The Academy Awards still deal with the repercussions of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at last year’s show. In fact, under their new leadership, they’ve even created a crisis team to handle any future fiascos like the slap.
Last July, Bill Kramer became the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO. Since then, he has faced two major issues: declining viewership and the slap. In response to the slap, Kramer created a crisis team to stop incidents before they escalated.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Kramer was asked what measures had been put in place for this year’s Academy Awards to ensure that no unexpected situations arise. He said a good host, such as Jimmy Kimmel, who is hosting this year, is good because they are used to dealing with live TV and can navigate unexpected situations. He also talked about the formation of the crisis team.
“But we have a whole crisis team, something we’ve never had before, and many plans in place. We’ve run many scenarios. So it is our hope that we will be prepared for anything that we may not anticipate right now but that we’re planning for just in case it does happen.”
Kramer said that the crisis team has been running possible scenarios that could take place during the event. He even admitted that last year’s show’s events are the reason for their changes.
“Because of last year, we’ve opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars. But these crisis plans—the crisis communication teams and structures we have in place—allow us to say this is the group that we have to gather very quickly. This is how we all come together. This is the spokesperson. This will be the statement. And obviously depending on the specifics of the crisis, and let’s hope something doesn’t happen and we never have to use these, but we already have frameworks in place that we can modify.”
Hip-hop artist Tyga has a long history of being romantically linked to high-profile female celebrities, but his newest rumored romantic interest, pop star Avril Lavigne, has caught many people by surprise.
Rumors started swirling when the two were spotted dining at Nobu together with friends and hugging outside the restaurant on Saturday night before leaving together. (TMZ caught pictures, which can be seen here.)
While one source told People, “Avril and Tyga are genuinely friends and nothing more,” other sources claim that the two are dating.
The news might come as a shock to many, including Lavigne’s (reportedly ex) fiance, singer-songwriter Mod Sun. While some sources say that the two called off their engagement earlier this month, others say that Mod Sun was unaware that the pair were over.
Both parties have their own celebrity-filled dating rosters. Tyga shares a child with ex Blac Chyna and also dated Kylie Jenner for four years. He has also been linked to Iggy Azealia, Kiely Williams, and several models and “influencers.” Lavigne actually dated Brody Jenner, who is the stepbrother of Kylie Jenner, Tyga’s ex. In 2013, Lavigne married Chad Kroeger of Nickelback before divorcing two years later and moving on to Phillip Sarofim, the son of Texan billionaire Fayez Sarofim before dating Pete Jonas in 2020 and then finally, Mod Sun.
Neither has publicly commented on the rumors with Tyga promoting his upcoming Las Vegas residency and Lavigne promoting her new music on Instagram.
On this date in the infamous year of 1988, the late, great “Human Orchestra” Biz Markie released his debut full-length album Goin’ Off on Cold Chillin’/Warner Brothers Records.
Produced exclusively by legendary Queensbridge superproducer DJ Marley Marl, Goin Off introduced singer TJ Swan and a then-unknown rapper named Big Daddy Kane. The Brooklyn protege of Biz Mark also wrote the first five songs on the album and was even the subject on the second verse of one of Biz’s most famous songs from the ten-track album, “Vapors.”
Forget that he was a member of the World Famous Juice Crew. With several timeless gems from the album, including “Nobody Beats The Biz,” “The Biz Dance,” and “Make The Music With Your Mouth,” Biz Mark solidified his position in the game single-handedly with his debut release. Back in 1998, this album was even listed by The Source’s Mind Squad as one of The Best 100 Rap Albums of all time.
Salute to the Biz(RIP), Marley, TJ Swan, Kane, Shante, Fly Ty, and the rest of the Juice Crew and the Cold Chillin’ crew who made this album a piece of Hip Hop history!
On this day in Hip Hop history, The Roots released their fourth studio album Things Fall Apart. This project is considered by many publications at the Roots “breakthrough” album, gaining them coverage in major publications and expanding their fan base. It also came at a time when the whole Soulquarian collective (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Most Def, and J Dilla) began to come out the gate with hit album after hit album (some titles including Mama’s Gun, Like Water for Chocolates, and Voodoo).
This album was the group’s first project to sell 500,000 copies. The album was eternally stamped at the 2000 Grammy Awards when the album’s hit single You Got Me featuring Erykah Badu and Eve (then known as Eve of Destruction) won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The album was also nominated for Best Rap Album but was outvoted by Eminem’s The Slim Shady EP, which coincidentally was released the same day.
The album takes its title from the Chinua Achebe novel by the same name. Much like the novel, this album focuses on themes that may seem dismal to some but every day to others. An apparent theme of the album is the uphill battle that people of color, specifically Black Americans, deal with in their day-to-day life. This project synthesized a tone exemplified in Harlem Renaissance era poetry with the street styling specific to Philly rap.
The composition of this album is more than noteworthy. The combination of jazz, swing, soul, and Hip Hop was able to bring the lyrics to life and give each song a full body. The Roots instrumentation on this project is groundbreaking.
The consciousness of this album starts with the cover. The group felt that not one but five covers were best at describing the message they were trying to convey. Each of them represents the result of “things falling apart” throughout the world
1.”Woman Running” by Unknown was shot in Bedford-Stuyvesant projects in Brooklyn and captures two teenagers evading police brutality during a riot in the 1960s.
2.”Ace in Hand” by Bettman was shot on April 15, 1931 and captures an assassinated mob boss in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York.
3.”The Church Bombing” by Unknown depicts a church that was set ablaze as a for of hate protest against those that worship there.
4.”Baby in the Rubble” by H.S. Wong was shot on August 28th, 1937 shows a child screaming among rumble caused by Japanese warfare.
5.”Crying Child” by Peter Turnley was shot on August 1st, 1992 and shows a Somalian child crying due to their current living situation.
After this album, The Roots went on to celebrate ridiculous success. They released 10 more albums and won two more Grammy’s. Their commercial success has continuous risen over the years. In 2009 The Roots became the official band of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and when we became the host of The Tonight Show in February 2014 he took them along and made them the house band on that broadcast where they could now be seen every night.
(SPOILERS for this week’s Bel-Air episode will be found below.)
Bel-Air is back for season two and things aren’t as wholesome as any of the show’s characters would’ve hoped to start. The season one finale was highlighted by Will’s decision to leave the Bel-Air mansion after he learned that Phil, Viv, and his mom lied about Will’s father. Though it was done out of love and protection, Will felt betrayed by the most important adults in his life. Thankfully though, what started as a family divided to begin episode one of Bel-Air season two, ended as one reunited as Phil put his pride aside to apologize to will and invite him back into the house. Elsewhere, love is in the air for Jazz and Hilary!
The aforementioned events in the first episode of Bel-Air season two are soundtracked by songs that help to accentuate the emotions behind each scene. You can find a list of them belong as well as details about the scenes that the records soundtracked.
Nipsey Hussle — “Last Time That I Checc’d” Feat. YG
Nipsey Hussle’s “Last Time That I Checc’d” off Victory Lap checks in around the 01:24 mark. A short time later, we see Will who wakes up in a slightly messy room — one that is notably not in Uncle Phil’s massive Bel-Air mansion — to get dressed for the day. He heads out into the city to start his day. We later learn that the room is in Jazz’s house in South Los Angeles.
MIKNNA — “Angel City”
MIKNNA’s record plays faintly in the background around the 3:02 mark as Will orders some breakfast at a local restaurant. A man named JB meets him there and he gives Will some money that was made off some a deal they had. We later find out that JB is helping Will secure basketball matchups for money.
Bryce Green & 81Maantra — “Boom”
We hear Bryce Green & 81Maantra around the 06:18 mark as Will and Carlton are driving to school together. Carlton lets Will know that Phil and Viv are worried about him, but Will’s rather large stash of cash has Carlton worried about what Will is doing to make money.
Easy McCoy — “Deja Vu”
At around the 07:15 mark, Easy McCoy’s “Deja Vu” briefly plays as the Bel-Air title flashes on the screen. This record is the theme song for Bel-Air.
The Royal Chief — “See Me Now”
The Royal Chief’s “See Me Now” plays around the 10:09 mark while Will and Carlton walk through the halls of their school. Carlton explains what’s changed with his school friends and also throws out the idea of him and Will becoming the school’s latest dynamic duo. Carlton may also have a new crush, a girl named Yazmin, on his hands.
BOSCO — “Easy” Feat. Smiles Davis & Royal Bait
BOSCO’s song can be heard around the 13:25 mark. At this point of the episode, Hilary meets with Ivy as they begin their run as the leaders of the content creator house. It’s also here that Hilary learns about her responsibilities as a manager and the true dynamic of her business relationship with Ivy.
Freddy Bam Bam — “Need You”
Freddy Bam Bam’s “Need You” plays softly in the background around the 15:04 mark when Hilary vents to Jazz about having to fire two men from the influence house. Afterward, they discuss their relationship status and whether or not it’s time to place an official label on it, something Hilary isn’t in a rush to do.
Last Verse — “Semper”
At around the 28:34 mark, Will walks onto an outdoor basketball court in Venice as Last Verse’s “Semper.” It’s there that he hopes to meet a scout named Doc in order to form a relationship and further his basketball career.
Via The Great — “Champion”
Via The Great’s “Champion” plays around the 31:45 mark and it soundtracks Will’s pick-up game against a much bigger guy named Big Dre. Things start off slow for Will, but he eventually picks things up and wins the game.
City Girls — “Good Love” Feat. Usher
The party begins around the 37:14 mark. It’s Ashley’s official 13th birthday party and it gets underway with City Girls’ “Good Love” being the record that everyone dances to. While most of the attendees are dancing together and having a great time, Hilary stands at a distance jealous of Jazz dancing with Ivy.
Manus — “On Top” Feat. Turbo9
Manus’ “On Top” plays around the 38:21 mark as Phil overlooks the water deep in thought. Carlton comes up to him and gently confronts him about running away from the issues and tension between Phil and Will. A short time later, Phil asks Will to speak with him.
Saweetie — “Bo$$ Chick”
To round out the music at the end of this episode, Saweetie’s “Bo$$ Chick” plays around the 42:55 mark. Saweetie herself makes an appearance to sing happy birthday to Ashely and gives her well-wishes on a new year of life. Will makes the tough decision to put things on pause in their relationship.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Mysonne has entered the dispute between T.I. and Boosie Badazz, and his message is simple, you can blame him for a crime if he is dead.
In case you missed it, Boosie canceled a joint album he was working on with T.I. citing the rapper could be an informant.
In a 2020 episode of his expediTIously podcast, self-proclaimed King Of The South T.I. admitted to placing the blame on a dead family member in order to get out of an illegal gun case.
Returning to his online residency on VLAD TV, Boosie reflected on the moment and aired him out.
“With the T.I. situation, if he did that – you a fucking rat too,” Boosie said. “I don’t spare no muthafuckin’ body. Because if you doing anything wrong, you doing anything criminal and you cooperate with law enforcement to get you out of trouble – that means you’re cooperating. That means you’re a rat.”
T.I. would hit Instagram and tell Boosie to Pull up on him.
“Yeah so… Idk if it’s you or ya ‘OG Uncle’ that needs to see it… but I GOT MY PAPERWORK ready to show!!! PULL UP!!!” T.I. wrote. “My number the same & my address the same my n**ga. To get on da net & speak on shit you’ve never spoke to me about is leaving me to believe you been hiding ya heart the whole time!!!!
Mysonne then offers his take, stating as long as the crime isn’t pedophilia or killing an innocent person, you can throw the charge on his dead name.
“I wanna tell you this, if I pass away and you can put a crime on me so you don’t have to go to jail, put it one me,” Mysonne said. “Listen to me. If you can say that I did something that’s going to get you out of jail, all my friends and people who know me, please say I did.”
Mysonne would note in the caption that he does not “adhere to Streets Rules. I deal with Codes of Manhood and Integrity!”
Attention Barbz: Nicki Minaj SZN is approaching. Nicki hit Instagram to announce the return of Queen Radio. “#QueenRadio 3/3 @3pm PST Bad gyal don’t die die die. Hunnit rounds on dat gratata,” Nicki wrote on Instagram.
Before she gets back to business, Nicki Minaj hit Instagram to show that she is having the time of her life at the Trinidad Carnival. You can see images from her visit below.
Eric Holder, the killer of Nipsey Hussle, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder.
Holder killed Nipsey Hussle in 2019, and prosecutors note that after the murder, he kicked the late rapper in the head.
According to TMZ, Holder shot two additional people during the crime. In addition to first-degree murder, Hussle was found guilty of 2 counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter, 2 counts of assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Holder left Hussle after a brief encounter only to return several minutes later and shoot the rapper 11 times.
During the trial, Holder’s attorney, Aaron Jansen, did not seek acquittal but instead attempted a lesser charge of manslaughter. During his argument, Jansen argued his client was “triggered” by accusations of cooperating with law enforcement.
“This was not just a pleasant conversation between homies who are chopping it up … this was a serious accusation,” Jansen said.
One of the first witnesses was Shermi Villanueva, a 47-year-old injured in The Marathon Store’s parking lot. During Villanueva’s testimony, the last words of Nipsey Hussle were recounted.
“‘He shot me. He shot me,’” Villanueva said he heard Hussle say. “I heard it, and then I saw Nipsey fall. When I looked and see Nipsey, I started to run.”
Kiyomi McMiller with the Jordan Brand has entered a name, image, and likeness (NIL) sponsorship deal. This is the first high school NIL deal for the Jordan Brand.
One of the top players in her recruiting class is the guard, who was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is renowned for her adept ball-handling and scoring prowess. In order to set the path for the upcoming generation of athletes, McMiller joins the Jordan Brand as its first high school NIL athlete.
“I’m inspired by both of my parents. I get my creativity from my dad and my grandmother, which carries over to my dribbling,” says McMiller. “I’m always in the gym with my mom and dad working on my game. It’s a dream come true being with the brand that stands for the same passion that I have for the game. I look forward to encouraging basketball players to use their creativity and platform to define their purpose.”
