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Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin, and REFORM Alliance Unite to Clear Restitution Debts for Women on Probation/Parole

May 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Today, the nonprofit criminal justice reform organization REFORM Alliance, in partnership with co-chair Michael Rubin and Kim Kardashian, is announcing their collaboration to alleviate the financial burdens of over fifty mothers trapped in the probation and parole system. These women hail from various locations including New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, Los Angeles County, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois.

Through the joint efforts of REFORM Alliance, Michael Rubin, and Kim Kardashian, the restitution, fines, and fees of these mothers will be paid off. This significant step will enable most of them to terminate their supervision or become eligible for early termination, a move that has garnered the endorsement of many of their probation officers.

Among the beneficiaries of this relief is Danielle Davis, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2012, Danielle was convicted of a nonviolent offense and sentenced to twenty-three months of parole and three years of probation. Unfortunately, when her sentence was scheduled to conclude in 2017, an additional twenty-three months of parole and three years of probation were added, not due to any new crime or violation of probation conditions, but solely because of unpaid restitution. In 2022, her probation was extended for another three years.

Kim Kardashian expresses her empathy for the struggles faced by these mothers, stating, “It’s hard to fathom what these mothers have to go through. All they want is the chance to rebuild their lives, and yet our system keeps them trapped in an endless cycle of supervision. I want to do my part to give these women the second chance they’ve earned. I urge lawmakers and advocates across the country to work toward changing outdated laws that keep too many people unnecessarily behind bars. I will continue to bring awareness to these important issues until there is change.”

Throughout the eleven years of Danielle’s supervision, she has had no violations and no encounters with the law. As a mother of four, she has recently undergone two open heart surgeries and struggles to meet her probation reporting requirements, including the burdensome task of traveling from Philadelphia to Media, PA to meet with her probation officer despite not owning a car. While living on a fixed income, she makes monthly payments ranging from $50 to $100. Danielle confesses, “I thought I’d die on probation” because she could not afford to settle the full amount she owes.

Together, Kim Kardashian and Michael Rubin are relieving Danielle of the remaining balance of her restitution, fines, and fees, along with more than 50 other women facing similar circumstances.

“Probation and parole were meant to support people as they re-entered society,” explains Michael Rubin. “But instead, these systems keep people stuck. Forcing people to remain on supervision because they can’t pay restitution is deeply unjust – and it doesn’t improve public safety one bit. REFORM Alliance is committed to transforming probation and parole and getting people out of the system for good so that they can be back with their families, contribute to their communities, and move on to live productive lives.”

This initiative will liberate the women from the trap of constant supervision and provide them with a foundation for rebuilding their lives. These mothers have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and have successfully complied with the terms of their supervision without any violations. Additionally, many of them have the support of their supervising officers in terminating their supervision once their financial obligations are fulfilled.

Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin, and REFORM Alliance aim to raise awareness about the flaws in our parole and probation systems while supporting this deserving group of women on Mother’s Day.

“These women have shown a true commitment to transforming their lives,” states Jessica Jackson, REFORM’s Chief Advocacy & Operations Officer. “Like many other mothers still ensnared in the system, they’re taking responsibility and striving for a better future for their families. It’s time for all of us to do our part to support them, and to create a criminal justice system that truly prioritizes public safety. I hope these women have a beautiful Mother’s Day and that this effort helps them move on with their lives.”

Jessica, a mother of three, has been serving as REFORM’s Chief Advocacy & Operations Officer since the organization’s inception in 2019. Her personal experience with the criminal justice system came when her then-husband was incarcerated due to an offense related to his addiction, shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Hannah. This firsthand encounter motivated Jessica to dedicate her career to criminal justice reform.

REFORM Alliance is fully committed to the transformation of probation and parole practices throughout the United States. They aim to achieve this by advocating for changes in laws, systems, and the overall culture surrounding criminal justice. Their vision is to replace America’s current criminal justice system with a restorative approach that emphasizes fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation. Collaborating with local, bipartisan coalitions, REFORM Alliance has successfully contributed to the passage of 16 pieces of legislation in 10 states. These legislative achievements have paved the way for approximately 650,000 individuals to exit the criminal justice system.

In order to identify the women who will benefit from their efforts, REFORM Alliance has worked closely with community-based organizations and supervision agencies across the country. By partnering with these entities, they have been able to ensure that their support reaches those who truly need it. A list of organizations is available below.

· Above All Odds

· Sappho Fulton, Womxn Beyond Borders

· Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

· Court Collections Unit for Court of Common Pleas, Cumberland County

· Mayor Levar Stoney (Richmond, VA)

· Nolef Turns

· Neighborhood Resource Center

· Fail Safe ERA

· NY Dept of Probation

· Sister I Can Help (IL)

· Living on Purpose ATL

· Motherhood Beyond Bars

· Lifechangers Legacy

· World Harvest Prison Ministry

· R.E.S.T.O.R.E Duval

· Anti-Recidivism Coalition

· Ladies of Hope Ministries

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Avril Lavigne and Tyga Get Cozy on Avril’s IG

May 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Summer is almost here and things are heating up for one of this year’s least-expected couples. Earlier this week, pop star Avril Lavigne posted a random photo dump of casual shots including one of her and Tyga looking very cozy together.

The Instagram post was simply captioned “Lyfe Lately” and was followed by a black and orange heart. The photos showed Lavigne with various friends and by herself (in one photo showing off a black g-string). However, the photo that got most tongues wagging was one of her and Tyga in an embrace on an empty stage.

While the “Girlfriend” singer has not directly addressed her relationship with Tyga, the two have been spotted together numerous times over the past few months and Tyga even gifted her a custom chain (reportedly with $80,000). Lavigne is seen wearing the chain in the first photo of the Instagram carousel.

Prior to her surprise relationship with Tyga, Lavigne was engaged to the artist Mod Sun. The two called it quits shortly before her relationship with the “Rack City” singer went public.

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Hazey Taughtme Launches BlackCannabis Product Line, Empowering Black-Owned Businesses

May 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Hazey Taughtme revealed exciting details about his partnership with black-owned, vertically integrated Greenwood & Co. After years of perseverance, Hazey launched BlackCannabis line quietly on April 20th by direct to consumer in Los Angeles, California, a significant milestone for him and the industry.

Black Cannabis Magazine’s Success

The successful Black Cannabis Magazine made its print debut in 2021, featuring the iconic Whoopi Goldberg on the cover. The magazine garnered 1.5 billion impressions and 3.5 million in earned media, according to Trailblaze.Co. The publication then underwent significant changes, transitioning to digital and video content to cater to millennials’ preferences for news and media consumption in the smartphone age.

The BlackCannabis Line: A Spin-off from the Magazine

The success of Black Cannabis Magazine paved the way for the BlackCannabis brand, which will now be bundled with the magazine, creating a comprehensive offering for cannabis enthusiasts. The BlackCannabis line will feature three unique strains: Bacio Gelato, Formulaa 1, and Freshwater Taffy and pre-rolls. The product line will expand and their will be dope collaborations.

Educating the Cannabis Consumer

Hazey Taughtme aims to educate cannabis consumers through the BlackCannabis brand and accompanying Black Cannabis Magazine platform. By focusing on the growing process, terpenes, and moving people away from the common classifications of sativa, indica, and hybrid strains, he hopes to shift consumer mindsets to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the plant and its potential benefits.

Direct-to-Consumer Approach

Customers will be able to purchase BlackCannabis products directly through the Blackcannabis.delivery website, ensuring ease of access and convenience for those looking to experience the brand firsthand. This direct-to-consumer approach allows Hazey Taughtme to connect with his audience on a more personal level, building trust and loyalty in the process.

Emphasizing Collaboration and Community

Hazey Taughtme stresses the importance of collaboration and community, partnering with black social equity operators like Marlo and Jason from Green Label. His approach to the cannabis industry highlights the value of working together to create a more inclusive and equitable space for all.

Revolutionizing the Cannabis Landscape

Hazey Taughtme’s partnership with Greenwood & Co, Four Twenty LLC, and other black-owned businesses is set to reshape the cannabis industry by promoting education, social equity, and community collaboration.

Introducing the BLACKCANNABIS X Diamond Collective’s Premium Cannabis Flower

Blackcannabis joined forces with The all-women Diamond Collective and renowned Super Producer Dae One, famed for his collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar. Together, Dae One and these gifted ladies crafted an authentic 34-track compilation, infusing it with a distinctive West Coast essence. The Freshwater Taffy cannabis strain embodies the laid-back California vibe while packing a punch akin to a powerful West Coast bass beat.

With the upcoming product & album launch SNEAKERBALL event on May 12th, it’s time for consumers to experience a new standard in cannabis culture that prioritizes quality, innovation, and respect for the plant and its incredible potential.

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Pras to Sue 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving and Rolling Stone for Labeling Him as a FBI Informant

May 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent Calls Pras a 22rat22 for being an FBI informant

Former Fugees member Pras is aiming to protect his name and reputation. According to the Los Angeles Times, Pras is suing 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving and Rolling Stones over social media posts and articles that stated he was an FBI informant.

Pras, born Prakazrel Michel, issued letters to the two stars and the storied publication, citing language used like “rat,” “government informant” and “FBI informant.” The suits will be executed out of Miami-Dade County.

“It is and was absolutely and demonstrably false for You to publish that Michel was a ‘government informant,’” Schwartz wrote to Rolling Stone. “Labeling a hip-hop artist such as Michel, the reputation of whom is dependent upon ‘street credibility’ and not being a ‘snitch,’ a ‘government informant’ most certainly tends to subject said hip-hop artist to hatred, distrust, ridicule, contempt and/or disgrace, along with injury in their trade or profession.”

During his trial, Pras admitted that he had voluntarily offered information to the FBI, claiming that he reported certain information to the government agency because he “thought the FBI should know.”

This information seemed to shock the general public and didn’t sit well with fellow artist 50 Cent, who has had his own share of run-ins with the law. 50 took to Instagram and shared a screenshot of a news story with a headline that read: “The Fugees Rapper Pras Admits to Being an FBI Informant.”

50 captioned the photo with: “I knew this fool was a rat. I’m glad I never fvck with this guy. #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi” following three laughing emojis.

Kyrie Irving tweeted about the case, stating, “A whole FBI informant was in the Fugees for that long?? Got me Wondering how many more informants are in Entertainment/Media/Politics silently destroying revolutionary movements from the inside.”

Pras was found guilty on all counts of conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power. He is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The post Pras to Sue 50 Cent, Kyrie Irving and Rolling Stone for Labeling Him as a FBI Informant appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Swizz Beatz Thinks Alicia Keys Doesn’t Like His Recent Gift: ‘It’s Still At The Dealership’

May 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent interview with Angie Martinez, Swizz Beatz revealed he doesn’t think his wife likes the $500,000 limited edition Virgil Abloh-inspired Maybach he purchased her as a gift. The producer added that his legendary siner wife never even picked the car up from the dealership.

“I don’t think she liked the goddam car,” he said, before Martinez pointed out that the singer did not seem like the “flashy” type either, so perhaps he has a point.

While Alicia likes to drive and collects cars, he says the gift is “still at the dealership” most likely due to the reaction social media has had on her gifts in the past. He also thinks that seeing the attention the car has received made her a little standoff-ish.

“I know she was already thinking like ‘are they gonna be on me if I bring the kids to school in this? Are people gonna know how I’m movin’?’ like [I’m sure] she start[ed] thinking like that way with it. She’s [was just] being very polite.”

The new car, which was unveiled at a car show last December, is a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 model and was designed by Abloh before his November 2021 death in partnership with Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer.
Watch the video below.

The post [WATCH] Swizz Beatz Thinks Alicia Keys Doesn’t Like His Recent Gift: ‘It’s Still At The Dealership’ appeared first on The Source.

The Recording Academy Takes Federal Effort to Limit Use of Song Lyrics in Court to Capitol Hill

May 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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Congressmen Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Hank Johnson (D-GA) from the Recording Academy® joined them at a press conference on Capitol Hill to announce the reintroduction of the Restoring Artistic Protection Act. The Restoring Artistic Protection Act would restrict the use of song lyrics in court, a prevalent practice that disproportionately harms rap and hip-hop musicians. It is intended to preserve artists’ freedom of creative expression.

Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Academy, and Rico Love, the chair of the Academy Black Music Collective, among others, spoke on behalf of the industry and as artists about the significance of adopting this law and guaranteeing that all artists can freely express themselves without worrying that their work would be criminalized.

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A post shared by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@recordingacademy)

The announcement follows the Recording Academy’s Annual GRAMMYs on the Hill®, a two-day event that recognized 13-time GRAMMY® winner Pharrell Williams, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Bill Cassidy for their steadfast support of music creators. It also brought together music creators and members of Congress from both parties to advocate for the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, the HITS Act, the American Music Fairness Act, and reform of the Recording Industry Association of America.

“GRAMMYs on the Hill has been bringing music creators to Capitol Hill for more than 20 years to elevate policy issues that impact our community. Today, we’re proud to see our Academy members’ commitment to advocacy come to life with the reintroduction of the Restoring Artistic Protection Act. We must safeguard artists’ freedom to create at all costs and work to eradicate the biases that come with the unconstitutional practice of using lyrics as evidence. We are grateful to Congressmen Johnson and Bowman for their unwavering commitment to music people and look forward to working alongside them to advance this issue.”

– Harvey Mason jr., CEO, Recording Academy and Rico Love, Chair, Recording Academy Black Music Collective

“This legislation is long overdue,” said Congressman Johnson. “For too long, artists – particularly young Black artists – have been unfairly targeted by prosecutors who use their lyrics as evidence of guilt, even though there is no evidence that the lyrics are anything more than creative expression. When you allow music and creativity to be silenced, you’re opening the door for other realms of free speech to be curtailed as well. The government should not be able to silence artists simply because they write, draw, sing, or rap about controversial or taboo subjects. The Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act) would protect artists’ First Amendment rights by limiting the admissibility of their lyrics as evidence in criminal and civil proceedings.”

“Rap, hip-hop and every lyrical musical piece is a beautiful form of art and expression that must be protected,” said Congressman Bowman Ed.D. “I am proud to introduce the RAP Act alongside Rep. Hank Johnson. Our judicial system disparately criminalizes Black and Brown people, including Black and Brown creativity. For example, Tommy Munsdwell Canady is a young 17-year-old kid serving a life sentence whose conviction heavily relied upon lyrics he wrote. I was deeply moved to hear that Mr. Canady continues to pursue his art in the face of our carceral systems that would otherwise stifle Black art. He is not an outlier. Evidence shows when juries believe lyrics to be rap lyrics, there’s a tendency to presume it’s a confession, whereas lyrics for other genres of music are understood to be art, not factual reporting. This act would ensure that our evidentiary standards protect the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. We cannot imprison our talented artists for expressing their experiences nor will we let their creativity be suppressed.”

Since the 2000s, there have been more than 500 cases where prosecutors have presented song lyrics as evidence in court against an artist defendant. Rap was evaluated more negatively than other music genres, according to a 2016 study by criminologists at the University of California. This finding highlights the possibility that prejudice against rap lyrics could inappropriately impact jurors when admitted as evidence to prove guilt. To correct this mistake, the Recording Academy has led the charge in limiting the use of an artist’s lyrics — among other forms of creative expression — as evidence in court cases, protecting the First Amendment rights of artists nationwide.

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Record Exec Dawan ‘DB’ Brown Talks Signing MC Vertt, The Corrupt Jail System + Running His Label From Behind Bars

May 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Raised in Newark, NJ—Dawan “DB” Brown introduced the world to ‘Just Wanna Rock’ hit producer MC Vertt, ran a record label, hosted back to school giveaways–all from behind bars. Now the CEO of 100 Percent Pure Ent. is free and set to take over the music industry brick by brick.

In 2018, the 37-year-old music executive started his own record label,100 Percent Pure Ent, LLC and signed a then 18-year old music producer with a vision and a sound. Brown opened the doors to his first music venture, Exclusive Notes and owns a state-of-the-art recording studio frequented by the who’s who in New Jersey. After running a full-fledged music label from behind bars, Brown definitely has a unique story to tell. With BandmanRill, DJ Jay Hood and Brooklyn femcee, Zeffy Lee on his roster—Brown is breaking barriers while inspiring with his story, The Source sat down with the newest visionary of our time and talked about the new film he wrote with actor Dennis White, the corrupt court system and his time in jail with Tsu Surf and Cassanova.

Can you tell us about how things have changed for you this year to be exact?

DB: With 2023, I have a song that came out October 2022 with a producer named Mc Vertt, ‘I Wanna Rock’ which is platinum right now by Lil Uzi and also I have an artist named Batman Real he’s from New Jersey, all of us are from New Jersey, MC is from Jersey City. He’s one of the biggest artists in New Jersey right now. Actually, he’s one of the biggest, he’s the one who started the club scene.

So I hear you conducted a lot of your business from jail and that was very interesting to me because so many people have dreams of doing things and it seems like you were able to connect those two. Can you tell us a little bit about that and like how that came about?

DB: Oh, I have a joint venture with Warner and you know at first MC he was independent but those kids they look at me kind of like a big brother father figure and stuff like that. So, I know when I got in this situation whatever the situation was I had to still be in execution mode. You know I didn’t have time to be like you know emotionally caught up in my situations. I know that I made an oath to those kids and I had to kind of still keep my promise. Only blessing for me was I had good people on the outside as well Lynn and my fiancé and one of the guys from Warner Steve Carless, I was able to get a lot of stuff done over the phone. Scheduling, making sure stuff was on time, you know when you’re in jail people don’t answer the phone for you but people know how passionate I am about the music and the culture period,

What were your day-to-day responsibilities?

DB: I wrote a schedule for the week, I would call managers making sure they were on point you know I mean making sure the shows and stuff is on point and things like that. I still would coach them over the phone and just tell them like you know although I’m in this situation, I apologize and I’ll take accountability for my actions. I’m sorry for being irresponsible but this is the thing that needs to be done. I promise y’all that I will make sure it get done. So, I used all my resources..Everything they needed didn’t go unwanted. You know what I’m saying?

That’s pretty impressive. Most people usually lose momentum. Like you mentioned, people don’t pick up the phone. How did you get past your emotions in that environment?

DB; Oh, well, I’m Muslim so you know I mean I got faith in the Lord. So, I just asked the Lord to just keep me strong. I pray five times a day. I just ask the Lord every time like I am lucky you trying to keep me striving and please don’t let this thing that I created go go and crash. You know I mean because I’m basically living my dream.

You mentioned that you were a Muslim and that kind of helped you get through your tough times and I saw that you have a film that you’re working on called ‘Street Connected’. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

DB: It’s about a kid named Moota, whose father died. His father used to teach him a lot about the religion, praying and things like that and his father got killed because his father was into the streets and he wound up doing everything his father was doing. You know, I mean once you were in the streets but trying to fight and get out of it but eventually he wanted to get on the street and move away from New Jersey with his wife and his kids.

Does that story have anything to do with your personal story?

DB: You know it’s just something that I created. I’ve always wanted to do a film since I saw Michael B Jordan in The Wire. He’s from the neighborhood, he’s from my side of town.

So you wrote the film?

DB:Yeah, I wrote it but then I hired the guy Dennis White that played D-Rock in the Biggie movie. I just wrote all my ideas and all the character names and you know so most of them are my ideas but he put it in writers form in a professional format.

So, what else are you doing with the Warner deal?

DB: Oh, I have joint ventures. So, I’m just signing artists, getting deals blowing them up trying to take them to the next level.

How did you connect with both of those young artists?

DB: So, this kid named Samir, who is one of my closest friends, Al’s nephew, I had two other artists— one artist that you know just didn’t work and one of my artists, Jigaveli passed away, got killed at college last year I think January 8th or something like that. So yeah, one of my closest friends, I said Al, his nephew named Samir was telling me like, ‘Yo I got this kid doing this club thing’ and when I first heard it I couldn’t understand it but I had to like really listen to it from executive ear and I seen that it was something different that has never been done rapping off club beats.: So, you know I got in touch with him. He blew up and did like a million views off one record and he said labels were calling them. You know they weren’t offering the right amount. I mean like it wasn’t it wasn’t a comfortable contract, so we sat down and had a meeting and we were able to work some terms out. Along with that came MC because MC his first record that band man blew up off and MC did the beat. So, they came like a package deal.

Two for one deal?!
DB: Yeah so, also I signed the other kid, DJ J Hood because he was one of the first people that was like just doing a lot of club stuff too but then he was the first person to rap off the club beats. So, what I did was I signed all the club kids that were doing the club stuff and kind of cornered the market because I knew it was going to be something big and nobody ever did it. You know one thing about music. Music changes every six to eight months and I knew that this right here was gonna be the new voice of hip-hop.

I saw you also gave back to your city by hosting giveaways in Newark.
DB: Yeah, I did that while I was actually in jail. I knew somebody that worked for the city. I was like you know we should do a book bag giveaway. My artist came from Vegas because he was staying in Vegas at the time. He came out here, got the cameramen, got the photographers, post flyers and he’s a big artist so you know whatever you go kids gonna come out there passing out book bags and stuff like that so it was all right.

So, you touched on one thing, you said you were locked up with Casanova and Tsu Surf. What was that like?
DB: So, we were in the dorms, so me and Casanova used to talk and him and the president from Warner, my boy Steve Carless is cool. I used to put them on the phone with each other and stuff like that we used to talk. Our dorms, he was in dorm three, I was in dorm six. We used to play Family Feud once a week. So, we’ll be going against their dorms so we’d kick it. Tsu Surf actually gave me some music while I was in it to put in my movie. So, we’d always be kicking it about different things you know? It’s crazy because people can’t believe they’re in there— everybody fighting for their life and then the system is crazy because they try to paint this picture of people. There’s some really smart and intelligent people in prison and I just want to say man free my man Surf and Free my man Casanova man I mean… them guys don’t deserve to be in there. You know I mean the way the system is designed to destroy black people that’s in power and you know there’s nothing we could do when the Feds get involved you know?

Why do you think it’s an attack on them as opposed to something that they might have done on their own?
DB: I don’t know I can’t really speak on what they did or stuff like that but I know that the time they give people for whatever be like too much. You know what I mean? You see they give black people all this time but then it might be some Mexican or this time they get them slap on the wrist. But Blacks and Dominicans they be on our top, I just feel like it’s unfair how they do us. I think it’s a racial thing and the prosecutors are so attached to certain stuff they be wanting to destroy you, divide your family, different things like that. They hurt black people and they say oh, we’re trying to stop crime but nobody ain’t killed nobody or nothing like that! But what happens is they separate those people and by the time the person comes home their sons are doing the same shit they don’t even get a chance to save their kids.

What advice would you give them to get past what they’re going through and make it to where they’re trying to go?

DB: I tell people to pray. You know I mean and while you’re in this situation come up with a plan not to go back. I had to tell people— keep your faith, pray. Mind your business, stay out of people’s business, and just do everything that’s gonna benefit you and your family. You know what I mean and just stay solid. If you went in and you did something wrong stay solid you know man stay solid. Don’t do the problem if you can’t do the time and try not to do it and stay away from it stay away from anything that’s negative.

The post Record Exec Dawan ‘DB’ Brown Talks Signing MC Vertt, The Corrupt Jail System + Running His Label From Behind Bars appeared first on The Source.

Alicia Keys Invites Teenage Shooting Victim Ralph Yarl to Upcoming Summer Concert

May 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Teenage shooting victim Ralph Yarl is reportedly recovering and improving each day- and if he didn’t have enough motivation from the hundreds of thousands of well-wishers across the world already, he now has at least one very special event to look forward to this summer as superstar Alicia Keys has reportedly invited the 16-year-old to attend one of her upcoming concerts this summer.

Lee Merritt, the attorney for the Yarl family, told TMZ that Keys’ camp invited Ralph to attend an upcoming summer show in the Kansas City area and meet her. Merritt also said that Roc Nation has also offered any assistance that the family might need.

A GoFundMe for Yarl, which has surpassed $3.4 million in donations, is being managed by social justice activist Shaun King, who is advising the family on how to best manage the money, which will be put in a trust for Yarl as well as help with expenses.

Yarl was shot twice last month when he went to the wrong home on accident. 84-year-old Andrew Lester has been charged with assault in the first degree and armed criminal action.

Over the weekend, Yarl’s aunt, Dr. Faith Spoonmore, shared an update on his condition via Instagram, calling him a “fighter” and stating that even though he experiences severe headaches, doctors are very optimistic about Yarl’s prognosis.

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Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes Perform and Advocate for Healthcare Transparency

May 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

French Montana Performs at Power to the Patients Event

Insane concert ticket prices have been the talk of the entertainment industry in recent months, but many Americans are more concerned with healthcare prices. Last week, hip-hop artists Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes teamed up to perform at a “Power to the Patients” advocacy event in Washington DC, bringing awareness to significant issues in the American healthcare system.

The event was sponsored by “Power to the Patients,” a non-profit organization fighting for a more affordable and equitable healthcare system price transparency.

At the event, which was attended by cele French Montana stated that he was involved in the event because he didn’t think that people should be “blindsided” anymore by astronomical healthcare bills, saying that patients “needed prices up front” and that he hoped the event could help the American healthcare system “move forward.”

Rick Ross got on stage and said that people should know if they “gotta sell your house to save your parents” with regard to inconsistent hospital bills.

On the organization’s website, alongside a YouTube video about the subject, Fat Joe explained why he was passionate about the cause, writing:

“We have to change the healthcare system and hold hospitals and insurers accountable to provide more transparency on the price of care. They are charging way too much money and the bills are not even consistent. Somebody could get an MRI for $300 and someone right behind them could be paying thousands for the same MRI. Right now, millions across the country are being dragged into debt because they’re blindsided by the cost of these medical bills. Families are falling apart. People are losing their homes. People are getting bankrupted because of hospital bills and healthcare. Knowing prices is the only way we will be able to lower our costs in healthcare. So, we have to fight for the people. We all have to talk to our politicians and talk to everybody. It’s in the law that hospitals and insurers need to post prices and we all need to know this. I teamed up with Power to the Patients to educate our communities on their rights and help put an end to this injustice.”

More information about the group’s activism efforts can be found on their website: https://www.powertothepatients.org/.

The post Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes Perform and Advocate for Healthcare Transparency appeared first on The Source.

Luxury Car Owners Paying $250,000 Over The Retail Price For Exclusive ‘Virgil’ Mercedes Maybach

April 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The release of the 2023 Mercedes Maybach “Virgil” edition has taken the luxury car market by storm. With only 150 units produced, and just 41 of them making their way to the United States, the demand for this exclusive vehicle is high, especially among celebrities. The demand for this exclusive vehicle has reached such a fever pitch that people are willing to pay up to $250,000 over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $325,000

Rapper Drake, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, Nigerian superstar Davido, and rising hip hop artist Lil Baby are among the first celebrities to floss with the in-demand car. The Maybach “Virgil” edition has a unique sand brown exterior color with black and brown interior accents.

The scarcity of this car, combined with its unique design and high-end features, has made it a highly sought-after item among luxury car enthusiasts.
In addition to its sleek and stylish design, the Maybach “Virgil” edition is packed with advanced features, including state-of-the-art safety technology, cutting-edge infotainment systems, and a powerful engine that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. The car’s luxurious interior features premium materials, including leather upholstery, high-quality wood accents, and advanced climate control systems.
The exclusivity and high price tag of the Maybach “Virgil” edition has already been stamped as a symbol of wealth and status among those who can afford it. It is no surprise that celebrities, who often enjoy the finer things in life, are among the first to acquire this exclusive vehicle.
The “Virgil” Maybach edition has caused such a stir, it is no wonder why people are willing to pay a premium to get their hands on one. As the market for luxury cars continues to evolve, the Maybach “Virgil” edition has certainly set a new standard for what it means to be a truly exclusive and high-end vehicle.

Check out the 2023 Mercedes Maybach “Virgil” edition below.

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