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Young Thug Going Home: “In The Interest Of The Public And Administration Of Justice”

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Young Thug is going home. Thugger just reached a huge plea agreement in his YSL RICO case, bringing his lengthy criminal trial to a dramatic end. Whew … It’s over!

Under the deal, the rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, received a 40-year sentence structured as follows:

  • He will serve five years in prison, which has been commuted to time already served, followed by 15 years of probation.
  • An additional 20 years are backloaded, meaning he could serve this time in custody if he violates probation.
  • Further, Young Thug is prohibited from contacting any other co-defendants in the RICO case, with two exceptions he specifically requested: his biological brother and fellow rapper Gunna.

Look this has been a mission in the criminal prosecution of Young Thug. He had been held in custody since 2022, facing charges that included conspiracy to violate RICO, two counts of participating in criminal street gang activity, three counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a machine gun. His trial, part of Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial, has seen several co-defendants take different paths in court.

But get this, Douglas Weinstein, representing co-defendant Deamonte Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, stated that Kendrick declined the state’s plea offer and plans to fight the charges at trial. “Yak Gotti has rejected the State’s latest plea offer and fully intends to take this to the jury and get our not guilty verdicts and go home,” Weinstein shared.

What’s more, two other defendants, however, accepted plea deals this week. On Tuesday, Quamarvious Nichols pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and was sentenced to 20 years, with seven to be served in custody. On Wednesday, Rodalius Ryan also accepted a plea deal on RICO charges.

No matter how you feel about his prosecution, his ordeal and subsequent guilty plea agreement, Thugger is done with this case. It’s a wrap and for Young Thug, life goes on – out of jail.

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Prosecutors Refute Claim They Leaked Infamous Cassie Assault Video

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Prosecutors have denied allegations by Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team that they leaked surveillance footage showing Diddy allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie, in 2016. In what will be a slew of arguments on behalf of their embattled client, Diddy’s attorneys argued earlier this month that the government’s supposed leak of this hotel video to CNN compromised his right to a fair trial.

On Wednesday, October 30, prosecutors responded in a newly filed motion, refuting the claim and accusing Diddy’s team of trying to “suppress a damning piece of evidence,” according to Billboard.

When it comes to the prosecution, they contend that the video was never in their possession at the time of CNN’s May release, which revealed “shocking” footage of the incident. “Without any factual basis, the leak motion seeks to suppress highly probative evidence,” the prosecutors’ statement read, noting, “the video was not in the Government’s possession at the time of CNN’s publication and the Government has never, at any point, obtained the video through grand jury process.”

Get this, Diddy’s attorneys previously argued that the leaked video “led to damaging, highly prejudicial pre-trial publicity” that could potentially bias jurors, claiming it threatened to undermine Diddy’s right to a fair trial. They also called for an investigation into the alleged leak.

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Cardi B, GloRilla, MC Lyte Set to Appear With Kamala Harris At Milwaukee Campaign Rally

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The stars are pulling up for Vice President Kamala Harris “When We Vote We Win” rally in Milwaukee, WI, on Friday, November 1. Get this lineup. Set to appear are performers GloRilla, Flo Milli, MC Lyte, The Isley Brothers, and DJ Gemini Gilly, with oh snap, Cardi B scheduled to deliver remarks in support of Harris.

What’s more is a press release from Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s team highlighted the influence of these artists: “These artists and public figures are trusted voices for millions of Americans, who listen to their music, follow them on social media, or otherwise are inspired by them. The Harris-Walz campaign believes that by using their voices to lay out the stakes of this election, it will further encourage and mobilize people to go vote.”

When it comes to more battleground appearances, Harris is also scheduled to visit Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, November 2, where she’ll host a similar event featuring Khalid and Jon Bon Jovi. In related news, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a longtime Republican, endorsed Harris and Walz. Sharing his decision on Twitter, he said, “I will always be an American before I am a Republican… this week, I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”

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TT Torrez Empowers Over 300 Young Women at Inaugural #GoGetHer Music and Multi-Media Leadership Conference

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On October 26, 2024, the #GoGetHer Music and Multi-Media Leadership Conference debuted at Lehman College in the Bronx, attracting over 300 young women from underserved communities. Spearheaded by media powerhouse TT Torrez, this pioneering event aimed to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders in music and multimedia, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and guidance needed to thrive in both career and personal development.

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TT Torrez, known for her influential work in hip-hop and culture, opened the day with a powerful message on empowerment and self-advocacy. “This conference is about creating a community where these young women can see their potential and gain the knowledge they need to succeed in whatever path they choose,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of each attendee’s commitment to their future, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality.”

The conference was marked by insightful keynote speakers, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and high-fashion model and philanthropist Daiyanna Muhammad, who shared messages of resilience, leadership, and the strength found within oneself. Their speeches underscored the value of representation and the necessity of empowering Black and Brown young women to lead with confidence.

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Highlights and Sessions

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in dynamic workshops, panels, and breakout sessions led by industry leaders, each one curated to foster a positive self-image, boost confidence, and build career-essential skills. Key sessions included:

  • “Navigating the Industry Landscape and Building a Vision” – Industry expert Patricia Robinson led this workshop, guiding attendees in building their professional vision and setting actionable steps for success in music and media.
  • “Healing and Self-Love in Leadership” – Dr. Donnette Green taught young women the importance of resilience, self-care, and self-awareness as foundational elements in their leadership journey.
  • Meditation Session – Rachel Nicks led a grounding meditation to help attendees center themselves for a full day of learning and reflection.
  • “Beauty Inside and Out” Makeup Tutorial – The founders of Make Me Over Beauty Truck, Candice and Natasha, provided an empowering makeup tutorial, celebrating self-expression and confidence.
  • “Innovation and Creativity in Multi-Media” Panel – Moderated by Tai Perkins and Zayna Allen, this panel featured top voices like Vibe Magazine’s Amber Corrine, journalist Kim Osorio, and entrepreneur Marilyn Van Alstyne. They shared insights on pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation within multimedia.
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In addition to the sessions, attendees received premium gift bags sponsored by Rainbow and enjoyed meals sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Eat Clean Bro, allowing them ample opportunities to connect and network with each other and industry professionals in a relaxed environment.

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A Vision for the Future

The #GoGetHer Conference was made possible with the support of sponsors dedicated to empowering youth and underserved communities. Special thanks went out to sponsors like Rainbow, Make Me Over Beauty Truck, the Bronx Terminal Market, Echelon Ink Complete Merch Solutions, Squad Williams Foundation, Mara Entertainment, Dunkin’ Donuts, Pure Coconut Water 100, and the Bronx Borough Office under President Vanessa L. Gibson.

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With a mission rooted in community empowerment, TT Torrez continues to champion initiatives that uplift young women in the Bronx and beyond. Currently the Vice President of Artist and Label Relations at HOT 97, TT also hosts Tap In with TT and Trigger Warning, two podcasts that bring impactful conversations to the forefront of hip-hop culture from a woman’s perspective.

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Through her work, TT Torrez is creating lasting change, inspiring young women to embrace leadership roles, achieve their dreams, and make their voices heard in the world of music and multimedia.

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Ray J Confirms Altercation With Diddy’s Sons: ‘Luckily, the Homie Chris Was There’

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Ray J Says Diddy Needs a 'Public Whipping' For Cassie Abuse

Ray J Says Diddy Needs a 'Public Whipping' For Cassie Abuse

Ray J is confirming an encounter between him and Diddy’s sons occurred. Earlier in the week, TMZ detailed an incident at a Halloween party where Diddy’s sons were about to fight Ray J.

The three Combs sons, Christian, Quincy, and Justin, were at Tara Electra’s Unruly Agency Halloween bash on Halloween, and it truly almost got unruly. The Combs clan saw Ray J outside the party, as he was with Amber Rose and his manager, David Weintraub. The trio surrounded Ray J, upset about his comments about Diddy.

As the altercation escalated, with Christian and Justin reportedly eager to fight, Chris Brown, who was nearby in his car, allegedly diffused the situation and ran over to break up the fight.

After Breezy, others stepped in to prevent the incident from escalating. TMZ sources reveal this is not the first altercation between Ray J and Diddy’s sons.

Ray J spoke on the incident with Wack 100, saying, “I tried to talk some sense into what happened. Luckily, the homie Chris was there.”

Ray J claims it was eight people in the Combs party when they approached him. You can hear it all below.

Ray J has been vocal about Diddy since a video emerged of the mogul abusing Cassie in a California hotel. Speaking with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Ray J acknowledges that “everybody messes up,” but he and Diddy “can’t be cool after that.”

Expanding on the matter, Ray J said: “It’s unforgiveable, it’s too much. Never being able to be around us and our world ’cause we don’t condone that is definitely a fact.”

Furthermore, Ray J thinks Diddy needs a public “whipping,” suggesting, “100 lashes, 1,000 lashes. That would help.”

You can see the moment below and hear Ray J’s message supporting Cassie.

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Today In Hip Hop History: The Legendary MF DOOM Passed Away Four Years Ago

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MF DOOM's Estate

MF DOOM's Estate

On this date in 2020, MF Doom’s family released a statement announcing that the influential rapper passed away at 49.

“The greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ever ask for,” DOOM’s wife Jasmine wrote in te caption of an Instagram post depicting her late husband. “Thank you for all the things you have shown, taught and given to me, our children and our family. Thank you for teaching me how to forgive beings and give another chance, not to be so quick to judge and write off. Thank you for showing how not to be afraid to love and be the best person I could ever be.”

The statement continued, “My world will never be the same without you. Words will never express what you and Malachi mean to me, I love both and adore you always. May THE ALL continue to bless you, our family and the planet.”

MF Doom passed away on Halloween, according to his wife, and his cause of death is currently unknown. Interestingly enough, DOOM’s death announcement didn’t come until two months after his passing, on December 31, 2020.

DOOM is undoubtedly one of the game’s most prolific artists, making a name for himself under the moniker Zev Love X with the group KMD in the early 90s before he donned the Metalface mask and took on the MF DOOM persona. DOOM, released six studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, ten instrumental albums, seven collaborative albums, 14 singles, and 32 music videos in his career. In 2022, DOOM was Number 2 in the Greatest Rapper of All Time poll on Twitter, losing only to Hip Hop mogul 50 Cent.

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Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘The Dynasty: Roc La Familia’ LP 24 Years Ago

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On this date at the turn of the millennium, Jay-Z and his Rocafella cohorts released the only crew album of his career, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia.

Along with Memphis Bleek and the State Property clan from Philly, including Peedi Crack, Beanie Sigel, Oschino, Sparks, Freeway, and others, Hov brought the supergroup energy to this album that was seen as the pinnacle of Jay’s career; right before his Blueprint metamorphosis, which was the beginning of the mogul he is today.

Even with all of the star power on the album, there were still some stand-out tracks on the LP exclusively released on the infamous Rocafella imprint, including the Neptunes-produced ‘I Just Want To Love U(Give It To Me)”, the controversial “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” featuring the trouble-ridden R. Kelly and the old Kanye-produced “This Can’t Be Life” featuring Beanie and Geto Boys’ Scarface. With additional production from the likes of Just Blaze, Rockwilder, Rick Rock, and others, this album is one of Jigga’s standout projects of his illustrious career.

Salute to Jay, Biggs, Dame, Bleek, and the rest of the Roc for this piece of Hip-Hop History!!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Released Their Fourth Studio LP ‘Stankonia’ 24 Years Ago

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TodayinHip HopHistory:OutkastReleasesTheirFourthStudioLP'Stankonia'YearsAgo

On this date, at the turn of the century, Big Boi and Andre 3000 dropped their fourth album entitled Stankonia on the Laface/Arista imprint.

Following up on their successful Aquemini LP, Outkast set out to challenge themselves creatively and that they did; Stankonia ended up being one of the duo’s most successful commercial albums, going gold in the first week after its release.

Some of the album’s leading singles include the baby mama drama anthem “Ms. Jackson,” the rhythmic hook of the catchy “So Fresh So Clean,” and the timely and socially conscious “Bombs Over Baghdad (B.O.B.).” With solid production from both Organized Noize and Earthtone III, this album is one of the South’s most impactful projects to date.

Salute to Organized Noize, 3 Stacks, Big Boi, and their entire team for bringing us such a timeless Hip-Hop classic!

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dodgers Take World Series In Dramatic 7-6 Win Over Yankees In Game 5

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Who knew that the fifth inning rally from Los Angeles would end the Yankees chances at Game 6 and be the deciding factor in who won the World Series? Well, the Dodgers, of course. Those L.A. boys took advantage of three critical errors by the Yankees in order to force in five runs, tying the game and ultimately taking the lead in the eighth to clinch the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title.

The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman continued his hot hitting streak throughout the series, knocking in 2 RBIs with the bases loaded to spark the upturn in the top of the fifth, tying Bobby Richardson (1960) for a World Series record with 12 RBIs and earning his World Series MVP stripes.

The Yankees gave a valiant fight at home in their last battle with the Dodgers, opening up with homers over the right field wall from Aaron Judge, whose been virtually hitless throughout the series, along with Chisholm Jr. in the bottom of the first inning. Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty gave up four hits, including the two HRs from Judge and Chisholm before L.A. bumped him from the mound and employed four more pitchers by the fifth inning.

Gerrit Cole was set for the win, not allowing a single hit in four complete innings. Things changed in the fifth. Center fielder Kiké Hernandez singled to left field, setting off a come up for L.A. Judge dropped a simple line drive for an error. Shortstop Anthony Volpe made an wild throw for an otherwise easy force out at third base. Cole did not cover first base on a grounder to Anthony Rizzo, allowing the first run of the inning to score. Freeman knocked in two, followed by Teoscar Hernandez, who doubled and brought in another two, tying the game.

In this 7-6 win, the Dodgers earned their season ending celebration, becoming the first team in a World Series-clinching win to come back from a five run or more deficit. They also became the first team in MLB postseason history to fall behind by five-plus runs, come back, only to fall behind again and still win the game.

L.A. was led by one of the greatest performances at the plate in World Series history by Freddie Freeman, the World Series MVP, who set a major league record for most consecutive World Series games with a home run. The six-homer streak began with the last two games in the 2021 Series with the Atlanta Braves and continued with the first four games in the 2024 World Series.

The way the Dodgers played in the final game was also proof that they don’t always need a walk-off grand slam like the one Freeman provided in Game 1 or any homers to clinch the series and take the Commissioner’s Trophy back to Los Angeles.

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The Weeknd Releases “São Paulo” Video With Anitta For Halloween

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The Weeknd debuts his highly anticipated song and music video for “São Paulo” featuring Brazilian superstar Anitta. Directed by the visionary FREEKA, the video takes a dark, jarring turn as Anitta, who is pregnant in the storyline, reveals an ever-emerging face within her belly. This bizarre and haunting imagery amplifies another bold visual chapter for The Weeknd. Alongside the video premiere, “São Paulo” will be available on all streaming platforms worldwide.

The release of “São Paulo” follows a series of record-breaking accomplishments for The Weeknd. He recently surpassed his own record as the artist with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify, with over 120 million monthly listeners. This milestone comes on the heels of chart-topping releases like “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti, produced by Pharrell Williams, which debuted in the top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Dancing in the Flames.” Both tracks are set to appear on his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.

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