Clarence Williams III, Star Of “The Mod Squad,” Dies At 81

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Legendary actor Clarence Williams III, who is perhaps best known for his role as Linc Hayes on The Mod Squad, died on Friday at the age of 81, his management confirmed to Variety, Sunday morning. Williams’ cause of death was revealed to be colon cancer.

The late actor was born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939. Williams’ acting career took off on the stage in the late 1950s and he would later earn a Tony nomination in 1965 for his role in Slow Dance on the Killing Ground.

Clarence Williams III, Death
Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Williams also starred in a number of noteworthy films throughout his career, including Purple Rain, in which he portrayed Prince’s father. Other movie credits include 52 Pick-Up, Reindeer Games, and Tales from the Hood.

As for television, besides The Mod Squad, Williams appeared in such series as The Cosby Show, The Littlest Hobo, Hill Street Blues, T.J. Hooker, Miami Vice, Nasty Boys, Twin Peaks, Tales from the Cyrpt, The Highwayman, Star Trek, Walker, Texas Ranger, and many more.

Williams also served in the US Army as a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne Division. 

He is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin.

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Sleepy Hallow Keeps One Eye Open On “Make You (Snake Proof)”

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Sleepy Hallow arrived at the emergence of Brooklyn drill alongside Sheff G. Since then, the two have continued to carve out their own lane while keeping a firm grip on New York’s drill scene. While Sheff was the first to break through, and has since released several solid bodies of work, fans have been anticipating Sleepy Hallow’s major debut. On Friday, he finally unveiled Still Sleep? which finds Sleepy delivering his most polished body of work to date.

With 14 tracks in total, including two bonus singles, Sleepy Hallow delivers honest lyricism through his baritone sing-rap delivery. On “Make You (Snake Proof),” Sleepy Hallow reflects on trust and friendship over upbeat production with a touch of Latin influence. Though it is a catchy record, Sleepy Hallow’s lyrics reflect a more harrowing reality.

Quotable Lyrics
I be feelin’ lonely in the crowd
If you hold me up, you better hold that shit down
Sometimes I cry, no one’s around
But laugh and joke when guns around 

Kool Keith Uncovers Hidden Beauty On “Keith’s Salon”

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The eccentric and legendary rapper Kool Keith has an extensive catalog unlike many others, even if you remove his collaborative work. Over the years, Dr. Octagon has continued to push the boundaries with each release and now, he’s back with his latest offering, Keith’s Salon. The rapper’s latest body of work includes 12 tracks in total with production solely being handled by Triple Parked. Though rooted in hip-hop, Keith’s eccentric presence is reflected in Triple Parked’s production with elements of electronic being weaved throughout. The project was led by the singles, “Bright Eyes,” “Extravagance,” and its third single, “Pipes” which arrived just before the release of Keith’s Salon.

Peep the album and tracklist below,. 

  1. Intro
  2. Yachts
  3. Clams
  4. Style On
  5. Extravagance
  6. Shampoo You
  7. Bright Eyes
  8. Glossy Lips
  9. Wiggle
  10. Fashion
  11. Pipes
  12. Slippery

Mac Miller’s Alleged Drug Dealers Received A New Trial Date

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Nearly three years after Mac Miller’s tragic death, the individuals accused of selling him the drugs that led to his fatal overdose have received a new trial date. AllHipHop reports Cameron Pettit, Stephen Walter, and Ryan Reavis are all due in court on November 16 to face conspiracy and distribution of drugs resulting in death charges. The trio was arrested a year after Miller’s death following an investigation that revealed they were responsible for giving the rapper cocaine, oxycodone, and Xanax. Officers also noted that the pills Mac received were counterfeit and also contained fentanyl.

According to the charges, the rapper bought the pills from Petit after they were run to him by Reavis and supplied by Walter. US Attorney Nick Hanna’s case says the trio continued selling drugs following Miller’s death despite being aware of the fatal risk their supply posed against people. Petit was the first to be arrested and later on, Reavis’ Lake Havasu, Arizona home was raided by the DEA where they found prescription pills, guns, and ammunition. Walter was taken into custody in Los Angeles on the same day of the raid.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Reavis also faces charges for fraudulent schemes and artifices, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, weapons misconduct by a prohibited possessor, and manufacture of a prohibited weapon. He requested to have his trial be separate from his co-defendants because he was only an “alleged runner and minor participant, who is only alleged to be involved in one transaction,” according to his lawyer Correen Ferrentino. This request, however, was denied by a judge.

Mac Miller is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tory Lanez & K Camp Assist Renegade Reazy On “C.O.D”

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Reazy Renegade had a massive year in 2020 as the producer of one of the first viral singles on TikTok. The success of “Lottery (Renegade)” with K Camp propelled by TikTok fame set the tone for everything we’re witnessing these days. However, Reazy clearly isn’t interested in being a fixture on social media platforms instead of being known for the music. This weekend, he unveiled a brand new single that he’s been teasing for a minute.

K Camp and Tory Lanez offer assistance on Reazy’s new single, “C.O.D.” The smooth trap production is fitting for the strip club while K Camp and Tory Lanez’ melodious approach details their own experiences within these establishments. Hence the title, “Cash On Deck.”

Peep the record below and keep your eyes peeled for more music from Reazy Renegade. 

Quotable Lyrics
I’m a young rich n***a and she seen a
Ice check, wrist flood, shit it ain’t FEMA, okay
You know I’m spazzin’ out on any nigga if they try me 
Ballin’ on these folks and all these hoes, they can’t deny me

Shantel Jackson Drops Her Assault & Theft Lawsuit Against Ex Floyd Mayweather: Report

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Floyd Mayweather is currently gearing up to take on Logan Paul in the boxing ring down in Miami today (June 6). The two have been building up anticipation for the Pay Per View event slated to begin broadcasting at 8 pm on Showtime and Fanmio. Learn how you can tune into the showdown here. 

No matter the results of the upcoming battle, Mayweather at least has some good news he can take away from this weekend. According to Radar Online, model and ex-girlfriend of the famous boxer Shantel Jackson has officially dropped her civil lawsuit against Mayweather. In the suit, she accused the pro athlete of assault and stealing more than $3 million in jewelry after their breakup. 


Allred, Maroko, Goldberg via Getty Images

According to the publication, Jackson recently told the court that she was dismissing all her claims against her former beau, asking them to close out the case once and for all. The former couple has been battling in court since filing the suit in 2014. In her complaint, Jackson accused Mayweather of battery, defamation, and invasion of privacy. 

The last count of invasion of privacy stems from the pro boxer posting her medical records and other private information on his social media regarding her abortion. He shared a photo on his Facebook of a sonogram photo of hers claiming that she had aborted twin fetuses.

 
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

She also accused Mayweather of stealing around $3 million worth of jewelry from a storage unit of hers after their breakup. Initially seeking “unspecified damages” in the suit, Radar Online reports that the parties were finally able to settle their dispute privately.

As a result, the case was officially closed by the court per Jackson’s request, filing a notice to dismiss all claims against her former finacé.

 
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

After seven years, it’s definitely great news for both parties to finally be done with the case. 

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Joel Embiid & Trae Young Engage In Phenomenal Game 1 Battle

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Coming into this second round series between the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, it seemed like the 76ers were heavy favorites. There was some uncertainty as to whether or not Embiid would be able to play although eventually, that was all quelled when it was revealed today that Embiid would be good to go for Game 1. 

Despite Embiid’s presence on the court, the 76ers struggled for a large chunk of the game and at one point, they were down by 26. Trae Young was incredible for the Hawks as he scored 35 points all while adding 10 assists. It was one of his best performances of the playoffs and he made it extremely difficult for the 76ers to catch up.

Hawks - 76ers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Despite the large deficits throughout the game, Embiid was able to help mount a comeback as he scored 39 points and even added nine rebounds. It was a spectacular performance when you consider how his teammates struggled mightily throughout the match. While Embiid was able to make it close, it was the Hawks who came through with a solid 128-124 victory that gives them 1-0 series lead.

This series is far from over and if there is one thing this game proved, it’s that the 76ers know how to battle back when they are in a deficit. With Game 2 going down on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see how the team responds.

Cico P Drops Latest Track “Boogieee”

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The Jacksonville, Texas rapper keeps his viral momentum going with latest drop, “Boogieee.” Following the success of his previous releases, “See Me” and “Tampa,” he continues to drop more heat. “Boogieee” is a catchy track with the potential to blow up like his previous songs.

Cico P’s exudes confidence on his new fire track. “I’m a project baby but I’m good at mathematicals/ Put a n**ga up and I’ma take off to Canada/ Need to put down the drank, man the shit gonna have me outta here,” he raps on the song, proving that Cico P is on the come up and is refusing to stop. The entire song is ear candy.

The production has a hard-hitting trap quality that is sure to gain steam across on social media platforms. Cico P first gained recognition for his viral TikTok song “Tampa.” From there, he continued to grow his following with subsequent releases. 

Quotable Lyrics
They just be stuntin’, I do that
Damn, that lil Cico so groovy
Bitches they love my lil boogieee
I beat they odds they ain’t think I could do it
Send the deposit right now you can book it

Swizz Beatz Says DMX “Came Through” Him To Call Out Fake Love At His Funeral

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It’s been almost two months since DMX tragically passed away. As the world mourns the late musical pioneer, many members of the hip-hop community have continued to tribute and pay their respects to him. Jay-Z recently recalled how he boycotted the Grammys because they failed to nominate X, while his posthumous release Exodus has been embraced with open arms by fans. 

The star-studded memorial service for X took place in Brooklyn at Barclay’s center in April and was attended by his family and friends. At the service, Swizz Beatz aired out his frustrations, addressing those who were quick to secure their exclusive passes to the event but were MIA when he was hurting. The producer recently appeared alongside his Verzuz co-creator Timbaland on REVOLT’s “Drink Champs” series hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN where he touched on the call-out, addressed critics of X’s Exodus project, and more. 


Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Fanatics

Divulging why he felt the need to make the statements, he maintained that he was not directing his statements at any particular person or group, adding that it was as if X “came through me.”  “Even at the funeral when I said what I said, it was because of many people and many things,” explains Swizz.

He continued, “I was very close to Dog up until his last days, we had just finished the record so I was current on all his events. And X only wanted love, he didn’t want money. He didn’t really care about success that much. He just wanted to ride remote control cars, drive his four-wheelers, play pool, very simple guy.”

“But, it was certain people that he really wanted love from that it was hard for him to get the love from. So, when I see them people now showing up, and then, now making the day about them, I just had an energy. And I feel X came through me and made me say what I had to say,” he finished. 

Elsewhere, he touched on critics of X’s “new sound” on Exodus. “We gotta allow people to grow. We could’ve had a bunch of murder murder songs, but X listens to R&B music. X got soul, X likes to tell stories… ” reasoned Swizz. To hear more, check out the full “Drink Champs” episode below. 

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Payday Shares “House Of P.U.K.E” Project Ft. Jackboy & AG Club

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Payday has been building a dedicated following over the past 10 months through the release of her series of EPs, The P.U.K.E Tapes. Singles like “Big Boy” and “Dolphin” have helped her grow an even bigger profile which has now culminated in the release of her latest compilation, House Of P.U.K.E. The singer’s new tape combines all three P.U.K.E Tapes along with three new songs. It’s sixteen songs in total with appearances from Jackboy and AG Club who assist on “Beam Pt. 2” and “Ode To Soulja Girl,” respectively.

“I do so many different things…I’ll make a poppier song, or I’ll go in and really spit, or I’ll get depressed,” Payday said of the compilation. “It’s literally like puke, so I made this acronym with a deeper meaning: Payday’s Unbelievably Killer EP. It’s a random assortment of songs…like word vomit.”

 Check it out below.