KRS-One Explains Why He Turned Down ‘A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop’

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 14, 2023

KRS-One Explains Why He Turned Down ‘A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop’

"You ignored hip-hop for 49 years. At the 50th year, you wanna call us? 49 years you ignored us. The 50th year, that's when you call."

This year, there were many celebrations for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Yet, there have been many recording artists who have a historic place in this genre who have not been happy with the bastardization of the culture, specifically among corporate entities. The latest hip-hop artist to make his thoughts known, Boogie Down Productions’ KRS-One, expressed in a recent interview the reason he turned down a chance to perform at the Grammys’ recent hip-hop celebration.

A video appeared online on the YouTube channel of Harold St. Louis of KRS-One sharing his feelings about the Grammys, which he feels has not treated hip-hop with the respect it deserves in the first 49 years of the genre’s existence. He starts the video off by stating why he did not accept a personal invitation from another pioneer of hip-hop, LL COOL J.

After telling the interviewer that he did not watch the airing of “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop,” the New York City lyricist goes into his thought process in terms of the organization’s tribute.

“I was asked about two months ago; they asked me to do it, and I turned them down,” he said. “With all due respect, LL COOL J himself called me, spoke to my wife, and pretty much begged for me to be on the show, but we turned him down. And reason being is because I know other people don’t understand this, and I say this respectfully. Meaning that KRS-One is a hip-hop extremist. I’m not violent, a violent extremist, no. I’m insane with this culture. I know I must have lost my mind in this.”

The legendary rapper stated that he doesn’t apologize for his experience or the reason for feeling this way. The “temple of hip-hop” is “our home,” and the corporate entity behind the Grammys has exploited the culture; hence he will never stand “in the environment” where hip-hop is being taken advantage of.

He said, “So when I got the call, I immediately said nah, nah. First of all, it’s the Grammys? You get no respect here. None. None, you have no respect here. Now, we respect your existence, we know you exist. And we know that you’re the Grammys and we understand that and we respect that. Your existence. But you ignored hip-hop for 49 years. At the 50th year, you wanna call us? 49 years you ignored us. The 50th year, that’s when you call. You couldn’t even call on 47 and gear it up to at least 50. OK, at least get us into 47. You wait to the 50th year to want to call hip-hop’s authentic teacha? Nah, you don’t get that privilege. I refuse to show up.”

Check out the full interview below:

The Grammys have an immediate concern that has to be addressed. With the recent settlement of Cassie’s sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, with an added three pending lawsuits of the same nature, the Recording Academy may have to rescind the music mogul’s invite. Diddy was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards, but reportedly, other nominees and executives are stating that they don’t want to be seated near the “Bad Boy” during the ceremony.

Southwest Airlines Gain Praise From Plus-Sized Influencers Over Free Extra Seat

by Rafael Pena

December 14, 2023

Southwest Airlines Gain Praise From Plus-Sized Influencers Over Free Extra Seat

Southwest Airlines' "customer of size" policy is earning praise from plus-size TikTok Influencers, who laud the airline for providing more comfort.

Southwest Airlines’ “customer of size” policy is earning praise from plus-size TikTok influencers, who laud the airline for providing more comfort and accessibility for larger passengers. The policy allows passengers whose bodies extend beyond the armrest to request an additional seat at no extra cost, according to The New York Post. The airline’s approach is seen as a positive step in addressing the challenges faced by those who might otherwise experience anxiety when flying due to size-related concerns.

“We’ve had a long-standing policy for more than 30 years designed to meet the seating needs of customers who require more than one seat and protect the comfort and safety of everyone onboard,” the company says on its website.

Under Southwest’s policy, passengers can purchase one seat and discuss their seating needs with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it’s determined that an additional seat is required, the passenger is accommodated with a complimentary seat. The airline encourages customers to purchase extra seats in advance to ensure availability and proactively notify them of special seating needs.

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimmystyled/video/7288443901491350827?_r=1&_t=8i9fKxm8NOU

Kimmy, a self-described “fat solo traveler,” went viral with a video explaining how she used the program. She highlighted Southwest as the only airline that allows a second seat at no extra cost, even on fully booked flights. She shared her positive experiences, emphasizing the policy’s ease of use and the benefit of preboarding.

Jae’lynn Chaney, a plus-sized travel expert, praised Southwest’s policy for making air travel more comfortable and accessible for all, including fat and disabled individuals. She emphasized that the policy helps offset the disproportionate costs incurred by larger passengers, addressing both physical and financial accessibility.

However, not everyone has had a positive experience. A TikTok user shared her opposition, claiming she and her teenage daughter and friend were kicked off a flight in June due to an alleged overbooking caused by an oversized person not purchasing a second ticket. The incident raised concerns about the impact on passengers who may face inconveniences due to the policy.

Matthew Knowles, Beyonce, Grammys. Album Of The Year

by Rafael Pena

December 14, 2023

Beyonce’s Father, Mathew Knowles, Inks TV And Movie Deal About Memoir

Mathew Knowles has inked a significant deal to bring his memoir, 'Racism From the Eyes of a Child,' to the big and small screens.

Variety reports that Mathew Knowles, the renowned music executive and father of global pop icons Beyoncé and Solange, has inked a significant deal to bring his memoir, Racism From the Eyes of a Child to the big and small screens. The projects are now under the purview of Say Unkel Entertainment.

Variety reports that the first half of his memoir will be adapted into a feature film, providing an intimate portrayal of Knowles’ early life in Alabama during the tumultuous 1960s. The film is set to chronicle Knowles’ personal experiences amid race riots and spotlight his role as one of six Black students who broke barriers by attending an all-white school. This journey will unfold against the backdrop of historical events, shedding light on the challenges and transformations that shaped Knowles during a critical period in American history.

One notable aspect of Knowles’ narrative is his encounters with iconic figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Turner, and Ralph Abernathy. In an interview with Variety, Knowles emphasized these figures’ profound impact on his life.

“These are the men who made me proud and women who taught me to fight back,” he stated, underlining the importance of his encounters with these influential leaders.

Knowles’ memoir not only delves into historical events but also explores the personal growth and resilience he developed through those experiences. The film adaptation promises to provide audiences with a nuanced perspective on racism through the lens of a young Mathew Knowles navigating the complexities of a segregated South.

Beyond his personal journey, Knowles is celebrated for his contributions to the music industry. As a highly successful manager, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of not only Beyoncé and Solange but also chart-topping groups like Destiny’s Child and acclaimed artists such as Chaka Khan. His multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.

The decision to adapt Knowles’ memoir into a feature film and a limited series suggests a comprehensive exploration of his life, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the man behind the music mogul.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 14, 2023

Attorney Feels Race Played Into 10-Year-Old Black Boy Being Arrested, Sentenced To Probation

Quantavious Eason was arrested after a police officer saw him relieving himself outside of an attorney's office

Earlier this summer in Mississippi, a 10-year-old Black child was seen relieving himself by a Senatobia Police Department officer outside of an attorney’s office. The young boy, Quantavious Eason, was arrested on Aug. 10. and recently sentenced in youth court on Tuesday, Dec. 12, to three months probation plus told to write a two-page report on Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. The child’s attorney feels that this was done simply because the boy was Black.

According to NBC News, the third-grader was arrested after a police officer saw him relieving himself outside next to his mother’s car. According to family attorney Carlos Moore, his mother, Latonya Eason, was inside an attorney’s office when this took place.

“He did what any reasonable person would do: he urinated next to the car behind the door — not exposing himself to anyone,” Moore said. “He would not have been arrested, prosecuted or sentenced if he was any other color, race, besides Black,” Moore said.

Moore wonders why this even got to this point. He is bewildered that Quantavious was arrested and that prosecutors would pursue the case presented. The 10-year-old was charged in youth court with being a child in need of supervision, and now he is required to meet with a probation officer for the next three months.

Coincidentally, the police officers involved in making the arrest have been disciplined, with one being terminated, according to a Facebook post by the Senatobia Police Department.

“Several of our officers were recently involved in an incident that involved a 10-year-old juvenile. The officer’s decisions violated our written policy and went against our prior training on how to deal with these situations,” the statement began.

Moore also adds that no appeal of the sentence will be filed.

“We are not going to appeal. He will not have a criminal record; this is probation. And he is a fan of Kobe Bryant, so he doesn’t mind writing the two-page report,” Moore stated. “But, still, the principle of it — he should not have to do anything. He should be enjoying his Christmas holiday like the other kids.”

Moore also stated that a federal lawsuit will be filed next month against the city of Senatobia and the police officer who arrested the young boy. Moore plans to claim that Quantavious’ rights were violated under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Washington Wizards And Caps To Say Goodbye To D.C., Heading To Virginia

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 14, 2023

Washington Wizards And Caps To Say Goodbye To D.C., Heading To Virginia

The owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals is moving forward with plans to transition the teams out of D.C. and into the Northern Virginia neighborhood of Alexandria.

The Washington Wizards and Capitals could potentially no longer play in the nation’s capital. The owner of the D.C.-based teams has made a formal agreement to begin planning the sports franchises’ move to Alexandria, VA.

The news was reported by NBC Washington on Dec. 13, with a $2 billion deal at stake for the teams to officially play in the northern Virginia neighborhood, part of the “DMV’ area. The choice to transition the basketball and ice hockey teams across the Potomac River was made despite D.C. lawmakers’ proposition to renovate the current arenas.

Ted Leonsis, the owner of Monumental Sports and Entertainment company, released a statement on the new futures of the teams.

“When we first came out here and I saw 70 acres and the ability to start with a clean slate,” Leonsis said, “and imagine what would an arena 30 years from now need to be built and be served, and to build a digital-first experience, it really is a very, very romantic but also pragmatic vision that we have, that we can’t do anywhere else. This place for people is one-of-a-kind.”

With the inclusion of the new home, Leonsis is teaming up with Virginia’s Gov. Glenn Youngkin to develop an entertainment district in the area that would create a “world-class” experience for attendees. Not only is the development boasting nine million square feet, but it also boasts a new arena and headquarters for Monumental, in addition to a performance venue and esports facility.

However, despite its positive benefits for Virginia, D.C. would suffer from losing not just one but two major sports teams within its city lines. Without the droves of fans coming into the 20,000-seat arena throughout the year, the district could be without a longstanding influx of guests and revenue. D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser remains optimistic that the teams will remain in their home city.

“We have been responsive to Monumental throughout our process and we have negotiated with, in good faith, with them over the last several months,” Bowser said to reporters. “We know it’s the best for the city, and, quite frankly, we think it’s the best for the entire DMV.”

Kamala Harris Speech Stopped By Delaware Rep Calling For Ceasefire In Gaza

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 14, 2023

Kamala Harris Speech Stopped By Delaware Rep Calling For Ceasefire In Gaza

During a holiday party at her residence, Vice President Kamala Harris was interrupted by Delaware Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, with the Democratic official calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Vice President Kamala Harris was recently confronted by a member of Congress as tensions regarding the Israeli-Hamas conflict deepen. While making a speech at the holiday party she hosted at her home, Delaware Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, a fellow Democrat, interrupted the elected official by calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

According to the Daily Mail, the incident occurred the evening of Dec. 11. Harris was speaking to guests at her official residence, the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., when Rep. Wilson-Anton disrupted by asking why the Biden administration has yet to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. In her bold questioning, Wilson-Anton mentioned the current state of Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Democratic lawmaker shared footage of the ordeal to X, captioning the post “Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem.”

“Madam Vice President, I am a rep from Delaware,” began the elected official. “Did you know in Bethlehem they are not celebrating Christmas? Did you know in Bethlehem, baby Jesus is under rubble? Why won’t you call for a cease-fire?”

The Congresswoman also rolled out a banner that said “ceasefire” as she made her statement. The vice president responded by stating that she currently held the floor.

“I appreciate you wanting to be heard, but right now I’m speaking,” said Harris.

Rep. Wilson-Anton, who became the first Muslim woman to be elected to Congress on behalf of Delaware in 2021, was subsequently removed from the affair. The government official is a prominent voice alongside other progressive lawmakers, such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who are urging the United States to call for an immediate ceasefire.

In diplomatic relations on the Israel-Hamas conflict, the United States has been a significant nation voting against legally binding ceasefires, including vetoing a resolution by the U.N. Security Council on Dec. 8, as reported by the Associated Press. It recently voted against a United Nations resolution to a humanitarian ceasefire on Dec. 12, despite a rising shift across the nation to support Palestine.

Anthony Anderson, Emmy awards, association, host, television academy

by Iman Milner

December 14, 2023

Anthony Anderson Tapped To Host 2024 Emmy Awards

Fox chose Anderson after he stepped in to replace Jamie Foxx as host of the network's new game show.

Actor Anthony Anderson has been chosen to host the rescheduled 75th Emmy Awards on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15, 2024, Deadline reports. The program was slated to take place in September but was delayed by both the Writers and Screen Actors Guild strikes.

“With our industry’s recent challenges behind us, we can get back to what we love — dressing up and honoring ourselves. And there’s no better celebratory moment to bring the creative community together than the milestone 75th Emmy Awards,” Anderson said. “When Fox asked me to host this historic telecast, I was over the moon that Taylor Swift was unavailable, and now I can’t wait to be part of the biggest night in television.”

Fox chose the former Black-ish leading man after he’d stepped in to replace Oscar winner Jamie Foxx as host of the network’s new game show, which premieres on Jan. 3.

“After Anthony hosted our upcoming show, ‘We Are Family,’ we knew he’d be a natural fit for a star-studded, anticipatory night like the Emmys,” said Allison Wallach, president of unscripted programming at Fox Entertainment. “Anthony’s known for his humor, heart and spontaneity, so he’s sure to give audiences in the theater and at home a night they’ll never forget.”

It’s also a great fit for Anderson, who was nominated 11 times for his portrayal of Andre “Dre” Johnson in Black-ish but failed to take home the coveted award.

Emmy voting ended more than five months ago, and though a bevy of projects have come to television since, the Television Academy did not reopen ballots. The show will be executive-produced by Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay of Jesse Collins Entertainment, who also produced the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show starring Rihanna, which was named the most-watched halftime performance of all time and is up for an Emmy of its own.

DuPage County, Teresa Haley, migrant, savages, NAACP, national association advancement colored people

by Iman Milner

December 14, 2023

Illinois NAACP President Asked To Resign After Calling Migrants ‘Savages’ And Accusing Them Of Rape

Haley blamed the circulating clip on deepfake technology.

Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley is under fire for comments she made made during a meeting in which she likened the city’s migrants to “savages” and accused them of rape. She has been asked to resign, ABC 7 reports.

Constituents claim the disparaging comments were made on a Zoom call with several other NAACP leaders from the state, but Haley denies it.

“But, these immigrants have come over here, they’ve been raping people, they’ve been breaking into homes. They’re like savages as well. They don’t speak the language, and they look at us like we were crazy,” Haley said. According to ABC 7, Haley blamed the circulating clip on deepfake technology saying, “With AI, anything is possible.”

Still, prominent members of the NAACP have called for her resignation and spoken out against her brand of leadership.

“I think she should absolutely resign. I think she’s unfit to be the president, the state president of the NAACP, someone that has that kind of sentiment and that kind of thought against migrant communities,” said Patrick Watson, who was president of the DuPage County branch of the NAACP but resigned following Haley’s comments, feeling that they were the final straw after a long list of alleged misdeeds. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker publicly denounced the NAACP leader’s comments on Dec. 12, saying, “Reprehensible remarks, I would hope that she would apologize for the remarks. I also think that people should recognize that immigrants to this country are all around us.”

Haley did receive support from Watson’s predecessor, Michael Childress, who stressed that the chapter president has done positive work for the NAACP and has the record to prove it.

“These comments are not indicative of what the NAACP stands for. But again, I’m not going to speak on behalf of Teresa Haley and say she should or shouldn’t resign or things like that,” Childress said.

More than 25,000 migrants have been bused to Chicago over the last year from Texas, according to ABC 7. On Monday, Dec. 11, angry residents attended a community meeting in the Little Village neighborhood of the city where a long-abandoned CVS was being fashioned into an emergency shelter for newly arrived migrant families, hoping to make their voices heard amid the growing humanitarian crisis. “Twenty-Sixth Street looks terrible. It’s the new Skid Row,” one resident said.

by Stacy Jackson

December 14, 2023

White Writer Admits Sabotaging Non-White Authors With Fake Negative Reviews

The white author admitted to creating a number of fake accounts on Goodreads to “one-star bomb” rival authors.

Young adult author Cait Corrain has lost her book deal and been forced to publicly apologize after being exposed for sabotaging her non-white competitors. Corrain admitted to creating multiple fake Goodreads accounts to “one-star bomb” rival authors while lavishing praise on her own upcoming novel.

According to the New York Post, Corrain blamed her actions on struggles with “depression, alcoholism and substance abuse” as well as a recent “complete psychological breakdown.” She admitted in an Instagram post that she’d created approximately eight bogus profiles, leaving scathing reviews of several authors’ books that dismissed them as “legitimately awful” and claiming “everyone who says otherwise is on [drugs].”

Among the authors targeted were Molly X. Chang, Danielle Jensen, Kamilah Cole, and Bethany Baptiste, the Post reported. Corrain said her “memories of this are extremely fuzzy” and more authors may have been affected. She also admitted to fabricating a “nonexistent friend” to initially pin the blame on before finally confessing.

Though Corrain accepted “responsibility for the pain and suffering [she] caused,” some authors were skeptical. Baptiste said Corrain “lied in public and in private” and “pinned it all on a fictional person.” She described Corrain’s actions as “intentional” and “deliberate,” noting that Corrain continued to lie even after being given the opportunity to come clean.

Bestselling author Xiran Jay Zhao first exposed Corrain’s fake accounts in a public Google Doc, revealing months of review sabotage intended to boost Corrain’s upcoming novel, Crown of Starlight. Xiran gave Corrain multiple chances to confess on her own before finally revealing the full extent of her duplicity.

In the aftermath, Corrain’s publisher, Del Rey Books, cancelled her book deal, saying, “‘Crown of Starlight’ is no longer on our 2024 publishing schedule.” Her literary agent, Rebecca Podos, severed ties, as did her U.K. publisher, the outlet noted.

Xiran was left wondering, “You ever seen someone destroy their own life?” and suggested that jealousy ultimately motivated Corrain.

Rudy Gulliani, voters, ruby freeman, changing votes, jury, trial, defamation

by Iman Milner

December 14, 2023

Georgia Election Worker Testifies Against Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani: ‘I Was Afraid For My Life’

Trump supporters and allies falsely claimed that Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, were involved in changing votes.

Former Georgia election worker Wandrea “Shaye” Moss took the stand on Dec. 12 in the defamation trial against former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who worked as a lawyer for Donald Trump. Moss told jurors that the onslaught of lies brought forth by the 79-year-old conservative and other Donald Trump associates made her fear for her life, The Associated Press reports.

Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, became the target of a conspiracy theory that alleged the 2020 presidential election results in the state had been rigged. Trump supporters and allies falsely claimed that Moss and Freeman were involved in “changing votes.” The 39-year-old woman said that the death threats, harassment, and racist messages she has received have stricken her with fear.

“I’m most scared of my son finding me and or my mom hanging in front of our house on a tree having to get news at school that his mom was killed,” she said. “I was afraid for my life. I literally felt like someone going to come and attempt to hang me and there’s nothing that anyone will be able to do about it.”

Giuliani was found liable in the defamation case and admitted to making “false” statements about the women in July, MSNBC reports, and Moss and Freeman are seeking tens of millions in damages from the disgraced politician. Their lawyers estimate that the negative effect on their reputations could be worth $47 million. Giuliani’s legal team vehemently disagrees with the numbers, saying the request is the “civil equivalent of the death penalty” as Giuliani faces a bevy of lawsuits and is in danger of being disbarred. Still, the former mayor has been unrelenting in his accusations of Moss and Freeman.

On Dec. 12, Giuliani told reporters, “When I testify, the whole story will be definitively clear that what I said was true, and that whatever happened to them — which is unfortunate about other people overreacting — everything I said about them is true.”

Moss pointed to Giuliani’s most recent comments as proof positive that any efforts she and her mother made to move on from the harmful claims continued to be thwarted by Giuliani’s insistence of their guilt. “I personally cannot repair my reputation at the moment because your client is still lying on me and ruining my reputation further,” she told his lawyers.