Sha’Carri Richardson Will Not Compete In Tokyo Olympics, She Responds: Report

She was hyped as being the next Olympics gold medalist for the U.S., but Sha’Carri Richardson’s dreams have been dashed for the time being. Her Olympic Trials run made her the fastest woman in the world, but after it was announced that Richardson tested positive for THC, her Olympic plans hung in the balance. It was soon shared that the track star faced a 30-day suspension for breaking the rules, and Richardson later took accountability for her actions in an interview.

Her partnership with Nike reportedly remains intact after the brand came forward to say that they would stand by her through the controversy, but on Tuesday (July 6), it was announced that Sha’Carri Richardson was out of the Olympics altogether.

According to ESPN, Richardson’s name did not appear on the USA Track and Field’s Olympic roster. Her 30-day ban kept Richardson out of the 100-meter race, but this latest move proves that the officials decided to extend her ban. The USATF reportedly released a statement about the decision saying they agree that international rules regarding marijuana use should be reexamined, adding that they are “sympathetic” to Richardson’s plight during this time.

“So while our heartfelt understanding lies with Sha’Carri, we must also maintain fairness for all of the athletes who attempted to realize their dreams by securing a place on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team,” the statement reportedly reads. Meanwhile, Richardson’s agent stated that he hadn’t yet spoken with his client about this latest decision. However, Richardson took to her Twitter account to share a few thoughts. Check it out below.

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Popcaan Drops Off “Find Dem”

Popcaan continues his reign as the champ of dancehall music with his triumphant return. After a few months of laying low, the Jamaican superstar delivered his latest single, “Find Dem” to kick off the month of July. The fiery single finds Popcaan on alert as he details street warfare in the streets of Jamaica. “Man find them house and burn them down/ Gunshot in a your face in a the brawling sun,” he raps on the hook over trap-infused dancehall production.

Poppy’s had quite a busy year in 2020. Having delivered his project, FIXTAPE last summer via OVO Sound, he teamed up with OVO affiliate Preme for their collaborative project, Link Up in October which featured Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Davido, and Beam.

Check out the latest single from Popcaan below.

Quotable Lyrics
Doctor a read your brain like a pronoun
Nah left the gun go nowhere
You mussi mad, nah dweet
Nah left the Glock gone street
Rise up the fifteen, select it and make your head leak

Pop Smoke’s Alleged Murderer Will Not Face The Death Penalty In His Upcoming Trial

A year and a half has gone by since the music world was stripped of one of its most promising rappers, Pop Smoke. The Brooklyn native was shot and killed during a home invasion in a Hollywood mansion he rented in an attempted robbery gone wrong. Four individuals were arrested for the tragic murder: Corey Walker and Keandre Rodgers, who were 19 and 17 respectively at the time of their arrest, as well as a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old whose names were not revealed, due to them being minors.

Almost a year after their arrests, Walker’s trial is underway, and on Tuesday a big decision was shared by the court. According to video provided by The Shaderoom, Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams, the prosecutor for the case, said that the maximum sentence that Walker would face if he were convicted is life without parole, meaning that the now 20-year-old defendant will avoid the death penalty.

The reason could be that he was not the individual who pulled the trigger on Pop Smoke. The defendant who was 15 years old at the time allegedly confessed to being the triggerman in the murder during a recorded interview at a juvenile detention center in May 2020. “He admitted that he shot the victim three times with a Baretta 9 (mm.),” LAPD Detective Carlos Camacho said during a preliminary hearing for Walker. He added that the teenager “admitted they asked for the jewelry” from the rapper before ending up in a “confrontation” that led to shots being fired.

In other news related to Pop Smoke, the late rapper’s second posthumous album is set to arrive on July 16. The self-titled effort contains 17 songs and the already released track “Outro.”

Backroad Gee & Nissi Join Forces On “Ready Or Not”

Backroad Gee has been one of the most promising young talents to emerge out of the UK in recent times. Over the past year, his output has helped him grow outside of UK and introduce himself to an international market. A large part of his appeal is his versatility and ear for production but on his latest single, “Ready Or Not,” he offers a whole new side to his artistry. 

The rapper connects with Nissi for his new single with delivers mellow, afro-beats-inspired production that’s a perfectly fitting middle ground for the two artists. Backroad Gee’s assertive flow remains in tact but he dials down the intensity to match the breezy melodies of Nissi.

Peep the single below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts.

Quotable Lyrics
Been through hell and back, dawg, man, it hurts
See the snakes in the grass, man, it hurts
Cut the head off the vermin, brr
Outside is cold, hug it tight, watch your back
N****s filled up with red-еye, it’s like that

Rich The Kid Is “Very Flattered” Kevin Huerter Chose Him Over Outkast

They are one of the most innovative and prolific groups in Hip Hop history, but Outkast fans believe that people need to put more respect on Outkast’s name. There have been debates about their influence, inclusion in Mt. Rushmore conversations, or if they should have more recognition in Top Ten lists, but after Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter chose Rich The Kid over Outkast as a better rapper, Hip Hop fans descended on the basketball star.

It all recently went down when the Hawks went up against the Milwaukee Bucks and after Huerter made his choice, the crowd emphatically booed him. Social media wasn’t too kind, either.

Outkast, Rich The Kid
Frederick M. Brown / Stringer / Getty Images

The choice captured the attention of Rich The Kid who was thrilled to be recognized over the Georgia icons. “I see they pick me over um, over Outkast last night at the Hawks game,” said Rich The Kid. “I appreciate it. I’m very flattered. I grew up on Outkast.” The Hawks ended up losing that game against the Bucks and the Milwaukee team has advanced to the NBA Finals.

This is the first time that the Bucks have been to the finals since 1974 and fans are excited to see how this plays out. Check out Rich The Kid’s clip below and let us know what you think of Huerter’s choice.

JT: Here’s 5 Shots Of Lil Uzi Vert’s Bae Flexing Fashion Goals

City Girls’ JT stays slaying. There’s never a moment where she doesn’t dress to impress, no matter what the situation. From super fire bathing suit outfits to wearing boyfriend Lil Uzi Vert’s chains, the rap crooner always stays on fleek. Check out five shots of the “Twerkulator” star showing off her fashion goals. Rocking Her […]

Jungle Connects With Bas On New Single “Romeo”

UK electronic music duo Jungle, consisting of members Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, have kept fans on the edge of their seats for a new album. After releasing the critically acclaimed 2014 self-titled project, they followed it up four years later with For Ever. Though it has been three years since the release of their last project, fans are ecstatic that they’re revving up to drop a new body of work this summer.

Today, they unveiled a brand new single off of their forthcoming project, Loving In Stereo. Jungle recruits Dreamville’s Bas for their new single, “Romeo.” With soulful samples and smooth instrumentation, Bas flexes his lyrical prowess with relatable bars.

In related news, Bas is preparing to release a new single with J. Cole and Lil Tjay titled “The Jackie” due out this Friday.

Quotable Lyrics
Let’s talk about some progress and objectives
If you talking ’bout less then I’m
Came a long way I’m a project
Baby this a Rollie not a Timex

Lil Cease Thinks Lil Kim & Nicki Minaj “Verzuz” Would Be “Great For The Culture”

The big debate regarding whether or not Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj should meet for a Verzuz appearance has landed on Lil Cease’s lap. The longtime friend and collaborator of Kim has weighed in with his thoughts regarding the two New York rappers’ coming together for the popular music series, and according to Cease, it’s a match that will be one of the greatest celebrations in Hip Hop.

Kim recently shared that she wanted to appear on Verzuz with Nicki, and in an interview, Cease was asked who he would root for if the hitmakers linked up for the series. After making a face, Cease answered, “I got Kim, man! What do you mean?”

Lil Cease, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj
Moses Robinson / Stringer / Getty Images

“I think that’s something great for the culture, I think when everybody saw Kim say it, I think a lot of people took it the wrong way,” he said. “It was like, no, I think that will be great for the culture. If you felt like they had issues, this should be the time to get them both in one room. And Verzuz is not a battle, Verzuz us about a celebration. So, at the end of the day, Kim was just extended that invite to say, ‘Hey, I would rather go with her ’cause I think that makes sense.”

There have been critics who have rejected the idea of Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj sharing the stage because they come from different eras of Hip Hop, but Cease doesn’t believe that should matter. “I just thought it was about two stars. Two queens. One passing the baton and one showing love to the queen.”

Cease added that he thinks it’s a “great idea” but made sure to clarify that he’s “team QB for life!” There has been a history of fans believing Kim has acted shady to Minaj in the past, so not everyone has welcomed this matchup with open arms. Do you think Kim and Nicki should join for a Verzuz? Check out Lil Cease voicing his opinions below.

RMR & Sharon Stone Have Been “Hanging Out”: Report

RMR has been a viral sensation ever since the release of “Rascal.” The record further bridged the gap between country music and rap music while he’s continued to showcase his versatility on 2020’s DRUG DEALING IS A LOST ART. Not only has he been winning over the hearts of fans across the world but apparently, he’s also found a fan in Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone.

According to PageSix, 25-year-old RMR and 63-year-old Sharon Stone have been spotted “hanging out.” They have reportedly been seen on multiple dates across Los Angeles including at celebrity hot spots like Delilah and The Highlight Room. The tabloid publication’s source described Sharon as channeling Megan Thee Stallion’s spirit this summer.

“She’s definitely having a hot girl summer,” the source said. “They were together hanging out with Drake’s [artist] PND, and they were canoodling and popping bottles. They were dancing to hip-hop. Chris Brown was also there.”

RMR and Stone have reportedly been getting to know each other better over the past few months. RMR “respects her and thinks she’s cool as f–k,” the source added. He’s also a big fan of Casino

“They’re on the same frequency and it’s a very unique friendship,” the source continued. 

Though RMR and the chief of staff of Stone’s company didn’t respond to the request for comments, Stone reportedly had “no comment” on the rumors.

[Via]