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REFORM Alliance and Hire! Philly to Host Job Fair at Wells Fargo Center

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The REFORM Alliance and Hire! Philly announced that they will host the “REFORM Alliance Philadelphia Job Fair” at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, June 9th to revive the city’s workforce and economy. The Philadelphia 76ers, Amazon, Fanatics, NAACP Philadelphia, and Wells Fargo Center are all supporting the event.

The job fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, is accessible to the public and aims to provide a critical channel for formerly jailed people, single parents, and veterans to find work. Poverty alleviation, expungement assistance, and workforce development programs will also be available at the event. According to recent research co-released by Fines and Fees Justice Center and REFORM Alliance, two out of every three people on probation earn less than $20,000 per year, with over 40% earning less than $10,000. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia’s 12.2 percent average unemployment rate is 50 percent higher than the national average.

“Jobs mean strong families, safe communities, and a healthy economy,” said Robert Rooks, CEO of REFORM Alliance. “System-impacted people constitute a ready and willing workforce but face significant barriers to employment. With this job fair, we want to empower people with hope, dignity, confidence, and access to opportunity so that they can thrive.”

“People need jobs to provide for themselves and support their families. Yet too many Philadelphians are locked out of the economy because of their criminal history or other barriers,” said Jessica Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer of REFORM Alliance. “This job fair is an opportunity to break down those barriers and help anyone trying to get back on their feet. We have an amazing group of partners, volunteers and employers ready to make this a one stop shop for a better future.”

“At Hire! Philly we believe that connecting people to employment is the first step in placing them on a path to economic mobility. However, having access to quality jobs is far too often a challenge for people with significant barriers such as a criminal background. So we work very intentionally to design hiring events that meet job seekers where they are and include access to community resources that address workforce barriers,” said Kathryn Epps Roberson, Executive Director of Hire! Philly. “Attendees will be able to engage with dozens of our employer and community partners during the event but will also be able to maintain those connections and access additional job opportunities through our web-based employment support platform, PropelPHL, beyond the event.” This is the second job fair hosted by REFORM Alliance. Last year, Roc Nation and REFORM collaborated on an employment and resource event at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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NBA 2K x SoundCloud Announce Winning Artists For NBA2K22 Soundtrack

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The global music search is over for SoundCloud and NBA 2K’s “2K Beats: The Search” to discover the next generation of emerging artists. Today, SoundCloud and NBA 2K revealed the first 10 winning artists including 4KPHIL, J Nolan, Jamari, KC Carter, Lulu Be., Neek, OttoMattic, Samad Savage, Shiwan, and Third Coast Chris whose tracks will be featured in the NBA 2K22 Season 7 soundtrack heard by players around the world. Fans can discover the new tracks in-game starting May 20th, and today in the playlist on SoundCloud here. 

The winning artists were handpicked by SoundCloud and NBA 2K from more than 15,000 submissions and feature some of the hottest new original tracks from emerging artists who are gaining traction from fans on SoundCloud alongside top artists on the soundtrack such as Aitch, Freddie Gibbs, Megan Thee Stallion, Metro Boomin, Saweetie, Skepta, Smino, and many more. Get to know more about the first wave of winning artists from “2K Beats: The Search” below. 

“I grew up playing NBA2K and the NBA as a whole,” says 4KPHIL. “Rap music goes hand in hand with the game of baseketball, and I’m ecstatic to have my song included in the 2022 soundtrack.” 

The post NBA 2K x SoundCloud Announce Winning Artists For NBA2K22 Soundtrack appeared first on The Source.

August 08 Deliver New EP, ‘Towards The Sun’ featuring Schoolboy Q

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August 08 has returned with a new project to succeed his 2020 release, Emotional Cuh. The 7-track EP entitled, Towards The Sun, takes listeners on a 19-minute trip that quickly eases into a groovy joy ride. He taps Schoolboy Q for the Soundwave and Terrace Martin produced, “Cutlass.” The track is slated to be the lead single for the project.

Last month, August 08 dropped his project’s outro, “500 Days.” Prior to that release, he made a cameo on Snoop Dogg’s Algorithm. He collaborated with Ty Dollar $ign and Bino Rideaux for “GYU.” The Los Angeles native gained momentum from his 2021 appearance and has not looked back sense.

Check out Towards The Sun by August 08 below.

The post August 08 Deliver New EP, ‘Towards The Sun’ featuring Schoolboy Q appeared first on The Source.

Lil Wayne and Mark Cuban Share a Moment Courtside During Western Conference Finals

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H.E.R., Lil Wayne, The Isley Brothers Are Set To Headline 2021 One Music Festival

As the Western Conference Finals were heating up last week, so was a beef between Lil Wayne and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Lil Wayne was rooting for Phoenix Suns in their second-round matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns would lose but earlier in the series, Weezy let off his feelings about Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, calling him a “ho.”

Once the Suns were blown out and bounced out of the playoffs, Mavs owner Mark Cuban found that tweet and offered one of his own, using lyrics from Wayne’s “Uproar.”

Wayne saw it and fired back: “Mark Cuban don’t make me et u smacked boy U playin w me?? I will piss in ya fkn mouth ho”

He also dropped this one that hasn’t been deleted:

Wayne’s manager Mack Maine arranged for the brief war of words to stop and now the two met courtside in San Francisco.

Wayne’s friend Skip Bayless provided some additional details.

The post Lil Wayne and Mark Cuban Share a Moment Courtside During Western Conference Finals appeared first on The Source.

Cardi B Gets Wax Figure at Hollywood Wax Museum

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While many celebrities get called “plastic” by critics, Cardi B is now quite literally plastic as the Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach, NC recently added a wax figure of Cardi B to their lineup.

The lifelike statue features a blonde Cardi complete with tattoos wearing a bedazzled two-piece costume similar to what she’s worn in her past performances, holding her arms up as if she is performing in front of an audience and pointing to them.

Cardi B Hollywood Wax Museum wax figure
Cardi B Hollywood Wax Museum wax figure
Cardi B Hollywood Wax Museum wax figure 1
Cardi B Hollywood Wax Museum wax figure

As for creating the wax Cardi? The Hollywood Wax Museum describes the process on their website, explaining how it take seven artists more than three months to replicate some of the world’s biggest stars, explaining the process as such:

“We start with a simple lump of clay, some measurements and a handful of photos. A clay sculptor then molds the clay into a remarkable likeness of the star, right down to every mole and wrinkle. Next, we start our work with wax. A mold is created using the clay head and face, and a molten mixture of natural and petroleum-based wax is poured inside to form a rough waxen image. We then begin to whittle down the wax to reveal appropriate wrinkles, fine lines and other unique markings of each forehead and face. The masterpiece is completed by adding the details of the eyes, ears, nose and lips. Then, it’s time to bring the wax to life. Appropriate color is applied to the skin and features and hair is inserted one strand at a time. Meanwhile, the wax artist creates hands that not only look anatomically correct, but will work just right with the figure’s stance and hand gestures.”

They then add a custom designed costume and props to complete the look.

As with all things, the internet is divided with some calling the statue realistic while others had their criticisms. As for Cardi? She appears to be here for it, sharing a photo to her Instagram story with the caption “Naaa this wax determine of me lit. I believed this was actually me ayoooooo.”

Cardi isn’t the first female hip-hop star to recently get a wax figure. In 2020, Madame Tussauds unveiled a wax figure of Nicki Minaj inspired by her Anaconda video.

The post Cardi B Gets Wax Figure at Hollywood Wax Museum appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott Donates $1M To Black College Students To Ensure They Graduate

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According to a report from TMZ, rapper Travis Scott has decided to give Black college students a large monetary incentive to become graduates.

According to the report, Scott awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 students at HBCUs that are slated to walk across the stage in 2022. Scott’s Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund will be donating $10K to each student who finish off their scholastic career with at least a 3.5 GPA.

Scott’s donations went to 38 HBCU seniors from Alabama A&M University, Central State University, Jackson State University, Morehouse College, Texas Southern University, Grambling State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Prairie View A&M University.

The scholarships are a part of Scott’s Project HEAL, which was established in the wake of the Astroworld tragedy, which took ten lives and injured numerous others.

The post Travis Scott Donates $1M To Black College Students To Ensure They Graduate appeared first on The Source.

Snoop Dogg Jokes About Buying Twitter, Twitter Reacts

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Snoop Dogg had the internet in a stir over the weekend when he appeared to throw his hat in the ring to buy Twitter. It came after Elon Musk tweeted his plan to buy the platform is “temporarily on hold” even though he’s “still committed” to following through with the deal.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg Buys Ownership Stake In Ice Cube’s BIG3 Basketball League

Snoop Dogg tweeted saying he might have to buy Twitter now.

Elon Musk tweeted fire emojis in response.

In a thread, the legendary rapper said his first line of business would be to get free internet connections on airplanes. He also said he’s fed up with how the app verifies bots who bug him in his direct messages. Snoop also said he’d immediately give everyone a blue checkmark.

Snoop then started the hashtag #WhenSnoopBuysTwitter and Twitter reacted with their wildest out of the box suggestions for the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper.

Share your comments on social media.

The post Snoop Dogg Jokes About Buying Twitter, Twitter Reacts appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Judge Mathis & His Family Heading to Reality TV With ‘Mathis Family Matters’

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The honorable Judge Greg Mathis Sr. and his entire family will hit your TV screens in the newest series, Mathis Family Matters. With his four kids all grown up and back in Los Angeles, Judge Mathis gives us an exclusive look into his Hollywood lifestyle with his family by his side.

Judge Mathis is certainly no stranger to TV, as one of the most straight-forward judges on TV, Mathis Family Matters will offer fans a rare look into his life outside of the courtroom. In the newest trailer for Mathis Family Matters, Judge Mathis shares, “When the robe comes off, I’m just another sucka.” For the first time in 15 years, all four kids are all living in the same city, so be sure to tune in as the series dives into each of the Mathis family members as they navigate through life, love, and of course, Hollywood.

All in all, the Mathis Family Matters stars are ready to shake things up with fun, big laughs and family love at the core. Mathis Family Matters premieres with back-to-back episodes on Sunday, June 19 on E!

The post [WATCH] Judge Mathis & His Family Heading to Reality TV With ‘Mathis Family Matters’ appeared first on The Source.

Casting Director E. Mills Challenges Diddy’s “Best Party Thrower” Claim

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From his infamous all-white parties in the Hamptons to New Year’s Eve extravaganzas in Miami, it’s no secret that Diddy, 52, presented the culture with some of the most memorable parties throughout his 30-year-plus career. While promoting the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, Diddy titles himself the “Best Party Thrower” in a new commercial that instantly sparks a reaction from Award-winning Los Angeles Casting Director and Party Thrower Ed “E. MillsDidIt” Mills, followed by him suggesting a debate for the rightful owner of the moniker to the general public on social media in order to determine who is the real “best party thrower” between the two.

MORE: Diddy Announces CÎROC is Headed to Ready-to-Drink Market

In reaction to Diddy’s declaration, E. Mills — who’s not looking to self-proclaim the title like Diddy — shared a Tik Tok promo that uses a clip from Diddy’s 2022 Billboard Music Awards commercial where he states “Interrupting your regularly scheduled program, I have an announcement to make. I’m the best muthaf*ckin party thrower…”, a scene from the classic film Coming To America with Hakeem (Eddie Murphy) asking: “…You’re the prince, then who am I?”, a clip of E. Mills turning his head with a stunning look and a puzzled mannerism, and a few clips of him partying hard while surrounding around an army of models. The clip issues the vote-requesting statement “Let’s let the people decide…”, followed by taunting remarks and signature catchphrases from E. Mills, like “oh yeah. E. Mills Did It,” “Mill Ticket” and “Mr. Imma Out Work You Ni**as.”

The song in the clip is Wallet Green’s “F*ck It Up,” which name drops E. Mills and his entertainment company Mill Ticket Entertainment in a verse that raps: “… I got hoes like Mill Ticket / They gon think E. MillsDidIt.”

Diddy was announced as this year’s Billboard Music Awards’ host and executive producer last month. While the mogul made the statement in the commercial — it was neither confirmed nor denied that the mogul’s statement was an open invitation to all challengers. Now, E. Mills is well aware of the billionaire mogul’s high-profile party-throwing history but approaches the conversation for sheer acknowledgment of his rivaling partying-throwing resume across the U.S. throughout the 2000s.

“Let’s be clear,” said E. Mills in an issued statement when reached for comment by The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul. “It wasn’t necessarily a challenge set forth, but more so me putting the world on notice. I’m not a walk through the park, so to speak when it comes to this lifestyle. I’ve created a lot of vibes over the years and know I’ve planted my feet in these couches [laughing] but hey I’m not running from a challenge either — never have and never will. We can definitely do it for the culture. With that being said, I do give credit where credit it’s due. He’s earned his stripes, just give me mine too 🎟”

Mills is the Founder and CEO of Mill Ticket Entertainment, a popular Los Angeles-based entertainment brand for years now best-known for casting models in music videos for the majority of hip hop’s biggest superstars. The brand’s resume includes a wide variety of high-profile brands and the biggest superstars in today’s music such as 1800 Tequila, New Balance, and Adidas. Mill Ticket models have been seen starring in music videos for everyone, ranging from Drake to Chris Brown to YG to Tyga to 2 Chainz, and so many more. Interestingly, E.Mills has provided models for the Diddy-owned television network, Revolt TV, and its popular original talk show, Respectfully Justin hosted by Justin Laboy.

E.Mills cast the brand new Diddy-starring Ciroc commercial promoting the brand’s new ready-to-drink line in Miami.

MORE: T-Pain Taps Lil Jon, Hannibal Buress, O.T. Genasis For Inaugural “Wiscansin Fest”

Diddy has yet to rebuttal to Mills’ promo at this time but the streets is talking, and want the two to go head-to-head for the title, party-for-party. Mills shared a fan-made versus flyer featuring himself and Diddy with the caption “Somebody just sent me this lol who wants to see it?”

“We need this!,” wrote Lauren Banks under the Instagram post with fire emoji. “Come on now we all know you gonna win,” commented rapper Joey $ynth$ with side-eyed eyes and 100 emoji. “Let’s goooo!!” comments hyped photographer Jam-X.

The Source’s requests for comment(s) from Diddy and/or representatives have gone unresponded at press time. More as this story develops.

Billboard Music Awards hosted and executive produced by Diddy, aires live this Sunday (May 15) at 8PM ET/5PM PT on NBC-Peacock. Watch the trailer below.

The post Casting Director E. Mills Challenges Diddy’s “Best Party Thrower” Claim appeared first on The Source.

EBONY’s Kera McCain Speaks to the Importance of Amplifying Black Voices

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If a person were to ask how does one amplify African American voices through a storytelling medium, that person can point to EBONY’s Head of marketing, Kera McCain. 

Kera McCain prides herself in curating, shaping and amplifying the stories of the most influential Black voices. While she says it took time to get there, “’I’ve been doing that my entire life.”

“It’s an honor to be in the position to amplify the stories of people with the energy and ambition to shift culture,” says McCain. 

While she has assumed the role as Head of Marketing at the historic EBONY Media, the goal and intention remains the same. 

Kera McCain joined EBONY in November 2021 after more than a decade of executing marketing initiatives for top brands such as Live Nation Entertainment, Revolt TV, Ticketmaster, Condé Nast, Allure Beauty, Vogue and more. 

She arrived at her purpose after a personal soliloquy of her potential career as an actress. McCain was aware that she would not commit to the craft as a thespian, but could establish the runway to take off in another way.

“I knew I wanted to help magnify a connection from a person to a brand,” she says. “I knew I wanted to maximize the visibility of whatever I was involved in. I learned what that was in particular and it was making an emotional connection to something, which is marketing.”

She references the importance of her community of friends

In last month’s cover story, EBONY Media featured Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert and their two daughters, Julie and Rue.

These are the stories that EBONY has continued to amplify throughout its illustrious history. Under new leadership with owner Junior Bridgeman and Chairwoman, Michele Gee, the publication gears up for another era of Black excellence that will keep flame burning on the EBONY legacy. At its marketing helm, Kera McCain is thankful for their style of leadership.

“I feel a sense of rocket fuel being here,” says McCain. “Both Mr. Bridgeman and our Chairwoman, Michele Gee, are leading us in a way that does not have to be conventional or safe. To be at a company that prides itself on, ‘I may not be sure of what it looks like, but let’s try it,’ there is no better place to be.”

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