#MAGFAB: Little Simz For Elle U.K., June 2024
Cute! Get the story HERE!
CONGRATS! Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel Is Married!
Anybody who watched Family Matters during the ’90s likely remembers its star, Jaleel White. The 47-year-old has long left behind the Steve Urkel/Stefan Urquelle persona of the ’90s and recently acquired a new title–husband. The actor married Nicoletta Ruhl at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on May 4. His new wife heads business development at the sports technology and gaming company StatusPro.
“It was important for all of the people that carry an impact on our daily lives to be present and for each and every one of them to enjoy themselves and feel as though they were part of something intimate and meaningful,” Ruhl told PEOPLE about their wedding day. Their nuptials were attended by 175 guests.
The newlyweds first met during the pandemic at UCLA’s track, where they both exercised. They hard launched their relationship on Instagram during New Year’s in 2022. Ruhl posted images of the two cuddling, celebrating New Year’s Day. They went on to make their red carpet debut as a couple in 2022 during the premiere of White’s Netflix film Hustle. Although this is his first time getting married, he does have a 14-year-old daughter named Samaya. She appeared on the red carpet during the movie premiere in 2022 as well.
When reflecting on his wedding day, the actor told the publication, “I felt like a prince.”
To ensure their big day had an indelible impression on guests, the couple added details like 5-star food and three different DJs with sets throughout various parts of the day.
During their interview with PEOPLE, the couple reflected on what marriage means to them. White said it means, “We’ve each committed ourselves to loving and helping one another achieve the best possible outcome in anything we set out to do both personally and professionally.”
Ruhl seconded that, adding that they set good intentions and let things happen naturally.
“We don’t rush anything and we always have honest intentions for one another,” she shared. “We both fully believe that when you force something, it won’t result in the best outcome and because of this we’ve seen a lot of blessings in our life together thus far.”
#RHOP: Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby Spotted Filming
Real Housewives of Potomac ended its last season with a lot of unknowns. We know that Robyn Dixon and Candiace Dillard Bassett are taking a pause after Season 8, for one reason or another. We ended last season with another explosive physical fight that led to a heavy reunion that saw little resolution among the women. Personally, I think Mia Thornton is the future of this franchise. Literally, no Real Housewives star has ever or will ever do it like her, good or bad.
RHOP fans have likely taken a break from thinking about the show after the reunion and all of the casting news. We needed time to relax and focus on something positive, like Karen Huger and her nonsensical taglines. Well, now it’s time for another round, according to sleuthing fans who saw RHOP cameras up and rolling recently. Bravo really will never get anything past us superfans. We all have a part-time job as a reality TV sleuth.
In a TikTok posted by Queens of Bravo, Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby were recently seen filming for RHOP. The two ladies are standing outside on a windy day, wearing casual cute clothes and seemingly having a low-key conversation. It didn’t look light and fun, but they weren’t screaming at each other, so who knows what it could mean.
It does confirm that GnA will be back for RHOP Season 9 whether we like it or not. It’ll be interesting to see how they navigate filming without Candiace as a reliable enemy on the show. Regardless, it’ll likely be a while until we see the next season of RHOP, but we do know that it is already in the works.
Tell Us – Are You Surprised That Rhop Is Already Filming Again?
#MusicNews: Avery*Sunshine Releases New Song ‘My Way’
As Avery*Sunshine preps her fifth album, the vocalist has shared her new single, “My Way.”
Produced by Jamison Ross, “My Way” is a funky, invigorating track that anticipates brighter days ahead. “I can’t wait to get to see / Where this road is gonna lead / It’s a brand new start for me,” Sunshine sings in the first verse.
“The lyrics of ‘My Way’ are a manifesto of empowerment and renewal. It’s an uplifting ode to finding one’s path and the joy of steering life in the direction of one’s choosing,” says Avery*
Sunshine co-wrote “My Way” with her husband, Dana “BigDane” Johnson, and Rob Milton, who also contributed to her song “I Wonder.”
LISTEN HERE
CONGRATS! Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel Is Married!
“It was important for all of the people that carry an impact on our daily lives to be present and for each and every one of them to enjoy themselves and feel as though they were part of something intimate and meaningful,” Ruhl told PEOPLE about their wedding day. Their nuptials were attended by 175 guests.
The newlyweds first met during the pandemic at UCLA’s track, where they both exercised. They hard launched their relationship on Instagram during New Year’s in 2022. Ruhl posted images of the two cuddling, celebrating New Year’s Day. They went on to make their red carpet debut as a couple in 2022 during the premiere of White’s Netflix film Hustle. Although this is his first time getting married, he does have a 14-year-old daughter named Samaya. She appeared on the red carpet during the movie premiere in 2022 as well.
When reflecting on his wedding day, the actor told the publication, “I felt like a prince.”
To ensure their big day had an indelible impression on guests, the couple added details like 5-star food and three different DJs with sets throughout various parts of the day.
During their interview with PEOPLE, the couple reflected on what marriage means to them. White said it means, “We’ve each committed ourselves to loving and helping one another achieve the best possible outcome in anything we set out to do both personally and professionally.”
Ruhl seconded that, adding that they set good intentions and let things happen naturally.
“We don’t rush anything and we always have honest intentions for one another,” she shared. “We both fully believe that when you force something, it won’t result in the best outcome and because of this we’ve seen a lot of blessings in our life together thus far.”
#RHOP: Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby Spotted Filming
RHOP fans have likely taken a break from thinking about the show after the reunion and all of the casting news. We needed time to relax and focus on something positive, like Karen Huger and her nonsensical taglines. Well, now it’s time for another round, according to sleuthing fans who saw RHOP cameras up and rolling recently. Bravo really will never get anything past us superfans. We all have a part-time job as a reality TV sleuth.
In a TikTok posted by Queens of Bravo, Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby were recently seen filming for RHOP. The two ladies are standing outside on a windy day, wearing casual cute clothes and seemingly having a low-key conversation. It didn’t look light and fun, but they weren’t screaming at each other, so who knows what it could mean.
It does confirm that GnA will be back for RHOP Season 9 whether we like it or not. It’ll be interesting to see how they navigate filming without Candiace as a reliable enemy on the show. Regardless, it’ll likely be a while until we see the next season of RHOP, but we do know that it is already in the works.
Tell Us – Are You Surprised That Rhop Is Already Filming Again?
#MusicNews: Avery*Sunshine Releases New Song ‘My Way’
As Avery*Sunshine preps her fifth album, the vocalist has shared her new single, “My Way.”
Produced by Jamison Ross, “My Way” is a funky, invigorating track that anticipates brighter days ahead. “I can’t wait to get to see / Where this road is gonna lead / It’s a brand new start for me,” Sunshine sings in the first verse.
“The lyrics of ‘My Way’ are a manifesto of empowerment and renewal. It’s an uplifting ode to finding one’s path and the joy of steering life in the direction of one’s choosing,” says Avery*
Sunshine co-wrote “My Way” with her husband, Dana “BigDane” Johnson, and Rob Milton, who also contributed to her song “I Wonder.”
LISTEN HERE
Both songs, plus “Lifted Up” and “Fire,” will appear on Sunshine’s upcoming album, So Glad to Know You, set to release later this year on BigShine Recordings.
According to press materials, “The album finds Sunshine digging deep and taking a journey through the ebbs and flows of truly getting to know yourself and the ones you love around you.”
#HipHopNews: Future Announces Mixtape Expected To Drop On The Same Day As Gunna's Album
Taking to Twitter around midnight (May 8), he tweeted, “F**k yo’ album. [That] sh*t ain’t slappin’ like my MIXTAPE,” followed by a pledge to bring back “Mixtape Pluto.”
Social media users immediately recognized May 10 as the release date for Gunna’s fourth studio album, One of Wun. The “Drip or Drown” hitmaker apparently caught wind of the indirect taunt as well, as he posted, “Turn this s**t [back] up [a] notch” several hours later.
Gunna added, “[F**k] what these boys talkin’ ‘bout.” Considering the two artists collaborated on massively successful tracks like “pushin P” and “too easy,” fans were divided about the possibility of them feuding.
In March, Future and Metro Boomin debuted WE DON’T TRUST YOU. The joint effort went No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with the help of “Like That,” which saw Kendrick Lamar dissing Drake and J. Cole. The 17-song offering also contained surefire cuts like “Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana),” “Type S**t,” and “Young Metro” featuring The Weeknd.
The rapper-producer duo followed up with WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU in April. It boasted guest appearances from Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Baby, ASAP Rocky, Brownstone, and Cole, among others.
Meanwhile, Gunna’s last LP, a Gift & a Curse, came out in 2023. The project housed the RIAA-certified Platinum “fukumean” alongside tracks like “back to the moon,” “bread & butter,” and “turned your back.” Notably, it marked the musician’s first body of work since being released from jail after accepting an Alford plea deal in Young Thug’s RICO case.
Ahead of One of Wun, Gunna dropped “Bittersweet” and “Prada Dem,” the latter of which Future reposted on Twitter. He later deleted the tweet.
Lizzo Calls Critics Of Her Met Gala Look 'Fatphobic'
In April, ahead of her eye-catching appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, Lizzo made a resolution to steer clear of "negative energy" and stop feeding into the negativity of her detractors. This decision was tested when her Met Gala outfit, a botanical sculptural gown and towering corset headpiece crafted by Victor Weinsanto, became the subject of internet mockery and unwarranted criticism.
Faced with disparagement, Lizzo's response was both bold and revealing. "If I'm not in your best dressed, you're fatphobic," the singer said, addressing her critics in an Instagram post immediately following the event.
The criticism could have overshadowed the meticulous effort and creativity that went into Lizzo's Met Gala ensemble. Victor Weinsanto, the designer behind the outfit, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the creation of the dress, originally showcased in his spring/summer 2024 collection, entailed almost 700 hours of dedicated craftsmanship.
The design was personalized for Lizzo, with the fabric dyed to match her skin tone and a corset-inspired headpiece carved out to reveal her face, enhanced by makeup artist Alexx Mayo's work. "I didn't want to be the designer responsible for a fall in front of the whole world. And honestly, now that the dress has been recreated for Lizzo, I like this version even better. It's also perfect for showcasing her gorgeous body," Weinsanto remarked.
The Met Gala wasn't the only highlight of the night for Lizzo, as she later donned a fairy-like ensemble for an afterparty, featuring a magenta velvet corset with wing-like extensions, completing the look with opera gloves and stilettos. She was joined by friend and fellow artist SZA, making for an unforgettable entrance.
Lizzo's Met Gala appearance and subsequent reaction to criticism speak volumes of her journey towards self-empowerment, resilience, and the ongoing battle against body shaming and negative energy. This stance came at a significant time as, just three months prior, Lizzo faced and navigated through a legal battle involving a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three of her former background dancers.
Through her fashion, words, and actions, Lizzo continues to serve as a beacon of self-love and positivity, challenging societal norms and embracing one's true self, irrespective of external opinion or unwarranted criticism.
Justin Bieber And Hailey Baldwin Expecting First Child, Renewing Wedding Vows
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin have officially announced they are expecting their first child, marking a new chapter in their journey together. The couple, who tied the knot in September 2018, shared their excitement through a touching Instagram post, including a stunning video of Hailey in a white lace dress and veil cradling her growing baby bump, and joyful pregnancy announcement photos.
One of the pictures seemingly shows the couple either renewing their vows or recreating their wedding at the altar.
For years, the Biebers have been vocal about their desire to start a family. Justin, the beloved "Favorite Girl" singer, and Hailey, the renowned model, have never made it a secret that having children was something they both eagerly anticipated.
"I love kids and I can't wait to have my own. I would say now that's a closer reality," Hailey once shared in an interview with Vogue Arabia. Justin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of family over his career and expressing his eagerness to focus on his mental health and marriage to ensure he could be the father he aspired to be.
Despite dealing with public speculation and privacy invasions, including unfounded pregnancy rumors and intrusive paparazzi moments, the couple has maintained a united front. They have been candid about their fears and ambitions concerning parenthood, navigating the balance between public personas and private lives with grace.
Justin and Hailey's journey to parenthood hasn't been without its introspective moments. Hailey openly discussed her initial fears of motherhood and the pressure of societal expectations, while Justin highlighted the importance of timing and respect for Hailey's personal and professional goals. Their story reflects a larger narrative of young couples today, wrestling with the balance of career aspirations and the profound desire for family.
As the Biebers prepare to welcome their newest addition, they remain focused on the future, envisioning a large family and embracing the challenges and rewards of parenthood. Their story is a testament to the power of love, patience, and partnership in navigating life's most significant transitions. Fans and followers around the world eagerly anticipate updates on the couple's journey, celebrating each milestone along the way to welcoming the newest Bieber.
Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife wrote she never 'really' loved him. How he responded
The NBA legend's fans applauded his "mature" response after ex-wife Shaunie Henderson made the candid admission in a new memoir.
Shaquille O’Neal appeared to respond to his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson's memoir. In it, she wrote that she may never have "really" loved him.
Henderson opened up about her marriage to the former Los Angeles Laker, which was plagued by infidelity, in her new memoir, "Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms."
The former couple was married from 2002 to 2011.
“Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with," Henderson wrote in her candid book, which was published May 7.
The former “Basketball Wives” star added that her relationship with the wealthy NBA star was ultimately strained by the "thousands of women throwing themselves" at him.
O’Neal admitted to cheating on Henderson in his 2011 memoir, “Shaq Uncut: My Story.”
In December 2022, the former basketball star told E! News that he regretted the failure of his marriage to Henderson. “You don’t know how good you got something till it’s gone,” said the athlete. “I mentioned about having a 76,000-square-foot house and nobody in there. That was all my fault.”
“I didn’t do the right thing,” he added, “and I definitely paid for it.”
In her memoir, Henderson said they discussed his infidelity after their divorce.
“A few years after our divorce we had a very honest and satisfying conversation. He talked about his infidelity and said, ‘What’s crazy is that cheating was an ego boost. It wasn’t even about the girl. It wasn’t about me falling for someone or having feelings for her. It was about getting away with it.’ It was, he said, about getting another girl, and then another, and then another. It was about conquest. He knew that in no way justified his behavior, but I appreciated his honesty about it,” she wrote.
The day after Henderson's book was published, O'Neal, 52, appeared to respond on Instagram.
"I understand...I wouldn't have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best...All love, Shaq," he wrote.
O'Neal added in his caption, "Trust me i get it."
The former couple's older son, basketball star Shaqir O’Neal, showed his support for his dad, writing, "You know i love ya twin," in the comments of the elder O'Neal's Instagram post.
Fans commented to applaud the basketball legend's understanding response to his ex-wife's admission as well as the "ownership" he's taken for his past actions.
"This is mature," wrote one.
"Gots to love the accountability," remarked another.
"Love the response, grown man ish. A sign of being at peace," added someone else.
During their time together, the pair welcomed four kids, sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah.
Henderson is also mom to an older son, Myles, from a previous relationship while O’Neal shares an older daughter, Taahirah, with ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh.
Henderson married Texas-based pastor Keion Henderson in 2022.
Florida deputies who fatally shot US airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man’s family said Wednesday.
Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, who was based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, was in his off-base apartment in Fort Walton Beach when the shooting happened on May 3.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said in a statement that Fortson was on a Facetime call with a woman at the time of the encounter.
According to Crump, the woman, whom Crump didn’t identify, said Fortson was alone in his apartment when he heard a knock at the door. He asked who was there but didn’t get a response. A few minutes later, Fortson heard a louder knock but didn’t see anyone when he looked through the peephole, Crump said, citing the woman’s account.
The woman said Fortson was concerned and went to retrieve his gun, which Crump said was legally owned.
As Fortson walked back through his living room, deputies burst through the door, saw that Fortson was armed and shot him six times, according to Crump’s statement. The woman said Fortson was on the ground, saying, “I can’t breathe,” after he was shot, Crump said.
Fortson died at a hospital, officials said. The deputy involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
The woman said Fortson wasn’t causing a disturbance during their Facetime call and believes that the deputies must have had the wrong apartment, Crump’s statement said.
“The circumstances surrounding Roger’s death raise serious questions that demand immediate answers from authorities, especially considering the alarming witness statement that the police entered the wrong apartment,” Crump said.
“We are calling for transparency in the investigation into Roger’s death and the immediate release of body cam video to the family,” Crump said. “His family and the public deserve to know what occurred in the moments leading up to this tragedy.”ADVERTISEMENT
Crump is a nationally known attorney based in Tallahassee, Florida. He has been involved in multiple high-profile law enforcement shooting cases involving Black people, including those of Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and George Floyd.
Crump and Fortson’s family plan to speak at a news conference in Fort Walton Beach on Thursday morning.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office didn’t immediately respond to an email or voicemail from The Associated Press seeking comment about Crump’s claims. But Sheriff Eric Aden posted a statement on Facebook Wednesday afternoon expressing sadness about the shooting.
“At this time, we humbly ask for our community’s patience as we work to understand the facts that resulted in this tragic event,” Aden said.
The sheriff’s office said in a statement last week that a deputy responding to a call of a disturbance in progress at the apartment complex reacted in self-defense after encountering an armed man. The office did not offer details on what kind of disturbance deputies were responding to or who called them.
The sheriff’s office also declined to immediately identify the responding deputies or their races. Officials said earlier this week that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local State Attorney’s Office will investigate the shooting.
FDLE spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger told The Associated Press on Wednesday that it is highly unlikely the agency will have any further comment until the investigation is complete.
Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles as a member of the squadron’s AC-130J Ghostrider aircrew was to load the gunship’s 30mm and 105mm cannons during missions.
Fortson’s death draws striking similarities to other Black people killed in recent years by police in their homes, in circumstances that involved officers responding to the wrong address or responding to service calls with wanton uses of deadly force.
In 2018, a white former Dallas police offer fatally shot Botham Jean, an unarmed Black man, after mistaking his apartment for her own. Amber Guyger, the former officer, was found guilty of murder the following year and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In 2019, a white former Fort Worth, Texas, officer fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson through a rear window of her home after responding to a nonemergency call reporting that Jefferson’s front door was open. Aaron Dean, the former officer, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison.
Crump has represented families in both cases as part of his ongoing effort to force accountability for the killings of Black people at the hands of police.
“What I’m trying to do, as much as I can, even sometimes singlehandedly, is increase the value of Black life,” Crump told The Associated Press in 2021 following the conviction a former Minneapolis officer in the murder of George Floyd.
Fort Walton Beach is between Panama City Beach and Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.
DJ Vlad apologizes after Twitter goes at his neck over threat to Black professor
Over the weekend, the rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake inadvertently created another beef between DJ Vlad and New York Times bestseller Morgan Jerkins. It all began on Saturday (May 4) when the VladTV creator complained about the mixing behind Lamar's "Not Like Us" single, which prompted plenty of criticism on Twitter. It was Morgan’s response that got his attention. "You are WHITE. This is a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR," she wrote.
In now-deleted messages, Vlad took issue with Morgan, who teaches for Princeton University's Creative Writing department. “Wait, so a professor... is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip Hop?" he asked. "Is that how you interact with your students?” A back-and-forth between the two escalated after Vlad seemingly threatened to get Morgan fired from the New Jersey institution, stating that he’ll be "reaching out to Princeton" about the matter.
The Ukrainian-American interviewer quickly received backlash, with many calling him a "Karen" for his remarks. It was also revealed that Morgan is the niece of famed producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. "I thought my last name was a dead giveaway! Ain’t too many Jerkinses just walking about," she joked.
Things got worse for him after he claimed he was merely trolling in a subsequent tweet. "Let me clear the air and state that I never had any intention of filing a complaint to Princeton," he stated. Morgan retorted by calling Vlad's post "a lie." "He tagged my employer multiple times with the intention to professionally harm me. I didn’t troll. I centered Black people in a discussion on Hip Hop and told him to stand down because it’s not his space," she explained before telling him to "stop contacting my family."
Today Vlad provided the “This Will Be My Undoing” author with a formal expression of regret. "After considerable reflection, I would like to apologize... for tagging her job in my replies during our Twitter exchange last weekend," he said. You can see said apology and reactions from others on social media below.
Bravo Completes Andy Cohen Investigation Into Recent Allegations, His Future at Network Revealed
The misconduct investigation into Andy Cohen has been completed by Bravo.
The network held their own look into the allegations made against him by former Real Housewives stars and they have come to a conclusion.
There has also been talk of Bravo looking to replace Andy amid the allegations, and they have revealed his fate on the network, which is home to Real Housewives and more.
“The outside investigation into the recent allegations made by Brandi Glanville and Leah McSweeney against Andy Cohen has now been completed, and the claims were found to be unsubstantiated,” a Bravo spokesperson shared in a statement to Variety.
Earlier this week, Andy responded to the allegations, in part, saying, “I have no regrets about the way I’ve handled anything.” Find out what he said about all of the different allegations and criticisms.
Andy will remain at Bravo and his late night show, Watch What Happens Live, has just been renewed for another season, along with 14 other Bravo shows!
In addition, he will continue as an executive producer on the Real Housewives franchise.
Jodie Whittaker Gave Ncuti Gatwa Advice on How to Navigate ‘Doctor Who’ Casting Backlash
Ncuti Gatwa, who stars as the Fifteenth Doctor in the new season of Doctor Who, makes history as the first Black Doctor in the long-running franchise, and is opening up about dealing with race in the series.
“I think that there would be no way to not, you have to address race,” Gatwa told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s Los Angeles premiere on Wednesday. “This is the first time the Doctor has been Black for this long and he tends to spend most of his time on Earth, it’s a favorite of his, and so yeah, it would be essential to explore race within his tenure.”
“It’s something that I would want to do and like I don’t think you could ignore it,” the star added, teasing, “You can’t ignore my chocolate-ness, so we’re not going to ignore it.”
When his casting was first announced, Gatwa was forced to deal with racist and homophobic backlash in joining the 60-year-old universe. At Wednesday’s premiere, he revealed that Jodie Whittaker — who played the Thirteenth Doctor, marking the first female star — was there with advice.
“Jodie Whittaker, who very famously brought down barriers before me, the first female Doctor, just gave me a lot of advice on how to handle all the difference of opinions that might come your way, and just handling the pressure off screen,” Gatwa said. “It’s an institution of a role and when you’re stepping in as someone that’s not been what people are expecting, let’s say, you’re going to get a lot of opinions in your face and she just helped me manage that.”
The Disney+ series follows The Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson) as they travel across time and space, with adventures spanning from the Regency era in England to future worlds in the famous TARDIS time machine. Gatwa named the Regency and ’60s time periods as his favorites, saying, “those costumes were so much fun.”
Doctor Who starts streaming Friday on Disney+.
Brittney Griner Recounts Russian Prison Guards’ Attempt to Place Her in Men’s Cell
*MSNBC’s Joy Reid hosted an exclusive two-part interview with WNBA star Brittney Griner on May 6. During the conversation, Griner shared her firsthand account of time in Russian detainment in 2022, and subsequent release from a brutal penal colony, as outlined in her new book, “Coming Home.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist said the conditions were frigid and took a toll on her health, USA Today reports.
“The mattress had a huge blood stain on it and they give you these thin two sheets, so you’re basically laying on bars,” Griner said.
“We had spiders above my bed, making a nest. My dreads started to freeze. They would just stay wet and cold and I was getting sick. You got to do what you got to do to survive.”
According to Griner, prisoners in the penal colony endured harsh conditions and mandatory labor.
“It’s a work camp. You go there to work. There’s no rest,” she said.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Griner said Russian prison guards attempted to place her in a men’s cell.
“I was terrified when I was thinking about going to that jail. Because I was like, ‘What game are they gonna play?’” Griner said. “And I soon found one of the games [was] trying to tell me to go into one of the men’s cells. And I’m like, ‘I’m not going in that cell.’ And then the other guard said something in Russian and shook his hand and then they take me to the women’s side. And I was just, like, ‘See, it’s a game,’ you know?”
In February 2022, Griner was playing in Russia when she was jailed after vape cartridges were found in her luggage at the Moscow airport. After six months on lockdown in the country, she received a nine-year sentence. She spent 10 months imprisoned before returning to the U.S. in exchange for infamous arms dealer Viktor Bout.
You can order Griner’s book, “Coming Home,” here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739901/coming-home-by-brittney-griner-with-michelle-burford/
Questlove Not Feeling Kendrick Lamar/Drake Rap Beef: ‘Hip Hop is Truly Dead’
*While the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated the hip-hop world, Questlove remains unenthused, as is Ice Cube, surprisingly.
Questlove, The Roots’ renowned drummer, expressed his discontent in an Instagram post, calling into question the very lifeblood of hip-hop. He took issue with the personal nature of their lyrical joust, which involved family members and baseless, salacious claims within their diss tracks.
“Nobody won the war. This wasn’t about skill. This was wrestling match-level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary — women & children (& actual facts) be damned. Same audience wanting blood will soon put up ‘rip’ posts like they weren’t part of the problem. Hip Hop truly is dead,” Questlove remarked.
Continuing his critique, Questlove questioned the moral direction of the artists, provocatively captioning: “Here We Are Now…Entertain us?”
The feud between Lamar and Drake has been marked by acrimonious exchanges, with Drake targeting Lamar’s personal life and Lamar retaliating with serious accusations against Drake, casting a shadow on his moral character.
Furthermore, Ice Cube has lent his voice to the conversation. The rapper, known for his own history of feuds, has evolved over the years. He relayed his reservations about the growing volatility in rap beefs during an interview, cautioning against the risk of these disputes escalating dangerously.
“Beefs are volatile. You always have to be careful that a beef doesn’t turn into a murder,” he told Canada’s E-Talk, according to HipHopDX. “Back in the day, you’d do a diss record, but it would stay somewhat in the Hip Hop community. Now, it’s all over the world. All walks of life know what’s going on. And some people can’t really take that kind of humiliation. I don’t really like seeing rappers beef.
Despite acknowledging beefs as an element of the hip-hop industry, he revealed his discomfort with them, stating, “I don’t really like seeing rappers beef. I don’t think it’s necessary to have a great career.”
In this climate of heightened lyrical warfare, what’s your take on the positions held by Questlove and Ice Cube?
NBA suspends Bucks' Patrick Beverley for four games
Bucks guard Patrick Beverley was suspended for four games without pay for throwing a basketball multiple times at fans and for an "inappropriate interaction" with ESPN producer Malinda Adams after Milwaukee's season-ending loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of their first-round series last week, the NBA announced Thursday.
Indianapolis police announced Wednesday they were opening an investigation into "an NBA player and citizen" altercation, after Beverley threw a ball multiple times in the fourth quarter of what ultimately became a 120-98 loss to the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse a week ago.
Cameras showed Beverley throwing a ball into the stands, where it hit a fan in the head. After he asked for the ball back, and had it thrown back to him, he then fired it back at that fan.
Police said in a news release the case has been forwarded to detectives "who are currently investigating this situation and take all accusations seriously," and that the case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office after the investigation is completed.
In an episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast" released Wednesday, Beverley said he was called a word that he'd never been called before but added that his own actions were "still inexcusable."
"I will be better," he said. "I have to be better, and I will be better. That should have never happened. Regardless of what was said, that should have never happened. Simple as that."
Beverley, who was on a minimum contract this season with the Philadelphia 76ers and then the Bucks, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He would lose roughly $90,000 as a result of the suspension if he signs a minimum contract again next season, which is projected to be $3.3 million, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.
After the game, Beverley wouldn't allow Adams to ask him a question in a group interview in the locker room. He said it was because she didn't subscribe to his podcast. Beverley told her to get her microphone out of his face and eventually asked her to leave the interview circle.
On his podcast Wednesday, Beverley said he had asked that of reporters who interviewed him ever since he launched his podcast. Beverley said he told Adams that "it was never my intent to disrespect you."
Tim Frank, the NBA's senior vice president of league operations communications, said in a statement that, "Patrick Beverley's behavior towards ESPN producer Malinda Adams was unacceptable, unprofessional and failed to meet the standard that NBA players consistently meet in their interactions with the media."
This isn't the first time that Beverley, who just completed his 12th season in the NBA, has been suspended at the conclusion of a campaign. In 2021, he was hit with a one-game suspension while playing for the LA Clippers after shoving Chris Paul in the back as both players were walking to their respective benches late in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals.
He served that suspension in the opener of the 2021-22 season as a result.
Beverley, who will turn 36 in July, averaged 8.2 points and 5.5 assists across the six games against Indiana in the playoffs, starting all of them.
According to press materials, “The album finds Sunshine digging deep and taking a journey through the ebbs and flows of truly getting to know yourself and the ones you love around you.”
#HipHopNews: Future Announces Mixtape Expected To Drop On The Same Day As Gunna's Album
Social media users immediately recognized May 10 as the release date for Gunna’s fourth studio album, One of Wun. The “Drip or Drown” hitmaker apparently caught wind of the indirect taunt as well, as he posted, “Turn this s**t [back] up [a] notch” several hours later.
Gunna added, “[F**k] what these boys talkin’ ‘bout.” Considering the two artists collaborated on massively successful tracks like “pushin P” and “too easy,” fans were divided about the possibility of them feuding.
In March, Future and Metro Boomin debuted WE DON’T TRUST YOU. The joint effort went No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with the help of “Like That,” which saw Kendrick Lamar dissing Drake and J. Cole. The 17-song offering also contained surefire cuts like “Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana),” “Type S**t,” and “Young Metro” featuring The Weeknd.
The rapper-producer duo followed up with WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU in April. It boasted guest appearances from Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Baby, ASAP Rocky, Brownstone, and Cole, among others.
Meanwhile, Gunna’s last LP, a Gift & a Curse, came out in 2023. The project housed the RIAA-certified Platinum “fukumean” alongside tracks like “back to the moon,” “bread & butter,” and “turned your back.” Notably, it marked the musician’s first body of work since being released from jail after accepting an Alford plea deal in Young Thug’s RICO case.
Ahead of One of Wun, Gunna dropped “Bittersweet” and “Prada Dem,” the latter of which Future reposted on Twitter. He later deleted the tweet.
Lizzo Calls Critics Of Her Met Gala Look 'Fatphobic'
In April, ahead of her eye-catching appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, Lizzo made a resolution to steer clear of "negative energy" and stop feeding into the negativity of her detractors. This decision was tested when her Met Gala outfit, a botanical sculptural gown and towering corset headpiece crafted by Victor Weinsanto, became the subject of internet mockery and unwarranted criticism.
Faced with disparagement, Lizzo's response was both bold and revealing. "If I'm not in your best dressed, you're fatphobic," the singer said, addressing her critics in an Instagram post immediately following the event.
The criticism could have overshadowed the meticulous effort and creativity that went into Lizzo's Met Gala ensemble. Victor Weinsanto, the designer behind the outfit, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the creation of the dress, originally showcased in his spring/summer 2024 collection, entailed almost 700 hours of dedicated craftsmanship.
The design was personalized for Lizzo, with the fabric dyed to match her skin tone and a corset-inspired headpiece carved out to reveal her face, enhanced by makeup artist Alexx Mayo's work. "I didn't want to be the designer responsible for a fall in front of the whole world. And honestly, now that the dress has been recreated for Lizzo, I like this version even better. It's also perfect for showcasing her gorgeous body," Weinsanto remarked.
The Met Gala wasn't the only highlight of the night for Lizzo, as she later donned a fairy-like ensemble for an afterparty, featuring a magenta velvet corset with wing-like extensions, completing the look with opera gloves and stilettos. She was joined by friend and fellow artist SZA, making for an unforgettable entrance.
Lizzo's Met Gala appearance and subsequent reaction to criticism speak volumes of her journey towards self-empowerment, resilience, and the ongoing battle against body shaming and negative energy. This stance came at a significant time as, just three months prior, Lizzo faced and navigated through a legal battle involving a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three of her former background dancers.
Through her fashion, words, and actions, Lizzo continues to serve as a beacon of self-love and positivity, challenging societal norms and embracing one's true self, irrespective of external opinion or unwarranted criticism.
Justin Bieber And Hailey Baldwin Expecting First Child, Renewing Wedding Vows
One of the pictures seemingly shows the couple either renewing their vows or recreating their wedding at the altar.
For years, the Biebers have been vocal about their desire to start a family. Justin, the beloved "Favorite Girl" singer, and Hailey, the renowned model, have never made it a secret that having children was something they both eagerly anticipated.
"I love kids and I can't wait to have my own. I would say now that's a closer reality," Hailey once shared in an interview with Vogue Arabia. Justin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of family over his career and expressing his eagerness to focus on his mental health and marriage to ensure he could be the father he aspired to be.
Despite dealing with public speculation and privacy invasions, including unfounded pregnancy rumors and intrusive paparazzi moments, the couple has maintained a united front. They have been candid about their fears and ambitions concerning parenthood, navigating the balance between public personas and private lives with grace.
Justin and Hailey's journey to parenthood hasn't been without its introspective moments. Hailey openly discussed her initial fears of motherhood and the pressure of societal expectations, while Justin highlighted the importance of timing and respect for Hailey's personal and professional goals. Their story reflects a larger narrative of young couples today, wrestling with the balance of career aspirations and the profound desire for family.
As the Biebers prepare to welcome their newest addition, they remain focused on the future, envisioning a large family and embracing the challenges and rewards of parenthood. Their story is a testament to the power of love, patience, and partnership in navigating life's most significant transitions. Fans and followers around the world eagerly anticipate updates on the couple's journey, celebrating each milestone along the way to welcoming the newest Bieber.
Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife wrote she never 'really' loved him. How he responded
The NBA legend's fans applauded his "mature" response after ex-wife Shaunie Henderson made the candid admission in a new memoir.
Shaquille O’Neal appeared to respond to his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson's memoir. In it, she wrote that she may never have "really" loved him.
Henderson opened up about her marriage to the former Los Angeles Laker, which was plagued by infidelity, in her new memoir, "Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms."
The former couple was married from 2002 to 2011.
“Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with," Henderson wrote in her candid book, which was published May 7.
The former “Basketball Wives” star added that her relationship with the wealthy NBA star was ultimately strained by the "thousands of women throwing themselves" at him.
O’Neal admitted to cheating on Henderson in his 2011 memoir, “Shaq Uncut: My Story.”
In December 2022, the former basketball star told E! News that he regretted the failure of his marriage to Henderson. “You don’t know how good you got something till it’s gone,” said the athlete. “I mentioned about having a 76,000-square-foot house and nobody in there. That was all my fault.”
“I didn’t do the right thing,” he added, “and I definitely paid for it.”
In her memoir, Henderson said they discussed his infidelity after their divorce.
“A few years after our divorce we had a very honest and satisfying conversation. He talked about his infidelity and said, ‘What’s crazy is that cheating was an ego boost. It wasn’t even about the girl. It wasn’t about me falling for someone or having feelings for her. It was about getting away with it.’ It was, he said, about getting another girl, and then another, and then another. It was about conquest. He knew that in no way justified his behavior, but I appreciated his honesty about it,” she wrote.
The day after Henderson's book was published, O'Neal, 52, appeared to respond on Instagram.
"I understand...I wouldn't have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best...All love, Shaq," he wrote.
O'Neal added in his caption, "Trust me i get it."
The former couple's older son, basketball star Shaqir O’Neal, showed his support for his dad, writing, "You know i love ya twin," in the comments of the elder O'Neal's Instagram post.
Fans commented to applaud the basketball legend's understanding response to his ex-wife's admission as well as the "ownership" he's taken for his past actions.
"This is mature," wrote one.
"Gots to love the accountability," remarked another.
"Love the response, grown man ish. A sign of being at peace," added someone else.
During their time together, the pair welcomed four kids, sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah.
Henderson is also mom to an older son, Myles, from a previous relationship while O’Neal shares an older daughter, Taahirah, with ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh.
Henderson married Texas-based pastor Keion Henderson in 2022.
Florida deputies who fatally shot US airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, who was based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, was in his off-base apartment in Fort Walton Beach when the shooting happened on May 3.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said in a statement that Fortson was on a Facetime call with a woman at the time of the encounter.
According to Crump, the woman, whom Crump didn’t identify, said Fortson was alone in his apartment when he heard a knock at the door. He asked who was there but didn’t get a response. A few minutes later, Fortson heard a louder knock but didn’t see anyone when he looked through the peephole, Crump said, citing the woman’s account.
The woman said Fortson was concerned and went to retrieve his gun, which Crump said was legally owned.
As Fortson walked back through his living room, deputies burst through the door, saw that Fortson was armed and shot him six times, according to Crump’s statement. The woman said Fortson was on the ground, saying, “I can’t breathe,” after he was shot, Crump said.
Fortson died at a hospital, officials said. The deputy involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
The woman said Fortson wasn’t causing a disturbance during their Facetime call and believes that the deputies must have had the wrong apartment, Crump’s statement said.
“The circumstances surrounding Roger’s death raise serious questions that demand immediate answers from authorities, especially considering the alarming witness statement that the police entered the wrong apartment,” Crump said.
“We are calling for transparency in the investigation into Roger’s death and the immediate release of body cam video to the family,” Crump said. “His family and the public deserve to know what occurred in the moments leading up to this tragedy.”ADVERTISEMENT
Crump is a nationally known attorney based in Tallahassee, Florida. He has been involved in multiple high-profile law enforcement shooting cases involving Black people, including those of Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and George Floyd.
Crump and Fortson’s family plan to speak at a news conference in Fort Walton Beach on Thursday morning.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office didn’t immediately respond to an email or voicemail from The Associated Press seeking comment about Crump’s claims. But Sheriff Eric Aden posted a statement on Facebook Wednesday afternoon expressing sadness about the shooting.
“At this time, we humbly ask for our community’s patience as we work to understand the facts that resulted in this tragic event,” Aden said.
The sheriff’s office said in a statement last week that a deputy responding to a call of a disturbance in progress at the apartment complex reacted in self-defense after encountering an armed man. The office did not offer details on what kind of disturbance deputies were responding to or who called them.
The sheriff’s office also declined to immediately identify the responding deputies or their races. Officials said earlier this week that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the local State Attorney’s Office will investigate the shooting.
FDLE spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger told The Associated Press on Wednesday that it is highly unlikely the agency will have any further comment until the investigation is complete.
Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles as a member of the squadron’s AC-130J Ghostrider aircrew was to load the gunship’s 30mm and 105mm cannons during missions.
Fortson’s death draws striking similarities to other Black people killed in recent years by police in their homes, in circumstances that involved officers responding to the wrong address or responding to service calls with wanton uses of deadly force.
In 2018, a white former Dallas police offer fatally shot Botham Jean, an unarmed Black man, after mistaking his apartment for her own. Amber Guyger, the former officer, was found guilty of murder the following year and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In 2019, a white former Fort Worth, Texas, officer fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson through a rear window of her home after responding to a nonemergency call reporting that Jefferson’s front door was open. Aaron Dean, the former officer, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison.
Crump has represented families in both cases as part of his ongoing effort to force accountability for the killings of Black people at the hands of police.
“What I’m trying to do, as much as I can, even sometimes singlehandedly, is increase the value of Black life,” Crump told The Associated Press in 2021 following the conviction a former Minneapolis officer in the murder of George Floyd.
Fort Walton Beach is between Panama City Beach and Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.
DJ Vlad apologizes after Twitter goes at his neck over threat to Black professor
Over the weekend, the rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake inadvertently created another beef between DJ Vlad and New York Times bestseller Morgan Jerkins. It all began on Saturday (May 4) when the VladTV creator complained about the mixing behind Lamar's "Not Like Us" single, which prompted plenty of criticism on Twitter. It was Morgan’s response that got his attention. "You are WHITE. This is a BLACK FOLK AFFAIR," she wrote.
In now-deleted messages, Vlad took issue with Morgan, who teaches for Princeton University's Creative Writing department. “Wait, so a professor... is telling me that a white person shouldn’t be allowed to voice their opinion about Hip Hop?" he asked. "Is that how you interact with your students?” A back-and-forth between the two escalated after Vlad seemingly threatened to get Morgan fired from the New Jersey institution, stating that he’ll be "reaching out to Princeton" about the matter.
The Ukrainian-American interviewer quickly received backlash, with many calling him a "Karen" for his remarks. It was also revealed that Morgan is the niece of famed producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. "I thought my last name was a dead giveaway! Ain’t too many Jerkinses just walking about," she joked.
Things got worse for him after he claimed he was merely trolling in a subsequent tweet. "Let me clear the air and state that I never had any intention of filing a complaint to Princeton," he stated. Morgan retorted by calling Vlad's post "a lie." "He tagged my employer multiple times with the intention to professionally harm me. I didn’t troll. I centered Black people in a discussion on Hip Hop and told him to stand down because it’s not his space," she explained before telling him to "stop contacting my family."
Today Vlad provided the “This Will Be My Undoing” author with a formal expression of regret. "After considerable reflection, I would like to apologize... for tagging her job in my replies during our Twitter exchange last weekend," he said. You can see said apology and reactions from others on social media below.
Bravo Completes Andy Cohen Investigation Into Recent Allegations, His Future at Network Revealed
The network held their own look into the allegations made against him by former Real Housewives stars and they have come to a conclusion.
There has also been talk of Bravo looking to replace Andy amid the allegations, and they have revealed his fate on the network, which is home to Real Housewives and more.
“The outside investigation into the recent allegations made by Brandi Glanville and Leah McSweeney against Andy Cohen has now been completed, and the claims were found to be unsubstantiated,” a Bravo spokesperson shared in a statement to Variety.
Earlier this week, Andy responded to the allegations, in part, saying, “I have no regrets about the way I’ve handled anything.” Find out what he said about all of the different allegations and criticisms.
Andy will remain at Bravo and his late night show, Watch What Happens Live, has just been renewed for another season, along with 14 other Bravo shows!
In addition, he will continue as an executive producer on the Real Housewives franchise.
Jodie Whittaker Gave Ncuti Gatwa Advice on How to Navigate ‘Doctor Who’ Casting Backlash
Ncuti Gatwa, who stars as the Fifteenth Doctor in the new season of Doctor Who, makes history as the first Black Doctor in the long-running franchise, and is opening up about dealing with race in the series.
“I think that there would be no way to not, you have to address race,” Gatwa told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s Los Angeles premiere on Wednesday. “This is the first time the Doctor has been Black for this long and he tends to spend most of his time on Earth, it’s a favorite of his, and so yeah, it would be essential to explore race within his tenure.”
“It’s something that I would want to do and like I don’t think you could ignore it,” the star added, teasing, “You can’t ignore my chocolate-ness, so we’re not going to ignore it.”
When his casting was first announced, Gatwa was forced to deal with racist and homophobic backlash in joining the 60-year-old universe. At Wednesday’s premiere, he revealed that Jodie Whittaker — who played the Thirteenth Doctor, marking the first female star — was there with advice.
“Jodie Whittaker, who very famously brought down barriers before me, the first female Doctor, just gave me a lot of advice on how to handle all the difference of opinions that might come your way, and just handling the pressure off screen,” Gatwa said. “It’s an institution of a role and when you’re stepping in as someone that’s not been what people are expecting, let’s say, you’re going to get a lot of opinions in your face and she just helped me manage that.”
The Disney+ series follows The Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson) as they travel across time and space, with adventures spanning from the Regency era in England to future worlds in the famous TARDIS time machine. Gatwa named the Regency and ’60s time periods as his favorites, saying, “those costumes were so much fun.”
Doctor Who starts streaming Friday on Disney+.
Brittney Griner Recounts Russian Prison Guards’ Attempt to Place Her in Men’s Cell
The two-time Olympic gold medalist said the conditions were frigid and took a toll on her health, USA Today reports.
“The mattress had a huge blood stain on it and they give you these thin two sheets, so you’re basically laying on bars,” Griner said.
“We had spiders above my bed, making a nest. My dreads started to freeze. They would just stay wet and cold and I was getting sick. You got to do what you got to do to survive.”
According to Griner, prisoners in the penal colony endured harsh conditions and mandatory labor.
“It’s a work camp. You go there to work. There’s no rest,” she said.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Griner said Russian prison guards attempted to place her in a men’s cell.
“I was terrified when I was thinking about going to that jail. Because I was like, ‘What game are they gonna play?’” Griner said. “And I soon found one of the games [was] trying to tell me to go into one of the men’s cells. And I’m like, ‘I’m not going in that cell.’ And then the other guard said something in Russian and shook his hand and then they take me to the women’s side. And I was just, like, ‘See, it’s a game,’ you know?”
In February 2022, Griner was playing in Russia when she was jailed after vape cartridges were found in her luggage at the Moscow airport. After six months on lockdown in the country, she received a nine-year sentence. She spent 10 months imprisoned before returning to the U.S. in exchange for infamous arms dealer Viktor Bout.
You can order Griner’s book, “Coming Home,” here https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739901/coming-home-by-brittney-griner-with-michelle-burford/
Questlove Not Feeling Kendrick Lamar/Drake Rap Beef: ‘Hip Hop is Truly Dead’
*While the intense rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated the hip-hop world, Questlove remains unenthused, as is Ice Cube, surprisingly.
Questlove, The Roots’ renowned drummer, expressed his discontent in an Instagram post, calling into question the very lifeblood of hip-hop. He took issue with the personal nature of their lyrical joust, which involved family members and baseless, salacious claims within their diss tracks.
“Nobody won the war. This wasn’t about skill. This was wrestling match-level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary — women & children (& actual facts) be damned. Same audience wanting blood will soon put up ‘rip’ posts like they weren’t part of the problem. Hip Hop truly is dead,” Questlove remarked.
Continuing his critique, Questlove questioned the moral direction of the artists, provocatively captioning: “Here We Are Now…Entertain us?”
The feud between Lamar and Drake has been marked by acrimonious exchanges, with Drake targeting Lamar’s personal life and Lamar retaliating with serious accusations against Drake, casting a shadow on his moral character.
Furthermore, Ice Cube has lent his voice to the conversation. The rapper, known for his own history of feuds, has evolved over the years. He relayed his reservations about the growing volatility in rap beefs during an interview, cautioning against the risk of these disputes escalating dangerously.
“Beefs are volatile. You always have to be careful that a beef doesn’t turn into a murder,” he told Canada’s E-Talk, according to HipHopDX. “Back in the day, you’d do a diss record, but it would stay somewhat in the Hip Hop community. Now, it’s all over the world. All walks of life know what’s going on. And some people can’t really take that kind of humiliation. I don’t really like seeing rappers beef.
Despite acknowledging beefs as an element of the hip-hop industry, he revealed his discomfort with them, stating, “I don’t really like seeing rappers beef. I don’t think it’s necessary to have a great career.”
In this climate of heightened lyrical warfare, what’s your take on the positions held by Questlove and Ice Cube?
NBA suspends Bucks' Patrick Beverley for four games
Indianapolis police announced Wednesday they were opening an investigation into "an NBA player and citizen" altercation, after Beverley threw a ball multiple times in the fourth quarter of what ultimately became a 120-98 loss to the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse a week ago.
Cameras showed Beverley throwing a ball into the stands, where it hit a fan in the head. After he asked for the ball back, and had it thrown back to him, he then fired it back at that fan.
Police said in a news release the case has been forwarded to detectives "who are currently investigating this situation and take all accusations seriously," and that the case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office after the investigation is completed.
In an episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast" released Wednesday, Beverley said he was called a word that he'd never been called before but added that his own actions were "still inexcusable."
"I will be better," he said. "I have to be better, and I will be better. That should have never happened. Regardless of what was said, that should have never happened. Simple as that."
Beverley, who was on a minimum contract this season with the Philadelphia 76ers and then the Bucks, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He would lose roughly $90,000 as a result of the suspension if he signs a minimum contract again next season, which is projected to be $3.3 million, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.
After the game, Beverley wouldn't allow Adams to ask him a question in a group interview in the locker room. He said it was because she didn't subscribe to his podcast. Beverley told her to get her microphone out of his face and eventually asked her to leave the interview circle.
On his podcast Wednesday, Beverley said he had asked that of reporters who interviewed him ever since he launched his podcast. Beverley said he told Adams that "it was never my intent to disrespect you."
Tim Frank, the NBA's senior vice president of league operations communications, said in a statement that, "Patrick Beverley's behavior towards ESPN producer Malinda Adams was unacceptable, unprofessional and failed to meet the standard that NBA players consistently meet in their interactions with the media."
This isn't the first time that Beverley, who just completed his 12th season in the NBA, has been suspended at the conclusion of a campaign. In 2021, he was hit with a one-game suspension while playing for the LA Clippers after shoving Chris Paul in the back as both players were walking to their respective benches late in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals.
He served that suspension in the opener of the 2021-22 season as a result.
Beverley, who will turn 36 in July, averaged 8.2 points and 5.5 assists across the six games against Indiana in the playoffs, starting all of them.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
GOING SHOPPING?
Just browsing, I guess.
Just browsing, I guess.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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