Montana Residents File Lawsuit Against State’s TikTok Ban

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Citizens of Montana are fighting back against their state’s recent legislation against TikTok. In case you missed it, Montana has become the first state in America to ban TikTok. In a Senate Bill signed on Wednesday, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte stated his aim is to protect the private information of the residents of his state.

READ MORE: TikTok’s Parent Company Aiming to Create AI Program to ‘Lower Music Creation Barrier’

According to NPR, Senate Bill 419 highlights the Chinese government as a reason for the ban, citing the nation as a potential threat.

“The Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information is well-documented,” Gov. Gianforte said.

The counter lawsuit was filed on May 17, led by Samantha Alario, Heather Dirocco, Carly Ann Goddard, Alice Held, and Dale Stout, who identify as “creators and viewers of content on TikTok.”

“Montana has no authority to enact laws advancing what it believes should be the United States’ foreign policy or its national security interests, nor may Montana ban an entire forum for communication based on its perceptions that some speech shared through that forum, though protected by the First Amendment, is dangerous,” they said in the lawsuit, according to Music Business Worldwide.

“Even if Montana could regulate any of the speech that users share through TikTok, SB 419 wields a sledgehammer when the First Amendment requires a scalpel.”

The plaintiffs argue SB419 is unconstitutional and ignores national security and foreign economic factors.

READ MORE: Ohio Teen Dies After Attempting Benadryl TikTok Challenge

The owner of TikTok, tech giant ByteDance, denied sharing information. However, government officials highlight the records of consumers are available as the nation’s government allows for storing public records.

The ban will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, but it is currently unclear on how it will be enforced, and is also facing opposition that the bill is unconstitutional.

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Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New ‘Diddy Direct’ Platform

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Sean “Diddy” Combs has unveiled Diddy Direct, a groundbreaking platform designed to assist retailers and consumers in easily discovering, inquiring about, and purchasing any of the popular spirits from his Combs Spirits portfolio. This includes the entire range of CÎROC Vodkas, CÎROC Spritz, CÎROC VS, and DeLeón Tequila variants. With the recent introduction of the limited edition Cîroc Honey Melon, Diddy Direct provides a convenient way for consumers to locate and buy these products.

To launch Diddy Direct, Diddy has partnered with DJ Khaled in a digital ad campaign. In a humorous golf-themed short film, the two celebrities showcase their friendship, with Khaled demonstrating his superior golf skills. The campaign debuts on social media today and will be rolled out across various platforms.

“This platform is a game-changer for the spirits industry, and we’re proud to offer consumers and retailers direct access to our portfolio of premium spirits,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman of Combs Global. “With Diddy Direct, we’re setting a new standard for direct to retailer & direct-to-consumer experiences and bringing the best of Combs Spirits directly to anyone, anywhere in the country.” 

Diddy Direct is a platform providing valuable information to consumers and retailers regarding the availability and locations of their preferred Combs Spirits products across the United States. The platform features a user-friendly interface that includes search functionality based on location and specific products. It also incorporates an interactive national map, allowing users to locate local businesses and distributors easily. By verifying their age, users can navigate the site effortlessly and swiftly find the desired products, along with detailed information on where and how to obtain them anywhere in the country.

You can learn more about Diddy Direct here.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to Announce 2024 Presidential Campaign in Twitter Spaces Event with Elon Musk

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ready to announce his 2024 presidential campaign. The announcement will be part of a Twitter conversation with the platform’s owner Elon Musk on Wednesday evening.

According to NBC News, DeSantis will instantly become the main opposition in the Republican party to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

The conversation will occur over the Twitter Spaces audio chat platform, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET. The conversation with be moderated by another tech entrepreneur David Sacks. The 2024 DeSantis campaign video will launch the same evening as the conversation. After the Memorial Day weekend, DeSantis is expected to travel the country for his campaign.

For better or worse, the Twitter spaces will blend a rising Republican name and a powerful tech mogul. Previously, Musk invited Trump back to Twitter following his acquisition. Musk reportedly believes that Trump can’t regain control of the White House, opting to align with a future candidate.

None of the alleged parties involved in Wednesday evening’s event has commented.

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Dre of Cool & Dre Joins Lobus to Bring Music Catalogs and More to Market as Investable Assets

Dre of Cool & Dre Joins Lobus to Bring Music Catalogs and More to Market as Investable Assets

Andre “Dre” Lyon, known for being part of the renowned production team Cool & Dre, recently revealed becoming a partner with Lobus, a prominent platform for managing cultural assets. Lobus currently oversees a vast portfolio of assets valued at over $9 billion.

In his capacity as a partner, Dre will collaborate with Lobus to introduce an innovative approach, enabling musicians, entertainers, and creators to present their assets as alternative investment prospects. This new model allows individuals to issue public shares, akin to how Fortune 500 companies do, for their music catalogs, digital content, artwork, and other valuable cultural assets.

Dre’s involvement with Lobus signifies a transformative shift in investment infrastructure, where culture itself becomes a viable asset class, surpassing traditional stocks, bonds, and commodities. This groundbreaking development empowers individuals to engage with cultural assets in a novel and unparalleled manner. Moreover, it presents artists, musicians, filmmakers, influencers, and other creators with an opportunity to monetize their intellectual property, fostering wealth creation that can benefit future generations. Lobus and Dre are spearheading this innovation, enabling a wide range of individuals to access and benefit from the value of cultural assets.

“I am thrilled to partner with Lobus in merging culture with finance,” Dre said. “We are entering a transformative era where songs from two decades ago are being rediscovered and propelled to overnight success through platforms like TikTok and Twitch. By simply selling our catalogs, artists are missing out on the potential rewards. We need a model that allows us – the creators, the originators – to remain connected to our assets and continue growing our work during this extraordinary period of growth. We pour our blood, sweat and tears into our work, and it is only fair that our future generations benefit from our sacrifices and artistic contributions. Lobus is the new paradigm.”

Dre’s role as a partner at Lobus involves utilizing his extensive network and industry knowledge to facilitate the introduction of top-tier assets to the market. He will be the primary contact for artists, creators, and entertainment professionals seeking to monetize their music catalogs, digital content, and other intellectual property within this innovative investment model. Dre will collaborate closely with Lobus to expand the platform, champion the interests of artists, and ensure that creators maintain ownership as they evolve into multi-faceted brands.

Under this new model, institutions and individuals can invest in prominent contemporary brands, diversifying their portfolios and gaining exclusive experiences across various cultural sectors. At the same time, musicians and creators receive access to exceptional financial, media, and advisory services that support the growth of their intellectual property and foster meaningful connections with their audiences.

“Lobus and Dre share the same mission,” Lobus Co-Founder and CEO Lori Hotz. “We are both committed to using our collective experience across finance, culture and technology to help creators build generational wealth and reach new entrepreneurial heights by aligning incentives. At Lobus, artists are not disintermediated from their value.” 

 “As an artist, Dre understands the true value of his art and how those assets can drive economic growth and create a new paradigm,” Lobus Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer  Sarah Wendell Sherrill said. “With his partnership, we feel confident that we are establishing a robust ownership model for artists and empowering them to be the true founders of the work they produce.” 

Dre also will release his debut album, Nah For Real, at the end of the year. Earlier this year, Dre joined Forbes BLK’s Advisory Council as a strategic thought partner.

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Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder And Billionaire, Is Officially Engaged

Jeff Bezos keeps plenty busy, but he’s not too busy to find love. TMZ has confirmed that Jeff Bezos and girlfriend Lauren Sanchez are engaged. The billionaire proposed to Sanchez while they were enjoying a luxurious voyage around Europe on his impressive $500 million superyacht. It comes as no surprise that Sanchez said “Yes” to Bezos’ proposal. The couple has been inseparable since they began dating in 2019. Their relationship began shortly after Bezos’ divorce from his wife of 24 years, MacKenzie.

Bezos seems to have spared no expense on the engagement ring, which was proudly displayed by Sanchez aboard the yacht. The size of the rock on her finger is truly impressive. The cost of the engagement ring would be significant to most people. However, it is merely a small portion of Bezos’ vast fortune as the founder of Amazon. Interestingly, it appears that the engagement actually took place last week. Sanchez was spotted wearing a ring on her finger in a photograph from Wednesday. At the time, however, the large gemstone was cleverly hidden on the inside of her hand.

Bezos Wants To Give Away Most Of His Wealth

Ginevra Elkann, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the Vanity Fair x Prada Party at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
(Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Jeff Bezos may be one of the richest people on earth, but he doesn’t intend for things to stay that way. In fact, he plans to donate most of his wealth during his lifetime. According to reports, the Amazon founder’s net worth is estimated to be between $121 billion and $124 billion. In an interview with CNN’s Chloe Melas at his residence in Washington, DC, Bezos expressed his intention to utilize his wealth in the fight against climate change and to aid individuals who can contribute to the unification of humanity. However, Bezos did not disclose a specific percentage or provide concrete details regarding the manner in which he plans to distribute his funds. That doesn’t mean he plans to stop making money, of course.

For quite some time, there were rumors connecting Jeff Bezosto the potential purchase of the Commanders. He is the third-wealthiest individual globally and a resident of Washington, D.C. As such, Bezos has been seen as a possible bidder for the team. However, controversy arose when sources alleged that the Synders, the current owners of the team, had prevented Bezos from making a bid. The Synders have denied these claims. However, in mid-April, Bezos was confirmed to no longer be in the running. Days later, the team was purchased by Josh Harris. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news on hip-hop, tech, and more!

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Mike Tyson Calls 2Pac & Biggie AI Song “F****d Up”

AI is the biggest tech story and debates right now. Whether it be about music, art, or writing the argument is heated. While AI has many defenders, its detractors are numerous. The anti-AI advocates argue that AI works are created using the works of others, nearly all of whom did not consent to their work being used in that manner. Furthermore, there are concerns about copyright and slander if an AI is able to mimic someone’s voice

In the music world, people are split on whether AI-generated music is a blessing or a curse. While artists like JoJo are in favor of embracing the technology, industry legends like Ice Cube have absolutely no time for it“That’s fucked up, bruh,” the champ told Yayo, his mouth agape, as he heard Biggie rap 50’s hook and 2Pac spit his opening verse, before adding: “Woah.”. However, that has not stopped users from creating works from artists, both dead and alive, with AI.

Mike Tyson Shocked By AI Track

Rapper and former G-Unit member Tony Yayo stopped by Mike Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike. They discussed many topics, including the shooting of Yayo’s close friend 50 Cent. However, they also broached the topic of AI art.“Let me tell you how ill computers is takin’ over. You ever heard of AI music?” Yayo asked Tyson and his co-host DJ Whoo Kid. “Do me a favor: play ‘Many Men’ by 50 Cent, 2Pac and Biggie.” The AI-generated song, while not a perfect imitation of the three iconic rappers, was enough to shock the studio.

“That’s fucked up, bruh,” Tyson commented before simply adding, “Woah.” Whoo also added a similar thought on the track. “Yo! This is crazy! This is insane. That don’t even make no sense.” While Yayo was impressed by the track, it shows the potential of what AI can do – bringing back dead artists. However, with that comes with concern as the industry grapples with the question of whether those artists, their memory, and their legacy, should be left alone. What do you think of the rise of AI music? Let us know in the comments below.

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Ice Cube On AI Music: “I Don’t Wanna Hear That Bullshit”

While the recent advancements in technology certainly have their benefits, it’s hard to deny that some of them are terrifying. Over the past few months, an increased number of artificial intelligence-generated music has been coming to the forefront, whether in the form of artists covering unlikely songs (such as Drake on Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U)”) or using the voices of dead rhymers to cover tracks from other artists made long after their passing. We’ve heard several public figures using their platform to voice the dangers of AI. The latest is Ice Cube, who candidly shared his opinion during this past Friday’s (May 19) episode of the Full Send podcast.

After one of the hosts asked the NWA alum if he heard the recently circulating The Weeknd and Drake AI collaboration, Cube made it abundantly clear that he “doesn’t want to hear” such things. When it was argued that “everyone on the internet” has been listening to the track, the Californian shot back, “Yeah, I don’t wanna hear that bullshit. He should sue whoever made it.” When it was suggested that the technology is coming for his career too, he made it known that he won’t hesitate to take legal action against anyone who tries.

Read More: Is AI A Threat To Hip-Hop?

Ice Cube isn’t Feeling Music’s AI Advancements

“Yeah, and I’mma sue the muthaf*cka who made it and the people and the platform who play it,” the “No Vaseline” hitmaker declared. “It’s like a sample, you know what I mean? Somebody can’t take your original voice and manipulate it without having to pay.”

As HipHopDX notes, others who have spoken out about their issues with AI lately include will.i.am. “We all have voices, and everyone’s compromised because there are no rights or ownership to your facial math or your voice frequency,” he told DJ Whoo Kid on SiriusXM, addressing the dangers that face everyday people too. “So, forget songs. Banks. People calling up your bank pretending to be you.”

Read More: Ice Cube’s “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted” Turns 33

Watch the Rapper’s Entire Full Send Episode

Tap into Ice Cube’s entire conversation with the Full Send podcast below. Do you agree with his stance on artificial intelligence in music? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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Young Guru Warns Timbaland After He Reveals Plans To Support AI Music

While other industry figures seem to support or at least tolerate artificial intelligence in music, Young Guru firmly speaks against it. Moreover, he warned the industry of the dangers of the technology upon hearing a Kendrick Lamar voice filter and an AI-generated Jay-Z verse. Now, he recently reacted to Timbaland’s plans to commercialize AI, which would in theory enable artists to obtain “exclusive rights” to use the voices of late musical legends. Of course, neither party will be able to control or regulate AI in music by themselves. However, perhaps the legendary engineer has led the way for more hesitation from artists when it comes to this innovation.

“@timbaland I love you my brother,” Young Guru wrote on his Instagram Story, reposting a report about the producer’s endeavors. “You know I do. But this ain’t it!!! This is dangerous and at a basic level it’s corny!! I will be on the side of the Luddites.” Sure, many might find it corny in and of itself to compare the movement against AI to a 19th century revolution against textile machines. Still, it’s a more apt comparison than you might expect, because tech will progress no matter who is standing up against it.

Read More: Young Guru Calls Out People Writing Hip Hop Books With “Wrong” History

Young Guru’s Message To Timbaland

Screenshot via Instagram @youngguru763

Regardless, the 49-year-old’s efforts to vocalize the dangers of artificial intelligence in music are quite commendable. If anything, these conversations should point to a middle ground of understanding that this should, at the very least, be regulated in some way. After all, a lot of the more popular uses of AI have been for meme videos, light-hearted reimaginations of tracks, or other non-threatening uses. The issue could stem from the industry trying to profit off of this and use it to benefit artists’ laziness or lack of creativity. In the worst cases, it blurs the line between a legitimate release and making money off of another’s likeness or false work without their permission.

Meanwhile, Timbaland was very excited to share his AI Biggie Smalls “collab.” “We know that it’s a lot of talk about AI and we know how the feelings of violating certain things,” he remarked. “But let me tell you something: I got a solution, I’m working on it. It’s gon’ be beneficial to everybody. I gotta share something I’ve been working on because I always wanted to do this and I never got a chance to. I always wanted to work with Big and I never got a chance to.” For more news on AI music and the latest updates on Young Guru, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: Rappers Who Cheated Death: Timbaland, Kanye & More

Timbaland Wants To Commercialize AI Software For Artists

Timbaland recently caught some flack online for taking advantage of AI software, which is pretty much the biggest controversy in music right now. Moreover, he used an artificial intelligence program to use Biggie Smalls’ voice on one of his own beats, which some people weren’t happy with. While it’s certainly a fun hypothetical to work with, detractors believed it to be a form of grave-robbery and a cheap way to make money off of another artist’s inability to make music. Regardless of the backlash, the legendary producer clearly knows what the risks of AI might be. As such, he wants to make it easier for artists to use it properly.

Furthermore, Timbaland recently revealed that he’s looking for ways to commercialize AI software in a few different ways. According to the Virginia native, artificial intelligence is an “unprecedented world of creativity in music.” His new plans aim to help burgeoning creatives garner “more success,” make melodies more easily, and give “exclusive rights” to people who want to use the voices of “music legend[s] who [are] no longer with us.

Read More: Missy Elliott & Timbaland’s Best Hits

Timbaland’s Next Hopeful Moves With AI Technology

Of course, not everyone in the music industry is particularly happy with this new technology. Even if you see many of the positive elements of artificial intelligence in music, many seem to focus on its negative possibilities. That said, maybe Timbaland’s endeavors actually set a precedent of regulation and proper use when it comes to AI. Sure, it’s quite non-specific at the moment, but the potential is there. Interestingly, though, the 51-year-old’s efforts seem specifically focused on deceased artists, not current artists being replicated, so there’s always more areas to explore.

Back to his Biggie “collab,” the “The Way I Are” artist recently said in an interview that he will hold off on releasing the track until the Brooklyn legend’s estate gives the all-clear. That probably won’t change people’s minds as to whether they agree with this software’s proliferation or not. Despite all the controversy around AI at the moment, its vast possibilities really depend on what precedents the industry sets for it- and how much money they make. As such, any stab at the AI industry is a dangerous but hopefully well-intentioned one. For more news and the latest updates on Timbaland, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Rappers Who Cheated Death: Timbaland, Kanye & More

Montana Is the First State to Ban TikTok, Is Your State Next?

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Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill banning TikTok in Montana, making it the first state to ban the app in the U.S fully.

“Today, Montana takes the most decisive action of any state to protect Montanans’ private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party,” Gianforte said in a statement.

Montana will make it unlawful for Google and Apple’s app stores to offer TikTok within the state, but will not impose any penalties on individuals using the app. The ban is to take effect Jan. 1, 2024 and is almost certain to face legal challenges.

TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter argued that the law infringes on people’s First Amendment rights and is unlawful. “We want to reassure Montanans that they can continue using TikTok to express themselves, earn a living, and find community as we continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana,” Oberwetter said in a statement.

The residents of Montana could easily bypass the ban by using a virtual private network, a service that prevents others from observing their web browsing. 

Some states, like Utah and Arkansas, have already enacted laws that would hinge social media use on parental consent. Similar bills are in the works in other states. Last year, California enacted a law requiring companies to beef up data protection practices for children and offer them the highest privacy settings.

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