Cardi B
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 3, 2023

The Alleged Microphone Cardi B Threw At A Fan Being Sold On EBay

Cardi B went viral when she threw a microphone at a concertgoer during a live show in Las Vegas last weekend. Now the microphone is being auctioned off to charity.

An eBay listing has reached nearly $100,000 bids for the alleged microphone thrown by Cardi B. The auction was organized by Scott Fisher, owner of the audio company that reportedly provided the “Bodak Yellow” rapper with the microphone she used during her performance at Vegas hot spot Drai’s Beachclub.

According to Fisher, all proceeds will go to two charities, Friendship Circle Las Vegas and Wounded Warrior Project. He stressed how popular the microphone is following Cardi’s now-viral throw.

“This is the Shure microphone shown in all the viral videos that Cardi B threw at a person in the crown at Drais Beach Club on July 29th 2023,” the listing reads.

“There are literally tons of links to videos all over the internet. You can see in the videos the white tape across the bottom.”

Fisher ensures it’s the microphone Cardi used as he verified with Drais’ staff and knew her mic had a white tape with “main” written across.

“This is the mic that has been seen all over the country flying into the crowd after Cardi was splashed with some liquid,” he wrote.

Videos from multiple angles spread across social media on Saturday, July 29, 2023 following Cardi’s mic throw. She was performing her hit “Bodak Yellow” when a concertgoer splashed the rapper with her drink.

That’s when Cardi retaliated by launching her microphone. The altercation came after other videos showed the DJ and Cardi telling attendees to splash her with water.

On Wednesday, Cardi was accused of battery after one victim filed a report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The victim says she was struck by an item thrown from the stage during the rapper’s performance. Police say a report was filed, but no citations or arrests have been issued.

RELATED CONTENT: Cardi B Now Suspect In Battery Following Mic Throwing Incident In Las Vegas

TORY, LANEZ, mugshot, Megan, prison
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 3, 2023

Tory Lanez Seeks Leniency in Megan Thee Stallion Shooting, Requests Probation and Rehab

Tory Lanez‘s lawyers haven’t stopped working toward the Toronto rapper’s release from prison after he was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

A 41-page memo filed Tuesday, August 1, 2023 states the singer/rapper born Daystar Peterson maintains his innocence and requests a sentence of probation and drug rehabilitation, according to Legal Affairs and Trials. The filing comes ahead of Lanez’s sentence scheduled for next week.

Lanez’s defense lawyers, Jose Baez of Miami and Ed Welbourn of Newport Beach, California, are questioning the quality of the investigation that determined the “Say It” singer fired five rounds toward Megan that injured her feet on the night of July 12, 2020, in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills area.

According to the filing, evidence Lanez is guilty of the shooting “is questionable at best and by no means overwhelming,” hence Lanez’s “lack of remorse” over the incident.

“Assuming the allegations are true, Mr. Peterson’s psychological, physical, and childhood trauma was a factor in the commission of the offense,” the filing states.

“Likewise, the current offense is connected to Mr. Peterson’s childhood trauma and mental illness, alcohol-use disorder.”

“Mr. Peterson’s alcohol-use disorder, although not amounting to a defense, reduced his culpability,” according to the filing.

Lanez’s lawyers are hoping to combat prosecutors’ aim to sentence the rapper to 13 years behind bars. They cite his lack of accountability and the “campaign of misinformation” he spread about the case.

“His online reach is worldwide (millions of followers plus casual observers) and the defendant’s statements embolden his followers so that they too have been complicit in re-traumatizing the victim,” prosecutors wrote in their memo. “He is responsible for the effect of his words and his actions.”

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford is scheduled to sentence Lanez on Monday, August 6, 2023, at 10:30 am.

RELATED CONTENT: Tory Lanez Ex-Lawyer Denies Attempted ‘Bribe’ With Megan Thee Stallion Former Friend

Anita Bennett, 14, Earns Third College Degree Before Finishing First Year Of High School
by Iman Milner

August 3, 2023

Anita Bennett, 14, Earns Third College Degree Before Finishing First Year Of High School

When 14-year-old Anita Bennett walked the stage at the 2023 commencement ceremony at Cuyahoga Community College, she was met with rapturous applause. Graduating summa cum laude and receiving her associate of science, Bennett made history by earning her third degree before finishing her first year of high school.

And she doesn’t plan on stopping.

According to ABC News 5 Cleveland, Bennett plans to go after a bachelor’s degree before she finishes her high school journey thanks, partly, to Ohio’s dual enrollment program College Credit Plus (CCP). Through CPP, Bennett can take high school and credit courses simultaneously, allowing students to experience the demands of higher education. As a freshman at Ohio Connections Academy, the 14-year-old Northeast Ohio scholar earned an associate of arts and associate technical studies in child care, administration, and management degrees. “When you don’t know about college, that kind of stuff, it can seem really, really hard, and it could seem impossible at times. But just knowing that if you put your mind to it, you can do it and that the sky’s the limit and you create your own boundaries,” Bennett said.

Her confidence can also be attributed to her family’s dedication to education and hard work.

Bennett’s older sisters began taking college courses at 13 and 11, respectively. But her mother’s dedication to maintaining her own business has truly inspired the 14-year-old to push herself even further and follow in the footsteps set before her. “Seeing my mother and how hard she worked and how she got her business running and how successful it was really inspired me to go to that field as well. And I’ve always had a passion and a love for children, so I knew I wanted to do something like that with my life,” she said. “So seeing her already have a successful business, it only makes sense to me to take over that when I get older since I wanted to work in the childcare industry as well.”

Family of Missing U.S. Solder Who Crossed Into North Korea Says He’s ‘Not The Type To Just Disappear’
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 3, 2023

Family of Missing U.S. Solder Who Crossed Into North Korea Says He’s ‘Not The Type To Just Disappear’

It’s been a few weeks since U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King crossed the border into the heavily restricted North Korea, and now his family is looking for answers.

King’s family says there is no reason for King to step away from his military duties or to “disappear,” CNN reports. His sister, Jaqueda Gates, says they still haven’t received any information on her brother’s whereabouts, leaving the family curious if there is more to the story. “So, that’s why I feel like the story is deeper than that,” Gates said. “I don’t believe that you just vanished and ran away.”

Myron Gates, King’s uncle, claims the family has contacted numerous dignitaries and the Biden administration but hasn’t heard anything back. The only support they have received is from the family of Otto Warmbier, a U.S. college student who was held captive in North Korea for 17 months after visiting in 2016. He died a week later after returning to the United States.

King disappeared in July after he “willfully and without authorization” crossed into North Korea while joining a group of tourists viewing the Joint Security Area, the small group of buildings that separate North and South Korea. King is said to be the first U.S. soldier to cross into the country since 1982. His disappearance has taken a serious toll on the well-being of his family, especially their mother. Gates says it’s been hard to sleep without any updates.

To make matters worse, Gates mentioned that the last time she heard from her brother was on Jul. 15, three days before he crossed the border, according to the Daily Beast. She described the messages she got from him as “weird” and things her brother wouldn’t normally say, leading her to believe she wasn’t talking to her brother in the first place. “Me personally, I don’t believe that’s really him talking to me on messenger,” Gates said. “There’s a lot of reasons why. I know my brother. He’s not the type to just disappear.”

Chick-Fil-A
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 3, 2023

Black North Carolina Chick-Fil-A Employee Sent Home For ‘Unnatural’ Hair Color

Your hair should have nothing to do with your work performance, something a North Carolina teenager had to learn that the hard way. Autumn Williams, 16, told Queen City News that her employer, Chick-fil-A in Harrisburg, told her she had a uniform violation because her blonde braids weren’t her natural hair color.

Williams was only working for the popular fast-food restaurant for three months when her supervisor pulled her aside. She said she felt singled out and embarrassed.

“She was like, ‘Hey, one of our supervisors came by and said they noticed blonde in your hair, and he asked that you leave and come back when it’s taken out since it’s an unnatural color to you,’” Williams said.

Not understanding why this wasn’t mentioned during orientation, Williams stood her ground and brought the issue to human resources. She saw that some of her fellow coworkers also had hair that was deemed “unnatural” and was curious about what the employee handbook said.

According to the handbook, there is nothing in there that specifies what unnatural hair colors are. “Unnatural hair colors or eccentric styles (e.g., Mohawks, shaven designs, etc.) are not permitted,” the book says. “Females: Hair that falls around the face must be tied back using a simple hair band or barrette that has no loose or dangling parts.”

Since she wasn’t given the clarification she needed, Williams quit.

Her mother, Nina Burch, said she was confused as to why her daughter was sent home. She wanted to speak to management about the situation but they refused to talk to her. According to WBTV, a  representative from Chick-fil-A corporate said Williams’ supervisor misinterpreted the policy; the teen is welcomed to return to the specified location.

Williams said she has no desire to ever work there again. “No one else should feel like they have to change themselves to fit into someone’s perfect image of them,” she said.

film, Kobe Bryant
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2023

Adidas Set To Relaunch Kobe Bryant’s First Signature Shoe, ‘Crazy 8’

Adidas plans to release an updated version of Kobe Bryant‘s first signature shoe, the KB8 or “the Crazy 8.”

Although Bryant’s sneakers are more synonymous with Nike, the Lakers player originally inked a six-year deal with Adidas when he first entered the NBA in 1996. The KB8 (signifying Bryant’s initials and uniform number, 8) debuted in 1997.

The updated version will have several changes but will keep the aesthetics of the original. The last version of Crazy 8 was released in the mid-2010s. The original black and white colors expected to be released, but additional colorways are expected to be introduced. There has already been a release of the shoes in Asia, and an expected release date for the States is slated for September 2023. The expected retail price will be between $105 to $400.

This news comes on the heels of the German sports apparel giant bringing in 400 million euros ($437 million) from the most recent release of the Yeezy sneakers that Adidas had in stock. The company severed ties to Yeezy designer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, after he made antisemitic remarks in 2022 during a Drink Champs podcast episode.

“We will continue to carefully sell off more of the existing Yeezy inventory,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. “This is much better than destroying and writing off the inventory and allows us to make substantial donations to organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.”

Adidas released the next batch of Yeezys on August 2, 2023. 

Melba Moore
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 3, 2023

Singer Melba Moore Set To Get Her Flowers With A Star On the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is making room for legendary singer Melba Moore.

According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame website, Moore will be honored with the 2,760th star on Aug. 10. Her star will be awarded in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category. It will be unveiled on the iconic corner of Hollywood & Vine.

With a five-octave range, Moore began her career on Broadway as a cast member of the original production of “Hair.” She replaced Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, becoming the first African American woman to replace a white actress in a lead role. Later, she climbed the success ladder by being cast as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in “Purlie,” earning her a Tony Award. Ana Martinez, a Walk of Fame producer, said there are so many reasons for Moore to receive this high honor. “Not only is she an entertainer, she is an activist, a trailblazer and so much more,” Martinez said. “We know that many of her long-time fans will be lining up the day of her ceremony to see this musical gem as she is honored with her well-deserved Walk of Fame star.”

Guest speakers for the unveiling include fellow Broadway alumnus and Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, comedian Katt Williams, and singer Freda Payne.

Throughout her career, Moore has conquered numerous avenues of entertainment. Her remake of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin’s classic “Lean On Me” earned her a Grammy nomination, and her hit “Read My Lips,” according to UrbanBridgez, added her to the list of three African American women nominated for a Grammy in the Rock category—joining the late greats, Tina Turner and Donna Summer.

As an advocate for women’s rights, children, and minorities, Moore marched with civil rights icons like Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson, as well as worked with organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women and the National Political Congress of Black Women.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2023

Brooklyn Brewery Launches Limited Edition Notorious B.I.G. Lager In Honor Of 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

With practically everyone celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Brooklyn Brewery is releasing a limited edition Brooklyn Lager that will feature Brooklyn’s own rap great, The Notorious B.I.G.

“We are thrilled to bring this collaboration together in celebration of fifty years of hip-hop,” said Karlie Bainbridge, vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Brewery, in a press release. “We are also excited to team up with notable music journal Wax Poetics, along with Brooklyn-based establishments Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts and leading arts and media institution BRIC for a series of events that pay homage to Biggie’s extraordinary cultural impact.”

The artwork for the limited edition will be displayed on all packaging and sizes starting this month. There will be a special capsule collection of limited edition apparel and accessories available for purchase on August 4, 2023, online and in the Brooklyn Brewery Tasting Room. You can view the collection here.  

For those in the New York City area, there are scheduled events in August and September 2023 featuring Brooklyn recording artist Masta Ace and music producer Easy Mo Bee. Admission is free when guests RSVP at WaxPoetics.com/BIG; entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Brooklyn Brewery will also give away beers and surprise giveaways at each event.

Events include an August 17 conversation (followed by a dance party) between Easy Mo Bee and Wax Poetics Magazine’s Editor-At-Large Andrew “Monk-One” Mason “to reflect on the early ’90s New York City milieu that gave birth to this musical phenomenon.”

The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was only 26 years old when he was killed in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, after he left a party in Los Angeles. His murder remains unsolved. His impact in hip-hop is unquestioned.

For more detailed info on the Notorious B.I.G. x Brooklyn Lager Limited Edition, visit https://brooklynbrewery.com/notoriousbig.

Quawntay ‘Bosco’ Adams Turned Misfortune Into Fortune
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2023

Quawntay ‘Bosco’ Adams Turned Misfortune Into Fortune

This person proves that you can effectively turn your life around, and a prison sentence doesn’t necessarily mean a doomed life.

According to Benzinga, Quawntay “Bosco” Adams has turned his life around after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for possession of marijuana. After getting out of prison, he wrote a book about his situation and then turned that into a Hollywood movie that stars Aubrey Joseph, Theo Rossi, Thomas Jane, Tyrese Gibson, and Vivica A. Fox.

He revealed his story to an audience at the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami. He mentioned that he started fundraising to have an opportunity to make the feature film Bosco.

“When I got out of prison, I started networking, raised millions of dollars, put together an amazing cast of A-listers, and started producing the movie. We completed it. It’s complete now. We have Tyrese Gibson in it, Vivica Fox, Theo Rossi, Thomas Chane, Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray, and DC Youngfly. It’s quite extensive.”

In 2022, Deadline reported about the production of the movie.

The project was shot in two locales, Los Angeles and New Orleans. It tells the true story of Adams, who Joseph plays. After being sentenced to 35 years in prison for attempted possession of marijuana, Adams somehow escaped from a federal maximum-security prison while he was under 24-hour surveillance in solitary confinement. He received assistance with his escape through an older woman, who Nikki Blonsky plays. They reportedly met through a lonely-hearts ad.

The movie also features Jim O’Heir, Brandon Rogers, Tory Lanez, and John Lewis. Bosco was written and directed by Nicholas Manuel Pino.

Reggae Girlz
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2023

Jamaica’s ‘Reggae Girlz’ Make History, Advance To Round 16 In Women’s World Cup

Something has happened in the Woman’s World Cup that no one expected or even predicted. Jamaica has advanced to the 16th round for the very first time.

According to The Associated Press, Jamaica is going to the knockout round for the first time since entering the tournament. The team battled to a 0-0 draw on Aug. 2, 2023, to stop Brazil from advancing. This is the first time Brazil didn’t make it into the Round of 16 since 1995.

Jamaica has shut out France, Panama, and Brazil in consecutive games to place itself on this magical run to the tournament’s knockout stage.

“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life. To be able to do this is unbelievable to just watch it, while I’m alive. I thank the girls for doing this for the country. The country should be proud,” said Lorne Donaldson, coach of the Jamaica team.

Jamaica’s team, the Reggae Girlz, advance to the Round of 16 in only their second Women’s World Cup. They made the tournament in 2019 but were winless in all three group-stage matches. But, this go-round, Jamaica is undefeated in Group F.

Jamaica almost didn’t make the tournament. The team had to rely on crowdfunding because of the need for more financial support from its federation. After two fundraisers, the Reggae Girlz raised close to $100,000 from their fans and supporters.

The draw for Brazil eliminates them from the tournament and means their star player, Marta, has played her last game. Before starting the Woman’s World Cup, she stated that she intended to retire after her final match. She leaves the tournament as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 17 goals. She holds the record for most goals scored in the tournament but could not add to it as she went scoreless in Brazil’s games.

All Sports Jamaica also reported that the Reggae Girlz became the first Caribbean nation to break through the group stages.

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