May 2024 - Page 112 of 390 - New Hip Hop News

Drake Shows Support For Toronto’s WNBA Expansion Team In First Public Appearance After Kendrick Lamar Beef

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Toronto will officially be home to its very own WNBA team soon. Yesterday, the WNBA announced that Toronto will host the newest WNBA expansion team, and Toronto’s biggest star, Drake, popped up to show support. A women’s professional basketball franchise has been awarded to Kilmer Sports Ventures bid. At a press conference held Thursday morning at a downtown Toronto hotel, Drake, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were all present for the formal announcement. Furthermore, it is notably Drake’s first public appearance after the Kendrick Lamar feud.

The club hasn’t been named yet and will play home games at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, located at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. They will occasionally be able to move up to the Scotiabank Arena. The WNBA also recently announced another expansion team that is headed to the Bay Area, the Golden State Valkyries. The newest Toronto squad, the first in the league to play outside of the US, will take the court in 2026. Drake is a big NBA fan and is regularly seen courtside at Toronto Raptors games. The rapper will likely be showing support for Toronto’s first WNBA team.

Drake In Attendance For WNBA’s Big Expansion Announcement

In attendance for the announcement of Toronto’s WNBA expansion team: Drake, Kyle Lowry, Raptors president Masai Ujiri pic.twitter.com/eocxzMxFxJ

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 23, 2024

Drake’s recent appearanc eis his first since releasing his diss track against Kendrick Lamar, “THE HEART PART 6.” After the diss track, blogger Akademiks shared a little video of Drake on vacation, but followers pointed out that the video was from a long time ago. Since 2013, Drake has served as the official global ambassador for the Raptors. The team has thrown “Drake Nights” and even unveiled an official shirt with an OVO motif.

The WNBA continues to grow in popularity. With a strong crop rookies who are porving to be budding stars, and established allstar level players dominating the lague, the WNBA is in a great place. The league continues to expand and if they capitialize of the elevated visibility it will be able to grow exponintially. Drake seems to be trying his best to put the viscous back and forth with Kendrick behind him. Overall, expect to see Drake courtside at WNBA games in 2026.

[via]

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Cassie Delivers Heartfelt Message To Fans Following Diddy Assault Footage Leak

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The new footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway has taken the Internet by storm, and resulted in the biggest development in this scandal we’ve seen in a relatively long time. After his apology video, a lot of folks are discussing if there are any further legal steps to take, or if her settled lawsuit should be reopened considering this new, less defensible public perception. It’s important to note that all other allegations and accusations against Sean Combs are unconfirmed under a court of law at press time. Regardless, Cassie recently shared a message on social media thanking fans for their support in the wake of this new video and her settlement.

“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” Cassie’s message began. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning. Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.

Cassie’s Message After Diddy Footage

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A post shared by Casandra Fine (@cassie)

“Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously,” Cassie continued. “My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in. I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone. This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love Always, Cassie.”

Meanwhile, folks continue to react to this footage, advocate for victims to speak their truth, and theorize what this means for Diddy moving forward. The Cassie case is not the only think he must answer for, and at this point, it’s impossible to tell what the future will look like. Hopefully the discussion around these tragedies and horrors can lead to more prevention down the road. If something as public and hot-button as this can’t do so, then we’ll stay stuck.

The post Cassie Delivers Heartfelt Message To Fans Following Diddy Assault Footage Leak appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Zoe Saldaña States Gender Equality Fight in Hollywood Is ‘On Us’ And Inspires Women to Open Doors for Other Women

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Recently, Zoe Saldaña emphasized the importance of women breaking barriers in the film industry and warned against complacency once they achieve success. Speaking at Kering’s Women in Motion program at the Cannes Film Festival, the “Avatar” star stressed the need for more women in leadership positions. “We need more female CEOs. We need more women sitting on boards. Because those are the gatekeepers,” she said. “Once those women are there, don’t just be happy and feel so lucky that you’re the only woman sitting at the table. Get three men to get up.”

As reported by Variety, Saldaña was reflective on her robust career, from her role in James Cameron’s “Avatar,” the highest grossing film of all time, to her recent performance in Jacques Audiard’s crime drama “Emilia Pérez.” She described her journey from a young girl from Queens, NY to a successful actress and spoke about her ongoing desire for artistic growth. “I opened every door that felt unlocked to me, walked in. But then here I am, like 10 years later, reaping the benefits over and over again of films that were so successful that became franchises, and it’s time-consuming. So it’s not that I don’t appreciate it. It’s just that I still want to grow as an artist.”

In a conversation with Variety’s Angelique Jackson, Saldaña discussed her struggles with anxiety and self-sabotage, noting, “I’m never satisfied. I’m really really hard on myself. Sometimes I can get in my own way.” She shared an example of overcoming her fears when accepting a role in Taylor Sheridan’s “Special Ops: Lioness.” “You have to follow good material wherever good material is. But it’s my fear because I know that [Sheridan] has big monologues with his characters. I’m dyslexic. Spanish is my first language. I saw ‘Sicario’ and ‘Hell or High Water.’ Like, I love his work. So, I couldn’t pass.”

Saldaña was present at the Cannes Film Festival in France for the premiere of the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” which received a nine-minute standing ovation. Reflecting on the film’s reception, she said, “To be here and you guys receiving it and people being deeply moved, I’m speechless. I just don’t know what to say because I just I love art so much, and when cinema is that fucking special and that fresh, it just moves you.”

While Saldaña has starred in major big-budget franchises like Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Star Trek,” she credits “Avatar” with transforming her career. “I went from being in small productions to being this princess from this foreign planet that reached the whole world. I was able to get meetings with producers and directors that I had never known, that I never thought I could ever meet. I was being offered roles I always thought I needed to fight for.”

Saldaña rose by calling on men to support gender equality in the industry. “When women are in there, make more room for other women. That’s important. It’s on us to do it,” she said. “And for the men who are doing it right and making room for women, thank you. You’re so sexy!”

The post Zoe Saldaña States Gender Equality Fight in Hollywood Is ‘On Us’ And Inspires Women to Open Doors for Other Women first appeared on The Source.

The post Zoe Saldaña States Gender Equality Fight in Hollywood Is ‘On Us’ And Inspires Women to Open Doors for Other Women appeared first on The Source.

Netflix Lands Diddy Documentary from 50 Cent After Intense Bidding War

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It looks like 50 Cent’s nonstop trolling of his arch-rival Diddy is paying dividends. He just scored a big win for his much-hyped documentary film project based on the beleaguered Bad Boy mogul’s legal drama.

TMZ reported first that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s “Diddy Do It” will be a multi-part documentary. Word is Netflix won out on a hotly contested bidding war to secure the rights to the project.

With the sexual assault allegations piling up against Diddy, the horrific video that surfaced, and the new claim that just came to light Tuesday, this documentary is shaping up to be one for the ages. Sadly, we recognize the alleged and confirmed victims, namely Cassie Ventura, who were all brave enough to speak out against Combs, may be subjected to reliving their nightmares with so much attention being given to projects like Jackson’s documentary.

“Diddy Do It” is being produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television Studios. Several networks and, get this, all of the streaming platforms were vying for the rights to the multi-part series. It looks like the series is poised to premiere on the world’s biggest streamer soon, but no date has been announced.

What’s wild is that Diddy’s drama unfolds in real time. Just Tuesday, Combs was hit with yet another civil suit. Yes, again. Model Crystal McKinney has come forward accusing Diddy of a sexual assault dating back to 2003.

With Diddy’s so-called apology going down last week after the revelation of hotel security footage, one has to ask: Is 50 going to include all of this breaking news in the documentary, or is it already in the can? I guess we’ll have to wait and see on Netflix.

The post Netflix Lands Diddy Documentary from 50 Cent After Intense Bidding War first appeared on The Source.

The post Netflix Lands Diddy Documentary from 50 Cent After Intense Bidding War appeared first on The Source.

Venus Williams Joins Barbie’s Squad: Tennis Icon Honored with Own Doll

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a celebration of athleticism, empowerment, and diversity, tennis legend Venus Williams has been immortalized as a Barbie doll, joining the esteemed ranks of female athletes honored by Mattel for Barbie’s 65th anniversary.

Announced in a press release by Mattel on Wednesday, the new Barbie doll captures the essence of Williams in action on the tennis court, adorned in a white tennis dress and visor, complete with matching sneakers and her trademark gold hoop earrings. Holding a racket, the doll embodies Williams’ fierce determination and unwavering spirit on the court.

Reflecting on the honor, Williams expressed her gratitude, stating, “Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos.” She continued, “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”

Williams is among nine female athletes from around the world to be honored with their own Barbie dolls as part of Mattel’s ongoing commitment to celebrating women in sports. Joining Williams in this prestigious lineup are Olympic champion boxer Estelle Mossely (France), paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez (Spain), swimmer Federica Pellegrini (Italy), gymnast Alexa Moreno (Mexico), Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade (Brazil), and soccer star Mary Fowler (Australia).

Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, expressed pride in welcoming these athletes to the Barbie Inspiring Women line. “After welcoming Kristi Yamaguchi to our Barbie Inspiring Women line last month, we are proud to continue fueling the momentum surrounding women in sports by welcoming these nine athletes as our newest role models,” Berger stated. She emphasized the significance of these dolls as embodiments of passion, empowerment, and individuality, highlighting their potential to inspire young girls worldwide.

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A post shared by Barbie (@barbie)

“The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment, and individuality,” Berger added. “By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”

Through the creation of these dolls, Mattel reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusivity and representation in the realm of toys and entertainment. By honoring the achievements and contributions of female athletes like Venus Williams, Barbie continues to inspire future generations of girls to believe in themselves and reach for the stars, both on and off the court.

The post Venus Williams Joins Barbie’s Squad: Tennis Icon Honored with Own Doll first appeared on The Source.

The post Venus Williams Joins Barbie’s Squad: Tennis Icon Honored with Own Doll appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Governor David Paterson Pardoned Slick Rick To Avoid Deportation 16 Years Ago

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 2008, Governor David Paterson of New York gave a full and unconditional pardon to Hip Hop icon Ricky “Slick Rick” Walters for attempted murder and weapons convictions to help him avoid deportation.

In 1991, Slick Rick plead guilty to two counts of attempted murder and eight other illegal weapons charges for shooting his cousin and another man, leaving him to serve six years out of a ten-year sentence in a New York State Prison. He was released from prison in 1997 and discharged from parole supervision in 2000. Since then, Walters has been fighting deportation for his convictions.

“Mr. Walters has fully served the sentence imposed upon him for his convictions, had an exemplary disciplinary record while in prison and on parole, and has been living without incident in the community for more than 10 years,” Paterson said in a statement on May 23, 2008. “In that time, he has volunteered at youth outreach programs to counsel youth against violence, and has become a symbol of rehabilitation for many young people.”

Paterson urged immigration officials to grant 43-year-old Walters “relief from deportation” so he is not separated from his wife Mandy and their two teenage children.

Under federal law, legal immigrants of the United States convicted of an aggravated felony or a weapon offense must be deported. For certain offenses, deportation can be avoided by a Governor’s pardon, but for weapon offenses, a non-citizen must make an appeal before an immigration court.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Governor David Paterson Pardoned Slick Rick To Avoid Deportation 16 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Governor David Paterson Pardoned Slick Rick To Avoid Deportation 16 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Champion Unveils Revolutionary Weighted Hoodie for Mental Health Awareness Month

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Champion®, the iconic brand that created the world’s first hoodie over 80 years ago, is set to launch a groundbreaking innovation this Mental Health Awareness Month: the Champion Weighted Hoodie. Scheduled to hit stores and online platforms in September, this new product is designed to support mental health through the scientifically proven benefits of worn pressure.

The Champion Weighted Hoodie weighs 8 pounds, distributing weight evenly across the arms, chest, back, and hood. This design mirrors the therapeutic effects of weighted blankets, known to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and various neurodivergent conditions.

“As a lifestyle brand born from sport, our purpose is to Champion a better tomorrow and support
meaningful causes through innovation,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, Global President at Champion.
“For me, the creation of the Weighted Hoodie prototype represents another step in our pursuit of
crafting products with purpose that catalyze real impact. We are committed to listening to what
our consumers and communities want and creating solutions through our products. The
Weighted Hoodie is a perfect example of that, as mental health concerns and daily life stress is
a consistent throughline in our community listening. The inspiration for this came not only from
our consumers, but from witnessing people in our own lives using weighted products for
comfort. We want people to speak about mental health and destigmatize the needs that these
products can meet. Champion is committed to giving individuals the support they need with
adaptive fashion.”

Key features of the Champion Weighted Hoodie include premium, non-toxic microglass beads that are odor-free and machine washable. The hoodie is also reversible, offering a textural, quilted, soft, smooth side to provide diverse sensory experiences. An innovative stowaway label pocket caters to those with sensory sensitivities, ensuring comfort and practicality. An extra-long cotton drawcord is also incorporated to help those with fidgeting tendencies.

“While the benefits of weighted products for neurodivergent populations and those affected by
certain mental health conditions have been widely studied, we’re finding that this category of
adaptive clothing can actually serve a far larger population,” says Dr. Kerri McBee-Black,
Assistant Professor and Helen Allen Faculty Fellow in the Textile and Apparel Management
Department at the University of Missouri. “Feelings of ‘comfort, safety, and security’ are among
the most common terms showing up in our research for the Champion Weighted Hoodie
prototype, feelings that anyone can benefit from. My team and I are eager to continue evolving
the functionality of weighted wearables, and also explore new avenues of accessible and
adaptive apparel that can have a massive impact on the community at large.”

Maintaining Champion’s legacy of quality, the hoodie is crafted from the brand’s signature Reverse Weave Fabric, known for its cozy vintage comfort. The proprietary C Onion Quilt construction ensures the weight is balanced perfectly, enhancing the hoodie’s therapeutic benefits.

The Champion Weighted Hoodie represents a significant step forward in combining fashion with mental health support, reinforcing Champion’s commitment to innovation and well-being.

The post Champion Unveils Revolutionary Weighted Hoodie for Mental Health Awareness Month first appeared on The Source.

The post Champion Unveils Revolutionary Weighted Hoodie for Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip Hop History: Luniz Released ‘I Got 5 On It’ 29 Years Ago

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day in Hip Hop history, Oakland rap duo The Luniz released their best selling single to date, “I Got 5 On It” from their debut album Operation: Stackola. Although the remainder of the group’s career was not one of much merit, this single was an international hit and is still considered a timeless track of the genre.

Over the years this song has become one of Hip Hop’s stoner anthems. Aside from its West Coast flavor and smoke filled video, the song itself is about a situation that any weed-smoke is familiar with. The record received a ridiculously positive commercial reception ranking #1 in Netherlands, #2 in Germany, #3 in the UK and #8 in the United States. The single also made top ten appearances on the charts of 10 other countries and was certified platinum in the year of its release selling 1,000,000 copies before October 31, 1995.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Luniz Released ‘I Got 5 On It’ 29 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Luniz Released ‘I Got 5 On It’ 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent ‘Only Flying Private’ Over Safety Concerns: ‘I Can’t Go Out Like That’

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent has claimed he will only being flying private from now on over concerns he has over airplane safety following a recent report into Boeing.

No, ‘The Simpsons’ Did Not Predict Diddy’s ‘Current Situation’ As A Viral TikTok Claims

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Simpsons did not predict 9/11, or the Notre Dame fire, or Donald Trump touching a glowing orb. And the animated series definitely didn’t predict “Diddy’s current situation,” as a viral TikTok that shows the rapper, who has been accused of assault by multiple women, running from the cops claims.

The Simpsons co-showrunner Matt Selman blasted the “AI fake” and the whole Simpsons-predicted-it phenomenon.

“In the current era of digital misinformation, The Simpsons ‘predictions’ (or, more accurately, ‘coincidences’) have become meaningless,” he told TMZ. “Any goofball can whip up an AI image based on a current event and say ‘The Simpsons predicted it!’ — and decent-but-easily-misled folks will believe it because they so very want it to be true.”

Selman continued, “If you study history, you will be able to ‘predict’ the future because the foolishness of humanity repeats itself. If you study math, you will know that if the show makes literally tens of thousands of jokes about American society over almost 800 episodes, it would be statistically impossible not to create material that overlaps with what would later happen in real life.”

Either that, or it’s the work of a thousand monkeys working at a thousand typewriters. The blurst of times, indeed.

(Via TMZ)