rip

XXXTENTACION Fan Explains Posting Snapchat Of Late Rapper After His Death

by

Celebrity trials have been steadily feeding the news cycle lately. The final months of 2022 saw Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s demise play out in court, and Tory Lanez has been behind bars since December in the aftermath of his legal battle with Megan Thee Stallion. Most recently, we’re finally seeing the murder trial for XXXTENTACION, who was tragically killed in 2018, play out.

The past few weeks have brought forward plenty of interesting information. Among the headlines, we’ve seen Drake narrowly escaping a deposition as well as defense lawyers attempting to use the late rapper’s alleged cheating against him posthumously. The latter was denied last week, and during recent sessions, the topics of conversation have become more serious.

On Tuesday (February 14), Scott Barbieux gave his testimony. The young man is a fan of XXXTENTACION, and he and his ex-girlfriend happened to be shopping at RIVA Motorsports on the same day as him. They were checking out bikes when the robbery and fatal shooting of the Florida native took place before their eyes. When the criminals fled the scene, Barbieux approached the artist’s body before taking a photo and posting it on Snapchat.

During court, Prosecutor Pascale Achille spoke with the witness, asking, “Do you recall taking a photograph with your phone of Mr. Onfroy after he was shot and seated in his vehicle?” He responded yes, and when pressed for an explanation as to why Barbieux explained that he “was a big fan” and “wanted to have a photo to remember that forever.”

In this handout provided by the Miami Dade County Corrections, Rapper XXXTentacion, also known as Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy poses for his mugshot after being charged with seven new felonies stemming from a 2016 domestic violence case on December 15, 2017 in Miami, Florida. The new charges are for witness tampering and harassment. (Photo by Miami Dade County Corrections via Getty Images)

Before the shooting took place, he and his girlfriend crossed paths with XXX elsewhere in the motorcycle shop. At the time he asked for a photo but was denied the opportunity. After witnessing the shooting, Barbieux says he touched the father of one’s body before taking the photo. After giving him a shake, he realized that the young performer had passed on.

Achille asked the witness if he was compensated for his Snapchat upload, to which he said, “No.” Barbieux also noted that the photo was taken down immediately so it didn’t have a chance to go viral. Read more recent updates from the courthouse here, and listen to the aforementioned testimony in the video below at the 4:48:56 mark.

[Via]

Hip-Hop Mourns Trugoy The Dove: Questlove, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D & Many More

by

Hip-hop figures from all over shared their heartfelt messages dedicated to De La Soul’s Trugoy the Dove, who passed away this weekend. While his cause of death is unknown as of writing this article, hip-hop aimed to celebrate his life instead. Moreover, many rappers, producers, and members of the rap world took to social media and other means to mourn the late rapper. Also, his death struck the community as excitement geared for the group’s upcoming streaming releases. As they reckon with the loss of a monumental figure in pioneering hip-hop, they dedicated heartfelt messages of love.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Trugoy of De La Soul performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre on June 22, 2019 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)

“All too often we have to wait for tragedy to strike before we express how much someone means to us,” Questlove wrote on Instagram. “I just wanna thank them for the decades of zaniness, the fun memories of my teen years, the blueprint laid out that eventually brought Tariq [Black Thought] & i together.” Also, Busta Rhymes shared a pained reflection on his passing. “Complete Disbelief that I’m typing this right now,” he expressed on Instagram. “This one hurts Bad. Dave aka Trugoy the Dove Fly Beloved Fly.. Rest Easy King.” Furthermore, LL Cool J and Ghostface Killah commented under his post, wishing Dave safe travels.

Hip-Hop Tributes Trugoy the Dove

Furthermore, Chuck D posted a wholesome video of him and Trugoy. “#RestInBeats my bro,” he wrote, “#DeLaSoul forever.” DJ Premier also honored Trugoy via Twitter. “So sad to hear of our icons of HIP HOP Culture Pass On… We will miss you Trugoy The Dove (Plug 2) Dave Jolicoeur of DE LA SOUL…Our memories together are endless. Condolences to your family and salute Pos, Maseo and Smiles. @WeAreDeLaSoul.” In addition, Styles P shared a simple but powerful statement on Instagram. “S.I.P. Plug 2…. Legends and energy never die!!!!!”

Meanwhile, Pharrell tweeted a message to not just David Jolicoeur and his loved ones, but to all impacted by his artistry and energy. “Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up to be with the day of the stars with the Master. Sending love, light and positive vibrations to his family, The Soul and everyone whose lives have been touched by his existence. Oodles and Oodles and Oodles of O’s.” You can find more tributes to Plug 2 below, and share your favorite Trugoy songs and verses in the comments. Come back to HNHH for the latest on De La Soul, Trugoy the Dove, and their forever enduring legacy.
Long Live Trugoy the Dove.

[via]

Tristan Thompson Breaks Silence On His Mother’s Death, Apologizes For Causing Her “Embarrassment”

by

One month after tragically losing his mother to a heart attack, Tristan Thompson has broken his silence. The Canadian athlete shared a touching tribute to Andrea via his Instagram page on Sunday (February 6), thanking her for raising him right while also apologizing for any embarrassment he might have caused. At the same time, he promised his family matriarch that he would do everything possible to take care of what she left behind.

“Dearest mommy in heaven, It has been one month since you’ve been gone,” he emotionally began. “I’m in disbelief. I’m in the deepest part of sorrow & grief
My soul is empty as I come to terms that my biggest supporter/superhero is gone. I cannot thank you enough for always being a woman of faith, being one of God’s warriors, fighting back with whatever the world threw our way.”

Andrea Thompson and NBA Player Tristan Thompson attend The Amari Thompson Soiree in support of Epilepsy Toronto at The Globe and Mail Centre on August 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)

Thompson then vented about his newfound desire to hear Andrea’s voice one last time. He promised her that her sacrifices over the years on behalf of her family didn’t go unnoticed and that she was the strongest woman he’s encountered in his life. “I know you’re here as I write this letter,” he penned in his caption.

“All I can say is, I’m sorry mommy for the wrong decisions I’ve made in my life. I’m sorry for the embarrassment and pain. You raised me better than what I was able to show you,” Tristan went on to say, potentially referencing his past infidelities, among other scandals. “But I have also learned sorry is not enough. Actions speak louder than words. So I won’t just say sorry.”

According to his post, Thompson plans to take great strides to show Andrea and the world what an amazing son she raised. “I will show you that even when we fall and make mistakes, we get back up. You are my motivation. Stand beside me as I become the man I know you always believed in. I’m going to make you proud, I promise.”

In conclusion, the father of four also promised that his younger brother, Amari, is going to be taken care of. “I know they say time heals all but I don’t think this pain will ever go away,” he wrote in reflection. “We had so many memories and more I wanted to share with you. We will still share them but now from heaven. As the tears roll down my face, all I can ask is please continue to be my light.”

Tristan’s tribute to his late mother is undeniably touching, and it’s certainly not the only one we’ve seen dedicated to Andrea lately. The Brampton native’s ex, Khloé Kardashian, filled a photo dump with her sweetest memories of her children’s grandmother. “I know you never wanted to leave your boys. They are your entire world,” her lengthy caption reads.

“I have so many emotions and still I feel numb. Life can be brutally unfair at times. This has been one of the toughest times in so many of our lives. But at the same time, I feel blessed that I am lucky to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so incredibly difficult,” she also wrote. Read the reality star’s full post here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates. RIP.

[Via]

Rapper Coca-Kazi Reportedly Killed During Stand-Off With Police

by

Although the authorities have yet to confirm that Coca-Kazi died earlier this month during a stand-off, several of the rapper’s loved ones have come forward. According to multiple reports, the Arkansas artist died after he was shot by a North Little Rock officer on January 18.

Details regarding what led up to the incident are unclear. However, it’s reported that police responded to a residence after receiving a dispatch call about a disturbance. It was shared that someone on the scene was armed.

Read More: George “Papa G” Pryce Of Death Row Fame Has Passed Away

In a press release, police said they could “quickly locate” the purported victim. That person was removed from the scene while officers then searched for the alleged suspect with a weapon.

It was stated that the suspect shot at officers from inside a residence before he began to make his way outside. Police allege the suspect aimed the gun at them before an officer fired a shot. The person retreated inside, and when police couldn’t make contact, they went inside the home and found the suspect dead.

Instagram
Read More: Jeezy Blasts Trump For Comparing Police Shootings To Bad Golfers

The officer who fired the shot was placed on administrative leave. HipHopDX reports the suspect was Coca-Kazi and several of his loved ones grieved his loss online.

This is an ongoing investigation.

[via][via]