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Angel Reese Gets Ejected For No Good Reason, Lonzo Ball Offers To Pay Her Fine

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The New York Liberty took home an 88-75 win over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, but the major talking point around the game was Angel Reese. In the closing minutes, with the Liberty solidly in charge, Sky rookie Angel Reese got two fast technical fouls for her first expulsion from a WNBA game. The expulsion took happened with New York leading 82-71 and 2:31 remaining. Reese first got a call against her for a personal foul while pushing for a rebound. Two further technical whistles swiftly followed, and Reese had been dismissed from the game. The ejection happened so fast that the broadcast team thought it was another player who had been ejected. 

Upon reviewing the footage, it becomes clear that the sequence of events leading to Reese’s ejection was missed by the live broadcast. Referee Charles Watson initially called a personal foul against Reese. In response, Reese briefly objected, then turned her back on Watson with a dismissive hand wave. Watson, in turn, responded with two technical fouls and an overhead toss motion, indicating that Reese was no longer permitted to play. Many fans have criticized the ejection as weak and unnecessary. Notably, NBA star Lonzo Ball expressed his support for Reese, calling the referee who issued the technical fouls “weak.”

Read More: Angel Reese Says The Reason For The WNBA’s Surge In Popularity Is More Than Just Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese Ejected, Lonzo Ball Sends Support

Following the ejection, Watson continued to walk to the opposite side of the court. Angel Reese and her Sky teammates stood, stunned by the turn of events. The exact words Reese said are unclear, but it was evident that they had a significant impact on Watson. Play then resumed, and New York held on for the victory. Reese’s final stats for the game included 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two technical fouls. Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, in a post-game interview, revealed that the officials did not provide any explanation for Reese’s ejection. “I tried to get an explanation. I did not,” Weatherspoon said. She concluded, “I don’t know to this moment what has happened.”

Lonzo Ball was one of the vocal spectators who did not like the technicals. He said of the ref, “Ref that threw out [Angel Reese] is weak btw…You know who you are (Keep ya money Angel i got you.” Lonzo Ball has offered to pay her fine for what seems like a massive overreaction from the official. Overall, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky continue to make headlines. She is, after all, one of the biggest reasons that interest in the WNBA has increased this season. 

Read More: Bob Costas Believes Angel Reese & Alyssa Thomas Situation Didn’t Get As Much Coverage Because It Was A “Black On Black Incident”

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Shaq Revealed How Argument With Dwyane Wade Led To Them Winning The NBA Championship

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On the Draymond Green Show” Shaq recently related a story of how, at a crucial juncture in the 2006 NBA Finals, he inspired Dwyane Wade, his Miami Heat colleague. With the Heat behind the Dallas Mavericks 0–2, Shaq, who was struggling personally and seeing his own decline, had an important talk/argument with Wade. Shaq said to Draymond, “D-Wade, our first argument was in the Finals. We go down 0-2. I’m declining as Shaq.” He continued, I’m going through a divorce. I’m not Shaq. My first three guys are terrible, awful. So I pulled D-Wade in the room and said, ‘What the f**k you gonna do man?’”

“Motherf***er, you want to be the man, what the f**k you gonna do?’ I wasn’t trying to fight; I was just asking questions. He had a look of relief like, ‘Oh, I can?’ So yeah, motherf***er, I got four people on me.’ And he said, ‘Okay, Shaq.’ And he went off.” The argument was during the most pivotal time it could have been. The rest is history as the Heat went on to eventually beat the Dallas Mavericks in stunning fashion.

Read More: Shaq Responds To Shannon Sharpe With Explosive Diss Track

Shaq’s Motivational Talk With Dwyane Wade Sparked Their Championship Run

Wade’s play in the series’ final games was outstanding, and this talk proved to be a turning moment for him. Wade had incredible stats in the 2006 NBA Finals. With a 46.8% shooting percentage from the field, he averaged 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 steals a game. Wade scored an incredible 42 points in this pivotal game 3, which helped the Heat win 98-96. Wade finished Game 3 with a box score of 42 points on 14 of 26 shots, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 0 blocks. His scoring outburst was crucial in changing the course of the series and giving his squad newfound confidence. And it was all thanks to Shaq getting real.

In the series-clinching Game 6, Wade scored 36 points, securing the Heat’s first NBA title with a 95-92 victory. Wade’s ability to rise to the occasion in the most important times solidified his position as one of the best postseason performances in NBA history. Shaq won his fourth and final ring of his career, and the rest is history. Overall, those finals were one of the wildest ever. We saw the ascension of D-Wade on the biggest stage there is.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Takes The High Road With Shaq Following Cringeworthy Diss Track

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JJ Redick Is Reportedly The Frontrunner And Close To Becoming The Lakers’ Next Head Coach

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According to league industry insiders, the Los Angeles Lakers are narrowing in on JJ Redick as their top candidate to take over as head coach. League sources stated that the Lakers are still in the process of interviewing potential head coaches. Furthermore, no decision has been made yet. However, all the signs point to Redick as their top pick right now. Over the past several weeks, league insiders said that the Lakers have given significant consideration to two candidates: Redick and James Borrego, the associate coach of the Pelicans.

Three weeks ago, Redick was the first candidate to meet with Lakers executives in person. Last week, Borrego had a second in-person interview with Lakers officials. Team sources say the organization was impressed with him during the process. Apparently, Lakers star Anthony Davis has some history with Borrego from his time in New Orleans. Davis and the prospective head coach have a “rapport.” Of course, JJ Redick is tight with LeBron James as the two host a basketball podcast together. Overall, these two names are leading the pack, but it looks like JJ may edge Borrego out.

Read More: JJ Redick Is Expected To Be Named Lakers Head Coach According To NBA Insider

JJ Redick Is The Frontrunner For The Lakers Headcoaching Job

The Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, the Heat assistant Chris Quinn, the Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, and the Nuggets coach David Adelman are among the other prospects the Lakers have interviewed. Redick, a media analyst, is providing color commentary for the NBA Finals, which begin in Boston on Thursday night. This has led many in the NBA to believe that an official hire would be made public following the series. Lakers officials are reportedly “infatuated” with Redick and his coaching potential, according to sources.

According to multiple sources briefed on the situation, legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has developed into a highly regarded unofficial resource for the Lakers during the hiring process. His extensive familiarity with candidates, including Redick and others, gives him insight into the kind of culture the team is looking for, as well as the qualities of a possible staff around the next head coach. Overall, with no professional coaching experience under his belt, Redick looks like he will be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Read More: JJ Redick Is Reportedly The Front Runner For The Lakers Coaching Job, Compared To Pat Riley

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Mase Weighs In On Caitlin Clark Receiving Hard Fouls In The WNBA: “It Comes Across As Hating”

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Mase has thrown his hat in the ring of Caitlin Clark defenders, speaking out against the WNBA rookie sensation’s issues with receiving hard fouls from the opposition. Despite being the third-most fouled player in the league, the Indiana Fever rookie said in an interview with NBC News that aired on Monday, June 3, that she made an effort not to let the criticism get to her. When asked about the hard foul that has had everyone talking, she said, “I wasn’t expecting it. But I think it’s … just respond, come down, let the play do the talking. It is what it is. It’s a physical game, go make the free throw and then execute on offense.”

On a recent episode of the It Is What It Is, Mase defended Catilin Clark. He said on the podcast, “They are just playing down the significance of just female sports being portrayed the right way.” He continued, saying, “If you want branding dollars, then you have to be brand appropriate. You go further when your brand is clean enough to be marketed on different platforms. […]” He thinks the other players are purposefully being physical with her and that the treatment she has been receiving makes them seem like haters.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Welcomes Monica McNutt Back On “First Take,” Clarifies Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Comments

Mase Gives His Two Cents on the Caitlin Clark Situation

Mase continued to say, “Not that you should be helping her, but you definitely shouldn’t be trying to hurt her. It shouldn’t be over-aggression towards Caitlin, because it comes across as hating.” The Caitlin Clark discourse is continuing to heat up. Everyone is commenting on the harsh treatment during her debut WNBA season. Mase sees the social media clips and the outrage machine that is perpetually churning and has come to the conclusion that there is something unfair going on with Caitlin Clark. Overall, to the world outside of diehard WNBA fans, the treatment does, in fact, seem a tad unfair.

Caitlin Clark has been a major factor in the WNBA having this moment of popularity. Let’s hope the discourse that has been at times, toxic can calm down enough to enjoy some basketball. The WNBA is a rough league. There is a level of physicality in the league that you don’t see in the NBA. For that reason, some of these fouls may be shocking to new viewers. But people that have watched and covered the league will let you know these types of hard fouls are pretty common, and so is the treatment of star rookies. Overall, Mase thinks the fouls aren’t a good look for the vets of the WNBA. We will see if anything changes with how Caitlin Clark is received.

Read More: Pat McAfee Reveals How Caitlin Clark Responded To His Apology

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Monica McNutt Clarifies Her WNBA Comments On Shannon Sharpe’s Podcast

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In a heated conversation on Monday’s First Take, Monica McNutt and Stephen A. Smith discussed how the WNBA has been covered by the media. Before long, the media’s general coverage of the sport had shifted. This discussion was sparked by Saturday’s much-talked-about Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game, in which Sky player Chennedy Carter committed a hard foul on Caitlin Clark that almost crossed the line into dirty play. McNutt expressed her dissatisfaction with the way the WNBA has been covered this season, pointing out that because of Clark’s fame, media outlets who haven’t previously covered the league are suddenly becoming interested.

In a swift reply, Stephen A. said that First Take had “more coverage than anyone” of the sport. In response, McNutt attacked First Take, claiming that Smith and the program “could have been doing this three years ago” before Clark increased the sport’s appeal. Stephen A. Smith did not take the dig well. He has since gone in on Monica McNutt, saying that she owes him all of her success as well as all the other women that appear on First Take. Last night on Shannon Sharpe’s late-night podcast, McNutt clarified her position.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Claps Back At Monica McNutt, Takes Credit For Her Success

Monica McNutt Discusses Stephen A. Smith Incident

The argument brought up by McNutt’s objections is intriguing. Given Clark’s celebrity status, how many talk programs across several networks, including First Take, have exaggerated the event between Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark beyond its true significance? In an interview with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson for the Nightcap podcast, McNutt expanded on her views on the subject, stating that she thinks the media has made it seem “unfair” that most WNBA players are against Clark. She said, “I think what I was frustrated with in our conversation earlier is that we can hold more than one truth. The idea of some players being jealous (of Clark)? Yes, that probably exists. But I think since Caitlin’s debut, there has been a large and loud push that it’s Caitlin versus the (WNBA). And that is unfair.”

Monica continued, “I mean, would you be jealous of someone who got a $28 million shoe deal before they ever stepped foot in the pros? I just need all of us to do a better job holding room for multiple truths. The prevailing idea that it is the WNBA versus Caitlin and that these women don’t understand the power of the eyeball she’s brought to the league. That’s just unfair.” Monica just wants the discussion to be less black and white and to look at the entire picture instead of just one lens. Overall, Monica McNutt continues to be right. We will see if Stephen A. has a rebuttal.

Read More: Monica McNutt Absolutely Cooks Stephen A. Smith For Lack Of WNBA Coverage

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Angel Reese Says The Reason For The WNBA’s Surge In Popularity Is More Than Just Caitlin Clark

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According to Angel Reese, there are other factors at play in the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity than Caitlin Clark. “I think so many people are watching women’s basketball right now,” the Chicago Sky star told WGN News after practice Monday. She continued, “It all started from the national championship game, and I’ve been dealing with this for two years now, and understand that, yeah, negative things have probably been said about me. But honestly, I’ll take that because look where women’s basketball is.” The 22-year-old Reese claimed that more and more individuals “you never would think would be talking about women’s basketball” are becoming aware of the league.

Angel Reese explains that it isn’t just a singular individual driving the popularity the WNBA is receiving “People are pulling up to games. We’ve got celebrities coming to games [and] sold-out arenas just because of one single game,” she said. Rapper Latto notably showed up to support Angel Reese, and she received love from Megan Thee Stallion. The forward declared that if it means the WNBA will keep expanding, she is willing to take on the role of the villain. Overall, Angel Reese wants to make it clear that the players before her and her rookie class are the reason the WNBA is having a moment. While Clark is a big reason, she isn’t the sole reason.

Read More: Angel Reese Gets Hit With $1k Fine For Dodging Media After Caitlin Clark Showdown

Angel Reese Says The WNBA is More Than One Person

Many took what Angel said and left out the part where she talked about everyone contributing, like Robert Griffin III. The analyst then corrected himself when shown the full clip. Angel Reese spoke about the impact that she will have down the line, affirming that she believes it’s a collective effort to grow the game. She said, “I know I’ll go down in history. I’ll look back in 20 years and be like, ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too.’ And I want you to realize that.” She continued, “Like, it’s just not ’cause of one person. A lot of us have done so much for this game.”

Angel Reese and other players are being targeted for not ushering in a red carpet for Caitlin Clark. The discourse around Clark is getting into murky territory where pundits who never covered the WNBA are acting as if they are authorities. Overall, Angel Reese is right. Caitlin Clark is a big reason for the surge in popularity, but so are Angel Reese Cameron Brink, and a number of other rookies. Not to mention the superstars that have been dominating the league like Aja Wilson.

Read More: Angel Reese Cheers As Teammate Shoves Caitlin Clark To The Ground

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Pat McAfee Apologizes For Out Of Pocket Caitlin Clark Comments: “That’s 100% On Me And For That I apologize.”

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In response to the criticism, Pat McAfee says he shouldn’t have used the term to characterize Caitlin Clark and that he personally apologized to her for the error. “No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening,” McAfee said on twitter. “I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe.” He adde, “My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize.”

After calling Caitlin Clark a “white bitch” during a heated tirade about WNBA coverage on Monday, Pat McAfee, an ESPN broadcaster, is now receiving blowback for the remarks. The “Pat McAfee Show” began with an angry monologue from the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts. He described how tired of hearing people say that the WBNA is becoming more and more popular because of the rookie class that included players like Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Clark. To make his argument, McAfee put on a presentation akin to a game show, highlighting how Clark is outperforming her fellow first-year pros in terms of TV ratings, jersey sales, and attendance.

Read More: Pat McAfee Under Fire For Calling Caitlin Clark A “White B*tch” And Claiming The Treatment She Receives Is Racially Motivated

Pat McAfee Is Sorry After Caitlin Clark DeBacle

In response to the assertions that Clark’s race contributes to her notoriety, he said that the fact that she is white is meaningless because numerous other well-known players in the league, like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum, are all Caucasian. He shockingly said, “I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class,’” McAfee said minutes ago. “Nah, just call it for what it is — there’s one white bitch for the Indiana team who is a superstar.” 

“Is there a chance that people just enjoy watching her play basketball because of how electrifying she is, what she did, what she stood for, how she went about going what she went for? Maybe,” he added. “But instead, we have to hear people say that we all like her ’cause she’s white and she’s only popular because the rest of the rookie class is doing what they’re doing.” Pat is walking back his statements but with his platform, he is allowed to pretty much do whatever he wants with no consequences. Overall, the Caitlin Clark discourse is getting toxic and people like McAffee are a big reason why. 

Read More: Pat McAfee Net Worth 2024: What Is The Former NFL Football Player Worth?

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Stephen A. Smith Claps Back At Monica McNutt, Takes Credit For Her Success

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Yesterday, ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt called out Stephen A. Smith during First Take while debating the WNBA. Monday’s First Take included a contentious conversation between Shannon Sharpe, Monica McNutt, and Stephen A. Smith over the hard foul on Caitlin Clark. McNutt criticized Stephen A. in her closing remarks for waiting until this year to bring up the WNBA. Stephen A. Smith was left stunned and clearly outdone by Monica’s fair criticism. She responded to Smith saying, , “Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to.”  

It came after Stephen A. Smith was taking credit for covering women’s sports before anybody else, and McNutt checked him on that fact. Now Stephen A. Smith has responded. Stephen A. Smith is refusing to accept Monica McNutt’s remarks. Later yesterday evening, on his podcast, the ESPN personality addressed the jabs the two had exchanged on “First Take” on Monday. Stephen A. Smith went at Monica McNutt’s credibility while also simultaneously praising her, kind of like when someone says “no offense” before saying something offensive. Overall, the dig really got to Stephen A., but he is not taking it well.

Read More: Monica McNutt Absolutely Cooks Stephen A. Smith For Lack Of WNBA Coverage

Stephen A. Smith Responds To Monica McNutt

After going on a long tirade about Clark’s influence on the WNBA, Stephen A. Smith addressed the argument with McNutt, claiming that her remarks on the ESPN debate program “absolutely shocked” him. Stephen A. then took responsibility for several ESPN women’s careers saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am the executive producer of First Take. You ever heard of Monica McNutt? You have now. Because she’s on First Take a lot. Chiney Ogwumike, absolutely wonderful, spectacular basketball analyst. … ask her how it’s been to be on First Take. How about Andraya Carter? Who’s a rising star in this business. How much do you think First Take helped that? What about Kimberley Martin? What about Molly Qerim herself?”

Smith went on to criticize the individuals from whom he had “taken a lot of s–t” before describing what he believed McNutt to have said about him as “factually incorrect” and “highly offensive.” He continued, “I challenge anybody to find a show on sports television that discusses women’s issues that discuss the WNBA, or women’s sports that highlights and profiles female analysts more than ‘First Take.’ It’s been going on for years.” Smith said that even if McNutt and he disagreed, he would still “support” each other. Overall, it might have been an overreaction from Stephen A. Smith.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Calls Out Clippers Star Kawhi Leonard: “He’s The Worst Superstar In Sports”

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Jay-Z Dapped Up Real Madrid Star And Roc Nation Athlete Vinicius Jr. At The Champions League Final

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The Champions League final took place this past Saturday, and a slew of stars were in London for the festivities. Jay-Z watched Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final, the biggest match in the European soccer calendar, on Saturday. With goals from Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jr. and seasoned defender Dani Carvajal, Madrid defeated the opposition 2-0 to win the Champions League for the record 15th time. The 23-year-old Brazilian is etching his name along with the greats and rubbing shoulders with one of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z.

Prior to the game, Jay-Z was spotted dapping up Vini, who is signed under Jay-Z’s  Roc Nation Sports organization, and waving to the fans as he made his way to his seat along the touchline. The highlight of Hov’s evening, though, was when he took a photo with the Real Madrid striker following the final whistle, making sure to flaunt his freshly acquired winner’s medal to the camera. In the picture, a number of others were there, including Jay Brown and “OG Juan” Perez, two of Jigga’s longstanding business associates and pals.

Read More: Dame Dash Claims JAY-Z’s “Big Pimpin’” Was Actually About Him: “He Was Just Pretending To Be Me”

Jay-Z Takes Selfie With Vinicius Jr. After His Big Champions League Win

Following Roc Nation Sports’ acquisition of Brazilian soccer agency TFM Agency in July 2023, Vinicius Jr. joined the organization. “In terms of football, Brazil is the center of it all,” Perez, president of Roc Nation Sports, said in a statement at the time. He continued, “I strongly identify with a culture that has such an incredible passion for sport and music. Our influence in this game is growing, and this move shows our intentions to the world.” Vinicius Jr. and Jay-Z earlier shared a photo on social media in May 2023, with the soccer player captioning it as “LEGEND.”

Roc Nation Sports boasts probably the best footballer next to Kylian Mbappéin the world, Vinicius Jr. The French superstar, Mbappe, will join Vini in Madrid next year, so there is a real possibility they will be back in the Champions League Final again. If they win again next year, hopefully, Jay-Z will be in attendance. Overall, it is pretty cool seeing Jay-Z involved in the wider world of soccer. 

Read More: Dame Dash Was Confident Jay-Z And Nas Beef Would Never Get Violent

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Gunna Excites Fans In Philadelphia With Boxing Workout In Front Of The Famous Rocky Statue

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Gunna is is seemingly working out everywhere. Following his release from jail in 2022, Gunna said he shed up to “30-40 pounds” and is still maintaining his weight. He discussed his body in an interview and detailed how his habits developed. Gunna has been keeping to his fitness goals, and fans love it. The rapper’s body transformation has garnered attention on social media. Additionally, he was reportedly spotted working out at the Phoenix Suns’ facility alongside NBA star Bol Bol. Now Gunna has been seen taking in the sights of Philidelphia. The rapper did the most Philly thing you can do and did a boxing workout in front of the famous Rocky statue.

The Rocky statue and the steps leading up to it are a movie and pop cultural touchstone. In Rocky, Sylvester Stallone ran up the stairs as part of his training to face Apollo Creed. Furthermore, in the following movies, they made a statue of him that was at the top of the Philidelphia Museum of Fine Art. Now Gunna is following in Rocky’s footsteps literally and doing a Rocky-inspired workout at the iconic locale. Philly is known for its long and prestigious boxing pedigree. Overall, it is pretty incredible Gunna is living his best life.

Read More: Gunna Gets In Reps At Patriots’ Training Camp, Fans Critique His Football Skills

Gunna Does Rocky Inspired Boxing Workout

Gunna stated he lost up to “30-40 pounds” after being released from prison in 2022 and that he is currently maintaining his weight. In a XXL-released open interview, he talked about his physique. “Less eating. Especially when I went to jail. I lost a lot of weight. Just like, cleansing. Detoxing. And when I got home, I started working out and just keeping it fit. And now, I’m on a year straight of all working out,” he said. Now, he thinks he is fit enough to work out with professional athletes like NBA and NFL players.

One of Wun, his new album, is doing good business, and fans love it. This is his second album upon his release from prison in 2022. Throughout the tracklist, he worked with Offset, Normani, Leon Bridges, and Roddy Ricch. Overall, it seems like Gunna’s World, and we are just living in it. All in all, keep an eye out for more Gunna news on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Gunna Shows Out During Work Out With Bol Bol At The Phoenix Suns Facility

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