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Former Minneapolis Police Officer Thomas Lane Released From Prison After Serving Time For His Connection To The Death Of George Floyd

August 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that one of the Minneapolis Police officers that was convicted in the 2020 death of George Floyd was released from federal prison.

Thomas Lane served only two and a half years before being released from a low-security facility in Littleton, Colorado and the Bureau of federal Prisons noted that he would go into supervision for a year after being released.

The 41-year-old Lane is the first of four ex-Minneapolis officers in the incident to finish his sentence and be released.

The federal portion of his prison time was completed in April, but he stayed behind bars to serve a state sentence for aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Lane, who was at the scene with three other Minneapolis officers at the time of Floyd’s arrest and untimely death, already was serving a 30-month sentence in Colorado after he was convicted in July 2022 of violating Floyd’s Civil Rights. That conviction came for when former officer Derek Chauvin killed Floyd on May 25, 2020 by kneeling on his neck and cutting off his breathing.

In May that year, Lane pleaded guilty in Hennepin County to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death and given his two and a half year sentence.

Arguably, Lane was the only officer of the four to any any concern for Floyd’s inability to breathe, later riding in the ambulance with an unresponsive Floyd while administering CPR in a attempt to get him to respond, but was unsuccessful.

Chauvin was sentenced to more than 20 years last year after a jury convicted him of murder and manslaughter. He later pleaded guilty to a federal charge of violating Floyd’s civil rights and is due to be released in 2038.

J. Alexander Kueng pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is serving a three and a half year sentence while Tou Thao, who was convicted of second-degree aiding and abetting manslaughter, is serving a nearly five-year sentence.

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Shoe Palace Partners with Mercedes for Exclusive S580 Collaboration

August 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Shoe Palace, a trusted name in the sneaker world, has teamed up with luxury automotive giant Mercedes for a unique collaboration, marking a milestone in fashion and automotive history. The partnership brings back the classic Light Green color from Mercedes’ legendary archives, specifically from the iconic 300 SL Gullwing DB 274, and applies it to the exterior of the Mercedes S580.

The Shoe Palace x Mercedes S580 flaunts this distinctive hue and features exclusive branding throughout the car’s interior. A special “Mersho Family” signature, honoring the founding family of Shoe Palace, is prominently displayed on the center console, blending the luxury of Mercedes with the legacy of Shoe Palace.

Pro BMX athlete and Mercedes ambassador Nigel Sylvester, known for his association with Jordan Brand, played a key role in showcasing this collaboration. His involvement underscores this partnership’s intersection of sport, fashion, and luxury.

Shoe Palace, celebrating 30 years in business, continues to expand its influence in the industry, partnering with major brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. This collaboration with Mercedes cements its status as a sneaker and lifestyle market leader.

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Snoop Dogg, SZA, Alicia Keys in ‘Big Shots Vol 2’ New Reveal

August 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Phillip Leeds, a mainstay within the music and fashion industries puts a stamp on the past eight years of some of the world’s most influential figures with this new photo archive of celebrity portraits. Over 500 color Polaroid pictures of household names grace the new installment, courtesy of Blurring Books, the independent Brooklyn-based publisher.

During Paris Fashion Week, Leeds recently gave fans a preview of BIG SHOTS!! Volume 2. The Big Shots!! author and photographer continued his partnership with lifestyle brand Pleasures by signing books and hosting the week-long pop-up in Le Marais-Paris 4éme. He will host a launch party on August 23rd at Paper Work in Los Angeles with Pleasures. NYC and other dates to be announced soon.

In 2017, Phillip Leeds released the critically-acclaimed & wildly popular book BIG SHOTS! (Rizzoli) Described at the time as capturing a generation of artists and celebrities just as Andy Warhol: Red Books defined a previous era. Shot by Phillip with a unique vintage Polaroid camera called The Big Shot, the book offered a visual who’s who from the worlds of art, music, fashion and popular culture from 2004 through 2016. Volume 1 featured Rita Ora on the cover and contained over 400 portraits including global icons such as Lewis Hamilton, JAY-Z, Beck, Pharrell Williams, Andre Leon Tally, A$AP Rocky, Black Thought, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, David Byrne, Jeff Koons, Justin Timberlake and Snoop Dogg.

Now, in partnership with Blurring Books, Leeds is set to release BIG SHOTS!! Volume 2: More Shots from the Worlds of Music, Fashion and Beyond, a new collection of photographs that captures the faces from the epicenter of culture. A compilation of previously unpublished work, Phillip has continued documenting some of the biggest names in popular culture as well as behind-the-scenes tastemakers and influencers. BIG SHOTS!! Volume 2 offers more than 500 color Polaroid portraits. The book features GRAMMY award winner SZA on the cover, plus foreword by global music and fashion icon, and multi GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams. This volume includes portraits of Chris Rock, Lee “Scratch” Perry, James Lipton, Brian “KAWS” Donnelly, Dave Grohl, George Clinton, Sister Nancy, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, Ari Melber, John David Washington, Mike Ness, Ndaba Mandela, Megan Thee Stallion, Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys, plus countless others.

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50 Cent’s Thoughts On Chasing Billionaire Status And Why He’s in No Rush

August 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent is getting to the bag. The 49-year-old legacy rapper, Hollywood producer, and entrepreneur, recently shared some interesting insight about his wealth and achievements with “Us Weekly.”

First off, his recent Final Lap Tour was a massive success, grossing over $100 million in ticket sales, a record in the rap industry surpassed only by Drake. We think Kendrick’s numbers are up there too but regardless, that’s nuts.

Outside of what originally made him rich and famous – music, he’s deeply involved in film and television through his company, G-Unit Film and Television. Add his spirits brand, Spire Spirits and he’s hovering over mogul status.

Additionally, he is expanding his media footprint as he is set to launch the 50 Cent Action channel in collaboration with Lionsgate in late 2024. This new FAST channel will feature the entire “Power” series from G-Unit and other films by 50 Cent. Whoops, sounds like he’s about to disrupt the streaming wars.

Out in Shreveport, Louisiana, 50 Cent is developing G-Unit Studios, which will become the world’s second-largest Black-owned production studio, following Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. That’s a big deal.

So when discussing his net worth and whether he’s reached billionaire status, 50 Cent remarked, “I don’t quantify the money like that—I quantify the level of successes and wins I’ve achieved. I have far exceeded anyone’s expectations of me. I think my longevity and staying power in the industry have surprised many, but that’s what drives me further.”

He added, “[Besides,] I’m not in a hurry to reach billionaire status. I’ve reached a point where I don’t want anything I don’t have. What’s the rush? I’ve bought every car I wanted, multiple times over.”

Get this, 50 Cent also expressed caution about public perceptions of wealth, saying, “When people publicly say you’re a billionaire, they come for what you have. The IRS might suddenly decide they want 58 percent of your money. The ambulance chasers, the attorneys—it’s an army of ’em after you. Then you’d have to protect yourself because you have deep pockets.”

He also noted, “Being a billionaire won’t be much different from where I am now. At that point, you have to figure out how to give back. You start building a legacy, doing more sophisticated things. People remember those who helped others more than those who just accumulated wealth. They’ll ask, ‘How did he benefit others? How significant was his success if it didn’t affect other people’s lives?’”

Now all sounds good but as far as his personal measure of wealth, 50 Cent ended with, “Very rich. Because rich would mean that you’ve surrounded yourself with good people, that you’re happy, that you’re living a high quality of life. And that’s the important part.”

The post 50 Cent’s Thoughts On Chasing Billionaire Status And Why He’s in No Rush first appeared on The Source.

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Isaac Hayes Estate Slaps Trump Campaign with Cease and Desist Notice

August 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The late soul legend Isaac Hayes’s estate has taken legal action against former President Donald Trump’s campaign, demanding they cease using Hayes’ music at their rallies. The estate’s lawyers have issued a cease and desist notice, calling for an immediate halt to the unauthorized use of the iconic musician’s work.

The situation escalated as the estate’s representatives, bolstered by a lawsuit, also seek $3 million in damages for the previous unlicensed use of Hayes’ music at Trump campaign events. The legal notice underscores the estate’s firm stance against the exploitation of Isaac Hayes’ legacy for political purposes without permission.

Roland Martin announced the lawsuit on his platform, where he shared the news with his followers. The tweet quickly gained traction, with many users supporting the estate’s decision to protect Hayes’ artistic rights.

Isaac Hayes, known for his deep, soulful voice and groundbreaking contributions to music, left an indelible mark on the industry. His estate’s actions reflect a broader trend among artists and their representatives, who have increasingly sought to prevent political campaigns from using their music without consent, particularly when the artist’s values do not align with those of the campaign.

This legal move adds to a growing list of musicians and estates who have taken similar steps against the Trump campaign. In the past, artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Rihanna demanded that Trump cease using their music at his events, citing legal and ethical concerns.

As the legal battle unfolds, how the Trump campaign will respond to the cease and desist notice and the accompanying lawsuit remains to be seen. However, the message from the Isaac Hayes estate is clear: the unauthorized use of Hayes’ music will not be tolerated.

BREAKING NEWS: Lawyers for the Isaac Hayes estate have slapped @realDonaldTrump with a lawsuit demanding he stop the unauthorized use of his music at his rallies. They are also demanding $3 million for past use. #RolandMartinUnfiltered @BlkStarNetwork pic.twitter.com/O0nH275haQ

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) August 11, 2024

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Drake Saves Italian Soccer Club From Bankruptcy By Helping Raise $40 Million

August 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Who would have thunk it. Drake is a soccer fan. Italian soccer to be exact. And when Venezia FC, an Italian soccer club, in Venice, was looking at going under via bankruptcy, Drizzy stepped in to reverse their fate.

Check this out, according to a report by “GQ Italia”, the “Chicago Freestyle” rapper from Toronto, like we needed to say that, played a major role in raising the hefty $40 million. Basically he helped secure the big bag to keep Venezia FC alive in Serie A. From the looks of things, the club was on the brink of financial collapse as it headed into the 2023-2024 season, with the possibility of being demoted to Serie D due to its financial struggles.

If you are not familiar how things work when you drop down from one level to another, you lose out on money, respect, all that stuff. Watch “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+ and learn all about it.

“I got a call from Brad Katsuyama, co-owner of Venezia and a good friend of mine,” explained Drake’s Chief Business Officer, Matte Babel, who also works in management. “He laid out the problem to me in a simple way: Venezia has to raise €10 million in a couple of weeks, and then at least €30 million in a few months, or the club will go bankrupt.”

Get this, Babel quickly reached out to Drake, and together they began mobilizing efforts at lightening speed to secure the necessary bread.

In just two weeks, they managed to raise enough money to hold off the bankruptcy wolves, allowing the club to continue competing at the top level of Italian soccer. “Venice is an incredible city and Venezia has always been a special club. I spoke to Drake, then Brad and I discussed the details of how we could help. Within two weeks we had a deal, raised the money needed to pay the salaries and avoid bankruptcy.”

So Drake didn’t just write a check. Reportedly, the $40 million came from a group of North American investors, with Drake’s involvement being heavily credited for the successful fundraising effort. Can you imagine the money people he has access to. Crazy.

The new ownership group also formed an Operating Committee to oversee the strategic direction of the club. Big business right there.

Check this out, Katsuyama acknowledged Drake’s crucial role, stating, “Matte was my first call when I knew the club needed help. Drake’s value to any football club is undeniable, given his scale as a global superstar and the reach of his brand. This intersection of culture and sport is exactly where we want to be, and the chance to collaborate with a brand like NOCTA, who is moving along the same lines, is incredibly valuable.”

And as part of the new deal, Venezia FC also struck an apparel partnership with Drake’s NOCTA line, which will be involved in designing the club’s new uniforms. You would think at a minimum, Drake would be involved creatively moving forward and that is the case.

Now charging ahead, the city of Venice has invested €315 million into constructing a new stadium and indoor arena with state-of-the-art facilities, which the team aims to open for the start of the 2027 season. Wow, big win all around. Imagine all the jobs Drake saved or created. Good for him and all those involved.

The post Drake Saves Italian Soccer Club From Bankruptcy By Helping Raise $40 Million first appeared on The Source.

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Urban Latino: A Celebration of Graffiti and Contemporary Art in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

August 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Private Gallery is excited to announce the opening of “Urban Latino,” a vibrant and powerful exhibition showcasing the dynamic world of graffiti and contemporary art from across Latin America and the United States. Presented by Lalo Tequila and guest curated by renowned artist Joan Jimenez, professionally known as ENTES, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Latin American regions through the eyes of visionary artists.

Graffiti, often viewed as a rebellious art form, finds its most profound expressions in Latin America, serving as a canvas for storytelling and cultural commentary. The artists featured in “Urban Latino” have a history of democratizing art by creating masterpieces on public walls, making their work accessible beyond traditional galleries and museums. This exhibition brings these artists’ private studio creations into the gallery, blending bold colors and striking imagery to address themes of identity, resistance, and unity.

Visitors will be transported from the bustling streets of Lima to the vibrant neighborhoods of Bogotá and even to the local scenes of Hialeah, experiencing the energetic spirit of Urban Latino. The exhibition not only celebrates the remarkable talents of contemporary artists but also honors the enduring legacy of Latin American pioneers in the graffiti art movement. Featured artists include trailblazers such as Lady Pink,John “CRASH” Matos, Erni Vales, and Carlos “Mare” Rodriguez, as well as a new generation of Miami-based talents like Ras Terms, Entes, Vic Garcia,Gustavo Oviedo, and Jenny Perez.

The post Urban Latino: A Celebration of Graffiti and Contemporary Art in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month first appeared on The Source.

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Kanye West’s Former Chief of Staff Believes Ye’s Downward Spiral Linked to Alleged Use of Harmful ‘Nitrous’ Gas

August 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s getting real dark over at team Yeezy. Kanye West’s former chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, has leveled serious accusations against West’s dentist, Thomas P. Connelly, alleging that the dentist supplied the rapper with large quantities of nitrous oxide for recreational use, disregarding the potential harm it could cause. Let’s just check the source. Yiannopoulos has a lot of baggage as a far right figure but he does seem genuinely concerned for his former boss.

Let’s get deep. Yiannopoulos claims that the doctor’s behavior was both unethical and unlawful, as it contributed to West’s alleged decline in mental health.

Get this, according to a legal affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail, Yiannopoulos alleges that Connelly not only provided West with nitrous oxide but also charged the rapper over $50,000 per month for this service. Sheesh. Despite concerns about the negative effects the gas was having on West. Yiannopoulos describes this as a betrayal of professional ethics, stating that Connelly “knowingly encouraged” the use of the gas without the supervision of a qualified medical professional, particularly given West’s history of mental illness and addiction. We told you. Just wild.

It gets worse. Yiannopoulos further claims that Connelly was aware of West’s vulnerable state, yet continued to take millions of dollars from him, effectively exploiting the rapper’s condition. He described Connelly’s actions as “fraudulent,” accusing the dentist of ignoring the “self-destructive consequences of dependence” and the potential “permanent damage to brain or body” that could result from the excessive use of nitrous oxide. Who is watching over Kanye, like seriously, we need to know.

In the affidavit, Yiannopoulos mentioned that some Yeezy employees had voiced concerns about West’s reliance on the gas, as they should, noting that he appeared to be using it almost constantly. He described how employees became alarmed upon discovering surgical tanks filled with nitrous oxide at the apartment of Bianca Censori, West’s partner, which suggested that West was consuming the gas in large amounts.

Yiannopoulos also highlighted that West had openly discussed his use of the gas during meetings with his staff, and that his communication had become increasingly “incomprehensible and contradictory.” Like, you think?

He linked these symptoms to West’s “widely-reported bipolar diagnosis,” suggesting that the prolonged use of nitrous oxide exacerbated his condition. According to Yiannopoulos, Connelly was aware of West’s psychological vulnerabilities and chose to exploit them.

Yiannopoulos has called for an investigation into the matter and has urged that Connelly’s dental license be suspended. Let’s see if anything actually happens. He stated that his decision to come forward with these claims was driven by “urgent concern” for West’s well-being.

ICYMI, these ugly accusations from Yiannopoulos come several months after his departure from Yeezy, a move he made in response to West’s plans to start a porn studio. At the time, Yiannopoulos cited moral and religious reasons for his decision, saying that he “cannot be complicit in the production of pornographic films and literature.” He also expressed concern for his own well-being, stating that involvement in the project would pose “an imminent danger to my life as a recovering addict and an unacceptable risk to my spiritual and physical health as a former homosexual.”

However, Yiannopoulos hinted that he might consider returning to Yeezy if the company were to “publicly and permanently abandon any plan to produce, distribute, or profit from obscene content.” He said, “If at any time in the future, the company publicly and permanently abandons any plan to produce, distribute, or profit from obscene content, it would be an honor to serve you again,” according to TMZ, and they get the scoop so we know there’s something to this story. Prayers for Yeezy but at some point he has to be responsible for his own well being.

The post Kanye West’s Former Chief of Staff Believes Ye’s Downward Spiral Linked to Alleged Use of Harmful ‘Nitrous’ Gas first appeared on The Source.

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Fans Respond To Drake’s Surprise ‘100 Gigs For Your Headtop’ File Drop

August 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

ICYMI, yesterday Drake, really quietly let loose “100 Gigs For Your Headtop,” a wild robust archive dump of three unreleased songs, all types of artwork, still photos and the arguably the best part – what fans believe is never-before-seen video content.

Here’s how it went down and what fans are saying after the holy grail of Drake content:

An IG profile, believed to be operated by Drake or his team, posted a link to a website titled “100 Gigs For Your Headtop,” as we said contains 100 gigabytes of content related to the multi-hyphenated Toronto artist.

Get this, the eclectic collection includes everything from studio sessions to behind-the-scenes footage of iconic music videos like “Hotline Bling” and “What’s Next.” The videos also showcase various Toronto landmarks, such as Yonge-Dundas Square, Ripley’s Aquarium, and scenes filmed on a TTC subway car.

The Gram account, which looks like it was created in June, just “popped out,” lol, during Drake’s ongoing rap feud with Kendrick Lamar, fueling speculation among fans.

But gotta have music right? The “100 Gigs For Your Headtop” website also features three new tracks: “Housekeeping Knows” featuring Latto, “Blue Green Red,” and “It’s Up,” a collaboration with 21 Savage and Young Thug.

The treasure trove of content included intimate clips from Drake’s career, including a video of Lil Wayne bringing him out during a Toronto concert in the early days of his career, and footage of Drake recording the opening track of his sophomore album *Take Care*, “Over My Dead Body,” in a hotel room.

Whew chile … Some of the most talked-about moments include a throwback video of Drake and Rihanna rehearsing their duet “Take Care,” during a period when rumors swirled about their relationship, and another clip where Drake confides in his mother, Sandy Graham, that his song “Too Good” is about tennis star Serena Williams.

“When I make songs about women, I also make songs for them… If I’m gonna talk about them, I’ll at least do them the justice of making a song that they’d like,” Drake explained to his mother. “I know Serena very well and I know that she’ll hear it loud and clear, but she’ll also not hate me for it because it’s light-hearted.”

As expected the surprise drop has left fans in awe, with many celebrating the content for showcasing Drake’s artistry.

“Drake dropping 100 gigs from his archive is insanely next level,” one user on X (twitter) commented. “Might be one of the smartest moves I’ve seen an artist do in a while.”

Another user added, “100 gigs is good content. Yes, Drake got smoked in that rap battle, but I’m glad people are remembering he’s still a great artist.”

“Drake just dropped 100 Gigs of history,” another user proclaimed. We concur.

“After giving ‘100 Gigs For Your Headtop’ enough time to digest, it is clear that Drake delivered once again,” a fan wrote. “The OVO head honcho uniquely released 3 quality tracks that will surely keep the summer blazing.”

Let’s be real. Feel how you want to feel but no one is doing this, has done this and will look weird trying to duplicate what Drake just did. Period.

The post Fans Respond To Drake’s Surprise ‘100 Gigs For Your Headtop’ File Drop first appeared on The Source.

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Nelly Catches Arrested in Casino Near St. Louis on Drug Possession Charges and Lack of Car Insurance

August 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

So another day another unfortunate story. Here we go, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell I. Haynes Jr., was recently arrested Wednesday (August 7) in Maryland Heights, see that’s in Missouri, near St. Louis, all according to a spokesperson for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The arrest reportedly went down around 4:45 a.m. so demon time as the kids say, just as Nelly was leaving the Hollywood Casino near St. Louis. Interesting. What do ya’ll think he plays if anything? Roulette? Blackjack or maybe Texas Hold’em … We gotta get the drop on that. Maybe he was just grabbing a bite to eat.

Get this, he was initially stopped by the Missouri Gaming Commission for an ID verification. A ha. So one of the most recognizable people in the entire state of Missouri was stopped to verify his ID? Huh?

During the stop, authorities miraculously discovered that Nelly had an outstanding warrant for failure to obtain car insurance, leading to his arrest. Wow. Seriously?

Here’s where it took a turn. Missouri State Highway officers conducted a search of Nelly’s vehicle and found ecstasy pills. If accurate, yikes.

So what’s the result? Nelly was also charged with drug possession. Then the “Country Grammar” rapper was taken to the Maryland Heights Police Department but was later released.

Talk about bad timing, ICYMI, Nelly is expecting a child with Ashanti. The fan favorite couple, been in an on-and-off relationship for years, but recently rekindled their romance and are preparing to welcome their first child together. Well hopefully they all figure this latest situation out.

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