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#BHM|Today In Hip Hop History: Larry Davis Killed In Shawangunk Prison 15 Years Ago

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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 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 prison 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 with after being acquitted for shooting 6 NYPD officers. The then 21-year-old BX native’s defense was that he shot 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 drug operation within the department and a Bronx jury believed him. This case was the first and very 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, the former Mayor Koch was quoted as saying, “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 given the option to shoot first and ask questions later when it comes to Black youth and the prison industrial complex as the penalty for defending yourself, the bare truth is that it has become the only option to some. 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. We’ve heard Larry’s name come from the mouths of everyone from ATCQ to Jay-Z.

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 possibly spawn the story on the silver screen.

The post #BHM|Today In Hip Hop History: Larry Davis Killed In Shawangunk Prison 15 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Black History Month #BHM: Amadou Diallo Shot And Killed By NYPD 24 Years Ago

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24 years ago on this date, a 23 year old Guinean immigrant named Amadou Diallo was murdered by four plain clothes NYPD police officers in his hallway after they unloaded 41 shots into Diallo in front of his Bronx apartment. The haphazard officers hit Diallo with only 19 shots; less than half of what was discharged from their weapons.

All four the officers involved were cleared of any wrongdoing after a mixed jury in the Empire State’s capital city acquitted the officers. Claiming the impossibility of a fair trial in NYC, an appellate court ordered that that the trial be switched to Albany. Amadou’s family filed federal and state charges of wrongful death and civil rights violations in 2001, which resulted in a $3 million dollar settlement from the city.

Interestingly enough, the Justice Department decided that Diallo’s civil rights were not violated.

Artists such as Immortal Technique and Wyclef Jean have referenced the tragedy in their songs, which became one of the most pivotal cases in the fight against police brutality.

Deaths at the hands of law enforcement such as George Floyd, Botham Jean, Eric Garner and Breonna Taylor will always be a reminder that the challenge of injustice against Black and Brown people must be confronted.

The post Today In Black History Month #BHM: Amadou Diallo Shot And Killed By NYPD 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

NYPD Release Their Footage From Drake’s Apollo Concert

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The New York Police Department (NYPD) just released footage they took of Drake’s shows at the Apollo Theater. Moreover, the footage centers of the security, organization, and general workflow behind the show. While hundreds were in awe of one of the 6 God’s first performances in a while, the efforts of hundreds behind-the-scenes can’t be forgotten.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: 21 Savage and Drake perform on stage during Drake Live From The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM and Sound 42 at The Apollo Theater on January 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Furthermore, the video opens with a shot of the Apollo Theater from the outside, panning out of a police officer’s shirt with “NYPD Community Affairs” on the back. Throughout the first few clips, you can hear fans screaming and clapping for the OVO kingpin. Also, they include a time-lapse of police arriving, setting up barricades, and welcoming concert-goers into the venue.

Then, the whole video reverses and the timeline rewinds to a couple of days before the two scheduled shows sponsored by SiriusXM. Later, the video shows a room full of police as an officer gives instructions on the events.

“All right, everybody, so you know what we got coming up,” the officer began. “We got two nights of Drake, one of the most well-known artists in the world. It’s going to bring out a lot of people and a lot of talents. The people are coming and going for this concert, and the artists expect to be safe. So, the byline is we’re going to do what we do best: we’re going to keep people safe.

“When you go out there, make sure you take your post,” he continued. “Make sure you be vigilant, but also be community-friendly and make sure people know how to get where they’re going safely and get out of there safely. This is our chance to shine as well as the artist, right? They in Harlem, they in the 28th Precinct, and this is what we do, right? So let’s have a good night, let’s have a safe night, and again, if anybody need anything, let me know.

“This is why people feel comfortable coming to New York City for major events,” the video concludes. “Because they have confidence in you. Now let’s get ready for the next one.”

Throughout the video, you can hear Marvin Gaye’s classic “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).” Also, the video shows clips of the show, people coming in, police officers assisting civilians, and generally keeping the peace.

Still, what did you think of the NYPD’s footage from Drake’s shows at the Apollo Theater? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments and check out the promotional piece for yourself down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest concert footage, performance moments, and events in the game.

NYPD Said The Recording Of Drake Fans As They Walked Out Of Apollo Theater Was For ‘Social Media’

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Drake’s two concerts at the Apollo Theater in New York turned out to be eventful and truly memorable for fans, but after the shows, some concerns were raised online as a video of an NYPD officer holding a camera circulated on Twitter.

Given… well… most of the news stories about the NYPD’s overreach over the past few years (decades?), this naturally worried fans that the footage the officer was obtaining could be used to nefarious ends.

However, fans can rest easy (I am being ridiculously sarcastic here, by the way) now that the NYPD has released a statement assuring citizens and visitors that the video is for a future Twitter post. “The officer depicted in the video is a Community Affairs officer involved with the 28th Precinct’s social media team,” it reads, via Rolling Stone. “The officer was taking a video for an upcoming Twitter post that will highlight local community events. The video will not be utilized for any other reason.”

That failed to reassure some privacy advocates, though, as Gothamist highlighted with a quote from Surveillance Technology Oversight Project communications director Will Owen.

“This is yet another example of NYPD’s racist use of surveillance technology, following the department’s long legacy of targeting rap concerts,” he said. “We’re deeply concerned facial recognition may have been involved, and demand the department destroy any footage it took. This is the latest proof that the city and state must ban its use at venues once and for all.”

The fact that facial recognition can and has already been put to use at entertainment venues and that the technology has already demonstrated huge drawbacks — especially when it comes to contributing to racially biased and inaccurate demographics data — should actually make anyone a little bit concerned by the possibility that the NYPD, social media or no, could have up to no good.

NYPD Denies Claims That They Spied On People At Drake’s Concert At The Apollo

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NYPD to Disband Plain Clothes Anti Crime Unit

The New York Police Department recently refuted claims that they had recorded people coming out of Drake’s concert at the Apollo Theatre.

A video recently surfaced Twitter where a police officer was recorded recording people leaving Drizzy’s concert. This made many believe that NYPD was spying on concertgoers.

According to TMZ, the video of officers recording was not for surveillance, but for social media purposes. The footage was reported to be used for a post that showes how police work with security at events to keep the public safe. The cops seen in the video are also community affairs officers and not affiliated with the detective bureau.

In a statement to Consequence Of Sound, a Deputy Commissioner of Public Information spokesperson said, “The officer depicted in the video is a Community Affairs officer involved with the 28th Precinct’s social media team. The officer was taking video for an upcoming Twitter post that will highlight local community events. The video will not be utilized for any other reason.”

The post NYPD Denies Claims That They Spied On People At Drake’s Concert At The Apollo appeared first on The Source.

NYPD Responds To Filming Guests At Drake’s Apollo Theater Show

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New York City residents descended on the Apollo Theater for two unforgettable evenings watching Drake perform. The OVO icon also brought out a few friends to help him celebrate his appearances, including Dipset and 21 Savage. However, it was the New York Police Department who stole the show.

A viral video showed officers outside the venue filming attendees as they exited. Immediately, it was circulated that the officers were using face recognition software to apprehend any potential suspects of crimes.

Read More: Drake Brings Out Dipset & 21 Savage At Apollo Theater

The news caused a firestorm of backlash as people once again questioned the NYPD’s methods. Mayor Eric Adams was also at the concert and was seen with Jim Jones in the rapper’s dressing room backstage.

Additionally, to quell any misconceptions about their presence at Drake’s show, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information issued a statement to Consequence.

“The officer depicted in the video is a Community Affairs officer involved with the 28th Precinct’s social media team,” they said. “The officer was taking video for an upcoming Twitter post that will highlight local community events. The video will not be utilized for any other reason.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Drake performs on stage at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Read More: The Apollo Theater Issues Statement After Fan Falls From Balcony During Drake Show

Further, a reporter for the NY Daily News also shared comments allegedly made by Mayor Adams. When asked about the controversy, Adams reportedly said, “Twitter is not real.”

Further, Of those who criticized the NYPD filming citizens at the concert, Adams stated, “Let them keep complaining.”

Check out a few more images from the Apollo Theater event below.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Atmosphere at Drake Live from Apollo at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Drake and The Diplomats aka Dipset perform on stage during Drake Live From The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM and Sound 42 at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Drake and 21 Savage performs on stage at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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Ice Spice Stopped By Police, Man Arrested For Possession Of A Weapon: Report

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Her planned music video shoot with Lil Tjay may have been delayed, but Ice Spice made the most of it. The rising artist was recently captured filming the visual to her single “In Ha Mood”; however, that wasn’t the reported initial plan. Spice and her team were in her hometown of the Bronx, waiting to meet with Tjay, when news of the rapper’s arrest circulated.

However, according to the New York Post, Tjay wasn’t the only person stopped by police. Ice Spice was also questioned while in a car with a man.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Ice Spice attends Cardi B Hosts Fashion Night Out on September 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
Read More: Ice Spice’s “In Ha Mood” Music Video Shoot Had The Bronx Turning Up

The report states that Spice, real name Isis Gaston, was involved in a separate incident with authorities around the same time as Tjay. She and a 34-year-old man named Markus Grisham were pulled over by police. During the stop, Grisham was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

The “Munch” hitmaker wasn’t detained or charged, said the New York Police Department.

Lil Tjay’s attorney, Dawn Florio, told TMZ that her client was sitting in a parked car when they were also questioned.

Read More: Lil Tjay Arrested For Gun Possession: Report

The rapper was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle with several others. During a search, police were said to have located a firearm and arrested Tjay on the spot. It is unclear who the weapon belonged to.

Florio suggests the search wasn’t entirely legal and is looking into what caused the encounter.

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Man Involved in NYC Machete Attack Faces Murder Charges

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The 19-year-old suspect accused of attacking New York police officers with a machete near Times Square on New Year’s Eve has been arrested and faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer. The formal arrest comes two days after Bickford allegedly attacked police officers at a security screening area outside Times Square amid New Year’s Eve Celebrations. 

Just after 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, suspect Trevor Bickford went to the Times Square checkpoint at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, where officers check bags for weapons or suspicious items, NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and police reported. This is where Bickford allegedly pulled out a machete, struck one officer with the blade before hitting another in the head with the handle, and then swung the sword at a third officer, who shot Bickford in the shoulder, according to the sources and the NYPD. The officers have been treated and released.

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The Manhattan District Attorney’s office does not currently have details of when Bickford will be arraigned, and it remains unclear whether he has an attorney. NYPD announced that police are suggesting the suspect be charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and two counts of attempted assault in the attack. 

Furthermore, the suspect left a backpack on the street camouflaged by a pile of other bags taken from people trying to enter security checkpoints around Times Square. A diary was recovered from the suspect’s bag. The last entry, dated Dec. 31, began, “This will likely be my last entry,” and further instructs readers how to divvy up his belongings among family members. An aspiration to become a member of the Taliban is expressed in the diary alongside criticism for his brother joining the US military and his feelings towards his mother’s presumed negligence of Allah. Sources also reported on the inclusion of instructions for his burial. 

“‘There was a time when we were close but that time has since passed. You have joined the ranks of my enemy. And therefore I hold hope in my heart that a piece of you believes so that you may be taken out of the hellfire.’” he wrote, according to the sources.

Before the New Year’s Eve attack, Blickford was placed on the FBI’s radar after his mother and grandmother expressed concerns about his desire to travel to Afghanistan to join the Taliban. The two women reported his behavior to the Wells, Maine, police department on Dec. 10, the sources said. 

Multiple law enforcement sources reported Bickford’s interview by FBI agents in Maine in mid-December after he said he wanted to travel overseas to help fellow Muslims and was willing to die for his religion. This prompted a wider investigation, and the suspect was placed on a terrorist watch list. The Taliban is not designated a foreign terrorist entity, so planning travel to Afghanistan to join the group does not constitute the federal crime of “attempted material support of a terrorist group.”

Law enforcement sources reported that Bickford traveled to New York via Amtrak from Miami, checked in at the Grand Hotel near the Bowery in Manhattan on Dec. 29, and checked out on Dec. 31 before initiating the attack. He is currently in custody, and under police guard at Bellevue Hospital, where he is being treated for the gunshot wound, sources said.

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The post Man Involved in NYC Machete Attack Faces Murder Charges appeared first on The Source.