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The Cast of “Martin” Reunites For a 30th Anniversary TV Special

February 20, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The previously no-way-it-would-happen Martin television show reunion is really on the way. Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II have reunited for the 30th anniversary tv special set to air on BET+.

Unfortunately we will all be missing the presence of Tommy, the funny best friend of Martin, Thomas Mikal Ford, who passed away in 2016 at age 52.

“Martin is one of the most beloved sitcoms in our community, both because it is hugely entertaining and because it played a pivotal role in changing the narrative of Black voices in entertainment and in culture through the portrayal of young, ambitious Black leads and healthy Black relationships,” said Scott Mills, CEO of BET.

Thirty years after it’s premiere the new special, as reported on Deadline, will look at the show’s origin and evolution. It will feature interviews with the cast and original directors. As well as musical performances and behind the scenes commentary. It will highlight the importance and impact of the show that shaped a generation.

“To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing,” Martin Lawrence shared. “I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special.”

Martin and Gina back together on your television for the good of mankind. Tisha Campbell echoed the excitement in an instagram post captioned “Y’all ready?! We ARE!!!”

The Martin reunion is executive produced by Martin Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor and Stacy Lyles through his company Run Tel Dat Entertainment.

The reunion special, hosted by Affion Crockett, is tapping today, February 20th. While a specific premiere date has not been confirmed by BET+ but is slated to air later this year. All five seasons of Martin are currently streaming on BET+.

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The post The Cast of “Martin” Reunites For a 30th Anniversary TV Special appeared first on The Source.

[SOURCE LATINO] Olivia Rodrigo Announces New Documentary

February 20, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Olivia Rodrigo is gearing up to release another project. On Thursday, she announced a documentary project, Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 U (a SOUR film). It’s set to debut exclusively on Disney+ on March 25.

According to the press release, Rodrigo will take viewers on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles while recounting how she made her Grammy-nominated debut record, sharing how she felt navigating her life at the time.

The film will also include the pop star’s personal stories, behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen footage both in and out of the studio, as well as intimate interviews.

2021 was a big year for the “Good 4 U” songstress. She won new artist of the year at the American Music Awards and nabbed seven Grammy nominations with four featured in the biggest general field categories.

Directed by Stacey Lee, Driving Home 2 U will feature 11 songs from ‘Sour’ performed in unique locations, including Mojave Airplane Boneyard, Roy’s Motel & Café, Arcosanti and the Red Rock Canyon State Park, plus appearances from Jacob Collier, Blu DeTiger and Towa Bird.

Watch Driving Home 2 U exclusively on Disney+ on March 25.

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The post [SOURCE LATINO] Olivia Rodrigo Announces New Documentary appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Larry Davis Killed in Shawangunk Prison 14 Years Ago

February 20, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Some say he was 50 Cent before 50 Cent. Some called him “the Robin Hood of The Ghetto”, while the establishment dubbed him “the crack city terminator.” In the hood, his solution is considered the only possible answer to a continuous epidemic of police brutality. Some of your favorite rappers from French Montana to Lloyd Banks to Jay-Z have name-dropped him on their tracks and BET felt he was so important to American culture that their American Gangster series had to open with him, but only an educated few know why the name Larry Davis continues to ring bells more than three decades after that fateful night in November of ’86.

On February 20, 2008, Adam Abdul Hakeem aka Larry Davis, was stabbed to death in Shawangunk State Prison in New York by a fellow inmate after serving 23 years for an illegal weapons charge. Most would say that people die in American prisons daily, so what’s the big deal about another dead prisoner? Well, it must first be explained why Mr. Davis was in prison for so long on a mere gun charge in the first place.

As he said on camera after his capture in 1986, “the police gave me the guns!”, that Davis was finally charged with after being acquitted for shooting 6 NYPD officers. The then 21-year-old BX native’s defense was that he shot the officers in self-defense. Davis exposed that he sold drugs for these Bronx precinct officers, claiming that they wanted to kill him because of what he knew about the drug operation within the department and a Bronx jury believed him. This case was the first and very possibly the only time in American history that a civilian was cleared of all charges in the shooting of a police officer.

The NYPD and then-Mayor Edward Koch were outraged at the outcome. After Larry’s death, the former Mayor Koch was quoted as saying, “The prison system did what the criminal justice system could not.” It’s safe to say that with the endless accusations against the NYPD and other police departments around the country for brutality against Black and brown people, the sentiment of sympathy for Larry Davis has been met with fierce opposition.

With the recent killings of Black youth by police and civilians becoming the norm, the question in the urban community is whether or not Larry Davis’ solution to police brutality is the only option left. With normal citizens being given the option to shoot first and ask questions later when it comes to Black youth and the prison industrial complex as the penalty for defending yourself, the bare truth is that it has become the only option to some. With landmark cases from Emmitt Till to Botham Jean, history reveals that people such as Nat Turner, Denmark Vesey, and even Larry Davis will always be heroes. We’ve heard Larry’s name come from the mouths of everyone from ATCQ to Jay-Z.

Check out Larry’s story on Troy Reed’s Street Stories Larry Davis: A Routine Typical Hit, BET’s American Gangster series and is also rumored to be in the hands of several filmmakers, which could possibly spawn the story on the silver screen.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Larry Davis Killed in Shawangunk Prison 14 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Daunte Wright’s Mom Devastated At Sentencing: ‘White Woman Tears Trumps Justice’

February 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The Asian American judge Regina Chu who sentenced former officer Kim Potter to two years in prison for killing Daunte Wright choked up as she described the difficulty deciding on a sentence for Potter. Chu cited the difficult job that police face — and Potter’s remorse — as justification for giving her a light sentence despite the state’s recommendation of between six to eight years.

Potter, who said she meant to use her Taser but mistakenly fired her handgun into Wright’s chest as he tried to drive away from a traffic stop in April.

Wright’s family and attorneys angrily condemned Chu for going well below prosecutors’ recommendations. They pointed out that a Black former officer convicted of shooting a white woman in 2017 in a different Minnesota case got no such mercy despite his expressions of remorse.

Katie Wright, who is white, told reporters that Potter “murdered my son,” and that, with this sentence, “the justice system murdered him all over again.” She accused Chu of being taken in by a performance that was coached, and wondered why her own tears didn’t get such a sympathetic response.

“This is the problem with our justice system today,” Wright said. “White women tears trump — trump — justice. And I thought my white woman tears would be good enough because they’re true and genuine.”

The phrase “white woman tears” has gained national attention on race, suggesting that white people weaponize their emotions against people of color to protect their privileged positions.

Potter cried in testimony at her trial in December and sobbed again Friday as she directly addressed Wright’s family in the courtroom.

“Katie, I understand a mother’s love and I am sorry I broke your heart,” Potter said. “My heart is broken for all of you.”

Wright’s family had called for the maximum possible sentence. The state attorney general’s office originally laid out a case for a stiffer-than-normal sentence, then argued Friday for the presumptive sentence of just over seven years recommended by state guidelines.

But Chu said Potter’s conduct over an otherwise exemplary 26-year career “cries out” for a shorter sentence.
Welcome to ameriKKKa!

The post Daunte Wright’s Mom Devastated At Sentencing: ‘White Woman Tears Trumps Justice’ appeared first on The Source.

Lyrica Anderson, Eric Bellinger & Dice Soho First Artists To Release NFT Content Under New Riveting Nifter Partnership

February 18, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Riveting Entertainment announced its partnership with Rebel Blockchain Inc aka Nifter to introduce a unique spin to the NFT space allowing the opportunity for buyers to see a return on their investment and become part royalty share owners of the music NFT they purchase.

In a new era of music, recording artists are taking more ownership, pioneering creative ideas, and marketing their personal material. Riveting Music, an independent record label under Riveting Entertainment, has been known for its work with artists like Redman and Chris Brown.

They also announced their season one NFT launch, “Ethos” which is a community of independent recording artists brought on through Riveting Music’s deep rooted relationships.

The announcement described Ethos as “the story of the underdog winning and artists coming together to form a creative space and community of like minded individuals with a common goal.”

Andrew Listermann, CEO of Riveting Entertainment shared with The Source.

“For a music NFT platform to be truly successful, it must prioritize supporting artists to help create the best opportunity for success. Nifter has shown they are ready to do that and so we are looking forward to releasing a lot of incredible music NFT projects with their platform.”

The first artists from the roster to release NFT content under the new partnership include Lyrica Anderson, Lexi Drew, Nessly + Killy, Joss Austin, Dawin, Nieman + Eric Bellinger, and Dice Soho.

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The post Lyrica Anderson, Eric Bellinger & Dice Soho First Artists To Release NFT Content Under New Riveting Nifter Partnership appeared first on The Source.

Brooklyn Woo Gang Members Charged In $4.3M COVID-19 Relief Scheme

February 18, 2022 by newhiphopnews

A recent report from The New York Post has confirmed that the federal prosecutors have charged almost a dozen “Woo Gang” members and affiliates from Brooklyn for illegally obtaining COVID-19 relief funds, which the feds believe amassed over $4 million.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York says that the gang allegedly flaunted the money in a music video titled “Trappin” as well as their individual social media pages.

The $4 million was obtained through a government program between March 2020 and October 2021. Part of the alleged scam involved a man buying identity information for $150, which turned out to be a pivotal part in how the federal authorities uncovered their scheme.

Court dates have yet to be set for the group, but TheSource.com will bring you updates to the story as details develop.

The post Brooklyn Woo Gang Members Charged In $4.3M COVID-19 Relief Scheme appeared first on The Source.

Happy Birthday To Hip Hop’s Multi-Faceted Mogul Dr. Dre!

February 18, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Today we celebrate the birth of one of the most influential figures in Hip-Hop. Not only was this man the first rap billionaire, but he was also an instrumental part (literally and figuratively) in the creation of a new sub-genre of rap known as G-Funk. The living legend is described is none other than Dr. Dre.

Andre Romelle Young was born in Compton, California on February 18, 1965. He was the first child born to Theodore and Verna Young. His father had a history in music and was a member of an amateur R&B group called The Romells from which Dre gets his middle name.

In 1986, Dre met O’Shea Jackson aka Ice Cube while collaborating on some music for Ruthless Records. Ruthless Records was a famous record label founded by N.W.A. member Eazy-E and west coast rapper Ice-T. These two are widely credited with starting the gangster rap movement on the West Coast. This meeting and the addition of MC Ren birthed one of the greatest music groups of all time, N*ggaz With Attitude.

After a disagreement with Eazy-E, Dre decided to leave N.W.A. to build his own musical empire. Due to advice given to him by his close friend and fellow rapper, The D.O.C., and his bodyguard at the time, Suge Knight, Dre became the flagship artist of Death Row Records, a label started by Knight in 1992. On Death Row Records, Dre released his first solo album titled The Chronic. This album cemented Dr. Dre’s place as one of the top rappers out of California. While working with Death Row, Dre produced the majority of new artist Snoop Dogg’s music helping him in his rise to superstardom, along with tracks for 2Pac who was also a label member.

In ’96 due to a disagreement between Knight and Dre, Dre left Death Row to build his own label called Aftermath Records. This changed the path of Dre’s career forever. The growth began when the head of Interscope Records, Jimmy Iovine, suggested that Dre sign white rapper Eminem. The success of Eminem’s music made Dr. Dre not only one of the most respected rappers/producers in the game but also one of the more powerful moguls.

Dr. Dre was set to release his third album Detox in 2007 but decided to not and instead produce for other artists. Since then Dre has been mostly behind the scenes shaping the current state of rap music. Most recently he produced the uber-successful N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, which has created a rise in N.W.A. support from a new generation. His third studio album, Compton, was released shortly after the film and finally ended the long wait for more work from Dre.

The life and career of Dr. Dre is one that has been able to make Rap and Hip Hop what they are today. Without his influence, who knows where rap music would be today. From everyone at The Source, Happy Birthday Dr. Dre, may you have many more success filled years.

The post Happy Birthday To Hip Hop’s Multi-Faceted Mogul Dr. Dre! appeared first on The Source.

Prosecution Reduce Requested Sentence For Ex-Cop Who Killed Daunte Wright

February 17, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that the prosecution in the shooting death of 20-year-old Black man Daunte Wright is seeking a 86-month prison term for the ex-cop convicted of killing him after previously stating that they would pursue a sentence well above the state’s sentencing guidelines.

Two months after former police officer Kim Potter was convicted of first and second-degree manslaughter, she will be sentenced by Judge Regina Chu tomorrow(February 18). After the smoke created by the prosecution during Potter’s trial, they filed a motion on February 15 for a standard presumptive sentence of 86 months.

The Attorney General’s office stated about the sentencing, “the appropriate sentence has to be the presumptive sentence set by the legislature until Defendant Potter can convince the Court that society’s interests, including those of Daunte Wright’s family and friends, can be met by some other disposition.”

The post Prosecution Reduce Requested Sentence For Ex-Cop Who Killed Daunte Wright appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] NYC Mayor Eric Adams Meet with Maino, Fivio Foreign Amid Drill Rapper Shootings

February 17, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Newly-elected NYC Mayor Eric Adams has reason to be concerned about the growing number of violent and often deadly incidents surrounding the city’s drill rap scene. In a late night meeting, Adams met with Brooklyn rapper Maino, Fivio Foreign and other NYC artists who are familiar with the genre and the culture.

Maino vowed that those in attendance would “roll out something together” with the mayor to quell the violence. Maino also said, “There’s been a lot of talk about drill rap, drill music in New York City, connecting violence with the culture, and I just wanted to create a conversation with the mayor.”

The post [WATCH] NYC Mayor Eric Adams Meet with Maino, Fivio Foreign Amid Drill Rapper Shootings appeared first on The Source.