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‘Dope Shows’ Founders Speaks to the Growth and Consistency of Their Concert Promotional Agency

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“Ain’t no show like Dope Shows.” After “Birthday Bash” earlier this month, which featured Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Gunna, and G Herbo, the production continues to live up to its slogan.

During Grammy weekend, dope Show founders Stephen Piner and Jamir Shaw pulled off the sell-out show at the Wells Fargo Center to feature some of music’s biggest superstars.

“We took six months to plan ‘Birthday Bash,’ and it happened in one day, where the show lasted six hours,” said co-founder Jamir Shaw. “It shows the level of growth over the past five years. 

The two Philly natives founded the company back in 2017. The idea sparked from the lack of notable artists that would perform in the city of Philadelphia and teach young artists the details of how to put together a show.

Both Shaw and Piner recall their first show, The Filmore Philadelphia, which holds less than 500.

“Looking out into the crowd and seeing a sold-out Well Fargo Center compared to previous shows of 500 to 2,500 speaks to our consistency and taking everything we’ve learned to apply it to the next venture,” said Shaw.

According to Piner, their approach and level of execution remain the same, no matter the size of the venue. The size of the task is irrelevant because they have spent several years doing the work at such a high level.

Following a sold-out Wells Fargo Center crowd at “Birthday Bash,” Piner and Shaw refuse to take their foot off the gas pedal.

Last week they announced their next concert entitled, “Summertime Series,” in Boston, headlined by Lil Durk, G Herbo, Milly Z, and Toure. Toure recently signed to Dope Records as the label’s first artist. 

“Before we signed Toure, we were fans of his,” said Piner. “There’s a viral video where he was on a sprinter (van) with Meek (Mill). We’re all from West Philly, so we thought there’s no better place than to start with the home team.”

Shaw adds that they are currently building a recording studio in Philly, where creatives can come to work on their craft. 

“We want to make sure that any artists we work feel as if they are heavily supported like a major label, but at the indie level,” says Shaw.

In addition to their newfound label and upcoming show at Boston’s TD Garden (July 23), Dope Shows is currently cooking up a surprise later this Fall for their hometown. 

Brace yourself, Philly because “Ain’t no show like Dope Shows.” 

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[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.”

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Coco Jones on Signing to Def Jam, ‘Bel-Air’ & Redefining Success

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Coco Jones Releases Her New Single "Caliber" via Def Jam

Coco Jones is no stranger to stardom. The former Disney Channel star has gracefully matured and glided into her greatness as a multi-talented actress and singer.

Jones has already dazzled fans in her role as the social media influencer and culinary expert Hilary Banks in Peacock’s hit series Bel-Air to start the new year. Amid the show’s success, she announced her signing to the historic music label Def Jam. Her single debut, “Caliber,” followed shortly after. According to the 24-year-old star, her vision aligns perfectly with Def Jam.

“It’s iconic,” she says. “I’ve had these experiences before, and I know how to operate in this business, but now I’m myself. I know what I want to sing about. I know what I want to say, and I know how I want it to sound. To have Def Jam behind me means so much because they get the vision too. They’re not trying to change me. They’re just trying to see me win.”

After wrapping up a captivating first season of Bel-Air, Coco heads into season two with the audience in their seat, wondering what’s next for Hilary.

“Everyone is asking me like I know what’s next,” she says as she laughs. “One thing I have learned about our writers is to expect the unexpected because they love to flip the script.”

As she has matured in the entertainment business, her definition of success has changed. “Being booked” was her previous definition. Now she equates success to simply one word: “peace.”

Whether using her angelic voice to serenade listeners or blessing viewers as a thespian, the sky is not the limit for Coco Jones. It is only a point of view.

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The Museum Of Graffiti To Exhibit ‘GHOST: Bits and Pieces’

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The Museum of Graffiti is pleased to announce Bits and Pieces, a solo exhibition of new works by GHOST, the New York graffiti artist. The exhibition opens on May 19, 2022 and will be on view through mid-July 2022. 

Bits and Pieces is Ghost’s first solo show at the Museum of Graffiti. The new works are an explosion of colors and imagery that melt into his rounded his unique graffiti letterforms. Ghost’s work contains hundreds of elements from his fantastic imagination where viewers are transported into a psychedelic world where letters come to life. “One of the highest compliments I get is that people say they feel like they took acid without taking acid. I like to take people on a trip. The more they look into the art, the more they discover my world,” states Ghost. His paintings are like eye candy to the artist who unlike many of the graffiti artists working in the streets wants his work to be accessible to the public. He adds, “I want people to get drawn in. Layers and depth are important for me to create a situation where people can spend time with my pieces. People want to walk into them and get into the art. To me that’s what makes my painting successful – when people want to walk into it. I don’t intend to do this but it just happens that way. For the most part it has been accidental discoveries during the process of painting and challenging myself.” 

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The new paintings include works that are reminiscent of the 1980s when he was adorning New York City’s subway trains with his original and improvised style of graffiti lettering and characters. Ghost was one of the last kings of the New York City train graffiti era. Today, he approaches his paintings with the same zest and casual grace as he does his train work, with bold explosions of colors and wild cartoons.  

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[WATCH] White Reporter Slams Anthony Mackie & Monica For Attending CMT Awards, ‘It’s Not Wakanda’

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The CMT Awards features fan-voted country music videos and live performances annually on the CMT Channel in Nashville, Tennessee.
In an effort to be more inclusive of other cultures, the CMT Awards recently began inviting Black performers.

This year the show was co-hosted by actor Anthony Mackie and featured performances by Jimmie Allen and R&B singer Monica.
Last week a white reporter, Patrick Howley, complained about Black artists at the awards show.
“There were so many Black people there,” Howley said. “Sorry to say, but so many Black celebrities who have nothing to do with country music and it’s, like, why?”

He also criticized Mackie for hosting the CMT Awards on Monday.

“I don’t know who this Black guy who’s hosting it. It’s supposed to be country music. No offense. I mean, y’all have hip-hop and basketball… Just fly with your flock, bro.”

Howley played a tape of Mackie hosting the CMT Awards and imitated a Black accent to mock the actor: “The melanated people invented country music! We was making country music in Wakanda before Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard done stole the Black man’s country music!”

After his comments drew backlash on Twitter, Howley claimed he isn’t racist because he listens to Black music.

“No disrespect to the funky brothers,” he continued. “I love Earth Wind and Fire, Run DMC, etc. But country music’s different… It’s not Wakanda.”

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Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ and A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘ The Low End Theory’ Added to National Recording Registry

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As the defining era of the nineties continues to mature, the admirable sounds of the beloved time reign heavily in longevity. Earlier this week, the Library of Congress announced the names of 25 recordings have been added to the National Recording Registry for 2022 including Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory.

The two hip-hop classics join Duke Ellington’s Ellington At Newport, Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey, and more to the 2022 class. Representing modernized rhythm and blues, Alicia Keys’ debut album Songs in A Minor has also been added to the National Recording Registry this year.

According to the Library of Congress, the records that were chosen to join the registry “were influential in helping to deepen and grow the genres of rap, hip-hop and R&B in American culture.”

A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory is recognized for its distinct fusion of jazz into the palm of rap. The diversified production by Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the unique tone of Q-Tip, the lyrical stiffness of Phife Dawg, and the trivial presence of Jarobi marbled a profound lane during a time of budding hip-hop culture.

Released in 1993, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the groundbreaking debut album of the Wu-Tang Clan and went on to set the tone for the hip-hop sound of the east. Presenting nine Staten Island-based emcees, with three of them stationed in Brooklyn, Enter the Wu-Tang comprised four hit singles, “Protect Ya Neck,” “Method Man,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and “Can It Be All So Simple,” in which the success of each single resulted in revamping New York City’s notoriety in the genre.

In order to be inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, a work must be at least 10 years in age and “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” to American culture. Due to hip-hop’s grand role in the face of American music, classic recordings that hold an undeniable impact are bound to be considered.

Enter the Wu-Tang and Low End Theory will join historically notable hip-hop works including “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet, Tupac Shakur’s Dear Mama, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Nas’ Illmatic, Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, and many more.

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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.

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Raekwon and Ghostface Killah Kick-off Ja Rule’s ‘VIBES’ Concert Series with ‘The Purple Tape’ Live Band Performance

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On Monday night (April 11), a classic hip-hop album showcased its bind to longevity. Wu-Tang Clan legends Raekwon and Ghostface Killah took to the stage of Sony Hall in New York City and performed an array of hits from the Chef’s classic solo debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, also known as The Purple Tape, with a band in live form.

The ensemble included two electric guitar players, two keyboard players, and one drummer. Aside from the two iconic emcees, there was another vocalist who carried out the majestic harmonies of the album, as heard on “Can’t Be All So Simple (Remix)” and “Rainy Dayz,” Bobbi Storm. Together, the troupe fervidly enacted a symphonic expression of The Purple Tape, a spin in favor of the era-defining album’s reigning legacy as a game-changer.

The Purple Tape, or Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, is among the pioneering works for narrative mafioso rap and ultimately catapulted the style into a subgenre of hip-hop. Nearly three decades later, the Chef remains in awe at the album’s well-known repertoire but, in solid humility, commemorates the gem, representing a defining period.

“When I did that album, I felt personally that it was something great, but the commemoration that its given is undeniably awkward to me because I’m just a kid from the street that tried to do something that I felt was genuine to me, and the world looked at it as a blessing.”

The performance is a part of Ja Rule’s VIBES Concert Series, where artists tailor a routine after their journeys in a storytelling fashion. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah’s concert was the first to kick off the series as the experience plans to take on a roster of class acts. The event was streamed exclusively on the ICONN LIVE app.

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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.

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[WATCH] Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Exhibit Debuts In NYC

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Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure exhibit featuring a celebration of Basquiat’s life will open this April,The NYC Landmark Starrett-Lehigh Building will be featuring over 200 never before and rarely seen paintings, drawing, ephemera and artifacts.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure is a deeply personal exhibition created by the Basquiat family, with the exhibition designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye OBE ~ the architect for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C. and the Studio Museum in Harlem to name just a few.

“We wanted to bring his work and personality forward, in a way only his family can, for people to immerse themselves in. We want this to be an experiential and multi-dimensional celebration of Jean-Michel’s life.”…. – Lisane Basquiat

The exhibition will be divided into seven themes ~ An  Introduction (1960) ~ Kings County ~ World Famous ~ Ideal ~ 57 Great Jones Street Studio ~ Art Gallery ~ Place Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“Jean-Michel stands at the forefront of a legacy of really strong people who are committed to showing up in the world in a specific way. And that runs through our bloodline. Now our children know what can happen when you live your truth, when you stand up for what’s right for you and exert work ethic, passion & commitment to why you believe you’re here. Partly because of this blueprint, every one of our children lives in authenticity of who they are, in their own different ways,” Lisane says.

“It was important to have a show that all people want to experience. We want them to see Jean-Michel in themselves, an artist that looks like them. We want it to be completely accessible for those who have felt intimidated in the past by going to a museum,” Jeanine explains. Lisane adds: “I want people to walk away with inspiration, hope & confidence in themselves to do the same thing with whatever it is for them – whether it’s painting, music or being an accountant. To live their lives with that same commitment, dedication and grit.”

Check out the video below.

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