The Rock Addresses The Maui Fund Backlash

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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Oprah Winfrey were hailed as heroes when they launched a fund for the survivors of the Maui wildfires. The two Hollywood stars soon received backlash after asking the public for donations. Now The Rock is giving an update on the Maui funds and touches on the backlash for social media.

In a video shared on Instagram The Rock announces that the Maui survivors have received their first round of payouts. The Rock also promises to do better next time. He wrote on his Instagram page:

Update on the People’s Fund of Maui 🙏🏾

I’m so grateful and moved by all the messages I’m receiving out of Maui from the survivors of the devastating wildfires who are now getting their personal funding from The People’s Fund of Maui.
The strength of our people of Maui is beautiful and inspiring. Watching families and community come together after this tragedy is inspirational and I’m proud of our Polynesian people. Thank you to everyone who has helped by sending resources, love and prayers to all people affected by the fires and a loving mahalo and RESPECT to our OG cultural leaders, our local community organizations, and all our first responders and every person who came together to help our people.

And to everyone in my social media community right here. Our connection is everything because we only know how to be REAL with each other. You always tell me the truth – good or bad – I’ll always appreciate and protect that straight talk between us – you have my word to always listen, learn, grow and do better.
I’ve never launched a fund before – trust me, I’m a quick study and learn my lessons fast 😊
I totally get it and I appreciate you.

To our Maui/Lahaina survivors,
Mana is in our DNA.
All of us.
We get knocked down.
We rise back up stronger, as one.
That’s who we are as Polynesian people.
And that’s who we are as Americans.
STAY STRONG MAUI 💪🏾
Love you.

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Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Teams Up with JPMorgan Chase to Boost Financial Literacy

Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Teams Up with JPMorgan Chase to Boost Financial Literacy

The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with JPMorgan Chase to introduce a financial health course for the 2023-24 academic year, marking a significant step in helping students develop strong money management skills and secure a prosperous financial future.

In addition to the financial health course, JPMorgan Chase is contributing $115,000 to LIU’s Hope Scholarship program, designed to support high-achieving students with financial needs. This investment will further bolster the Hope Scholarship program, which offers 25 percent of incoming students a tuition-free education each year.

“At JPMorgan Chase, we’re proud to partner with LIU’s Roc Nation School, breaking down financial barriers for college students in Brooklyn. Together, we’re providing the essential resources and support our future leaders need to shape their career and financial futures,” said Diedra Porché, managing director, head of Community Banking and Development, Chase. 

The financial health course, held at LIU’s Brooklyn campus, will span 16 weeks and encompass a variety of workshops covering topics like money management, credit building, home buying, and fraud prevention. The course will also feature guest speakers such as Chase Griffin from UCLA, Victor Cruz, a legendary figure from the New York Giants, and JPMorgan Chase leadership, providing valuable insights and advice on academic, career, and personal success.

“It’s absolutely vital that we equip our students with a versatile array of tools and resources to thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said. “With the addition of JPMorgan Chase’s financial health course, students will be poised to make stronger and more informed financial decisions in a way that can profoundly shape the trajectory of their lives and careers.” 

Furthermore, JPMorgan Chase will host financial health events at the Chase Community Center in Harlem, enhancing the learning experience for course participants.

The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment is partnering with JPMorgan Chase and the Money Smart Financial Coaching Program to ensure broader financial literacy beyond the classroom. With a $220,000 grant, the school will offer individualized financial coaching to 90 students in its first year. This initiative, proven to enhance student attendance and graduation rates while promoting lifelong financial health, aims to create a sustainable and successful program.

“As part of our commitment to and investment in New York City, we are embedding financial literacy into the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment curriculum for the first time and enabling students to take charge of their economic future while earning credits toward graduation, gaining critical career skills and receiving financial coaching,” said Jason Patton, Northeast Divisional Director for Community and Business Development, Chase. “We are excited to embark on this work with such a great partner and bring the full force of our firm to the collegiate setting and support these future leaders on their financial journeys.” 

The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, launched in 2020, is dedicated to preparing students for careers in various fields, including entrepreneurship, music, sports business, and management, providing them with invaluable internship experiences and a robust network of professional contacts.

“Together, we are committed to delivering diverse and robust experiences that will serve as the foundation for our students’ successful careers and financial futures,” said Tressa Cunningham, Dean of Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.“Through this collaborative effort, the JPMorgan Chase team will help provide the next generation of professionals with the knowledge, foundation and opportunities to excel personally and professionally.” 

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Bruno Mars Fled Israel Shortly After Initial Hamas Attacks, Was Set to Perform Historic Show

Bruno Mars to Honor Cardi B Every Night on Tour

Bruno Mars, set to make history with back-to-back concerts at Tel Aviv’s HaYarkon Park, abruptly canceled his show on Saturday amid escalating tensions in Israel.

Mars was poised to become only the third American artist to perform two sold-out concerts at the 70,000-capacity venue, following the footsteps of Madonna in 2009 and Michael Jackson in 1993. His first concert last Wednesday, lasting nearly four hours with two local Tel Aviv acts opening, was met with immense anticipation.

However, as reports of a coordinated Hamas-led terrorist attack emerged early Saturday, the situation escalated rapidly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the nation to be “at war” with Hamas later that day. Consequently, Live Nation Israel, the concert’s promoter, announced the cancellation in the afternoon.

By 2 p.m., Bruno Mars and his 60-person crew were at Ben Gurion Airport, en route to Athens. Tickets for the canceled show were refunded to the credit cards used for the purchase. According to Billboard, the gear for his band was left behind.

American military aid is headed to Israel after Hamas aimed at southern Israel. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the attack ahead of the send.

Over 600 people have been killed in the attacks, with another 100 kidnapped. In retaliation, 313 people were killed in Gaza via air strikes.

According to BBC, the U.S. will also attempt to block the nation’s enemies from attacking Israel in the current struggle. The fleet sent by America includes US Navy ships, fighter jets, and an aircraft carrier, stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin stated the nation is currently looking to verify reports of American citizens dead in the attacks.

Blinkin told ABC, “this is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we’ve seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the border with Gaza.

“So, you can imagine the impact this is having throughout Israel. And the world should be revolted at what it has seen.”

Hamas acted with Iran to attack Israel, receiving public support from Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi, who stated Israel should be held accountable for endangering the region.

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Pic Of Foolio’s Gunshot Wound Hits The Internet

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Last weekend, Jacksonville rapper Foolio was shot by his opps in his hometown while driving through a residential neighborhood near Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Even though Julio Foolio, whose real name is Charles Jones, survived the shooting, an image of the severe gunshot wound he suffered has made its way to the internet.

Foolio managed to drive himself to the UF Health Center after being shot, but not long before the 25-year-old’s parents updated his fans on his condition. After checking himself into the hospital, a graphic image of Foolio’s foot hit the internet, which has gone viral.

Screenshot 2023 10 10 at 8.45.47 AM
Screenshot 2023 10 10 at 8.45.47 AM

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Today In Hip Hop History: KRS-One Dropped His Second Solo LP ‘KRS-One’ 28 Years Ago

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Today in Hip Hop history prolific South Bronx philosopher KRS-One released his second solo LP KRS-One (an acronym for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone). With this album, the former Boogie Down Productions MC makes an attempt to reconnect with the younger scene in New York. The tone and style of this album fit more into the fold of popular rap music coming out of the Big Apple in ’95 allowing KRS-ONE to regain popularity among youthful Hip Hop fans.

With revamped production and features from the likes of Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Das EFX, and Mad Lion, this project only added to KRS-One’s repertoire. With this album KRS-One showed the could not only keep alive his brand of educational hardcore boom bap; but, that he could transition and taper his bars to a more high energy, party driven crowd.

Commercially, this album was a success. Peaking at #19 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Charts, it was obvious that KRS-One had yet to fade into the pages of Hip Hop history. Both critics and fans alike responded well to this slight style change, marking it as a moment of experimentation instead of accusing KRS-One of selling out. Fellow rap heavyweight also chimed in with their opinions of KRS-One work on the actual album. The LP is aced with interludes of radio shout-outs from rappers Method Man, Lord Finesse, Rakim, Jeru the Damaja, Mr. Magic, and even MC Shan who at one point had beef with Boogie Down Productions.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Biz Markie’s ‘The Biz Never Sleeps’ LP Released 33 Years Ago

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The “Diabolical” Biz dropped his second full length album 33 years ago today

A 25 year old Marcel Hall aka Biz Markie aka the Diabolical Biz put out his sophomore LP The Biz Never Sleeps thirty two years ago on this date.

After the success of his debut album Goin’ Off just a year prior, Biz dropped his second album on the Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. imprint, which was highly anticipated because of the smash single “Just A Friend” leading the way. There were a few other singles like “Spring Again”, “Dedication”, and “Things Get A Little Easier” that were sure shot favorites of the harshest rap critics.

Unlike most of Biz’s work, this album was done without the help of production legend DJ Marley Marl, with Cool V and Biz himself doing the lion’s share of the work behind the boards. This was also the project that landed the L.I. beatbox/DJ/emcee in hot water due to sampling issues, which was magnified in Hip Hop almost single-handedly due to this certified gold classic. With tidbits of music from everyone from Kraftwerk to Curtis Mayfield, this kaleidoscopic Hip Hop journey will forever be etched in music history.

Saute to Biz Mark, DJ Cutmaster Cool V, Paul C, Fly Ty and everyone else for bring this musical gem!

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Azealia Banks Has Words for Drake and Birdman After They Came for Joe Budden

Azealia Banks Cancels Album Following 'Wild n Out' Taping

Azealia Banks has seen all the smoke sent Joe Budden‘s way from Drake and Birdman and has some words to say. Hitting Instagram, Banks told Drake what is not Hip-Hop.

Does Drake know his nose job and liposuction is not hip hop?
Does Drake know that no one who actually understands hip hop — a culture born from oppressed, don’t reeeeeeeallly care about his soft-toothed colonized confused mixed-race facsimile attempts to exhibit the true authenticity of an actual MC? Does Drake know his desperate attempts to gangsterize Canadian “street life” is an all-encompassing failure in and of itself?

– Azealia Banks

She then turned her attention to Birdman:

Also, can hip hop get ANYMORE TRASHY? Does Birdman know how low IQ, tacky, and how much of a fucking loser he looks threatening Joe Budden via the internet? Like… You can get arrested for that, Birdman.

– Azealia Banks

You can see it from Banks below and read more about the threats to Joe Budden here.

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Birdman Claims Bad Bunny Has Been Signed to Drake’s OVO Since “Day One”

Bad Bunny nominations

Bad Bunny is OVO? According to Birdman, that’s the deal. Speaking on Clubhouse with Wack 100, Birdman revealed that Bad Bunny has been secretly signed to Drake since “day one.”

“Bad Bunny already signed to Drake,” Birdman said. “Y’all just don’t know it. Of course, OVO, day one.”

Last week, Drake was joined by Bad Bunny on the new single “Gently.”

Bad Bunny is officially reloaded and ready to drop a new album. Hitting Instagram, Bad Bunny announced his new album will be coming soon.

Bad Bunny is officially reloaded and ready to drop a new album. Hitting Instagram, Bad Bunny announced his new album will be coming soon.

“The most anticipated day by many has arrived,” Bunny wrote on Instagram. In a trailer, Bunny pulls up in a vintage Rolls Royce before exciting to an insane amount of fanfare. The album is set to drop this Friday and is called Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana (Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow).

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WATCH: Fan Creates Movie Trailer for Joe Budden vs Drake

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Hip-hop fans at home have wayyyy too much time on their hands. With Joe Budden and Drake back at odds, a fan created a movie trailer for their beef, patching together clips, statements, and bars throughout their career.

Drake continues to shade Joe Budden following the rapper-turned-podcaster’s opinion of For All The Dogs. Hitting Instagram, Drake shared a collection of photos, the last highlighting a fedora case that Joe Budden carried. “I thank god for this life and not having to come to rushed conclusions on Best Buy podcast mics,” Drake wrote.

Previously, Drake heard Joe Budden’s latest podcast, breaking down his issues with the For All The Dogs album, but overall, he was happy with receiving the release. He then hit him a scathing response that you can see below.

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Birdman Speaks on Joe Budden’s Criticism of Drake: ‘He Can’t Play with the G.O.A.T.’

Birdman Want his Face Tattoos Removed

Birdman has entered the conversation of those who are critical of Drake. Speaking on Clubhouse with Wack 100, Birdman stated he always respected Joe, but it can go left.

“I don’t have no ill feelings with Joe Budden. I personally always respected Joe Budden. I don’t have nothing ill about Joe Budden. But he can’t play with the G.O.A.T. And if you playing with the G.O.A.T., then you want a problem. If you want a problem, we’ll give you a problem. On God, we’ll give you one.”

– Birdman

Before the Clubhouse room, Birdman issued a statement on Instagram: “Joe Budden calm down brother you not built 4 this real gangsta shit.”

Drake continued to shade Joe Budden following the rapper-turned-podcaster’s opinion of For All The Dogs. Hitting Instagram, Drake shared a collection of photos, the last highlighting a fedora case that Joe Budden carried. “I thank god for this life and not having to come to rushed conclusions on Best Buy podcast mics,” Drake wrote.

Previously, Drake heard Joe Budden’s latest podcast, breaking down his issues with the For All The Dogs album, but overall, he was happy with receiving the release. He then hit him a scathing response that you can see below.

The post Birdman Speaks on Joe Budden’s Criticism of Drake: ‘He Can’t Play with the G.O.A.T.’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Birdman Speaks on Joe Budden’s Criticism of Drake: ‘He Can’t Play with the G.O.A.T.’ appeared first on The Source.