Derek Chauvin Defended Kneeling On George Floyd In Phone Call With Supervisor

Thursday began the fourth day of the Derek Chauvin trial for the murder of George Floyd. The fourth day of the trial brought forward some new key witnesses and testimonies, perhaps one of the more important being that from retired Minneapolis police sergeant David Pleoger. On the day of George Floyd’s death, Derek Chauvin called Sgt. Pleoger after kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes, asking him to come out to the scene. 

Derek Chauvin mugshot
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images

I was just going to call and have you come out to our scene here,” Chauvin said to Sgt. Pleoger in a phone call captured on body camera footage. “We just had to hold a guy down. He was going crazy. He wouldn’t … he wouldn’t go in the back of the squad –”

The recording of the call then ends when Cauvin turns off his body cam. When asked what Chauvin said during the rest of the phone call, Sgt. Pleoger recalled that George Floyd allegedly became combative when he refused to go into the back of a squad car, and then Chauvin said that there was a “struggle” which resulted in Floyd having a medical emergency. When Pleoger implored officers on the scene to speak to witnesses, Chauvin told him that they were “hostile.” 

George Floyd protest
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Chauvin did not tell Sgt. Pleoger that he had kneeled on George Floyd’s neck until later that night at the Hennepin County Medical Center. This is the second time that Chauvin’s perspective of the events has been seen during the trial after Wednesday’s body cam footage saw Chauvin saying that George Floyd looked like he was “probably on something.”

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Nike LeBron 7 “Dodgers” Release Date Revealed: Photos

If you are a big fan of LeBron James, then you have probably worn his sneakers at one point in your life. These shoes are mostly iconic and there are some models that have stood the test of time. One of the best silhouettes to ever be released from LeBron is the Nike LeBron 7 which came out as he was going to the Miami Heat. There were some amazing colorways and over the past year, Nike has been celebrating the shoe’s 10th anniversary.

The latest colorway to be teased is called “Baseball Blue” although many understand it to be an homage to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the official photos below, you can see how the shoe has a beautiful mix of blue and red, all while white serves as a backdrop. These colorways work naturally together and if you are a Dodgers fan, they may very well be a must-cop. Even if you aren’t, these are just an overall dope cop that will look great in your collection.

For those who do want a pair, the shoe will officially come out on Friday, April 9th for $200 USD. Let us know if you plan on buying a pair, in the comments below. As always, keep it locked to HNHH for more sneaker news and updates.

Image via Nike
Nike LeBron 7
Image via Nike
Nike LeBron 7
Image via Nike
Nike LeBron 7
Image via Nike
Nike LeBron 7
Image via Nike

7 Texas Officers Fired After Death Of Black Jail Inmate: Report

In the United States, unfortunately, instances of police brutality against the Black community are narratives we have become well acquainted with. As the high-profile trial of Derek Chauvin for his role in the death of George Floyd takes place, emotions across the country have been heightened once again. One Texas family is unfortunately without a relative and seven correctional officers have been fired in connection with the death of Marvin D. Scott III.

Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner confirmed in a statement Thursday (April 1) that seven officers suspected to be involved in the in-custody death of the 26-year-old have been let go. Although the Texas Rangers’ comprehensive criminal investigation into the death of Marvin D. Scott III continues, I have today terminated the employment of seven detention officers involved in his tragic death and have been notified of the resignation of an eighth officer who was under investigation,” said Skinner said in a statement. 

He continued, “Evidence I have seen confirms that these detention officers violated well-established Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures. Everyone in Collin County deserves safe and fair treatment, including those in custody at our jail. I will not tolerate less.”

Officers arrested Scott on March 14th on a charge of possession of fewer than two ounces of marijuana, which is a misdemeanor charge according to Collin County sheriff’s Capt. Nick Bristow. Allen Police Department officers who responded to the disturbance noticed the late Scott was, “acting in an erratic manner and were concerned for his safety due to the possible ingestion of drugs.” 

After his arrest, Scott was brought to a hospital where he stayed in an emergency room for three hours before being processed at the Dallas suburb’s Police Headquarters holding facility then transferred to Allen Police Headquarters holding facility. 

While in custody, Scott was reported to have once again been acting strangely, which prompted detention officers to restrain him to his bed before pepper-spraying him and attaching a spit mask to his face. He eventually became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The family’s attorney holds that Scott was experiencing a mental health episode during the incident. “The statement that [the sheriff] gave today was not thorough nor transparent,” attorney Lee Merritt said. “It wasn’t just weird. It was a mental health crisis. It is a huge deal to disrespect him in that way.” 

Our prayers go out to Marvin Scott III’s family, and may his soul Rest in Power.  

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“Walking Dead” Star Jeffrey Dean Morgan Teases The Show’s Adaptation Of “Here’s Negan”

This Sunday, Season 10 of AMC’s The Walking Dead will finally come to a close with an exciting season finale that explores the origin story of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s polarizing character Negan. The episode will mark the last episode of The Walking Dead until the long-running television show returns for its eleventh and final season later this summer. In an interview with TV Insider, Jeffrey Dean Morgan hints at what fans can expect from the highly anticipated Negan standalone episode.

Throughout the exclusive interview, Jeffrey Dean Morgan hints at the flashbacks spread throughout the episode, and he also discusses what it was like to have his real-life wife play his Negan’s fictional wife, and the inspiration behind his iconic bat, Lucille.

“You will see the iteration of Lucille and how she comes to be — absolutely. And it’s a cool story. How the writers weave this all together is super cool,” he reveals, before touching on the dynamic of starring side by side with his wife Hilarie Burton. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do in my career. She was so good. And thankfully, she works like I do. It doesn’t matter what we’re shooting, before and after they say “action” and “cut,” we’re idiots and can have a good time. I’m so proud of her I can’t even stand it.”

The Negan actor sums up the episode, saying, “If you’re a villain fan and want to know what makes them tick, this [episode] will do that for you.”

You can see Jeffrey Dean Morgan take on the infamous Walking Dead character‘s origin story when “Here’s Negan,” the Season 10 finale of The Walking Dead, airs this Sunday at 9pm EST on AMC.

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Money Montage Connects With Rich Icy On “Different Freestyle”

Money Montage has been quite the effective force behind the boards, having previously laced tracks for the likes of YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Dave East, Lil Tjay, Kehlani, Jacquees, and Skepta. Suffice it to say, the man is versatile, and today he’s come through with the brand new “Different Freestyle.” Not only did he lace the beat alongside Mektro, but he also came through to hold it down with some bars, teaming up with Rich Icy for this new collaboration.

Setting it off with Montage, who sounds at ease catching pockets over his own musical handiwork. “Real n***as in the building, better keep your distance,” he warns, laid back as the pianos build. “I just killed my own shit, I don’t need no features n***a / got this nina on my hip, I don’t beef with n***as / and she be there every night like she got season tickets.” Rich Icy holds it down with the closing verse, bringing his own distinct swagger to the mix. “I got the juice, can’t be a broke boy what’s your excuse?” he wonders, switching up to a melodic flow. “My bitch nails is turquoise and my money blue.” 

Check out Money Montage and Rich Icy’s “Different Freestyle, and sound off in the comments below. 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Real n***as in the building, better keep your distance
I just killed my own shit, I don’t need no features n***a
Got this nina on my hip, I don’t beef with n***as
And she be there every night like she got season tickets

Kevin Durant Fined Over Michael Rapaport Debacle

Kevin Durant and Michael Rapaport were the subjects of Twitter scrutiny this past week after the latter leaked a DM conversation between the two. As you can tell, the two were going at each other pretty hard and Durant was using some extremely fiery language that might be considered offensive to some people. While most were upset with Rapaport leaking the information in the first place, others were disappointed that KD had to resort to such infantile name-calling.

Since the exchange was leaked, the NBA has been looking into the ordeal and according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, KD has officially been fined $50,000. This is a very small amount considering Durant’s salary although it is still significant enough to make him think a bit more before using that language. Although, Durant had apologized earlier in the week.

“I’m sorry that people seen that language I used,” Durant said. “That’s not really what I want people to see and hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.”

These DMs have been a horrendous look for KD and Michael Rapaport and at this point, we imagine both men would rather just forget it. So far, no one has been a winner.

Kevin Durant

Elsa/Getty Images

Tupac Secures A Bunch Of Posthumous Platinum Plaques

Nearly a full 25 years after his untimely death, Tupac Shakur, a.k.a. 2Pac, is still one of the most beloved Hip-Hop artists to ever grace a microphone. This past week, his estate celebrated the 20-year anniversary of his third posthumous album Until the End of Time, showing just how much fans still revered the multitalented artist several years after his tragic death. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Until the End of Time isn’t the only Tupac release that has been getting a lot of love lately. 

In its latest roundup of gold and platinum certifications, the RIAA has announced that a nice chunk of platinum plaques will be making their way to Tupac’s estate. According to the certification company, the former Death Row artist has posthumously earned a slew of platinum certifications for select singles released between 1993 and 1995.

As of Thursday, March 31, 2Pac’s 1993 singles “Keep Ya Head Up” and “I Get Around” have finally reached platinum status, with each song reaching this new milestone nearly 28 years after being certified gold. “Dear Mama,” the standout track from his 1995 album Me Against the World, also got an RIAA update yesterday, and it is now a certified triple-platinum single following its platinum certification on July 13, 1995.

Congratulations to the legendary Tupac Shakur as well as his estate on this new achievement!  

Kevin Gates Bodies Pooh Shiesty Banger On “Back In Blood Freestyle”

Pooh Shiesty and Lil Durk’s “Back In Blood” is proving to be quite the alluring instrumental, inviting emcees to step to YC’s ominous piano-driven production with their best efforts. Today, Kevin Gates has come through to oblige, committing to the track’s menacing vibe and letting fly some formidable lyricism. In fact, for those hoping to see Gates snapping with increased regularity, consider this a promising step in that direction.

As per usual, Gates brings a formidable presence to the mix, his commanding voice imbuing his bars with authority. That’s not to say he’s forsaken fun altogether; a playful section involving sex with one unfortunate cuckold’s wife finds him upping his cadence to an amusing degree. For the most part, however, Gates is focused and driven by the ominous keys, stringing together a tight flow scheme as he reflects on his voyage from rags to riches and the resulting benefits. “Before lobster it was cereal and window unit friends, bitch I’m mafia material, could never take the stand,” he raps. “This lil bopper she do miracles, now watch her move that ass.”

Check out Kevin Gate’s standout take on “Back In Blood” now, and sound off with your thoughts in the comments below.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Before lobster it was cereal and window unit friends,
Bitch I’m mafia material, could never take the stand
This lil bopper she do miracles, now watch her move that ass
Out the plane, let out the parachute, and then went got the bag
I’m like Puerto Rico Johnny with them bricks I’m driving fast
I was on the phone with Draco out in ClayCo doing a dash

Donovan Mitchell Delves Into His Fear Of Flying

Donovan Mitchell’s Utah Jazz teammates faced a scare on their way to Memphis this past week as their plane hit birds which led to an emergency landing. These instances are always incredibly scary, especially in light of some of the stories that took place over the last year. Eventually, the Jazz were able to get to their destination safely, although Mitchell is still freaked out about what happened while he was away from the squad.

While speaking to ESPN, Mitchell admitted to being scared of flying and that realistically, he would prefer to drive to each destination. In the end, Mitchell knows he can’t do that but his fear of flying remains.

Donovan Mitchell

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

“I just needed to take that time, because it wasn’t feeling (and) sitting right for me to go on the trip,” Donovan Mitchell said. “My teammates and my coaches respected that, and I appreciate the support. But I understand that I have a job to do. I can’t pull a John Madden and drive everywhere. As much as I would love to, I can’t. I understand I’ve got to (fly). I’ve calmed down, and I’ll be good – should be good, at least, I think – for the rest of the season.”

Flying is definitely an anxiety-inducing trip as you are subjected to some massive heights and very little safety should anything go wrong on the plane. However, it’s how NBA teams have had to deal with the travel and it’s going to remain this way until the end of time. Regardless, it’s good to see Mitchell opening up about such a real concern.

Donovan Mitchell

Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

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Taylor Gang’s Fedd The God & Wiz Khalifa Team Up For “Yea Yup”

Artist’s under Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang banner double as label mates and each other’s go-to collaborators. It’s no wonder the label’s latest signee Fedd the God enlisted the help of the boss himself for his latest single “Yea Yup.” The single arrives as the fourth single from his upcoming EP Speed Racer, set to arrive on April 9th. 

On the track, the Pittsburgh rappers go back and forth about their luxurious lifestyles, earning money, their opps, and their relationships with the ladies. Speaking of the song’s conception, the 26-year-old said neither he nor Wiz had a concept in mind when they hit the studio to cut the track. 

“He just wanted to see what I had, my skill set,” Fedd says, “so he put on a beat and he went, ‘Start a song, start a song up,’ and I just started freestylin’.” He added that the experience wasn’t nerve-wracking, but rather, ” it was like playing one-on-one basketball versus one of your favorite players. It was a moment you’re ready for.”

 

 

The video for the track is set to debut on Monday, April 5th. Until then, give “Yea Yup” a listen and let us know how you’re feeling about the track down below. 

Quotable Lyrics:

B*tch I pull up like I’m Gretsky
Catching waves at jetski
She don’t wanna love no more, she just wanna sex me
Bank account on overload, OGs they just blessed me