Month: February 2023

Usher Announces New Vegas Residency Dates Through Oct. 2023

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Usher's New Las Vegas Residency Opens with Sold-Out Shows

The uber-successful Usher residency has announced a new set of dates. The R&B legend announced 15 new dates that will take his amazing show through October.

“It’s that time again!” Usher wrote on Twitter. “VEGAS, I’m back! By popular demand, I’ve added 15 NEW shows to my Vegas Residency through October 2023!“

The tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 am PT. There is also an accessible presale by texting (404) 737-1821.

The residency won’t be the only place you can see Usher Lovers & Friends festival will return on May 6, 2023 to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds to celebrate the continued development of the featured genres.

The incredible lineup will feature performances from over 45 artists, including Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Usher, Christina Aguilera, 50 Cent, Nelly, Pitbull, as well as modern fan favorites Miguel, Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker, Bryson Tiller, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and many more.

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Tickets for the general admission, general admission plus, VIP, and VIP Cabana presale go on sale at www.loversandfriendsfest.com on Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 AM PST, and any leftover tickets go on sale to the general public at 2 PM PST on the same day. Payment plans for layaways start at $19.99. Preferential viewing places, charging stations, a designated entry lane at the festival gate, air-conditioned restrooms, and more are all included in VIP packages. There are VIP cabanas with exclusive viewing sections and VIP services, such as meal coupons and some complimentary drinks, accelerated entrance, and more.

The post Usher Announces New Vegas Residency Dates Through Oct. 2023 appeared first on The Source.

Original iPhone from 2007 Sells for $63,000 at Auction

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Do you happen to have a first-generation iPhone still in the packaging? You could be sitting on a nice amount of cash.

A first-generation 2007 iPhone recently sold for $63,000 in a Sunday online auction. The phone had never been opened and went for over 100 times the original cost.

CNN notes the bidding started at $2,500, but the 27 bids would inflate the number on LCG Auctions’ website to the final number. LCG Auctions founder Mark Montero stated the bids were between 10 buyers and the final bid came from “an individual from the US.”

The phone was owned by Karen Green who received the 8 GB phone as a gift but never opened it. Another iPhone she once owned sold for over $39,000.

The iPhone originally cost $599 and only had a 3.5-inch screen and 2-megapixel camera, while running on a 2G network exclusive to AT&T.

The post Original iPhone from 2007 Sells for $63,000 at Auction appeared first on The Source.

Lil Durk on What To Do When Facing Law Enforcement: ‘Just Shut the F*** Up and You Good’

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Lil Durk has what he believes is the key for anyone facing charges: “Just shut the f#ck up and you good. #thevoice2.0.”

That’s the message Lil Durk posted on his Instagram Story on Monday after DJ Akademiks posted paperwork from Durk’s 2013 arrest. The Chicago rapper was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Durk tossed a .40 caliber handgun into a car when approached by officers in Chicago.

Of course, the timing of the message comes alongside the YSL Rico case, and updates surrounding Gunna, which gets a bit wilder as time moves on.

In Mid-January, two of Gunna’s friends and frequent collaborators, Lil Baby and Lil Durk, have moved to no longer be associated with the YSL rapper.

Known for long being a part of each other’s careers, including dropping a joint album, Lil Baby seems to be distancing himself from Gunna and has unfollowed him on Instagram. Social media detectives reveal the It’s Only Me rapper is one following short.

On the other hand, in Gunna’s “What Happened to Virgil,” collaborator Lil Durk is taking a direct shot at Gunna. In a preview clip of new music, Durk is heard rapping: “What happened to Virgil / he probably gonna tell..”

Meanwhile, other members of YSL are not supportive of Gunna. You can read that here.

There is also YSL Woody, who is seen in footage speaking to police detectives, even implicating YSL leader Young Thug in committing “murder for hire” killings.

In a three-hour-plus interview, Lil Woody, aka Kenneth Copeland, is hyper-cooperative with Atlanta investigators as he name-drops Young Thug in a possible murder plot and even mentions the type of car used in the killing.

After the footage was made public, Woody made claims on social media that he did not cooperate with authorities.

The post Lil Durk on What To Do When Facing Law Enforcement: ‘Just Shut the F*** Up and You Good’ appeared first on The Source.

Gunna’s Lawyers Issue Statement Asserting That He Didn’t Snitch On Young Thug

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Gunna Responds to Snitching Rumors: 'I Ain't Never Stop a Crime'

Gunna was released from jail in December of last year. Shortly after his release, a video from inside the courtroom was released showing Gunna confirming statements being made by the judge regarding the nature of YSL and the RICO case. The video made its way around social media, with many believing that Gunna snitched on Young Thug, who is being labeled as the leader of a criminal enterprise, to get out of jail.

Following an article by Okayplayer, who sought the word from legal experts about the Alford Plea that Gunna took to get out of jail and whether or not it involved snitching, Gunna’s legal team commented on the article further asserting that their client did not snitch.

“Gunna has never been interviewed by or cooperated with law enforcement or prosecutors in the RICO case,” the statement from Gunna’s legal team read. “Nor have his attorneys proffered information on his behalf.”

They added, “What was said at his Alford plea hearing was solely to resolve his own case. It cannot be used by the prosecution against Young Thug or any other defendant.”

Gunna has been battling snitch allegations since the first day of his release. He has even released a statement saying that he did not snitch.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way,” Gunna said in a statement shortly after his release from jail.

Gunna initially faced five years in jail if he was convicted on all charges relating to his role in the YSL RICO case. However, he was released from jail after entering the Alford plea, where he maintained his innocence but admitted that the evidence could incriminate him.

The post Gunna’s Lawyers Issue Statement Asserting That He Didn’t Snitch On Young Thug appeared first on The Source.

Drake’s Security Guard Reportedly Refused And Kicked Subpoena For XXXTentacion Murder Case

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The defense attorney in the XXXTentacion murder case revealed yesterday that one of Drake’s armed security guards confronted a process server sent to deliver a subpoena to the rapper. The guard would end up refusing the subpoena and kicking it down a driveway back to the server.

According to the Miami Herald, Mauricio Padilla, the lawyer for Dedrick Williams, one of the men on trial for murdering XXXTentacion, issued a subpoena for Drake to deliver a deposition later this month. Padilla stated that when the server tried to give the subpoena to Drake at his Beverly Hills home on Valentine’s Day, he was confronted by Drake’s security guards to refuse the subpoena.

In the transcript of Padilla’s account, the security guards are telling the server that the home is a private residence and telling him to get off the property. When the server says that Drake is being served, the security responds, saying, “no one is being served.” The server even says at the end that he likes Drake.

Drake is being called to the trial due to his beef with XXXTentacion. In 2018, the late Florida artist posted on his IG story that if he were killed then Drake would be behind the murder. “IF ANYONE TRIES TO KILL ME IT WAS @champagnepapi IM snitching RN,” XXX wrote four months before his death.

The post Drake’s Security Guard Reportedly Refused And Kicked Subpoena For XXXTentacion Murder Case appeared first on The Source.

Karl Malone on All-Star Weekend Backlash: ‘Whatever. I’m human.’

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Karl Malone on All-Star Weekend Backlash: 'Whatever. I'm human.'

Karl Malone was a topic of controversy during NBA All-Star weekend. Once he was announced as a judge for the NBA Dunk Contest, Malone’s past of impregnating a 13-year-old, while in college resurfaced.

As Malone made more appearances through the weekend, including standing next to LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Sunday stage, two titans and highly-respected figures in NBA history, the criticisms of the NBA’s decision to include the Jazz legend grew louder.

In 1983, Malone, then 20 years old, impregnated 13-year-old Gloria Bell. The son of the two would go on to play in the NFL but did not meet Malone until he was 17 years old. Bell’s family didn’t pursue criminal action because he was a “neighborhood kid” and he could not provide child support from behind bars.

Malone is long known to be private in his retirement. According to Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune, Malone was hoping that he was not allowed to speak with him. Monson wrote Malone would only grant Tribune reporters media availability if the columnist was removed from the party, a contract to previous interactions that included invites to pool parties and radio interviews.

Earlier in the weekend, Malone stated to another Tribune reporter, “I know people talk negatively about me.”

Speaking at the Legends Lounge, Malone is quoted as saying, “I’m not discussing any of that backlash. I don’t care. That’s my life, that’s my personal life, and I’ll deal with that like I’ve had to deal with everything. So, whatever.”

About the narrative about him online: “Whatever. I’m human.”

You can read the full reports in the Salt Lake Tribune here and here.

The post Karl Malone on All-Star Weekend Backlash: ‘Whatever. I’m human.’ appeared first on The Source.

Master P’s Sons Mercy and Hercy Miller Talk Inking NIL Deals with Leading Sportswear Brands

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Master P's Sons Mercy and Hercy Miller Talk Inking NIL Deals with Leading Sportswear Brands

The NBA just wrapped up All-Star weekend showcasing the brightest talents in the league. While that stage is showcasing the stars of today, stars of the future are rising the ranks of basketball, while cashing in on NIL deals.

Among those are high-school Basketball phenom and rapper Master P’s son, Mercy Miller, who recently aligned with Reebok. The future Houston Cougar will star in announcements for Allen Iverson’s latest sneaker. The deal was executed by the NIL influencer marketing agency Postgame.

Meanwhile, Mercy’s older brother, Hercy is currently putting in work as a member of the Louisville basketball team, taking his talents to Adidas, also executed by Postgame.

NIL is a relatively new program but is currently sweeping the nation across pre-professional ranks. Postgame Director of Athlete Relations, Aaron Hackett, details what makes NIL an essential part of the game.

“We see a lot of misconceptions in the headlines surrounding NIL with collectives, pay for play and the transfer portal,” said Hackett. “Working with both Hercy and Mercy on these two latest campaigns embodies the true intent of why NIL was passed. Allowing athletes to leverage their personal brand and collaborate with businesses to share unique and authentic stories.”

In an exclusive with The Source, Mercy and Hercey Miller discuss their NIL deals and what made their respective brands perfect for them.

The SOURCE: You are involved in some high-profile games these days. Is there pressure for you to perform with cameras – both TV and social media – on you at all times?

Mercy Miller: I have been working hard, and I’m humble and grateful God has allowed me to play on the big stage in high school. I’m creating a name for myself and also protecting my family name.

You just secured a NIL deal with Reebok, promoting Allen Iverson Sneakers. How does it feel to be aligned with an iconic brand and one of the most heralded basketball players of all time?

Allen Iverson is one of the greatest of all time. It’s an honor to be representing his sneakers, and it motivates me to keep working hard to achieve my goal of playing in the NBA.

You Will be playing at the University of Houston. The team is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation. What can you bring to a strong program next year?

Hard work and leadership.

You aligned with Postgame to get this NIL deal done. How did the agency make this easy for you?

Postgame understands me, my goals, and my dreams. I trust them to align me with brands that are meaningful to me.

The SOURCE: You are aligned with Adidas. What let you know that was the sports brand for you?

Adidas equals quality. My school, the University of Louisville, is an Adidas school, and I am proud to wear their brand.

You are currently playing at Louisville – how have you felt about the season so far?

This season is a journey. It’s all about growth and getting better as a team. We have a great coach, and we will make the non-believers believe. I continue to work hard on my game, spending my time in the gym

What does this NIL deal do for you and your future?

NIL deals give me the opportunity to work with high-profile brands that I am honored to work with. These are companies that I want to continue to work with during my basketball career and beyond.

Heading into the final weeks of the college season – what are you hoping to accomplish?

I let God lead me and continue to work hard on and off the court to be the best student-athlete and prepare for the NBA in the future.

The post Master P’s Sons Mercy and Hercy Miller Talk Inking NIL Deals with Leading Sportswear Brands appeared first on The Source.

Nas’ Song In The ‘John Wick 4’ Trailer Proves He Is Indeed Still Relevant, Despite Past Online Debates

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Nas NY State Of Mind Tour 2022
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Nas may encourage other rappers to get out of their comfort zones, but fans of his music are just fine with reminiscing along to his classic hits, which includes the music department behind John Wick: Chapter 4.

Although the legendary emcee has reconciled with 21 Savage after the “Rich Flex” rapper questioned whether or not the Queensbridge native remains a fixture in today’s music landscape, saying, “I don’t feel like he’s relevant.” The conversation flooded social media for days. After other musicians like Fivio Foreign took to social media to give Nas his flowers, 21 Savage seemingly walked his initial comments back, stating “he would never disrespect Nas.”

As Nas locks in to work on his next album, King’s Disease IV, in which 50 Cent will appear, his 2001 song “Got Ur Self A Gun” from Stillmatic is receiving love from the Peacock original series. The hype track is the perfect backdrop to the fictional action character John Wick’s fast-paced fight scene montage.

This isn’t the first time the beloved hip-hop icon’s music has been used in a television series or film. But with this track, considering how it samples The Sopranos’ theme song “Woke Up This Morning,” this is certainly a full circle moment.

Watch the trailer above.