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Today in Hip-Hop History: Larry Davis Shot 6 Corrupt NYPD Officers And Escaped 38 Years Ago

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Some say he was 50 Cent before 50 Cent. Some called him “the Robin Hood of The Ghetto”, while the establishment dubbed him “the crack city terminator.” In the hood, his solution is considered the only possible answer to a continuous epidemic of police brutality. Some of your favorite rappers from French Montana to Lloyd Banks to Jay-Z have name-dropped him on their tracks and BET felt he was so important to American culture that their American Gangster series had to open with him, but only an educated few know why the name Larry Davis continues to ring bells almost four decades after that fateful night in November of ’86.

On this date in 1986, a 19-year-old Bronx man by the name of Larry Davis was engaged in a shootout with over 25 NYPD officers who came after him in what appeared to be a murderous hit. For those that don’t know what makes this such a unique story is that Davis not only survived but escaped unharmed long enough to tell his story to the FBI. Larry Davis was acquitted of the police shootings(six officers were critically injured), which was the only time anyone was acquitted for shooting an officer of the law in U.S. history.

Check out the first-hand account from someone who was with Davis on that cold night in the Bronx at Larry’s sister’s apartment on Webster Avenue.

Words: Shams DaBaron

November 19, 1986 is a night that forever changed the course of my life. It was the height of the crack epidemic on this cold winter night when I was meeting with my partner and best friend Larry Davis. We were discussing the trip we were taking the next day to California to avoid the heat he was experiencing from some corrupt cops he sold drugs for. For weeks he had been laying low knowing they had a bounty on his head. At the time no one could be trusted. The police were rolling up on anyone associated with Larry to find out where he was.

On this night, I sat with him in his sister’s apartment discussing our plans for the trip we were taking and making final arrangements with one of my associates to restructure some of the business dealings in the street. Larry was in the process of extricating himself from out of that lifestyle of dealing drugs and we were going to refocus our energies totally toward dealing in music. The decision was made months ago, but became complicated once Larry made his plans known to others and the corrupt cops caught wind of his decision to step off with their money. They then put a bounty on his head.

As he was explaining what was going on in the streets to my associate, the associate became very scared and verbalized his fears to us, while asking Larry if he himself was in fear for his life. Larry’s reply, “Well, no I’m not scared. The only person I fear is God… Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wanna die, but if it’s my time to die, then so be it…” At this point I’m ready to tune him out and dismiss his words as Larry just talking mess… But then he continued, “One thing, though, I will say is… if they come and kill me, I guarantee you that before I go, I’m a take one of those pigs down with me.”

Hearing him use the term “pigs” is what really caught my attention. It showed that even in the most negative of situations – having been a drug dealer for a group of corrupt NYC cops – Larry was still in some way affected by the pro-Black organizations that gave birth to our generation. The seeds of their struggles were planted in us whether we knew it or not. And to me, it seems, that on that fateful night of November 19, 1986, the spirit of those freedom fighters, and the spirit of that movement, guided his thoughts and actions and helped him overcome the overwhelming force that came to assassinate him.

What is even more significant and what we must keep in mind while Remembering Larry Davis is that on that night of November 19, 1986, Larry became what famed lawyer William Kunstler called “A symbol of resistance to police violence.”

Shams DaBaron
Larry’s Childhood Friend

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JAY-Z Scores Revenge As Cop Takes Plea Deal In Champagne Theft Case

August 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

One of three New York Police Department (NYPD) detectives who stands accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of champagne from JAY-Z has admitted to the wrongdoing and resigned from the force. The three men, Jonathan Gonzalez, Warren Golden, and Wojciech Czech, allegedly stole two unopened bottles worth $2,900 while patrolling for drugs at the Electric Zoo Music Festival on Randall’s Island. Gonzalez and Czech were charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Additionally, Golden and Gonzalez received charges of official misconduct for failing to prevent theft.

On account of admitting to the crime, Czech will only receive one count of misdemeanor petty larceny and serve 15 days of community service while resigning from the NYPD. “In addition to the alleged theft that occurred, none of these Officers stepped up and stopped this activity. Public confidence in the criminal justice system depends on members of law enforcement acting with the utmost integrity while on duty and following the same rules that apply to everyone else,” said District Attorney Bragg, as caught by AllHipHop.

JAY-Z & Beyonce Attend Grammy Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Beyoncé and Jay-Z attend the 66th. GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Bragg first indicted the trio back in May 2023. At the time, Czech and his legal team were much more adamant about his innocence. “(My client) is shocked and saddened by these allegations,” Czech’s attorney, Attorney Oliver Storch, said at the time. “He has pleaded not guilty and asks the public to withhold judgment until the charges can be fully addressed in the appropriate forum. Detective Czech loves being in the business of protecting and saving lives.”

Prior to Czech’s admission, Gonzalez owned up to the crime and quit as well. Be on the lookout for further updates on JAY-Z on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

The post JAY-Z Scores Revenge As Cop Takes Plea Deal In Champagne Theft Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

BHM| Today In Hip Hop History: Larry Davis Killed in Shawangunk Prison 16 Years Ago

February 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Some say he was 50 Cent before 50 Cent. Some called him “the Robin Hood of The Ghetto,” while the establishment dubbed him “the crack city terminator.” In the hood, his solution is considered the only possible answer to an ongoing epidemic of police brutality. Some of your favorite rappers, from French Montana to Lloyd Banks to Jay-Z, have name-dropped him on their tracks. BET felt he was so important to American culture that their American Gangster series had to open with him. Still, only an educated few know why the name Larry Davis continues to ring bells more than three decades after that fateful night in November of ’86.

On February 20, 2008, Adam Abdul Hakeem, aka Larry Davis, was stabbed to death in Shawangunk State Prison in New York by a fellow inmate after serving 23 years for an illegal weapons charge. Most would say that people die in American prisons daily, so what’s the big deal about another dead prisoner? Well, it must first be explained why Mr. Davis was in jail for so long on a mere gun charge in the first place.

As he said on camera after his capture in 1986, “the police gave me the guns!”, that Davis was finally charged after being acquitted of shooting 6 NYPD officers. The then-21-year-old BX native’s defense was that he hit the officers in self-defense. Davis exposed that he sold drugs for these Bronx precinct officers, claiming that they wanted to kill him because of what he knew about the department’s drug operation, and a Bronx jury believed him. This case was the first and possibly the only time in American history that a civilian was cleared of all charges in the shooting of a police officer.

The NYPD and then-Mayor Edward Koch were outraged at the outcome. After Larry’s death, former Mayor Koch said, “The prison system did what the criminal justice system could not.” It’s safe to say that with the endless accusations against the NYPD and other police departments around the country for brutality against Black and brown people, the sentiment of sympathy for Larry Davis has been met with fierce opposition.

With the recent killings of Black youth by police and civilians becoming the norm, the question in the urban community is whether or not Larry Davis’ solution to police brutality is the only option left. With normal citizens being allowed to shoot first and ask questions later regarding Black youth and the prison industrial complex as the penalty for defending yourself, the bare truth is that it has become the only option for some. We’ve heard Larry’s name come from the mouths of everyone from ATCQ to Jay-Z. With landmark cases from Emmitt Till to Botham Jean, history reveals that people such as Nat Turner, Denmark Vesey, and even Larry Davis will always be heroes.

Check out Larry’s story on Troy Reed’s Street Stories Larry Davis: A Routine Typical Hit, BET’s American Gangster series and is also rumored to be in the hands of several filmmakers, which could spawn the story on the silver screen.

The post BHM| Today In Hip Hop History: Larry Davis Killed in Shawangunk Prison 16 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post BHM| Today In Hip Hop History: Larry Davis Killed in Shawangunk Prison 16 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Diddy’s Not Being Investigated By The NYPD, Despite Previous Reports

November 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Cassie’s new lawsuit against Diddy includes countless damning allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder. Amid chatter, reports that he was being investigated by the NYPD surfaced. Yesterday, sources told TMZ that he was currently at the center of a “locked “criminal investigation involving sexual assault allegations. Now, however, the NYPD has circled back to claim that there is no active criminal investigation of Diddy. Moreover, they say that sharing such information isn’t consistent with their policies.

“Yesterday, a member of the NYPD’s public information office erroneously told a reporter about the apparent existence of an active case file containing the name ‘Sean Combs,’” their statement reads. “There is no such investigation, at present. Further, the release of such information is not consistent with the internal policies of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information. The NYPD always treats allegations of sexual assault and rape extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so that support and services can be offered to survivors and a comprehensive investigation can be conducted.”

The NYPD Shares A Statement About False Claims

Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Black Tie Affair For Quality Control’s CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas at Fox Theater on June 02, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

In her suit, Cassie accuses Diddy of rape, physical abuse, and more. After the news initially broke, Diddy’s lawyer denied the allegations on his behalf. “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Ben Brafman stated. “For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”

Brafman also added that most of Cassie’s claims would be barred from criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations. She could still file a criminal complaint for her rape allegation in California, however, if she chooses. What do you think of the NYPD’s recent statement about false reports of a criminal investigation of Diddy? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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Kai Cenat Released From Jail, NYPD Will Press Charges For Chaotic Giveaway Event

August 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

When you’re famous purely for your online presence, it can be very hard to estimate how many people will actually go to see you in person. However, when you’re as famous for your online presence as Kai Cenat, you have to know that such a number is only going to keep rising. Moreover, the streamer recently held a giveaway of video game consoles and other items in Union Square in New York City, and it was chaotic to say the least. Multiple arrests, heavy police presence, and a few injuries and disruptive scenes led to the New York Police Department taking Cenat into custody. While they released him shortly after, NYPD officials also spoke to the press about the incident.

Furthermore, they confirmed that they would indeed press charges against the influencer. These include at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly, “and a few other charges.” Since it’s still vague as of writing this article, it’s unclear whether these charges are based on permit law, the event’s organization, or on injuries that attendees may have sustained. Of course, this is far from the first time something like this has happened, but perhaps this particular instance is one they want to make Kai Cenat an example out of.

Kai Cenat Will Face Charges From NYPD, They State

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On that final note, that can seem unfair in a city where everything’s happening all the time and large gatherings like these are frequent. Still, from what footage from the incident shows, it certainly wasn’t all pretty. In addition, the NYPD claimed that Kai Cenat didn’t have a permit for this giveaway and failed to alert law enforcement of it or hash out a pre-plan with them. Reports estimated that thousands of people showed up, and it’s practically impossible to make sure that they’re all on the same wavelength.

The Twitch Giant Released From Prison

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Meanwhile, as the 21-year-old’s career grows and grows, this is an important part of his fame that he must consider. In-person events are hard to gauge for streamers, especially in such a crowded city as is the Big Apple. Regardless, hopefully he can resolve this quickly and address fan safety and proper planning. For more news and the latest updates on Kai Cenat, come back to HNHH.

The post Kai Cenat Released From Jail, NYPD Will Press Charges For Chaotic Giveaway Event appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

NYPD Officers Charged With Stealing JAY-Z’s Ace Of Spades Champagne

May 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has brought felony charges against three NYPD officers for stealing bottles of JAY-Z’s Ace of Spades champagne at Electric Zoo in September 2022. Officers Jonathan Gonzalez and Wojciech Czech face one fourth-degree charge of grand larceny and one fourth-degree charge of criminal possession of stolen property. Additionally, Gonzalez as well as Officer Warren Golden are facing official misconduct.

The three detectives were in charge of narcotics at Electric Zoo. They saw three VIP attendees order bottles of Ace of Spades. When the group stepped away for a moment, the cops swiped $2,900 worth of the bottles. The attendees noticed that the bottles were gone and reported the theft to festival security.

Alvin Bragg Holds A Press Conference

Alvin Bragg during a press conference to discuss indictment of Donald Trump, outside the Manhattan Federal Court, April 4, 2023. Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records stemming from three pre-election hush-money cases, prosecutors said. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

“In addition to the alleged theft that occurred, none of the Officers working at the event stepped up and stopped this activity,” Bragg said in a statement. “Public confidence in the criminal justice system depends on members of law enforcement acting with the utmost integrity while on duty and following the same rules that apply to everyone else.”

“As a result of the continuing joint investigation with the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, two NYPD officers were arrested and subsequently suspended from duty today,” the NYPD told Billboard. “The NYPD will continue to pursue the facts in this investigation and initiate further discipline where appropriate. It’s unclear which two detectives have been arrested.”

JAY-Z originally purchased the French champagne brand, which is also known as Armand de Brignac, alongside LVMH back in 2014. The Brooklyn rapper became hip-hop’s first billionaire back in 2019. Following Kanye West’s recent split from Adidas, JAY-Z remains the only billionaire rapper as of 2023.

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Travis Scott To Turn Himself In To NYPD Following Rolling Loud: Report

March 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Travis Scott found himself in some hot water this week. The Astroworld creator landed in New York City this week to celebrate the release of Don Toliver’s Love Sick (Deluxe). The rapper held down a DJ set at Nebula nightclub when he got into it with a sound engineer. The individual claimed Scott struck him in the face before destroying $12K worth of equipment in the venue. However, NYPD is searching for the “SICKO MODE” rapper to get down to the bottom of this situation. Following the incident, he allegedly left on a private jet to California.

New York Post reports Travis Scott plans to turn himself in to authorities next week following his Rolling Loud California set. Sources close to the rapper stated that his reps arranged his return to NYC where he’ll speak with detectives. At this point, charges aren’t certain. However, the source believes the police will file an assault charge against the rapper.

Travis Scott’s Alleged Victim Speaks Out

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Travis Scott performs during 2021 Astroworld Festival at NRG Park on November 05, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage) — HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Travis Scott performs during 2021 Astroworld Festival at NRG Park on November 05, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)

The alleged victim, Mark, wouldn’t confirm if he intended to press charges or file a lawsuit against Travis Scott. Mark revealed that he was hospitalized after the alleged assault and couldn’t move his neck. He added that he felt tingles in his arm during an interview with Fox 5 News. “Obviously my neck is f–ked up,” he said. “My arm is tingling. I have pins and needles going down it.” However, he confirmed his discharge from the hospital and his clearance to return to work. Still, he said that he “can’t lift anything over five pounds.”

Mark explained that the incident began during Don Toliver’s set at a Manhattan nightclub. Travis Scott allegedly climbed into the DJ booth, though Mark noticed the distorted sound from the speakers. Mark explained that he tried to tell the rapper to turn down the volume, which is when Scott flipped him off. “So I lowered the monitor a little bit so I could talk to him, and that’s when he ran around the speaker and attacked me,” he alleged. He also claimed Scott’s security threatened his life. We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding the case.

[Via]

Sound Engineer Claims Travis Scott Stuck Middle Finger in Face Before Punching Him at Club

March 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Travis Scott Allegedly Punched Sound Engineer, Damaged $12K Of Equipment: Report

March 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Travis Scott’s been lowkey in the public eye over the past year and a half. Following the Astroworld Festival tragedy, the rapper’s kept his head down as he works on his next album. Scott’s continuously teased the release of Utopia for a minute now, unveiling singles like “Franchise” to build up the anticipation. However, there have been promising updates in recent times, including one from Epic Records CEO who said the project would drop in June.

Scott hasn’t confirmed the release date but he promised fans the album would arrive soon. He recently said that it would conclude an epic run from the Cactus Jack roster. During a recent performance, he said that fans should expect a new EP from SoFaygo before the release of Utopia. Kicking off the Cactus Jack 2023 releases is Don Toliver who just released Love Sick on Friday and its deluxe on Tuesday – Scott appears on the bonus single “Embarrassed,” produced by Wheezy. Shortly after, Scott appeared at Toliver’s New York City performance, though it looks like things went sideways at some point in the evening.

NYPD Name Travis Scott As Assault Suspect

APARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 25: Rapper Travis Scott attends the Dior Homme Menswear Spring Summer 2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 25, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images)

Per Page Six, NYPD listed Travis Scott as a suspect in an assault case following an altercation on Wednesday morning. Police said the rapper got into an argument with the sound engineer outside of the Nebula nightclub around 3 a.m. The issues between them escalated and Scott allegedly punched the man in the face and damaged $12K worth of property. Scott allegedly damaged a speaker and video screen before he left the venue. Authorities said he was last seen leaving the venue in an unknown vehicle. The cause of the alleged altercation has yet to be confirmed.

Police said that the victim didn’t have any visible injuries from the alleged assault nor did he suffer pain when he filed his report. No arrests have been made but police are currently looking for Travis Scott after a complaint was filed. The rapper faces charges of assault and criminal mischief if he’s arrested. So far, Travis Scott nor the venue have issued any statements regarding the incident. We will keep you posted surrounding anymore updates on this case.

[Via]

GloRilla Driver Busted With Gun As She Performs With Cardi B In NYC

February 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

GloRilla is riding high without an actual album out. She undoubtedly became one of the biggest new artists in hip-hop within the past six months. The success of “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” earned her a Grammy nomination and the opportunity to perform at the award ceremony as part of Hip Hop 50 segment. Despite her brief time in the rap game, she’s evidently found her place in the history books if she’s joining the likes of LL Cool J, Melle Mel, Ice-T, and other pioneers to represent the culture on music’s biggest stage in America.

Most recently, GloRilla’s embarked on the Anyways, Life’s Great across America where she’s hit dozens of venues of adoring fans. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been entirely smooth. Glo and her team faced a few issues along the way. There was the issue with a promoter who thought he paid for a performance but only got a walkthrough of the Memphis rapper. This incident led to a back-and-forth on social media that her CMG boss, Yo Gotti, chimed in on. Then, GloRilla called out a fan who threw a jacket in her face during her performance.

GloRilla’s Driver Arrested For Gun Possession

According to TMZ, the NYPD busted her driver during her performance at Irving Plaza for gun possession. A man, who police identified as Cameron Blackmon, reportedly set off a metal detector inside the venue. However, NYPD later saw him in a Suburban with two semi-automatic pistols. Police arrested Blockmon during this time on criminal possession of a firearm, ammo, and a switchblade, in addition to a ticket for parking the vehicle in a neutral zone in front of the venue.

It may have been a little chaotic outside of the venue but GloRilla fans surely had an excellent evening. The “Blessed” rapper had New York City’s finest in the building for her tour stop. Buzzing up-and-comer, Lola Brooke, took shots with GloRilla before emerging on stage to perform “Don’t Play With It.” However, the big surprise came towards the end of the night when she brought out Cardi B to perform “Tomorrow 2.” We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding Blockmon’s arrest.