Common’s Be has hit its 20th anniversary. Hitting Instagram, the Chicago legend recalled the success of the classic project. “I was reminded that yesterday was the 19th anniversary for Be,” Common wrote. “How grateful I am to Ye and J Dilla and all the artists and musicians who created on that album.”
After much speculation, Common and Pete Rock have finally released their new single, “Wise Up.” The track blends the essence of the Golden Age of Hip Hop with a contemporary feel, creating a sound that resonates across all eras of hip-hop.
This collaboration brings together one of hip-hop’s most evocative emcees, Common, with one of its most celebrated producers, Pete Rock, setting a tone for what could be their most impactful work in decades.
To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock partnered with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. The video captures street-level community stories, visually representing the themes explored in the song. It includes visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.
“Wise Up” marks a significant moment in hip-hop, showcasing the perfect pairing of Common’s lyrical depth and Pete Rock’s legendary production skills. The single pays homage to their roots in the Golden Age and demonstrates their ability to evolve with the times, offering a universal appeal that transcends generations.
This release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as it signals the potential for more potent collaborations between these two iconic artists. With “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock reaffirm their status as influential figures in hip-hop, continuing to shape the genre with their innovative and thought-provoking work.
Chart-topping rapper, producer, and XO artist NAV has confirmed the speculation surrounding his upcoming album. In a recently released trailer packed with teasers of featured artists, NAV unveiled the album’s title, On My Way 2 Rexdale, paying homage to his roots in Toronto’s Rexdale neighborhood.
Rumors began swirling when NAV hinted at the title during his performance on Coachella’s Sahara stage, sparking online debate about whether it was a single or a full album. The trailer puts the speculation to rest, confirming that On My Way 2 Rexdale is indeed a highly anticipated new album set for release this summer. The title, conceived by Future, as seen in the trailer, has fans eagerly awaiting its drop.
Akademiks is attempting to advise Diddy on getting past his sexual assault allegations, while he also has his own sexual assault allegations.
Speaking on his Off the Record podcast next to Lamar Odom, Ak suggested Diddy claims to be gay or bisexual.
“One: he gotta come out and tell the whole world that he been gay or been bi or that he always identified as a woman,” Ak said. “Second way is to say that he had mental health issues and he’s been seeking therapy. The last way is to say he apologizes but all his actions was because he was touched as a child.”
Well, all of that is pretty wild to say, you can hear it below.
DJ Akademiks is the subject of a lawsuit alleging he committed rape and defamation against a woman named Fauziya Abashe. He states he will take the industry down with him.
“Let me tell you this about everyone in the industry: if Ak ever goes down, y’all going down with me. ‘Cause I hold no secrets for nobody,” Akademiks said. “Could it be that the exact next day I get hit up by a private investigator that works for Diddy alleging that maybe the same thing has happened in five other instances?”
In the sprawling story from Rolling Stone, Akademiks, born Livingston Allen, is accused of allowing Abashe to be raped by two men that were at his New Jersey home on July 16, 2022.
According to the report, Abashe did not know two women would be present. Those men are said to have drugged her and forced her with alcohol before assaulting and raping her on the pool deck.
Abashe states she lost consciousness during the incident, only to wake up at 4 a.m. on July 16, as Akademiks was raping her. Abashe states Akademiks was “pulling her hair, prying open her legs, and brutally raping her.” She also states she was penetrated anally and vaginally, while pleading for the entire ordeal to stop. She also states she was unable to “move physically.”
The lawsuit details Abashe asked Akademiks about details, in which he showed her a trash can with two condom wrappers, alluding to the woman being taken to another room of the home where the rape continued. Akademiks also allegedly showed video camera footage of the pool deck, where Abashe states she was “lying there lifeless, which did not sit right with her.”
On July 17, Akademiks told Abashe to “get tested,” which led her to believe their encounter was unprotected. Abashe contacted the police and received a rape kit, revealing traces of Akademiks’ sperm. Also collected were images of bruises on her arm, back, legs, and buttocks.
Aiding in the investigation, Abashe participated in a recorded call with Akademiks where he recalled the two having sex and describing the vagina. Law enforcement received a warrant to investigate Akademiks’ home. Abase believes Ak disposed of any evidence.
Abashe did not press charges but decided to sue after allegations were brought forth at the end of 2023. In a social media stream, Akademiks stated, “She was getting trained by my two mens on my pool deck.” Akademiks also stated she voluntarily engaged in an orgy but he never participated.
Akademiks did not reply to Rolling Stone with a comment.
Akademiks had his first stream of 2024 on Jan. 2. During the stream, Ak spoke about allegations levied against him by Abashae and revealed he was in full cooperation with the police.
“This situation went to the cops over a year and a half ago,” Ak said. “Me and my lawyer were openly cooperative because, serious allegations. I don’t care who’s involved, I don’t want weird shit happening around me.
“We helped the police. ‘Whatever you need! You want a phone? You want passcodes? Let’s decrypt our DVR.’ There is nothing they did not see.”
He added, “It was officially ruled by the D.A. and the police that there was nothing there. There ain’t no charges, there won’t be no charges and there’s documentation.”
You can hear it all from Akademiks below.
DJ Akademiks trended on social media to close in 2023 after Abashae stated in an Instagram Live Ak and two of his friends allegedly committed the crime.
“For you to pretend you didn’t do anything? That I just went to your house, and I’m some thot, like we didn’t know each other for two years,” Abashae said. “You tried to save yourself after your friends assaulted me. Whether or not you got drunk or not, I know that when you woke up, you were on top of me too. You raped me too.”
Additional claims online feature a woman stating that Akademiks engaged in communication with her until she was 18 before he attempted to have sex with her and a video surfacing with a woman screaming in the background.
Allegedly akademiks is linking & flying out underage girls & keeping in contact with girls to turn 18 to have sex with. This is a new story & their are multiple girls coming out about him making them drink to the point their unconscious & unresponsive so he can assault them pic.twitter.com/anE2QiChln
Basketball legend Bill Walton, who guided the UCLA Bruins to two national championships and later secured two NBA titles, has passed away at 71 following a long struggle with cancer.
Walton passed away on Monday, surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by his family via the NBA.
During his illustrious career, Walton was named the NBA’s MVP for the 1977-78 season and was honored as a member of the league’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams. His college career was equally remarkable, earning him two championships at UCLA and three national Player of the Year awards under the legendary coach John Wooden.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement to ESPN. “What I will remember most about him was his zest for life.
“He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.
“As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him.”
In the vibrant tapestry of NBA history, few figures loom as large or leave as indelible a mark as Bill Walton. Renowned for his towering stature on the court and his unmatched basketball IQ, Walton’s impact transcends mere statistics. He dominated the game during his prime and reshaped the way basketball was played and perceived.
Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton immediately set the league ablaze with his exceptional skill set. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 11 inches, Walton possessed an innate ability to control the game from the center position. His deft passing, impeccable footwork, and uncanny court vision revolutionized the big man’s role, turning him into an offensive fulcrum and defensive stalwart.
Walton’s zenith came in the 1976-77 season, when he led the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, a feat that solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. His virtuoso performance in the NBA Finals earned him the Finals MVP award, capping off a season marked by unparalleled excellence. However, injuries plagued Walton throughout his career, preventing him from reaching even greater heights.
Despite his injury, Walton’s impact on the NBA extended far beyond his playing days. His basketball acumen and passion for the game led him to become a respected analyst and commentator, providing insightful commentary and analysis that enriched the viewing experience for fans worldwide. His eloquence and encyclopedic knowledge of the game endeared him to audiences and cemented his legacy as a basketball sage.
Moreover, Walton’s advocacy for various social and environmental causes showcased his commitment to making a positive difference on and off the court. He used his platform to champion issues such as environmental conservation, social justice, and the importance of education, embodying the values of empathy and altruism.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, further solidifying his place among basketball’s legends. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Today, Bill Walton’s influence continues to reverberate throughout the NBA landscape. His innovative playing style has inspired generations of big men to expand their skill sets and embrace versatility. His advocacy for social and environmental causes reminds us that athletes have a platform and a responsibility to effect positive change in society.
In the annals of NBA history, Bill Walton stands as a towering figure whose impact transcends the confines of the basketball court. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with basketball fans for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of his influence.
I guess Mike Tyson’s seemingly recent fall ill on a flight isn’t enough to dampen his fight with Jake Paul. The YouTuber-turned-boxer recently reassured fans that his upcoming fight with Mike Tyson is still on, despite Tyson’s recent health scare. The 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer took to social media on Monday to address rumors of a cancellation following Tyson’s medical emergency over the weekend.
Here’s what Paul posted “You love to make s–t up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed #PaulTyson,” Paul wrote on X.
Get this: Tyson, 57, experienced nausea and dizziness due to an ulcer flare-up while on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. His representative told Page Six that Tyson “became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing.” They added that Tyson is “appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him” and clarified that he is “doing great.”
The sanctioned match between Tyson and Paul is set to broadcast live on Netflix, which is the biggest streamer in the world, from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 20. Tyson expressed enthusiasm for the fight, calling it a “no-brainer” at a press conference earlier this month. “He’s the new up-and-coming guy on the scene. I like shaking the sports world to its core, and I’m doing that now. It’s just something I want to do,” Tyson explained.
Paul also stated the significance of their fight, stating, “This is quite literally the biggest fight of the 21st century.” He emphasized the match’s global reach, adding, “Because of the fact that it’s Mike Tyson versus me, but also the fact that it’s in 700 million households.”
Iron Mike, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986 by defeating Trevor Berbick, has an impressive 50-6-2 record with 44 knockouts. In contrast, Paul holds a 9-1 record with six knockouts. Despite his relative inexperience, Paul remains confident. “I’m a natural-born heavyweight,” he declared. “I’m gonna show Mike who has more power. I think he’s underestimating me, I think everyone else is underestimating me.”
Essence Fest 2024 is here, and R&B icon Usher is set to headline the Festival of Culture with a special one-night-only concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed album Confessions. Talk about good timing.
This performance is one to check out. It is part of the festival’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, taking place in New Orleans from July 4-7, 2024, at the Caesar’s Superdome.
Ge this, the festival lineup includes major artists such as Janet Jackson, Birdman and Friends, Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, T-Pain, TGT, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and rising star Victoria Monét. Keke Palmer, Pretty Vee, Big Tigger, Punkie Johnson, and Kenny Burns will handle hosting duties, with DJ sets from Raj Smoove, DJ Clark Kent, and DJ Beverly Bond.
Daytime events are also fun and exciting which will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, featuring activities like the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, BEAUTYCON: @ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, ESSENCE Film Festival by ESSENCE STUDIOS, ESSENCE Stage, SOKO MRKT by ESSENCE, ESSENCE Authors, ESSENCE GU CREATORS HOUSE, and GBEF HQ. This year’s festival also introduces The Suede: Men’s Experience, focusing on Black men’s interests in money, fatherhood, creativity, health, travel, fashion, and sports.
Here is what Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, said about the significance of the festival … “For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice. As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time. It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”
Whelp things are staying interesting on Nicki Minaj’s tour in Europe these as of late.
The “Moment for Life” rapper threatened to fire her tour DJ, DJ Boof, after he posted a photo signing a fan’s breasts during the Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
Here’s the image, threat, post … all of that.
Inbox 2 shawn thenorthstargroup biz NorthStar Business Enterprises Mail
DJ Boof captioned the photo, “I’m really famous,” with a crying laughing emoji.
He added, “They asked me to sign their boobs.” In response, Minaj wrote on X, “I promise I’ll fire him if I EVAHHHHH see this again. Df.”
Sigh … The latest incident follows Minaj’s legal troubles in Europe where ICYMI, while in Amsterdam, was detained for allegedly carrying drugs, forcing her to postpone her Manchester show.
Minaj plans to take legal action against Dutch police, having been detained for “5-6 hours.”
She tweeted, “So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded @ getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time.
“I have sooooooooo much video evidence. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. I’ll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.” Minaj was fined 350 euros after her release.
Janice Turner, the mother of singer Sean Kingston, was released on bail after being detained in a fraud case involving her and her son. Arrested following a raid on Sean’s Florida mansion, Janice, 61, faces charges including an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and identity theft. According to TMZ, she posted a $160,000 bond to secure her release.
Sean Kingston, however, remains in custody at the San Bernardino County jail in California, detained under the same warrant after a concert at Fort Irwin. He awaits an extradition hearing on Tuesday and is expected to be returned to Florida for further legal proceedings.
During the raid on Sean’s 14,000-square-foot rented mansion in Southwest Ranches, authorities seized several items, including a $150,000 LED TV screen. This purchase is central to the legal case, as Sean allegedly obtained the TV on credit with minimal down payment, promising that Justin Bieber would endorse the product. However, Bieber is not implicated in the matter.
Attorney Robert Rosenblatt, representing Sean and Janice, stated their readiness to address the accusations in court and expressed confidence in a favorable outcome. Sean Kingston is currently on probation for trafficking stolen property, while Janice has a prior conviction for bank fraud.
Sean Kingston, known for hits like “Beautiful Girls” and “Take You There,” has had his career overshadowed by these legal issues, despite previous musical successes, including his collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Eenie Meenie.”
The 77th Cannes Film Festival witnessed another unsettling incident involving Girls’ Generation member YoonA, who faced alleged racial discrimination by a security guard on the red carpet. The event, which was meant to celebrate cinematic excellence has been marred by this controversy.
While YoonA posed for the press, a female security guard intervened, causing her visible discomfort. Reports suggest that this guard targeted women of color, with similar incidents reported involving Dominican actress Massiel Taveras and singer Kelly Rowland.
#GirlsGaneration‘s #YoonA Faces Alleged Racial Discrimination by Security Guard at 77th Cannes Film Festival.
While posing for the press, a female security guard stopped her, causing visible discomfort.
YoonA experienced this discriminatory act as she was engaging with photographers and fans. The sudden stop by the security guard raised eyebrows and drew attention to the broader issue of racial discrimination at high-profile events.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better training and awareness among security personnel at international events to prevent such discriminatory behavior. Fans and attendees expressed their support for YoonA, Rowland, and Taveras, calling for more inclusive and respectful treatment of all individuals, regardless of their race or background. In contrast fans pointed out the treatment of model Heidi Klum.
Heidi Klum attends “Le Deuxième Acte” (“The Second Act”) Screening & opening ceremony red carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival #Cannes2024
Last week, rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, found themselves in legal trouble after Kingston’s rented Miami mansion was raided by local sheriffs. The raid came following accusations that Kingston scammed an electronics store out of a high-end entertainment system.
Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, is currently being held without bond in California as he awaits extradition. Meanwhile, his mother appeared in court, where her past fraud convictions significantly influenced her bond amount.
According to CBS News, Turner’s bond was set at an exorbitant $160,000 due to her previous criminal record. The judge read off the eight fraud and theft charges against her during her bond court hearing. Prosecutor Eric Linder highlighted her history, stating, “This is not Ms. Turner’s first time with this type of conduct. She has a 2005 federal conviction for bank fraud where she was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison.”
In her defense, Turner’s attorney, Sam Stark, argued for a more lenient bond, emphasizing that her charges were non-violent. “There are no violent priors, this case is not violent in nature, she doesn’t pose a threat to the community,” Stark contended. Despite these arguments, the judge maintained the high bond amount and stipulated that Turner’s attorney must prove the bond money is from a legitimate source.
Kingston’s troubles began when he allegedly failed to complete payments to VER Entertainment for a $150,000 entertainment system, which included a massive 232-inch television. The complaint states that Kingston persuaded the company to accept a lower down payment and credit towards the purchase by promising to produce promotional videos featuring Justin Bieber. However, these videos were never produced, leading to the company’s legal action.
In a dramatic scene described by Kingston’s attorney, Rosenblatt, the arrest was conducted with significant force. “You would think Osama bin Laden was there with all the force they used—long guns, SWAT teams, masks, and everything else. It was crazy! Certainly overreacted,” he said.
Rosenblatt also mentioned their intention to bring Kingston back voluntarily before he was apprehended. “We wanted to bring them back as soon as possible so he could self-surrender, but they grabbed them before we could do that,” Rosenblatt explained. “And he’s going to waive extradition.”
As Kingston awaits extradition from San Bernardino, California, his legal team prepares for what could be a lengthy legal battle. Meanwhile, Turner’s case moves forward in Florida, with her bond set and conditions laid out by the court.
has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice. As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time. It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”
Getty 