death

Kevin Gates Speaks On Kobe Bryant’s Passing And Freestyles Mid-Story

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In a new interview with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Kevin Gates shared a story of where he was when Kobe Bryant tragically passed away. Furthermore, he spoke of the negativity he felt in the air on that day before the news broke. However, many raised eyebrows at Gates as he freestyles in the middle of his story. Still, the Louisiana native shared a chilling account of January 26, 2020. Moreover, the NBA star and his 13-year-old daughter Giana tragically passed in a helicopter crash. While his loss continues to sting, this is one of many testimonies that kept and will continue to keep his spirit alive.

PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“The crash site [was] seven minutes from my house,” he expressed. “Rest In Peace the Black Mamba. This here going to Virginia, got a hundred keys in a black Honda (that’s the freestyle part). All of this was going on at the time. My nana came in. I told my tattoo artist- remember I told you? I said, ‘Man, I don’t feel like we should leave the house today. We just need to stay in today.’ She came right to the house. I hate to even say this, but that’s what happened. She came in the house and was like, ‘They say Kobe just had a helicopter crash.’”

Furthermore, Big Boy asked, “So you said ‘We shouldn’t leave the house before?” “Before that s**t happened,” Gates replied. “That s**t happened seven minutes from my house. Like, weird s**t like that always be happening to me.” Ironically, the 37-year-old previously called Bryant a “rat” before his untimely passing. Granted, it was nearly four years before the tragic incident, and he made those claims after Kobe’s last game. From what Gates said, he claimed that Kobe snitched on Shaquille O’Neal during Mamba’s alleged rape trial.

Regardless, those emotions and postures mean nothing in the face of the immense void the legendary Laker left behind. This year, millions of fans remembered his legacy on the anniversary of his passing. Moreover, they shared some of their favorite memories of his games, his character, and the joy he gave so many. As Kevin Gates and others reflect on his absence, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Kobe Bryant’s legacy.

Fans Frustrated By Exclusion Of Gangsta Boo, Lil Keed & More From Grammys’ “In Memoriam”

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Fans on social media voiced their frustration in response to The Recording Academy’s selections for the Grammys‘ “In Memoriam” tribute on Sunday night. Popular artists the Grammys left out included Gangsta Boo, Lil Keed, as well as Aaron Carter, and more.

Gangsta Boo died at the age of 43, in early January. Authorities did not reveal a cause of death at first. However, TMZ reports that she was partying with her brother the previous night. It was then, she reportedly overdosed after taking cocaine laced with fentanyl.

“Leaving out Gangsta Boo, one of the pioneers of Southern female rap, from the GRAMMY memoriam segment is a sin and a shame,” one fan online argued. Another further wrote: “Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop tonight and forgetting to include Gangsta Boo in the memorial video is disrespectful af.”

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Trackstar The DJ, Gangsta Boo, and El-P perform with Run The Jewels at Music Midtown at Piedmont Park on September 19, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris McKay/Getty Images for Live Nation)

They had been referencing the star-studded performance put on in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. During the tribute, over 30 of the biggest names in hip-hop took the stage to perform songs from throughout the genre’s history. Among the most notable names were Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Lil Baby, Run-DMC, as well as Salt-N-Pepa, and many more. LL Cool J hosted the performance while Questlove directed and co-produced it.

Other artists to be left off included Aaron Carter. The late pop star died at age 34 in November 2022. “Since the #GRAMMYs FORGOT them in the in memoriam, just another Rest in Peace to Taylor Hawkins & Aaron Carter,” one fan tweeted. In addition to Carter, there was also no mention of Lil Keed, who died at 24 years old in May 2022 of eosinophilia.

As for artists who were honored during the night, Quavo paid special tribute to his late Migos partner Takeoff. He performed his track, “Without You,” while backed by a gospel choir. Check out responses to the Grammys’ “In Memoriam” tribute on Twitter below.

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Gap Honors Stephen “tWitch” Boss With Latest Campaign

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The late Stephen “tWitch” Boss stars in the newest campaign from Gap. The limited-edition capsule collection is a collaboration between Gap and Haitian-owned menswear brand The Brooklyn Circus.

“The Brooklyn Circus and Gap share in the heartbreaking loss of beloved icon Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who was a longtime supporter of the [Brooklyn Circus] community, [founder and creative director] Ouigi [Theodore’s] work and a core part of this campaign thanks to his personal friendship with Ouigi Theodore,” a press release for the campaign reads.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 04: Stephen “tWitch” Boss attends the 4moms Car Seat launch event at Petersen Automotive Museum on August 4, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for 4moms)

Gap will also be making a donation to Vibrant Emotional Health in Boss’ honor.

Allison Holker, Boss’ wife, also shared a statement following the release of official campaign images. She writes: “When Stephen and I first saw his images from the campaign, it brought tears to our eyes. He was so moved by how they captured his true essence, and he was excited for the world to see them.”

Boss’ mother, Connie Boss Alexander, later admitted on her Instagram Story that she went to call her son after seeing the campaign.

“I almost called you to say son look at you in this ad!” she wrote. “Then I remembered.”

Boss died by suicide, last month, at the age of 40. He and Holker had just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary three days prior. He is survived by his wife, and their three children: Weslie, 14, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3

Boss was perhaps best known for his work as the former DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He also competed on So You Think You Can Dance.

Check out the campaign featuring Stephen “tWitch” Boss below.

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Lil Keed‘s Mom Announces Posthumous Album, “Keed Talk To ‘Em 2”

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Lil Keed‘s mother, Tonnie Woods-Reed, says the rapper has a posthumous album titled, Keed Talk To ‘Em 2, dropping soon. Woods-Reed also confirmed a new single, “Long Way to Go,” releasing on Friday.

“On May 13, 2022 I lost my son Raqhid Render – who many of you knew as the artist Lil Keed. While this journey through the different phases of grief has been indescribably hard, a way that I have found to cope is through his music,” she began the post from Keed’s official account.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 02: Lil Keed attends Rolling Stone Live: Atlanta at The Goat Farm on February 02, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Woods-Reed then explained that Keed was working on the Keed Talk To ‘Em sequel just before his death.

She continued: “As much as he was a great father, son, and friend – he was also an artist who (thanks to many of you) lived and continues to live through his music.

“With that being said, the time has come to share some of our last pieces of Keed with you all starting with the release of his first single ‘Long Way To Go’ this Friday. This song holds a special place in my heart and as you guys will see it will reflect on many aspects of Keed’s journey here on Earth.”

She concluded: “I hope you all appreciate it as we take the first step in cementing Keed’s legacy. Long Live Keed!”

Lil Gotit, Doe Boy, Reese LaFlare, T-Shyne, Jacquees, and more all voiced their love for Keed in the comments section.

Keed passed away unexpectedly at just 24 years old, last year. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his cause of death to natural causes due to eosinophilia.

Check out the announcement from Lil Keed‘s mother below.

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Lisa Loring, Known For Playing Wednesday Addams, Dead At 64

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Lisa Loring, the first actress to play Wednesday Addams in the original The Addams Family, has died at 64 years old. Her longtime agent, Chris Carbaugh, confirmed the news in a statement provided to CNN on Monday.

“She brought to life one of the most iconic characters in Hollywood history that is still celebrated today,” Carbaugh said. “Lisa loved sharing her memories and meeting all her fans across the world.”

PARSIPPANY, NJ – OCTOBER 29: Lisa Loring attends the Chiller Theatre Expo Halloween 2022 at Hilton Parsippany on October 29, 2022 in Parsippany, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

Laurie Jacobson, a close friend of Loring’s, also confirmed the news on Facebook. She explained that Loring “suffered a massive stroke brought on by smoking and high blood pressure.”

“She had been on life support for 3 days. Yesterday, her family made the difficult decision to remove it and she passed last night,” Jacobson wrote. “She is embedded in the tapestry that is pop culture and in our hearts always as Wednesday Addams.”

Jenna Ortega recently discussed how Loring’s portrayal of the character inspired her take on Wednesday for the Netflix comedy horror, Wednesday.

“I paid homage to Lisa Loring, the first Wednesday Addams. I did a little bit of her shuffle that she does,” Ortega said during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in December.

Loring was just six years old when she took on the role of Wednesday Addams. The iconic sitcom, inspired by the fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams, ran for two seasons from 1964–1966. It’s since been adapted countless more times in film, video games, comic books, and more.

Loring also appeared as Wednesday Sr. in the 1977 television film Halloween with the New Addams Family.

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PnB Rock’s Girlfriend Calls On Fans To Stream His Only Independent Song

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PnB Rock’s girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, has called on fans to stream his only independent song, “Luv Me Again.” The late rapper released the track through his New Lane Entertainment label shortly before he was shot and killed in 2022.

“Go run this up. Play it all day. Back to back,” Sibounheuang wrote on her Instagram Story, sharing the song. “This bae only independent record so this one that counts.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 09: Rapper PnB Rock is seen arriving to the Palm Angels Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week on February 09, 2020 in New York. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

PnB Rock released “Luv Me Again” on September 2, 2022, just ten days before his death. The date marks the last song he released during his lifetime.

PnB Rock died at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in Los Angeles while he and Sibounheuang were out eating. Sibounheuang has said that he saved her life by throwing her under the table as shots rang out.

Sibounheuang recently reflected on the burden she’s been facing without PnB Rock in her life.

“It’s just been tough without no help, without, you know, my protector and my provider here,” she said on Instagram Live.

“He did not have life insurance. No, he did not have a will. No, we didn’t have nothing set up,” she added. “We’re so young [that] we don’t plan on death. I don’t get no death benefits. I don’t get nothing.”

“It’s really like, I’m just letting God use me,” she continued. “I’m just trusting God’s plan. I’m just being obedient. Like, if that’s what God [wants], then have your way.”

PnB Rock and Sibounheuang share a daughter named Xuri.

Check out Sibounheuang’s post for PnB Rock below and check out “Luv Me Again.”

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Annie Wersching, Of “24” & “Last Of Us” Fame Dies At 45

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Annie Wersching, an actress who appeared in the series, 24, the video game, The Last of Us, and more, has passed away at the age of 45. Wersching’s husband, Stephen Full, confirmed her death in a statement provided to Deadline. She passed in Los Angeles on Sunday morning.

“There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it. She found wonder in the simplest moment,” Full said, before adding, “She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall.”

BURBANK, CA – MAY 21: Actress Annie Wersching attends the 2017 ABC/Disney Media Distribution International Upfront at Walt Disney Studio Lot on May 21, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

He continued: “As I drove our boys, the true loves of her life, down the winding driveway and street, she would yell BYE! until we were out of earshot and into the world. I can still hear it ringing. Bye my Buddie. ‘I love you little family…’”

Wersching was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, although it was not specified which type.

Plenty of Wersching’s collaborators over the years spoke out on social media in the wake of her passing.

“We just lost a beautiful artist and human being. My heart is shattered. Thoughts are with her loved ones,” tweeted Neil Druckmann, creator of The Last of Us.

He added: “I miss my silly friend who helped bring Tess to life. Annie, you left us way too soon. You will forever be part of the TLoU & Naughty Dog family!”

Wersching portrayed Tess in the original The Last of Us. She also has appeared in Bosch, Timeless, The Vampire Diaries, Runaways, The Rookie, and Star Trek: Picard.

Annie Wersching is survived by her husband, as well as their two children, Freddie, 12, and Ozzie, 9.

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Rickey Smiley Reveals His Son, Brandon, Has Passed Away

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Comedian Rickey Smiley has revealed that his son, Brandon, passed away at the age of 32 on Sunday. Brandon also worked as a comedian and actor. Smiley made the announcement in a video on Instagram.

“I just had bad news this morning,” Smiley said in the clip. “I’m on my way to the airport to get to Birmingham. I want everybody to pray for me, pray for our family. Our son Brandon Smiley has passed away this morning. Lord have mercy, Jesus.”

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Rickey Smiley attends the BET Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at the James L. Knight Center on January 30, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for BET)

“I hate to announce this, I just want to give it to you to hear it in the streets,” he said. “I just don’t know what to do, I can’t think.”

From there, Smiley reflected on the passing of his own father.

“Now I see what my grandaddy went through and why the way he felt the way he felt,” he said.

Randall Woodfin, mayor of Smiley’s hometown of Birmingham, extended his condolences via Twitter.

“I’m devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son Brandon,” Woodfin said in a Tweet. “Rickey has given so much to our city; this is the time when we need to give back to him. Join me in wrapping our arms around him & his family during this difficult time. We’re praying for you, Rickey.”

Brandon worked alongside his father on his TV One show, Rickey Smiley For Real.

Just hours prior to the announcement of his passing, Brandon was seen in a video alongside his partner Brooke Antonette. The two appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Check out Rickey Smiley’s post on social media below.

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LeBron James Under Fire For Response To Tyre Nichols’ Death

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LeBron James is coming under fire on social media for his response to the death of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died three days following a traffic stop by Memphis Police Department officers. Video from the incident shows the offices brutally beating Nichols, who was hospitalized in critical condition afterward.

“WE ARE OUR OWN WORSE ENEMY!!!” James said in response on Twitter, seemingly referencing the officers being Black.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his three pointer in double overtime to lead the Lakers to a 135-129 win over the Detroit Pistonsat Staples Center on February 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“He never moved past page 6 in that Malcolm’s book,” one user replied.

Another wrote: “You talking about the lakers? Because if you talking about this current situation bruh nah. Wrong time.”

James also retweeted a post from an MSNBC analyst that wrote: “What’s really clear about some of the reaction to the murder of #TyreNichols is that we’ve failed to fully understand race and it’s construction as a systemic tool. The entire system of policing sees the Black body as a problem. No matter who pulls the trigger.”

“TOO FACTUAL,” James further added.

The video footage of the attack shows all officers repeatedly striking Nichols with their fists, boots, as well as batons for three minutes. Afterward, they rested him against a patrol car and didn’t provide medical aid for another 20 minutes.

The officers involved all face second-degree murder charges as well as charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

Numerous other voices in the NBA have also spoken out on the attack, including NBPA president Chris Paul, who called for change “at all levels.”

Check out LeBron James’ posts on Twitter below.

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Rich The Kid Gets Tattoo In Honor Of Takeoff

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Rich The Kid has gotten Takeoff’s name tattooed on his hand in honor of the late Migos rapper. Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston back in November.

The tattoo spreads across the top of his hand and is written in purple ink.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Rich the Kid performs onstage during the 2018 Made In America Festival – Day 2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

Rich The Kid and Takeoff were close prior to his death. Following his passing, Rich penned an emotional message on social media. He also shared a text message exchange between the two of them.

“Today I lost more than a brother. My twin, my best friend, everything. I don’t wanna believe it, I can’t,” he began his post. “The most humble person I know. We used to share shoes [and] clothes before we made it with no problem! I miss you already. You didn’t deserve that! I can’t stop crying. I love you so much bro, forever.”

As for the texts exchanged, Rich wrote, “Buzzin, I miss you,” while Takeoff responded, “Miss [you] too, Buzzin.” He also included numerous pictures of the two of them.

In early 2022, Takeoff and Rich The Kid teamed up to release the collaborative single, “Crypto.” Later in July, both Offset and Takeoff attended Rich’s 30th birthday party in New York City.

At the time of Takeoff’s death, Houston police chief Troy Finner stated that the department didn’t believe him to be the intended target. Two other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the attack as well.

Takeoff’s Migos partner, Quavo, recently dropped a tribute track for the late rapper titled “Without You.”

Check out Rich The Kid’s tattoo in honor of Takeoff below.

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