Month: August 2024

Kamala Harris Secures Majority Delegate Support, Becomes Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President

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Vice President Kamala Harris

Today, Vice President Kamala Harris received the support of the majority of Democratic National Convention delegates, making her the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

After unifying the party and generating unprecedented enthusiasm from the broad and diverse coalition that sent her and President Biden to the White House, Vice President Harris secured the majority delegate support in a vote that began yesterday. This historic moment for the Democratic Party and the country comes in a critical election year with high stakes.

Today’s milestone follows a groundbreaking $310 million fundraising haul in July – the best grassroots fundraising month in presidential history, with two-thirds of the contributions coming from first-time donors. This significant financial support underscores the strong backing and enthusiasm for Vice President Harris’s candidacy as she prepares for the upcoming presidential race.

“I am honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States… The tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders, and staff has been pivotal in making this moment possible. And your dedication cannot be overstated…

“We believe in the promise of America: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice – not just for some, but for all. And, ultimately, in this election – you all have heard me say many times – we each face the question: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate? And the beauty of our democracy is we each, every one of us, has the power to answer that question. And that is why I say, and know, the power is with the people.

“So here’s the bottom line, I say to all the friends on the call: We are going to win this election. And it is going to take all of us, whether it is making calls, connecting with our communities, engaging online, or even talking with people where we go every day, whether it be to the grocery store or our church. We are going to talk with people about the fact that we are all in this together, and we stand together. And so, let’s let folks know that our campaign is about the future. And it’s about an expansion of rights and freedoms, and for the opportunity of everyone to not just get by, but to get ahead.

“November 5th is 95 days away… It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get this done. And, as your future president, I know we are up to this fight. And when we fight, everyone will say in unison, we win.”

The post Kamala Harris Secures Majority Delegate Support, Becomes Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President first appeared on The Source.

The post Kamala Harris Secures Majority Delegate Support, Becomes Presumptive Democratic Nominee for President appeared first on The Source.

Uproxx Music 20: Jordan Adetunji Saw His Life Change Thanks To ‘Kehlani’

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Jordan Adetunji Uproxx Music 20 image
Shamaal/Merle Cooper

All it takes is one hit. It’s a saying that the music industry carries in their back pocket 24/7 as it’s applicable to both rising artists and the biggest superstars around. Jordan Adetunji is the former, but there’s no doubt that he feels like a star nowadays. The Nigerian singer by way of Belfast, UK, skyrocketed to fame thanks to his hit record, “KEHLANI.” The song, released earlier this year, quickly tallied over 100 million streams and earned Adetunji a record deal with 300 Entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, “KEHLANI” is about to get a second burst of life after Kehlani herself issued a remix with new verse.

“Making a song about Kehlani was a no brainer to me, her confidence and huge cultural impact is something I love!” Adetunji said earlier this year about the song. The love was felt by Kehlani previously shared videos soundtracked by the song on TikTok. The new remix further proves her love for the song, as well as her support for Adetunji who already had a career trending in the right direction thanks to past records like “ZACK & CODY” and “DECAY.” Now, thanks to “KEHLANI” as well as help from Kehlani, Adetunji has all the eyes on him to prove he’s here to stay. Like I said, all it takes is one record.

With the “KEHLANI” remix out now, as well as its matching visual (which you can watch below), we caught up with Jordan Adetunji to learn more about him and discover his inspirations, influences, and aspirations for this week’s Uproxx Music 20 column.

See Previous UPROXX MUSIC 20 Interviews:

What is your earliest memory of music?

My earliest memory of music was watching the “Smooth Criminal” music video on TV and trying to do the lean forward move.

Who inspired you to take music seriously?

One thing that inspired me to take music seriously was The Weeknd when I listened to Kiss Land for the first time.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

I play the trumpet.

What was your first job?

Being an artist.

What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possession is my PSPgo.

What is your biggest fear?

Not trying what I’ve always wanted to do or see.

Who is on your R&B Mt. Rushmore?

Joe, The-Dream, The Weeknd, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

I’m going to Japan and exploring the city for hours doing everything I possibly can.

What are your three most used emojis?

🤞🏾, 🖤, and 🙆🏾‍♂️.

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

The Weeknd.

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

Lupin.

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?

Justin Bieber, his life has been raw.

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

Everything is timing. Your time will always come.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?

“Butterflies” by Michael Jackson. I love everything about it.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?

Japan. Japan.

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.

Justin Bieber, Willow, Jaden, and XXXTentacion.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

I’d be creating or designing a game.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

Five years into the past, I’d try to save people I love the most with the knowledge I now have.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

You’re right. It’s going to happen, remember it’s about timing.

It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

True definition of art. Different brush each time but still such beautiful work. I want people to see different eras. And different eras to my creativity of my story.

Spotify’s New Art Exhibit For Women In Rap Has Fans Questioning Nicki Minaj’s Absence

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spotify women in hip-hop
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Spotify’s new exhibit honoring women in hip-hop had a glaring omission, and some fans are pretty upset about it. The Gold Standard Exhibition has taken over The Hole Gallery in New York City with portraits painted by Manon Biernacki, who depicted Cardi B, City Girls, Doja Cat, Flo Milli, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, and Sexyy Red in a realist style reminiscent of Renaissance paintings. However, when images from the show hit social media, fans of one rapper in particular — Nicki Minaj — expressed their displeasure.

“And no Nicki ??” questioned one. “Wow Spotify the most streamed female rapper of all time ??” Another railed, “Nicki gottaaaa be on the mfn ceiling somewhere because this is ridiculous. Y’all gotta be out y’all rabbit a$$ minds.” One more added a slew of other women in rap to their complaints, writing, “where is lil kim, nicki minaj, missy elliot, lauryn hill, iggy, salt n pepa? if this is the bar then the bar is an inch off the floor.”

Of course, there are arguments to be made for any number of “exclusions,” but at the end of the day, there were no criteria given for the selections other than that they’ve all got relatively recent releases currently trending on Spotify. While that number would include Nicki Minaj, it would also include a bunch of other names that weren’t selected. None of that will ever prevent the Barbz from lashing out, but then again, if they didn’t have something to complain about, would they even be the Barbz?

Summer Walker Puts Spotify On Blast For Leaving Out Nicki Minaj & Others At Gold Standard Exhibition

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There are a whole host of legendary female rappers that have graced the mic over the genre’s history. Each one has had a unique impact on the game. However, there may never be no one more influential than Nicki Minaj. Many credit her for the trends that exist in the current landscape, and rightfully so. It seems every female star today takes some sort of inspiration from Onika. Sometimes, the Barbz can shove in your face a little too much, but that will never truly take away from her looming presence over the latest crop of talent. These reasons are why fans, including Summer Walker, are confused and upset with Spotify over a recent omission.

According to AllHipHop, the streaming giant put together a special exhibit called The Gold Standard Exhibition in New York City. It features tons of stunning portraits of all of the “ladies setting the bar for hip-hop”. Present faces such as Latto, Flo Milli, Sexyy Red, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and more were featured. However, Summer Walker was quick to point out the exclusion of Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott in the comments.

Read More: B.G. Comes For Turk’s Neck On Diss Track “HANDS UP”

Summer Walker Has Army Of Supporters Over Spotify Backlash

 
 
 
 
 
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“I don’t even listen to hella Nicki cause I’m a r&b lover. But where is the Queen.. or Lil Kim at least or Missy Elliott… this mad disrespectful. This why I make my music n go home the industry weird”, Walker said. Fans were equally thrown off, too. “Kim, Nicki, Foxy, Lauryn, Eve, Trina, Missy, Da Brat, Left Eye, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shonte, Queen Latifah, YoYo. I’m sure I’m missing more but the disrespect”, another adds. This is certainly alarming, but it could be only one way to view it. There’s a chance that Spotify made this for the new generation looking to take over and carry the torch of the Nickis, Kims, Hills, and etc. It seems that was the case, but if not, then this is certainly a massive misstep.

What are your thoughts on Summer Walker calling out Spotify for the omission of several female rap greats at The Gold Standard Exhibition? Do you think the streaming platform was highlighting the new stars of hip-hop, or did they just screw up? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Summer Walker and Nicki Minaj. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Clowns TDE’s Punch Over ASAP Rocky Underwear Ad

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The post Summer Walker Puts Spotify On Blast For Leaving Out Nicki Minaj & Others At Gold Standard Exhibition appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly’s Mother & Fredo Bang Deposition Dates Revealed Amid YNW Juvy Estate’s Lawsuit

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YNW Melly has been behind bars for several years now. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like he’ll be getting out anytime soon. The 25-year-old rapper was arrested back in 2019 for his alleged role in the murders of YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty. His retrial is scheduled to begin in September of next year.

Melly is also facing civil lawsuits from both SakChaser and Juvy’s estates, which recently got a major update. According to Bryson “Boom” Paul, Melly’s mother Jamie King and Fredo Bang are scheduled to give video depositions as part of the Juvy lawsuit on September 26 and 27 of this year.

Read More: YNW Melly Murder Retrial Pushed Back Until 2025 After Numerous Other Delays

Jamie King & Fredo Bang To Give Video Depositions On September 26 & 27

This latest development comes only weeks after Melly’s lawyer Bradford Cohen put Florida prosecutors on blast in an Instagram post. He accused them of mishandling the case from the beginning, making it clear that he’s outraged by how things have played out so far. “Essentially, the Broward State Attorneys Office really screwed this case up,” he wrote. “I have never seen anything like it. Literally refused to pass this case to an unconflicted state attorneys office after the defense listed one of their own state attorneys as a witness. They wanted to be able to cross examine the state attorney that was what amounted to a whistle blower and testified that a police officer lied.”

It also follows Melly’s mother calling for the case to be dismissed altogether after the new retrial date was announced. At the time, she also revealed that Melly is not allowed phone calls, contact with other inmates, or visits. What do you think of YNW Melly’s mother and Fredo Bang giving depositions later this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: YNW Melly Wants YNW Bortlen & His Girlfriend’s Phone Calls Excluded From Retrial

[Via]

The post YNW Melly’s Mother & Fredo Bang Deposition Dates Revealed Amid YNW Juvy Estate’s Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Who Is Vybz Kartel’s Fiancée? Everything To Know About Sidem Ozturk

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With Vybz Kartel back home, there have been several questions surrounding his next moves. We know that he got engaged from behind bars, popping the question to Sidem Öztürk, a 32-year-old woman with an impressive academic background. Since the two began dating, Öztürk has been behind the scenes, helping Kartel with his social media, uplifting his spirits, and holding him down personally and professionally. However, there have been plenty of questions surrounding who she is. 

Read More: Vybz Kartel Drops “First Week Out” Mixtape Following Prison Release

Early Life and Background

Sidem Öztürk, a 32-year-old woman of Kurdish descent, was born in Turkey. She moved to the UK at a young age and has lived in London for over 29 years. Öztürk pursued her education in psychology, sociology, and philosophy and reportedly worked as a social worker with vulnerable adults and children, according to Fox 5 News.  

Relationship With Vybz Kartel

vybz kartel Sidem Öztürk
Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic via Getty Images

Öztürk’s relationship with Vybz Kartel began in an unconventional manner. While she’s been a fan of his music, the two began corresponding in 2015. However, they finally met in 2019 once she traveled to Jamaica. The relationship blossomed, and eventually, he popped the question. “How it happened was. we were just calling each other ‘hubby’ and ‘wifey” and he was like, ‘We’re heading toward marriage so you calling me hubby, or me calling you wifey is not serious enough. So you’re my fiancée, we’re going to get married,’” she said. 

Read More: Why Was Vybz Kartel Jailed?

Commitment Amidst Challenges

The couple’s relationship has faced significant challenges due to Kartel’s imprisonment, though that’s clearly changed now that he’s been released. She explained how they weren’t able to have any physical contact when she visited him as a barrier separated them. 

“Well, there’s glass between us so we don’t get to touch each other. We just look and talk through some little holes that are in the wood beneath the glass, so it’s not perfect, but we’re making the most of what we can,” she told Lisa Evers. “Oh the man I love, he’s so witty, even when you’re angry or you’re upset about something, he knows how to turn that around, and he can just make you laugh, and make you see the brighter side of things.”

Despite these obstacles, Öztürk remains devoted to Kartel and has even relocated to Jamaica to be closer to him. As he was away, she managed Kartel’s Instagram account and handled various business transactions on his behalf.

Public Attention & Criticism

Öztürk’s engagement with Kartel has attracted both support and criticism from the public. While some fans of Kartel have expressed their approval, others have been harsh and even hateful towards her. Öztürk, however, remains unfazed by the negativity and stays focused on her relationship. She has expressed her belief in the authenticity of their bond and dismissed accusations that their relationship is a publicity stunt. Furthermore, she was the muse for Kartel’s EP, True Religion.

Optimism For The Future

Vybz Kartel and  Öztürk can finally be together, now that he’s home. Following a decision by the UK Privy Council, Vybz Kartel was released from custody after his conviction was overturned. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal and two other judges decided against a retrial. Their decision highlighted procedural issues in Kartel’s original trial. 

Immediately after he was freed, he shared videos of himself and Öztürk celebrating his freedom. They’re clearly making up for lost time. No word on when they will be getting married but his release could indicate that it could happen in the near future.

[Via]

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How To Buy STIIIZY & Outside Lands Festival’s Cannabis Collab

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Outside Lands Music Festival 2024 is mere days away. Between August 9 and 11, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park will host performances by The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Sturgill Simpson, and more.

Although music is the event’s main focus, there are plenty of side quest for festivalgoers to indulge in. One of the most talked about things to check out on the event grounds is STIIIZY and Outside Lands Festival’s cannabis collaboration. Continue below to learn more about it.

How To Buy STIIIZY & Outside Lands Festival’s Cannabis Collab

The Los Angeles-based, award-winning cannabis company STIIIZY is set to roll out their limited-edition line with the event, at Outside Lands Festival 2024. As part of their collaboration, attendees can purchase three tailored cultivations. The items include a 40’s pre-roll multipack of Purple Punch (an Indica strain), All in One THC Pen of Magic Melon (a Sativa strain), and a five-pack of Stiiizy Edibles, Blue Raspberry Blast (an Indica strain).

To lean into the experience, the company’s Grass Lands booth is an immersive weed cultivation experience at Grass Lands of a 30-foot cannabis grow cultivation replica, 60 life-like cannabis plants, 8 LED grow lamps, and real equipment from STIIIZY’s indoor cultivation.

In a statement, Brian Kim, Director of Marketing at STIIIZY, discussed the first of its kind link up. “We’re proud to announce our partnership with Outside Lands,” he said. “Dropping limited time only products to the public for the first time in our company’s history. Customers and fans can find it at Northern California STIIIZY retailers, or festival goers can visit us at our grow activation onsite during the festival.”

To secure one of the limited-edition releases, you must head over to STIIIZY’s activation at the festival, as it is not available for purchase at their storefronts or online at this time. Find more information here.