Big Sean Inspires at PepsiCo and Pensole Lewis College Event, Debuting Student Capsule Collection at Black Footwear Forum

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On Friday, September 27, 2024, PepsiCo and Pensole Lewis College (PLC Detroit) partnered to present a groundbreaking event at the Black Footwear Forum in Detroit. The event featured Detroit-native and cultural icon Big Sean, who led an inspiring fireside chat on design, mentorship, and the significant role of Black creatives in the future of the industry.

The highlight of the evening was the debut of PLC’s first-ever student capsule collection, showcasing Baiyinah Ings’ award-winning design. Ings, the winner of PepsiCo’s four-week masterclass, unveiled her innovative collection, which will be available for purchase on PLC Detroit’s website in November.

This collaboration is part of PepsiCo’s ongoing 3-year partnership with PLC Detroit, aimed at increasing representation in the design industry by empowering Black designers. PepsiCo continues to support the next generation of creatives through resources and apprenticeships, helping PLC students gain real-world experience.

Attendees at the event had an exclusive opportunity to view Ings’ designs and purchase them in person, celebrating the culmination of a masterclass that focused on Pride, Legacy, and Culture—core values of PLC Detroit.

The capsule collection will be available online starting in November, marking a milestone in PepsiCo and PLC’s commitment to amplifying Black brilliance in design and innovation. Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring partnership.

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Producer Lil Rod Jones Files $30 Million Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Diddy, Threatens to Expose Co-Conspirators

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Screen Shot 2024 10 06 at 3.18.13 PM

Former Bad Boy music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones is escalating his legal battle against Sean “Diddy” Combs, filing a $30 million lawsuit for sexual harassment. Now, Lil Rod is threatening to expose more of Diddy’s alleged co-conspirators if necessary. The lawsuit, filed in February, has gained traction as Jones, represented by attorney Tyrone Blackburn, challenges Diddy’s motion to dismiss the case.

In a new development, Blackburn contested the motion on September 30, and according to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, he did not hold back. “[Diddy] is a criminally indicted, racketeering sex trafficking, illegal prostitution facilitating, accused drugs and guns dealer, accused Mexican cartel drug runner, accused murderer, and confirmed woman beater,” Blackburn wrote. He added that Diddy “has the morals of an alley cat,” referencing a quote from U.S. President Joe Biden.

The explosive lawsuit not only targets Diddy but also names his son Justin Combs and former Combs Enterprises chief of staff Kristina Khorram as co-defendants. This comes amid a swirl of legal issues surrounding Diddy, including his indictment for sex trafficking.

Jones’s legal team is holding back, for now, on exposing more of Diddy’s alleged accomplices but is prepared to reveal them if necessary. “There are others,” Blackburn stated, “such as Mr. Combs’s accountant who wired money to Mr. Jones, the travel agent who booked the flights for the sex workers, and the attorney who has worked as Mr. Combs’s fixer for over 30 years.”

As the lawsuit intensifies, it appears that more damning revelations could emerge. With Lil Rod threatening to disclose a network of individuals who allegedly aided Diddy in covering up illegal activities, the case could have far-reaching consequences for the hip-hop mogul. This legal drama is set against the backdrop of Diddy’s broader criminal accusations, which could heavily influence the court’s decision.

Lil Rod’s $30 million lawsuit adds another chapter to the increasingly public and contentious legal battles involving one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures, leaving Diddy’s reputation and empire hanging in the balance.

Thoughts?

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Rising Rap Star 310babii Drops Sophomore Album 310degrees on HIGHIQ/EMPIRE

Screenshot 2024 10 04 at 12.12.20 AM

Screenshot 2024 10 04 at 12.12.20 AM
Screenshot 2024 10 04 at 12.12.20 AM

Rising rap sensation 310babii has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, 310degrees, through HIGHIQ/EMPIRE. Known as the next generation’s voice, the young artist paints a vivid picture of a lavish lifestyle across 13 high-energy tracks, backed by L.A.’s top sound architects like Bankroll Got It, Pilgrim, Diego Ave, and TRGC. With a collection of club-ready bangers, 310babii showcases his evolution from student to full-time rap star, effortlessly navigating fame, fortune, and the fast life.

The album includes previously released singles, such as “Forward Back,” featured on the NBA 2K25 soundtrack, the anthems “That’s It” and “Pink Whitney,” and a remix of the viral hit “Rock Your Hips” featuring Saweetie. The original version hit #1 at Rhythmic Radio and #6 on the TikTok Billboard Charts.

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Future Makes History with 11th No. 1 Album, ‘MIXTAPE PLUTO’

Future Releases Highly Anticipated 'MIXTAPE PLUTO,'

Future Releases Highly Anticipated 'MIXTAPE PLUTO,'

Diamond-certified, three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rapper Future has officially made history with the debut of his latest project, MIXTAPE PLUTO, at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marks Future’s 11th No. 1 album and his third in just six months, following WE DON’T TRUST YOU and WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU.

Future is now the first hip-hop artist ever to achieve three No. 1 albums in such a short span, a feat not seen since The Beatles in 1965-1966. Additionally, MIXTAPE PLUTO landed atop several other charts, including Top Streaming Albums and Rap Overall Consumption. All 17 tracks from the project have debuted on the Hot 100, making Future the first solo hip-hop artist to achieve this milestone without any features.

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Chef JJ Johnson Returns to NYCWFF with “The Cookout: A Hip-Hop Celebration”

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Screen Shot 2024 10 02 at 9.08.19 PM

Back by popular demand, Chef JJ Johnson is set to host one of the most anticipated events at the New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) — BACARDI Presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: A Hip-Hop Celebration. This year, the celebrated James Beard Award-winning chef will once again bring together his love for food, music, and culture, this time at the iconic Brooklyn Army Terminal. Alongside co-host and legendary rapper Rev Run, this event promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the rich legacies of Black cuisine and hip-hop.

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One Bacardi presents The Cookout: Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ CASSIDY, JJ Johnson, Rev Run, Ice T, DJ MICK, Tamron Hall & Angela Yee

The Cookout is not just a food event, it’s a cultural celebration that merges the rhythmic pulse of hip-hop with the soulful traditions of Black foodways. With performances from Rev Run, Freeway, and DJ Too Much, attendees can expect an energetic atmosphere as they enjoy signature dishes from some of New York’s finest Black-owned restaurants. Angela Yee from iHeart Radio’s Power 105.1 will co-host, adding even more star power to the event.

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One Bacardi presents The Cookout: Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ CASSIDY, JJ Johnson, Rev Run, Ice T, DJ MICK, Tamron Hall & Angela Yee

A Fusion of Food and Music

At the heart of The Cookout is Chef JJ Johnson, whose innovative approach to African-Caribbean cuisine mirrors the transformative power of hip-hop in reshaping music. Known for his ability to honor past food traditions while adding a modern twist, JJ’s culinary style combines culturally relevant ingredients with his classically trained cooking techniques. Much like how hip-hop has evolved by blending various musical influences, Chef JJ is bridging the gap between food and music, creating something new while staying true to his roots.

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His fast-growing restaurant FIELDTRIP, a rice bowl concept with four locations in NYC, highlights sustainability and his commitment to food justice. Chef JJ’s approach connects the foodways of West Africa and the Caribbean to the Americas, showcasing the diversity of the African diaspora through rice, a staple across many cultures. He is passionate about sourcing the freshest ingredients from local farmers and raising awareness for equity within the food industry.

Cultural Tastemaker and Advocate

Beyond his culinary accolades, Chef JJ is a true cultural tastemaker and community advocate. His efforts to spotlight Black cuisine and sustainability have earned him widespread recognition, including a James Beard Award and a spot on Eater’s New Guard of Power in NYC Dining. JJ continues to push boundaries in the culinary world, using his platform to raise awareness for food justice and to advocate for positive change within the industry.

His work doesn’t stop in the kitchen. Chef JJ is also a familiar face on television, having appeared on shows like Food Network’s Chopped, Netflix’s Street Food, and Selena + Chef on HBO Max. His popular show Just Eats with Chef JJ is entering its fifth season on TV One’s Cleo TV this fall, and his highly anticipated cookbook, The Simple Art of Rice, was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim.

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One Bacardi presents The Cookout: Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ CASSIDY, JJ Johnson, Rev Run, Ice T, DJ MICK, Tamron Hall & Angela Yee

The Cookout Experience

Attendees of The Cookout will be treated to more than just good food. The event will feature plenty of beer, wine, and cocktails to complement the delicious dishes and lively music. It’s an opportunity to experience the essence of Black culture — from the food on the plate to the beats in the air.

With a lineup of renowned chefs, iconic music performances, and a celebration of Black excellence, Chef JJ Johnson’s The Cookout is set to be one of the most memorable experiences of NYCWFF. As JJ continues to innovate in both food and culture, events like this showcase his dedication to building cultural connections and pushing the boundaries of the culinary world.

Don’t miss this epic foodie event–CLICK HERE for more info.

Check out the recap below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lynx Even Series with 77-70 Win Over Sun

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The Minnesota Lynx secured a crucial 77-70 victory over the Connecticut Sun, evening their best-of-five semifinal series at 1-1. Courtney Williams led the way with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Alanna Smith added 15 points, six rebounds, and knocked down three 3-pointers. The Lynx head to Connecticut with momentum as the series shifts for the next two games.

Despite an off shooting night, Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier made her presence felt with 9 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and one steal, filling the stat sheet in numerous ways.

Minnesota’s bench provided a key advantage, outscoring Connecticut’s reserves 16-4. All eight Lynx players who saw the floor contributed at least four points, giving them a well-rounded offensive attack.

For the Sun, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner combined for 35 points. Thomas posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Bonner contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals. Bonner also moved into 3rd place on the WNBA’s all-time Playoff scoring list.

With the series now tied, both teams will look to gain the upper hand in Game 3 as the action shifts to Connecticut.

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Skilla Baby & 4batz Shower Their Girls With Praise On “So Bad”

Both Skilla Baby and 4batz have been making their marks in 2024. The Detroit and Dallas products are XXL Freshman, and they also dropped some of their biggest projects. For Baby, that would be The Coldest which boasts features from Moneybagg Yo, G Herbo, Rob49, Flo Milli, Jeremih, and more. It’s deluxe is even more stacked with BossMan Dlow and extra features from DaBaby and Rob. For the baby-voiced 4batz, he delivered his debut project with backing from Drake’s OVO, u made me a st4r. Outside of sharing major success, they don’t have a lot in common.

It’s why this first collaboration between Skilla Baby and 4batz, “So Bad”, is such a head scratcher. The former typically selects very aggressive trap beats, whereas the latter is better suited on woozy and slower tempo instrumentals. But in that same breath, both love to rap about women, so there is that. That’s exactly what “So Bad” is about as Skilla and 4batz gas up their partners. The former does a sound a little out of place over the booming horn-backed background, as he raps in a scratchy and fairly quiet tone. But, we still want y’all to check it out and see what you have to say, so visit the link below to listen.

Read More: Diddy Gets Support From Alleged “Freak Off” Party Attender

“So Bad” – Skilla Baby & 4batz

Quotable Lyrics:

I seen you on your story, you can be my shawty (My shawty)
Hm, we f***, baby, can I just record it? (Can I just record it?)
You so bad, baby, I cannot ignore it
And when you touch me, this d**k get enormous (Enormous)
Yeah, cross out the X and Os, I know she bad, she from the 4
Tell me something I don’t know

Read More: Finesse2tymes Confirms He’s Not The Father Of Nia Love’s Child

[Via]

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Wendy Williams Breaks Her Silence On “Horrific” Diddy Allegations

Wendy Williams was a talk show fixture for over a decade. She hosted The Wendy Williams Show from 2008 to 2021. She regularly spoke out against topics and celebrities she felt strongly about. Fans have been longing to hear Williams’ opinion on the recent Diddy allegations. Especially in light of the mogul’s arrest and denied bail. The talk show host has been battling health problems since she ended her show. That said, she surprised everyone on October 1 by making an official statement.

Wendy Williams spoke to Daily Mail about the Diddy saga. She also aknowledged that she has been critical of the mogul for years. “What is really weird is that I have been told by so many people ‘Wendy you called it,’” she told the outlet. “Including some people from my family who have said the same.” Williams believes the fallout from the alleged victims who have sued Diddy is overdue. “You know how I feel about that? It is about time,” she asserted. She also broke her silence on the video footage of Diddy attacking Cassie in a hotel lobby. “To see this video on TV of [Cassie] getting pummeled … it was just horrific,” Williams added.

Read More: Diddy Breaks Silence After Allegations Of Sexually Abusing 25 Minors

Wendy Williams Said ‘It’s About Time’ Diddy Was Punished

 
 
 
 
 
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There’s a sense of vindication for Wendy Williams, but she also fears what’s to come. She told Daily Mail that there could be countless other victims of the mogul who have yet to be heard. “But now you have to think, how many more times,” she said. “How many people. How many more women. It’s just so horrible.” The former talk show host questioned Diddy’s behind the scenes antics on multiple occasions. The two even had a tense back and forth when Diddy appeared on her show in 2017.

Diddy went on The Wendy Williams Show to promote a documentary, and he startled the host when he claimed to have met her son backstage. The interview went viral in light of the recent allegations against Diddy. Many believed the Bad Boy founder was threatening the host and the safety of her son. Of course, Williams’ son is fine, and Diddy is awaiting trial behind bars. Williams’ son actually accompanied her on a recent New Jersey trip in August. The trip was notable for marking the first public sighting of Williams in over a year.

Read More: Diddy Lawsuits Pile Up To 120 As Lawyer Promises To Reveal Other “Shocking” Defendants

[via]

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Klay Thompson Shares Thoughts on Dallas Mavericks Media Day: ‘I’m a hooper, so I can adjust accordingly’

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Klay Thompson is really wearing a Dallas Maverick jersey. Read that again.

At the Mavericks’ media day, the unthinkable became a reality. Luka Doncic summed up their season goal with one word: “Championship.” After a tough loss to the Boston Celtics in last year’s NBA Finals, the Mavs see Thompson, a four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, as the key piece to get them over the top.

NBA champion Kyrie Irving, instrumental in recruiting Thompson to Dallas, expressed confidence in the team’s title chances with the sharpshooter on board. “I feel like our dreams can be possible because he’s here now,” Irving said, highlighting Thompson’s value to the team’s championship aspirations.

Let’s get one thing right, even at 34, and despite having endured two significant injuries, Thompson remains a dominant 3-point shooter, with a career average of 41.3% from beyond the arc. He’s a splash brother. Period.

His arrival addresses Dallas’ struggles from long range in the Finals, where they only shot 31.6%. With Thompson on the floor, Doncic noted, “When me and Kai have the ball, you basically can’t help off of Klay. Because if you leave him wide open, he’s going to make it.”

Coach Jason Kidd also praised Thompson’s elite shooting ability, “When you talk about Klay, he’s going to go down as one of the best shooters of all-time. To have him on our side makes the game offensively easier.”

What’s interesting and remains to be seen if this will be a challenge or if Thompson will gel or have a learning curve within the Mavericks offensive system. Thompson acknowledged that transitioning to the Mavs’ pick-and-roll-heavy offense, a stark contrast to Golden State’s motion-based system, will take some adjustment. However, he’s confident in his ability to adapt. “Just being able to play with Luka the last few days, his ability in the pick-and-roll is maybe the best I’ve ever seen,” Thompson remarked. He emphasized the importance of preseason as he adjusts to the new system but is optimistic about the process: “I’m a hooper, so I can adjust accordingly, and I look forward to doing that.”

Good luck, Klay and welcome to the Mavericks.

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Hip Hop Caucus Premieres UNDERWATER PROJECTS at Climate Week NY

Liz Havstad, Malik Jordan, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. 2

Liz Havstad, Malik Jordan, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. 2

On Monday evening, the Hip Hop Caucus, a national nonprofit that merges art, activism, and hip-hop culture, celebrated the Green Carpet Premiere of the short film UNDERWATER PROJECTS during Climate Week in New York. The event saw the presence of Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Managing Director and COO Liz Havstad, and notable environmental advocates such as sustainability activist Anya Dillard.

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. and Elizabeth Yeampierre
Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. and Elizabeth Yeampierre

UNDERWATER PROJECTS, narrated by comedian Wanda Sykes and directed by Liz Havstad, explores the dangers of coastal urban flooding in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, where the world’s largest naval base is threatened by rising sea levels. The film highlights how insufficient flood walls in the area leave vulnerable communities—like a nearby housing project and historic African American neighborhood—exposed. Combining live action with animation, the film profiles local leaders working to develop climate resilience plans. It’s available for viewing at WeShallBreathe.com.

Samata Pattinson and JaRel Clay
Samata Pattinson and JaRel Clay

The premiere followed the virtual “We Shall Breathe” Summit, which kicked off Climate Week. The summit spotlighted the intersecting challenges of climate justice, economic inequality, and voting rights, especially from the perspectives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities in the U.S. South and the Global South. Musical performances included Jade Novah, rapper Yellopain, and AY Young.

Samata Pattinson, JaRel Clay, and Deirdre Mama D Love
Samata Pattinson, JaRel Clay, and Deirdre Mama D Love

In addition to the NYC premiere, Hip Hop Caucus is organizing community screenings of UNDERWATER PROJECTS in key locations across the country. For those who missed it, a recap of the summit and the green carpet premiere is available for viewing on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Samata Pattinson
Samata Pattinson

As part of their ongoing advocacy, Hip Hop Caucus also launched the Respect My Vote! campaign, aimed at mobilizing Gen Z voters, voters of color, and returning citizens ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. You can watch the campaign trailer below.

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