Tyler Perry Reportedly Set To Buy BET

There’s been a lot of speculation about who would eventually purchase the BET brand from Paramount Global. It appears billionaire filmmaker/studio owner Tyler Perry is the frontrunner to be BET’s next owner.

Over the last several months, multiple individuals have expressed interest in buying BET. Hip-Hop artists/moguls Diddy and 50 Cent were named as potential buyers.

A new report from The Streamr claims Perry will take control of BET Media Group for an undisclosed amount. Perry previously signed a multi-year joint venture between Tyler Perry Studios and the BET+ streaming service.

BET+ productions such as All the Queen’s Men and Ruthless film at the Tyler Perry Studios in Georgia. If Perry does finalize a deal to acquire BET Media Group, he’ll also take control of the VH1 network.

“Rumor? No, it’s not a rumor, I’ve been there for four years now and had tremendous success,'” Tyler Perry told Entertainment Tonight in April 2023 about potentially purchasing BET.

The 53-year-old Atlanta resident added, “I wasn’t expecting this to happen, so, yes—if that is possible, I’m very, very interested in taking as much of it… If it’s possible, I’m gonna take as much of it as I can.”

Tyler Perry is best known for playing the character of Mabel “Madea” Simmons in numerous stage plays and movies, including the 2022 Netflix motion picture A Madea Homecoming.

Robert L. Johnson launched the BET cable channel in January 1980. The network has been home to programs such as Teen Summit, Rap City, The Game, College Hill, The New Edition Story and The Breakfast Club.

Boosie Badazz Says Rappers Shouldn’t Profit From Music After Snitching 

Boosie Badazz is sharing his opinions about rappers who snitch and go on to make money from “glorifying” a lifestyle they’re not a part of. Boosie isn’t shy about addressing the topic of rappers allegedly cooperating with authorities and regularly offers his thoughts on various artists.  

In a recent interview with DJ Whoo Kidd, Boosie said rappers who violate street code are “misleading” listeners by bragging about activities they know nothing about.  

“Once you accept this code, it’s over,” he began before explaining artists who rap about street life are “guiding” listeners who pay attention to their lyrics. “We guide them. You can’t get rich off all this guiding,” suggesting it’s “time to pay’ for “misleading” fans.  

However, Boosie Badazz has a solution, recommending that artists who snitch glorify their “rat” status by making music about telling while dressed in a rodent costume. 

“Ain’t none of these people snitching going on a record on saying ‘I’m a rat,’ he stated. “No, you’re saying you’re solid. You’re getting rich off glorifying our lifestyle. See if you can get rich saying you’re a rat then.” 

Boosie continued, “I don’t think they should be capitalizing off music after they do that. ‘Cause you’re saying in your raps not to be that. You’re teaching so many people who listen to us, to be solid. So when you break that code, why should you still get saluted for it?” 

JAY-Z & Kanye West’s “N###as In Paris” Goes Diamond

The Throne just added another jewel to the group’s crown. JAY-Z and Kanye West’s “N##### In Paris” has been certified diamond (10 million units) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Collectively known as The Throne, JAY-Z and Kanye West released “N##### In Paris” in 2011. The Hit-Boy-produced collaboration lives on the Watch the Throne studio album.

West now has two Diamond-certified songs. The G.O.O.D. Music founder’s 2007 single “Stronger” reached 10x-Platinum status in 2021. 2005’s “Gold Digger” featuring Jamie Foxx is 8x-Platinum.

“N##### In Paris” marks JAY-Z’s first diamond-certified song. He does have two 4x-platinum tracks—2012’s “Clique” with Kanye West and Big Sean and 2013’s “Holy Grail” featuring Justin Timberlake.

JAY-Z and Kanye West’s “N##### In Paris” won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. The record peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Watch the Throne debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart by selling more than 436,000 copies in its first week. The RIAA certified the project 5x-platinum in 2020.

Kanye West ranks at No. 4 on the RIAA’s list of Top Digital Singles Artists (144 million units), while JAY-Z presently has 18.5 million certified digital singles units. Fellow rap star Drake leads the tally with 184 million units.

Anita Baker Urges Babyface To Tame Fans Amid Online Feud With “Kenny’s Crazies”  

Anita Baker is telling Babyface to tame his fanbase, who she says are threatening and harassing her over the fallout from their controversial concert last month. 

Babyface was tapped as the support act for the Newark, New Jersey stop of Anita Baker’s “Songstress” tour on May 10. However, following a two hour delay over technical issues, Babyface’s performance was axed to allow his fellow R&B legend time for her headline set. 

Although the concert was a month ago, complaints resurfaced recently, and on Monday (June 12) Anita Baker took to Twitter to respond to “Kenny’s Crazies.” 

“It was 9:30pm,” Baker wrote in reference to the Newark concert. “*Contractually?… It was WAAAY Past time 4 the Headline Performer, to be On Stage/Anita Baker Support Act did Not Perform. I have No Contract with Support Act. Not my Call. I Did what i was *Contracted 2 do & Love, as Headline Performer, of my Sold Out Concert.” 

In one follow-up tweet, Anita Baker implied “fake news” was “deliberately” disseminated, harming her reputation in the process.  

“Support Act’s Equipment was On Stage For HOURS Prior my Set amid Video wall Failure… But, With Live Musicians? We. PLAY. ANYway. Why did they, Not Perform?” she continued. “I/Anita did Nothing to Prevent their Live/to Track, Performance….Other ppl? Tech issue? #AskThem.” 

Babyface Clarifies Canceled Set

After the May 10 show, Babyface took to social media to explain why he did not perform.  

“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at the Prudential Center. I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety,” he shared on May 11. “My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.” 

However, Anita Baker asked Babyface to call off “your boys,” adding, “There is A White man, behind these Grown Black Men… harrassing Me & Gaslighting, My Fans. Because he Cant take over, this Tour.” 

Method Man Backs Redman’s Decision To Leave “Power Book II: Ghost”

Method Man has opened up about Redman’s decision to walk away from Power Book II: Ghost following the rapper’s abrupt departure from the role of Theo Rollins after just three episodes.  

During an interview with The Breakfast Club on Monday (June 12), Method Man discussed the reason for Redman’s absence.  

“You really wanna know why?” Method Man said. “He wouldn’t get the jab. At least that’s what I heard. Did I talk to Redman about it? No. S### like that don’t even need to be said. He’s not the first or the last person that’ll probably happen to. Redman, he made a decision and I stick by whatever that decision was. If he feels that was best for him, I agree with him.” 

Fans were shocked to discover Redman was seemingly replaced overnight by Jordan Mahome after appearing in three episodes of season two of the series.  

“I walked away from it because they wanted me to be vaccinated and I’m not vaccinating s###, ” Redman clarified during an interview with HitStory Makers in late 2022. 

Method Man previously spoke to AllHipHop about his excitement to work with his rhyme partner when Redman was first hired.  

Redman is a consummate professional like myself. If anything, I owe him a lot because he actually showed me how to perform correctly on stage—whether people remember or not,” Method Man explained. “He had been in the game two years prior than what I had been. So, when you put us on screen, that resonates. We have chemistry.”

Denver Nuggets Win NBA Championship For First Time In Franchise History

The Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in franchise history on Monday night (June 12), beating the Miami Heat 94-89 in Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals. Led by Nikola Jović and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets barely held on and were losing multiple times throughout the game. But they managed to fight their way to a victory, and Jović was crowned MVP as his team members shed a few tears.

As expected, the Ball Arena in the Mile High City exploded in celebration while Jović’s two giant Serbian brothers lifted Nuggets coach Michael Malone into the air. It was a sight to see, and the world was clearly watching.

The game quickly became a trending Twitter topic, and several Hip-Hop figures took to the social media platform to congratulate the team. DJ Quik wrote simply, “Congratulations Denver Nuggets,” while former Tommy Boy A&R Dante Ross noted, “Fantastic game The Heat have mad heart.”

https://twitter.com/djquik/status/1668453173558931457?s=20
https://twitter.com/DanteRoss/status/1668453495773761536?s=20

The Hip-Hop reactions are slowly trickling in, but the fans are going nuts—including Barack Obama, Russell Wilson, Ciara and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. Check out some of the reactions below.

Boosie Badazz Says He Probably Would Have Been A Slave And Gives The Reason Why

Rapper Boosie Badazz says if he were back in the antebellum South, he would probably be a slave.

During an interview with former battle rapper turned talk show host Math Hoffa, the “Wipe Me Down” chart-topper was asked about the almost equally controversial Kanye West.

Boosie shares on the “My Expert Opinion” show that he was “p##### off at Kanye West” last year when he made several inflammatory statements about the Black Lives Matter movement, George Floyd, the Jews, and slavery. He said he was so upset that he could not stop tweeting and “misspelling words” trying to get his outrage out on Twitter.

“I don’t like what Kanye do to our Black race,” the Louisiana recording artist said. “I don’t know what Blacks done done to him, bro.”

Math Hoffa jumped in and asked if he was referring to the White Lives Matter shirts— which caused an uproar with the other guests in the barber shop setting.

Still, Boosie didn’t get distracted. He was clear on what he feels Kanye’s perspective on is on Black people.

“[Ye] said slavery was a choice,” the guest blurted out.

Math Hoffa dropped a bomb and said he felt the same way, shifting the conversation to what he would have done if he was a victim of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (the MAAFA).

“I don’t,” Boosie said, vehemently shaking his head “no,” and mimicking what a whip might look like going against an enslaved person’s back.

Hoffa tried to challenge that and ask why didn’t people rise up and fight back or stop Europeans from going into Africa and stealing his ancestors. He asked why people didn’t risk their lives or choose death.

Boosie (nor many of the other guests) jacking Hoffa.

“I don’t agree with nothing Kanye West says about Blacks. I feel as a person, from what I seen him do and talk about Black people, I feel like he has no love or respect for the Black race,” the rapper said, adding, “I feel he loves the white race more.”

To this point, Math Hoffa brought the infamous 2005 Hurricane Katrina telethon and Ye’s comments about the then-sitting president.

Boosie was clear.

“He said ‘George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,’” the rapper said, “but he shows he doesn’t love Black people.”

One of Boosie’s problems with Kanye is that he believes the artist has a dynamic platform but has chosen to use it multiple times to tear down and “disgrace” Black people, particularly pointing at his comments regarding Floyd.

As the conversation intensified, Hoffa asked Boosie if would he have fought to the death to not be enslaved or have his family members enslaved.

“At that time, I am going to do what I have to do to stay alive,” Boosie said. “If I run, I’ma die.”

“Now let me flip it on you. If a million of your brothers and sisters got burned up in a fire, would you like somebody talking about them or saying anything that is not supporting them?” he asked Math Hoffa.

Hoffa didn’t answer the question, perhaps not understanding that Boosie was referencing the Jewish Holocaust.

During the discussion, Hoffa continued to be challenged, even by his co-host who said, “You’re speaking from the perspective of a free man. You don’t know what it feels like to be in captivity. You have no idea what that is like and to sit there and judge someone who was…”

Boosie jumps in and says, “You don’t know if you’ve never been in captivity. Some people not gonna run if you over them with guns and whips on your back.”

Hoffa asked, “What you gonna do?”

“I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t in captivity,” Boosie, a man from the deep South, answered.

“If I run, I’ma die. I probably would have been a motherf##king slave,” he said. “If I was born in captivity…”

Math interrupts and says, “You? That’s hard to believe.”

The consensus of Boosie and the other host, “It’s hard to think about being born into captivity.”

“That’s just like me being born in the hood and staying a hood n##ga. If I was born into captivity and all I know since a child is praising and being took care by a white man I probably would have been a f##king Django or a slave overseer. I would probably be f##k up,” he said.

Check out the very powerful interview by clicking here.

Tupac Shakur’s Father Outraged By Question About Shooting In ‘Dear Mama’ Series

Tupac Shakur’s biological father criticized director Allen Hughes for asking a “disparaging question” in the FX documentary series Dear Mama.

Billy Garland, the father of Tupac, discussed his issues with the documentary series in an interview with The Art of Dialogue. Garland cited one specific question that upset him in a clip published on Monday (June 12).

“The one thing that p##### me off, he asked the question did Tupac shoot himself in the nuts,” Garland said. “Remember? I said well, why would you ask that disparaging question? What the f### does that got to do with Dear Mama? But it [made me realize] maybe this guy don’t really like Pac.”

Tupac’s father questioned the motives of Hughes and others involved in the Dear Mama series. Garland believed many of the key players had a “personal beef” with his son.

Garland thought the documentary misrepresented him. He didn’t appreciate how his interview was edited for the series.

“I think [I was depicted] the exact way that they wanted to depict me,” Garland said. “That I was just someone who popped out of the woodwork to try and hook onto Tupac’s star. And not that I was his father who had been trying to reach him for five years and had been lied to for four of those years. So, that hurt. That hurt, that bothered me.”

FX’s Dear Mama series premiered in April. It is available to stream on Hulu.

50 Cent Issues Warning After Nick Cannon Mocks G-Unit Boss With Fat Jokes

50 Cent advised people to be careful with their words days after Nick Cannon clowned the rapper-turned-TV producer.

Last week, Nick Cannon joked about 50 Cent being fat on The Daily Cannon. The G-Unit boss didn’t directly respond to Nick Cannon but teased the consequences of antagonizing the media mogul on Monday (June 12).

“If your marketing campaign is say something about 50, your not going to make it, have a nice day,” the Power mastermind wrote on Instagram and Twitter.

He added, “It’s never luck. It’s always God.”

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

Nick Cannon took aim at his old foe when discussing Vivica A. Fox’s renewed interest in dating 50 Cent. The Daily Cannon host scoffed at the idea of Vivica A. Fox getting back with her former boyfriend.

“You can fantasize about Fif from 15 years ago,” Nick Cannon said. “That’s a different Fif than this fat n#### that walking around.”

Nick Cannon called 50 Cent an a-hole and doubled down with fat jokes.

“He is fat!” the entertainer claimed. “He looks like he got a pack of hot dogs in the back of his neck … Now it’s Get Thick or Die Frying.”

The comments may have reignited a dormant feud. 50 Cent once said Nick Cannon has been “corny forever” when the two clashed in the past.

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BMF’s Roccett Talks Old BMF, Lil Meech, 50 Cent And Mistakes Made With Rick Ross And Jeezy

The Black Mafia Family (BMF), founded by Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and his brother Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, gained notoriety for their involvement in drug trafficking, their luxurious lifestyle, and even Hip-Hop. Their exploits have played out in entertainment (“BMF“), books and even documentaries. They expanded their activities from their native Detroit to various cities across the United States, including California.

In all of BMF’s extravagant displays of wealth – expensive cars, jewelry, and high-end fashion – Roccett soaked up the game in the early 2000s. Eventually, his talent lead him to make connections on numerous fronts, including music. BMF had a unique reputation for being highly organized and having connections to prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Young Jeezy was one of them and he and Roccett connected in that way.

However, in the mid-2000s, law enforcement authorities conducted a large-scale investigation into the Black Mafia Family’s operations. In 2005, the leaders of the organization were arrested, and subsequent prosecutions led to the dismantling of the group’s operations.

Roccett, hailing from the East Side of Carson, CA, was associated with the street tribe the 190 Blocc East Coast Crips and eventually caught the attention of Green Up Entertainment. This lead to officially signing with Young Jeezy’s Corporate Thugz Entertainment (CTE). He put in work with CTE in a similar way that he did with BMF – all in. He dropped mixtapes like “By Any Means Necessary,” “America’s Night,” “The Free Agent (Gangsta Grillz with DJ Drama),” and “Another Day Another Dollar.” But, when no album came out of that situation, he unceremoniously left the label Jeezy made.

To this day, Roccett remains an underrated West Coast rapper. Throughout his rap career, he collaborated with Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Bishop Lamont (formerly signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment), and another underrated vet Knoc’turnal. He’d eventually sign with Rick Ross’s record label, Maybach Music Group, but that didn’t work either.

The legacy of BMF continues today and – in some ways – it lives through Roccett, the head of BMF Management. He’s helped take Lil Meech from an obscure rapper into a global superstar. But, he’s not stopping there, Roccett shares his remarkable story with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro. He’s now riding with 50 Cent, as the G-Unit General creates Hollywood in Houston.

But Roccett has his own ambitions as a master manager and he explains a lot in this exclusive edition of the Amazing AllHipHop Podcast. He talks about his time as a rapper in BMF, breaking off from Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, helping Lil Meech, staying cool with Big Meech, and some things he could have done differently.

Roccett, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro

“Wakanda Forever” Star Claims Ex’s Sexual Assault Allegations Are False

Tenoch Huerta, who played Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, responded to sexual assault allegations against him on Monday (June 12).

Saxophonist María Elena Ríos accused Huerta of being a sexual predator in several Twitter posts on Saturday (June 10). The Wakanda Forever star denied her allegations in a statement on Instagram Stories.

“A false and completely unsubstantiated accusation about me has spread like wildfire – and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer,” he wrote. “About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months. It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest. And throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends.”

Huerta said he enlisted legal help to fight Ríos’ claims. The Wakanda Forever cast member hoped to protect his reputation.

“A few months ago, I engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage,” he wrote. “Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue. And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive.”

He added, “I am deeply grateful to my family and the people who have supported me and greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to look at the facts and reflect before rushing to an untrue and unjust conclusion.

Rios hasn’t publicly reacted to Huerta’s statement as of yet. Disney and Marvel haven’t commented on the allegations against the Wakanda Forever actor.

Boosie Badazz Shows Up At YNW Melly’s Trial In Solidarity With Fellow Rapper

Boosie Badazz supported YNW Melly by attending the younger rapper’s murder trial in Broward County, Florida.

Opening statements in the trial began on Monday (June 12). Boosie posted an Instagram video of himself at the courthouse.

“@ynwmelly TRIAL!!!!” he wrote in the caption. “Opening Day.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtZeGv7u_jn/?hl=en

Boosie previously showed love to YNW Melly in 2022. Boosie recalled an interaction between the two at an airport in a Twitter post.

“IM n PRAYERS for @YNWMelly Tonight!!” Boosie wrote. “I WaS N THE AIRPORT N HE PAID FOR MY FOOD N MAGAZINES N REALLY SHOWED ME LOVE N RESPECT ‘hell na OG u ain’t payin for s###!!’ I’m about to call the prayer warriors for you bro.”

Prosecutors accuse YNW Melly of killing his friends YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018. He maintains his innocence.

“What [prosecutors] will bring you is a case that is riddled with reasonable doubt, that is founded on an incompetent and incomplete investigation and exercised poor judgment at every turn,” YNW Melly’s lawyer David Howard told jurors. “The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the allegations they have made, and there’s a reason for that.”

YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, faces the death penalty for murder. His alleged accomplice YNW Bortlen will be tried separately.

Check out more of AllHipHop’s coverage of YNW Melly’s trial here.

Watch on Boosie on the AllHipHop Podcast below.

Joseline Mollywops Big Lex: Twitter Scores The Fight

First Amber Rose — ALLEGEDLY –and now Big Lex? Celebrity Boxing, get ready for your next female champion, Joseline Hernandez! The Champ expertly mollywops Big Lex; OR, does she?

So, the Twitter scorecards have been counted. In a unanimous decision, the Puerto Rican Princess gets an undecided decision. Although, the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. versus John Gotti III match had top billing, this unplanned bout is gripping America’s attention.

Earlier, in the evening, the reality television personality takes centerstage. Soon, an interesting routine is left on the floor. So, it is during the sixth round of the exhibition match that the antics erupt.

After, the mobbed up heir continuously holds Money Mayweather, the refs have had enough. The fight is called off. Of course, a melee ensues. However, that was nothing compared to what the reality starlet would unleash.

As tensions eventually subsided, things backstage quickly escalated. As a matter-of-fact, the avid entertainer transforms into a whole goonie. It looks like Joseline Hernandez has beef with everybody.

While, Big Lex sustains the crux of her fury, both security and passers-by feel her wrath. To catch even more of the chaos, click here. So, is Ms. Joseline the Backstage Brawler; or, does she need to do better?

Thoughts?

Trina, Flo Milli, Maiya The Don – No Love (SHEMIX) 

The legendary rap mistress Trina is back at it again, adding more fire to her already impressive discography. She just dropped a hot remix single called “No Love (SheMix)” featuring the badass ladies Flo Milli and Maiya The Don. This collaboration, released through Run-It-Up Records, brings together past, present, and future generations of female artists, showcasing their irresistible girl power with raunchy, powerful lyrics.

Trina is hyped about this joint project, saying, “This record celebrates the power of women when we come together and bring the heat. Working with Flo Milli and Maiya The Don was amazing. Flo Milli is dope and super talented, and Maiya brings a unique sound that I adore. This remix is all about the ladies and will be our summer anthem. Shout out to the RUN-IT-UP Records team for making it happen. I’m excited to see where this partnership takes us. Let’s RUN IT UP!”

For Flo Milli and Maiya The Don, collaborating with the Baddest B#### herself is a dream come true. They’ve been fans of Trina since they were youngins, so this is a major moment for them.

Maiya The Don shared her excitement, saying, “I’m so stoked to be part of this. I love Flo, and Trina is an icon. It’s an honor to work with both of them. Big thanks to J.K mac for including me!”

Flo Milli is repping RCA on this track, while Maiya The Don is bringing her own flavor to the mix. Both of these artists are making waves in the hip-hop scene with their killer lyrics, unique vibes, and fresh styles. Maiya dropped her latest single, “Dusties,” in March, and she’s also featured on the remix of Flo Milli’s “Conceited” alongside Lola Brooke. As for Flo Milli, she blessed us with an extended version of her album “You Still Here, Ho?” in the same month.

Trina, the queen of Miami, has been inspiring fans and artists for years. She received a BET I Am Hip-Hop award in 2022, and her impact on the rap game is undeniable. “No Love” is dropping in honor of Black Music Month in June, so it’s an extra special release. Make sure to follow these three superstars on social media for daily updates on their hustle.

50 Cent Explains How He Shifted Gears As Writers Strike Drags On

Hollywood has been gripped by a horrible writers’ strike that has stopped many productions from getting made. Even 50 Cent has been impacted.

The Queens hustler had an interview with Vulture and spoke about what he and his company has had to do to deal with the strike.

“I hope it doesn’t last,” 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, said. “What it did to me immediately was it made me focus on the non-scripted side of production.”

He even started to pitch reality shows.

“I sold three unscripted projects as soon as people started hearing about the possibility of a strike,” he continued to say.

Adding, “The last time, it lasted for about a hundred days, a little over three months. If it extends to that point now, I don’t know. I don’t see it as a positive thing for the writers that I know that have established overall deals.”

He also stated that studios and production companies have had to change or face getting shut down.

“You see so many people reducing staff and expenses that it would be an opportunity to pull out of those deals. Courtney’s in that position. I believe those projects will get dropped,” he said.

YNW Melly’s Defense Attorney Calls Prosecutors’ Case “Incompetent & Incomplete”

The double murder trial of YNW Melly is currently underway in Florida. If convicted, the rapper faces the death penalty. But according to YNW Melly’s defense lawyer, there are several holes in the prosecution’s case. During opening statements, attorney David Howard berated the prosecutors for the allegedly weak case.

“Prosecutors are given great power, endless resources to perform their mission of pursuing justice, but that’s not what occurred here,” Howard said. “What they will bring you is a case that is riddled with reasonable doubt, that is founded on an incompetent and incomplete investigation and exercised poor judgement at every turn. The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the allegations they have made, and there’s a reason for that.”

As for the prosecution, they are still convinced YNW Melly is responsible for the 2018 murders of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser as are the victims’ family members. One could be heard whispering, “He did it. He killed my baby.”

Attorney Bradford Cohen, who was previously on the case, appears to side with the defense. As he wrote on Instagram, “I feel like this case is going to go very poorly for the prosecution. This is so far from a slam dunk case. Very difficult issues to prove here. They still need to prove that he pulled the trigger, that he was the killer. The faulty investigation, motive, no DNA, no GSR [gunshot residue], no murder weapon, no evidence that he pulled the trigger. Very tough case for prosecutor. Defense is doing a very good job at pointing out those large holes I spoke about and the rush to judgement.”

YNW Melly was arrested alongside YNW Bortlen in February 2019. Evidence suggested Melly concocted an elaborate plan to make it look like his two friends were killed in a drive-by shooting. YNW Bortlen then reportedly drove the two deceased victims to the emergency room in the early morning hours of October 26, 2018.

When Bortlen arrived, he asked the medical staff to help his two friends who were just shot in a drive-by. Police said both victims—real names Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr.—were pronounced dead at the hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

Bortlen told police he and his two friends had just finished a late night studio session and as he was getting off the freeway, a vehicle pulled up to his driver’s side and opened fire. Police confirmed there were eight bullet holes on the right side of the car where Williams and Thomas were sitting. Nobody else was hit. The more police investigated Bortlen’s story, the more forensic evidence they found suggesting his account was fabricated. Cops said they discovered a shell casing inside his vehicle and eight more at another location where police think YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen shot up the car to stage a drive-by.

Four Children Discovered Alive In Amazon Jungle 40 Days After Deadly Plane Crash

Headlines are calling it a real-life miracle. According to the Washington Post, four children, who survived a plane crash in Columbia’s Amazon jungle, have been found.

The youth used skills they learned in the Huitoto Indigenous group to find food and take care of themselves after the accident.

On Saturday (June 10), Colombian Defense Minister Iván Velásquez Gómez said the siblings—aged 13, 9, 4, and 1—were rescued and taken to the Central Military Hospital of Bogotá, after spending 40 days alone in the wild.

TO VIEW A RECENTLY RELEASED VIDEO OF THE RESCUE, HEAD HERE.

The crash is believed to have happened sometime around May 1 when the craft went missing on the flight tracking system. Their mother, the pilot and two other adults were killed.

Reuters reports the father of two of the children disputes what the Post reported, saying the children’s mother had survived for four days after the crash. Authorities suggest the children’s lives were spared because they were seated in the back of the plane when the small craft took a nosedive into the jungle floor. One of the children’s uncles, Fidencio Valencia, told reporters the children ate cassava flour known as farina from the plane as a primary source of nourishment.

“When the plane crashed, they took out a fariña, and with that, they survived. After the fariña ran out, they began to eat seeds,” Valencia said.

They were rescued by a team set up by the government weeks ago. The search for the young people, according to The Associated Press, was assisted by dogs that through finding clues like a baby bottle, fruit with human teeth in them, and footprints, they were able to find the four.

But that’s not all that saved them.

The Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon took to social media, stating the kids being able to sustain themselves was “a sign of the knowledge and relationship with the natural environment of life, which is taught and learned from the mother’s womb and is practiced from a very early age.”

Carlos Peres, a professor of tropical forest ecology at the University of East Anglia in England, echoed those kids had an advantage because they were raised by their traditional ways.

“Four Western kids of the same age would have died there,” Peres said.

President Gustavo Petro said this ordeal is an “example of survival” that “will remain in history.”

“The jungle saved them” Petro continued. “They are children of the jungle, and now they are also children of Colombia.”

While the president is calling them heroes, the father of two of the youngest said his children will tell their own stories.

“They will tell their stories and you will hear them,” Manuel Ranoque, the father of the 1-year-old and 5-year-old, said, adding, “It’s not easy to ask them because the children went 40 days without eating well, so I have not been able to get information from the oldest child.”

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” Is A Winner With A Killer Soundtrack

By Chris “Boogie” Brown

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is a much anticipated return to form for the Transformers franchise, five years after 2018’s “Bumblebee.” Director Stephen Caple, Jr. (“Creed 2”) does an excellent job helming this entry, clearly showcasing his passion for the source material. Anthony Ramos shines as “Noah Diaz,” an ex-military electronics expert, while Dominique Fishback captivates as “Elena,” a museum intern. Both actors play integral roles in the plot and bring likable characters to the forefront, adding an engaging human element to the film.

Although the story’s premise may feel familiar and includes some formulaic tropes, the film’s pacing keeps things moving swiftly. It offers a solid blend of humor, thrills and spectacle throughout. The film revolves around the “Transwarp Key,” a piece of technology that becomes the ultimate cause of warfare. The protagonists and antagonists clash in an effort to either obtain or protect this key from falling into the hands of “Unicron,” an extradimensional planet destroyer. Led by “Optimus Prime” and “Optimus Primal,” the Autobots and Maximals join forces to face off against the Terrorcons, led by “Scourge.” While the film includes captivating action sequences, it all leads up to an epic showdown between the two sides in the final act.

“Transformers: Rise of The Beasts” boasts solid performances, a nostalgic ’90s Hip-Hop soundtrack, exceptional voice work from notable actors such as Peter Cullen, Peter Dinklage, Pete Davidson, Ron Pearlman and Michelle Yeoh as well as stunningly rendered Transformers action with impressive visual effects. Although the Maximals (Beasts) aren’t as prominently featured as the title might suggest, their arrival still brings a welcomed freshness to the franchise.

Lastly, it’s worth noting the film includes an intriguing mid-credits scene, which sets up a potentially exciting premise for future installments. Make sure to stick around and catch it.

When comparing “Transformers: Rise of The Beasts” to other live-action films in the Transformers franchise, I would currently rank it third, following Travis Knight’s “Bumblebee” and Michael Bay’s “Transformers” (2007). However, I found this entry to be thoroughly entertaining and believe fans of the franchise will have an enjoyable time watching it. “Transformers: Rise of The Beasts” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Enjoy the show and enjoy Nas and Biggie while you’re at it.

YNW Melly Appears To Cry Over Victims’ Hospital Footage As Double Murder Trial Begins

YNW Melly’s double murder trial got underway in Florida on Monday (June 12), more than four years after the rapper’s arrest. Attorney Bradford Cohen—who was previously on the case—says prosecution has an uphill battle ahead of them. Melly was arrested in February 2019 for the murders of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser but according to Cohen, the lack of evidence is overwhelming.

As Cohen noted in an Instagram post, “I feel like this case is going to go very poorly for the prosecution. This is so far from a slam dunk case. Very difficult issues to prove here. They still need to prove that he pulled the trigger, that he was the killer. The faulty investigation, motive, no DNA, no GSR [gunshot residue], no murder weapon, no evidence that he pulled the trigger. Very tough case for prosecutor.”

He added, “Defense is doing a very good job at pointing out those large holes I spoke about and the rush to judgement.”

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Law & Crime, meanwhile, is providing a play-by-play of court proceedings on Twitter. The outlet says YNW Melly initially wouldn’t look at the victims’ hospital footage from the night of the fatal shootings. But, moments later, Melly appeared to shed a tear as the video continued.

“As video footage shows @YNWMelly deceased friends put on stretchers at the hospital, all but one of the women (4) in victims’ families exit the courtroom in tears,” the tweet reads. “Melly even appears to wipe his eye lids.”

While the defense is working hard to prove YNW Melly’s innocence, family members of the victims are convinced they have the right suspect in custody. An unidentified woman, assumed to be one of the victims’ mothers, could be heard saying, “He did it. He killed my baby.”

Judge John Murphy lll sided with the state’s motion to use the new 8-to-4 jurors vote seeking the death penalty. Passed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, the law means the jurors don’t have to vote unanimously to enact the death penalty. The YNW Melly trial is the first to be determined under the new law. The trial is expected to last several weeks. Watch a clip below.

Dave & Central Cee’s “Sprinter” Scores Biggest Streaming Week Ever For U.K. Rap Song

London-born rappers Dave and Central Cee currently have the most popular song in their home country of the United Kingdom.

“Sprinter” arrived on June 1. The collaboration debuted at No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart Top 100 based on sales of downloads, CDs and vinyl as well as audio streams and video streams.

According to Billboard, Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” amassed the biggest streaming week ever for a rap song in the U.K. The track’s 13.4 million streams surpassed the previous record held by Stormzy’s “Vossi Bop” (12.7 million streams) set in 2019.

In addition to coming together for the “Sprinter” single, Dave and Central Cee also dropped the four-track Split Decision EP on June 5. Dave turned 25 years old on the date, while Central Cee celebrated his 25th birthday the day before.

Dave also reached the No. 1 spot on the U.K. Singles Chart Top 100 with 2018’s “Funky Friday” featuring Fredo and 2022’s “Starlight.” Plus, the Top Boy actor’s catalog includes two No. 1 projects on the U.K. Albums Chart.

“Sprinter” is Central Cee’s first United Kingdom chart-topper. He now has six Top 10 entries. The Live Yours recording artist did earn a No. 1 on the U.K. album chart in 2022 with the 23 mixtape. 2021’s Wild West peaked at No. 2.

In addition, Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” became the first rap single from the U.K. to debut at No. 1 on Australia’s ARIA Chart. Dave previously made it to No. 8 in that country with 2022’s “Starlight.” Central Cee’s “Doja” reached No. 3 in 2022.

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