DNC

EXCLUSIVE: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Brought the Rhymes of Biggie Smalls to the US Capitol

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by: Jeanine Ramirez

“It was all a dream. I used to read Word Up magazine. Salt and Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine.” 

– The Notorious B.I.G.

That was back in 2017, on the 20th anniversary of Biggie’s death. But it’s not the Brooklyn lawmaker’s only hip-hop reference. Jeffries, now the House Democratic Leader, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and delivered these Fat Joe lyrics:

“Nothing can stop us. We’re all the way up.” 

His energetic DNC speech garnered news headlines, and the next day, Jeffries posted “Brooklyn Stand Up.” Before Jeffries’ DNC appearance, The Source caught up with the House Minority Leader. 

The Source: Clearly the young people are energized in this race and the youth will be an important part of this election. And they have vowed to make their voices heard. Can you please tell us about some of the strategies and some of the plans and the importance of the youth vote for this election?

Congressman Jeffries: “Well I think that we’ve always had a strong case to make to young people. That the issues that young people care about have been the issues that House Democrats, Senate Democrats, President Biden, Vice President Harris have been working on. Like combating the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now and delivering the largest investment in combating the climate crisis in the history of the world. Passing gun safety legislation for the first time in 30 years. Because the young people of America deserve a great public school education free of gun violence. And that is what they are demanding. That is what we are working on to deliver. And of course the young people of America care about making sure that their freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions are preserved.” 

All of those issues are at stake in this Presidential election. Democrats are hoping young people will turn out in big numbers and vote blue down the ballot. If so, not only can the Democratic Party win the White House, but they can also become the majority in the House and make Jeffries House Speaker, among other party victories. Here’s NY Congressman Adriano Espaillat. 

“The NY delegation of course, we have Hakeem Jeffries who stands to be the next speaker. We have Grace Meng, who stands to be the next Chair of the Asian American Pacific Caucus. We have Yvette Clarke, who stands to be the Chair of Congressional Black Caucus in the next session. And I’m delighted, God willing, I could be the Chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.” 

– NY Congressman Adriano Espaillat

Jeffries became the first Black Congressional Party Leader in US History when his colleagues unanimously elected him in 2023. With Democratic control of the House, Jeffries would serve as the first-ever Black Speaker. It would be a historic shift in the American story, one that has its roots in Brooklyn and the hip-hop community. 

“We know that he went from negative to positive,” Jeffries said. “And emerged as one of the world’s most important hip-hop stars.” 

And with this election, Jeffries could emerge as one of the nation’s most potent Democratic stars.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Brought the Rhymes of Biggie Smalls to the US Capitol first appeared on The Source.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Brought the Rhymes of Biggie Smalls to the US Capitol appeared first on The Source.

Even DNC Staff Thought Beyoncé Was Showing Up, Even Though She Was Never Considered

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Last week’s Democratic National Convention was a star-studded event, with special appearances from everyone from The Chicks to Lil Jon. However, one star that folks expected to see who didn’t show up was Beyoncé. Rumors about a performance from Cowboy Carter were so persistent that some delegates were even spotted wearing sashes like the one from Beyoncé’s album cover. While it was later revealed that Beyoncé was never even considered as a performer for the DNC, earlier this week, the convention’s producers revealed that even staffers thought they might end up being part of the Renaissance.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, the convention’s producers, told The Hollywood Reporter, “We never put out anything about Beyoncé. We denied it every time the media asked us — even though, by the way, people on my staff didn’t believe me. I kept getting texts from news organizations saying, ‘When is Beyoncé coming out?’ But come on, we have the biggest star, the Democratic nominee for president. Why would we overshadow that?”

Weiss echoed Kirshner’s sentiment above, saying, “This is the internet taking on a life of its own and people taking something as fact — literally, to the point that people in my booth are saying, ‘Is she coming? You can tell me.’ And I would say, ‘I have no knowledge she’s coming.’ And they would say, ‘No knowledge? So there’s something to know!’ It was pretty crazy. But she wasn’t coming. In the end, even TMZ [which first reported it] had to issue an apology.”

DNC Producer Sets The Record Straight On Beyonce’s Rumored Appearance

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The Democratic National Convention was a star-studded event. Lil Jon showed up to perform. Kenan Thompson did a comedic bit onstage. There was even sightings of Oscar-winning director Spike Lee in the crowd. The one celebrity everybody wanted to see, though, was Beyonce. The internet reached a fever pitch during the multi-day event, determining that Queen Bey would give a surprise performance and endorse Presidential nominee Kamala Harris. This, of course, didn’t happen. Beyonce did not show up, and fans were disappointed. The producers for the event, however, are not accepting the blame.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, the executive producer and director of the DNC, broke their silence on the Beyonce rumors August 27. They made it very clear from the onset that Beyonce was never involved with the event. Furthermore, Kirschner told The Hollywood Reporter that he denied the rumors at every opportunity, so that fans wouldn’t be upset. “We never put out anything about Beyonce,” he asserted. “We denied it every time the media asked us. Even though people on my staff didn’t believe me. I kept getting texts from news organizations…”

Read More: Plies Questions Black Men Who Don’t Support Kamala Harris

Beyonce’s Mother Has Publicly Endorsed Kamala Harris

The executive producer never intended to recruit Beyonce, because he felt her presence would have overshadowed the star of the DNC: Kamala Harris. “We have the biggest star, the Democratic nominee for president,” Kirshner noted. “Why would we overshadow that?” To be fair to the fans, Kamala Harris has aligned herself with Beyonce multiple times. The politician praised Beyonce’s latest album, Cowboy Carter, on social media. She walked out to the Beyonce song “Freedom” when it was first announced she would be running for President. And, Queen Bey’s mother, Tina Knowles, has openly endorsed Harris.

Glenn Weiss, the aforementioned director of the DNC, laid the rumor completely at the feet of people online. “This is the Internet taking on a life of its own and people taking something as fact,” he stated. “Literally to the point that people in my booth are saying: ‘Is she coming? You can tell me.’” Weiss also pointed out that TMZ picked up the rumor, and later had to issue an apology. “It was pretty crazy,” he concluded. “But she wasn’t coming.”

Read More: Kamala Harris Unleashes Beyonce-Assisted Presidential Campaign Ad

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Beyoncé Didn’t Perform At The DNC, And Now Fans Wonder If It Was All A Ruse To Get Them To Watch Kamala Harris’ Speech

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Ever since the Kamala Harris Presidential campaign started using Beyoncé’s 2016 hit “Freedom” in its ads and rallies, rumors that Beyoncé herself would perform at the Democratic National Convention didn’t so much “swirl online” as “auditioned for the sequel to a certain weather-based blockbuster from earlier this summer.”

Alas, said rumors turned out to be bunk. According to a spokesperson for Cowboy Carter, “Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there. The report of a performance is untrue.” Naturally, fans are being very chill about this online… if by “chill,” you mean questioning whether the rumor was a bait-and-switch to get them to watch Harris’ speech as she accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for Presidential candidate. There were also some who posited that the rumor was planted by everyone from Pink, who showed up ahead of Harris’ speech, to the Democratic Party itself.

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Of course, TMZ is certainly to blame for some of this, and that organization also offered a mea culpa on Twitter. But it wasn’t all bad; many of those who did tune in were very complimentary of Harris’ speech, and some have already set their sights on another potential date for a Beyoncé appearance: at Kamala’s potential inauguration day in 2025 should she manage to beat Donald Trump at the polls in November.

Also the Las Vegas Aces’ funniest player, Sydney Colson, said this, so it maybe it was all worth it.

Beyoncé Will Reportedly Perform At The Democratic National Convention’s Final Night

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The 2024 Democratic National Convention is turning out to be quite historic, as Kamala Harris has officially been named the first-ever woman of either Black or Asian heritage to be nominated the official Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party. What’s more, this year’s DNC has had guests reflective of the optimism inspired by her nomination, with Lil Jon putting in an appearance, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” receiving play, and reportedly, even Beyoncé preparing to put in a performance. After bringing on Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, and using Beyoncé’s “Freedom” in a campaign ad, Harris’ play for the Presidency is getting a co-sign from the Queen of the Renaissance herself, according to TMZ.

Per TMZ’s sources, Beyoncé is in Chicago, where the convention is being held, and law enforcement has been placed on “high alert” as Chicago Police Department has been assigned to security for the DNC. Some delegates in attendance are even dressed up in Cowboy Carter-styled attire, just in case Bey shows up — and it’s fair to think that they might have some insider information on that count. As for what song she’ll perform, if any… The smart money is obviously on “Freedom,” which has soundtracked the Harris campaign to date. Stay tuned.

Beyonce Will Reportedly Perform At DNC In Chicago

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The fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention is officially underway, but social media users have more on their minds than just politics. For weeks now, they’ve been speculating that a massive special guest, like Beyonce or Taylor Swift, would take over Chicago’s United Center before the DNC ended. Now, according to TMZ, fans appear to have their answer.

The outlet reports that Beyonce will be performing tonight, which will be huge not only for the Democratic party but also for the city. They add that Chicago PD is on high alert, particularly as clips of alleged Beyonce sightings surface online. For now, it remains unclear exactly what the hitmaker plans to perform as Vice President Kamala Harris accepts her nomination.

Read More: Beyonce Threatens Donald Trump With Legal Action Over Use Of “Freedom”

Beyonce Is Reportedly DNC Mystery Guest

Beyonce Will Reportedly Perform At DNC In Chicago
Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood )

It’s likely to be the Harris-Walz campaign anthem “Freedom,” however. Interestingly enough, just today, Rolling Stone reported that Beyonce threatened to hit Donald Trump with a cease and desist over the track, which he used in a social media video. Reportedly, there are plenty of fans in the crowd already dressed up in Cowboy Carter-inspired outfits, who are surely feeling incredibly lucky right now. Of course, social media users are also sounding off as they react to the reports, and most agree that there couldn’t be a better special guest tonight than Beyonce.

The exciting news arrives after performances by John Legend, who delivered a lively Prince tribute alongside Sheila E., Lil Jon, Patti LaBelle, Mickey Guyton, and more. What do you think Beyonce reportedly planning to perform at the DNC tonight? Are you looking forward to seeing it? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Beyonce’s New Whiskey Has Already Won Awards Before Its Release

[Via]

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Prince Fans Slam John Legend For DNC Tribute

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Yesterday, John Legend took the stage at the Democratic National Convention at Chicago’s United Center. He delivered a lively performance of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” joined by the late icon’s frequent collaborator Sheila E. The duo went on just before Tim Walz accepted the nomination for Vice President, though some believe they missed the mark.

Of course, Legend’s talent is undeniable, but social media users argue that the song simply wasn’t a good fit. Many think Sheila E would have been better off going solo, or alongside someone else entirely. Disgruntled viewers are sounding off about the tribute on X, calling the moment an “insult” to Prince’s legacy.

Read More: Lil Jon Shocks Fans With Surprise Performance At DNC Roll Call: Watch

John Legend & Sheila E’s DNC Prince Tribute

“Who the hell decided that John Legend was the perfect pick to perform Let’s Go Crazy? Don’t do that sh*t again. Sheila E. and that guitarist alone was fire! #DNC,” one user writes. “I’m sorry but John Legend doesn’t have the singing style or voice of Prince. They should’ve got someone else to cover his song,” someone else claims. Fortunately, many others are coming to Legend’s defense, arguing that it was a fun tribute despite all the controversy it’s stirred up.

One part of the tribute that’s receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback is Ari O’Neal’s guitar performance. Fans think she stole the show and took the performance to the next level. “I don’t know who the guitarist was who was absolutely shredding with John Legend and Sheila E on ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ but I think I’m in love,” one supporter says on X. John Legend and Sheila E. weren’t the only artists to grace the stage at the event, as Lil Jon, Patti LaBelle, Mickey Guyton, and more have also performed. What do you think of John Legend and Sheila E’s Prince tribute? What about some fans claiming Legend was the wrong choice for it? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Plays During Gavin Newsom’s DNC Speech

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DNC Leaders Assert Harris as the Only Serious Candidate for Border Security and Immigration Reform

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DNC Leaders Assert Harris as the Only Serious Candidate for Border Security and Immigration Reform

Last night at the Democratic National Convention, leaders from across the nation emphasized that Vice President Kamala Harris is the only candidate committed to securing the border and fixing the broken immigration system. They highlighted Harris’s long-standing efforts to advance tough and smart solutions for border security. In contrast, they criticized Donald Trump for derailing the toughest and fairest reforms in decades for his political gain. The message was clear: Vice President Harris is the candidate with the experience and determination to address the complex challenges of immigration, making her the best choice for leading the nation forward.

The post DNC Leaders Assert Harris as the Only Serious Candidate for Border Security and Immigration Reform first appeared on The Source.

The post DNC Leaders Assert Harris as the Only Serious Candidate for Border Security and Immigration Reform appeared first on The Source.

Lil Jon Electrifies DNC with Surprise Roll Call Appearance for Georgia Delegates

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Lil Jon Electrifies DNC with Surprise Roll Call Appearance for Georgia Delegates

On Tuesday night, August 20, during the Democratic National Convention, Lil Jon made a surprise appearance to announce Georgia’s delegates’ votes for Vice President Kamala Harris. As Georgia detailed their votes, DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s 2013 hit “Turn Down for What” blasted through the United Center speakers. The Atlanta legend then burst onto the stage, microphone in hand, performing the iconic single.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight to officially nominate Kamala Harris for president,” Lil Jon shouted, before rapping, “Fire up that loud, another round of shots/ DNC, turn down for what!” His energetic performance added a dynamic flair to the night, making it one of the most memorable moments of the convention.

The post Lil Jon Electrifies DNC with Surprise Roll Call Appearance for Georgia Delegates first appeared on The Source.

The post Lil Jon Electrifies DNC with Surprise Roll Call Appearance for Georgia Delegates appeared first on The Source.

WATCH: Michelle Obama Targets Trump at DNC with Response to ‘Black Job’ Comment

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Michelle Obama Targets Trump at DNC with Response to 'Black Job' Comment

Michelle Obama currently carries the trophy for best speech at the Democratic National Convention. Speaking at the United Center on Tuesday night ahead of her husband, Mrs. Obama’s message was clear: “Hope is making a comeback.”

During her time on stage, Mrs. Obama highlighted the resume of Kamala Harris as the source of the reinvigoration into the democratic party and America.

Part of the “hope” resurgence is the desire to dispatch Donald Trump permanently. In a pointed criticism, Obama highlighted Harris’s challenge, as she and her husband had previously experienced it.

“[Trump] did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Obama said. “See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black.”

Then the gut punch, recalling Trump’s own words: “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?”

The post WATCH: Michelle Obama Targets Trump at DNC with Response to ‘Black Job’ Comment first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Michelle Obama Targets Trump at DNC with Response to ‘Black Job’ Comment appeared first on The Source.