According to confirmed reports, authorities have arrested Nima Momeni, an IT tech company owner, for the stabbing death of CashApp founder Bob Lee.

An arrest warrant was issued for Momeni in the April 4 stabbing of Lee in San Francisco after it was revealed that Lee and the Expand IT owner were driving in a car registered to the alleged assailant when a physical confrontation occurred between the two men. A knife was discovered not far from the scene, which police believe Momeni used to stab Lee.

Police say that the stabbing was not a robbery ora random crime.

No further information has been released about the incident, but TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop.

The post Tech Exec Arrested For Murder Of Cash App Founder Bob Lee appeared first on The Source.

Several reports have confirmed that Leon Youngblood Jr., better known as the producer “Roccstar”, turned the tables on a would-be robber during a home invasion at his Chatsworth, California home.

The 33-year-old producer was alerted of the burglar on the roof of his garage early Monday morning. Roccstar engaged in a physical confrontation with the intruder, holding him at gunpoint until the police arrived to arrest the intruder. The longtime producer of controversial crooner Chris Brown uploaded a video to IG about the incdent.

Roccstar also inquired the media as to why they didn’t mention the intruder’s race in any of the news reports.

The post Chris Brown’s Producer Roccstar Holds Home Invader at Gunpoint Until Arrest appeared first on The Source.

Kimora Lee Simmons’ 20-year-old daughter Aoki Lee Simmons called out Vogue Magazine after her mom was left off of the cover celebrating late designer Karl Lagerfeld. Kimora definitely hit the scene as one of Lagerfeld’s legendary muse’s. She signed an exclusive contract with Chanel at just 13-years-old and went on to close his haute couture show in 1989.

Recently, Vogue posted their May 2023 issue announcing it is a celebration of Karl Lagerfeld and the models ‘he loved the most’.

For the cover story, shot at Paris’s @le_grand_palais amid a sweeping renovation, we asked ten designers inspired by Lagerfeld’s visionary work to interpret it anew. Their creations appear on ten of the models that Lagerfeld loved most: Anok Yai, Shalom Harlow, Kendall Jenner, Liu Wen, Adut Akech, Natalia Vodianova, Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid, and Devon Aoki.

Kimora’s daughter Aoki then responded on her social media defending her mom and her legacy.

Aoki wrote:

Let us not forget the youngest Chanel bride, Karl muse and his “face of the 21st century” at age 13, straight from the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of a single mother and first gen immigrant, the maker of the wayyy @kimoraleesimmons I’m always so proud of you mom!

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Thoughts?

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The post Aoki Lee Simmons Calls Out Vogue for Snubbing Her Mom From Their Karl Lagerfeld Tribute Cover appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna has been having the time of her life. Following an epic year and her new journey with motherhood, the trendsetting entrepreneur recently purchased a deluxe penthouse in Century City, Calif.

According to Dirt.com, Rihanna’s new $21 million penthouse is a 9,290-square-foot luxury condo located at The Century, one of the most expensive and prestigious residential skyscrapers in Los Angeles.

The 35-year-old singer currently owns a 3-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot unit in the building, but her new crib is almost three times the size and occupies the building’s entire 40th floor.

The 4-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom home, which she purchased from Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar, was originally listed for $28 million, but Rihanna negotiated a hefty discount.

The lavish amenities include a private elevator, floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views, dark brown hardwood floors, and an all-white kitchen with marble countertops. Other features include a soundproof movie theater, master suite with curved bedroom, and private lounge.

Rihanna’s famous neighbors at The Century include Denzel Washington, reality stars Terry and Heather Dubrow, and Candy Spelling, who lives on the two floors above Rihanna.

The Fenty Beauty mogul, who is worth a reported $1.4 billion, already has an impressive real estate portfolio including two properties in Beverly Hills. Back in 2021, she paid $23.8 million for the side-by-side mansions, which she reportedly leases.
Look at the video below.

The post Rihanna Buys Sprawling $21 Million California Penthouse appeared first on The Source.

Juvenile Hell was the first album by duo Mobb Deep that paved the path for many other East Coast rappers of their genre, which only a few know preceded their most revered LP, The Infamous.

Dubbed as one of the most acclaimed East Coast rap duos of all time, MCs Havoc and Prodigy came together to release their first album, Juvenile Hell on this day, April 13, 1993. Hailing from Queensbridge Housing projects in New York City, Mobb Deep was rather young when they released their first album, at the early age of 19.

At the time of its’ release, Juvenile Hell wasn’t received on groundbreaking levels. The new sound of the duo was too hardcore for some, very street-oriented, and the album provided one major single entitled “Hit it from the Back”; which peaked at 18 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart that same year. It wouldn’t be until later that Mobb Deep would become a Hip Hop classic and household name. In time they have gained longevity with their sound inspiring practically all other east coast rappers of their caliber. Had it not been for their first album, and their street poetry over tracks produced by the likes of DJ Premier and Large Professor, the map would never have been drawn for much of the major East Coast sound.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mobb Deep’s Debut Album ‘Juvenile Hell’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Queens rapper Nicki Minaj is stepping into the comic book and animation world with the new TV series Lady Danger. Onika Tanya Maraj is ready to flex more of her creativity to both star in and executive produce the series, according to a new report Deadline.

The series stems from the two-part comic book series that debuted from Dark Horse Comics in 2015, created by Alex de Campi with artwork by Mulele Jarvis and John Lucas.

Nicki will voice the title character, and executive produce alongside fellow queens MC—Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson through his G-Unit Film & TV company.

The character was introduced in Alex de Campi’s Grindhouse: Drive In, Bleed Out series, with a two-part arc that was released in 2015.

The series is set in the year 2075, following a government field agent who is left for dead by her team after discovering a dangerous secret.

She is ultimately brought back to life as Lady Danger, described as an, ‘an afrofuturistic a**-kicking Agent of B.O.O.T.I (Bureau of Organized Terrorism Intervention).

The secret agent must conceal her true identity while she fights villains who are destroying the earth and its vulnerable inhabitants.

Carlton Jordan and Crystle Roberson will write the series and serve as executive producers for the series with Minaj and 50 Cent.

Also executive producing are Brian Sher, and Paul Young & Mike Griffin for Make Good Content, with Starburns Industries serving as the animation studio.

The post Rapper Nicki Minaj Ventures Into Animation With New TV Series ‘Lady Danger’ appeared first on The Source.

Several reports have confirmed that Jay-Z will perform in Paris at Louis Vuitton’s concert to recognize the cultural influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol.

In his first live performance since his iconic “God Did” verse at the 2023 Grammys Awards, Hov will take the stage in what is being called the “JAY-Z Celebration Concert.” The concert will be sponsored by Tiffany and Co. in Paris’ Louis Vuitton Foundation’s Auditorium on Friday, April 14.

“To coincide with the Basquiat x Warhol. Painting Four Hands exhibition, JAY-Z will give a celebratory concert to pay tribute to Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, on Friday 14 April 2023 at 9pm, in the Fondation’s Auditorium,” the foundation’s website reads.

The post JAY-Z To Perform at Louis Vuitton Concert in Paris Commemorating Basquiat and Warhol appeared first on The Source.

In an exclusive interview with Big Boy for the Untold Stories of Snoop Dogg, the Doggfather himself delved into the strained relationship between him and Death Row labelmate Tupac Shakur in the months leading up to his untimely demise in September 1996.

He says he and ‘Pac were on good terms the week before his death, but the public comments made about Puff Daddy and Biggie made things more complicated for the Long Beach newcomer.

“Man, I’d say a week before he died, we was best of friends. Two days before he died, I don’t think he liked me,” Snoop said. “Because we was in New York and shit had happened. New York n-ggas had shot at me and did all kinds of shit to me, just the worst shit you could think of, and I forgave ’em.”

Snoop added, “Then I went and did an interview and was asked how did I feel about Puffy and Biggie. I was like, ‘I like them n-ggas, I wanna do some music with ’em. And that just rubbed cuz the wrong way, like, ‘N-gga, fuck them n-ggas, them n-ggas tried to kill me. N-ggas shot at you, and you talking about you wanna do a song with them n-ggas?’”

“Even when he played the video for me to ‘Hit ‘Em Up,’ even when he played ‘Hit ‘Em Up,’ the song, I didn’t like the song,” he said. “I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the shit. It wasn’t the shit to me. Like, you buying more problems, cuh. You buying problems. Gangstas is everywhere. They make ’em everywhere.”

See the entire interview above.

The post [WATCH] Snoop Dogg Says He Didn’t Like 2Pac’s Biggie Smalls Diss Track “Hit ‘Em Up” appeared first on The Source.

According to a recent interview with Vibe Magazine, Migos’ Quavo said that following his role in the new film Praise This, he’s open to making a gospel album.

Starring the likes of Chloe Bailey, Anjelika Washington, Druski, Tristan Mack Wilds, and many more seasoned actors, Quavo’s acting debut has been very pivotal in his career. It seems to be opening up more creative possibilities after the loss of Takeoff.

Speaking on how he initially landed the role, Quavo said, “I was surprised. I’ve been going at Will [Packer] for a long time, for about four years now,” he recalled. “We’re good friends. I’ve been telling him to put me in something. He was just like, ‘Wait for the right time, wait for the right time.’ The right timing came, Praise This, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

When speaking on the likelihood of a gospel album , Quavo said, “I wouldn’t mind, but I like working with gospel artists. I think that they feel that’s how they got it. And I got it out the mud in another different lane. But whenever we cross [paths] and get together, I think, ‘Yes, we should do something.’ I think I should do a collab, yeah.”

The post Quavo Says He’s Open To Making Gospel Album After ‘Praise This’ Movie Role appeared first on The Source.

Last week, Men’s Health Hosted a panel focusing on health and awareness in the heart of Brooklyn NYC. The panel, Hip Hop Health: Mind Over Music featured Nick cannon, Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Olajide Williams, and Lute. The panel was moderated by Keith Nelson, Jr and covered a range of topics from mental health to why we all need therapy. In this candid chat, these men discussed hip hop’s relationship with mental health and the silent battles they’ve had to overcome over the years.

Rapper Doug E Fresh spoke about braggadocious lyrics and the results of  speaking things into existence. The Harlem legend spoke so eloquently about mental health and taking the timeout for a ‘good cry’. He stated, “Hip Hop has the power of talking things into existence…When 50 Cent talked about Get Rich or Die Trying, He got rich! You know the album Paid in Full with Eric B and Rakim…They got paid and full! Now here’s the sad part is when you hear Ready to Die and what happened after that, hip hop has always been the power of talking things into existence. This is my favorite song from Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five it’s called Super Rappin’. Doug E then commenced to rap:

To the hip hop, a hip hop, a-don’t stop
A-don’t stop that body rock
A-just get up out your seat and get ready to clap
Because-a Melle Mel is starting to rap
And ever since I talked at my very first party
I felt I could make myself somebody
It was something in my heart from the very start
I could see myself at the top of the chart
Rapping on the mic, making cold, cold cash
With a jockey spinnin’ for me called DJ Flash
Signing autographs for the the young and old
Wearing big time silver and solid gold
My name on the radio and in the magazine
My picture on the TV screen
It’s ain’t like that yet, but, huh, you’ll see
I got potential and you will agree
I’m coming up and I got a step above the rest
‘Cause I’m using that ladder they call success
You say a-one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
Rap like hell and make it sound like heaven
A seven, six, five, four, three, two, one
A-come on, Rahiem, come and get some

He continued, “You have the ability to talk things into existence, good or bad.”
Watch the video below.

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The post Men’s Health Hosts Hip Hop Health Panel With Nick Cannon, Doug E. Fresh And More appeared first on The Source.

On one of the the more recent episodes of Ray Daniels’ Goats and Underdogs podcast, former Source Magazine owner Ray Benzino claimed that Outkast’s Andre 3000 and his “The South got something to say” speech at the 1995 Source Awards was aimed directly at him.

Benzino said, “The reason why André 3000 said what he did, I’ma have to tell y’all this story. When they was giving OutKast 4.5 mics, I remember, I didn’t understand it. I didn’t understand the music and I was the one who kinda raised some situations up at ‘The Source,’ I’m gonna admit it. And I was wrong. I think it got to OutKast. And I think that’s why André said what he said. I think that was kinda directed toward me.”

See the footage of the podcast below.

The post [WATCH] Benzino: ‘Andre 3K’s 1995 Source Awards Speech Was Meant For Me’ appeared first on The Source.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… T-Pain?! Wiscansin University has become the epicenter for an alien outbreak that’s spread across the country and T-Pain is here to save the day! T-Pain has announced his Escape From Wiscansin Festival and Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion live dates via a The Faculty-inspired video – PRESS HERE to watch.

The tour kicks off with his 2nd Annual Wiscansin Fest on June 10th (the eve of “T-Pain Day” in the state of Wisconsin) at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, WI (featuring performances by T-Pain, Chance The Rapper, Tobi Lou, and many more soon to be announced) and will continue to Detroit, Chicago, Denver, Washington, DC, New York, Boston, and Atlanta, with support from Tobi Lou. Tickets for the tour and festival are on sale April 14 at 10am local time at www.wiscansin.co.After T-Pain’s lyric “Put you in a mansion, somewhere in Wiscansin” from his 2008 hit “Can’t Believe It” went viral on Twitter in 2016, the fictitious Wiscansin University was born, complete with its own humorous merch and T-Pain as its dean. T-Pain named his 2022 tour “The Road to Wiscansin,” which culminated in the first annual sold-out Wiscansin Fest in 2022 and saw400k people tune into the official livestream, featuring performances by artists such as T-Pain, Lil Jon, Hannibal Burress, and more. 

During T-Pain’s performance, state representative Kalan Haywood surprised him with a proclamation from Mayor Cavalier Johnson deeming June 11th “T-Pain Day” to be celebrated annually throughout the state. 

The post T-Pain Announces ‘Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion’ Live Dates appeared first on The Source.

The beef between Atlanta-based crews YFN and YSL goes back almost a decade to 2015 when Donovan “Big Nut” Thomas was killed in a drive-by shooting. This rift has caused almost 50 untimely deaths, and indictments handed down to both Young Thug and YFN Lucci, with both sides behind bars during the infamous YSL RICO trial. Now, the beef has spilled over into prison.

Footage has surfaced online of an inmate who’s an alleged affiliate of YFN beating a YSL member while he was tied to a facility toilet. The victim’s mouth was covered, and could be seen screaming in pain after every hit. In the end, it appears that the YFN member tried to peel off the YSL member’s crew tattoo with a razor. The entire incident was recorded by the assailant.

The post [WATCH] Alleged YFN Member Ties Up YSL Member and Assaults Him in Prison appeared first on The Source.

Yesterday, famed street legend and Terror Squad member PistolPete linked up with G-Unit lieutenant Tony Yayo in the streets of NYC, giving props to each other— gangster to gangster.

With the rest of the G-Unit soldiers sporting TS baseball caps, Yayo recounts the 2006 beef with the BX-based crew headed by Fat Joe.

“Yo, the realest beef was with Terror Squad,” Tony Yayo said. “He was a real n-gga, I gotta give it up. The realest beef was with Fat Joe and them. We outside.” Pistol Pete resplied, “Tony Yayo, we fuck with you, though. We out here in the trenches, n-gga. We out here, fuck all that. We out here together, n-gga, a bunch of real n-ggas.”

The post [WATCH] Tony Yayo Says The Realest Beef Was With Fat Joe And Terror Squad appeared first on The Source.

Rumors have been swarming that former talk show host Wendy Williams was spotted filming a reality TV show at Fresco by Scotto Tuesday in New York City. Now, Wendy’s brother confirms that a show is indeed the works and that she filmed with her family over the Easter holiday.

In a video posted on his YouTube Channel, Tommy Williams expresses his disappointment that Wendy brought a film crew for her first visit in years and only stayed for one day.He said they were able to fuse some family time in and that she seems clear and focused and happy at where she is inlife. He also added that Wendy had some ‘strange looking dudes’ hanging around. “Family always has your back…big shout out to my big sister Wendy Williams for showing up. It meant the world.”
Fans worry that her brother is clout-chasing as he went live to show his sister and dad staring off into the water. 
Watch the video below.

The post [WATCH] Wendy Williams’ Brother Reveals That She Showed Up Before Easter With A Film Crew appeared first on The Source.

Earlier this week, the mother of late production great J Dilla opened up her son’s catalovia STEM Player, dropping ten new songs in an exclusive partnership between the Yancey family and STEM.

The new catalog of songs – as well as an exclusive mini from the eyes of Ma Dukes on J DILLA’s legacy, will be available to all subscribers, which will be instantly accessible to all Stem Player customers.

Alex Klein, cofounder and CEO of Stem, said, “Stem is about new forms and formats. J Dilla invented how we produce music today. To distribute these never-before-heard songs from the Jay Dee era is an honor. To do so in clean vocals, drums, bass, and instrumental is something even more special.
The amazing Yancey family understands that creative thinking can change everything.”

Dilla’s exclusive, newly released music can be found HERE

The post Ma Dukes (J Dilla’s Mom) Announces New Dilla Music Released Via STEM Player appeared first on The Source.

Several reports have confirmed that Richmond Virginia rapper EGYPXN shot his mother, sister and younger brother following a forced home entry, sending his family members to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. All of this occurred the day of the release of his new music video “Be Free”, which was pre-scheduled.

The shooting launch a city-wide man hunt for the rapper after he was identified as a suspect. EGYPXN was later engaged in a shootout with police, resulting in the injury of one police officer and the death of the troubled rapper when officers returned fire.

It is unclear what caused the domestic disturbance that initiated the shooting, but the tragedy didn’t put a halt on the release of his new video, which has already garnered 16K views since the beginning of the month.

The post VA Rapper EGYPXN Shoots Mother, Brother And Sister Before Dropping Video appeared first on The Source.

Last month, Chilli from TLC and Boy Meets World star Matthew Lawrence addressed rumors they were trying to have a baby after Matthew revealed he was ready for kids. Despite the questions and backlash from social media users—Chilli insists her romance is the real deal.

Page Six reports:

“It’s real and there is nothing fake about it,” the TLC singer, whose real name is Rozonda Thomas, told Page Six at the event. “I’m here with him because I wanna be and he wants to be. We’re just so happy, we really are.

“I honestly didn’t think that I would experience what I’m experiencing now and I was OK with that.”

The “No Scrubs” singer added that she was never someone who needed to be in a relationship.

“He has changed everything, the way I look at relationships. It’s so different,” she swooned.

However, Chilli declined to say whether a marriage was in the cards for the pair.

“We’re still in the beginning stages so we’ll see,” she said with a laugh.

The post TLC’s Chilli Swoons Over Romance With Matthew Lawrence: ‘There Is Nothing Fake About It’ appeared first on The Source.

On this day in Hip Hop history, the cult classic comedy Friday soundtrack was released by 550 Music and Epic Records. The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it stood for two weeks, and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, where it stood for six weeks. The album was just as commercially successful as the film and was certified double platinum only two months later.

During the 90s, it seemed that every soundtrack was a hit and the Friday soundtrack followed suit. With tracks from Ice Cube, Scarface, Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and 2 Live Crew, the album stacked up to be an amazing compilation of original tracks and poppin’ radio singles. At the same time, the addition of a few throwbacks from The Isley Brothers, Bootsy Collins, and Rick James gave the album surprising depth and a sense of nostalgia. Dr. Dre’s original single for the film, “Keep Their Head Ringing,” was able to see great success due to this soundtrack. It ranked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA in May 1995.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for ‘Friday’ Dropped 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Singer/actress Halle Bailey has been having the best year ever. The Grown-ish star has been making her rounds in preparation for the role of a lifetime. Plugged in as Ariel in Disney’s live-action animated musical classic released nationwide in May, the trailer gave us a look into the certified blockbuster hit. 

Yesterday, the 2023 Disney Dreamer Academy ambassador appeared in Washington, D.C. to participate in the White House’s 2023 Easter Egg Roll. As part of the annual festivities, Bailey served as a guest reader and read two books: The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash by Ashley Franklin and Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry.

 “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlemermaid

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLittleMermaid

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneylittlemermaid/

The brand new soundtrack for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is available now for Pre-Order – CLICK HERE

The post The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey Shines At The White House’s 2023 Easter Egg Roll appeared first on The Source.

Last year, Brookyn rapper Nasir Fisher aka Nas Blixky was shot and killed in Brooklyn and today, one of his friends was arrested and charged with trying to avenge the drill rapper’s death.

Taj Zeigler, 22, was charged on Friday with attempting to shoot the man believed to be responsible for Nas Blixky’s death. Zeigler is currently being held in Brooklyn’s Federal Detention Center.

It has been reported that no one was injured in the shooting.

Zeigler was identified in video surveillance at the crime scene and was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition.

The post 6 Treys Member Arrested for Attempting To Retaliate For Nas Blixky Death appeared first on The Source.

Last month, Creed supporting actor Jonathan Majors was accused of domestic assault, but the estranged girlfriend has since retracted her accusations. Those allegations ran parallel with the promotion of the third installment of the boxing flick, with many people criticizing both Majors and Michael B. Jordan’s appearances at public events. Now, Dipset general Cam’Ron said that his sole reason for not watching the new Creed movie was because of a photo shoot featuring Jordan and Majors.

Cam took to IG to post an image from the shoot between the two actors, with the caption reading, “This was the reason I didn’t see ‘Creed.’”

Even Fabolous chimed in on the post, saying, “This was a funny promo shoot for a boxing movie.”

See the comments on the post above.

The post Cam’Ron Says Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan’s Photo Shoot Is The Reason He Didn’t See ‘Creed’ appeared first on The Source.

On the most recent episode of the AllHipHop podcast, Dipset Capo Jim Jones gave an account of being in the studio with Jay-Z and having so many Blood gang members with him that Hov himself had to address the situation.

Jones spoke to AHH owner Chuck Creekmur about a time in the legendary Baseline Studios with the old Roc-A-Fella team, saying, “We were right in Harlem, so we ain’t have to cross no bridges or nothing to get there. It was literally a seven-minute ride to get down there. We used to come in there all the time. Me piling in there with like 20 Bloods with me.” 

Jones said, “[Jay-Z] looking at me like I’m crazy. One day I came in there with so many Bloods, Jay was like, ‘Come here, come here, come here.’ Like he was my uncle.”

According to the Harlem rapper, Hov said, “I’m not worried about all the Bloods you bring here. I don’t care about none of that. But when you bring the gangsters in here, make sure the gangsters holler at me before anything else ’cause this is my house.”

The post [WATCH] Jim Jones Says JAY-Z Had Bloods in the Studio Because of Him appeared first on The Source.

A jury originally ordered Tesla to pay over $137 million in a racial discrimination case brought by a former employee of its assembly plant in Fremont, California. A judge deemed that amount too excessive and a jury cut it down to $3 million.

The case was brought by Owen Diaz, who worked as an elevator operator at the plant. He reported he regularly heard racial slurs, including the N-word, on the Fremont factory floor, and saw racist graffiti in bathrooms and a racially insensitive cartoon.

Diaz, who is Black, claimed that the electric carmaker cast a blind eye to harassment. His supervisors allegedly taunted him with racist imagery and used epithets against him. “[I] had supervisors telling me, ‘N—-r, hurry up and push the button’; ‘N—-r, push these batteries out of the elevator.’ And they were also telling me, ‘N—–s aren’t shit,’” he said.

In 2021, Diaz originally asked for $101 million dollars and was rewarded $137 Million dollars instead. US District Judge William Orrick said the amount was too high and offered Diaz $15 million in damages in the case instead, but Diaz rejected the offer. Instead he choose to gamble and have a new trial. On Monday, a San Francisco federal jury said the electric car company will now have to pay Diaz a total of $3,175,000.

The trial is separate from another case brought by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which said the agency had received “hundreds” of complaints from workers alleging racism and harassment at the Fremont factory.

Tesla has denied the charges that the situation was as bad as alleged in the two suits, but it has admitted there were problems which needed to be addressed at the plant.

In a blog post the company posted after the original 2021 verdict for $137 million, Valerie Capers Workman, then Tesla’s Vice President, People, wrote, “We do recognize that in 2015 and 2016 we were not perfect. We’re still not perfect. But we have come a long way from 5 years ago. We continue to grow and improve in how we address employee concerns.”

Capers Workman has since left Tesla and is now working as a bus driver. Watch the video below.

The post Judge Reduces Man’s $137 Million Tesla Discrimination Award Down To $3 Million: ‘Amount Too Excessive’ appeared first on The Source.

The road to Conway The Machine’s major label Shady/Interscope Records debut, God Don’t Make Mistakes, was undeniably impactful and incredibly redemptive.  Universally hailed by critics and fans alike, the album was also his commercial breakthrough, as God Don’t Make Mistakes rose to the top of DSP charts and was also his highest-charting Billboard project to date.

While God Don’t Make Mistakes was Conway’s de-facto origin story, it will also serve as the bridge to the next phase of his already decorated career; which begins with his next album Won’t He Do It. 

After sharing the album’s first single, “Super Bowl,” which featured Sauce Walka and Juicy J, Conway The Machine released Won’t He Do It’s second single and first visual, “Quarters/Brucifix” featuring Westside Gunn.  Filmed on location in Paris, the dual single features production from Khrysis on “Quarters,” (which also includes a vocal clip from the late Combat Jack—RIP) along with the Westside Gunn assisted, and Daringer produced “Brucifix.” 

In addition to the release of Won’t He Do It’s second single. Conway also announced the Won’t He Do It Spring Tour featuring Sauce Walka and his fellow Drumwork artist Jae Skeese, which will touch down in 18 cities starting on 5-26 in Chicago.  You can visit Conway’s digital HQ for all corresponding tour dates.

“I wanted to tap back in with my bro, Khrysis, and give em that feel that my fans know me for providing” Conway commented to Complex.  I also wanted to set the tone for my new album.” 

Conway The Machine’s new solo album, Won’t He Do It, will be released this spring. 

“Quarters”is now available at all DSP’s via Drumwork Music Group/EMPIRE

The post [WATCH] Conway The Machine Drops Visuals For “Quarters/Brucifix” Feat. Westside Gunn appeared first on The Source.

April 10, 1990, was the release date of a cornerstone in hip-hop music: Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet. Still known as one of the most empowering albums of its time, the album was written during a pivotal era both in America and in music: the Golden Age of Hip Hop.

Preceding the time when samples required clearance and approval to be used in sample-based music, the album is layered heavily with elements providing space and depth to levels of complexity previously unheard. Fear of a Black Planet‘s production team, The Bomb Squad, worked tirelessly to bring their signature sound to the album.  As Rolling Stone’s Christopher Weingarten said in an interview late last year with leading Public Enemy MC Chuck D, it was one of the…

“most sonically adventurous and politically stirring records of all time.”

Within the first week of release, the album sold more than a million copies, coming in at number 10 on Billboard’s Top Pop Albums chart.  Commenting on several racially and politically engaging topics was the goal of the album, and the track that said it best was “Fight The Power.”  The deep rhymes and intense verbiage used by Chuck in revolutionary poetry made the track not only what the group became known for, but also their critically acclaimed anthem.

Used by director Spike Lee for his film Do The Right Thing, who also filmed this music video, this track alone could be used to describe this legendary album.  Fear of a Black Planet was later listed as Rolling Stone’s 300th greatest record of all time.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Public Enemy’s ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ Was Released 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Ahead of its time to say the least, A Tribe Called Quest’s experimental, alternative, jazz rap was originally unappreciated by mainstream audiences. It took six years for the Tribe’s first album to hit gold. The album might not have been a huge commercial success at first, but their innovative and comedic sound beautifully balanced the light-hearted social consciousness of their tracks. Although “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” was critically acclaimed, some critics felt that the inspired lyricism and unique humor was at times overshadowed by the group’s immaturity and lack of focus. Their debut album did, however, generate buzz within the Alternative Hip Hop community that has gained them a devout cult following. Today “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” is certified gold, and in The Source Magazines’s 100 Best Rap Albums. Other accolades include a 5 mic rating from The Source, 4 stars out of 5 by The Rolling Stone Album Guide, and a 3.5 out of 4 stars by the Chicago Tribune.

Regardless of which generation you belong to, every true Hip Hop fan can remember the first time they heard “Can I kick It?” by saying “yes I can!”…and how it changed their perception of the genre. In honor of this special day in Hip Hop history we did some digging and found old school Source articles reviewing “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”, so feel free to take a look at the history.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: A Tribe Called Quest Dropped Their Debut Album ‘The People’s Instinctive Travels And The Path To Rhythm’ LP 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Joe Budden and his former co-hosts are back at it again.
Podcasters Rory and Mal recently called the New Jersey native a “thief” and “cat burglar” for the alleged financial issues they had host, which ultimately ended their relationship.

Budden has fired back and referred to them as the “bare minimum” boys — a  reference to Drake’s track “BackOutsideBoyz” from his and 21 Savage’s Her Loss album. Although Budden appears to throw subliminals at Rory and Mal, he never says their names.

“To whom this may concern,” he began. “This is not even on page one of the manual, ’cause you n-ggas ain’t in the bookstore. Instead of critiquing people’s placement on this list, we need more critiquing on why you’re not on it. To everyone not on it, shut the fuck up. There’s some steps that you n-ggas have missed.

“To whom it may concern, stop holding a microphone. I’m just giving out podcast advice. It’s certain n-ggas, y’all can’t speak to me, y’all didn’t do the work yet. You didn’t go to the bookstore.”

“Hire the editors. Get people to help. Invest in the staff. Pay the staff. Get more staff. Stop check chasing. Stop doing the bare minimum and expecting that to yield results. You n-ggas are the bare minimum boys.”

Mal has previously said there’s no chance of reconciliation for the former friends.

“I don’t respect him at all,” Mal stated. “Shake his hand? I’ll shake the room before I shake his hand. That’s just what it is. It’s not even about the business or the money. It’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of money, bro, that me and Rory walked away from. It’s a lot of money that was taken out of our pockets. It’s a lot of money that still to this day, we don’t have no lawyers going after it. Keep it. We got our own bag.”

He continued: “But, with that money that we walked away from, with that, what was owed to us that we walked away from, that was also me walking away from a relationship and a chapter of life that, once I walk away, you know, that door never opens again.”

Listen to Budden’s comments around the 1:27:33 mark below.

Listen to Rory and Mal’s comments below.

The post [LISTEN] Joe Budden Rips Former Co-Hosts Rory & Mal Over Recent Comments appeared first on The Source.

We all marveled over Keke Palmer as Akeelah and the Bee and have witnessed her growth. The actress has become a force to reckon with in Hollywood since the early 2000s.

So, when she announced that she was having her first child on Saturday Night Live in 2022, it seemed like all of us welcomed the birth of our new little cousin.

Now, the multi-talented Virgo has it all: a healthy relationship, a beautiful baby, and even credits her baby with clearing her acne. Now she’s busting out on the gram boasting her new voluptuous body.

The former talk show host took to Instagram to show off her new natural curves, courtesy of her fitness instructor and her new son Leodis Andrellton Jackson,

She captioned the post: “Hips? NEVER HAD EM’! Boobs? Never had em’! Booty? BARELY. Thanks son.”

In a video, she says, “Last time I spoke to y’all. I was letting you know that my son cleared my skin up. Skin is still skinning!”

Adding, “And now I’m about to let y’all know that he gave me something else: Body down! Get into it … Get into it …because period period period period period period!”

Watch the clip below.

The post [WATCH] Keke Palmer Shows Off New Post-Baby Body appeared first on The Source.

On this date in 1992, Dr. Dre took the first step in his successful solo journey and released this single 31 years ago today

On April 9th, 1992, the premiere single from the silver screen blockbuster Deep Cover was released and it featured the former producer from “the world’s most dangerous group” and a fresh 21-year-old Crip from Long Beach known then only as “Snoop”.

After the very public and messy break up of N.W.A., Dr. Dre and his behind the boards prowess were invited to create the musical score of the dirty cop flick starring Larry Fishburne. He brought along one of his little brother Warren G’s homies and the rest was history. The song became a hit and the track continues to be recognized as one of the best-crafted tracks in Hip Hop history. Fat Joe and the late Big Pun even created a classic remix of the joint that featured Dre and Snoop in the video entitled “Twinz”(Deep Cover ’98).

Salute to Dre and Snoop for this timeless gem and look forward to another one from them in another 29 years! Peace!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Released “Deep Cover” Single, Introduced Snoop Doggy Dogg 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

The intricately talented musician H.E.R.—one of the fastest rising young stars has labeled her favorite rapper –of all time. H.E.R. crowned Q-Tip the Abstract of the infamous group A Tribe Called Quest her number one emcee.

Currently showcasing an immense creativity holding an Academy Award, an Emmy and five Grammys, she has also recently launched her acting career, starring as Belle in the recent ABC special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration. She will join the all-star cast of “The Color Purple” musical film adaptation as “Squeak” later this year.

H.E.R. recently lended her time to inspire 100 students from around the world at Disney Dreamers Academy 20023 and surprised three teens pursuing music with an autographed guitar.

The Source Magazine caught up with the singer/songwriter and asked her what artist she relates to the most. In true fashion of someone with an old soul, the 25-year old instrumentalist revealed more.

“I don’t know who I relate to the most, but one of my favorite rappers of all time is Q-Tip…. I actually got to meet him one time and he put me onto so much music. And I didn’t realize how much music he was inspired by outside of hip hop. He to me just focuses on having fun with the music and making people feel something without kind of trying.Just kind of being him.”

The post Singer/Musician H.E.R. Credits Q-Tip As Her Favorite MC: ‘He Put Me On To So Much Music’ appeared first on The Source.

Powerhouse singer/songwriter LaTocha from the multi-platinum selling group Xscape releases her music video for her latest single “Afraid,” out today. The video showcases a vulnerable LaTocha in rare form as she calls out for God to help her in her most dire time of need.

The self-directed visual (co-directed by JMo Horton & Rich Laru) begins with LaTocha returning home from a night out, wearing what has now become known as the “infamous” green dress. As LaTocha enters her home on an incredible high, her spirit is instantly deflated as she begins to receive an overload of notifications with the headline “LaTocha Scott sends Xscape into a fashion frenzy,” followed by another that proclaims her husband has a secret love child on the way.

“I’m afraid to trust again, I’ve been lost so pull me in, I still need you, so don’t move, ‘cuz I can’t live this life by myself,” LaTocha professes in the chorus.

She is seen almost in a state of spiritual surrender, questioning why God has put her through so much and how she is going to make it out alive. As LaTocha sings, her frustration and pain is palpable, and her words take on a new level of meaning. She pleads with God to help her through her most difficult time – to provide strength, courage and resilience.

The post [WATCH] Latocha Confronts Xscape, Stealing Money From Her Sister And More In New Video “Afraid” appeared first on The Source.

According t several reports, the father and son who was allegedly recorded beating and robbing disgraced Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine have been released from jail.

43-year-old Rafael Medina Jr. and his 23-year-old son Octavius Medina have been released on house arrest in Palm County after signing a promissory note with a bail bond company. Rafael was released on a $52K bond while his son was cut loose on a $22K surety bond. Their co-defendant, 25-year-old Anthony Maldonado, signed a $22K surety bond as well, but remans in custody at Palm Beach County’s Main Detention Center, according to court records.

All three were charged with battery and robbery of the “Gummo” rapper and are slated for court appearances next month.

On March 30, Maldonado and the father/son team were arrested on suspicion of assaulting Tekashi, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, inside an LA Fitness gym in Palm Beach County, Florida and recorded the entire ordeal.

Tekashi gave a statement to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s investigators, telling them that his attackers took the key fob to his Lambo, Balenciaga sneakers and an iPhone.

Rumors have circulated that the attack was due to 6ix9ine’s allegiance to Mexico over Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic last month, but authorities say that Medina Jr. is a high ranking member of the Latin King, which is an ally to the Bloods gang. Tekashi famously aided federal prosecutors to convict several of his Blood co-defendants of racketeering and violent crimes, resulting in a sentence of jail and house arrest. 

As part of the conditions of release from jail, the three defendants signed papers agreeing to obey all laws, not possess weapons, and appear for scheduled court hearings. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s website says its house arrest program allows participants to obtain employment and requires them to wear an ankle monitor. 

The post Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Alleged Attackers Released From Jail appeared first on The Source.

On this day in Hip Hop history, Biz Markie (real name Marcel Theo Hall), one of the most respected and successful DJs in Hip Hop, was born. Growing up in Harlem, New York, The Biz has been moving the crowd with his unique style of rhyming since he was 14. From his earliest gig as Roxanne Shante‘s beat boxer to a headliner at Grammy Awards after parties, he’s done it all. Whether it be on screen, on the mic, or on the 1s and 2s, The Biz has remained a consistent brand in entertainment booking, averaging 175 shows a year across the globe.

Over the past four decades, Biz Markie has established himself as one of the most prolific rappers/DJs in music. Since his 1988 debut Goin’ Off (which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200), he has grabbed hold of the hearts and ears of Hip Hop lovers everywhere. His second album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, contains his timeless hit “Just a Friend,” which has made a permanent impact on pop culture.

During the ’90s, The Biz retained his place as an icon. His third LP, I Need A Haircut, unintentionallychanged the scope of Hip Hop forever. The closing track from the album, “Alone Again,” contains a sample of the song “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O’Sullivan, which had not been cleared by Warner Bros. Records. In turn, Warner Bros. sued The Biz for his unlawful use of the sample, causing the courts to rule all samples must be cleared by the owning party before reuse from then on. The lawsuit prompted the title of Markie’s fourth LP All Samples Cleared!.

As the new millennium approached, Markie never saw much of a decline in popularity. In 2002, he made his first major motion picture appearance in Men in Black 2. From then, he continued to make a plethora of television and big screen appearances. From Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out to Grand Theft Auto, The Biz is seen and heard throughout visual media.

During this decade, he also started his endeavors as a child educator through the children’s program Yo Gabba Gabba. Through entertainment, Markie has helped educate young children on music and artistic expression on the Nick Jr. hit show.

Biz lost his battle with diabetes in the summer of 202. He was 57 years old. Even though he is gone physically, the music and legacy of the human orchestra will live on forever!

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday To “The Human Orchestra” Biz Markie! (R.I.P.) appeared first on The Source.

An 18 year-old man, Raiden K. Hagedorn, was arrested in Highland Park, IL for breaking into Michael Jordan’s estate. 

LMCS reports:

Police arrested and charged a Mundelein man after receiving a burglary in progress call at Michael Jordan’s seven-acre estate in Highland Park Tuesday.

Residents reported seeing numerous Highland Park police officers responding with emergency lights activated around 4:10 p.m. Tuesday.

Officers arrested Raiden K. Hagedorn, 18, of Mundelein, in connection with the incident, according to a police report.

Hagedorn was charged with criminal trespass to occupied residence and two counts of criminal damage to property. All three charges are misdemeanors.

The post 18-Year-Old Charged With Breaking Into Michael Jordan’s Estate appeared first on The Source.

Three years ago, up and coming New York rapper Pop Smoke was killed during a home invasion in Hollywood Hills. Rumors circulated that accidentally showing his address on social media hours earlier led to his untimely demise.

One of the underaged invaders has just been sentenced to four years in a Youth Treatment Center.

LA Times reports:

A 20-year-old charged in the killing of Pop Smoke pleaded guilty in juvenile court Thursday, admitting he entered a Hollywood Hills mansion as a teenager in February 2020 intending to rob the rapper, who was shot to death in a struggle with his assailants.

The defendant pleaded guilty in an Inglewood courtroom to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery; he was the first to admit guilt of four defendants charged in the death of Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson.

Judge J. Christopher Smith sentenced the defendant to four years and two months in the Secure Youth Treatment Facility but warned he could remain in juvenile custody until he was 25. The judge declined to apply the two years and eight months he has already spent in juvenile hall toward his sentence.

Three others are charged in Jackson’s death: two juvenile defendants, 15 and 17 at the time of the homicide, and Corey Walker, who was 19. A judge has issued a court order barring the media from identifying the juvenile defendants.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Hilary Williams told a judge at a hearing in August that the defendant who pleaded guilty Thursday was no minor participant in the crime: He scouted the mansion, helped Walker recruit three other juveniles to rob Jackson and, after entering the home, remained in “constant communication” with Walker, who waited in the getaway car.

From a wiretap on his phone, detectives learned he’d committed other robberies, Williams added.

Martin Lijtmaer, the attorney for the defendant who pleaded guilty Thursday, argued his client was intellectually disabled, sparking a years-long series of examinations and hearings over his competency to stand trial.

Jody Ward, a psychologist who examined the defendant on behalf of the prosecution, testified in August that he appeared to be faking the disability.

After he was arrested, the defendant showed a familiarity with the judicial process that belied his alleged disability, Ward testified. He planned with his cellmate — a plant for the police, who were secretly recording the conversation — how to glean information from detectives without giving anything up himself, Ward said.

“OJ was able to beat his case even though there was blood on his socks,” he told his cellmate, according to Ward. But if all else failed, “I still got that Regional Center s—,” he said, a reference to the facility where he’d been diagnosed as disabled.

After handing down the sentence, Smith addressed the defendant. “I don’t know how you and your friends even came to the idea to rob someone, someone whose life was taken unnecessarily.”

The judge noted the defendant will one day return to his family. “Mr. Jackson is not. His life is done because of what you and your friends did. You owe. You owe.”

The post Pop Smoke Murder Accomplice Sentenced To Four Years In Youth Treatment Facility appeared first on The Source.

Rapper Cardi B just revealed she’s still earning “millions” of dollars from her debut album, Invasion of Privacy.

The Bronx beauty celebrated with her team who congratulated her on the success of the fifth anniversary of her Grammy-winning debut LP.

In a video posted to her Instagram Stories, Cardi is seen in the studio with her producer, J. White Did It, and engineer, Evan LaRay, as she reacts to receiving a bottle of wine, strawberry-laced cupcakes and a cake reading: “Happy 5th Anniversary!”

“What my team got me, guys!” Cardi exclaims in the clip. “Yeah! Five years! I’m still getting booked for millions of dollars with one muthafuckin’ album, bitch! Yeah, wassup? Ain’t nobody can tell me nothing,” she adds with a laugh.

Over a billion views on YouTube!

The post [WATCH] Cardi B Reveals She’s Still Earning Millions Off ‘Invasion Of Privacy’ appeared first on The Source.

On this date in 1987, Philly’s most celebrated Hip Hop duo released their first album.

Famed rapper and actor Will Smith, also known as “The Fresh Prince” and his hilarious on-and-off-screen partner Jeff Townes aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, dropped their first project on the Jive/RCA imprint.

As two of the pioneers of Philly Hip Hop, Dj Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince were the first artists from the “City of Brotherly Love” to perform at the coveted Union Square, which prompted the live title track. They were there during a time when if you were wack, not only did you get booed, but the Brooklyn kids would end up leaving the Square with something you came there with. “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble” was a storytelling anthem that was only rivaled by the likes of the great Slick Rick. This ten-track LP was just the tip of the iceberg of what this dynamic duo had in store for them in their future.

Salute to Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith and Ready Rock C for this classic piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince’s Debut Album ‘Rock The House’ Turns 35 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

A couple of dreadheaded backpackers made stuttering rhymes chic when Krayz Drayz and Skoob came together and dropped their Dead Serious album April 7, 1992.

Released on the East/West imprint and recorded in both the famed Firehouse Studios in Brooklyn and North Shore Soundworks in Long Island, Dead Serious became a platinum selling album in just two years, revering it as one of the most influential LPs of the “Golden Era”.

The hit singles “They Want Efx” and “Mic Checka” were both forces to be reckoned with on the Billboard charts, while the virtually production of Chris Charity and Derek Lynch aka “Solid Scheme” ensured the consistent output of quality music for Das EFX until Charity’s untimely passing in 2000.

The Brooklyn, NY/Teaneck, NJ duo met in college at Virginia State University and became a part of EPMD‘s “Hit Squad” collective in just two years after their initial meeting with EPMD and never looked back. Salute to Drayz, Skoob, and the entire former Hit Squad family for bringing us such an historic classic.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Das EFX Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Dead Serious’ 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

A historic concert series curated by Grammy award-winning producer Salaam Remi, will open with an exclusive performance by Hip Hop legend Rakim on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Miami Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL. The Iconic Midnight at MuseZeuM  concert series inspired by Remi’s newest creative venture, MuseZeuM.

MuseZeuM’s flagship gallery based in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District showcases fine art and  limited-edition merch of renowned musical artists, created and curated by Remi himself.

“This Concert Series will be like no other with the Artist providing their musical art alongside artwork inspired by them. As a lifelong creative and huge fan and patron of the art world, this is a dream come true. It’s an honor to be able to create a space where icons and emerging artists will be able to collaborate and benefit from their works at the highest level. MuseZeuM will be the ongoing home for creatives to showcase their works. There is Much Much more to come , we are just beginning”

Highly regarded as one of the most prolific rappers of all time, Rakim is globally respected for his unique flow and complex rhymes. The show marks the icon’s long-awaited return to Miami, since his last performance in 2017.

For more MuseZeuM information including limited edition merchandise, ticket sales, and more, visit MuseZeuM.io.

The post Rakim Kicks Off Salaam Remi’s “Midnight At MuseZeum” Concert Series In Miami appeared first on The Source.

According to several confirmed reports, the dealer who sold the fatal dose of the drug to The Wire actor Michael K. Williams has pleaded guilty to a narcotics conspiracy charge. 

Irvin “Green Eyes” Cartagena was originally charged with narcotics conspiracy resulting in death, which could’ve resulted in a life sentence. Still, he pleaded to a lesser charge that carries a sentence of 24 to 30 years behind bars.

“I knew my actions were wrong and against the law,” Cartagena said via an interpreter. “I am very sorry for my actions.”

“The reality is there are no winners here,” said Williams’s nephew Dominic Dupont. “Michael was an amazing human being and to lose him is something that we’re still grappling with. The grieving process continues for myself and for my family.” 

Cartagena is scheduled for sentencing in August.

The post Heroin Dealer Who Sold Drugs to Michael K. Williams Pleads Guilty appeared first on The Source.

Rapper Latto says she’s considering taking a mental health break from social media because commenters make her feel self-conscious about her looks.

The “Big Energy” rapper opened up social media heightens her insecurities in the premiere episode of her Apple Music show “777 Radio.”

The 24-year-old Rap Game star told her guest Chloe Bailey that internet trolls say she looks like an “old white woman.”

“It’s all because of social media,” Latto told Chloe. “It just, like you said, heightens your insecurities. I never thought I looked old until I read it on the internet. Now I just think I look like an old white woman.”

“You don’t look old,” Chloe told Latto. “That’s crazy!”

Latto, real name Alyssa Michelle Stephens, was born to a white mother and Black father.

She said trolls made fun of the way she sat in her chair at last year’s VMAs. Latto explained she was trying to avoid comments about her attire because she was wearing a corset. But when she went online, she saw people making lewd comments about her body.

“Next thing you know, I see things going around, ‘She looked like she about to have sex with the chair,’” she quoted one troll.

“I’m like, ‘Now, hold on. Wait a minute. I can’t just sit down?’ I’m like, ‘Now, I’m not even gyrating on the chair. I am sitting like this.’ I’m sitting like this looking forward.”

Watch the 12:48 mark in the video below.

The post [WATCH] Rapper Latto Says Social Media Heightens Her Insecurities appeared first on The Source.

On Saturday (April 8), the Foundation will host the spectacular event at Butler Park next to MLK Aquatic Center.  The event will include games, food, face painting, balloon art, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt with over 30,000 eggs. 

The Freewishes Foundation has partnered up with Restaurateur and Executive William Platt’s The B.A.N.K Foundation (Blessings All Neighborhood Kids) and Pawkids to curate the event.

“Our goal with our annual community-wide event is to bring people from all walks of life together. It’s a great way for everyone to have fun, celebrate and strengthen bonds within the community,” said Future. 

“The impact that Covid had on many communities is still felt today. Many communities drifted apart and are still trying to return to normalcy. FreeWishes will continue to create experiences that allow the community to connect and build healthy relationships with each other. After a very successful event last year, our foundation wanted to continue serving the community for  Easter. This event is another way to tackle the health and wellness disparities plaguing our community. So much can be resolved by us coming together and doing activities.  Kids need activities; as a community, we must step up.  We service the community all year round with our various initiatives, but holidays have always been special for us,” said Freewishes Communuty Engagement Director, Tia Wilburn. 

The post Future and His Freewishes Foundation Host Easter “Eggstravangaza” appeared first on The Source.

Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.

Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.

Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).

This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.

After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Third LP ‘I Am’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Last week, Detroit rapper Trick Trick put the streets on lookout when an 80-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by an intruder.

Detroit police have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting the woman and another woman as well.. The alleged perpetrator, Kenneth Davis Jr. was captured at Rouge Park. Davis Jr. was arrested Tuesday after days of police searching, hours of surveillance video from businesses and a slew of tips from the public.

Davis is accused of breaking into a home on Memorial Street near I-96 and sexually assaulting an 80-year-old woman on March 26.

He is also accused of sexually assaulting a 64-year-old woman near Grand River and Ferguson on Monday.

Davis was in a car with a woman and child when he was arrested in Rouge Park, according to WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

“We will pursue him relentlessly and hour by hour until we get him off the street,” Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference this week. “…We are committed to getting this violent suspect off our streets.”

Trick Trick posted the perps mugshot once it was released. ‘Caught!’. the Detroit gatekeeper wrote.

Good job Detroit.

The post Rapper Trick Trick Celebrates Capture Of Criminal Who Assaulted Elderly Woman appeared first on The Source.

On the last episode of Club Shay Shay, cultural critic Shannon Sharpe interviewed Love And Hip Hop star Mendeecees Harris, who spoke very openly about his days as a drug trafficker.

Harris told a shocking story about where he once gave his drug connect his mother, Judy Harris’ location in order to secure a large amount of cocaine on consignment.

“But, I got some crazy stories about…you know. I remember one time I was dealing with a connect, and this gonna sound horrible, but I put my mom up for collateral,” adding,  “I was getting a bunch of keys, and they was like, ‘Well, you gotta show me where your mom live at, ’cause if you run off on this, we can’t afford for you to run off.’ And I was like, I didn’t have no intentions of running off, so I was like, ‘All right I’ll show you.’ And I took ’em. And she had no idea, and I took ’em.” 

The post [WATCH] Mendeecees Admits To Putting His Mom up for Collateral in Drug Deal appeared first on The Source.

According to several confirmed reports, Texas rapper Maxo Cream has turned himself into authorities over a 2016 RICO case, citing that he wouldn’t “break”.

Kream, whose real name is Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr., posted a caption alongside a mugshot of himself saying, “Been dealing with this Rico s**t since 2016. I beat all the felony Charges but gotta handle sum light s**t. I’ll never bend break or fold S/o all my fans ima brb.” 

Back in 2016, Maxo Kream and members of the Kream Klicc gang were arrested on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.

TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop about his case.

The post Maxo Kream Turns Himself in Over 2016 Rico Case appeared first on The Source.

On this day in 1973, the seemingly ageless producer, singer, rapper, author, designer, creative director, and label head Pharrell Williams was born 48 years ago. His music has touched the hearts and minds of literally billions of people, his humanitarian efforts have helped toward preserving the planet for the next generation to enjoy, and his actions to promote happiness and equality have helped move society in a positive direction.

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia to Pharaoh and Carolyn Williams. He is the eldest of three sons. His love for music and art started at a young age. He met the other half of the legendary production duo The Neptunes, Chad Hugo, at band camp in the seventh grade. Pharrell at the time played the piano and the drums and Hugo played the tenor saxophone. In the early 90s, Pharrell and Hugo formed the group The Neptunes and signed with Teddy Riley of Interscope Records upon graduating high school.

Success began to come in 1993 when Pharrell met fellow Virginia rappers Clipse. The rap duo signed to Artista Records under Pharrell’s Star Trak Entertainment. In 1994 Pharrell and Chad Hugo officially established themselves at The Neptunes and produced part of Blackstreet’s self-titled album. By the 2000s the Neptunes had a name for themselves and in 2001 got their first international #1 hit with Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U.”

That same year Pharrell, Hugo, and Shae Haley released their first album as the group N*E*R*D titled In Search of… in Europe, where the first Kelis album, produced by The Neptunes, had its best reception. After realizing that the album sounded much like their other work, the group decided to reproduce the album with Spymob. In 2002 the re-release of the album came with amazing reception and Pharrell was named Producer of the Year by Billboard and The Source.

In 2003 The Neptunes released their only album The Neptunes Present…Clones which was a compilation of songs and remixes by Pharrell and Hugo. The album featured Busta Rhymes, Clipse, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, ODB, Kelis, and Nas and debuted #1 on the Billboard 200. It also claimed the #1 spot on the UK R&B Albums chart and the Dutch MegaChart.

The next year N*E*R*D released their second album Fly or Die which was more popular than the first. It had a very positive international reception. That same year Pharrell received two Grammy awards, one for Producer of the Year and a second for Best Pop Vocal Album for his work on Justin Timberlake’s Justified album. He also put out the hit single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” that year with Snoop Dogg, which was Pharrell’s first #1 single in the US.

In 2006, Pharrell released his first solo album. In My Mind was released on July 25 and debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart where it peaked. The album is full of hits with artists like Kanye West, Gwen Stefani, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Over the next few years, Pharrell continued to produce hit songs as well as build his fashion empire with his brands Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM. His work with a designer and BAPE founder Nigo helped him to rise to prominence in the early 2000s as a streetwear designer. His popularity grew as a designer was almost simultaneous with his growth as an artist.

During the 2010’s Pharrell has continued to have a creative influence. His 2013 single “Happy” from his second album Girl has become the international anthem for happiness around the world and can be considered his most popular record. This decade he has also begun his i am Other campaign which is a multimedia creative collective and record label that serves as the overarching brand over his many endeavors including: Billionaire Boys Club, ICECREAM, Bionic Yarn and the Youtube channel that launched as i Am Other’s founding platform. Most recently, Pharrell can be seen as a host of the popular TV show, The Voice. He has also just been named the creative director of the well established denim brand G-Star Raw.

Pharrell’s has become synonymous with Hip Hop and his brand is one that has inspired many in the generations under and above him. On behalf of everyone here at The Source we’d like to wish Pharrell Williams a happy born day, may he see many more years of success.

The post Happy 50th Birthday To Pharrell Williams! appeared first on The Source.

Famed actor Leonardo DiCaprio took the stand and testified against The Fugees member Pras Michel who is accused of participating in a global campaign-finance conspiracy. 

Michel is on trial by himself, but the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy, Malaysian businessman Jho Low who allegedly stole billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, is still on the run.

DiCaprio was on the stand for about an hour, talking about his interactions with Low, who prosecutors said was introduced to the actor by Riza Aziz, the stepson of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak. Aziz has also been charged in the scandal.

DiCaprio then spoke about his dealings with Pras, which he testified was at a Fugees concert and added that Pras possibly could have been an attendee at one of his family’s Thanksgiving dinners. Still, DiCaprio says that he’s not sure.

DiCaprio was asked to identify Pras in the courtroom, which led to Pras leaning back and waving at the actor.

Pras is accused of helping Low make donations to political campaigns with the stolen money through a series of fake donors, and DiCaprio was asked to recall a conversation with Low about making a large contribution to the Democratic party. 

DiCaprio explained, “It was a casual conversation about what party he was in support of, I told him what party I was in support of. And he told me that he, or he and a group, were going to make a significant contribution to the Democratic Party,” he said, noting the donation was around $20 million or $30 million. “I said ‘wow, that’s a lot of money.'” 

DiCaprio spoke about Low offering to fund a movie for him after an extensive background check, DiCaprio’s team gave the actor the green light to make a deal with Low. This led to Low funding The Wolf of Wall Street, which led to DiCaprio shouting out Low while accepting a Golden Globe for “Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film.” 

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