Just weeks before signing his deal with Interscope Records, North Carolina slang spitter DaBaby was involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jaylin Craig in a local Walmart. The charges were eventually dropped due to DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, claiming self defense in the fight.
Now four years after the shooting and DaBaby seeing his share of headlines for the past year, never-seen-before security footage shows the before and after of the fatal shooting of Craig.
The case was never investigated as an attempted robbery as DaBaby had claimed, but. gun was found on Craig. The charges were dropped after a key witness and a Walmart employee never showed up to testify in court.
The footage below was never shown in court during DaBaby’s trial.
Rolling Stone releases security footage of DaBaby killing a man in Walmart in 2018. pic.twitter.com/skv8F1hABs
Much more successful than their debut, The Infamous is hailed a New York classic. Its gritty underground style is a staple in the hardcore movement that was going on at this time in New York. This album helped New York Hip Hop to separate itself from the mediocre backpacker style that was popular a few years prior. Havoc and Prodigy‘s production shaped a new sound that could separate them from any NYC crime rhymer at the time.
Helping to pave a way for future artists like The Diplomats or A$AP Mob, The Infamous promoted a sound a lifestyle that appealed to a side of New York that wasn’t being spoken to or about by the politically charged artists that came in the late 80s and early 90s. Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Mobb Deep acted as street prophets, spitting the truths of the hood without trying to be outwardly righteous about it. Featuring artists like Ghostface Killah, Nas, and Q-Tip, this project is a titan among it’s peers.
The album was a commercial success debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album was certified gold within the first month of its release and the three singles from the project all made appearances on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart with “Shook Ones Pt. II” and Survival of the Fittest” both making it on to the Billboard Hot 100.
On this day in 1990, “The Verbalizer” Brother J, Professor X “The Overseer”, Paradise “The Architect” and DJ Sugar Shaft “The Rhythm Provider” collectively known as X-Clan, released their debut LP To The East, Blackwards on 4th And B’Way/Island Records.
Produced by the entire crew that was put together by Paradise, who at the time ran the NYC Hip Hop hotspot Latin Quarters nightclub, this album helped to pioneer a movement of Black empowerment in Hip Hop culture with an infusion of Parliament/Funkadelic that was attractive to the youth of that era. Their “Blackwatch” organization, which was led by Professor X’s father, Brooklyn activist Sonny “Abubadika” Carson, legitimized their involvement in raising the consciousness of the Hip Hop generation and their 11 track, debut project was one of the tools that they used to attract their cult-like followers.
Tracks such as “Funkin’ Lesson” and “Heed The Word Of The Brother” led to the album’s mainstream visibility, however, other songs like “A Day Of Outrage(Operation Snatchback)”, “Verbs Of Power” and “In The Ways Of The Scales” allow Brother J to instruct the listeners about the socio-political issues of people of African descent around the world, but primarily in the United States.
Salute to the original members of X-Clan as well as those who continue to carry the legacy of the Clan. Thanks for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
Shortly after the infamous Oscar slap, reports stated Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith would address the viral moment on a forthcoming episode of Red Table Talk. The Facebook Watch show made its return on Wednesday and provided an opening statement on the alleged episode.
“Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focused on deep healing,” the message reads. “Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls. Until then the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest.”
The first guest for this season is Janelle Monae. The outspoken LGBTQIA+ superhero and eight-time Grammy nominee explains why she no longer considers herself a woman and what prompted her to come out at the age of 32.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
The moment has not stalled work for Will Smith as he is reportedly “flooded with offers.“
Pusha T’s new album It’s Almost Dry drops this Friday and it features Kid Cudi on the single “Rock N Roll.” Also appearing on the single is Kanye West. With the new single soon available to the ears of fans, Kid Cudi wanted to provide an update on his current relationship with Kanye West. In short, there isn’t one. Hitting Twitter, Cudi gave an update and let fans know this is the last time we will hear the two on the same song.
“So I know some of you heard about the song I got w Pusha,” Cudi wrote on Twitter. “I did this song a year ago when I was still cool w Kanye. I am not cool w that man. He’s not my friend and I only cleared the song for Pusha cuz thats my guy. This is the last song u will hear me on w Kanye.”
Hey! So I know some of you heard about the song I got w Pusha. I did this song a year ago when I was still cool w Kanye. I am not cool w that man. He’s not my friend and I only cleared the song for Pusha cuz thats my guy. This is the last song u will hear me on w Kanye -Scott
— The Chosen One : I YOU FRESHIE 4EVER (@KidCudi) April 19, 2022
In December, Ye shut down his friendship with Cudi over having a positive relationship with Pete Davidson. The feud started after Ye shared a photo of a handwritten note on Instagram. The block letters in all-caps read: “Just so everyone knows Cudi will not be on Donda because he’s friends with you know who. We all speak in Billie language now.” Billie language is a nod to Billie Eilish, who Ye felt sneak dissed Travis Scott, which may have also played a role in skipping out on Coachella.
In response, Kudi posted the following comment on Ye’s IG post: “Too bad I don’t wanna be on ur album u f***** dinosaur hahaha. [laughing emoji] everyone knows ive been the best thing about ur albums since i met u. Ima pray for you brother.” The statement was followed by a hand holding the peace sign emoji.
Cudi made note of the issue on Twitter, tweeting: “We talked weeks ago about this. You’re whack for flipping the script and posting this lie just for a look on the internet. You ain’t no friend. BYE.”
One of the men charged with selling fentanyl-laced pills to the later Mac Miller, which led to his overdose, has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison. According to Billboard, U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright handed Ryan Michael Reaves 10 years and 11 months in prison.
The sentencing of Reaves comes half a month after accepting a plea deal. Prosecutors suggested 12 years and seven months for Reavis. His legal team pushed for five years and supervised release.
Miller died in September of 2018. He was found in his home in the San Fernando Valley of California. His toxicology report revealed he had an accidental overdose caused by the combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
“He acted as a runner and delivered what he believed to be pills containing oxycodone. He did not know the pills contained fentanyl,” Reaves’ attorney, Cori Ferrentino said to NBC News last year. “He is very remorseful for his actions and the tragic loss of life.”
Late in 2021, the third person charged in the death of Miller, Cameron James Pettit, entered a plea of not guilty.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that the Drug Enforcement Administration says is fueling the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, sometimes without the user’s knowledge.
Did you think Will Smith‘s slap on Chris Rock and the punishment fall out would hinder opportunities for the King Richard actor? Think again. Sure a film from Netflix and Bad Boys 4 may be on hold but the A-List actor is reportedly “flooded with work offers.”
According to The Mirror, industry experts expect Will Smith to be invited to the small screen to establish his comeback and could appear in lesser budget action films.
Marketing consultant Jeff Kelly stated his ban was “harsh” but expects Will Smith to recover due to Hollywood’s obsession with a redemption arc. “Smaller budget companies will want to bring him on board to make movies, most likely in the action genre, using his name and cache, which they believe audiences still value.”
Another option would be television. With the Oscars being silver screen dominant, a return to TV for Big Willie is possible. “The Oscars centers on films, so TV networks hiring him in some capacity are not off the table.”
Shaquille O’Neal has had time to reflect on his divorce from Shaune O’Neal. The two split in 2011, and the NBA 75 team member revealed that it was his fault.
Shaq was a guest on The Pivot Podcast and claimed responsibility for the end of the marriage. “I’ve never talked about this, and I’m glad you guys asked because I don’t mind talking about this, but I was bad,” Shaq said. “She was awesome. She really was. It was all me.”
Shaq would reveal he “wasn’t protecting her and protecting those vows.” He also stated he was living a double life.
“She did exactly what she was supposed to do and gave me beautiful kids, take care of the house, take care of the corporate stuff,” Shaq said. “It was just all me. Sometimes, when you make a lot of mistakes like that, you can’t really come back from that.”
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.”
After a stressful flight from San Francisco where he had to put hands on an annoying passenger, Mike Tyson decided that the best way to blow off steam was actually by sharing a joint with rapper Rick Ross and wrestling legend Ric Flair and just blowing smoke.
Tyson was seen with Slick Ric and Ricky Rozay at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference afterparty at LIV Miami smoking and joking, probably about the knockout incident on his JetBlue flight just 24 hours earlier. Tyson was reportedly scheduled to speak at the conference, but his appearance was apparently cancelled after the passenger beatdown video went viral.
As we previously reported, a viral video shows Tyson brutally putting the beats on a flight passenger who has now been identified as Melvin Townsend, II, with eyewitnesses saying Townsend was visibly intoxicated and continued to provoke the boxing legend. It was even reported that Townsend threw a water bottle at Tyson, but his lawyer denies that claim.
“When Mike Tyson boarded the plane, he became overly excited,” the lawyer told TMZ.“At first, their interaction was cordial. At a certain point, Mr. Tyson clearly became agitated by an overly excited fan and began to strike him in an excessive manner. This situation could have been avoided simply by contacting the flight attendant. Our client denies throwing a water bottle prior to being struck by Mr. Tyson.”
YOU FRESHIE 4EVER (@KidCudi) 
