celebrity news
Page: 13
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Roll call votes at political conventions are often seen as routine, even dull, but on Tuesday (Aug. 20), the Democratic Party turned tradition on its head, delivering an electrifying dance party during their convention.
DJ Cassidy, dressed sharply in a royal blue satin double-breasted suit, set the stage by spinning a carefully curated playlist that captured the essence of each state and territory as they pledged their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris. What unfolded was a musical journey across America, featuring everything from Detroit native Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, to Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California.
Georgia’s delegation took the celebration to the next level, with Atlanta’s own Lil Jon making a live appearance at Chicago’s United Center, energizing the crowd to the beats of his hit “Turn Down for What,” a collaboration with DJ Snake.
The Democrats’ approach was clear: they aimed to infuse their convention with joy and optimism, a vibrant counterbalance to the serious messages about the importance of defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
This year’s roll call echoed the innovative video roll call of the 2020 convention, held during the pandemic, which famously featured Rhode Island’s calamari presentation. That moment set a high bar, compelling the Democrats to up the ante in 2024. (Ironically, the chef behind that tray of calamari was later revealed to be a Trump supporter.)
Emerging political leaders like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were front and center during this year’s roll call. The star-studded event also featured movie director Spike Lee representing New York and actor Sean Astin, known for his role in the football film “Rudy,” joining the Indiana delegation.
While the musical choices brought a festive atmosphere, they also carried a degree of risk. The 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago is still remembered for the awkward spectacle of delegates attempting the Macarena to Los del Río’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix).” That moment continues to circulate as a lighthearted political memory decades later.
Florida made a pointed statement by choosing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” as their roll call anthem, subtly jabbing at Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Petty, a Gainesville native, had his song co-opted by DeSantis for his unsuccessful presidential primary campaign, making Florida’s choice all the more symbolic. “Florida is worth fighting for,” declared state Democratic chairwoman Nikki Fried, emphasizing the importance of national Democrats investing in a state that has shifted sharply to the right.
Other musical highlights included Alabama’s inevitable choice of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Alaska’s nod to Wasilla’s own Portugal. The Man with “Feel It Still,” and Minnesota’s tribute to Prince with “1999.” Indiana, with Astin at the helm, played Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Nevada went with Las Vegas-born The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” Kansas opted for the rock classic “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, and New Jersey paid homage to Bruce Springsteen with “Born in the USA.”
Despite the celebratory tone, the roll call wasn’t without its poignant moments. Texas delegate Kate Cox shared a personal and emotional story, recounting how she was forced to seek an abortion out of state after being denied the procedure by the Texas Supreme Court. Amid this backdrop, Cox joyfully announced that she is expecting again, with her baby due in January.
Under the Democratic Party’s rules, Vice President Kamala Harris was the only candidate to receive enough nominations to be formally entered into contention. Votes cast for other candidates or as uncommitted were recorded as “present” during the earlier virtual roll call. Tuesday’s lively and symbolic roll call was a reflection of the results of that earlier vote.
The Democrats’ roll call vote, transformed into a joyous celebration, showcased their commitment to energizing their base while delivering a powerful message of unity and purpose.
The full list:
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
The Democratic National Convention kicked off on Monday (August 19) in Chicago, and the early returns suggest that things are off to a roaring start. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered one of the more fiery speeches of the evening, aiming at Donald Trump and his record of busting unions while also praising Vice President Kamala Harris.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was among several Democratic Party stars to deliver standout speeches, including former First Lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and a spirited showing from President Joe Biden.
Ocasio-Cortez’s speech opened with how just six years prior, she was working as a waitress in New York City after graduating from Boston College. During that time, Ocasio-Cortez worked alongside her mother to fight foreclosure on their home.
As the speech rolled on, Ocasio-Cortez aimed her attention at Donald Trump, attacking the former president on rumored financial cronyism among other digs.
“Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,” Ocasio-Cortez said during the speech to loud applause.
She added, “And I, for one, am tired of hearing about how a two-bit union buster thinks of himself as more of a patriot than the woman who fights every single day to lift working people out from under the boots of greed, trampling on our way of life.”
Ocasio-Cortez also used her speech to graciously praise President Biden for his leadership and framed Vice President Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz as champions for the middle class. This too also garnered heavy applause from the attendees at the United Center.
On X, formerly Twitter, the reactions to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s speech at the Democratic National Convention have been plentiful. We’ve got them listed down below.
A video of the speech is posted below, courtesy of PBS NewsHour.
—
Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Roc Nation, an entertainment company that encompasses music, sports management, film, and more, recently announced a merger of two existing divisions that will provide a new opportunity for artists. With the merger of the label and the company’s Equity Distribution arm, the new distribution division will empower all artists who sign while allowing them to remain independent.
The new venture will give signees access to a bevy of resources that includes advice from label staff, data analytics, technology, and more, all while maintaining their independence, which includes keeping control of their master recordings.
More from a recent press release:
ROC Nation distribution is a hybrid, offering a unique blend of services. Artists who partner with ROC Nation distribution are independent, retain ownership of their master’s and creative control of their art. Artists also receive data analytics from a proprietary dashboard and have the ability to opt into various services across the company. We will sign all artists in all genres around the world.
Roc Nation was founded with an independent spirit and an artist-first mentality. The formation of ROC Nation distribution is a natural transition in the music space. The mission is to support and empower independent artists while providing them the tools and services to distribute their music. All artists signed to Roc Nation Label will join and benefit from the new ROC Nation distribution structure.
For artists who wish to learn more, please follow this link.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
YG has never shied away from mentioning his ties to the Piru street gang, and he recently used his connection and influence to broker a peace walk between rival Piru gangs. Over the weekend, YG held the walk in his hometown of Compton, Calif. while also stopping for lunch at an iconic burger spot in Hub City.
As reported by TMZ, YG held the walk on Sunday, (August 18) with the Treetop Pirus, who he is a member of, and the Fruit Town Pirus, both said to be factions of the larger Bloods street gang organization. According to a note from the rapper’s publicist team, around 50,000 people marched.
The march began at local Gonzales Parks around 2 PM local time with plenty of photos being taken and with young families also taking part in the festivities. According to the outlet, The Game, who also hails from Compton, was in attendance and took pictures with attendees. Wallie The Sensei also joined in.
During the walk, the “My Hitta” rapper made a stop at Tam’s Burgers for a bite to eat with some of the marchers joining in. Some might recall seeing Tam’s Burgers in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video.
According to the outlet, the event was part of YG’s larger efforts to broker peace between the gang factions. This isn’t new for the Just Re’d Up 3 artist as he’s enacted a mobile mental health program previously, along with other philanthropic events.
—
Photo: Brandon Espeleta
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: COACH / Coach
Jayson Tatum is extending his winning streak in a major way. He is now the face of the Coach For Men fragrance.
Source: COACH / Coach
As reported by High Snobiety, the Boston Celtics power forward has taken his talents to the men’s grooming category. This week, the apparel and leather goods brand launched their Coach For Men Eau De Toilette. Jayson Tatum stars in the advertisement proving he can use his star power off the court. Shot by Keizo Kitajuma, the still image campaign features the St. Louis Missouri native walking throughout downtown Manhattan. In a promotional trailer we see Tatum getting ready for his day with a couple of sprays of the fragrance.
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, he speaks on why Coach For Men made so much sense for him. “To me, the scent is all about confidence. I can wear it for any occasion, and it gives me that finishing touch, almost like a confidence boost. I know when I put it on, I’m ready to go out and feel my best,” he said. When asked about being chosen for the opportunity he made it clear he was excited. “It means a lot, I definitely don’t take it for granted,” Tatum explained. “I’m grateful to tell my story through the lens of the campaign.”
Coach For Men symbolizes “the spirit of the brand” and is inspired by “mavericks, rebels and all-American dreamers.” Coach For Men features notes of citrus and pear on the opening and settles with a base of suede and ambergris. You can shop it here.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Taylor Swift and Ye, also known as Kanye West, will probably never end up being friends after the producer crashed the singer’s big moment at the 2009 MTV VMAs. If recent chatter is true, Taylor Swift changed her track “thanK you aIMee, with the letters, K, I, and M capitalized as a rumored shot at Kim Kardashian but now the song is titled “thank You aimEe,” capitalizing the letters Y and E.
Via the X Taylor Swift fan account @chartstswift, the song title change was highlighted. The song appears on Swift’s eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, and was assumed by fans and observers to be a dig at Kardashian. Ye and Kardashian reportedly recorded a phone call with Swift and altered the audio to make it appear that the singer agreed to a line Ye uttered on the track “Famous” from his The Life of Pablo album. Kardashian posted the audio to her social media channels, and it’s been up ever since for Swift apparently.
Of course, Swift hasn’t confirmed the rumors but that hasn’t stopped the Swifties from piecing together their theories, and considering how the beef started, who could blame them?
If you wanted to check out Taylor Swift’s “thank You aimEe” for yourself, it appears the track was initially being sold as a live song version but is no longer being sold on her website.
—
Photo: Kevin Winter/MTV1415 / Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Charles Barkley already answered the prayers of thousands of Inside The NBA fans by walking back his retirement talk from earlier this year. In a new interview, the basketball legend says he left $100 million on the table to remain with Turner Sports and helped save jobs in the process.
Charles Barkley, 61, was a guest on The Dan Le Batard Show and shared details from his vantage point on Turner Sports losing out on the new NBA media rights deal, which would begin after the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Chuckster, who has been vocally loyal to the Inside The NBA studio staff, says he turned down bigger offers to help keep his team intact and employed.
“The number one thing for me is my people from Turner get to keep their jobs for at least another year,” Barkley said to Le Batard. “That’s all I was concerned with.”
Barkley added that he was courted by several suitors but decided to not leave his TNT crew in a lurch.
“I want to thank all of those networks for reaching out to me. It was really humbling and cool, to be honest with you. Even though they were throwing crazy numbers, like damn, but as long as I got my people safe at TNT man, I feel really good,” Barkley said.
It appears that the Inside The NBA crew will continue beyond the end of the NBA’s contract with Turner Sports. The NBA’s new 11-year deal will bring games to NBC and Amazon Prime Video, along with ESPN.
Charles Barkley also covers the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament by way of a media partnership with Turner Sports and CBS.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Quando Rondo was in court earlier this week in connection to his drug case in Georgia, changing his previous not-guilty plea to guilty inside a federal court. With the rapper pleading guilty to a lesser charge, Quando Rondo still faces up to five years behind bars in connection to the matter.
As reported by WSAV, Quando Rondo, 25, appeared in court this past Tuesday (August 13) to change his not-guilty plea to guilty for a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana charge.
After his court appearance, the rapper, real name Tyquian Bowman, told WSAV that he’s on a new path and hopes that it reflects in his actions going forward.
“I just want everybody to know I’m a changed person, I’m changing every day, and God has the last say so, Rondo said.
Adding to his statement to the press, Rondo apologized to his hometown in a bid to further display his changed ways.
“I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah, and I want to give an apology to my family, friends, loved ones, most of all to my daughters,” Rondo added.
The rapper is still releasing music and has a new project, Here For A Reason, to release on Friday (August 16) according to WSAV’s report.
“I’m forever gonna rap! Nothing can affect music,” Rondo shared with WSAV.
Quando Rondo is due back in court on December 12 for his sentencing and will remain free on bond until then.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty
One of the culture’s most beloved creatives might be finally working with the world’s most popular streetwear label. A SUPREME x Tyler, The Creator drop might be on the way.
As reported by Highsnobiety, the New York-based company looks to be partnering with the face of GOLF le FLEUR. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, SUPREME posted some photographs of him sporting their signature box logo t-shirt. The “See You Again” MC is pictured wearing a hunting hat with the ear flaps tied up with what seems to be a silk-printed scarf slightly protruding from the collar. “Tyler, The Creator for Supreme, 2024,” the caption read.
While the clothing brand didn’t share any more details, Tyler left a comment saying, “MR. GREEN HAT REALLY,” which is a reference to not only his lyrics on “Session” from Bastard but also his history of wearing green SUPREME hats during his Odd Future days. The following day, posters with the same visuals appeared on the streets of London.
Tyler, The Creator has seemed to thrive in the fashion industry. Back in February it was announced he designed a menswear collection for Louis Vuitton. Prior to that, he and A$AP Rocky were the face of a 2020 Gucci campaign. At this time there is no release date on the Tyler, The Creator x SUPREME drop.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Julia Beverly / Getty
The man charged in the 2015 murder of New York City rapper Chinx was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
On Monday (Aug. 12), Quincy Homere was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the killing of New York rapper Chinx. Homere, also known as “Q” or “Qwality,” received the sentence in a Queens courtroom. The 32-year-old pled guilty to manslaughter the month before. At the time of his death, Chinx was enjoying a fair amount of success with a series of mixtapes and being signed to French Montana’s label. “Homere fired numerous rounds into Pickens’ car while he was stopped at a red light in Briarwood and then fled, leaving the young man for dead,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz in a statement after the sentencing. “Nothing can undo what happened, but I hope today’s sentence brings some solace to Pickens’ loved ones as they continue to grieve.”
The murder took place on May 17, 2015, as Chinx, aka Lionel Pickens Jr., had stopped at a red light on his way home from a show in Brooklyn. Homere was identified as the shooter with an accomplice, Jamar Hill. Homere would make a statement in court. “I’d like to express my condolences to the family and anyone else that was affected with what happened here,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s words that can express the way I feel about what transpired here.” Chinx’s widow, Janelli Caceres-Pickens, also delivered a statement to the court, saying: “I was told I had two minutes to say goodbye, holding his mother’s hand, watching his lifeless body, praying and crying for him to wake up. A mother has to bury her son. At the age of 28, I had become a widow. My children, who were 15, 11, and 4, are now without a dad.”
Homere and Hill were identified as suspects in the killing in 2017 by DA Katz, with both pleading not guilty at the time of their arrest. They were indicted on five counts, one count each of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Sources close to Homere stated that jealousy was a factor in the killing and court documents that the two “hunted Chinx down like an animal” due to a dispute they had over a phone while incarcerated on Rikers Island. Hill’s case has not been settled as he’s currently incarcerated for an unrelated charge.