Hip Hop Community News

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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Reebok Reveals “Life is Not a Spectator Sport” Court for Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson, CA

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Reebok’s “Life is Not a Spectator Sport” theme and the aim of its youth physical activity program, BOKS, are reflected in the repaired playing field and a unique butterfly mural, which encourages kids to get active and connect with life and one another. In conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and non-profit Project Backboard, Reebok introduced a refurbished basketball court for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson, California, on Tuesday, March 22. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson, California, serves 5,400 youngsters in Carson, Gardena, and South Los Angeles and is located 20 miles south of Los Angeles.

Reebok unveiled “Life is Not a Spectator Sport” this month, a daring new global brand campaign to encourage individuals to follow their passions, celebrate their uniqueness, and become active participants in the world around them.

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“‘ Life is Not a Spectator Sport’ is an especially important message for kids,” said Caroline Machen, Vice President, Global Brand Marketing at Reebok Design Group. “Enhancing the game of basketball has always been a part of Reebok’s DNA and we’re excited to bring this message to their home court in a way that makes sense for them. Even if it’s one Club or community at a time, if we continue to do the work, we can help build a more connected, active, and creative generation.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson recognizes the diverse needs of families in the community and works to help kids and teens reach their full potential by providing safe, inclusive, and engaging environments.

“The ongoing pandemic has sidelined our kids for far too long,” commented Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson CEO, Kim Richards. “I can’t think of a better way to get kids back in the game than having our clubhouse basketball court transformed thanks to the generosity of Reebok and Project Backboard. These renovations are a slam dunk toward our vision to provide equitable access to sports and fitness for kids in our under-resourced community.”

The months-long renovation included acquiring brand new portable basketball hoops, correcting surface cracks and bumps, putting fresh coats of sealant for durability, and painting a lovely butterfly mural designed by artist Shannon Peel.

“The butterfly is a symbol of metamorphosis and growth, which is central to Reebok’s ‘Life is Not a Spectator Sport’ message,” added Peel. “We wanted to integrate elements that represent energy, movement, strength, and effort, while maintaining a functional playing space that does not distract the kids during play, but rather supports them.”

Reebok and Club employees introduced the revitalized space to its members on Tuesday for the first time. Kids and staff received new Reebok sneakers as part of the unveiling, which included a virtual discussion with Reebok executives and speeches from local elected officials Jawane Hilton and Cedric L. Hicks Sr., as well as mini-games and activities on their new court.

“This sports court is special because it reminds Club youth that achieving their goals is truly possible by getting out of the stands and actively participating in life – both on the court and off,” continued Richards.

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LeBron James and Drake surprise Toronto Family with $100,000

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LeBron James and Drake are two of the most blessed celebrities in their respective industry- and recently they teamed up to share their blessings with one deserving family in a big way.

Drake shared a video on Instagram in which he invited a Toronto-area teen named Michael, who plays basketball for the Royal Crown Academic School in Toronto as well as his mom and his coach to dinner at Toronto’s Harbour 60 restaurant, the same place where his 2011 “Headlines” video was filmed.

He starts out by plugging Stake, James’ crypto gambling platform, as well as Lobos tequila. The clip shows a cutaway video of Drake winning big while playing roulette on Stake, then saying that he believes in transferring similar blessings to others.

Drake then tells Michael, his mom, and his coach how proud he is of their hard work before giving Michael and his mom $100,000 cash as well as giving both Michael and his coach new shoes.

In addition to the gift for Michael and his family, Drake also made a donation to James’ I Promise School.

The full video can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbdiqGxuDn2/.

James and the Lakers will face the Pelicans this Sunday, March 27.

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Tristan Thompson Teams Up with the Epilepsy Foundation To Raise Money and Support ‘Purple Day’

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The Epilepsy Foundation and Chicago Bulls center/forward Tristan Thompson have established a partnership to promote awareness for “Purple Day®” and funding for those impacted by epilepsy. Purple Day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a 9-year-old Canadian, to help educate people around the world about epilepsy. It is observed yearly on March 26.

Tristan Thompson will give the sneakers and jersey he will wear for his March 26 NBA clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers in honor of World Epilepsy Day. Thompson will sign his game-worn Chicago Bulls jersey and sneakers before they are auctioned off at www.epilepsy.com/slamdunk, with proceeds benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation and the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States.

“My little brother has Epilepsy, so this has always been a cause that is close to my heart,” said Tristan Thompson, Chicago Bulls center/forward. “I’ve seen the hardships Amari goes through, and I want to make a difference and help in any way that  I can for all those living with epilepsy.”

“We are very thankful to have Tristan’s support and applaud his commitment to the epilepsy community by bringing awareness to our mission,” said Laura Thrall, president and chief executive officer, Epilepsy Foundation. “The money raised will continue to fuel our efforts to deliver on programs and services that make an impact for people living with the epilepsies.” 

On Tuesday, March 22nd, the public will be able to participate in the campaign, which will run through April 5, 2022. The Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure Safe Schools campaign, seizure first aid training, and research focused on innovative medicines and treatments will all receive 100% of the proceeds. Visit epilepsy.com/slamdunk for additional information on how to win.

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Nicki Minaj Crosses out Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, and Doja Cat from Op-Ed

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Nicki Minaj is without a doubt one of the best female hip-hop artists in the industry, but after a bizarre tweet in which she crossed out the names of other major female artists mentioned in an article praising her, fans are wondering if she might also be one of the most selfish.

The tweet stemmed from a lengthy feature op-ed written by Joshua Robinson at HotNewHipHop in which he described Minaj’s rise to success as well as detailed what about her sound sets her a step above most other female artists. However, Robinson also paid compliments to other current female hip-hop artists, writing: “Nicki Minaj’s presence — be it aural, digital, or visual — is absolutely enthralling, and when she’s on hiatus, you can tell. Despite the welcomed contributions of women like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, and Doja Cat over the past few years, female rap still feels incomplete without Nicki Minaj’s presence and output, and that alone illustrates how important she is to Hip-Hop, as a genre, and as a culture.”

Minaj appeared to be pleased with the piece, but not with sharing the spotlight, sharing a screenshot of the article with the other artists’ names crossed out.

While her issues with Cardi B have been public for many years, she hasn’t appeared to have many issues with the other rappers. Naturally, social media had a lot to say about the commentary with some stating that Minaj was right in keeping the spotlight on herself while other say that she could have simply cut the screenshot off above the names of the other female artists.

None of the artists have made any public comment yet.

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Kanye West spotted courtside at Lakers game with new girlfriend Chaney Jones

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On Friday night, Kanye West took a break from promoting Donda 2, but he definitely didn’t take a break from fueling the gossip mill. Ye joined new (reported) girlfriend Chaney Jones to watch the Lakers take on the Washington Wizards at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.

Kanye wore a black hoodie, black jeans and black Balenciaga galoshes while Chaney wore black jeans, a low-cut v-neck shirt, black wrap sunglasses, and black gloves.

West and the 24-year-old Chaney, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Kim Kardashian (the rapper’s estranged wife) have been reportedly dating for several weeks now, following the rapper’s breakup with Julia Fox last month.

Chaney has not explicitly addressed her relationship with West publicly although she did share a simple quote from the ‘Positive Minds’ on her Instagram story, which simply read: “Small circle. Private life. Happy heart. Clear mind. Peaceful life.”

The couple’s appearance came on the same day that Kim Kardashian appeared to make her relationship with Pete Davidson official, sharing a series of romantic pictures of the two of them together.

The Lakers beat the Wizards 122 to 109.

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[LISTEN] Bank of America’s 911 Call About Ryan Coogler Released

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After the uproar and criticism over Black Panther director Ryan Coogler being detained in Bank of America after requesting a discreet $12K withdrawal, the audio of the 911 call placed by the BOA teller in Atlanta has now been released.

The BOA called 911 because they assumed Coogler was trying to rob the bank after he handed her a note that said, “I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet.” Even though Coogler gave the teller his California I.D. which matched his bank debit car, the manager told her to call 911. 

Coogler addressed the situation, telling TMZ, “This situation should never have happened. However, Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction and we have moved on.” 

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Kanye West’s ‘Donda 2’ Ruled Ineligible for Billboard Charts

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Despite the hype surrounding his latest album release, Billboard magazine has announced that Kanye West‘s Donda 2 will be ineligible for placement on the Billboard charts.

The controversy stems from the Ye’s decision to exclusively release Donda 2 on his own proprietary Stem Player device. The bundling of the player and the album is in violation of Billboard charts’ merchandise bundle policy, which disqualifies albums that come bundled with physical merchandise.

Billboard announced the bundling rule back in 2020, stating that selling merchandise along with a physical album or digital album download (often a free download) as a way to boost album sales numbers would skew sales numbers. The practice had been a point of controversy for the chart-ranking publication for many years. Critics of bundling had suggested that bundling put newer (and less wealthy) artists at a disadvantage because they could only offer an album, not merchandise.

West’s Stem player has been a successful venture for the artist. The player, which comes pre-loaded with a variety of West’s albums (depending on what year the player was purchased), has reportedly sold 39,500 units for a total of about $8.6 million.

As of March 7, all Stem player owners can reportedly download Donda 2 to their devices.

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Ex-Detective Not Guilty Of Charges Connected To Breonna Taylor’s Deadly Raid

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The only LMPD officer charged in connection to the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor’s apartment is not guilty of wanton endangerment.

The jury found former Detective Brett Hankison not guilty and acquitted him on all three charges yesterday.

Hankison was charged with endangering neighbors by firing the shots into Taylor’s apartment. The jury deliberated for about three hours before coming up with the verdict.

READ MORE: Jury selection begins in case surrounding Breonna Taylor’s death.

Hankison and LMPD officers Myles Cosgrove and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly fired 32 shots into Taylor’s apartment.

Hankison fired 10 of the shots into Taylor’s apartment. Errant bullets penetrated a wall of the residence and entered a neighboring apartment that was occupied by a child, a man, and a pregnant woman, according to ABC News.

Brett Hankison testified he opened fire because he thought two other cops were being executed. Those two have already been cleared from the deadly 2020 botched no-knock warrant raid on Breonna Taylor’s home. 

Following the acquittal demonstrators packed Jefferson Square Park and marched through the downtown area last night with one protester saying “there’s no such thing as a peaceful protest,” adding “they won’t be controlled, this time.” More protests are expected today in Louisville.

There were no drugs were found, and the no-knock warrant was later deemed to be flawed and faulty.

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XBOX and Dwight Howard Surprises Boys & Girls Club with State-of-the-Art Gaming Dream Spaces

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Xbox expanded its sponsorship with the Los Angeles Lakers to inspire generations of athletes to reach for the stars while turning dreams into reality both on and off the court. To commemorate the occasion, Xbox has teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers and philanthropist and NBA All-Star Dwight Howard to renovate a portion of the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, giving club members the opportunity to dream big through the program’s new Dream Space.

The new Xbox Dream Space will allow kids to experience the joy of gaming while exploring their own passions, transforming a multi-purpose room into a state-of-the-art 20-student gaming lab – complete with all the bells and whistles, including new artwork, custom purple and gold Xbox Series S consoles, gaming PCs, screens, and more.

Dwight Howard, a long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs around the country, also surprised the youngsters with a special meet-and-greet and their very own chance to team up and go toe-to-toe with the NBA champion and eight-time All-Star himself, on the court and in their favorite Xbox Game Pass titles. Howard was honored to join Xbox and the Lakers in spreading the fun of gaming to more fans in the greater Los Angeles area, inspired by the club’s common aim to promote a life of purpose and community.

Visit https://www.bgcsfv.org/ to discover more about the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley and how you can become involved.

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