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What Is Going On At Burning Man? What We Know

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Burning Man is a festival that die-hard fans look forward to annually due to its unique nature and unconventional theme. Held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, the festival is not for the faint of heart. However, this year’s event took on a new sense of chaos due to severe weather. Between torrential rain, flooding, and overall unbearable conditions, the usual Burning Man adventure became a huge misadventure. As the desert debacle unfolded, one person reportedly died, and thousands were stranded. While the situation has improved, many are still trying to make their way home. Here’s everything we know about what has happened at Burning Man so far.

Burning Man Beginnings

This years theme for Burning Man is the “American Dream: and what better sign which is displayed on the playa then one similiar to the one ftom Las Vegas. (Photo by Frederic Larson/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

According to the Burning Man website, the event started as a bonfire attended by a few friends in the early 1980s and became an official event in 1986. Ultimately, it became a week-long camping excursion in the Black Rock Desert, with a makeshift city erected every year named Black Rock City to honor the festival. Organizers emphasized inclusion, self-reliance, and building community. Festivalgoers often camp in tents or RVs and are encouraged to bring all needed supplies with them. Throughout the festival, attendees participate in forms of self-expression and enjoy art and music. The festival ends with the burning of a huge wooden effigy known as The Man.

This year’s Burning Man started on August 27 and ended on Labor Day, September 4, with around 72,000 people in attendance. Performances by DJ Diplo, various other DJs and musicians, and artwork by numerous artists entertained festivalgoers. While social media showed thousands of people getting lit throughout the festival, things soon took a turn for the worse.

Bad Weather At Burning Man

Unfortunately, Burning Man 2023 was hit hard and fast by unexpectedly bad weather. CNN reported that the area received almost one inch of rain between Friday and Saturday morning, equal to two or three months of rain. As a result, massive flooding took place, which turned the desert into a muddy, mucky mess. Consequently, roads weren’t passable for vehicles to get in and out of the city. On top of that, howling winds reached up to 40 mph, further making the situation dire.

Due to the weather, Burning Man organizers closed all roads in the area on Friday night. By Saturday, organizers issued shelter-in-place orders to keep festivalgoers safe. Because of this, attendees had to conserve food, water, fuel, and other supplies. The bad weather continued into Sunday, making the roads even worse.

A Crappy Situation

If bad weather and sheltering in place with thousands of strangers weren’t bad enough, things got even worse. Since nobody could come in and out of the camps, the mobile restrooms couldn’t be emptied or cleaned. In a since-deleted Instagram story that’s gone around social media, Chris Rock, who was in attendance, spoke on the situation. “From what I understand, because of the flooding, the port-o-potties reportedly can’t be emptied.” Maybe that’s why Burning Man organizers encourage people to bring their own “poop buckets.”

Death Reported

In addition to the ongoing chaos, reports surfaced of a death at the festival. According to SFGATE, 32-year-old Leon Reece passed away on Friday night. The sheriff’s office received a report that Reece was unresponsive, and medics performed CPR. However, it was too late, and he was pronounced dead. While authorities are saying it doesn’t appear that Reece’s death was weather-related, a cause is pending until the autopsy results come in.

Stranded At Burning Man

Since the roads were impassable, everybody in attendance was stuck at the campground. Organizers warned attendees not to attempt to leave because it could be dangerous with foot-deep mud. Only emergency vehicles were permitted in and out for a while, but even they had a tough time in the muddy conditions. Campers and RVs that attempted to drive out were stuck with no way to free them. Further, not only could vehicles not maneuver, but concertgoers were advised not to try to walk. However, everybody didn’t listen to the advice, including a couple of famous folks.

Chris Rock & Diplo Escape Burning Man

Apparently, Chris Rock and Diplo had enough of Burning Man and decided to dip. The two went against advice and walked about five miles through the deep, alkaline mud. Diplo wrote on social media, “I legit walked the side of the road for hours with my thumb out.” A fan picked the two up, and they rode in the back of a pickup truck. Moreover, Chris and Diplo weren’t the only ones who wanted out. There were numerous reports of people taking their chances walking and hitchhiking. Sometimes, you just have to depend on the kindness of strangers.

The Latest At Burning Man

Conditions improved by Monday, September 4, and people could finally get out. Organizers posted on the Burning Man website, “As of 2:00pm, Exodus operations have officially begun in Black Rock City. The driving ban has been lifted.” However, according to the Burning Man X account, there were wait times of more than seven hours to exit.

Due to the weather and chaos, the traditional burning of the effigy took place Monday night instead of Sunday and was still viewed by thousands. The mass exodus began on Tuesday, with most festivalgoers leaving the Black Rock Desert behind. Right now, there are miles and miles of vehicles with reported wait times of around two hours. At this point, everybody is probably just thankful to get out of the desert in one piece.

[Via] [Via]

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Chris Rock And DJ Diplo Hitch Ride With Fans To Escape Burning Man Floods

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Over the weekend more than 70,000 people were stuck in the desert at the annual Burning Man festival after torrential rains turned the desert into a giant mud pit.
Comedian Chris Rock and DJ Diplo were rescued after walking five miles until they got picked up by a fan.

Thunderstorms left festival attendees stranded in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert on Saturday, the DJ was determined to show up to his Washington, D.C. show that evening — and a stranger came to both of their rescues.

“A fan offered Chris Rock and I a ride out of Burning Man in the back of a pickup,” the 44-year-old, whose real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, captioned an Instagram video of their escape.

“I legit walked the side of the road for hours with my thumb out cuz I have a show in dc tonight and didnt want to let yall down,” he wrote, joking that all Rock, 58, “could think about was a f—king cold brew.”

Diplo concluded, “Shoutout to this guy for making the smart purchase of a truck not knowing it was for this exact moment.”

The group hitched a ride with “hippies with a van in the next town” and “negotiat[ed] a deal to give [them] a two-hour ride to the airport.”

“They didn’t believe we would walk six miles in the mud. No one believed we would get to DC for the show tonight,” he captioned a mud-stained selfie. “But God did.

Diplo wrote on his Instagram:

I legit walked the side of the road for hours with my thumb out cuz i have a show in dc tonight and didnt want to let yall down. Also shoutout to this guy for making the smart purchase of a truck not knowing it was for this exact moment ❤

The post Chris Rock And DJ Diplo Hitch Ride With Fans To Escape Burning Man Floods first appeared on The Source.

The post Chris Rock And DJ Diplo Hitch Ride With Fans To Escape Burning Man Floods appeared first on The Source.

Burning Man Festival Leaves 1 Dead, Diplo & Chris Rock Hike 5 Miles Through Mud To Escape Event

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When first purchasing tickets to famed music festivals around the globe, patrons don’t anticipate getting injured, or worse, losing their lives. Still, it’s unfortunately become a trend in recent years to see tragedies unfold amid large gatherings. Obviously, the worst we’ve seen would be Travis Scott’s 2021 Astroworld crowd-crush. However, TMZ reports that one person died at the 2023 Burning Man event after heavy rainfall turned the desert into practically pure mud.

According to the outlet, the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an ongoing investigation. Few details are being released at this time, but it’s possible that the person’s death was related to the downpour. On Saturday (September 2), Burning Man attendees were urged to shelter in place amid the hectic weather. Things were so bad that many had become immobilized. Mother Nature’s mood isn’t expected to improve on Sunday. The forecast is notably calling for 40 mph winds, hail, and more heavy rain.

Read More: DJ Flume Performs Oral Sex On Stage At Burning Man; Fans React

Burning Man 2023 Didn’t Go As Expected

As with most music festivals, several celebrities were in attendance at Burning Man, including Diplo and Chris Rock. Rather than follow the guidelines to shelter in place, the DJ and comedian opted instead to hike five miles through the wild in hopes of avoiding being stuck in more terrible conditions for the rest of their weekend.

In a video shared on Diplo’s social media page, he and the Madagascar voice actor ride in the backseat of a truck with a group of strangers. It seems their celebrity status worked to its advantage. Fans spotted Rock and his pal and happily let them catch a ride back to civilization. Only emergency vehicles are permitted to be driving in the area for now, so it’s unclear how long it’ll be before other patrons are able to safely exit.

Read More: Chris Rock, T.I. And More Attend Dave Chappelle’s Star-Studded Birthday Bash

Chris Rock and Diplo Rescued by Fans

If you came across Diplo and Chris Rock struggling to escape the Burning Man Festival desert, would you stop to pick them up? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.

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The post Burning Man Festival Leaves 1 Dead, Diplo & Chris Rock Hike 5 Miles Through Mud To Escape Event appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Gabrielle Union’s Best Movies

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Since 1993, Gabrielle Union has consistently showcased her wide range of acting talents through many captivating roles. Her career breakthrough in 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You and 2000’s Bring It On launched her into Hollywood stardom. Since then, she has imbued characters like those in Think Like a Man and Top Five with her signature charm and poise. In addition to appearing on shows such as Ugly Betty and judging a season of America’s Got Talent, Union continues to astound viewers with each cameo, elevating every part she plays to deliver memorable cinematic moments. Here are the best Gabrielle Union movies you should definitely check out.

7. Bad Boys II (2003)

Directed by Michael Bay, Bad Boys II continues eight years after the original film. Marcus and Mike must uncover a burgeoning Cuban cartel responsible for the surge of ecstasy into Florida. Union plays Special Agent Syd Burnett, invading the bromance between Marcus and Mike while also maintaining her own hidden relationship with Mike. Although critics panned the movie, many praised its spectacular special effects and entertaining action sequences.

6. The Public (2018)

Union stars as Rebecca Porter, a journalist in the acclaimed social drama The Public. Besides captivating viewers with its passionate defense of civil disobedience and powerful portrayal of the homeless taking refuge in Cincinnati’s library, Emilio Estevez directs an inspiring tale that spotlights an important message.

Stuart, portrayed by Estevez, is a former homeless librarian saved by literature. Michael K. Williams plays Jackson, among the homeless sheltered in the library. Jeffrey Wright plays his anxious employer Anderson. As a result of their refusal to face sub-zero temperatures, a spontaneous sit-in ensues, which Stuart endorses. Alec Baldwin stars as the cop striving to contain the chaos, while Christian Slater embodies the unfeeling and callous bureaucrat with no compassion.

5. Think Like a Man (2012)

Drawing on Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Think Like a Man, the cast masterfully brings its relationship advice to the big screen. In the same breath, Following Kristen’s struggle to get her long-term boyfriend to commit, the film delivers an emotive performance that captures the audience’s hearts and ensures a 2014 sequel. Above all, juxtaposing the book’s gendered advice and its all-star, gorgeous cast of Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, and Taraji P. Henson offers a wry commentary on modern notions of romance.

4. Cadillac Records (2008)

Exploring the Chess Brothers’ trailblazing story, Cadillac Records vividly chronicles the vibrant evolution of Black music. With a thoughtful eye for talent, Leonard and Phil ventured into after-hours urban neighborhoods bearing firearms to seek out gifted musicians. The brothers then recorded these artists in a small yet powerful studio setting, propelling their unique sound effectively into the world. A stellar ensemble of performers, from Gabrielle Union and Oscar-winner Adrien Brody to Jeffrey Wright and Mos Def, graced the screen in Cadillac Records, delivering compelling performances that captivated audiences.

3. Bring It On (2000)

Torrance Shipman leads the prestigious Rancho Carne High School cheer team in their quest to secure a remarkable sixth consecutive national championship title. When tragedy strikes, she organizes auditions to fill the vacant spot and drives the squad to new heights. Starring Kirsten Dunst as Torrance, Bring It On shot Union to stardom and is celebrated as one of the most iconic movies ever made. This beloved film explores social issues such as race, privilege, and appropriation through the tale of a San Diego cheerleading squad who unknowingly steals routines from an East Compton Clovers team led by Union’s Isis. Although there have been many sequels since its release, the original installment still stands out toweringly among the rest.

2. The Inspection (2022)

Elegance Bratton’s feature directorial debut, The Inspection, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Drawing inspiration from his own life, Bratton masterfully created a perceptive saga of resilience and belonging. At boot camp, he battles homophobia from his trainer and comrades. Moreover, Union earned praise for portraying Inez, Ellis’ unaccepting mother, receiving an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

The Inspection’s uncompromising authenticity highlights the ineffable complexity of life-altering events. Additionally, the film pays homage to Ellis’ mother and other mothers everywhere, acknowledging their vital roles in our lives. As a result, this could be one of the best Gabrielle Union movies.

1. Love & Basketball (2000)

Chronicling a complex journey, Love & Basketball shines an honest light on the challenge of maintaining two competing passions. While following two affluent black protagonists, this seminal sports movie breaks conventions with an insightful exploration of love and basketball. Union stars in Love & Basketball as Shawnee, Quincy’s high school crush and dance date. Spectacularly directed, this cult classic offers a multifaceted examination of its characters. Praised for its female-centered narrative and dedication to women’s sports, the movie captivates viewers with its unique perspective.

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Orlando Brown Makes Bold Claim About Oscar Slap Response

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In 2023, people are still talking about the “Oscar Slap”. Over a year has passed since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock live on stage at the Oscars. However, that has not stopped everyone from sharing their opinion about the incident, responses to it, the deeper meaning of the slap. Every single angle that could be possibly conceived of has been covered. Last month, Marlon Wayans even announced he was producing a documentary on the slap.

Many celebrities have shared their thoughts on the incident. People like Serena Williams and Sheree Zampino have advocated for Smith’s apology. Chris Rock’s brother says Will Smith never reached out. With an incident that public, everyone is going to have something to say about it. However, while some views are considered insightful, others are seen as people inserting themselves into the situation.

“He Waited For The Right Check”

In a recent interview, Orlando Brown shared his thoughts on the slap, specifically Chris Rock’s response to it. “I don’t mind Chris milking it, but a’ight, you milked it,” Brown argued. When the interviewer responded by saying that Rock “waited a while” to respond, Brown dropped his biggest claim. “He was waiting for the right check.” Brown went on to explain that in his eyes, Rock should have simply reached out to Smith and had a conversation about the incident. He also took issue with Rock’s comments about Smith’s “selective outrage”, which he saw as unnecessary and again, milking the issue for profit.

However, Rock waiting for a paid opportunity to speak out was the main crux of Brown’s argument. Rock was reportedly paid $40 million to produce a Netflix stand-up title Selective Outrage. While it was widely expected that Rock would address the slap in the special, Netflix reportedly edited out jokes about Smith. However, some content remained and the special got its name from comments Rock made about Smith. Selective Outrage was Rock’s first major public comment about the incident and if reports are true, he was paid handsomely to make them. However, Brown’s comments show that we are far from done with talking about what occurred at the 2022 Oscars.

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Donald Glover Says Chris Rock Convinced Him To Get Back To Stand-Up Comedy

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As a multihyphenate entertainer, Donald Glover’s reach surpasses many of his peers. The rapper, singer, actor, and filmmaker has his hands in all facets of the industry. His work as Childish Gambino remains praiseworthy—and in the same breath, fans can enjoy his comedies, including Community, as well as his more controversial works, like Atlanta. Glover is known for his roles that highlight comedic value, and in a recent GQ feature, he revealed the advice he received from a standup legend.

“So I was with Chris Rock, and he was like, ‘People aren’t good [at stand-up] until they’re your age,’” Glover recalled. Rock apparently added, “‘The only one who was better when he was younger was Eddie [Murphy]. Why aren’t you doing this sh*t?’” Stay tuned because Glover took the words to heart. He’s begun writing jokes and is said to be giving it another go. What that looks like in the future is unclear, but seeing Glover return to the stand-up stage will be interesting.

Donald Glover Looks To Make Magic With Malia Obama

Additionally, Glover’s Swarm has become the talk of pop culture. The Prime Video series stars Dominique Fishback as the lead character Dre, and singer Chlöe assists as her sister. One episode’s co-writer is a familiar name: Malia Obama. The famous former First Daughter has lept into the entertainment industry, and Glover revealed to GQ their plans to work on another project. The short film is slated for release from Glover’s Gilga production company. Obama is said to be creating the film under her mentor’s guidance.

“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once. You’re Obama’s daughter,” said Glover. “So, if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.” Although the pressure seems astounding, the 24-year-old is ready for the challenge. Her work in Swarm‘s writing room has been applauded by her colleagues, and the opportunity to work with Hollywood’s best is an accomplishment that her counterparts could only wish for. It’s unclear what the young Obama’s long-term goals are in the industry, but it’s a far cry from the White House—well, not that far. Check out stills from Donald Glover’s GQ feature above.

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Trump Drops ‘Not Guilty’ T-Shirt on Campaign Website During Arraignment

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Trump Raises Over $7 Million for His Campaign Since Being Indicted

A new t-shirt dropped on former President Donald Trump’s website while he sat in a Manhattan courthouse pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts for falsification of business records in connection with $150,000 hush money payment to former adult film star Stormy Daniels.

An email sent out by the Trump campaign had President Trump in a fake mugshot placed on a t-shirt. The copy reads”

“‘NOT GUILTY,’ Do you stand with President Trump, Friend? Please make a contribution of $47 or more to WIN in 2024 – and we’ll send you your very own ‘NOT GUILTY’ T-Shirt for FREE.”

The idea that an indictment may make Donald Trump more popular could be accurate. With arraignment set for today (Apr. 4), the Trump campaign is boasting a record number of donations.

According to the New York Daily News, Trump’s campaign has secured $7 million since the indictment.

The post Trump Drops ‘Not Guilty’ T-Shirt on Campaign Website During Arraignment appeared first on The Source.

Tupac’s Sister Blasts Donald Trump’s Comparisons as ‘Blasphemous’

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force trump cooperate ny ag leticia james

Tupac’s sister, Set Shakur, is not having any comparisons between her late brother and former president Donald Trump. As Trump is set to be arraigned, he has often been compared to Tupac, the most recent being by Trump’s attorney Alina Habba, who also threw Biggie’s name in the mix as well.

Appearing on TMZ, Shakur stated the comparison was “blasphemous.”

“My brother was measured by his integrity, his principles and personal and collective responsibility,” Shakur said.

Speaking with Benny Johnson on The Benny Show, Trump’s attorney Alina Habba agreed with the show’s host that the forthcoming charges would raise the notoriety of the former President.

Habba would respond to Johnson stating, “Donald Trump is Tupac. Donald Trump is Biggie Smalls.” Habba would state she’s from the east coast, showing Biggie bias and stating Trump would be bigger than Tupac.

“Donald Trump is his own brand, he is everything,” Habba said. “This is just going to boost him we have seen it in the polls. This is not a question, this is a fact.”

Habba isn’t the first person to make the comparison. Chris Rock was on hand as Adam Sandler received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in D.C. Never one to miss a moment for political discourse, Rock threw a Trump joke while honoring his friend Sandler.

“Are you guys really gonna arrest Trump?” Rock stated. “Do you know this is only going to make him more popular? It’s like arresting Tupac. He’s just gonna sell more records. Are you stupid?”

You can hear Habba’s statements here.

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Trump Raises Over $7 Million for His Campaign Since Being Indicted

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force trump cooperate ny ag leticia james

The idea that an indictment may make Donald Trump more popular could be accurate. With arraignment set for today (Apr. 4), the Trump campaign is boasting a record number of donations.

According to the New York Daily News, Trump’s campaign has secured $7 million since the indictment.

One to predict the popularity of Trump rising was Chris Rock, who recently inserted the forthcoming arraignment into a bit.

“Are you guys really gonna arrest Trump?” Rock stated. “Do you know this is only going to make him more popular? It’s like arresting Tupac. He’s just gonna sell more records. Are you stupid?”

Former President Donald Trump is once again calling for his base of supporters to ride for him. Trump spoke to his supporters, writing the “leading Republican candidate and former president of the United States will be arrested on Tuesday of next week.”

The alarming portion of his message is his call to his supporters to “Protest, take our nation back.” The words are similar to those used ahead of the Insurrection at the Nation’s capitol. New York City is now preparing for any clashes that could happen in the city, if Trump is indeed arrested.

According to CNN, Trump believes his base being charged up would help him politically. He also sees a positive in the indictment.

During the ceremony, Rock added more funny context to the potential indictment. “[Trump] f—ing a porn star and paid off someone so his wife couldn’t find out. That’s romantic,” Rock said.

According to Fox News, Rock made a comparison to everyday life.

“We’ve all been cheated on. Don’t you wish that the person that cheated on you paid off somebody so you wouldn’t find out?”

– Chris Rock

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Trump Adds Attorney to His Legal Team Ahead of His Arraignment

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Donald Trump Reportedly Teases 2024 Presidential Run at CPAC

Facing his arraignment, Donald Trump beefed up his defense team. Added to his squad is Todd Blanche, most recently of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. He also represented Rudy Giuliani, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Igor Fruman.

Blanche will join attorneys Joe Tacopina and Susan Necheles in defending Trump.

Former Trumpy attorney, Tim Palatore, highlighted to CNN the appointment could be a conflict of interest.

“I know that Joe has certain potential conflict issues, given his prior contacts, with Stormy Daniels. So, who’s the right attorney, to take it to trial, is something that the client will have to decide. Ultimately, the decision of who to stand next to, before a jury, is a decision that only the client can make,” Parlatore said.

Be prepared for Donald Trump to be a name that you hear often this week. With an arraignment scheduled for today (Apr. 4), Trump’s name will ring off through social media and the news every day. Speaking with Benny Johnson on The Benny Show, Trump’s attorney Alina Habba agreed with the show’s host that the forthcoming charges would raise the notoriety of the former President.

Habba would respond to Johnson stating, “Donald Trump is Tupac. Donald Trump is Biggie Smalls.” Habba would state she’s from the east coast, showing Biggie bias and stating Trump would be bigger than Tupac.

“Donald Trump is his own brand, he is everything,” Habba said. “This is just going to boost him we have seen it in the polls. This is not a question, this is a fact.”

The post Trump Adds Attorney to His Legal Team Ahead of His Arraignment appeared first on The Source.