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14 Jun 2024

Refused Cancel Swedish Festival Gig After Singer Dennis Lyxzén Suffers ‘Massive’ Heart Attack: ‘Really Shook Up’

Beloved Swedish punk rockers Refused had to cancel their gig at Stockholm’s Rosendal Garden Party festival this weekend after singer Dennis Lyxzén revealed that he’d suffered a heart attack. The show, which was hyped as the band’s final festival gig in Sweden, was scotched after Lyxzén was hospitalized and told to rest by doctors.

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“So this morning I had a massive heart attack at my hotel room. It’s was extremely painful and wildly scary,” the singer said on Thursday (June 13) alongside a photo of him in the hospital hooked up to a raft of medical devices. “Thanks the the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Uppsala hospital I’m still around to fight another day. Under the circumstances I feel ok. Sore and tired and really shook up.”

In addition to their festival swan song, the gig would also have been the Refused’s first show in four years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to cancel their 2020 North American tour after a March 9 gig in Los Angeles.

Trending on Billboard

“I real really hate cancelling show but the doctor said no rock for a couple of weeks,” Lyxzén continued. “Which means that the @refused show at @rosendalgardenparty is not happening.
A complete bummer as I was really looking forward to it. But hopefully I/we will be able to make up to you soon.” He said the good news was that with medication his doctors believe he can be up and rocking again “hopefully sooner than later.”

The band released a trio of blistering post-hardcore albums in the 1990s, including their smash mouth 1994 debut, This Just Might Be… The Truth, followed by 1996’s equally blistering Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent and the LP that is considered to be their creative peak, 1998’s The Shape of Punk to Come, which added some jazzy and experimental elements to the songs again driven by Lyxzén’s primal howl vocals.

After breaking up following the tour for Shape — with Lyxzén going on to form The (International) Noise Conspiracy — they reunited in 2012 for a tour and two more albums, 2015’s Freedom and 2019’s War Music.

Lyxzén ended his message with a note of hope and gratitude, signing off, “Life is weird and precious. Take care of each and tell your loved ones that you love them.”

The post got lots of love from Lyxzén’s punk brethren, including Thursday singer Geoff Rickly, who wrote, “Take it easy. Rest up. We need people like you man” and Epitaph Records founder/Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, who said, “Sending you love and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery my friend”; Epitaph released Freedom. The singer also got love from the bands Snapcase, Sick of It All, Rancid’s Lars Frederiksen, Thursday and DJ Steve Aoki, among others.

See Lyxzén’s post below.

14 Jun 2024

Taylor Swift Couldn’t Make It To Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl Ring Ceremony, But She Stayed Up Late to Watch on IG: ‘LETS GOOOOOOOO’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have made a very sweet habit of flying across the planet to support each other over the past nine months, but on Thursday (June 13), Swift could not make the quick pond hop to help the Kansas City Chiefs tight end celebrate the team’s Super Bowl ring ceremony. She had a great excuse, though: she was preparing for her second and third shows at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium in England, tonight (June 14) and tomorrow night (June 15).

The Chiefs gathered on Thursday at KC’s Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for the final celebration of this year’s Super Bowl LVIII win over the San Francisco 49ers and to pick up their mega-bling rings, which each shine with 529 diamonds and 38 rubies. Always-dapper Kelce showed up in a red suit and white t-shirt, and while Taylor could not be there to celebrate with him, she dipped into the IG live feed of wide receiver Mecole Hardman’s partner, Chariah Gordon, to follow along.

Trending on Billboard

The singer also jumped into the comments to express her excitement — according to screenshots posted by fans — getting hyped with a series of all-caps posts. “YESSSSSS,” she wrote in a compilation of the comments posted on X. That was followed by, “CONGRATULATIONS,” “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,” “JOINING THE PARTY FROM LIVERPOOL LETS GOOOOOOO.” The football-loving pop star who became a fixture at Chiefs games last year even took time to congratulate Hardman for signing a contract extension with the team, writing, “AND WE GET ANOTHER YEAR OF MECOLE.”

But, alas, due to the five hour time difference, Swift had to get some shut eye to prepare for Friday night’s (June 14) second Eras Tour show in Liverpool, so she signed off by saying, “Gotta go to sleep it’s so late here love you guys.” At press time a spokesperson for Swift had not returned requests seeking confirmation that the comments were posted by the singer.

Check out the Chiefs rings, pictures of Kelce from the ceremony and screenshots of Taylor’s ceremony dip-in.

13 Jun 2024

For Papas That Puff & Dads Who Dab: Check Out Our 2024 Father’s Day Cannabis Gift Guide #FathersDay

The beauty of Father’s Day is that it is a time to celebrate the old man who was always in your corner, or just had an ear for you when it was a tough time. Dads are also versatile people and some of them are cannabis enthusiasts or maybe a little curious so we’ve whipped together a handy Father’s Day gift guide for the Canna-Dads out there.

Similar to the guides I’ve done before, I’ll mention some cannabis brands we’ve either tried or hope to do so very shortly. I also want to make clear that some of these products have limited availability and I’ll try to add that information in the description.

Lastly, I always want to let readers know that cannabis is intended for individuals over the age of 18 and always want to encourage moderation, even if it’s for therapeutic use. At the end of the day, there is a medical component to cannabis that shouldn’t be ignored.

The stigma around cannabis is largely moving into the realm of acceptance and as a cannabis user myself, I appreciate that science and data are highlighting the benefits versus putting an emphasis on getting stoned although there isn’t anything wrong with that.

For now, enjoy our 2024 Father’s Day Cannabis gift guide, and Happy Father’s Day to you all.

1. 22Red

22Red

Source:22Red

22 Red comes from the mind of musician Shavo Odadjian and covers all your cannabis delivery methods via flower, prerolls, vapes, and more. There is also a merch line and other goodies. Only available in Arizona and Nevada for now.

Learn more here.

2. Airgraft

Airgraft

Source:Airgraft

Airgraft takes the art of vaping far more seriously than I’ve ever seen in the industry in my short time covering it. For starters, the pods are uniquely preset and have to be unlocked using a smartphone to scan a QR code and from there, the magic happens. I don’t want to give it away because it’s genuinely cool. Available in California, Ohio, Missouri, and Washington state.

3. Alien Labs

Alien Labs

Source:Alien Labs

Founded in 2014 by Ted Lidie, Alien Labs is a brand that leans into a bit of skater and pop culture, but not in the corny way that some do it. With expertly curated strains delivered via edibles, flower, and vapes, live resin, Alien Labs has everything you need to take off to the stars.

Learn more here.

4. Autumn Brands

Autumn Brands

Source:Autumn Brands

Autumn Brands stands out in a crowded field due to its wellness segment. Not every Dad into cannabis is looking to ingest their medicine. And if Dad has some creaky bones, Autumn Brands has some infused salves that will come to the rescue.

5. Betty’s Eddies Beachtime Betty’s Strawberry Lemonade Chews

Betty's Eddies Beachtime Betty’s Strawberry Lemonade Chews

Source:Betty’s Eddies

I’ve mentioned Betty’s Eddies in these gift guides before and I always have to share that these are still the best-tasting edibles I’ve experienced. The brand’s latest drop is the Beachtime Betty’s Strawberry Lemonade Chews. Try saying that three times in a row! Available in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts & Puerto Rico.

Learn more here.

6. Blazy Susan

Blazy Susan

Source:Blazy Susan

Blazy Susan is the ultimate one-stop shop for the Dad who Dabs or the Papa who Puffs. From rolling trays, papers, dab tools, and vaporizer batteries, Blazy Susan won’t let you down.

7. Breez

Breez

Source:Breez

Specializing in infused mints, tinctures, flower, prerolls, and beverages, Breez aims to take the fuss out of choosing your preferred path whether you’re ready to turn up or turn down. Available in California with plans to expand.

Learn more here.

8. Bubby’s Baked

Bubby's Baked

Source:Bubby’s Baked

As a man of a certain age, making infused brownies has always been hit or miss. Either I’m using too much of the good stuff or not enough. Bubby’s Baked takes the guesswork out by creating tasty, well-balanced treats that won’t have Dad too baked, pardon the pun. Available in Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

9. Cookies

Cookies

Source:Cookies

Cookies is a brand that focuses on the lure of potent strains with flavor and freshness at the top of the list. Berner has created something of an empire with the brand and its new dual-chamber vapes are about giving Dad a 1-2 punch of cannabis he won’t soon forget. They also have a variety of flowers and CBD too. All of it is quality.

10. Connected

Connected

Source:Connected

Founded in 2009 by Caleb Counts in California, Connected remains committed to providing quality cannabis options to its customers and stellar collaborations with the likes of Lost Farm. Prerolls, flower jars, and vapes make up the bulk of their inventory and there is plenty of heat to choose from. Check out their new 1G live resin all-in-one vapes too.

Learn more here.

11. CQ

CQ

Source:CQ

Some readers may be aware that I cover adult beverages too and sometimes, I want to sip something that isn’t booze. A brand like CQ would be perfect for those who want to sip their cannabis or take a break from alcohol. I also appreciate they have both a high and low-dose offering and are rolling out their new 2oz shots. The high-dose option is only available in select states so check the website.

12. Dazed X Stache Co Update

Dazed X Stache Co Update

Source:Dazed X Stache Co

Dazed and Stache Co have been featured in past guides and they’ve got a fly hoodie collaboration along with Stache’s smell-proof bag so you can, ahem, stash your goods. 

13. Fable

Fable

Source:Fable

The booze-free life isn’t one I’m living just yet but if I do, I’ll be drinking a lot more cannabis. Fable is another brand that’s entering the sippable cannabis space and doing so while bringing something new to the non-alcoholic drinking space. Available for shipping nationwide.

14. GALYNA

GALYNA

Source:GALYNA

The intersection of skincare and cannabis hasn’t been something I’ve examined much in my coverage but GALYNA certainly piqued my interest. The topical application of CBD isn’t new,  but the brand is serious about providing benefits using well-researched data and science to bring their product to market.

Learn more here.

15. Gelato

Gelato

Source:Gelato

Gelato Canna Co. has a product I’ve yet to see on the market with its infused mini-sugar cones. They also have a clever product known as Cookie Crumbs, which is shake and buds from the bottom of the bag. The company also partnered with surfing legend and cinematographer Greg “Geebs” Browning for a brand-new Geebs product line. Available in California and Michigan.

16. G Pen

G Pen

Source:G Pen

G Pen has, in my opinion, the best budget-friendly dry herb vaporizer I’ve ever used. I’m not big into flower, as I always say in these gift guide roundups, but the Dash makes it easy for folks like me. They also have collaborations with Berner’s Cookies brand, B-Real of Cypress Hill fame and the Dr. Greenthumb brand, and Mike Tyson’s Tyson 2.0 cannabis brand.

Learn more here.

17. Happy Eddie

Happy Eddie

Source:Happy Eddie

Eddie Osefo is one of the new players in the cannabis scene in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region and is slowly building an empire along with products that match his cool vibe and positive energy. We haven’t tried Happy Eddie yet (shame on us) and we’ll correct that soon.

18. Hippy Feet

Hippy Feet

Source:Hippy Feet

Switching things up a bit, sometimes your Dad might want to rep the flower of which this gift guide is all about. Hippy Feet, easily one of my favorite brands to cover, has some cannabis crew socks for the Dad who likes to stay lit, literally.

Learn more here.

19. iGrowcan

iGrowcan

Source:iGrowcan

With cannabis laws around the nation slowly relaxing, curious Dads who enjoy the plant can now try their hand at growing via the innovative iGrowcan. This looks a lot better than those huge fish tanks disguised as terrariums when we were in college. Not that I know anything about that.

Learn more here.

20. I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM)

I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM)

Source:ILGM

I Love Growing Marijuana, or ILGM was founded by Robert Bergman, a marijuana enthusiast who became interested in the growing process. Now, ILGM helps other prospective growers on their journey in growing plants with all the tools and guidance stemming from Bergman’s 25 years of experience.

Learn more here.

21. Insa

Insa

Source:Insa

Focusing on the recreational user, INSA covers lots of ground with topicals, flower, tinctures, edibles, and more. I’ve never tried the brand but they literally appear to have every cannabis user’s preference covered. Available in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Learn more here.

22. Lavinia

Lavinia

Source:Lavinia

There are just a handful of brands that were wise to link cannabis with physical intimacy but few are doing it on the level of Lavinia. With before and after sex gummies, and infused lubricants, Dad can reciprocate some of the love he received on his special day if you catch our drift. Available only in California.

Learn more here

23. Muha Meds

Muha Meds

Source:Muha Meds

Muha Meds specializes in high-potency infused prerolls, vape cartridges, gummies, and concentrates. What I thought was dope was the brand’s verification system because you need to know what you’re ingesting out here. Only available in California and Michigan.

Learn more here.

24. Nature’s Heritage

Nature's Heritage

Source:Nature’s Heritage

I don’t do a lot of flower but Nature’s Heritage could make me a convert. Their infused prerolls are for those who can handle flower with a 25 percent boost of bubble hash. They also have vape pens, concentrates, and Rick Simpson Oil on deck. Available in Maryland and Massachusetts.

Learn more here.

25. OCB Brown Rice Cone Bundles

OCB Brown Rice Cone Bundles

Source:OCB

OCB has been in the business of rolling papers since 1918 in the country of France and carry a wide selection of papers made of brown rice, rice paper, organic hemp, and other options. They also design practical trays for all of your rolling needs. Seth Rogen, a champion of cannabis, also has a collaboration with OCB known as Houseplant. Get into it.

Learn more here.

26. Puffco Plus

Puffco Plus

Source:Puffco

Puffco is a mainstay of my cannabis gift guides and for good reason. The brand builds high-quality devices to deliver your cannabis on terms that fit your vibe. Want to get ripped but still feel functional? The Peak Pro is where it’s at. Want to keep it low? The Plus Pen lets Dad get his dabs in while on the move. 

27. Silly Nice

Silly Nice

Source:x

You’re reading this gift guide on a Black-owned publication so we’re always going to highlight brands that share that story. Making waves all across New York, Silly Nice is Black and veteran-owned, so salute to them for that. On my next trip up north, I’ll be showing my support.

28. Stündenglass

Stündenglass

Source:Stündenglass

Those of us of a certain age are familiar with the gravity bong concept. Stündenglass takes that idea and flips it on its head in a good way. This is like the top-of-the-line EV of gravity bongs.

Learn more here.

29. THC Design

THC Design

Source:THC Design

THC Design proudly grows over 75 strains in sativa, hybrid, and indica expressions, and their product can be found in medical and recreational dispensaries across California. The brand also has prerolls for those who want to get right into the business of things.
 
Learn more here.

30. VESSEL

VESSEL

Source:Vessel

I like to think of VESSEL as an accessory shop for the classy cannabis connoisseur. Of course, luxury options in the cannabis space are on the rise but few can match the product lineup VESSEL has in the market. Pictured is the brand’s Compass Rise, which protects your cart, allows you to store it upright, and looks damn cool.  

Learn more here.

13 Jun 2024

LL Cool J Connects With Rick Ross & Fat Joe for Fiery ‘Saturday Night Special’ Single: Stream It Now

LL Cool J is ready to heat up just in time for the summer. The Radio rapper returned on Friday (June 14) with his first single of the year “Saturday Night Special” featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe.

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After connecting with Joey Crack and Rozay, the 56-year-old will look to carry the momentum from “Saturday Night Special” into LL’s first album in over a decade later this year.

“It’s the real deal, baby. It’s go time. ‘Saturday Night Special’ is the first single,” he told fans on social media earlier this week. “I’ll let you know about the features. Couple of days … Hit the link in the bio, you’ll be able to find out a little sooner. Tracklisting for the album is coming. Album will be out in the fall. Yo, it’s on, baby.”

Trending on Billboard

It’s not the first time LL and Fat Joe have connected. The pair of New Yorkers collaborated nearly three decades ago back in 1995 on “I Shot Ya,” which landed on LL Cool J’s Mr. Smith album.

LL Cool J had a busy 2023 as part of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop tribute performance at the Grammy Awards and then trekked across America on The F.O.R.C.E. Live Tour.

The “I’m Bad” rapper was teasing an album throughout last year, which he says is executive-produced by Q-Tip, but decided to pull back on releasing it.

LL sat down with his Rock The Bells platform where he compared himself to NBA superstar LeBron James from a longevity standpoint as it pertains to his legacy in hip-hop.

“I don’t think about my legacy, I’m still creating it,” he explained. “I’ll use LeBron as an example, simply because of his longevity. If you asked him in basketball years, in year 15 what did he think about his legacy, he had a lot of basketball to play in year 15, when a lotta guys were walkin’ away from the game.”

LL continued: “I don’t really concern myself with legacy conversations, that’s gonna be more about the impact that your work had on specific fans. Ultimately your music has to do the talking, there’s nothing you can really say about that. I’m more excited about showing what’s possible.”

Listen to “Saturday Night Special” below.

13 Jun 2024

Moneybagg Yo Returns With ‘Speak Now’ Album Feat. Morgan Wallen, Chris Brown & Lil Durk: Stream It Now

It’s been over three years since Moneybagg Yo’s last album, A Gangsta’s Pain, arrived and the four-digit daily counter can finally be reset.

The Memphis native is back with a part one of an upcoming double-album titled Speak Now, which hit streaming services on Friday (June 14). The project boasts 17 tracks in total and features from Morgan Wallen, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, and more.

“I was really trying to deliver a body of work for my day one fan base who been rocking with me since Federal,” he tells Billboard. “That’s what I did and I mixed it with a sequel, which is called Forever Hold Your Peace.”

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Bag continues of the sequel project coming later this year: “It’s gonna be the more melodic vibes on that. It’s dropping a couple months after the Speak Now situation.”

Trending on Billboard

Speak Now includes previously released singles such as “Play Da Fool, “Tryna Make Sure” and the Rob49-assisted “Bussin.”

At this point in his career, the CMG rapper feels like he doesn’t have anything left to prove in the music game.

“Nah, I feel like right now it’s really just about enjoying what I’m doing and expanding at the same time,” he says. “I don’t feel like I got nothing else to prove. I got all these plaques, I got success. I’m just basically coming off a two-year break. Just letting them know I really do this.”

A Gangsta’s Pain arrived in April 2021 and debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 110,000 album-equivalent units sold in the first week. The platinum project featured Hot 100 hits like “Time Today” and “Wockesha.”

Stream Speak Now here and below.



13 Jun 2024

Normani’s ‘Dopamine’ Is Here: Stream It Now

Normani’s debut album Dopamine has finally arrived.

Since her group Fifth Harmony decided to go on a hiatus so that members can pursue solo projects, Normani has been preparing for this very moment. “The album marks a bold, new chapter for the 27-year-old artist as she fully embraces and celebrates her sexuality, showcasing her journey into divine femininity,” according to a press release. She also appreciates her fans for sticking by her through this long and arduous process telling Billboard News’ Tetris Kelly, “I’m just grateful that everybody is just really excited still for this album and for this body of work. They’ve waited on me, which I don’t really take for granted.”

Since going solo, Normani has hit the Hot 100 chart four times with the songs “Love Lies” with Khalid and “Dancing With A Stranger” with Sam Smith each reaching the top 10. Released in 2021, her lead single “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B charted as well, peaking at No.14 and staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

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In short? She’s a star.

Trending on Billboard

Not only does “Wild Side” appear on the album, the singles “1:59” featuring Gunna and her most recent release “Candy Paint” do as well. Tommy Brown handled the bulk of production and the project features Starrah, Gunna, James Blake, and Cardi B, respectively.

A few weeks back in May, the New Orleans singer released “Dopamine (First Dose)” which serves as the album’s trailer. Normani teases visuals of her and Gunna performing “1:59” and we also catch a glimpse of her dipped in silver while sitting on a rocket as “Candy Paint’ plays at the end.

Stream Dopamine here and below.

13 Jun 2024

R.E.M. Perform Live Together for First Time in 15 Years at Surprise Songwriters Hall of Fame Reunion

R.E.M. told CBS Mornings this week that it would take a comet for them to play together again. Well, apparently they saw one.

For the first time in nearly 16 years, the foursome reunited to sing “Losing My Religion” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame gala in New York on Thursday night (June 13).

The performance was preceded by Jason Isbell, who feted them with a spirited, note-perfect rendition of the tongue-twisting “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” a song he said he learned when he was 10 years old. “R.E.M. was greater than the sum of its parts. R.E.M. moved like a single instrument,” he said.

The Athens, Georgia, foursome — Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Bill Berry and Peter Buck — then came together onstage, with Stipe speaking for all four. “Writing songs and having a catalog of work that we’re all proud of that is out there for the rest of the world for all time is hands-down the most important aspect of what we did. Second to that is that we managed to do so all those decades and remain friends. And not just friends, dear friends,” he said.

“We are four people that very early on decided that we would own our own masters and we would split our royalties and songwriting credits equally,” he continued. “All for one and one for all.”

Trending on Billboard

In a gracious move, Stipe then quickly read a long list of thank yous to people that extended back to its early days on I.R.S. Records up through Warner Records, before concluding by thanking the band’s longtime manager Bertis Downs. 

The band then took center stage, picked up their instruments and, as Stipe said, “Here’s what we did.” 

The band’s last full concert was in November 2008 in Mexico City. The foursome played a private party for Downs in 2016 but had not performed publicly since 2008.

R.E.M. were among the 2024 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Steely Dan (Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker) and Hillary Lindsey, Timothy Mosley (Timbaland), Dean Pitchford and the late Cindy Wlaker at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Thursday night.

13 Jun 2024

Mark Prieto Indicted On Fed Charges For Plot To Shoot Black People

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Mark Adams Prieto

Source: U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA / DOJ

It’s been just over two years since white supremacist murderer Payton Gendron gunned down 10 Black people at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, for no other reason than because they were Black.

Now, in Atlanta, another aggrieved, violent and vehemently anti-Black white man from Arizona has been indicted after his alleged plot to murder innocent Black people at random was discovered, fortunately, before it was carried out. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, 58-year-old Mark Adams Prieto of Prescott, Arizona, was indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury on charges of firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

The indictment came after Prieto, who is—get this—a vendor at a gun show venue in Prescott, had discussions between January and May with two people who, unbeknownst to him, were working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, which most certainly made it inconvenient that Prieto was allegedly discussing plans to commit a mass shooting at a rap concert in the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, which he allegedly targeted due to the city’s large Black population.

From Fox 5:

While authorities do not say what concert, the dates provided in the indictment are the same as two nights of performances by the popular singer Bad Bunny at the venue.

Officials say their investigation began when Prieto told a man at a gun show that he wanted “to incite a race war prior to the 2024 United States Presidential Election.”

Prieto, a vendor at the Crossroads of the West gun shows in his hometown, allegedly would trade his personal firearms, using cash deals to avoid any interference from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

On Jan. 21, officials say Prieto discussed with the source and an undercover FBI agent that he wanted them to help him carry out a shooting at a rap concert in Atlanta, specifically targeting the city because of its Black population.

As reported by the indictment, Prieto said he wanted to target a rap concert because “there would be a high concentration of African Americans” and planned to leave confederate flags after the violence and to shout phrases like “KKK all the way.”

So, just to recap: A white supremacist who is a vendor for gun shows—those places where Second Amendment enthusiasts often go to get around state gun restrictions and regulations—felt comfortable enough at the gun show to openly discuss his desire to gun down Black people for no other reason than because they’re Black, and he planned on targeting a random rap concert in Atlanta because Atlanta has a lot of Black folks and Black folks love rap music. He also planned “to incite a race war prior to the 2024 United States Presidential Election,” and, if we’re keeping it real, one doesn’t have to stress their brain out too much coming up with guesses as to who Prieto was likely planning to vote for if he got the chance. (Hint: It’s the candidate who is also no stranger to federal indictments.)

On May 14, Prieto was pulled over in New Mexico and seven firearms were found in his vehicle. Later, officers searched his home and found more guns, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle. When he was questioned by investigators, Prieto denied he was headed to Atlanta, and, instead, claimed he was going to visit his mother in Florida. However, he did admit to discussing the mass shooting, and admitted to selling an AR-15 to the FBI agent and telling him that it “would be a good gun to use in the attack.”

If Prieto is convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for each charge of firearms trafficking and transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, up to 10 years for having an unregistered firearm, and he could face fines of up to $250,000 for each charge.

We have to be safe out here, Black people. Violent white supremacists are still out here, they’re armed, and they’re clearly feeling emboldened in the era of MAGA.

Stay vigilant, good people.

13 Jun 2024

Jeezy & Jeannie Mai Finalize Divorce, Details Will Be Sealed

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Prabal Gurung - September 2021 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows

Source: Gotham / Getty

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai can finally close the chapter on their short-lived marriage. The two have finalized their divorce.

As reported on TMZ, the high profile couple have formally dissolved their union. According to the documentation obtained by the celebrity gossip site, the request to legally split was agreed by the Superior Court of Fulton County in Georgia. In an effort to keep the details of the divorce private the couple have decided to keep the case sealed. This means the particulars regarding child support, custody and asset splits.

The two originally started dating exclusively back in early 2019 and then went public with their relationship that August. During the height of the pandemic Jeezy proposed to Jeannie Mai to which she said yes. On March 27, 2021, the two would jump the broom in a private ceremony at their Atlanta home. In an interview with Vogue, Jeannie revealed the then couple was supposed to marry earlier, but they had to postpone it. “We had to change all of our wedding plans due to COVID. After Jeezy’s mother unexpectedly passed, we quickly learned that life is too short” she said. “And at the end of the day, Jeezy and I really just wanted to become husband and wife.”

Unfortunately, their bliss was short-lived. On Sept. 14, 2023 the “Put On” rapper filed for divorced citing the two were “currently living in a bona fide state of separation,” and that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.” The two share a daughter together.

13 Jun 2024

The Deals: Twitch Signs Label Licensing Deals for DJ Live-Streams; Tencent Buys $70M Stake in Thailand-Based GMM Music

Twitch signed music licensing deals with all three major labels — Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment — as well as “a large number” of indie labels represented by Merlin, according to a blog post. The deals specifically cover DJs who live-stream on the platform; other uses of music are not covered.

Under the deals, starting this summer, DJs will need to opt into a new agreement that will apply to all streaming on their Twitch channels. Thereafter, a portion of DJs’ earnings on the platform will be paid to music companies, with the majority of those earnings subject to a 50-50 split between DJs and Twitch. To help DJs adjust to the change, Twitch says it will offer a one-year subsidy to help cover the difference in revenue that will be paid out to music companies, with the amount of the subsidy gradually reducing over time.

“It’s crucial that DJs understand the status quo on Twitch was not sustainable, and any viable future for the community required we find a solution,” the blog post reads. “We’ve worked with music partners over the past few years to develop this program. Without it, those who stream DJ content on Twitch without the necessary rights do so at the risk of receiving DMCA notifications and copyright penalties which could restrict their ability to stream on Twitch.”

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According to Twitch, the number of DJs streaming on the platform has “more than quadrupled” since early 2020.

Tencent and its subsidiary Tencent Music Entertainment acquired a 10% stake in Thailand-based entertainment platform GMM Music for $70 million, valuing the company at $700 million. The stake will be paid for with a combination of cash and a minority stake in the Tencent-owned music streaming app JOOX Thailand. According to a press release, the deal “will strengthen GMM Music’s spin-off plan” and allow it “to expand its business, achieve sustainable growth, acquire world-class expertise, and invest in future music innovations to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the global music industry.” In a statement, GMM Music CEO Phawit Chitrakorn said the deal will help the company “drive the New Music Economy in Thailand towards sustainable growth” while allowing it to expand its business in additional markets, including China.

Neon Gold Records, the independent label known for launching the careers of artists including Tove Lo, Charli XCX and MARINA, signed a global distribution agreement with Virgin Music Group. Recent releases from Neon Gold include Good Neighbours’ debut single “Home” (now receiving global support from Capitol and Polydor) and Mt. Joy’s “Highway Queen”; other acts on the roster include The Knocks and Juliana Madrid. The label also revealed its newest signing: alt-pop band Phantogram, whose new single, “All a Mystery,” was released May 31. Neon Gold previously had joint ventures with Columbia (2010-2013) and Atlantic (2014-2024).

Bandcamp partnered with EMPIRE in a deal that will allow the independent record label to expand retail opportunities for its artists, who include Shaboozey, Key Glock, Conway the Machine, Dinner Party, Olamide, Asake and Black Sherif. With the deal, EMPIRE artists will now have the ability to connect with Bandcamp’s community of more than 47 million fans, to whom they can directly sell digital releases, vinyl and exclusive merchandise through the Bandcamp platform.

L.A.-based record label D36, which centers on aspiring musicians from South Asia and its diaspora, formed a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. Through the joint venture, acts of South Asian heritage will better be able to connect with audiences in both South Asia and international markets, including the United States. D36 is run by CEO Abhi Kanakadandila and GM/co-founder Abdullah Ahmad.

The U.K.-based Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) partnered with KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor to help foster the adoption of KUVO’s music identification technology in U.K. venues — all in hopes of ensuring proper royalty payouts for creators of the music DJs play. According to a press release, NTIA will work to make KUVO’s technology “standard practice across the U.K. club and DJ events industry…with a focus on building towards a more transparent and fair music royalty ecosystem within the UK.” There is no cost for venues to participate in the initiative and there will be no effect on the license fees venues pay for music. It also “respects DJ setlist privacy — no details of which DJ played which tracks are captured by the technology and no playlists are publicised,” the release adds.

Downtown Artist & Label Services officially partnered with AI-powered marketing operating system SymphonyOS to offer SymphonyOS marketing tools to Downtown artists at a reduced price. The deal was struck after Downtown ran multiple successful SymphonyOS-driven campaigns with artists including Hunter Hayes, mehro and Ryan Nealon. SymphonyOS offers AI-powered campaign creation, aggregated analytics, a website builder tool and features including Forever Saves, which allows fans to “subscribe” to an artist’s future releases.

1336 Records, a new label venture from System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian, launched in partnership with Sumerian Music Group. The first release under the deal is “Paradise,” the debut single from Seven Hours After Violet — Odadjian’s new band also featuring Taylor Barber (Left To Suffer), Morgoth (Winds of Plague), Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) and Josh Johnson.

SURF Music — a platform that allows songwriters, producers and other creators to connect, collaborate, package, pitch and sell their original unreleased music to Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese labels and A&R professionals — has welcomed Universal Music Japan, Sony Japan, Avex and Fujipacific to the platform as official users. By joining SURF Music, the labels will have the ability to explore SURF’s marketplace of unreleased demos using AI-supported search tools.

VNYLab, a new music platform designed to bring independent artists closer to their fans, acquired Patron Empowerment, the developer of the similar Rhythmic Rebellion platform. The multi-million-dollar deal will accelerate the growth of VNYLab, which is set to officially debut this summer. VNYLab was founded by Jon Zeit, Wes Mason and Nikki Fernandez. Patron Empowerment founder/CEO Greg Allen has joined VNYLab as a partner.

Ford signed a 10-year naming rights agreement with Notes Live for a new music amphitheater coming to Colorado Springs, Colo. The 8,000-capacity venue, formerly known as The Sunset and now called Ford Amphitheater, is set to open on Aug. 9 with a performance by Ryan Tedder and his band OneRepublic.