[WATCH] We Playin’ Spades: Nick Cannon and Courtney Bee Bring the Heat in Season 2

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Get ready to round up the crew because “We Playin’ Spades” is back, and this season is bringing the heat like never before! From your cousin to your granny, everyone’s invited to witness the ultimate showdown as Nick Cannon and rising star Courtney Bee take over the table. You might know them from “Wild N’ Out” or “The Masked Singer,” but you haven’t seen them like this—raw, unfiltered, and ready to dominate the spades game.

This new season is stacked with celebrity guests who better be prepared to bring their A-game, because Nick and Courtney aren’t playing around. It’s going to be pure madness with no-holds-barred showdowns, deep conversations, and the kind of laughter that only a true spades game can bring. Just like at the neighborhood block party, there’s no talking across the table, and if you slip up, Nick and Courtney will call you out in a heartbeat. The stakes are high, and the energy is electric.

Wondery is dropping the new season of “We Playin’ Spades,” and it’s going to be 🔥. Expect to spill tea, have real talk, and, most importantly, find out who can really bring it to the spades table. This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle of wits and skills where only the sharpest players survive. And remember, if you’re not ready to throw down with the best, you might want to sit this one out—because things can get intense when the cards start flying.

The Source Magazine’s Courtney Brown sat down with Nick Cannon and Courtney Bee to chat about what fans can expect from this explosive new season. The first episode of Season 2 is now streaming on  Wondery +Amazon MusicWondery’s YouTube channel, and all major podcast platforms. Don’t miss out!

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SOURCE SPORTS: Why Fanatics Fest Will Be Premiere Event For The Future Hip Hop Generation

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This past weekend, sports fans flocked to NYC’s Jacob Javits Convention Center by the thousands, present to experience the first immersive and interactive sports convention of its type and most of them brought little ones. Parents brought their kids, uncles and aunties brought their nieces and nephews because it was well promoted that there would be activities for the children. What wasn’t promoted was that Hip Hop stars spanning generations would be schmoozing among the sports legends at this monumental event.

The three-day festival started on Friday, with exhibitions for fans of all sports, including a full UFC ring situated near the entrance. Hundreds of booths for sports memorabilia sale and trade, such as a box of Wheaties signed by Michael Jordan worth $5,500 to a baseball signed by Hall Of Fame legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb worth $300K. If you were a young autograph seeker looking to score some iconic signatures, there were HOFers from all sports like Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, Mets ’86 World Series champions Dwight Gooden and Dwight Strawberry, NBA stars Jalen Rose, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Walt Frazier, Julius “Dr. J” Irving, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and even controversial sportscaster Stephen A. Smith were all present.

There were literally millions of sports and collectible cards(Pokemon, Garbage Pail Kids, etc.) being bought, traded, sold and given away at Fanatics Fest. There were also panel discussions for those interested in the engaging conversations surrounding sports culture with titles “Courtside Conversations” and “The Ultimate Fantasy Draft” while several live podcasts were underway via radio and internet.

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There were too many live sports activations to name, from MLB’s simulated Playball Park, where the kids got their chance to get hit a couple of homers, to the NBA hoops, which seemed to be full to capacity the entire weekend. Soccer and hockey goals, boxing/punching bag challenges, mini football fields wrestling rings and everything in between filled up the ground level of the Javits Center. Children were the main participants in these activations, but their parents and guardians seemed to have their focus on something more than just the sports fanatic’s fantasy.

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On any given day, music could be heard throughout the convention center, but the front of the temporary club bearing the name “40/40 Club” could only be seen from a rear entrance that only permitted press and celebrities. Those who really wanted to see what all of the camera flashing was about waited on the side near the food court to catch a peep of the celebs headed for the red carpet. The kids saw some of their favorite personalities dip into The 40/40 Club, the exclusive sports bar/nightclub founded by Jay-Z in the early 2000s in midtown Manhattan. This activation in the Javits Center was created in conjunction with Fanatics Sportsbook, who kicked off the entire event. Quavo of The Migos, Lil Baby were spotted going into the invite only club, while Travis Scott was even seen signing a pair of his own Nike Travis Scott sneakers for a young fan before falling in the spot. That’s what Fanatics Fest is all about.

The OGs got to spot some of their favs including Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, comedian Michael Blackson and even more come in the spot. The most notable was, of course, Jay-Z himself making an appearance at the club created in his honor, causing such a ruckus that fans on the opposite side of the entrance were trying to sneak a pic of Hov, whose sighting continued to fuel rumors that he will be opening a new 40/40 Club complete with casinos.

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With just as many Hip Hop stars making cameo appearances at this exclusive sports event, it’s a guarantee that next year many of the attendees will pull up looking for their favorite rapper rather than their favorite ball player. FanaticsFest was a successful example of how sports and music culture aren’t far removed from each other and when it comes to entertainment, all you can do is give the people who and what they want.

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Ice Spice Clowns Naysayers After Weight Loss: “You lazy B**** never heard of a gym?”

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Ice Spice has had it with the weight loss slander. The Bronx born rapper channeled her inner Cardi B and clapped back at weird speculation in what some see as a change in her appearance. Some people just need to find happiness and stop judging. But yea, Ice Spice particularly went in on rumors suggesting she might be using the diabetes drug Ozempic, which has gained popularity as a weight-loss tool. 

In her defense, just because you look different why does it have to the Big-O? Actors scale down AND up in weight all the time in a short period of time for roles, why can’t others make body changes, especially with all the resources they have?

Anyway, during an X Spaces session on August 19, she expressed frustration with these rumors, emphasizing that her weight loss is due to her active lifestyle, including her current Y2K! World Tour, healthy eating, and regular gym visits. She dismissed the idea of using Ozempic, questioning, “What even is Ozempic? What the f*ck is that?”

See, its lifestyle not an injection. Should be an open and shut discussion.

Get this, Ice Spice also mentioned that her busy schedule, which includes touring and preparing for future music projects, has contributed to her physical changes. 

On the business front, she recently launched her Y2K! World Tour and released her Y2K! album. Moreover, she hinted that she’s already eager to start working on her next album, though she noted she doesn’t want to start teasing it just yet.

Good for her, across the board. 

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Chance The Rapper Gets Vulnerable On New Single “3,333”, Performs On ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Tomorrow

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Chance the Rapper took to social media and dropped a deeply reflective new single, “3,333.”  The track, both vulnerable and powerful, chronicles his evolution showcasing the emotional highs and lows of his success.

“3,333” is available to stream on Chance’s social media platforms, listen HERE.

This Wednesday, Chance the Rapper will bring a special Star Line performance to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, taping live from his hometown of Chicago. Chance will perform his new song “Together” from his project, Star Line. 

Last weekend, Chance performed live for a packed audience at the Citi Summer Concert Series on TODAY. Live from Rockefeller Plaza, Chance treated his fans to a 4-song performance that included “Together,” “YAH Know,” “Stars Out” –– newer singles from his Star Line project –– and 2014’s hit “Sunday Candy.

Watch the performance HERE.

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NY Yankees To Launch “New York or Nowhere” Collab Shot By Jonathan Mannion

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Today, the New York Yankees and streetwear brand New York or Nowhere (NYON) are joining forces to release an exclusive collab that fuses the Yankees’ iconic heritage with contemporary New York style; creating a collection of premium athleisure equally suited for game day excitement and everyday wear. 

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NYON has long been a favorite among athletes (worn by stars such as Aaron JudgeJalen Brunson, and Pete Alonso), and in celebration of the Yankees partnership, campaign images will feature baseball legend Mariano Rivera, shot by renowned photographer Jonathan Mannion.

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The collection features 45 pieces, including tees, hoodies, varsity jackets, snapbacks, and New Era’s 59FIFTY fitted hats. With prices ranging from $45 to $375, the collection will be available at Yankee Stadium, NYON’s flagship store, and globally at newyorkornowhere.com.

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Grammy Winner Bilal Returns With ‘Adjust Brightness’, First Album In Eight Years 

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GRAMMY Award-winning artist Bilal returns to the spotlight following the success of his June Black Music Month release featuring QuestloveCommon, and Robert Glasper (Live at Glasshaus) –– a powerful reminder of Bilal’s dynamic vocal abilities and songwriting mastery. Now, Bilal is back with his first album of new music in eight years titled Adjust Brightness, out September 27.

The new album features 11 brand-new tracks that will take listeners on his most daring musical journey yet. Adjust Brightness represents a bold step forward in Bilal’s already innovative sound, blending his deep love of soul, funk, and jazz with futuristic, electronic, and abstract elements. Listeners can expect an immersive sonic experience that defies genre conventions, as Bilal continues to evolve and refine his unique style.

To accompany the album announcement, Bilal is sharing lead single “Sunshine,” which possesses the nostalgic groove of New Jack Swing with a moody, atmospheric twist, incorporating slowed-down and experimental elements for a dark, futuristic edge.

I realized a long time ago that, with the specter of AI and streaming, we risk losing our humanity,” says Bilal. “With Adjust Brightness, it was like: let’s make some shit that is going to confuse the damn computer. We’re bringing a love frequency — emphasizing the warmth, the love. It’s an intimate record.

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US Open And ESPN Partner With Alicia Keys’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ To Create Unique Music For 2024 US Open

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The USTA and ESPN announced a multi-layered collaboration with Alicia Keys’ Broadway Musical Hell’s Kitchen, that will see the music of this show cascade across channels and platforms over the three weeks of the US Open.

Key among this collaboration will be the utilization of a custom remix of the song, “Kaleidoscope,” from Keys’ 13-time Tony-nominated musical, created for this year’s event. This remix will be featured in the US Open Manifesto Video, produced by longtime production partner Boomshot, and debut on Opening Night of the Main Draw, August 26. It will also be seen on broadcast, both on ESPN in the U.S. and in more than 200 countries across the globe, and in Arthur Ashe Stadium and the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center throughout the course of the two weeks of the Main Draw, through September 8. The Manifesto Video is narrated by the 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Hell’s Kitchen, Kecia Lewis. In addition, two-time Tony nominee and GRAMMY-nominated actress Shoshana Bean, who also stars in Hell’s Kitchen, will perform the National Anthem on Opening night.

In addition to the manifesto video, ESPN will leverage the custom Kaleidoscope remix and footage from the USTA shoot featuring bucket drummers shot throughout New York City and on court in Arthur Ashe Stadium for their promotional campaign to drive tune-in of the 2024 US Open. ESPN Marketing is also using featured VO from Hell’s Kitchen actress Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis in the campaign.  

Partnering with Hell’s Kitchen falls directly in line with both the 2024 US Open’s marketing campaign, “Spectacular Awaits” and theme, “Celebrating the Power of Tennis.” The USTA has made a concerted effort to reach new and different audiences with the goal of growing interest and increasing accessibility to the sport, which provides unparalleled health and wellness benefits.

The ESPN Marketing promotional campaign will launch on August 20 and will run across all linear, digital, social platforms through the 2024 US Open. The Kaleidoscope track will be integrated into ESPN Production through the tournament as well.

“Creating a breakthrough musical collaboration is a concept that we are incredibly excited to make a reality for the 2024 US Open,” said Nicole Kankam, Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment. “The ability to do so in partnership with ESPN, to truly extend this across broadcast and in-event at the US Open, is an amazing opportunity. And, to be able to feature the music of Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, perfectly reflects the New York vibe and feel of our event.”

“We are thrilled to bring this unique collaboration to life for the 2024 US Open, said Rachel Epstein, VP Marketing, Live Sports and Audience Expansion, ESPN. “Collaborating with the USTA and the Hell’s Kitchen team to integrate ‘Kaleidoscope’ into our marketing efforts and broadcast allows us to elevate and celebrate all that is so powerful about the US Open – the electric tournament experience, the world-class tennis, and the unmatched vibrancy of the US Open’s home, New York City.”

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to team up with two iconic, landmark New York institutions, The US Open and Broadway in a first of its kind partnership,” said Alicia Keys, Lead Producer, Hell’s Kitchen.. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the USTA and ESPN under the shared goal of reaching and inspiring new audiences and using the music of Hell’s Kitchen to create connections and celebrate the 2024 tournament.” Hell’s Kitchen is currently playing at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre (225 West 45th Street) featuring a “powerhouse cast” (Variety) led by Tony Award® nominee Shoshana Bean, Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, Tony Award® winner Kecia Lewis, Chris Lee and Tony Award® winner Maleah Joi MoonHELL’S KITCHEN is directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by four-time Tony Award® nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award® nominee Kristoffer Diaz – and the music of Alicia Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits.Tickets for Hell’s Kitchen are available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com and can also be purchased at the Shubert Theatre box office.

The US Open, a three-week celebration of tennis, kicks off with US Open Fan Week, which begins Monday, Aug. 19 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 25, during which the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are free and open to the public. Fan Week includes the US Open Qualifying Tournament and numerous other events and activities. The Main Draw will take place beginning on Monday, Aug. 26, concluding with the Women’s Singles Final on Saturday, Sept. 7, and the Men’s Singles Final on Sunday, Sept. 8.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: The Clipse Released Their Debut LP ‘Lord Willin’ 22 Years Ago

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22 years ago, Terrence and Gene Thorton aka Pusha T and Malice put out Lord Willin’, The Clipse’s debut album that helped them solidify their spots within honorable mention of some of the best lyricists in the game.

Produced exclusively by the Neptunes on Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak imprint, the album displayed The Clipse’s microphone prowess, which helps the squares navigate through their cocaine-flooded street slang. Along with artists like Timbaland and Magoo, Missy Elliot, and Pharrell, The Clipse was an intricate part of establishing VA as one of the East Coast’s strongholds in Hip Hop, which made room for artists like Chris Brown and Wale to add on to the legacy.

Some of the most memorable gems from the Twin Thorton’s first album include “Cot Damn” featuring their Re-Up Gang affiliates Ab-Liva and Philly’s Roscoe P. Coldchain, “When The Last Time” with their Star Trak team members Kelis and Pharrell, and the infamous “Grindin’” with remixes featuring Noreaga, and another infamous duo, Lil Wayne and Birdman.

Salute to Pusha, No Malice, Pharrell, and the rest of the Star Trak team for pushing out this timeless classic!

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Dame Dash Offers Original Roc-A-Fella Chain As Part of Shares Sale

‘Paid in Full 2’ on the Way: Dame Dash Cites Newark as Film Location

Dame Dash is sweetening the pot on his pending Roc-a-Fella sale. Hitting Instagram, Dash announced he would throw in a Roc-A-Fella chain to whoever is the lucky buyer.

“As we all know, one-third of Roc-A-Fella Inc. which owns Reasonable Doubt is for sale and I’ve gotten a lot of calls, a lot of offers,” Dash said. “I’ve definitely got some very healthy offers and I appreciate those.

“So if you do wanna buy one-third of Roc-A-Fella Inc., you are gonna have to bring some bread. And anything over $10 million, I’m gonna sweeten the pot: you get an original Roc-A-Fella chain from off my neck.”

Dame Dash heard about JAY-Z’s legal filing, stating a claim to Reasonable Doubt in 2031. His response: “This shit is still for sale.”

The battle over the rights to Jay-Z’s iconic debut album, Reasonable Doubt, is nearing its conclusion. Recent legal filings reveal that the full ownership of the album will officially transfer to Jay-Z in 2031. This news comes as Dame Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, is facing the public auction of his 33.3% stake in the company, scheduled for later this month.

TMZ states that the U.S. Marshals will auction Dash’s shares in Roc-A-Fella Records, with a minimum bid set at $1.2 million. This auction follows years of Dash attempting to sell his shares, culminating in this forced sale. The proceeds from the auction are intended to cover a judgment from a civil suit Dash lost in 2022 to Josh Webber and Muddy Waters Pictures over defamation and copyright infringement related to the film Dear Frank.

The recent filing by Jay-Z’s legal team further complicates the value of Dash’s stake in Roc-A-Fella. The document confirms that the rights to Reasonable Doubt, released in 1996, will transfer from Roc-A-Fella to Jay-Z’s ownership under his real name, Shawn Carter, in 2031. This shift was already set to happen 35 years after the album’s release. Still, the filing makes it official, indicating that whoever wins the auction will only receive a portion of the album’s revenue for the next six years.

But insert Dash and his response:

They can say what they want, this shit is still for sale. You’re not buying a copyright, you’re buying a piece of a company ROC A FELLA INC. Please only serious inquiries only!

The post Dame Dash Offers Original Roc-A-Fella Chain As Part of Shares Sale first appeared on The Source.

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Cash Cobain Electrifies LIV Miami Ahead of Debut Album Release

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On Sunday, August 18th, New York rapper and producer Cash Cobain set LIV Miami ablaze with an electrifying performance ahead of his highly anticipated debut album, Play Cash Cobain, releasing on Friday, August 23rd. Cobain thrilled the crowd with energetic renditions of his hit singles, “Dunk Contest” and “Rump Punch.” The excitement peaked when he was joined on stage by rapper Bay Swag for a dynamic performance of their track “Fisherrr.” Cobain’s appearance at LIV Miami further underscores his rising prominence in the music industry. In addition to his album release, he’s also making waves as part of Ice Spice’s Y2K! World Tour.

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