New Details Reveal Punch Was Thrown In Defense Of Quavo On Night TakeOff Died
by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

New Details Reveal Punch Was Thrown In Defense Of Quavo On Night TakeOff Died

New details from New York Times reporter Joe Coscarelli reveal what happened leading up to the shooting that ended the life of Migos rapper TakeOff.

TakeOff died in Houston on Nov. 1. The recording artist, whose full name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was killed outside of 810 Billiards & Bowling during a dice game. Ball had rented the venue for a private event with his uncle, Quavious Keyate Marshall, the Migos member known as Quavo. Ball died at the scene after a fight he was not involved in broke out and shots were fired. Patrick Xavier Clark — a strip club promotor also known as DJ Pat — was arrested on Dec. 1 in connection with the Ball’s death.

In a Twitter post shared on Saturday, Coscarelli noted shots were fired from both sides after someone on Quavo’s side, Willie Bland, threw a punch. The post also noted that video surveillance showed Quavo arguing with a man named Michael Prince and two young men named Cameron Joshua and Christopher Watkins. Bland reportedly struck Joshua before Clark and Bland fired their guns in opposite directions.

“New details in the killing of Takeoff from a search warrant affidavit filed this week: -both sides allegedly fired shots after a punch was thrown in defense of Quavo -suspect charged in part bc of fingerprints left on a wine bottle he was holding during the shooting.”

Video evidence showed Clark holding a wine bottle from which his fingerprints were later lifted, and he was identified. Bland allegedly told investigators that he saw Quavo turn to walk away when he saw Joshua begin to pull out his gun. Bland said that is when he hit Joshua. Upon hearing gunfire, Bland said he began shooting toward Joshua, assuming he was the one shooting. Forensic evidence indicated that Clark and Bland both fired guns while no video evidence showed Joshua firing his weapon.

Ball, who was an innocent bystander, was shot in the head and the torso. The 28-year-old was laid to rest in Atlanta on Nov. 11. 

Shanquella Robinson’s Mother Says Friends Lied And Cried While Visiting Her Before Funeral
by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

Shanquella Robinson’s Mother Says Friends Lied And Cried While Visiting Her Before Funeral

During the Dec. 7 episode of Nightline, the mother of Shanquella Robinson provided new details about the group of friends who accompanied her daughter on vacation to San José del Cabo, Mexico.  

Robinson died on Oct. 29 in the villa the group rented for their vacation. One of her friends called Robinson’s mother and told her that her daughter was ill. Later, they said she died from alcohol poisoning.  

However, a video soon circulated on social media contradicting the group’s story and captured one woman repeatedly beating a naked and defenseless Robinson. The coroner’s report noted Robinson died from a severe spinal cord injury and broken neck. Salamondra Robinson described receiving a phone call from an unidentified person informing her that the group had been fighting her daughter during the vacation.  

“I got a call from somebody, I didn’t even know who it was, and they said ‘they were over there fighting that girl,’” she said.

“And that’s the way they left it, just like that. And hung up. Said ‘they were over there fighting her. I don’t know why they keep telling her alcohol poisoning.’” 

Robinson’s mother said she later confronted the group when they came to visit her in Charlotte, North Carolina prior to the funeral and discussed choosing outfits to wear. 

“They were crying. They said they never had a fight. They even sat here and said they were picking out what they were wearing to the funeral,” she recalled.   

Ms. Robinson went on to say that as the family continued to plan her funeral services, more information came to light about Shanquella’s death. She remembered receiving a call notifying her of the police report and autopsy results.  

“Oh, just couldn’t believe it… You know. Oh, we just got sick on the stomach.” 

She confronted one of the friends again after learning the results and said he sweated through his shirt. “He was sweating so bad, it’s like it was eating him up.”  

Shanquella’s father, Bernard Robinson, said he was disturbed to learn her friends did nothing and even encouraged her beating. “I could just feel her suffering,” he said. “The last breath she took out of her body.” 

Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant for an unnamed female in connection with Robinson’s death, which they classified as femicide. The FBI also opened an investigation. Local prosecutor Daniel de la Rosa Anaya confirmed the warrant and said he has requested her extradition.  

“There is an arrest warrant issued for the crime of femicide to the detriment of the victim and against an alleged perpetrator, a friend of hers who is the direct aggressor,” he said. “Actually, it wasn’t a quarrel, but instead a direct aggression. We are carrying out all the pertinent procedures such as the Interpol alert and the request for extradition to the United States of America.” 

Ms. Robinson added that she wanted justice for Shanquella.  

“It’s hard, but I want the world to see it. I want everything to come out because I want justice for my child.” 

Legendary Producer L.A. Reid and Burna Boy Invest In Minority-Owned Tech Company MOON Ultra
by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

Legendary Producer L.A. Reid and Burna Boy Invest In Minority-Owned Tech Company MOON Ultra

Grammy Award-winning record producer L.A. Reid and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Burna Boy are new investors in the minority-owned tech company MOON Ultra, according to Business Wire.

A Dec. 8 press release announced that the Austin, Texas electronics company raised $15 million in series B funding, partly from Reid and the recording artist. MOON Ultra is a portable lighting device with controls to change brightness and tone. TIME Magazine called the light one of the “Best Inventions of 2020.”

The company was founded by CEO Edward Madongorere and Dishen ‘Dixon’ Yang. Madongorere, who was born in Zimbabwe, was inspired to create the device by his son with autism. His design for the MOON UltraLight easily enhances the way users take pictures and videos. Reid said he was honored to invest in MOON Ultra.

“MOON Ultra is a very cool and convenient tool designed to bring light to darker moments,” said Reid.

“I am honored to participate in the launch of this revolutionary lighting device. Ed is a brilliant designer who is destined to make his mark amongst the world’s great innovators.”

Burna Boy also noted his decision to invest with the company. “The MOON products are elegant and sophisticated, technical yet straightforward,” said the Nigerian singer.

“Knowing such an innovation was brought about by my fellow African brother is unique and inspirational.”

“More importantly, showing the next generation of African children that something like this is possible, is what innovations like these are all about.”

The “Bank On It” singer is one of many celebrities who’ve invested in the company. Comedian Steve Harvey and his daughter Lori Harvey are investors in MOON Ultra, as well as retired NFL star Emmanuel Acho. Harvey told Afrotech that it was important for him to partner with MOON Ultra.

“Everything they’re building serves to help and highlight Black culture,” said Harvey.

“They are developing amazing tools to enhance our mobile experiences. I am so excited to partner with my daughter, Lori Harvey, to ignite these innovative founders and their dynamic company.”

Other celebrity investors include actor Lamorne Morris, retired NBA star Baron Davis, former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis, WNBA player Chinenye Ogwumike, director Wesley Armstrong, lifestyle influencer Sara Lovestyle Hood, soccer player Joe Willock, Noah Beck and others.

Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Micah Parsons Apologizes For Brittney Griner Tweets
by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Micah Parsons Apologizes For Brittney Griner Tweets

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons apologized after his comments about Brittney Griner‘s release went viral on Dec. 8. Russia released Griner on Thursday in a trade with the United States for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Griner’s release had been in the works for several months as the Biden Administration hoped to secure her release along with fellow American Paul Whelan, a former marine being detained in Russia. In a press conference announcing Griner’s release, President Joe Biden noted that Russia was treating Whelan’s case differently and declined to release him.

“We’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan, who’s been unjustly detained in Russia for years,” Biden said.

“This was not a choice of which American to bring home. We brought home Trevor Reed when we had the chance earlier this year. Sadly, for illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s.”

Parsons was seemingly disappointed and shared his frustration on Twitter.

After receiving backlash for the tweet, Parsons apologized and said he was happy that Griner was released, just disappointed that Whelan was left behind. Whelan has been detained in Russia for four years.

“My last tweet was no shot at Brittney Griner,” he wrote.

“I’m super happy she’s back home as she should be. I just have family who have served and it’s crazy to me the President wouldn’t bring him home too. I’m the furthest thing from a trump supporter but I’m not a fan of Biden either.”

Parsons also noted he was not educated on the topic before speaking out and was not too prideful to admit his mistake.

“Just spoke to some people that I respect and trust. I should have been more educated on the topic and not tweeted out of emotion for my family and other who have served. For that I apologize,” he said. “Also if what I’m told about the attempts to bring Ret Marine Paul Whelan home are true then the best outcome was accomplished. I pray Mr. Whelan comes home but am extremely happy for Brittney and her family.”

“I am not too prideful to admit when I’ve made a mistake.”

Griner was arrested in Moscow on Feb. 17 at the Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly possessing 0.702 grams of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was in Russia to play basketball for UMMC Ekaterinburg. Whelan was detained in 2018 at a hotel in Moscow after he was accused of being a spy. He was convicted in 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Rachel Talbot Ross
by Derek Major

December 11, 2022

Maine House Of Representatives Elects First Black House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross

The Maine House of Representatives elected Rachel Talbot Ross, 62, as the first Black person to lead the state house.

News Center Maine (NCM) reports House members and spectators were elated and celebrated when Ross was announced to lead the chamber. Ross is part of a legacy of Black politicians in the Pine Tree State as her father, Gerald Talbot, was the first Black member of the state legislature.

Ross, the former president of the Portland NAACP, was first elected to the House in 2016 and has risen in state politics since with state Democrats tapping her to be the House’s Assistant Majority Leader, making her the first Black person to serve in a leadership position in the legislature.

“I want any child in our state to know today that this is possible,” she told her fellow legislators according to NCM.

“I’m so very glad for this blessing, and yes, there can be very little doubt I am my father’s proud daughter.”

While Maine is considered one of the whitest states in the U.S., its politicians have become more diverse in recent years with two Somali-American women, Deqa Dhalac and Mana Abdi, elected to the Maine House, and Sen. Jill Duson of Portland as the first Black woman in the Maine Senate.

Ross, who campaigned on fighting the rising cost of living, climate change, and a significant need for affordable healthcare and housing, acknowledged tribal leaders in attendance and suggested the state was long overdue for a “state of the tribes” address which last happened in 2002.

Ross’ father, Talbot, who was elected in 1972, was the founding president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP, which was reactivated last year, and was the first Black lawmaker in the state. He also served on the state’s Board of Education.

Maine’s influx of Black female politicians adds to the growing number of Black women in U.S. politics. There are currently nine Black female mayors who are already in office or are set to enter office. Additionally, four of the largest U.S. cities are being run by Black mayors, and the number of Black governors has grown, with Wes Moore being elected Maryland Governor in a landslide.

Diddy Reveals Birth Of Baby Girl In Surprise Announcement
by Niko Mann

December 10, 2022

Diddy Reveals Birth Of Baby Girl In Surprise Announcement

Music mogul Diddy announced the birth of a baby girl on Dec. 10, much to the surprise of his fans. Combs is dating recording artist Yung Miami, who was not known to be expecting.  

Diddy made the announcement on Twitter, and the 53-year-old record executive — whose real name is Sean Love Combs — also revealed that he’d named his new daughter after himself. Baby Love Sean Combs was born in Newport Beach, California sometime in October, according to TMZ. Combs did not identify the mother in his tweet. 

“I’m so blessed to welcome my baby girl Love Sean Combs to the world,” he wrote. “Mama Combs, Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, D’Lila, Jessie and myself all love you so much! God is the Greatest!”

 Yung Miami — whose full name is Caresha Romeka Brownlee — responded to a Twitter user who noted  Yung Miami should be the next guest on her podcast, Caresha Please because answers were needed.  Yung Miami retweeted the post with a pair of eye emojis as the caption. 👀.

The 28-year-old “Good Love” singer confirmed she was dating Combs in an interview with XXL in September but also reiterated they were both single.  

“We are dating. We single, but we’re dating,” she said. “People don’t know what dating means. He’s single, I’m single, but we’re dating.”

“That’s what I mean when I say we go together. When we’re together, we’re together. We’re having the time of our lives, but we’re still single.”

Baby Love joins Combs’ six other children; 31-year-old Quincy Taylor Brown, 28-year-old Justin Dior, 24-year-old Christain Combs, 16-year-old Chance Combs and twins D’Lila Star and Jessie James, 15.  

Combs adopted Quincy, the son of his late ex-girlfriend, Kim Porter. The couple also had Christain and the twins. Combs shares Chance with former girlfriend Sarah Chapman and Justin with ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton.  

 

Snoop Dogg And Master P Being Forced To Rename Their Cereal, ‘Snoop Loopz’
by Niko Mann

December 10, 2022

Snoop Dogg And Master P Being Forced To Rename Their Cereal, ‘Snoop Loopz’

Rappers Snoop Dogg and Master P are looking for a new name for their breakfast cereal, Snoop Loopz, according to a post shared on Instagram on Dec. 9. Both rappers shared the post about their cereal’s name being blocked by a giant in the industry.

Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, Jr., and Master P, whose full name is Percy Robert Miller Sr., said the cereal’s name was being blocked by another cereal company.

Miller said, “Snoop, you know when you’re doin’ something good…”

 

“The devil gotta show up,” replied Broadus.

Broadus and Miller did not name the brand blocking Snoop Loopz, but they both noted the company was afraid of their mission to bring diversity to the industry.

“So they don’t want us to use Snoop Loopz on our cereal box even though that’s that’s my name. We’ve built a national brand and disrupted the cereal industry, we did it with hard work and integrity.”

“I know they’re uncomfortable and scared. But our mission is to build diversity and economic empowerment,” read the post. “Times have changed. There’s enough room for all of us to be successful. This is bigger than us, we are fighting for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We’re no longer just being consumers, we’re educating the culture building our own brands, and passing down generational wealth. Broadus Foods is all about helping the community. It’s official we’re taking over the breakfast foods industry.”

At one point in the video after Miller said the cereal’s name was being blocked, Broadus had jokes.

“Why, Man? My name is Snoop and I been in the loop!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

The rappers also asked their fans what they thought the new name should be.

“They can’t stop us. It’s David versus Goliath. @masterp and I got the slingshot. This is a minor setback for a major comeback. #GodsPlan What do YOU think we should name our new cereal?”

Broadus also shared a video on Instagram of fans coming up with new names for the cereal. Names such as Snoop Doggz, Snoopy Loopz Dogg and Calvin Crunch were among those suggested.

“Salute to the customers & fans for coming up with some great names for the cereal. #Cereal name challenge, post yours now! @masterp.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

Broadus and Miller announced the new cereal back in August and said a donation for each purchase would be given to a charity.

Former Police Officer Who Kneeled On George Floyd’s Back J. Alexander Kueng Sentenced To 3.5 Years
by Niko Mann

December 10, 2022

Former Police Officer Who Kneeled On George Floyd’s Back J. Alexander Kueng Sentenced To 3.5 Years

The former police officer who kneeled on George Floyd‘s back, J. Alexander Kueng, was sentenced to three-and-a-half-years in prison on Dec. 9, according to CBS News. Kueng pled guilty to one count of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter back in October.

Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis after ex-police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nine-and-a-half minutes. Video taken by a bystander captured Chauvin refusing to let up as Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe, even as Floyd’s body went limp. The graphic video resulted in global protests.

Kueng kneeled on Floyd’s back as two other ex-police officers, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, held Floyd’s legs or stopped concerned bystanders from helping Floyd. The four men were fired and charged with both state and federal charges. Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for killing Floyd and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. He was also sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for violating Floyd’s civil rights.

Kueng, Lane and Thao were each convicted in February in a federal court of depriving Floyd of his right to receive medical care. Thao and Kueng were also convicted of failing to intervene when Chauvin was killing Floyd. Lane received a two-and-a-half-year federal sentence and a three-year sentence from the state, which he is serving concurrently as part of a plea deal. Chauvin is also serving his sentences concurrently.

Kueng received a three-year federal sentence in addition to his three-and-a-half-year state sentence. Thao received a three-and-a-half-year federal sentence but agreed to a stipulated evidence trial for the state charges of aiding and abetting manslaughter. He is awaiting a verdict from Judge Peter Cahill.

The attorneys for the Floyd family Ben Crump, Antonio Romanucci and Jeff Storms released a statement following the sentencing. “The sentencing of Alexander Kueng for his role in the murder of George Floyd delivers yet another piece of justice for the Floyd family,” read the statement.

“While the family faces yet another holiday season without George, we hope that moments like these continue to bring them a measure of peace, knowing that George’s death was not in vain.”

Prosecutor Matthew Frank said he appreciated Kueng pleading guilty, as it avoids another long, painful trial.

“We appreciate very much that Mr. Kueng plead guilty,” said Frank. “We hope the conclusion of this case reaffirms that peace officers cannot treat citizens in crisis as non-people, or second-class citizens.”

 

Ronnie Turner, Son of Ike & Tina Turner, Dies at 62
by Niko Mann

December 10, 2022

Ronnie Turner, Son of Ike & Tina Turner, Dies at 62

Ronnie Turner, the 62-year-old son of music legends Ike and Tina Turner, has passed away. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Turner died in Encino, California on Friday, Dec. 9.  

Turner’s cause of death has not yet been revealed, but he had previously survived cancer. The Los Angeles Police Department said they responded to Turner’s home for a medical emergency after someone called 911 to say Turner was having trouble breathing.  

The paramedics reportedly arrived on the scene first and attempted CPR, but Turner was deceased by the time the LAPD arrived.  

Turner’s mother posted a tribute to her son on Instagram.  

“Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son.” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner)

His wife, French singer Afida Turner, also posted a statement on Instagram confirming the tragic news. She wrote that she hoped Turner was with his brother, Craig Turner, who died at the age of 59 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Los Angeles back in 2018, and Ike, who died in 2007.  

“MY GOD RONNIE TURNER A TRUE ANGEL HUGE SOUL HIGHLY SPIRITUAL MY HUSBAND MY BEST FRIEND MY BABY I WAS YOUR MUMMY YOUR NURSE YOUR LITTLE MONSTER ❤️🙏💔🎩I DID THE BEST TO THE END THIS TIME I WAS NO ABLE TO SAVE YOU LOVE U FOR THIS 17 YEARS THIS IS VERY VERY VERY BAD I AM VERY MAD 😡 THIS IS A TRAGEDY U WITH YOUR BROTHER CRAIG AND YOUR FATHER IKE TURNER AND ALINE REST IN PARADISE 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️😭😭💔💔 SO UNFAIR ! 

 

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A post shared by Afida Turner (@afida_turner)

 

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A post shared by Afida Turner (@afida_turner)

Turner was an actor who appeared in the film about his mother’s life, What’s Love Got To Do With It. He was also a talented musician and played bass guitar for his band, Manufactured Funk. 

He is survived by his wife, 83-year-old mother and siblings Ike Turner Jr., Michael Turner, Twanna Turner and Mia Turner.  

 

Lawyer Says Brittney Griner Cut Locs To Avoid Cold While Washing Hair At Penal Colony
by Niko Mann

December 10, 2022

Lawyer Says Brittney Griner Cut Locs To Avoid Cold While Washing Hair At Penal Colony

The first images of WNBA star Brittney Griner following her release from a Russian penal colony reveal she has cut her signature locs. Griner was released on Dec. 8 after the United States traded convicted arms merchant Viktor Bout with Russia.  

According to a report from ESPN, Griner’s lawyer Maria Blagovolina said the two-time Olympic champion decided on her own to cut her locs two weeks ago in preparation for life at the penal colony. Blagovolina also said Griner had contracted the flu but was recovering. 

“It’s very cold in there and every time she washed her hair, she got cold and would get a chill,” said Blagovolina. “She should have waited until New Year’s Day.” 

Sources close to the WNBA star also confirmed it was Griner’s choice to cut her locs to Insider. 

Footage of Griner preparing for her Russian departure was released on Dec. 9 and showed the WNBA star’s new do. Video of a smiling Griner on the airplane was also released. Griner arrived in San Antonio, Texas on Friday at the Brooke Army Medical Center for observation and was reunited with her wife, Cherelle Griner. Once she leaves the facility, Griner will go to a private location to recover from her 10-month-long ordeal.  

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she knew a possible trade was happening a few days prior to Griner’s release, but she wasn’t sure it would happen.  

“I just got emotional,” she said.  

“It has been a total team effort. We use that analogy in sports all the time. But we could not have done this without the NBA, without Brittany’s agent, lawyers, the whole ecosystem around women’s sports. But, again, this came down to the leadership of our government and our State Department and they got this done, and I’m so grateful to them.” 

Engelbert also said she wanted to give Griner time to readjust and is available for any support she needs.  

“We’re obviously going to respect the privacy of this very intricate, critical time in her coming back home,” said Engelbert.  

“I’d love to call her, I’d love to see her. We’re gonna give her the appropriate space and time for that. Then follow with what Brittney and her family want to do about re-engaging with the WNBA and our players.” 

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