News Exclusives

SOURCE SPORTS: Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges

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It has just been reported that Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has plead guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax fraud for reportedly stealing money from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off his large gambling debts.

Mizuhara appeared in a Santa Ana, California court yesterday to plead guilty to the charges pending, which are both federal offenses. Wearing a suit jacket and a white shirt, the 39-year-old bilingual swindler told a judge he used funds from an Ohtani bank account to help clear himself of a major gambling debt he had accumulated.

Even though the news of the plea has just been released, Mizuhara and prosecutors had reached a plea agreement in this case last month.

Mizuhara could possibly receive up to 33 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for late October.

The Dodgers released a statement in regards to the court proceedings, which can be seen below.

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Jermaine Dupri, Pinky Cole, and Trevor Jackson Headline Explosive SelectCon ATL

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Atlanta was on fire as SelectCon ATL, hosted by Steve Stoute and UnitedMasters, and powered by Ally, Bulleit, and Crown Royal Regal Apple, delivered an unforgettable celebration of music and technology at Guardian Works.

With doors opening at 2:00 PM, host Anisa Brenee and DJ Osh Kosh lit up the scene, welcoming guests into an atmosphere buzzing with excitement. SelectCon ATL offered more than just an event—it was a groundbreaking experience that merged the worlds of music, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Industry heavyweights took the stage to share their wisdom and vision. Highlights included: Jermaine Dupri dropping keys on the future of music. Pinky Cole’s inspirational points on her entrepreneurial journey behind Slutty Vegan. David Melhado, Ray Daniels, Ronne Brown, and Justice Baiden deep insights into brand strategy and music industry trends.

UnitedMasters talent brought the house down. Trevor Jackson and Anycia delivered powerful performances, while #SelectCon ATL open call winner Christian Crosby stole the show, leaving the crowd roaring for more. Guests were also treated to exclusive opportunities. Bulleit One-on-One Mentorship Sessions where aspiring artists and entrepreneurs gained invaluable insights from Atlanta’s top industry experts. 

Crown Royal Regal Apple Fresh Beats Studio in which attendees dropped live freestyle tracks, competing for a chance to be featured on UnitedMasters and Crown Royal’s social channels. Atlanta’s finest food trucks, including Sistahritas, Hungry Hippo Eats, Hapa Kitchen, and Sweet Stack Creamery, served up mouthwatering dishes, adding to the day’s sensory delights.

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Today In Hip Hop History: 2Pac’s Epic Diss Track “Hit ‘Em Up” Dropped 28 Years Ago

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Tupac Shakur

On this date in 1996, 2Pac released the first single from his Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory album “Hit ‘Em Up”, aimed at his New York nemesis the Notorious B.I.G., his crew, Junior Mafia and the rest of NYC’s top tier emcees of the era.

Alongside his up and coming crew The Outlawz from New Jersey, Pac went full throttle at the Rotten Apple’s best of the best including Biggie, Lil’ Kim, Mobb Deep and the entire Bad Boy “as a staff, a record label and as a motherfuckin’ crew..” Pac took specific aim at the King Of NY when he boasted, “You claim to be a player, but I fucked your wife…”, which stemmed from the rumor mill which placed Biggie’s wife Faith Evans in a compromising circumstance with her husband’s opps.

Considered one of the best diss tracks of all time, no one from New York responded to Hit ‘Em Up except Mobb Deep, who responded with “Drop A Gem On ‘Em” just months before Tupac Shakur was tragically killed in Las Vegas.

Salue to ‘Pac(RIP), The Outlawz(RIP Khadafi and Fatal Hussein) for making such a pivotal piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 2Pac’s Epic Diss Track “Hit ‘Em Up” Dropped 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Brother Marquis Of The Legendary 2 Live Crew Passes Away At 57

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The entire Hip Hop community is saddened after learning of the passing of Brother Marquis of the 2 Live Crew, who reportedly died yesterday(June 3), according to the group’s social media accounts. Marquis was 57 years old.

There is still no report on Marquis’ cause of death however, it has been reported that he died from natural causes and foul play is not suspected in his death.

Marquis, whose real name is Mark Ross, joined 2 Live Crew along with DJ Mr. Mixx, Fresh Kid Ice and Luke Skyywalker in the ’86. Marquis was definitely a part of the group’s hey day, appearing on albums The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, Move Somethin’, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, Banned in the U.S.A. and As Nasty as They Wanna Be Part II.

Marquis will forever be a part of the 2 Live Crew legacy and will forever be remembered in the history of Hip Hop. Condolences to his friends and family from the Northstar Group/The Source Magazine.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Dropped “If I Ruled The World(Imagine That)” Single Feat. Lauryn Hill 28 Years Ago

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On this date in 1996, Nas released the monumental “If I Ruled The World” single featuring the illustrious Lauryn Hill, which appeared on his sophomore album It Was Written on the Columbia label. If I Ruled The World was a remake of Kurtis Blow’s 1985 hit with the same name, which spawned from the Krush Groove movie soundtrack.

Produced by Trackmasters, If I Ruled The World was sampled directly from Whodini’s “Friends” song, was actually the very first song that Lauryn Hill performed outside of The Fugees camp.

Commercially, If I Ruled The World was a mainstream success, reaching number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while it also peaked in the top 20 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. In total, the single reached the top ten in eight countries. It received a nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards. “If I Ruled the World” also became Nas’ first platinum single, receiving its certification in June 2021.

Salute to NAs, Ms. Hill, The Trackmasters, Hype Williams for the video and everyone else responsible for help making this a piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Dropped “If I Ruled The World(Imagine That)” Single Feat. Lauryn Hill 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: The Marathon x Earn Your Leisure Announce $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition

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Invest Fest returns with a bang! This year, brace yourselves for the inaugural Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. Along the journey, they have encountered remarkable entrepreneurs charting their course with unwavering purpose and commitment to excellence. Now, through their partnership with Microsoft and The Marathon were primed to award $100,000 to one outstanding entrepreneur to fuel their business ambitions. The top four finalists will grace the Invest Fest 2024 main stage to compete for the grand prize.

The Neighborhood Nip Foundation was created in 2019 with a mission to extend Nipsey Hussle’s legacy and mission to inspire the community through initiatives that will benefit underprivileged youth. Most recently the foundation was an official charity partner for the 2024 LA Marathon with over 65 participants finishing the 26.2 miles marathon. All funds raised went towards the rebirth of the Nipsey Hussle Plaza, home to the headquarters of The Neighborhood Nip Foundation, located at 3420 W. Slauson Ave., the original location of The Marathon Store in Los Angeles, CA.

Following Hussle’s passion for creating a program that aids and encourages youth to reach their highest potential, the renovated site will serve as a massive community center for elementary through high school level students. Led by staff members of the foundation and additional volunteers from the community, programming will range from academic studies to music and studio-specific access. Additionally, the plaza will offer exclusive access to The Marathon Store, which will not be open to the public, as well as free haircuts at Steve’s Barbershop named after Hussle’s childhood friend & business partner, Stephen “Fatts” Donaldson. Hussle’s estate plans to open the doors of The Neighborhood Nip Foundation in 2024.

All applications will be reviewed after the posted deadline. Successful applicants will be notified via email by August 16th, 2024.

Notification is subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with all the terms and conditions set forth herein. Link to the rules of the competition here

The post Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: The Marathon x Earn Your Leisure Announce $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition first appeared on The Source.

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Travis Scott’s CIRCUS MAXIMUS Is Highest Grossing Rap Tour, Launches Emergency Fund For Hurricane Victims

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Internationally acclaimed, global superstar Travis Scott and his SOLD-OUT North American CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR is officially the highest-grossing rap tour of 2024. The Grammy nominated, cultural kingpin stands alongside fellow musical giants U2, Madonna, and Depeche Mode as part of the top ten highest-grossing tours of the year.

Travis Scott’s sold-out 44-date North American CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR grossed an impressive $95.7M with an attendance of 686k and broke multiple merchandise sale records from state to state. Scott was also the first rapper in history to headline a sold-out SoFi Stadium show in Los Angeles.

Travis Scott’s highly anticipated sold-out summer European arena and stadium CIRCUS MAXIMUS tour starts next month on June 28 at the GelreDome in the Netherlands. The tour has already grossed $49.9M with 425,271 tickets sold. Produced by Live Nation, the tour sold out venues such as the 43,661-capacity Rhein Energie Stadion in Cologne, Germany, and the 48,300-capacity Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. The tour includes his largest-ever U.K. headline show at the 48,256-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Travis continues to be represented by James Rubin at WME.

1 Euro/Pound from every ticket sold, will go to Cactus Jack Foundation, a 501(c)3 with a mission to uplift Houston youth through toy drives, scholarship programs to HBCU college students, and fulfilling expenses for education and creative endeavors.

Last week, Travis Scott launched his special-edition AJ1 ELKINS Jordan Brand shoe, made with premium leather in Canary and Light Silver, and pop of Racer Blue. The co-branded AJ1 ELKINS with signature reverse Swoosh logo gives a colorful nod to the hip-hop icon’s high school alma mater in Missouri City, Texas.

In conjunction with the shoe launch, Travis Scott launched a dedicated relief fund with the Cactus Jack Foundation and Houston Food Bank to provide emergency relief to thousands of residents affected by the hurricane in Houston. Travis Scott will donate funds from his AJ1 ELKINS shoe sales to provide immediate relief and access to food for thousands of families affected.

TRAVIS SCOTT UTOPIA 2024 DATES
Friday, 28th June – Netherlands, Arnhem – GelreDome
Sunday, 30th June – Arnhem, Netherlands – GelreDome 
Tuesday, 2nd July – Poland, Krakow – TAURON Arena
Thursday, 5th July – Switzerland, Zurich – Hallenstadion
Saturday, 6th July – France, Nice – Allianz Riviera
Monday, 8th July – Belgium, Antwerp – Sportpaleis
Thursday, 11th July  – UK, London – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Saturday, 13th July  – UK, Manchester – Co-op Live
Tuesday, 16th July  – Germany, Hamburg – Barclays Arena
Thursday, 18th July  – Czech Republic, Prague – O2 Arena
Saturday, 20th July – Germany, Cologne – RheinEnergieSTADION
Tuesday, 23rd July – Italy, Milan – Ippodromo SNAI La Maura
Friday, 26th July – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park 
Saturday, 27th July – Germany, Frankfurt – Deutsche Bank Park
Tuesday, 30th July – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center 
Friday, 2nd August – Lisbon, Portugal – MEO Arena 

The post Travis Scott’s CIRCUS MAXIMUS Is Highest Grossing Rap Tour, Launches Emergency Fund For Hurricane Victims first appeared on The Source.

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SiriusXM Launches State-of-the-Art Broadcast Studio at Wynn Las Vegas

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SiriusXM announced today the opening of a state-of-the-art broadcast studio in Las Vegas, Nevada, located inside Wynn Las Vegas on the world-famous Strip.

To celebrate the opening, seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer will host a live broadcast on June 5 for his SiriusXM channel, Life with John Mayer (channel 14). The special live-from-Las Vegas episode will feature Mayer playing his favorite songs and artists as well as taking phone calls from listeners around the country. Mayer is performing with Dead & Company at The Sphere in Las Vegas through August 10.

Renowned as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for its vibrant nightlife, burgeoning sports scene, and world class multi-genre performances and residencies, Las Vegas is the perfect new home for SiriusXM as it continues its studio expansion across North America. As the leader in audio entertainment, the programming lineup in Las Vegas will feature everything from music and comedy to sports and news, bringing listeners closer to “what happens in Vegas.”

The SiriusXM Studio at Wynn Las Vegas joins SiriusXM’s broadcast studios across North America, including its headquarters in New York City’s Rockefeller Center; Washington, DC facilities in the heart of the nation’s capital; West Hollywood studios, featuring the Los Angeles performance space “The Garage”; Miami studios in South Beach; and a newly-located hub in Nashville.

“Las Vegas is a city at the center of the zeitgeist, with major artists, personalities, and sports superstars around every corner – just like you’d see in our SiriusXM studios, and we’re very excited to be opening our new SiriusXM studio in the world class Wynn Las Vegas, right on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Finding a home inside Wynn Las Vegas and putting our state-of-the-art broadcast facility right on the Las Vegas Strip was a perfect match, and we look forward to bringing listeners across the nation right into the action 365 days a year.”

“Our collaboration with SiriusXM complements our entertainment offering,” said Brian Gullbrants, Chief Operating Officer – North America, Wynn Resorts. “The diverse programming and fresh roster of talent visiting the studio will offer listeners from afar a glimpse of the excitement that can only be found at Wynn.”  

The SiriusXM Studio at Wynn Las Vegas will be home to a variety of programming, including a new series hosted by legendary hip-hop artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Flavor Flav. “Flavor Flav’s Flavor of the Week” will make its SiriusXM debut on June 10 and air weekly on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio channel. Flav will spin tracks from his favorite classic hip-hop artists and share stories from his one-of-a-kind music career as founder of the legendary group, Public Enemy, his experiences as a TV personality, and more.

Additional SiriusXM personalities broadcasting regularly from The SiriusXM Studio at Wynn Las Vegas includes: Mad Dog Sports Radio host JT the Brick; Shannon Gunz, who hosts on Ozzy’s Boneyard as well as SiriusXM’s Octane and Turbo channels; and Eddie Trunk, host on SiriusXM’s Faction Talk, Hair Nation and Volume channels.

The post SiriusXM Launches State-of-the-Art Broadcast Studio at Wynn Las Vegas first appeared on The Source.

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[WATCH] Lil Durk Says It’s His “Number One Goal” To End Gun Violence In Chicago

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In a recent interview with Big Facts Podcast, Chicago rap star Lil Durk says he’s all in when it comes to ending gun violence in his hometown.

Big Facts co-host Big Bank asked him what he would do if he could “clean the streets of Chicago up” and Durk responded, “That’s the number one goal, to stop it,” he said. “But, the number one priority for us in the streets and politician-wise, is to stop the violence and slow it down as much as possible. It starts with everybody just coming together.”

The “All My Life” rapper admits that the task is easier said than done.,

“But, like I said, it’s hard because you probably got him other here thinking he that, but his young n****s don’t even respect him,” Durk said. “So, even if he be like, ‘Come on. Let’s come together.’ They’d look at him like, ‘Get the fuck on.’”

Earlier this year, Durk announced on social media that he would be organizing his Smurkchella concert, which would be aimed at combating gun violence.

“I’ma do a Smurkchella next year at the bears stadium in Chicago,” he wrote. “it’s gone be a stop the violence event and we gone split half the money with different non profits from big to small. I need help I need every artist who locked in with me to help save these kids.”

He then tagged his own non-profit organization and added, “@neighborhoodheroesfoundation will help put it together let’s go this my way of giving back without saying it to look cool.”

Lil Durk launched his Neighborhood Heroes non-profit organization in 2020 and has been steadily giving back to his community in the years that followed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJi4hdQVBCA

The post [WATCH] Lil Durk Says It’s His “Number One Goal” To End Gun Violence In Chicago first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Lil Durk Says It’s His “Number One Goal” To End Gun Violence In Chicago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: The Wu Tang Clan Released Their Epic ‘Wu Tang Forever’ Double CD LP 27 Years Ago

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On June 3, 1997, the Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game gave the world a double dose of their killer bee stings when they dropped the Wu Tang Forever double CD LP.

The album was executively produced by the Abbott himself, RZA, along with assistance from 4th Disciple, Inspectah Deck and True Master. Released to the public under the Loud/RCA imprint with direction from the illustrious Steve Rifkind, this album was certified gold in its first week and was certified 4X platinum by the RIAA within four months of its release.

Some of the hits include the album’s lead, “Triumph”, “Older Gods”, “Duck Season” and the prophetic title of their current album, A Better Tomorrow. The Clan just celebrated 20 years together in 2013 looking back on two decades of music. The Clan is also currently working on an album with Ghostface Killah running the show.

Peace to the entire Clan for giving us such a monumental project without the assistance of radio/video play, which is the mark of true artistry. Salute to RZA, Divine, Power, Steve Rifkind and everyone who helped make this album a timeless classic!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Wu Tang Clan Released Their Epic ‘Wu Tang Forever’ Double CD LP 27 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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