Hip Hop Community News

Kehlani says she won’t do any more interviews, cites mental health

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May is Mental Health Awareness month and artist Kehlani is using her platform to explain why she is planning on anymore interviews, citing protecting her mental health.

The announcement came late last week after the Morning Hustle’s interview with Kehlani was released with much speculation that the artist “did not want to be there.” Kehlani was doing the interview as part of her promotional tour for her new album, Blue Water Road. (The full interview can be seen here for complete context).

Fans were divided, with many feeling like Kehlani was uncooperative with other criticizing the show’s hosts for the way that they addressed the artist’s pronouns. (Kehlani’s official Instagram account says “she/they.”)

Following the interview, Kehlani wrote on Instagram Live: “No more interviews,” “support the music or don’t Im done,” “all I care about is my fans,” “only people I care about serving is the fans,” and “i’m here for y’all and that’s it.”

She followed up by criticizing fans who shared clips out of context and encouraged her followers to check out all of the other great stuff she had been up to recently.

On Sunday, Kehlani, who is a mother of one, celebrated Mother’s Day by sharing a photo of her daughter in a celebratory post and also posting a quote by Alex Elle on Instagram Live, which she titled “a note for manifesting generators” that read: “I’ve started to learn that everyone isn’t going to be happy with me for changing and choosing myself. it is not my job to please anyone. I have one life to live…am allowed to create a joyful life for myself even if outsiders do not understand.”

Blue Water Road is Kehlani’s third full-length studio release and features guest appearances from Ambré, Justin Bieber, Blxst, Jessie Reyez, Syd, and Thundercat.

The post Kehlani says she won’t do any more interviews, cites mental health appeared first on The Source.

Mariah Carey Shares Sweet 11th Birthday Message for her Twins

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Time flies when you’re having as much fun (or as busy) as Mariah Carey apparently! The superstar took to Instagram over the weekend to wish her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, a very special 11th birthday and to share some new (and old pics).

On Saturday, Carey shared a current picture of herself and her twins on a boat with two of the family’s dogs along with a caption that read: “Happy 11th birthday to the two greatest blessings of my life. Roc and Roe…Always be my babies! …DEMKIDS!!!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER! Mommy” (followed by a heart emoji). The next picture in the post was a picture of the twins as babies.

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Mariah Carey IG

Later that day, she shared a video collage of herself and the twins over the years to her song “Supernatural.”

The twins (and their pets) have made several other appearances on Carey’s social media, most notably during the holidays as she shared various renditions of her classic holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Carey shares the twins with her ex-husband, Nick Cannon. She is reportedly working on multiple projects following her hit of the “Big Energy” remix with Latto.

The post Mariah Carey Shares Sweet 11th Birthday Message for her Twins appeared first on The Source.

Queen Latifah Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Options in Newark

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Queen Latifah is holding down her hometown of Newark, New Jersey. The Hollywood icon has broke ground on land to build affordable housing for Newark residents.

The development is early, and Queen Latifah reflects on the current scenes. “I’m a little bit emotional that we got walls up, we got windows,” Latifah said to NorthJersey.com.

Latifah led the groundbreaking event as a co-president of BlueSugar Corp. and Life Assets Development, and GonSosa Development. Latifah began investing in properties in 2006, leading to the announcement of a development project in 2016. Through the process, Queen Latifah could sidestep obstacles and begin to build.

“It took a while, but we stayed with it and it changed and it morphed, and we stayed with what we needed to do, and the timing is right right now for this place to rise,” Latifah said.

The project is titled RISE Living. RISE is an acronym for “Rita is Still Everything,” a nod to her mother, a former schoolteacher in Newark.

“I grew up around here playing in West Side Park, a block away,” Latifah reminisced. “My grandfather’s hardware store was blocks from here. I drove past this block. I saw what was needed on this block, houses that weren’t lived in. Some were really dilapidated, and so I thought, ‘Why not here?’”

NJ.com notes Newark’s immense need for new housing, citing that 60% of Newark renters are cost-burdened. An affordable rental unit in Newark is targeted at $763 a month.

The post Queen Latifah Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Options in Newark appeared first on The Source.

How Dr. Felicia Phillips Creates Leverage for Black & Minority-Owned Businesses

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Dr. Felicia Phillips is the CEO of PPICW, Inc. The company specializes in strategic training to bridge the gap between small/minority-owned businesses and Fortune 500 corporations. Some of those corporations, including Mcdonald’s, Wells Fargo, Papa John’s International, Delta Air Lines, the Small Business Administration, and more, have received consultation from PPICW to help establish the diversity pipeline amongst corporations.

As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, she understands the tangible and intangible tools necessary to run a sustainable business and prepare those businesses for corporate partnerships.

“There is a very small percentage of people that make it to the seven, eight, and nine-figure earnings for their business,” she says.

Dr. Phillips’ goal is to help diversify the supply chain of large corporations.

“When I come in, I emphasize the return on investment of doing business with Black-owned and minority-owned businesses.”

Dr. Phillips facilitates the opportunity and the business to grow its network, net worth, and new revenue streams. Dr. Phillip’s ability has proven to match minority businesses with large corporations and educate small businesses on how to scale efficiently, which is an inevitable motion of progress. These companies are often solutions to company issues.

When allowed to resolve the issue, we are presented with options. Through PPICW, Inc., Dr. Felicia Phillip has become a conduit to wealth gap closure for Black and minority-owned companies.

The post How Dr. Felicia Phillips Creates Leverage for Black & Minority-Owned Businesses appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza

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On Wednesday, April 20th, HOT 97’s Heavy Hitter, DJ Pretty Lou celebrated his 4th annual birthday and benefit concert for cancer research at Irving Plaza in New York City. 

Performances included a soulful set by Suzann Christine, energy-charged sets by CJ and King Bulova, B-Lovee gave a birthday shout-out to Kay Flock during his set. J.I. the Prince of NY performed some of his fans’ favorite hits. Dream Doll and Capella Grey performed “You Know My Body.” Additional performances included Nemz, Baby Boy Slimee, Soribel, Lito, Deon Young, Rowdy Rebel, and Black Goon.  

Fat Joe, who has been a close support system throughout Lou’s seven-year battle with Leukemia, returned to the plaza to close out the show, performing classics and newer hits. Joe stated, “Whatever was donated in the event, I’ll double it.” 

During an intermission, Lou stated that the night was dedicated to his mother as he revealed that she is battling lung cancer. He explained to the audience that he almost canceled the concert due to the news, but his mother said, “No amigo, the concert goes on.” Before the show, he told her, “If I fought and won, I need you to win too.” 

The concert was hosted by HOT 97’s Mia Belle and Power 105.1 FM‘s Len Boogz. Notable attendees included Hot 97’s DJ Enuff, Hot 97’s DJ Camilo, DJ E. Stylez, Sexxy Stace Face, Maserati Maine, Gorilla Nems, Iman Nunez, Prince Lawrence, Marty Fresh, 5ive Mics, and more. Sponsors included Color Works and Bell Mistubishi.

The proceeds of this year’s event went directly to the Hebert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, which treated Pretty Lou. Premium boutique and lifestyle brand, Extra Butter donated an additional four thousand dollars to the charity event. 

J.I. the Prince said, “Pretty Lou ’s a warrior, a champion.”

The post [WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza appeared first on The Source.

Future Teams with Foot Locker to Renovate Weight Room at His Alma Mater

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Future and his nonprofit organization FreeWishes Foundation partnered up with Foot Locker Atlanta to rebuild the weight room at his alma mater, Columbia High School. This is the latest example of Foot Locker Atlanta teaming with local celebrities to give back to the community. Foot Locker Atlanta partnered up with 2Chainz in December 2021 to restore the gym at his alma school, North Clayton High School. Future has officially confirmed the release date of his new album, which is set for April 29.

Images of the renovation and Future spending time with students can be found below.

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The post Future Teams with Foot Locker to Renovate Weight Room at His Alma Mater appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Spotted Together in Barbados amidst cheating rumors

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Following a week of cheating and breakup rumors, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appear to still be very much together if photos from their weekend trip to Barbados are any indication of their relationship status.

Photos of the couple, obtained by TMZ, show the hip-hop megastars (who are expecting their first child together) holding hands as they arrived at the Barbados airport. (Rihanna is a native of the island nation.) The Daily Mail shared photos of the couple heading out to dinner later that night, a pregnant Rihanna in a black minidress and Rocky sporting a more casual look of jeans and a t-shirt.

The photographs come following a week of rumors that the couple, who have been dating since 2020, were either broken up or on the rocks following allegations that Rocky cheated on Rihanna with Fendi designer Amina Muaddi.

Muaddi addressed the unfounded rumors on her Instagram Story on Friday, writing: “I’ve always believed that an unfounded lie spread on social media doesn’t deserve any response or clarification, especially one that is so vile. I initially assumed that this fake gossip — fabricated with such malicious intent — would not be taken seriously. However in the last 24h I’ve been reminded that we live in a society that is so quick to speak on topics regardless of factual basis and that nothing is off limits. Not even during what should be one of the most beautiful and celebrated times in one’s life. Therefore I have to speak up as this is not only directed towards me but it is related to people I have a great amount of respect and affection for.”

For now, the couple appears to be very much together and expecting the birth of their first child together any day now.

The post Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Spotted Together in Barbados amidst cheating rumors appeared first on The Source.

2 NJ Women Inmates Impregnated After Sex With Transgender Prisoners

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An all women’s prison in New Jersey launched the liberally progressive move of allowing transgender inmates to be house with the other female inmates, but now the prison is in hot water after two of the naturally-born female inmates were impregnated by a transgender inmate.

It was reported that some of the 27 transgender inmates at the Edna Mahan Correction Facility have been having sex with the biological female inmates, however, there have been no reports of rape because all of the incidents of sexual relations have reportedly been consensual.

“While DOC cannot comment on any specific disciplinary or housing decisions that may be considered in light of these events, the Department always reserves all options to ensure the health and safety of the individuals in its custody,” said NJDOC External Affairs Executive Director Dan Sperrazza.

Last year, to female inmates filed lawsuits against the prison claiming that the transgender inmates were having sex with the biological female inmates, but the legal director over at the ACLU has maintained their support of the prison reform that now allows transgender women to be housed with biological women.

“[It’s] in line with New Jersey’s strong anti-discrimination laws that prevent discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender identity,”  said Jeanne LoCicero.

The post 2 NJ Women Inmates Impregnated After Sex With Transgender Prisoners appeared first on The Source.

NJ-Based Playa Bowls Faces Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

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A Black man in Elizabeth, NJ is screaming foul following an incident in which he was denied service at Playa Bowls, an all-natural food store based in the Garden State, after he was already compensated by the store’s owner due to bad service during his last visit and now the man is seeking to file a discrimination lawsuit against the company.

Jason Cleare says that on April 10, he returned to the Elizabeth Playa Bowls store with his child following an incident where the store’s owner had to compensate Mr. Cleare for the store employees’ bad service a month prior. As he proceeded to make his order, one of the employees said that he was banned from the store and consulted with a manager via phone, who confirmed that he was banned from the store.

“The manager yelled over the phone that if I didn’t leave the store, she was going to call the police,” Mr. Cleare said. ” I called their bluff and told them to call the cops. I sat there and waited, but, of course, the police never came. What were they going to tell them? This guy came back that we had to give points for terrible customer service? “

When they realized that he wasn’t leaving the store and was waiting for the police to come, the same employee who claimed that he was banned from the store came back and offered to take his order.

“I wasn’t going to give them any of my money after they threatened to call the cops on me,” he said. “I knew as soon as the cops didn’t come, I was gonna sue them.”

Mr. Cleare says that he is filing a racial discrimination lawsuit against the company because he believes that the alleged ban and threatening of the cops was solely based on the fact that he is Black. He’s seeking punitive damage for the discriminatory treatment in hopes that the all-natural food store doesn’t conduct that type of behavior in the mostly Black Elizabeth neighborhood going forward.

“When you hit them where it hurts, they learn that they can’t treat people however they want and know that some people will hold them accountable for their actions.”

Playa Bowls has yet to respond to the allegations.

The post NJ-Based Playa Bowls Faces Racial Discrimination Lawsuit appeared first on The Source.

The NBA Foundation Grants $11 Million to Non Profit Organizations

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The NBA Foundation kicked off its second year of grantmaking today, announcing 40 new contributions totaling $11 million to organizations helping Black kids in the United States and Canada find work, progress their careers, and gain more economic empowerment. The grants, which are part of the Foundation’s fifth grant cycle and the first of 2022, are aimed at helping Black children with career development, higher education paths, mentoring, and entrepreneurship.

The NBA Foundation, established in 2020 with a 10-year $300 million commitment from the NBA Board of Governors, has now given out 118 grants totaling more than $33 million to non-profit organizations. The exalt, Marcus Graham Project, Operation DREAM, TEAM Inc., The Knowledge House, and the Youth Empowerment Project, are among the six grant renewals in the Foundation’s fifth grant round, over $1 million. These awards will promote pipeline development in their communities for high school, college-aged, job-ready, and mid-career people.

“As we enter our second year of funding and surpass the $30 million initially provided by the NBA Board of Governors to establish the Foundation, our work with national and local organizations that are driving economic opportunity for Black youth in the NBA’s 28 markets continues to strengthen and evolve,” said Greg Taylor, NBA Foundation Executive Director. “We look forward to our growth in the year ahead and are excited to establish new relationships with non-profits serving Black youth and to further collaborate with the organizations who have demonstrated their impact.”

The NBA Foundation, established by the 30 NBA teams, collaborates with the teams’ affiliated charitable organizations and the NBPA to support national and local organizations focusing on team markets, leveraging the NBA Board of Governors’ collective $30 million annual commitment as well as other funding sources. Visit www.nbafoundation.com or follow @NBAFoundation on Twitter and Instagram to learn more about the NBA Foundation or apply for a grant.

The complete list of the 40 grantees and their efforts can be viewed here.

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