New Hip Hop News

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Tuesday that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a protective mask outdoors. Previously, Americans were instructed that masks should be worn outside to slow the spread of the virus. With vaccine distribution proving to be effective in the States, people who have received all of their vaccine doses will now be able to attend small outdoor gatherings, including with friends from multiple households, without a mask.

Unvaccinated people, and people who have only received one dose of the vaccine, are encouraged to continue wearing a mask outdoors to protect themselves and others.

Joan Slatkin/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

“If you are fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows if you are vaccinated, you can do so safely unmasked,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky during a White House briefing.

Despite this marking an important change for people’s quality of life in America, fully vaccinated people are still being warned about the threat of large indoor gatherings. People are still being advised against gathering indoors with people from other households. However, if you choose to attend a large gathering indoors, which may seem tempting to you because of how many artists are announcing upcoming tours, you are encouraged to wear a mask even if you’re fully vaccinated.

If you’re unclear on what sort of activities require a mask, check out the chart below.

CDC via CNN

[via]

When it comes to business acumen, JAY-Z has become the benchmark to which many rappers aspire to one day reach. Currently holding it down as one of hip-hop’s few billionaires, Hov continues to expand his substantial portfolio, which recently brought cannabis brand MONOGRAM into the fold. Today, a new report indicates that the legendary rapper’s Marcy Venture Partners has invested in Los Angeles-based fitness company LIT Method.

LIT Method, founded by Justin and Taylor Norris, is largely known for the LIT Strength Machine, an “all in one design that offers 500+ low-impact exercises including strength training, rowing, cardio, barre, physical therapy, and Pilates.” 

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images 

A statement from Marcy Venture Partners’ co-founder Larry Marcus explained the firm’s decision to connect with LIT Method in a statement. “Justin and Taylor are tenacious and adaptive entrepreneurs with so much drive and passion,” he explains. “Their engaging content, motivating style, and innovative equipment are a winning combination.” In addition to MVP, former Los Angeles Dodger slash MLB All-Star Adrian Gonzalez also invested in LIT Method. 

As of now, the financial details have not been disclosed. Regardless, it’s another savvy move from JAY-Z, who recently sealed a substantial partnership deal with Moët Hennessy that netted HOV up a reported $315 million, as per an estimate by Forbes. Having now set his sights on the fitness industry, following in the footsteps of his wife Beyoncé (who recently inked her own deal with Peloton), it’s certainly exciting to speculate on where JAY-Z and the Marcy Venture Partners will go next.

[via]

Florida rapper Syko Bob, known for his close affiliation to Kodak Black and the Sniper Gang, was reportedly targeted in a shooting in Lauderhill this week. According to multiple reports, three people, including Syko Bob, were rushed to a hospital by a witness after the vehicle they were riding in was shot up in broad daylight. 

The victims were brought to a Broward-area medical center. All three of them are in stable condition and are expected to be released soon. Syko Bob, along with the two other victims, was reportedly shot and their car was riddled with bullets. The witness who drove them to the hospital, Tristan Johnson, said the following, “I could hear one of the guys, you could hear the blood in his throat like as he’s talking so I’m trying to hurry up and get [to the hospital.] If it was me and someone shot me and I needed help I would want someone to take me as well.”

The victims have reportedly refused to cooperate with the police but an investigation will continue.

Syko Bob went live shortly after getting shot at, taunting the people who fired the shots on Instagram.

At the beginning of this month, Kodak Black was reportedly targeted by hitmen in a shooting attempt. He responded to the shooting by claiming that people were trying to set him and his team up. “I Hate You N***as Got My Name Gettin Airplay Out Here When I Ain’t Come Home On No B.S,” he wrote on Twitter. “Got These [Cops] Pullin Down On My People Throwin Hints Out There & Sh*t. I Ain’t On Nothing.”

Watch Syko Bob’s IG Live below.

[via]