Memphis police, federal judge, civil rights investigation

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

2 Memphis Women Arrested And Charged With Murder After Robbery Attempt

An employee who worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Downtown Memphis was shot and killed

An employee who worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Downtown Memphis was shot and killed Nov. 12. Police officers have apprehended two people suspected of committing the crime.

According to WREG Memphis, two women, Marious Ward, 23, and Brandy Rucker, 22, were arrested and charged after allegedly shooting 32-year-old Alexander Bulakhov. The victim was rushed to Regional One Hospital, but efforts to save him failed as he died from his injuries.

Police officers were summoned to the scene on Tennessee Street and West Butler Avenue by Butler Park just before 8 p.m. that Sunday night, where they discovered the 32-year-old victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition according to the police. The cops say the crime was the result of an alleged attempt robbery by the two women who “fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry.”

The two suspects, Ward and Rucker, were hit with six different charges after law enforcement found them in the area Monday afternoon, Nov. 13. After an investigation led them to that location, they arrested both women and retrieved the vehicle they were alleged to have escaped in. The pair was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in preparation of an aggravated robbery, especially aggravated robbery, criminal attempt first-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and criminal attempt aggravated robbery.

UPDATE: ARRESTS MADE IN TENNESSEE STREET HOMICIDE

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) November 14, 2023

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital released a statement acknowledging that Bulakhov was an employee.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community. Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and we are working to support them during this difficult time.”

The mayor of Memphis, Jim Strickland commented on the tragedy.

“My heart was broken. And then obviously I prayed for the family immediately,” he said.

“The overall message needs to be, if you commit a crime and you’re arrested, you will be treated extraordinarily seriously. If it’s a violent crime, zero tolerance.”

City officials have asked if anyone has any information pertaining to this crime, to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Interview: André 3000 reveals why his new solo album has no bars — and no boundaries

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

André 3000 Releasing His First Album In 17 Years, Will Include No Rapping

André 3000 is finally releasing his first album in 17 years. But there won't be any rapping this time around.

André 3000 is finally answering the prayers of his fans and will be releasing his first album in 17 years. But there won’t be any rapping this time around.

The Outkast member is set to release his new album “New Blue Sun” on Friday, Nov. 17. But the 87-minute EP is fully instrumental and won’t include any of his beloved lyricism, he tells NPR.

The flute-based album is tribal in nature and includes eight singles, with their first title seemingly serving as an apology to his fans. “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time,” the intro song is called.

Created alongside a community of collaborators, like keyboardist and Alice Coltrane acolyte Surya Botofasina and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau, the album offers a glimpse into 3000’s growth and evolution as a well-rounded musician and not just a rapper.

“I was always like a slow writer. I’m not a freestyler. I don’t be freestyling. I just wasn’t blessed with that,” 3000 says of his writing style. “I’m a writer, and not necessarily a pen and pad writer, but I construct and architect verses in a way.”

When it comes to why the “Hey Ya” singer hasn’t released an album in nearly two decades, it comes down to what André, 48, feels comfortable sharing.

“In these times, it just comes harder for me to do it and I don’t know why. I mean I try it all the time,” he says. “It’s not like I don’t try or it’s not like I have a lot of these songs just sitting — I have songs but it’s not like rap things that I really feel happy about sharing. And really, that’s the most important part. I have to feel happy about sharing it.”

The new album draws inspiration from Laraaji, Brian Eno, Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich, and Pharoah Sanders, as noted by The NY Times. It will focus on 3000’s love for flutes and clarinets instead of his usual bars and eccentric flow.

“I’ve been interested in winds for a long time, so it was just a natural progression for me to go into flutes,” said. “I just like messing with instruments and I gravitated mostly toward wind.”

Outkast’s last group album was released in 2006 as the soundtrack for their film “Idlewild.” Since then, 3000 has made guest features on songs with the likes of Kesha, Beyoncé, Future, Kanye West, and others.

His most recent feature on Killer Mike’s “Scientists & Engineers,” was nominated for two Grammy Awards last week (best rap performance and best rap song). For now, fans will be able to dig into his flute-focused album until the artist decides to make a return to his rap roots.

HBO, Max, Issa Rae, content, cancellation, studios, rap shit, DEI,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Issa Rae On Winning And Not Selling Out With “Rap Sh*t” Season 2

Rap Sh*t is back for Season 2. Creator Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton once again deliver an elevated, inspiring, and poignantly funny series that celebrates Black women and diverse music.

The two executive producers opened up about the new season and how it dives into the complexities of the industry as Shawna and Mia go deeper into this world as emerging rap artists. Picking up where Season 1 left off, viewers will see the rap duo embark on their first tour and learn the inner workings of staying true to themselves in an industry full of questionable energies.

“It’s really about winning,” Issa tells BLACK ENTERPRISE of Season 2’s central theme. “I feel like every character comes in and they’re like determined to win.”

“It’s like whatever it takes, we want to win by any means necessary. I feel like that’s one of the things that we start off the gate with in episode one right at the top. It’s like by any means necessary.”

Episode 1, “Yield,” sees Shawna open up to her family about her music career. All the while, she has a legal case lingering over her head after getting arrested for her credit card fraud at the end of Season 1. She also reconnects with Francois as she works to get over her ex.

Meanwhile, Mia is stressed over leaving her daughter Melissa under her mother’s care while away on tour. Her baby daddy, Lamont, intervenes and has issues with raising their daughter while working as a music engineer.

In Episode 2, “Heavy Traffic,” viewers watch as Mia and Shawna battle over how they’re being represented on tour with the white female rapper Reina Rein. Elsewhere, the trio, along with their manager, Chasity, face issues when networking their way through the music industry.

“There’s definitely conversations about selling out and at what costs are too high to compromise,” Issa says of the Season 2 plotline. “There’s been a conversation about authenticity that our characters have been having with their craft.”

Whether you’re an aspiring music artist, an industry insider, or just a fan of good television, Rap Sh*t is one to watch. Catch Season 2 on MAX every Thursday. Press play below for the full sitdown with Issa and Syreeta.

by Stacy Jackson

November 14, 2023

Mom Accidentally Shot Son After Being Startled Out Of Her Sleep

The mother walked into the kitchen to see if there was an intruder in her house and accidentally fired twice after her son walked out and startled her.

A male juvenile in Florida has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after he was accidentally shot in the leg by his mother on Nov. 11.

According to the Pembroke Pines Police Department, the shooting occurred after the mom, who hasn’t been unnamed, awoke from her sleep to the sound of what she thought was an intruder in her kitchen. Pembroke Pines officers responded to the shooting early Saturday morning. The incident took place at the residence of the adult female mother and her son near Northwest 134 Avenue and Northwest 9th Street.

Pembroke Pines authorities claim the mother had “fallen asleep on her living room couch while her son had fallen asleep upstairs in his room earlier in the evening.”

The incident report stated, “While the mother was sleeping on the couch, she was startled awake by a noise in her kitchen. Fearing that it was an intruder, she removed a firearm that she had concealed in her purse next to her in the living room.”

As the woman went to check out the noise in her kitchen, her son walked out of the kitchen simultaneously. As they both startled each other, the mother accidentally fired her gun. The first shot struck the floor, but the second bullet hit her son in the leg.

The media release from the Pembroke Pines Police Department has labeled the shooting as “accidental.” No one else resides at the home with the mother and son.

The incident is under investigation by The Investigations Division of the Pembroke Pines Police Department, and The Investigations Division of the Pembroke Pines Police Department has also been contacted. The division has not found any criminal intent regarding the ongoing investigation.

A report from The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence stated that higher rates of household gun ownership are associated with higher rates of unintentional firearm deaths.

“We must reduce unintentional gun deaths and injuries by, among other things, educating people about the risk that guns pose in the home,” the organization stated. The gun violence research intermediary prefers the use of “unintentional” rather than “accidental” terminology since gun violence is preventable.

Police Allege Prospective UCLA Recruits Stole Jewelry And Cash From Colorado Players At Rose Bowl

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Police Allege Prospective UCLA Recruits Stole Jewelry And Cash From Colorado Players At Rose Bowl

The Pasadena Police Department identified the suspects after an investigation.

The case of who stole the Colorado Buffaloes’ jewelry may be coming to a close. Last month, the Colorado football team coached by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders reported that several players from the team had their chains stolen from the visitors’ locker room at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, home to the UCLA Bruins.

The theft allegedly occurred during the game in which the Bruins emerged victorious. The Pasadena Police Department started an investigation and identified the alleged thieves, according to USA Today.

They have been identified as prospective UCLA football recruits from a Riverside County school, Beaumont High School. The suspects are believed to have allegedly lifted jewelry and cash from the lockers of the Buffaloes’ players. Police officials did not identify the students by name, and so far, no arrests have been made. The information gathered has been given to the juvenile division of the local district attorney’s office.

The theft took place on Oct. 28.

“We are disappointed and disheartened to hear of the alleged involvement of Beaumont High School students in the incident at the UCLA-Colorado football game on October 28,” the Beaumont Unified School District said in a written statement. “We strive to promote strong character and integrity in our students, and the alleged actions do not represent our core values as a school, District, and community. While the students were not at the UCLA-Colorado football game as part of a school-sponsored event, the District is cooperating fully with Pasadena Police Department’s investigation.”

Police officials have confirmed previously that some of the jewelry was returned, and the investigation is ongoing.

Officials from UCLA Athletics also released a statement saying that the students were not on an “official” recruiting visit.

“As this is still an ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm anything other than that the individuals in question were not on an official visit,” the school said.

After the robbery, Sanders suggested that the school and/or the stadium reimburse the athletes whose possessions were stolen.

Minneapolis, George Floyd, George Floyd Square

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

“His Name is George Floyd” Authors Told Not to Discuss Systemic Racism At Memphis School Event

His Name Is George Floyd" authors were reportedly denied reading from their book during an appearance at a high school.

Authors of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, His Name Is George Floyd, say they were denied from reading from their book or speaking about systemic racism during an appearance at a Memphis high school.

Journalists Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa say they were “blindsided” when two days before their appearance at Whitehaven High School, they were given last-minute restrictions, NBC News reports. Not only could they not read from their book, they also were denied giving the book out to students at the predominantly Black school.

“I was thinking about the great disservice that they’re giving these students who deserve better,” Samuels said. “I thought about my personal disappointment and feelings of naïveté that despite all the work Tolu and I had done to make sure the book would be written in a way that was accessible to them, a larger system decided that they were going to take it away.”

A spokesperson for Memphis-Shelby County Schools denied the restrictions and said it was a “miscommunication.” The only thing Samuels and Olurunnipa were told is that they couldn’t give out the book due to state and district regulations.

“Memphis-Shelby County Schools did not send any messaging that said the authors could not read an excerpt from the book,” spokeswoman Cathryn Stout told NBC News. “Memphis-Shelby County Schools also did not send any messaging that said the authors could not discuss systematic racism or topics related to the death of George Floyd.”

The district was “saddened and disappointed” when they learned the authors “were given misinformation that was said to have come from us.” The school reportedly didn’t have enough time to review the book which is why students were denied the chance to receive the book.

Tennessee is among several states to have passed the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, which requires public schools to review library books to ensure they contain “materials appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access the materials, and that is suitable for and consistent with, the educational mission of the school.”

The law has, in turn, placed restrictions on school library books and classroom teachings about race.

“It was really disappointing to hear that our speech was going to be limited,” Olorunnipa said. “Not only for us, but for the students whose access to knowledge is going to shape their journey in this world and in this country.”

RELATED CONTENT: Racists’ Feathers Are Ruffled After Reckoning With Antiracist Birds Naming

Tamar Braxton In Turmoil Over Chrisean Rock Concert Fiasco

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Tamar Braxton In Turmoil Over Chrisean Rock Concert Fiasco

Tamar Braxton is breaking her silence amid claims of Chrisean Rock physically assaulting her background singer James Right Chanel.

The “Love and War” singer has been touring around the country and blessing her fans with live performances. She recently performed in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 10, and invited Chrisean to join her on stage.

A video shows Chrisean on stage with Tamar as she belts out her hit “Love and War.” There were points where Chrisean talked on the mic during Tamar’s live performance.

Chrisean & Tamar Braxton on stage! pic.twitter.com/DKJ5p9xdo1
— Baddie TEA (@bgctea2020) November 11, 2023

While things appeared friendly and well on stage, a complete melee is said to have taken place backstage after the concert came to a close. According to Tamar’s team member, Le Troy Davis, Rock came to the venue “drunk, with 1,000 people, smelling like weed,” he said in posts shared online.

The “Baddies” star was allegedly upset that she didn’t get to perform and got into an argument with Wright Chanel backstage. She reportedly retaliated by striking the singer in the face, leaving him bloody with a chipped tooth. Wright Chanel is said to have sought medical attention following the attack.

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1723281837806493781

Other videos seemingly show Chrisean giving one of Tamar’s background singers a hard time as Tamar is being celebrated on stage.

https://twitter.com/GlobalTrend89/status/1723518337739526577

Fans were waiting for Tamar to come forward with an account of what happened to confirm or deny claims of Rock assaulting her background singer. On Monday, Nov. 13, Tamar finally broke her silence in a tweet and 9-minute video where she shared how “hurt” she is by the incident and confirmed Rock’s attack against Wright Chanel.

“I’m tired y’all. I don’t know about this pt2 tour. We are all hurting and if I didn’t say anything I’m wrong,” Tamar wrote. “I said something & I’m lying. I’m tired. Meanwhile, James is at the dentist getting new teeth. Y’all leave me alone. I was only trying to show CR love. I still think she needs hugs and real people.💔”

https://twitter.com/TamarBraxtonHer/status/1724235060508017133?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

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Georgia County Commissioner Found Passed Out Outside Sports Bar

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

Georgia County Commissioner Found Passed Out Outside Sports Bar

Franklin has since been fired from her position following to the incident.

A Georgia County Commissioner is under fire after a video of her in an alleged drunken stupor made rounds on social media. Felicia Franklin, vice chair for Clayton County’s Board of Commissioners, was found passed out outside of a sports bar by law enforcement in September.

In the body cam footage, the ordeal shows Franklin being awakened and helped off the ground by a police officer, surrounded by an unidentified fluid underneath her. After placing her on a nearby bench, Franklin slowly regains consciousness, and two additional men come to her aid and attempt to remove her from the scene. However, their efforts were halted as an ambulance transported her to a local hospital for further evaluation.

“I don’t know what they gave me,” the local official repeatedly cried, yet who she was referring to was not identified.

After being placed in the ambulance, she was documented refusing medical attention through screaming and other means of disruption.

“This is a f–king nightmare,” yelled Franklin amid hysterical screams.

Law enforcement then asked for additional details from a part-time worker who was there at the time.

“She was here with us all night,” shared the employee. “She purchased her own drinks, but she took it back to the bar. She took a couple of sips out of it and said, ‘Something’s not right with this drink.'”

Franklin then became agitated with one of the medical personnel. Despite being told that she was going to jail, the woman remained adamant that she wanted the man away from her.

“I don’t give a f–k. You get him out my face,” expressed the former Commissioner.

Law enforcement found no evidence to back Franklin’s claims that she had been drugged, with only alcohol and cannabis found in her system, as reported by Fox 5. In the aftermath of the incident, she has since been voted out of her position with the Board of Commissioners. However, Franklin has stated that she will run as chairwoman instead in light of her “unlawful” ousting.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Grammy-Nominated Singer Ignores Flight Attendant’s Request Not To Sing, Almost Gets Kicked Off Flight

Gospel singer Bobbi Storm almost gets kicked off flight after refusing to listen to flight attendant's instruction.

A video showed freshly Grammy-nominated gospel singer Bobbi Storm nearly getting kicked off a Delta flight after she wouldn’t stop singing, Insider reported.

First, as she was in the aisle, the flight attendant approached her and instructed her to sit down. As she did, she gave the passengers a history lesson on her song, “We Can’t Forget Him” which was cleared by Michael McDonald (the original song that the hook was inspired from was titled, “I Keep Forgettin,'” which was released in 1982). She also mentioned that Warren G was on the “original” song, but she was mistaken as the rapper sampled the song for his record, “Regulate,” which appeared on the Above the Rim soundtrack in 1994.

According to the outlet, the flight attendant approached her again and asked, “Are you going to be quiet?” She expressed to him that the other passengers were not objecting. He then admonished her and demanded that she answer if she will be able to be quiet. He then told her that he was not enjoying her speaking. As it seems as if his temper is rising, he asks her several times if she will be quiet.

“If you’re not able to follow my instructions, you will not be taking this flight.”

After asking him if she would get in trouble if she did not comply, she allegedly decided to tell him she would be quiet, but then she told her fellow passengers that she would sing “on the low.”

When the attendant went back to the front of the aircraft, Storm started softly singing the aforementioned song. After a brief pause, she continued with the melodic vocals without raising her voice so she wouldn’t be noticed. After completing a verse and then going into the chorus of the song, she looked to make sure the attendant wasn’t come back to chastise her. When finishing the “sampling” of her vocals (which she stayed on key and sounded like she was in a recording booth), she thanked fellow passengers and suggested that they clap “on the low.”

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A post shared by Bobbi Storm (@bobbi_storm)

In a follow-up post on Instagram, she stated that Delta did contact her and she claimed that they apologized and said they were fans of “Maverick City.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bobbi Storm (@bobbi_storm)

Yet, both posts got mixed reactions from people posting. Many chastised her for making others listen to her when they may not have wanted to, others didn’t believe that Delta actually apologized, while some defended the flight attendant for doing his job. There were some people who praised her for doing so, but it seems that most didn’t agree with her behavior on the flight.

by Derek Major

November 14, 2023

Bills’ Damar Hamlin Sees First Action At Safety Since Collapsing On Field Last Season

Bills Safety Damar Hamlin saw his first action at the safety position and recorded his first tackle in more than 300 days.

Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field last season after suffering cardiac arrest, saw his first action of the season at the safety position against the Denver Broncos, The Daily Mail reported.

Hamlin was active for the second time this season after playing on special teams in week four against the Miami Dolphins. However, this time, he got snaps at his safety position after entering the game in the fourth quarter for Cam Lewis, who was injured while tackling Broncos running back Samaje Perine.

Hamlin entered the game at a pivotal moment as the Bills were clinging to a 22-21 lead, with the Broncos driving to take the lead. Three plays after he entered the game, Hamlin made his first tackle in more than 300 calendar days when he brought down tight end Adam Trautman after a six-yard gain.

Before the end of the game, Hamlin may have been part of why the Bills lost 24-22.

The Broncos used a 28-yard pass interference penalty to get into range for a game-winning field goal with seven seconds left in the game, but Broncos kicker Will Lutz’s 41-yard attempt went wide right for a miss.

However, the Bills were penalized for having 12 men on the field. Hamlin was running off the field late, but the Bills had an extra lineman out there for the entirety of the play. After the five-yard penalty, Lutz got a second chance to win the game and blasted a 36-yard attempt between the uprights to give the Broncos the win.

The Bills did not say who was not supposed to still be on the field and who made the mistake. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott called the gaffe inexcusable in his press conference after the game.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” McDermott said after the game. “We practiced that two or three times this week — the substitution from dime to field goal block. At the end of the day, we didn’t execute it. So, it’s inexcusable.”

The loss put the Bills at 5-5 on the season with seven games left. In addition to the penalty, the Bills had four turnovers as quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions and has thrown at least one in six straight games. Allen now leads the NFL in the category with 11 and is the only quarterback to throw at least 10 interceptions in each of the last four seasons.