Reports have confirmed that basketball legend Michael Jordan is suing NASCAR and it’s CEO Jim France, calling them “monopolistic bullies.”
Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit in a federal court in North Carolina yesterday(October 2) after the two teams say they refused to sign updated pacts with NASCAR over “unfair terms.”
Both teams demanded more when it came to extending their charter agreements beyond 2024, but neither MASCAR or France was willing to negotiate their share of the revenue. Both teams claim the org. pressured them into agreeing to a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer that if they did not agree to, they could risk losing their charters in the future.
Both teams filed a suit and an injunction that would allow them to compete in the 2025 season without releasing their antitrust claims by putting pen to France’s paper.
Both teams said that they wanted to stifle France’s and NASCAR’s “unlawful monopoly power.”
“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans,” Jordan said of the lawsuit in a statement, “but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
Jordan’s 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin said, “When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
Producer crew Team Demo enlist the talents of NY rap vets G. Dep and Kurious for a tough new single, “Adaptive,” that’s low-key been in the works since 2012.
The story behind this track is that it began to take shape more than a decade ago when G. Dep and Kurious had met at one of Tony Touch’s Funkbox events in NYC. The two chopped it up, hit it off, and decided to collaborate on a track, which led to G. Dep sending over his verse. The problem was that this was shortly before he turned himself in for a botched robbery attempt that turned deadly in 1993, which would mark the start of an 11 year bid that was commuted in December 2023.
“I wasn’t sure about releasing it like that, when he was gone,” Kurious said about the verse. “So when he came back, we had to let it out!” This led to the emcee sharing the record with Team Demo, who linked with frequent collaborator Yogi to add a hook and flesh it out into a full song.
The result is a dope bit of hip-hop history—and a hell of a single as well. “Adaptive” is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms. The track is a loosie and not affiliated with a larger body of work, but be sure to check out Team Demo’s 2023 release, It’s a Demo.
Born on this date in 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, Black Thought, the lead emcee of the legendary Hip Hop band The Roots, has created his key to success with simply one word; longevity.
Thought has always been regarded as one of the most lyrical post-Golden Era emcees, yet received very little recognition for his prowess outside of his work with the entire Roots band, which is now a staple of ‘The Tonight Show.’ This summer’s Streams Of Thought: Vol. 1 just further proves his “staying power” in any circles where rhymes are being spit.
Growing up in a Nation Of Islam household, Trotter’s family life was very cultured, leading him to seek knowledge among the Five Percent Nation in high school. There is where he met The Roots’ co-founder Amhir Thompson, whom they originally named the group The Square Roots.
Throughout the two-decade span of his illustrious career since The Roots debut in 1993, Thought has earned a Grammy win, appeared in two blockbuster films(Bamboozled, Brooklyn Babylon), and appeared on several groundbreaking albums.
On this day, The Source Magazine would like to salute Mr. Trotter on his Birthday, wishing him an enjoyable day and many more to come!
Today, Black Star announces the physical release of their 2022 sophomore album No Fear of Time, available on vinyl and CD for the first time ever, November 22nd via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Pre-order available at blackstarkeepshining.com.
“The initial release of this album in itself was an artistic statement,” stated Rhymesayers CEO Siddiq Sayers. “To be bold enough to bring this highly anticipated album to fans in a non-traditional way that centers the art and artist first is exactly what artistic independence is about. That spirit is at the core of what we’ve done at Rhymesayers for close to 30 years, and we’re proud to bring this album from a group so important to the culture into the world in the physical form.”
No Fear of Time finally reunites one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time nearly a quarter century after their debut. Group members yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, both enormously influential hip hop artists in their own right, first joined forces as Black Star to deliver their iconic 1998 breakout, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, which quickly became one of hip-hop’s most revered works and launched both already-rising stars into the stratosphere.
After years spent nurturing their respective solo careers, the duo returned with the Madlib-produced No Fear of Time in 2022, recorded guerrilla-style around the globe in hotels and in dressing rooms at Dave Chappelle’s shows over the course of four years and released exclusively via the podcast platform Luminary. Luminary is also the home of The Midnight Miracle podcast, which the duo hosted with Chappelle. An official video was produced for album highlight “So Be It,” which the duo also performed during their SNL debut, as well as a lyric video for “o.G.”
The album will be available on single-LP vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with a limited deluxe double-LP that includes both the main version and the instrumentals, each pressed on 180-gram vinyl in unique color treatments blending opaque white and opaque gold with translucent black ice and a metallic star effect. This deluxe vinyl edition is limited to 2000 units and features a foil stamped and numbered matte gatefold jacket, two full-color printed record sleeves, an 8-page matte lyric booklet, and an exclusive silver foil laminated heavyweight insert. Additionally, 300 units of the deluxe vinyl will be available as a premium bundle, which will include everything in the deluxe 2xLP vinyl package, with insert hand-signed by all three artists – yasiin bey, Talib Kweli and Madlib – along with a No Fear of Time t-shirt and a pair of Black Star slipmats.
Wendy Williams has long criticized Diddy’s actions during her media career. Now, she is giving her opinion on his current legal battle.
Speaking with The Daily Mail, Williams revealed that people have contacted her, stating, “Wendy, you called it.”
“What is really weird is that I have been told by so many people, ‘Wendy, you called it,’” Williams said. “Including some people from my family who have said the same.”
She added, “It is about time. To see this video on TV of [Cassie] getting pummeled… it was just horrific.But now you have to think, how many more times? How many people? How many more women? It’s just so horrible.”
In May, on a recent episode of comedian Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, Charlamagne Tha God alleges that Diddy got troubled talk show host Wendy Williams fired from Hot 97 over claims that the Bad Boy founder was homosexual.
Charlamagne delves into the almost thirty-year history between his mentor, Williams, and Diddy.
“Wendy’s whole thing was Diddy was gay,” Charlamagne said. “That’s why Wendy got fired from Hot 97. Wendy got fired from Hot 97 by Diddy ’cause that’s when Bad Boy was smoking hot. She got fired for putting that out there.”
The former Wendy Williams Show host supposedly had a photo of Diddy in an intimate situation with another man, suggesting that Diddy was gay, which ultimately got her fired from the radio station in 1998.
Charlamagne speaks on Diddy allegedly having sexual relations with actor Reginald VelJohnson, who played Carl Winslow on “Family Matters,” and confirms that Diddy got Wendy Williams fired from Hot 97 in 1998 for claiming he’s gay.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2024
While announcing forthcoming lawsuits of over 100 people who claim to be victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs, attorney Tony Buzbee stated there will be additional enablers to go down with the mogul.
“We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates,” Buzbee said. “The day will come when we will name names other than Sean Combs, and there’s a lot of names. It’s a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make damn sure — damn sure – that we’re right before we do that.”
He added, “The names will shock you.”
The lawsuits are expected to roll out across various states within the next 30 days and highlight those who were bystanders or encouraged the behavior. “I would imagine that as we speak here, there are a myriad of people who are very nervous. You can’t hide skeletons in the closet forever. I would expect there are many people out there right now who are desperately searching their memories as they delete their texts and data.”
Victims are allegedly as young as minors, including someone who was 9 years old.
Rich Homie Quan’s cause of death has been determined as an accidental drug overdose, according to a report from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The report, obtained by PEOPLE, revealed that a toxic mix of drugs, including fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine, and THC, was found in Quan’s system at the time of his death. There were no signs of trauma, and his death was officially ruled as an accident.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name was Dequantes Lamar, tragically passed away on September 5, 2024. An autopsy was conducted the following day to confirm the cause. He was laid to rest during a funeral service held in his hometown of Atlanta on Sept.17.
Rich Homie Quan’s energy and contribution to Hip-Hop music will not fade anytime soon, especially with the release of his emotional new video, “Song Cry.”
Quan was already filming this video when he died, so the video, which dropped yesterday, mixes pre-recorded footage with clips from his funeral. The visual celebrates the life of the Atlanta legend and includes other Hip hop celebs, such as Boosie and D.C. Young Fly, who are celebrating life along with RHQ in his last moments.
Scenes from the funeral, like when the white doves were released, will definitely be tearjerkers for anyone who is a fan of the late “Some Type Of Way” rapper.
Quan died just one month before his 35th birthday at home with his girlfriend resent. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced a series of undercard matchups for the ninth installment of its Most Valuable Prospects series as the company expands into Puerto Rico, taking place in Caguas, Puerto Rico at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza on Friday, October 11th, available globally on DAZN. Most Valuable Prospects 9 will be headlined by 23-year-old Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera (10-0, 6 KOs)vs. 22-year-old Andy “Skeletor” Beltran (8-0, 5 KOs) in a 8-round featherweight bout for the WBO Youth World title.
Joining the undercard will be MVP’s young sensation Krystal Rosado (4-0, 2 KOs), who will face Mexico’s Perla Lomeli (6-2) in a 6-round super bantamweight bout, and MVP’s three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 4-round middleweight bout. Rounding out the main card will be an 8-round welterweight bout between Elijah Flores (8-0, 3 KOs) vs. Caguas, Puerto Rico native Omar Rosario (13-1, 4 KOs).
The preliminary card will feature a 6-round super featherweight bout between Caguas, Puerto Rico’s own William “Yeyo” Colón (4-0, 2 KO’s) vs. fellow Puerto Rican Jan “El Pescador” Pomales Rivera (7-3, 4 KOs) and an 8 round battle between undefeated heavyweights Herich Ruiz (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Travorus Barnes (6-0, 5 KOs).Carlos Jamil De Leon (1-0, 1 KO), the 19-year-old San Juan native and Puerto Rican amateur champion, will also join the preliminary card.
Universal Promotions will serve as the official promoter with Boxlab Promotions serving as co-promoter for Most Valuable Prospects 9, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy. The event marks a significant milestone for MVP as it brings its up-and-coming talent showcase series to Puerto Rican soil for the first time in partnership with MVP’s boxing trailblazer, the most decorated Puerto Rican champion of all time, Amanda Serrano and her manager Jordan Maldonado. MVP’s expanding venture in Puerto Rico aims to spotlight the island’s rich boxing heritage and identify development opportunities with Puerto Rican talent. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 9 are on sale now at ticketera.com.
Grammy nominated, NY Times Best Selling Author, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins is set to host the 4th Annual Sno Ball Gala, a night of glamor and giving back, on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place at a private location, with proceeds benefiting The Street Dreamz Foundation.
The evening promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring a star-studded guest list, gourmet dining, and entertainment. Comedian Mike Epps will serve as the master of ceremonies, bringing his signature humor to the gala. Guests will dance the night away to the beats of the renowned DJ Cassidy.
A highlight of the evening will be the silent and live auctions, offering attendees the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting a worthy cause.
The Street Dreamz Foundation, founded by Jeezy, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education, entrepreneurship, and community development programs. All proceeds from the Sno Ball Gala will directly support the foundation’s initiatives.
“The Sno Ball Gala is more than just a night of entertainment,” says Jeezy. “It’s about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of young people who need our support. I’m grateful for everyone who contributes to making this event a success year after year.”
Once word was out that a new documentary series, “Tupac: Cover Up,” was released for the late rapper’s death anniversary on September 13, 2024, a panicked group of individuals began to call major platforms, making false claims about the show in an attempt to have it taken off the air.
In fact, the docuseries’ producers were contacted about the matter, and one of the platforms made an unprecedented request; “Remove certain content, or we will remove the documentary.”
One need only look at the docuseries as a whole- NOW AVAILABLE ON XUMO PLAY to understand why certain groups are creating pressure on these platforms to silence the filmmakers: the documentary focuses on the life and death of the Grammy-winning artist Tupac Shakur, but also focuses on the moments following the unsolved shooting. The series makes the claim that from five minutes after the shooting until charges were returned from a Las Vegas Nevada Grand Jury last year, a group of self-interested individuals, some of which were alleged to be informants for the Federal Government, have carefully planted and cultivated a 27-year narrative that in truth has not one shred of physical evidence attached to it—just “hood lore” which they have perpetuated.
“Tupac: Coverup” features new and unheard interviews with celebrities (Mykelti Williamson, of Heat and Forrest Gump fame) Death Row Insiders (Kevin Black, Mike Nixon), Industry Insiders (Billy Johnson, Jr., Cynthia Horner, Janie Jennings), Law Enforcement (FBI Special Agent Phil Carson, who lead the Tupac/Biggie investigations for the FBI) as well as unheard and unreleased material from former Tupac bodyguards, friends and family. Athena Bond is the Executive producer, and Edna Sims is the film’s producer.
“We have had documented communications with the platforms showing that individuals with- shall we say- clear conflicts of interest didn’t follow the platform procedures for making claims against a show,” says Producer Richard “RJ” Bond, known for his previous works on the matter: 2020’s “Last Man Standing” and the beloved “Tupac Assassination” trilogy of movies.
“They did stupid stunts like calling the platform customer service departments and screaming at the poor representative on the phone. In our current “squeaky wheel” culture, extreme acts and rhetoric get moved to the front of the line. The platforms don’t always want to support Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech. This form of “consumer terrorism” and resulting censorship- is a big problem for everyone.”
The “Tupac: Cover Up” producers took last week to decide: Do they leave the story out—which has received incredible reviews from fans who viewed an estimated 400,000 minutes of the show for its premiere date—untouched? Or do they make politically correct changes to cave to trouble with radical individuals?
“Well, let’s take a look at how Tupac viewed pressure; he went after C Delores Tucker and the entire government over trying to suppress his message. How would we honor him by silencing voices to serve a convenient and popular narrative?” added Bond.
Bond has put together a block-busting list of Former FBI agents, former Vegas law enforcement, Death Row “insiders” and music industry leaders that give credible and damning information regarding the motives behind the “False Narrative”. “Tupac: Cover Up” uses Vegas’ police files, grand jury testimony, and impeachable statements to demonstrate how flimsy the Vegas case is. This is a problem for those with less-than-clean agendas.
“After the documentary dropped, I was contacted by the family of Mr. Davis, the man charged in the murder of Shakur. They are understandably interested in the show’s talking points and feel we adequately addressed the situation. I hope to be in better contact with his defense team, whom I intentionally did not speak to until the show’s release.”
And the docuseries?
“We elected to partner with Xumo, an upcoming internet streaming venture owned by Comcast and Charter networks. Xumo got the situation right away, realized the foolishness, and agreed to keep the show as it was and not compromise our artistic vision, said Bond.
“Time to step up to the bullies who control media by threats and extreme rhetoric.”
Former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy was arrested last night for what Scottsdale Police are calling a case of “extreme DUI”.
Scottsdale PD reported that they pulled Lacy over Monday night after they noticed the NFL star committing several moving violations. When he stopped, Lacy was showing signs of being overtly intoxicated, thus, the 34-year-old was arrested and booked on four separate DUI charges, including “Extreme DUI — BAC .20 or more.”
Lacy was also charged for “liquor – possess open container in vehicle,” among his host of infractions ,according to a police statement.
A spokesperson from the facility where Lacy was held said that he was released early this morning(October 1). There were no other details about his arrest available at press time.
Lacy, know as one of the toughest offensive backs in the NFL, rushed for over 2,000 yards and 20 TDs in his first two seasons after being drafted by Green Bay in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft in 2013. He left the league after a bid with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
FLAGRANT/YouTube) 
