Month: April 2022

Back in December of 2021, it was announced that former NBA star and ESPN personality Jalen Rose would be getting divorced from Molly Qerim, who is the moderator and host of ESPN’s First Take. For many years, they were a power couple of sorts at the network, and while they are now separated, the two have continued to have a cordial working relationship. Unfortunately, many fans and bystanders have been floating around rumors that are truly outrageous.

For instance, some believe that Stephen A. Smith has a relationship with Qerim behind the scenes. During an interview with GQ, Rose spoke about this particular rumor, noting that it is utterly preposterous. He also claimed that his split from Qerim was mutual and that there are no lingering issues between the two.

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“In my personal relationship, it was laughable to me, to see [Molly Querim] and I mutually part ways, be in accord about why we’re parting ways, and still see people speculating on why,” Rose said. “Not only speculating—in particular saying it was because her and Stephen A. Smith had a relationship. And…And, like, unequivocally, I’m not here to speak for what he does in his personal life or what she does in her personal life, I got love for both of them. We still 100. I would just say that for people who thought we parted ways because they have a relationship? Then I got some swampland in Detroit to sell you for top dollar. That is not why we split.”

This is definitely one of those rumors that fans love to latch onto. Whenever Smith and Qerim appear on screen, some will interpret their mannerisms as indicative of a relationship behind the scenes, which is certainly invasive.

At this point, it looks like the rumor can finally be put to rest.

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Kim Kardashian has scored yet another legal victory for herself. Months after convincing a judge to declare her legally single in her ongoing separation from Kanye West, the 41-year-old has successfully removed herself as a defendant in her family’s lawsuit with Rob Kardashian’s ex, Blac Chyna.

As PEOPLE reports, the news came from the courtroom on Friday, April 29th as the Kardashian-Jenner family attorney entered a request to have the SKIMS founder removed from the lawsuit, which has since been approved.

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“Because [Blac Chyna] has neither identified an allegedly defamatory statement by Kim Kardashian, nor specified an instance where she ratified an allegedly defamatory statement by another party, the claim against her must be dismissed,” legal documents obtained by the outlet read.

“[Blac Chyna’s] vague assertion on the record during [her] argument that Kim Kardashian ‘ratified those statements and encouraged her sisters to make them’ — without specifying how Kim Kardashian ratified them and to whom — is woefully insufficient to maintain a claim,” the document goes on, adding that “statements by other Defendants cannot form the basis of a defamation claim against Kim Kardashian because neither her mother nor her sisters ever acted as her agent.”

The mother of two’s legal team responded by pointing out that she “has the right to a jury trial against Defendant Kim Kardashian for defamation,” saying that it would be “completely contrary to law” for Kim to be removed.

After hearing both sides, the judge ultimately sided with the Kardashians saying that “there is no evidence that defendant Kim Kardashian took a ‘responsible part’ in the publication of the alleged statement by the other defendants.”

Elsewhere, the judge pointed out that Chyna’s “unrelated assertion” claiming that “the alternate jurors were chosen in such a way that the randomness and fairness of the alternative juror process was not secured,” is false.

Other recent updates from the courtroom have included Rob himself testifying that the mother of his child “tried to kill” him – read more about that here, and tap back in with HNHH later for more celebrity news updates.

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It’s been nearly two years since Future released High Off Life. Future hasn’t been absent per se, but the gap between projects seems uncharacteristic of him. What followed was a slew of guest verses and a joint project with Lil Uzi Vert. And in the midst of all of that has been plenty of hints and teasers of new music. Thankfully, the wait is over. This morning, Future released his latest studio album, I NEVER LIKED YOU – a 16-song effort that includes appearances from Young Thug, Kanye West, Drake, and more.

One of the most refreshing parts of the project is that Future calls on many of his collaborators, both old and new, to join him across the tracklist. However, even if he didn’t have the star-power attached to the tracklist, his ear for production is more than capable of carrying the project on its own. This time around, Future largely calls on Wheezy, Southside, and ATL Jacob to hold down the beats with additional contributions from TM88, MOON, MoXart Beats, FNZ, and Torey Montana. ATL Jacob holds down nearly half of the project while Wheezy and Southside come through on the project’s highlights. However, it’s a producer like Torey Montana who really show out on one of the biggest records on the project.

There are plenty of highlights on I NEVER LIKED YOU and it would be difficult to narrow down the top five songs on the album. However, with a slew of top-tier producers, we examined some of the best beats on Future’s latest project.

712PM

It’s unclear what’s happening in Future’s life at 7:12 p.m. every day but it sounds exciting. The intro to I NEVER LIKED YOU includes production from MOON, MoXart Beats, TM88, and Wheezy whose combined powers open the doors for a gargantuan entrance. The ghastly vocal sample and haunting violins during the song’s build-up emphasize Future’s kingly arrogance as he expects women to tie his shoelaces on command. The samples bring out a sense of opulence while the grating synths that slyly sit underneath embolden the guttural feeling of the trap that serves as the cornerstone of Future’s sound. 

I’m On One Ft. Drake

Unlike Southside, TM88, and Wheezy, who’ve played a significant role in Future’s career, Torey Montana only began building chemistry with Fewtch in the past few years. The producer of Moneybagg’s “Hard For The Next” ft. Future turns out a menacing banger with “I’m On One,” a thrilling collaboration extending Future and Drake’s track record together. The 808s pump over spine-chilling bells and the lush synth pads add a sense of lavishness – kinda like the whole track was recorded in the Massachusetts estate where The Haunting was filmed. Torey Montana’s earned a few high-profile beat placements in the last year but “I’m On One” is a star-powered addition to his resumé.

Chickens Ft. EST Gee

While there are plenty of records that maximize Future’s aura through heavy-artillery production, a song like “Chickens” ft. EST Gee finds both rappers basking in a spacey and futuristic soundscape. The sparsity of the production allows for an atmospheric feeling but it’s also a blank canvas for EST Gee and Future to explore different flow pockets and cadences. Dez Wright and Wheezy’s combined efforts on the song feel minimalistic compared to other records but it’s a testament to how less is more, even when you’re producing on the most anticipated project of the year.

Holy Ghost

ATL Jacob serves as the MVP on Future’s I NEVER LIKED YOU with nearly seven credits. And while he does handle several of the project’s highlights, his work on “Holy Ghost” is chef’s kiss-worthy. Another example of how less is more, ATL Jacob turns Atlanta into a slasher flick, and Future is the anti-hero. Grungy guitars quaintly sit behind the looming 808s but as the song builds up, anthemic chords strike with a dizzying effect and ominous vocal chants carry along with the song’s snares. 

For A Nut Ft. Gunna & Young Thug 

One of the strangest song titles on I NEVER LIKED YOU includes two of YSL’s finest. “For A Nut” reunites Future with Young Thug and Gunna for an undeniable banger produced by ATL Jacob. It’s a riveting record but the eccentricities of Future, Thug, and Gunna are further emphasized by ATL Jacob’s attention to detail. The 808 does the talking but it’s the subtle sounds that linger across the record that add more excitement. That could be the 42 Dugg-inspired whistle that subtly sits in the background or even the whimsical guitar loop that pops out halfway during Gunna’s verse. ATL Jacob, once again, steals the show. 

Prior to Lonzo Ball’s injury this season, the Chicago Bulls were arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference. Zach LaVine, Ball, and DeMar DeRozan were fantastic together, and it was clear that this team could have gone far if healthy. With that being said, the Bulls will now have to do their best to keep LaVine whose contract just expired.

LaVine is now eligible for a massive contract, and the Bulls are expected to offer him top dollar. With that being said, it is completely up to LaVine whether or not he re-signs. Needless to say, fans of the team are very nervous about what’s about to happen.

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While speaking to the media today, LaVine didn’t exactly swing one way or the other. He acknowledged that he loves Chicago, however, he is open-minded to other offers.

“I understand the relationship I’ve had with AK and the last five years here, I hope the city understands how much I care about the Bulls,” LaVine said. “I’m going into everything open-minded but knowing how much I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

This free agency cycle is going to be massive, and there is no doubt that LaVine will be a huge part of that. With that said, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates from the NBA world.