WhyHunger, a non-profit organization working to end hunger and the injustices that cause it – held its 2nd annual Amplifiedconcert Presented by EY on October 15 at NYC’s Irving Plaza, kicking off its 39th annual Hungerthon fund-raising and education campaign.
Hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr., the evening’s musical talent featured iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Showhouse band The Roots, award-winning 18-year-old guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge, as well as Cuban “international funk champion” (NY Times) Cimafunk – captivating the audience with sets across funk, hip hop, blues, and soul.
Founded by the late singer/songwriter Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975, WhyHunger has music in its DNA. Honoring its origins, the organization harnesses the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. The 2nd annual Amplified eventraised a gross total of $545,000 to support WhyHunger’s ongoing work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. More than 91% of funds raised will support community-based solutions for people in need across America.
iHeartRadio served as the Amplified 2024’s Premier Audio Partner, including on-air, digital, and social promotion on six iHeartRadio New York stations including 710 WOR, Z100, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1 and 106.7 LITE FM.
Jenique Jones, WhyHunger Executive Director, said “Our 2nd Amplified concert was a dynamic celebration of the unique power of music and community to drive social change. An unforgettable kickoff to our Hungerthon campaign, the support of these artists, sponsors and fans will enable usto address the pressing challenges of food insecurity at a grassroots level, and to confront the broader social and economic causes of food injustice.”
Ananda Lewis, beloved former MTV VJ and BET’s Teen Summit host, has revealed that her battle with breast cancer has taken a tragic turn. Diagnosed in 2020 with Stage III breast cancer, Ananda, now 51, shared in a recent discussion with CNN’s Stephanie Elam and anchor Sara Sidner that the cancer has spread, affecting her lymph nodes.
Back in 2020, Ananda publicly disclosed her diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post, explaining that she had long avoided mammograms due to a fear of radiation exposure. At the time, she also chose to forego the double mastectomy her doctors recommended, opting instead for alternative methods to heal her body.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent. I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” Ananda said. She was determined to handle her condition naturally, even deciding to keep her tumor in the hopes of addressing it in a non-invasive way. Now, looking back, she reflects on that decision with some regret. “Maybe I should have,” she admitted, acknowledging the challenges that have followed.
In 2023, Ananda discovered the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, marking a sobering progression in her condition. She described the moment her lymph system flared up as the first time she confronted the possibility of death. “It was the first time I ever had a conversation with death because I felt like: This is how it is,” she shared.
In her candid interview, Ananda opened up about the emotional toll this realization had on her. “I was frustrated, I was a little angry at myself, and I said, ‘Man, listen. I know you’re coming for me at some point. But I don’t want it to be now. And if you could just wait, I promise when you do come, I’m gonna make it fun for you.’”
Ananda became a household name in the 1990s, captivating audiences as a host on Teen Summit before becoming one of MTV’s first video jockeys. Her charisma and connection with viewers made her a beloved figure for a generation of music lovers. Now, she is showing the same vulnerability and strength in sharing her ongoing health journey.
As Ananda continues her fight, her story serves as both a reminder of the importance of early detection and a testament to her enduring strength in the face of immense adversity.
Adding to his long list of over 100 accusers, another woman has recently come forward to file a lawsuit alleging that Diddy sexually assaulted her over taunts she made about his alleged involvement in the drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur in September 1996 that left him mortally wounded.
Ashley Parham claims that back in 2018, she teased the Bad Boy mogul about being involved in ‘Pac’s death and she claims that because of the verbal jab, he targeted her and eventually sexually assaulted her with a television remote.
Parham claims that the taunt was made in her initial contact with Diddy over FaceTime, to which he replied that she would “pay” for her comments. Parham says that a month later, she was invited to a home in Orinda, California, but contends that the meeting was a set up orchestrated by Diddy. She says that upon her arrival, Diddy held her at knifepoint and threatened to give her a “Glasgow smile” for her Tupac cooments.
A Glasgow smile is where an assailant cuts their victim’s face at the corners of their mouth.
Parham then claims that Diddy took his clothes off, covered her body in a liquid-like substance, then proceeded to sexually assault her with a television remote. She also said that Diddy threatened to make her disappear before he and two other men raped her.
Parham alleged that the mogul told her he “hadn’t had any a*s that tight in a while” and offered to pay her to say their encounter was consensual.
In court docs obtained by TMZ, Parham says that she declined the offer and threatened to go to the police, but Diddy responded by threatening the safety of her family. Parham alleges that she reported the incident to Walnut Creek Police and the Orinda Police Department, however, no investigation was ever conducted into the incident.
Diddy’s reps have yet to publicly address these new allegations.
The Hip Hop world is in shock after the news has been confirmed that legendary Brooklyn DJ Clark Kent has passed away. He was only 57 years old.
There has been no report as of the cause of his death, however, family members and close associates have confirmed his passing.
The Panamanian-born DJ was originally behind the wheels of steel for Brooklyn legend Dana Dane before stepping behind the production boards, producing hits such as Junior Mafia’s “Player’s Anthem” and for artists such as 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Rakim, Slick Rick and more.
TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop.
Rap legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have once again united their creative forces, this time venturing into the world of premium spirits with the launch of STILL G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop. Announced today, this ultra-premium gin marks the highly-anticipated second product release from their award-winning beverage brand, and the duo’s first entry into the pure premium spirit space. Following the global success of their first release, the Gin & Juice canned cocktail, STILL G.I.N. brings the same level of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation to the world of distilled spirits.
STILL G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop is a bold, modern gin that stands out for its clean, citrus-forward flavor and smooth, mixable quality. Bursting with notes of tangerine, jasmine, and coriander, the gin offers a vibrant and balanced profile that’s designed to elevate any cocktail experience. As the first pure bottled spirit with the official cosign of Dr. Dre and Snoop, STILL G.I.N. showcases the perfectionist approach that both artists are known for.
“This is not a liquor that we’re just putting our name on,” Dr. Dre explains. “It’s just like we did with Beats headphones. Everything is us from the ground up: the gin, the flavor, the packaging… Everything had to be perfect. Snoop said it best: we’re better together – it’s always magical. From the look to the taste, it’s all there.”
Snoop Dogg added, “Every day in the studio when Dre and I were trying to make the dopest music, we were drinking gin and just having fun. We’ve been a part of the evolution of this gin – from the creation of the flavor to the percentage of alcohol that’s in it – and it’s just so good! Dre’s a perfectionist: he wants to make sure it’s not just good, but great. Together, we ain’t gonna do nothing regular!”
STILL G.I.N. draws its inspiration from the pair’s classic hit “Still D.R.E.” off Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking album 2001, paying homage to the duo’s musical legacy while breaking new ground in the beverage industry. This follows the release of their highly successful Gin & Juice, a nod to Snoop Dogg’s iconic track of the same name.
Crafted through an artisanal process of vapor distillation in a copper pot, STILL G.I.N. is 85 proof (42.5% ABV) and features a refined botanical blend that balances vibrant citrus flavors with subtle floral and spice notes. The meticulous craftsmanship that went into this gin ensures it appeals to a wide variety of palates, from casual drinkers to seasoned gin connoisseurs.
The bottle design is equally striking, with its unique honeycomb 750ml packaging created by renowned designer Ini Archibong, who also conceived the branding for Gin & Juice. The result is an eye-catching and stylish bottle that reflects the premium quality of the spirit inside.
Priced at $34.99, STILL G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop is distilled and bottled in the U.S. and distributed nationwide through Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. The launch comes on the heels of a successful first year for the brand, which included international expansion and becoming the first-ever alcohol sponsor of an NCAA bowl game with the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl.
“We’ve always wanted to create a gin that matches the level of creativity and innovation we bring to everything we do,” says Andrew Gill, the brand’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Dre and Snoop were involved in every step – from the bottle design to getting the perfect harmony of botanical notes into each sip.”
With STILL G.I.N., Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg continue to push boundaries, offering a premium spirit that’s as smooth and sophisticated as the music they’ve created over the years. Fans can now raise a glass to the dynamic duo’s latest success, as STILL G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop is officially available for purchase nationwide.
New York rap icon Fat Joe recently opened up about his battle with diabetes and his use of Ozempic as part of his broader weight loss journey.
Before you start the judgement, Fat Joe, has been managing diabetes since his teenage years, and made it clear that while Ozempic helped, it was just one tool in his long-standing commitment to his health.
Get this, for years, Joe has relied on discipline, diet, and exercise to transform his body, long before Ozempic came into the picture. Unlike some celebrities who might keep their use of weight-loss drugs private, the Bronx native has been transparent about his experience. Gotta respect that.
In an honest conversation with Us Weekly, he shared that while the medication played a role, his significant dietary changes were a major factor in helping him shed 200 pounds.
“Ozempic says you may only have two pieces of your favorite stuff,” Joe explained, referring to his reduced intake of carbs like bread, pasta, and rice. He even goes as far as cutting the corners off his toast to maintain moderation and balance.
ICYMI, Joe’s slimmer figure will be on full display when he hosts the BET Hip Hop Awards. His honesty about using Ozempic has added to the ongoing conversation surrounding the drug, which has stirred debate in Hollywood this year. While some, like fitness expert Jillian Michaels, have raised concerns about potential long-term psychological effects and urged people to rethink their food habits, Joe remains focused on the positive changes he’s made.
What’s more, beyond weight loss, Fat Joe has long been an advocate for health. He’s even been working with politicians to address hidden healthcare costs, showing that his dedication to wellness goes far beyond his personal journey.
During a recent interview with Us Weekly, BX rap legend Fat Joe talked about his weight loss and how a healthier diet has led him to lose weight in order to help battle his almost life-long fight with diabetes.
Joe says that along with his new dietary habits, taking Ozempic has help him lose upward of 200 lbs. in the past two decades.
“We just try to eat everything with the least carbs as possible,” Joe told Us Weekly. “So we try to stay away from the bread, the pasta, the rice. That’s the smartest way to eat.” He added that carbs are still necessary so it’s all about balance. “Like this morning I ate breakfast, I had this toast. I cut the corner off, ate it, and kept it moving,” he added. “Normally I would’ve ate [sic] the whole thing. But you know, that’s what we do. We cut carbs and try to be smarter.”
The Terror Squad Don is scheduled to host tonight’s BET Hip Hop Awards live from Las Vegas.
Reports have confirmed that Jake E. Lee, a guitarist who’s best known for playing for heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, was shot multiple times today(October 15) while walking his dog in Las Vegas at 2:40 am.
Lee is currently in ICU, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Police believe that Lee was a victim of random violence and was not targeted in any way. Nevertheless, LVMPD are actively investigating the case. There have been no arrests nor do the police have any suspects.
The “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne commented on the incident, saying, “It’s been 37 years since I’ve seen Jake E. Lee, but that still doesn’t take away from the shock of hearing what happened to him today. It’s just another senseless act of gun violence. I send my thoughts to him and his beautiful daughter, Jade. I just hope he’ll be ok.”
Jake took over as Ozzy’s lead guitarist in ’82 after the tragic death of Randy Rhoads and left his mark on classic albums like ’83’s “Bark at the Moon” and ’86’s “The Ultimate Sin.”
Here’s one celebrity who isn’t taking a legal “L.” Katt Williams recently secured a significant legal victory in a long-standing assault lawsuit dating back to 2016. The case, brought by former assistant Angelina Triplett-Hill, was dismissed by Judge Christina Snyder, who threw out the $1.7 million judgment against the comedian.
The dismissal sprung after it was revealed that no hospital records or police reports were filed to substantiate the claims. Triplett-Hill had accused Williams of assaulting her on a California film set in 2014.
According to court documents obtained by the all knowing Daily Mail, she alleged that Williams verbally attacked her after she took a phone call, which escalated into a physical altercation. Triplett-Hill claimed the comedian struck her multiple times, causing her to fall unconscious. She further accused Williams of ignoring her after the incident. In 2016, a $1.7 million default judgment was awarded to Triplett-Hill, as Williams reportedly did not respond to the lawsuit.
As expected, Williams’ legal team, however, maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
“Katt said he did nothing wrong and would never pay the woman a cent,” said his attorney, Jeremiah Reynolds, in a statement. “He accepted the risks and understood that the plaintiff would try to play on sympathy at trial to ask for even more money.”
At the contentious trial, Williams’ defense focused on discrediting Triplett-Hill’s claims. “We argued that the plaintiff had created a false narrative of working for Katt as his assistant and faked the incident,” Reynolds continued. “The plaintiff tried to play on the jurors’ emotions, supposed ‘power imbalances,’ and did everything she could to try to bring in irrelevant and prejudicial evidence about Katt. Judge Snyder excluded it all.”
This siginificant legal victory comes on the heels of Williams making waves earlier this year during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. In the interview, Williams critiqued several fellow comedians, including Kevin Hart, Michael Blackson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Tiffany Haddish. Following the interview, he received vocal support from other industry figures like Mo’Nique and Je’Niece McCullough, the daughter of the late Bernie Mac.
