party girl pack all in one. I’m letting my fans get in my head as to what I think a good time is, I have put it into music. This one’s for the women that enjoy fun, and are not to be played with. Definitely a memorable project, my favorite so far,” said Erica in a statement.
Erica also recently released the video for her single “Trick” from the album. The 1501 Certified artist hit the strip club for the “Trick” visuals, and the video chronicles Erica and a number of dancers looking for a large payout after putting that work in.
AllHipHop caught up with Erica Banks to discuss her new album, her “Flow Queen” title, her use of classic Hip Hop samples, her confidence and more.
AllHipHop: How did the success of the “Buss It” challenge feel for you? I know it wasn’t overnight; I know it was like a 3-year journey to that moment, but how did it feel? Did it feel overnight when it happened?
Erica Banks: Yes and no. Yes because I was only signed for not even a year when it went viral, and I’d say no because it kind of felt like it took a long time because I put in a lot of ground work, you know, before I signed. It kind of felt fast, but it kind of felt slow, but I’m glad it did what it did.
AllHipHop:What’s the first thing you bought with your first big check?
Erica Banks: Um a car, I bought me a Benz…..It was white. Yep, I bought me a Benz. That was my first big purchase. After that, I just started buying bags and stuff everyday.
AllHipHop:Congrats on the release of your new project, ‘Diary of a Flow Queen.’ So I love your confidence, but sometimes when you are confident, you get a lot of backlash, so I have two questions: How do you deal with the backlash, and why do you think people come at you about the confidence?
Also, what makes Erica the “Flow Queen?” What makes Erica’s flow special in your own words?
Erica Banks: I feel like people react the way they do because in 2022 the world is just sensitive, but I’m going to always be confident and always believe that I’m the best at what I do because that’s just how I feel. You know everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and that’s my opinion, so that’s how I feel. On “Flow Queen,” I would notice whenever people would watch my videos, they would always comment and say their favorite thing is my flow and how I switch it up, and how it’s so different. So I was like what can I call myself including the word flow, and I was like “Flow Queen,” and it stuck.
AllHipHop: What’s the hardest thing about being a female in the music industry?
Erica Banks: It’s harder for women because it’s a male-dominated industry, so a lot of times males try to play on that or take advantage or play you like you’re crazy because they think that some may not be as smart. That’s the only downfall to that it’s male-dominated, so it’s a little bit harder for us.
AllHipHop: I love how transparent you are; so you’ve been open about modifications to your body. We obviously know that you are in full support of it, but what do you say about people feeling like when people see someone get their body done, it can influence other people. We’re in a world of plastic surgery and modifications, how do you feel about influence possibly influencing others to get work done?
Erica Banks: Well my situation was never an influence. My situation was me strictly wanting to get my body done because I’m just not a gym girl, so that’s just me. I support it though whether people want to do that or if they want to stay natural, but in today’s world, everybody is just easily influenced by the internet. So, some people do go get it done because they feel like this is what the internet wants to see, but me in particular, I know I wanted to get my body done when I was in high school, so I just finally got the money to do it.
AllHipHop: So you’ve sampled some dope Hip Hop classics on a few records. Who’s coming up with this idea to sample? Was it you, a producer, or a collaborative effort?
Erica Banks: Sgt. J who produced “Buss It,” he came with the idea of the Nelly sample. He actually brought that to me, and then I came up with the “Toot That” song, so we did the “Pop Lock & Drop It” sample on that one. I was like we got this song with the Nelly, now we need something else that’s that same vibe, so I was like “Pop Lock & Drop It” will be hard, and we did “Toot That,” and “Toot That” did amazing. It’s still one of my most trending songs, so we’re doing the right thing. We just kind of bounce off of each other….With “Do It” I was like I was in the club one day and was like they still play this Khia song in the club. I was like it would probably be hard if I could put some 808s with that. I got with Doe Doe, my producer who is also signed to 1501, and he put the drums together, and we did it.
AllHipHop: Who are some of your biggest influences coming up?
Erica Banks: Missy Elliott of course. I always say Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Drake…that whole era. Nicki Minaj of course. If I had to name the top 4 people I was really listening to as a kid coming up, it would be Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj.
AllHipHop: Who are your Top 5 favorite rappers dead or alive?
Erica Banks: Future, Lil Baby, Gunna, myself, and Nicki Minaj.
AllHipHop: Who are some female artists that you would like to collaborate with?
Erica Banks: I’d like to collaborate with Omeretta. She’s out here in Atlanta. Glorilla [she’s] so hard. I love her stuff. I just collaborated with Glitter Gloss who’s acfially best friends with her. Super dope. Super sweet. I would have to say Summer Walker. I’m going to just go broad. Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko. I love a R&B vibe, so maybe we can get some of them done.
AllHipHop: What are some male artists you’d like to work with?
Erica Banks: Future of course, Drake, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, Ty Dolla $ign. The list goes on.
AllHipHop: Who would you like to see in a Verzuz battle?
Erica Banks: I want to see the obvious. I want to see Chris Brown and Usher.
AllHipHop: If your sex life was a movie, what would be the title?
Erica Banks: Fantasy World
AllHipHop: In 2022, what does Erica Banks look for in a man?
Erica Banks: Stability, humor, honesty, loyalty, great hygiene, and no kids.
AllHipHop: Being an artist from the south, how do you feel about the New York sound?
Erica Banks: It’s not really my style. I’m open to trying it as far as music, but do I listen to it, no.
AllHipHop: Education..How important is education? You were going to school to be a nurse, but you took a different direction and it worked out for you, so what would be your advice for someone who is [currently] in school.
Erica Banks: I would say do whatever you feel. Some people like school; some people don’t. I don’t like school, but I say if you like it, go. If you don’t, find out what else you like. I had to find out what else I liked.
AllHipHop: If you could make a classic female anthem record, what females would you put on the record?
Erica Banks: I would put Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, and Missy Elliott.
AllHipHop: So what’s next for Erica Banks, and are there any other endeavors that you would like to tap into?
Erica Banks: Um what’s next for me.. just continuing to bounce off of my project, drop the videos for songs off my project. We just dropped “Trick,” we have “Do It” out, we’re getting ready to do “Nasty” with Bankroll Freddie, so just continuing to capitalize off of my project….I want to eventually act, become an entrepreneur, open up doors for my own products, my own line, and stuff like that, but later on though. Right now, I’m just focused on my music.
No Savage awaits a possible indictment for a shooting in a Virginia mall.
According to multiplereports, a judge found probable cause to send the case to a grand jury at a hearing on Monday (August 15). No Savage faces charges of attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and three counts of discharging a weapon into an occupied building.
The 22-year-old rapper could be sentenced to up to 43 years in prison if convicted on all five counts. His lawyer Peter Greenspun said his client should only be facing misdemeanors.
No Savage, whose real name is Noah Settles, allegedly fired three shots inside Tysons Corner Center on June 18. No one was wounded by the gunfire.
Police said No Savage started shooting after a verbal altercation became physical. His family contends he acted in self-defense.
No Savage allegedly fled the scene in a black Cadillac. A few days later, he turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Police are still looking for the other individuals involved in the incident. No Savage was caught on video with a firearm, but his father Anthony Royal claims two other people had guns as well.
“They just don’t have them in custody,” Royal said, per WUSA 9.
No Savage is being held without bond. His next hearing is scheduled for September 22.
The U.S. Department of Labor says Rick Ross and his family’s Boss Wings Enterprises LLC illegally deducted wages from employees at several Wingstop locations.
According to the department’s Wage and Hour Division, Rick Ross and his family’s company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. An investigation discovered minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping violations at five Wingstops operated by Boss Wings in Mississippi.
Rick Ross’ family business allegedly made employees pay for their own uniforms, safety training, background checks and cash register shortages. The violations led to some workers taking home pay less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
“Restaurant industry employees work hard, often for low wages, and many depend on every dollar earned to make ends meet,” Wage and Hour Division District Director Audrey Hall said in a press release. “The law prevents Boss Wings Enterprises LLC from shifting operating costs to workers by deducting the costs of uniforms, cash register shortages or training expenses, or to allow a worker’s pay to fall below the minimum wage rate.”
Boss Wings also violated child labor regulations. A 15-year-old employee worked past 10 p.m. on multiple occasions in June 2021, violating FLSA child labor work hours standards.
The Rick Ross-led company was ordered to pay $114,427 in back wages, liquidated damages and civil penalties. The Department of Labor specifically recovered $51,674 in back wages and damages for 244 workers.
Mariah Carey is facing a legal battle over her attempt to trademark the phrase “Queen of Christmas.”
In March 2021, lawyers for the “All I Want for Christmas Is You” singer filed paperwork with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking to register the name for uses related to her music as well as a variety of beauty products and merchandise.
Last week, lawyers acting on behalf of singer Elizabeth Chan filed a formal declaration of opposition to the trademark request, with “priority and likelihood of confusion” and “false suggestion of a connection with persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols” cited as the grounds for opposition.
“Christmas has come way before any of us on earth, and hopefully will be around way after any of us on earth,” Chan commented in a statement to Variety. “I feel very strongly that no one person should hold onto anything around Christmas or monopolize it in the way that Mariah seeks to in perpetuity. That’s just not the right thing to do. Christmas is for everyone. It’s meant to be shared; it’s not meant to be owned.”
Chan exclusively performs festive music and released an album titled The Queen of Christmas in December 2021.
Representatives for Carey have not yet commented on the filing.
However, “All Alone on Christmas” singer Darlene Love revealed on Monday that she also has issues with the trademark attempt.
“Is it true that Mariah Carey trademarked ‘Queen of Christmas’?” she posted on social media. “What does that mean that I can’t use that title? David Letterman officially declared me the Queen of Christmas 29 years ago, a year before she released ‘All I want For Christmas Is You’ and at 81 years of age I’m NOT changing anything. I’ve been in the business for 52 years, have earned it and can still hit those notes! If Mariah has a problem call David or my lawyer!!”
“Mr. Allen’s role in this, it was much less than the other three,” his attorney Jim Lewis told NBC Miami. “More of an accessory after the fact than really part of the planning. Certainly, he never got out of the car, never had a gun, never shot anybody.”
Lewis said Allen struck the plea deal “hoping for a lot better than a life sentence.”
The sentencing is scheduled for February 23rd next year.
Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome are all facing first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm charges.
Boatwright is accused of firing the weapon that killed XXXTentacion.
Prosecutors said they believe Allen and Williams stayed inside RIVA Motorsports to watch the rapper as he perused the dealership, while Boatwright and Newsome were involved in the altercation that led to his death.
Pat Stay says The Game needs to stop “desperately begging” Eminem to battle him and face a challenge from a real battle rapper instead.
The Canadian spitter, a battle rap legend in his own right, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning (Aug. 16) to call out the Compton legend, telling him if he’s so “eager” to battle a white boy, come see him to “prove” his rapping credentials. He shared a photo of the “Eazy” rapper with the famous line from Eminem’s “Stan,” and took to the caption to challenge Eminem.
He said while he’s a fan of The Game, he’s struggled to watch him “desperately begging” for Em’s attention in an attempt to battle him. “Trust me, I respect the hunger,” he added. The Game has spent months on Eminem’s neck and dropped “The Black Slim Shady,” a reported diss track, last week. While he acknowledged the Detroit icon is one of the “great emcees,” Game said Em was cherry-picked by the industry “machine,” and isn’t a better rapper than him; Em just sold more records.
In contrast, The Game said “I was TOO REAL, TOO UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK,” for the labels and “cut the puppet strings” early in his career.
According to Pat Stay, “once you start that whole ‘he only blew up because he’s white’ type sh*t it comes off more haterish than competitive.”
He continued and said he would even battle The Game in his own city. “You seem very eager to battle. Specifically a “white boy”. Well why don’t you do a real battle and come see me. We can do it in LA.
Pat Stay Says The Game Would Be The “Underdog” In This Fight
Pat Stay then conceded, “you’re way bigger than me in the music world,” before adding, “but in the battle world you’re the underdog, by a long shot. We can put whatever up too.” He then told The Game he should join the other famous rappers who “jumped in the ring to solidify their positions as lyricists and real MC’s.”
He concluded by saying, “So bring it. I’m that white boy you need to see first. If you don’t respond to this, you’re scared……Just like you’re tryna say bout Em.”
Many of Pat Stay’s peers hopped in the comments section to have their say. Tay Roc, Arsonal Da Rebel, Eazy The Block Captain, Real Deal, and many others lent their support to the call out.
The Game has yet to respond and is busy promoting his new album Drillmatic: Heart vs. Mind which he hailed as “the best rap album out right now.”
Pat Stay could have the support of one of his fellow countrymen and superstar rapper, Drake. The Toronto native is a fan and selected him as one of the emcees on his joint event with the Ultimate Rap League last year.
Kim Kardashian reckons the Beats earbuds she’s designed are so chic that she could style them with her SKIMS collection.
The wireless earbuds have been given the Kim treatment, with the 41-year-old choosing three neutral shades for her Beats x Kim range.
The collaboration came about after the reality TV star, a longtime fan of the Apple-owned product, commissioned an artist to paint her own Beats.
Realizing she was onto something, she went straight to brand bosses with an idea to bring out her own line that reflected her personal tastes.
“Traditionally, most consumer electronics are in the default colors of black and white,” she explained to Vogue. “But I wanted to incorporate universal neutrals that are core, as headphones truly are wearable tech accessories.
“This collection is really for people who appreciate a head-to-toe monochromatic or minimalist look. I’ve been wearing them with pretty much everything because they fit into so many aspects of my day – leggings and joggers when I’m out running errands or loungewear when I’m studying. I could even style them with Skims; they’re that chic!”
Beats x Kim are available in three colorways; Moon (light), Dune (medium), and Earth (deep).
Viola Davis has been cast as the main antagonist in The Hunger Games prequel movie “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
The Oscar-winning actress will play Dr. Volumnia Gaul, the head gamemaker of the 10th annual “Hunger Games,” in the upcoming prequel.
Davis shared the news on her Instagram Stories on Monday night and wrote, “Glad to be a part of this universe,” alongside three heart emojis.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChSiB3Npc3N/?hl=en
“The Hunger Games films have always been elevated by their exceptional casting, and we are thrilled to be continuing that tradition with Viola Davis as Volumnia Gaul,” Lionsgate motion picture group president Nathan Kahane added in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Her formidable and powerful presence will add layers of complexity and menace to this story.”
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” based on the book by Suzanne Collins, is set many years before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem in the main “Hunger Games” series, where he was portrayed by Donald Sutherland.
In the prequel, an 18-year-old Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from District 12, in the 10th annual tournament. He will be played by Tom Blyth, while West Side Story’s Rachel Zegler has been cast as Lucy Gray.
Davis also joins Peter Dinklage as Dr. Gaul’s associate, Dean Casca Highbottom, who conceived the “Hunger Games” and oversees its new mentorship program.
The main cast is rounded out by Jason Schwartzman as TV host Lucretius’ Lucky’ Flickerman and Hunter Schafer as Snow’s cousin Tigris.
The prequel will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed three of the four original “Hunger Games” films. It is due to be released in November 2023.
Drake has reassured fans he is not considering retirement anytime soon.
While speaking to Nicki Minaj on the debut episode of her Queen Radio show, the “Way 2 Sexy” rapper insisted he has no desire to slow down following the release of his seventh studio album Honestly, Nevermind.
“I’m not at that point where I even consider that being an option,” Drake told Nicki. “One of the best feelings I have in my life is completing a song or project. And by the way, those things are painful as well. A lot of nerves, a lot of confidence wavering. But I feel like I’m reaching a new level of fun.
“I’ve reached a new level of comfortability where I want to try things. Like this last album, I put out something I wanted to do to challenge myself.”
The court also awarded Heard damages for a defamatory statement made by Depp’s former lawyer.
The “Aquaman” actress officially filed to appeal the verdict in July and has now assembled a new legal team to help her case.
On Monday, Heard announced that she had hired new lawyers, David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown. Ben Rottenborn, who represented her during the trial, will remain on the team as co-counsel, while her other trial attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, is stepping down.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Heard said of the appeal process, “When it comes to protecting the fundamental right of Freedom of Speech, we look at the jury’s decision – to paraphrase a famous quote – not ‘as the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning.’ A different court warrants different representation, particularly as so much new evidence is now coming to light.”
In a joint statement, Axelrod and Brown added, “We welcome the opportunity to represent Ms. Heard in this appeal as it is a case with important First Amendment implications for every American.”
Despite being locked up on RICO charges, Young Thug is being sued by a concert promoter who had to cancel a show because the artist is incarcerated.
Before being arrested with 27 others, including his protégé Gunna, Young Thug was booked by A-1 Concert to do a show at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on June 18th.
A-1 agreed to pay the rapper’s company YSL Touring LLC, $300,000 for a 45-minute Young Thug set, paying $150,000 in January as a down payment.
But since the artist was unable to make the concert, A-1 is demanding the upfront payment be returned.
According to the lawsuit, “On or about May 9th, 2022, the Fulton County District Attorney office announced that it had arrested Williams on a 56-count indictment, involving serious felonies offenses including, but not limited to, drug possession, RICO (Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act) and murder.”
“On May 12th 2022, Graham received an email from Trey Feazell, Executive VP Arena Programming for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, informing that the venue was canceling the performance, due to ‘(among other things) the headline artist Young Thug’s recent indictment on multiple felonies and his current incarceration without bail,’” it continued.
The complaint further stated, ‘Due to his arrest and the nature of the felony criminal charges against Williams, it was immediately apparent in May 2022 that he would not be able to perform as required in the agreement.”
Additional charges of participating in street gang activity, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, possession of a machine gun, and three counts of violating Georgia’s controlled substances act were later added.
His lawyer denies all of the allegations against his client.
A-1 contends there was a breach of contract after the artist’s team did not give back the money, knowing their artist was not able to perform.
“Graham reached out to YSL seeking reimbursement of the $150,000 that was previously tendered to YSL to secure Williams’ presence at the performance,” the claim read. “Although Graham was assured that he would receive a refund of the funds, no funds were ever sent to Graham or A-1 Concert.”
The lawsuit asserts, “Due to defendants failure to perform or alternatively reimburse plaintiff as required by the agreement, plaintiff has suffered unnecessary damages and expenses, in an amount of no less than $150,000 and is entitled to compensatory damages, costs, prejudgment interest, expenses, and attorney’s fees from defendants. Defendants will remain in breach and plaintiff will continue to accrue damages until this matter is successfully resolved.”
No spokesperson on behalf of the artist has come forward with a comment on the lawsuit.
The times are getting more and more dire. We have known for a long time now that rappers of the current era are built very different then from back in the day. Don’t get it messed up, back in the day was really really hard. The rappers were harder than anything you ever saw in your life.
But, now it just seems like these people these days have no morality, no conscience and no standard. I don’t really know what they are going through in their heads. But some of them are just ridiculous. Somebody please tell me what’s going on with these rappers!A 17-year-old has been arrested for going to his opps gravesite. When he got to the gravesite, which happened to be on the birthday of his enemy, he encountered his mother – one Kineh N’Gaojia. The mother of his opposition was grieving on her son’s birthday. 17 -year old Christian Lamar Weston was charged with murder, because he had to not only allegedly sought to decimate a gravesite, but murder dead the man’s mother. I just can’t believe this.
What in God’s name would make someone kill a woman at the age of 17? Furthermore what exactly does he gain from that? Now it looks as if he is going to spend the rest of his days in jail because the cops have all the information they need from the crime, which allegedly happened in March. By the way, this happened in Texas. Texas and Florida are starting to concern me greatly. Anyway, dude is charged with a number of things, including unlicensed carrying of a weapon, murder, and other charges. There was another person present and that person was also hurt with non-life-threatening injuries. So the boy’s mother was murdered on his birthday. RIP Kineh N’Gaojia.
By the way, none of these guys were rappers. I can’t even lie. I assumed there was some kind of wrap relationship here, but there isn’t. Don’t act like this doesn’t happen often in Rap.
R&B singer SZA will show off her acting chops in a feature film. The musician born Solána Rowe is set to appear in Tuna Melt by writer/director Eddie Huang.
SZA will play Eddie Huang’s love interest in the forthcoming dramedy. Chloe Cherry, a cast member of HBO’s critically-acclaimed teen dramaEuphoria, will star in Tuna Melt as well.
Tuna Melt is likened to an updated Pulp Fiction meets High Fidelity. Huang will lead the darkly comedic feature as a hitman who unexpectedly meets the love of his life soon after he completes a job. This all transpires in the aftermath of a break-up.
SZA is best known as a Platinum-certified recording artist. The Ctrl album creator’s “All The Stars” collaboration with Kendrick Lamar earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Earlier this year, SZA won her first Grammy Award from The Recording Academy. Her contribution to Doja Cat’s Top 5 hit “Kiss Me More” received the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
SZA also scored Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a soloist. “Good Days” peaked at #9 in 2021. “I Hate U” reached the Top 10 region at the end of 2021 when the song made it to #7 on the rankings.
In addition to being an actor and director, Eddie Huang will serve as a producer for Tune Melt. SB Projects founder/music industry veteran Scooter Braun is also credited as a producer for the movie.
