D’USSÉ Cognac Sponsors Star-Studded Mr. Rugs All-White Affair in Houston

D'USSÉ Cognac Sponsors Star-Studded Mr. Rugs All-White Affair in Houston

This weekend, D’USSÉ Cognac sponsored the annual Mr. Rugs All-White Affair, a lively birthday celebration hosted by Mr. Rugs and Fabolous. The festivities kicked off with an exclusive dinner at Juliet and continued at The Address in Houston.

The event drew a stellar lineup of attendees, including 21 Savage, 42 Dugg, Shy Glizzy, PJ Tucker, Jada Wayda, Dess Dior, Baby Drill, Lil Scrappy, Stefon Diggs, and Lil Harold. Guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment and mingling, complemented by signature D’USSÉ Cognac cocktails.

The affair not only celebrated Mr. Rugs’ birthday but also served as a testament to the vibrant social scene and the enduring appeal of D’USSÉ Cognac in high-profile events.

The post D’USSÉ Cognac Sponsors Star-Studded Mr. Rugs All-White Affair in Houston first appeared on The Source.

The post D’USSÉ Cognac Sponsors Star-Studded Mr. Rugs All-White Affair in Houston appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Beat Knicks in Game 7 to Make First Conference Finals SInce 2014

pacers

In a decisive Game 7 against a historic rival, the Indiana Pacers delivered one of the greatest playoff performances ever to secure their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014. Facing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers triumphed 130-109 on Sunday, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 26 points.

The Pacers, who boasted the NBA’s top offense during the regular season, set a playoff record by shooting 67.1% from the field. Their 53 field goals matched the 1969 Knicks for the second-most in Game 7 history.

All five of Indiana’s starters scored 15+ points and shot over 50%, a Game 7 feat last achieved in 1971 and only the seventh occurrence in playoff history. The Pacers exploded with a 70-point first half on 76.3% shooting, joining the 2014 Clippers as the only teams to score at least 70 points in a Game 7 half since 1998.

Haliburton’s postseason tally of 200+ points and 100+ assists made him the first Pacer to achieve this, and only the third Pacer with 100+ assists in a single postseason, following Mark Jackson and Haywoode Workman.

TJ McConnell contributed significantly with 12 points and 7 assists, earning a +21 rating off the bench, a rare achievement in Game 7 history.

Despite a valiant effort, the Knicks fell short. Donte DiVincenzo set a Knicks playoff record with nine 3-pointers and scored a career playoff-high 39 points. However, injuries plagued New York: Jalen Brunson’s broken hand in the third quarter, OG Anunoby’s brief appearance due to a hamstring injury, and Josh Hart’s abdomen issue were too much to overcome.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Beat Knicks in Game 7 to Make First Conference Finals SInce 2014 first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Beat Knicks in Game 7 to Make First Conference Finals SInce 2014 appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Timberwolves’ Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals, Sends Nuggets to Cancun

Timberwolves' Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals

In a thrilling Game 7, the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, 98-90. Trailing 58-38 with 10:50 left in the third quarter, the Timberwolves comeback set a record for the largest second-half comeback in a Game 7 during the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).

Minnesota’s victory marks its second-ever Game 7 win, propelling the team to its first Conference Finals since 2004—exactly 20 years before their last appearance. The Timberwolves’ top-rated defense was instrumental, dominating the third quarter 28-14 and finishing the frame on a 28-9 run to cut the 20-point deficit to just one point.

During the critical run, Minnesota limited Denver to 20% shooting while hitting 50% of their shots. Anthony Edwards, who had a slow start, ignited the comeback with 9 points during the run. Karl-Anthony Towns (23 points) and Jaden McDaniels (23 points) also made significant contributions.

From 10:50 in the third quarter to the final buzzer, Minnesota outscored Denver 60-32, holding the Nuggets to 33% shooting. Except for Nikola Jokic, who scored 21 points in that stretch, no other Denver player managed more than 6 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, shot 48.7%, outrebounded the Nuggets 28-13, and saw every starter post a +23 or better.

Despite Denver’s attempts to rally, including tying the game at 72-72 and getting within three points at 85-82, Minnesota maintained their lead. Key plays, such as a Naz Reid putback, a Mike Conley steal, and an Anthony Edwards three-pointer, secured the win.

Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 35 points, while Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic recorded 34 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. This game marked only the second time in NBA history that two teammates each scored 34+ points in a Game 7, following Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in the 1962 NBA Finals.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Timberwolves’ Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals, Sends Nuggets to Cancun first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Timberwolves’ Historic Comeback Seals Spot in Conference Finals, Sends Nuggets to Cancun appeared first on The Source.

Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’

vince staples dark times

Vince Staples revealed his eighth studio album, “Dark Times,” which will be released on May 24 via Blacksmith Records / Def Jam Recordings. This album marks a new era for the prolific artist, showcasing his signature dense lyricism over lush, layered beats while offering wry, melancholic observations about life and finding light in the darkness.

“Dark Times” was recorded over seven months in North Hollywood. The album title came intuitively to Staples after he listened to the record in full, noticing heavy motifs that kept reappearing. The album cover, featuring a faintly seen noose, was similarly intuitive, encapsulating the themes of struggle and perseverance that permeate the project.

To coincide with the album announcement, Staples dropped the first single, “Shame on the Devil,” accompanied by an evocative visual. The track features Staples rapping over a warm, spectral beat, reflecting on the anointed nature of his life despite experiencing loneliness and fallouts with friends.

Calling the project “a personal achievement,” Staples said, “it’s me mastering some things I’ve tried before that I wasn’t great at in the beginning. It’s a testament to musical growth, song structure—all the good stuff.” Fans can expect a deeply introspective and richly produced album that continues pushing his artistry’s boundaries.

“Dark Times” promises to be muscular and revelatory, refining elements that have been present in Staples’ catalog for the last decade. Be sure to mark your calendars for May 24 to experience the full journey of “Dark Times” and catch the first single, “Shame on the Devil,” now available for streaming.

The post Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’ appeared first on The Source.

Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match

Drake Dreamville

Drake dropped just half a million on Tyson Fury to win his championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Unfortunately for him, Fury took the split decision loss.

If Fury won, Drake would skate away with over $1 million. Instead, he leaves the matchup with nothing.

You can see highlights from the fight below.

The post Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match first appeared on The Source.

The post Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’

50Cent024

50 Cent is sticking to shading Diddy while the Bad Boy Records leader is under another round of scrutiny for abusing Cassie.

Hitting Instagram, 50 Cent wrote: “This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move.”

Diddy issued an apology on Instagram for his 2016 assault Cassie seen in hotel security camera footage. In response, Cassie’s lawyer released a statement.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” said attorney Meredith Firetog. “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

2016 footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Diddy beating Cassie in the hotel’s hallway.

In the video released by CNN, Diddy is seen running down the hotel hallway in a towel to catch Cassie as she attempts to leave in an elevator. Diddy throws Cassie to the floor by her neck, followed by kicks, stomps and an attempt to drag her down the hall by her hood.

Cassie attempted to use a hotel phone only to be pushed to the ground by Diddy again. Later in the video, he throws a vase at the singer.

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released the following statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

The video is available below. As a warning, the video is graphic and displays physical assault.

This video arrived just days after Diddy posted a new message on Instagram. In the post, captioned “LOVE,” Diddy shared an image that says, “Time tells truth.”

A federal rade on Diddy’s properties in March, led to the seizure of electronic devices in both his Los Angeles and Miami homes.

According to ABC, Homeland Security executed the raid by order of a Manhattan federal court, seizing devices in an investigation of sex trafficking as a result of civil lawsuits against the music mogul from four women.

Diddy and his legal team released a statement following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes. In a statement, attorney Aaron Dyer stated that federal authorities used “military-level force” to execute the raid.

You can read the full statement below:

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.

This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

On Nov. 16, 2023, Cassie filed a now-settled lawsuit against Diddy in federal court, accusing the media mogul of rape and abuse that began a decade ago when she was just 19 years old. The “Me and You” singer was previously signed to Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records, meeting him back in 2005. Since then, she alleges he took control of her life and accused him of acts of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault, and more.

In light of recent events, Cassie is hopeful Diddy will finally get the justice he deserves.

Her attorney issued a statement to Good Morning America following the raids of his home: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

The post 50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’ first appeared on The Source.

The post 50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’ appeared first on The Source.

Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology

diddy

Diddy issued an apology on Instagram for his 2016 assault Cassie seen in hotel security camera footage. In response, Cassie’s lawyer released a statement.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” said attorney Meredith Firetog. “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

2016 footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Diddy beating Cassie in the hotel’s hallway.

In the video released by CNN, Diddy is seen running down the hotel hallway in a towel to catch Cassie as she attempts to leave in an elevator. Diddy throws Cassie to the floor by her neck, followed by kicks, stomps and an attempt to drag her down the hall by her hood.

Cassie attempted to use a hotel phone only to be pushed to the ground by Diddy again. Later in the video, he throws a vase at the singer.

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released the following statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

The video is available below. As a warning, the video is graphic and displays physical assault.

This video arrived just days after Diddy posted a new message on Instagram. In the post, captioned “LOVE,” Diddy shared an image that says, “Time tells truth.”

A federal rade on Diddy’s properties in March, led to the seizure of electronic devices in both his Los Angeles and Miami homes.

According to ABC, Homeland Security executed the raid by order of a Manhattan federal court, seizing devices in an investigation of sex trafficking as a result of civil lawsuits against the music mogul from four women.

Diddy and his legal team released a statement following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes. In a statement, attorney Aaron Dyer stated that federal authorities used “military-level force” to execute the raid.

You can read the full statement below:

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.

This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

On Nov. 16, 2023, Cassie filed a now-settled lawsuit against Diddy in federal court, accusing the media mogul of rape and abuse that began a decade ago when she was just 19 years old. The “Me and You” singer was previously signed to Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records, meeting him back in 2005. Since then, she alleges he took control of her life and accused him of acts of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault, and more.

In light of recent events, Cassie is hopeful Diddy will finally get the justice he deserves.

Her attorney issued a statement to Good Morning America following the raids of his home: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

The post Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology first appeared on The Source.

The post Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago

tumblr 8859971bfc99d1fe2f522361fba6aa92 d85deda0 1280

On this date in 1993, N.W.A. co-founder and then-Death Row Records in-house producer Dr .Dre released the second single from his iconic The Chronic album entitled “Dre Day”. Dre Day was, in fact, a diss record featuring Death Row newcomer Snoop Dogg, who together took aim at Dre’s former partner Eazy-E, Miami Hip Hop pioneer Uncle Luke and Bronx rap nemesis TIm Dog.

Originally titled “Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’)”, Dre sent shots at former N.W.A. members Eazy-E and Ice Cube, accusing Eazy of cheating N.W.A. members out of their money along with Jerry Heller. This was also the diss track aimed at Cube that ws the catalyst for “No Vaseline”.

In “Dre Day,” Dre vows to “to creep to South Central,” which is Ice Cube’s hometown, “on a Street Knowledge mission,” while Cube’s own record label was initially named Street Knowledge Productions. Dre lyrically “steps in the temple,” evidently alluding to Cube’s affiliation with the Nation of Islam, and claims to “spot him” by a “White Sox hat,” which Cube often donned. Earlier that year, Cube had the single “Check Yo Self.” Dre adds, “You tryin to check my homey, you best check yo self.” Not parodied in the “Dre Day” music video, however, Cube instead would cameo, signaling reconciliation with Dre, in the September 1993 music video of the next and last Chronic single, “Let Me Ride.”

“Dre Day” prompted a response from Eazy-E with “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s”, an EP from Tim Dog titled Bitch With a Perm and Luke even shot back with his second solo album’s song “Cowards in Compton,” whose music video parodies both Dre’s inclusion in the 1980s electro-rap group World Class Wreckin’ Cru and casts Dre and Snoop lookalikes ridiculed in a mock of the “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” music video.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes!

Busta Rhymes5

On this day in Hip-Hop History, we celebrate the birth of one of the most flamboyant and ostentatious personalities in Hip Hop. Today in 1972, the legend Busta Rhymes was born in Brooklyn, New York.

The 11-Time Grammy nominee and Flipmode Squad frontman have served as an unsung hero for the culture. This is not to say that he has at all gone unnoticed (“11 time Grammy Nominee” speaks for itself), but his influence on Hip Hop since its earliest stages of commercial success and role in the foundation of the New York Hip Hop scene is ever-present if you pay attention.

Busta Bust’s career began with his involvement with Leaders of the New School. Alongside Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Cut Monitor Milo, but Busta got his break opening up for Public Enemy in the late 80s. It was actually Chuck D himself who gave Busta Rhymes his stage name, after NFL receiver George “Buster” Rhymes. With Leaders of the New School, Rhymes released two albums: A Future Without a Past… and T.I.M.E.

While a part of the group, Busta’s unique style made it possible for him to be featured on major tracks with artists such as: Big Daddy Kane, The Notorious B.I.G., TLC, A Tribe Called Quest, and KRS-One. He also made his first appearances on screen in films such as Higher Learning and Strapped prior to ever releasing any solo music.

In 1995, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo LP The Coming which is hailed as a masterpiece of Hip Hop featuring his smash hit single “Woo Hah!“, his first solo single. The commercial successes of this album allowed Busta Rhymes to finally get the respect he deserved (and for the most part already had in the artist community) as a solo artists. Busta’s follow up albums When Disaster Strikes and Extinction Level Event (Final World Front) were just as if not more successful than the first.

Through the 2000s, Busta continued to be a powerhouse. With the release of his greatest hits album Total Devastation: The Best of Busta Rhymes and new original album Genesis Busta was once again among the top of the charts with this smash hit “Pass the Courvoisier Part II” feat Pharrell and P. Diddy. Throughout the early 2000s Busta’s music could be heard in clubs across the globe and his influence of the culture could be seen, heard, and felt.

His seventh studio album The Big Bang was exactly what the title describes being that it was his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Selling 209,000 copies in the first week alone, this LP showed that time was not a factor when it came to Busta’s popularity and appeal and that his high energy style could remain on top regardless of how the game changed around it. This album spawned what is probably Busta Rhymes most famous song, “Touch It” who’s remixes sky rocketed Bust to the top of every radio chart as far as airplay was concerned.

In the 2010s however, Busta has yet to reach the same level of success as he did in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s but has been able to remain on tour and is still leaving his mark on the industry. In 2012, he was part of the Grammy-nominated single “Look At Now” which was a summertime hit, again proving that no matter the decade, Busta Rhymes can still turn the party up.

From everyone here at the Source Magazine, happy born day Busta. Thank you so much for what you have done for Hip Hop and may you see many more golden years of success.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes! appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: LaMelo Ball x Puma Release LaFrancé “Amour” Lifestyle Shoe

unnamed 8

PUMA Hoops and basketball superstar LaMelo Ball are dropping their first-ever co-designed lifestyle shoe –LaFrancé.

Launching in the “Amour” colorway (the first of many LaFrancé colorways to come), LaFrancé has been dropped alongside a few apparel pieces, including graphic tees, a mesh tank, short, and track pants, ranging from $40-$110. LaFrancé and accompanying pieces are now available at PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store and at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs and select retailers worldwide. 

Created through intimate collaboration between LaMelo Ball and the PUMA design team, the LaFrancé gets its inspiration and name from LaMelo’s namesake lifestyle brand, which fuses different inspirations from streetwear fashion, sport and lifestyle. The supersized sneaker features exaggerated proportions, a chunky zig-zag lace closure, ultra-wide laces, and a well-padded tongue for ultimate comfort. “LF” and “La France” can be found on the mega tongue as well as imprinted into the latest silhouettes ultra-thick sole. The classic cup sole has been spiced up with floating ovals throughout, which are decorated with iconic graphics. Upper ovals on the midsole encapsulate design aspects of a butterfly, symbolizing Melo’s 1 of 1 lifestyle.

On his new sneaker, NBA superstar LaMelo Ball said, “I wanted to create a lifestyle shoe that represents my style and 1-of-1 personality. The LaFrancé Amour is something crazy loud to wear off court. The butterfly midsole, inspired by my tattoos, represents good energy.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: LaMelo Ball x Puma Release LaFrancé “Amour” Lifestyle Shoe first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: LaMelo Ball x Puma Release LaFrancé “Amour” Lifestyle Shoe appeared first on The Source.