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The rumors have been swirling around for months, but this week Common and Jennifer Hudson confirmed that they are dating.
The rapper is set to appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show today (Jan. 22).
In a teaser preview, Hudson, 42, introduces the Chicago rapper with a rap freestyle saying, “Now y’all know I’m a singer, but I’ve been around this hip-hop thing a little bit.” When he emerges, Common, 51, presents her with a large floral bouquet.
“Now, we gotta get down to business, Mr. Common. I’m a host and so I have to ask you this question ’cause everybody always wanna know this — are you dating anyone?” Hudson asks in the clip.
“I’m in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I ever met in life,” he said coyly. “She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down-to-earth about her, she’s talented.”
“But I set my standard kind of high because she had to have an EGOT,” he continued. “She had to win an Oscar on her first movie. I set my stand high. She had to get her own talk show.”
In the clip, Hudson blushes at his response.
They then reverse the performance with him asking her if she is seeing anyone and she responds that she is “very happy” in her current relationship.
Common adds, “This relationship is a happy place for me,” he shared. “Seeing her happy actually makes me really happy. So, I’m very grateful. I thank God each and every day, and I’m just letting God guide this relationship.”
The couple are both Chicago natives and rumors have been swirling that they were dating for nearly a year after they were seen out and about together in both Philadelphia and their hometown.
In November, Hudson sat down for an interview with Gayle King where she also confirmed that she was “very happy.”
“Word on the street is you’re very happy,” co-host Gayle King asked, according to BET. “I am very happy, yes ma’am,” the singer replied, though she stopped short of name-dropping who the person is.
“In a very nice relationship with someone who shall remain nameless,” King added.
It looks like that special “someone” is no longer nameless.
Check out the full clip below.
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FBG Duck, a rapper and reported gang member, was shot and killed in a downtown Chicago area now for luxury shopping during daytime back in 2020. Now, six alleged Chicago gang members have been charged with the murder of FBG Duck.
As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, FBG Duck, real name Carlton Weekly, was cornered in Chicago’s Gold Coast district with his girlfriend outside a clothing store in broad daylight. Prosecutors connected the brazen shooting to ongoing gang violence between Duck’s Tookaville gang set, part of the larger Gangster Disciples organization, and O Block, a faction of the Black Disciples.
After deliberations lasting two days, a federal jury handed down a conviction of the six men on Wednesday (Jan. 17) in connection to the shooting. The six men are Marcus “Muwop” Smart, 24; Christopher “C Thang” Thomas, 24; Kenneth “Kenny Mac” Roberson, 30; Charles “C Murda” Liggins, 32; Tacarlos “Los” Offerd, 32; and Ralph “Teezy” Turpin, 34. Each of them was found guilty of the murder in aid of racketeering and conspiring to murder FBG Duck.
In addition, Smart, Thomas, Roberson, Liggins, and Offerd were also convicted of using a firearm during the commission of the murder.
LaSheena Weekly, the mother of Duck, spoke to a gathering of media after the conviction.
“Knowing that they will not do that to another family brings me comfort, knowing they will not terrorize nobody else,” Ms. Weekly said. “They’re done, the whole crew. O Block and everything of it is done.”
She added, “I could never want another mother to feel like this, to see their child shot down in the street like a dog. They had FBG Duck death parties. That’s how much it meant to them.”
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Source: Hip-Hop Wired / HipHopWired.com
While East Coast, West Coast and even Southern cities get plenty of attention when it comes to Hip-Hop, you can’t forget Chicago when discussing the beloved genre. So making sure we documented some official Chi-Town rap lore for the Witness To History podcast was essential.
Hip-Hop Wired presents Witness To History: 50 Year of Hip-Hop Greatness sat down with rap legend Twista, Fake Shore Drive founder Andrew Barber, and rapper (and OG Kanye West homie) GLC to talk all things Chicago Hip-Hop. The Morning Hustle’s Kyle Santillian got these game changers to delve deep into the pride they feel for their city and how they helped push its contributions forward.
Check out the podcast, in video form, above. Be sure to double back and catch up with the Kid Capri episode, too.
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The iconic Ramova Theatre is set to reopen in Chicago with the help of Quincy Jones, Jennifer Hudson and Chance The Rapper. The three natives of the city are now part of an ownership group that has reclaimed the theater which first opened in 1929.
The Ramova was a popular movie theater in the Bridgeport neighborhood of South Side Chicago until it shut down in 1985, according to Blavity.
“I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts,” the 90-year-old Jones said in a statement. “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.”
In her statement, Hudson referenced her late mother, Darnell Donnerson who was killed in the city in 2008. “My mother always taught us to take care of home first, so to support the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine,” Hudson said. “I am honored and thrilled to help build this new home for artists and highlight this special community in new ways that will reach far beyond the neighborhoods we call home.”
The Ramova Theater features an iconic sign and spanish-inspired architecture, it became the jewel of the neighborhood — a place for people to gather and communities to come together, according to the official website.
It will now be reimagined as a 1500+ person live concert hall, independent craft brewery, beer garden and grill.
“We’re doing a complete rehabilitation to this pillar in the community, bringing back its historic grill, creating a world-class entertainment space, adding a brewery where we hope people will meet their new best friends. We’re working closely alongside locals who have kept this space standing to allow us this opportunity to do something special for Bridgeport and Chicago,” developer Tyler Nevius wrote.
The Ramova Theater, which is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, will also amplify educational programs and workshops, as well as community initiatives from local non-profits.
“Chicago will always be part of who I am,” Chance The Rapper said in his statement. “I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer. This is our moment to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful ways possible — the arts.”
The space is set to open in Fall 2023.
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Source: YouTube / WGN9
Another high-stakes sneaker robbery took place, but this time it went down the old fashion way with thieves breaking into a sneaker consignment store and taking any and everything they could.
WGN9 is reporting that Chicago sneaker spot Flee Club was hit hard Wednesday (Oct. 25) when thieves rammed their SUV into the brick-and-mortar store around 4:30 a.m. and ransacked the place for its high-end sneakers and attire. After it was all said and done, thieves made off with more than $100,000 in merchandise, according to Flee Club co-owner Darris Kelly.
Per WGN9:
“Just devastation, my heart is broke,” Kelly said. “You put so much time and money into your store, someone just comes in overnight and takes your dream away.”
Following The Flee Club incident, authorities were trying to determine if the building can support the apartments above due to the severity of the damage. On Wednesday afternoon, owners told WGN News the structure has been deemed safe.
At around 6:05 a.m., Chicago police responded to an attempted retail burglary at the Louis Vuitton store in the 900 block of North Michigan. A group of five to six were unsuccessful after trying to damage the front glass door.
It’s not the only recent “crash-and-grab.”
We lowkey wish we knew which exact sneakers were taken. Sneakerheads love to know that kind of information.
Whether the thieves plan to sell all the merchandise or actually keep it for their own collection is anyone’s guess, but regardless, it was definitely a quick come-up for everyone involved as $100,000 worth of clothes and sneakers is quite the haul.
Don’t be surprised if sneaker consignment stores up their security protocols and invest more in protecting their spots. Smash-and-grabs are on the rise across the U.S. these days. These spots might begin hiring armed security sooner or later the way things are going.
What do y’all think of the latest high-stakes sneaker jux? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Rudy Acosta III, a former Chicago drug boss and record label chief, helped the authorities take down several key figures in a massive drug case. Because of his federal cooperation, Rudy Acosta III, known on the streets as King Rudy is essentially a free man after being given a yearlong prison sentence that will see him go free after time served.
Rudy Acosta III and his case were profiled by the Chicago Sun-Times, highlighting that Acosta was once the focus of a DEA investigation for moving large amounts of cocaine through the Chicago area via a connection with a Mexican cartel.
Acosta appeared at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse this past Tuesday (September 19) with Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine speaking on his behalf and noting that Acosta was “one of the most prolific and successful cooperators with our office.”
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman handed down a sentence to Acosta of a year and one day, which would be wiped away due to time already served. The judge also told Acosta that he may be relocated to a halfway house.
Some might recall Acosta’s King Rudy nickname from his time in establishing The Legion recording label, which found its footing in the mid-2000s.
Acosta’s cooperation led to 36 people being slapped with drug and public corruption charges. One of the most notable names was the late Illinois Sen. Martin Sandoval, who died in December 2020 after pleading guilty to corruption.
Acosta entered into a plea agreement, admitting to the fact that he distributed drugs across the city of Chicago while stating that he worked alongside drug suppliers out of Mexico. Over seven years, Acosta provided investigators with inside information to take down the three dozen individuals in the case.
DEA Special Agent Tom Asselborn spoke on behalf of Rudy Acosta III, saying that the former drug lord is completely rehabilitated and that he’s turned his life around.
Read the full breakdown here.
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It’s been a rough week for venue management firm ASM Global. On Thursday, OVG signed a contract to privately manage one of ASM’s largest clients, Chicago’s McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, and then on Friday (July 28) OVG won the venue management and food service contract for Tulsa’s BOK Center and the 275,000-square-feet Cox Business Convention Center.
The BOK Center had been managed by ASM and formerly its predecessor SMG since the building opened in 2007 and was a crown jewel for the company, regularly landing a spot on Billboard’s Boxscore Chart for building capacities of 15,0001 seats or more. But during a special meeting Friday, the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority unanimously voted to begin exclusive negotiations with OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to manage venue operations, booking, partnerships and sponsorships, and food and beverage operations at the two venues.
“OVG will focus on creating momentum in three main areas: ensuring Tulsa is the top destination for major concerts in Oklahoma, continuing to grow the city’s national and regional convention business, and assisting the city and its stakeholders in the development of a full-service convention center hotel,” company officials announced in a press release.
“The BOK Center and Convention Center are key economic drivers in our community, and their success is critical to Tulsa’s future vitality,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “As a thriving world-class city with world-class entertainment venues, we must always be focused on continuous improvement – not self-satisfied with the success of today but focused on being even better tomorrow. I have complete confidence in OVG and their ability to build upon the success we’ve enjoyed at the BOK Center and Convention Center over the last fifteen years.”
In Chicago, an unanimous vote from the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Board Thursday awarded the contract for private management and food services on the McCormick Place campus to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality.
The contracts, scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, 2023 and run through September 2028, were unanimously awarded following an extensive public procurement process. The change will affect the McCormick Place Convention Center, the 10,00-seat Wintrust Arena, and Arie Crown Theater.
“We’re incredibly proud that McCormick Place has entrusted OVG360 and OVG Hospitality as the new keepers of this world-renowned complex. While McCormick Place has set the industry standard for decades, we are honored to help shape its future,” said Chris Granger, president of OVG360. “We see an incredible opportunity to elevate the guest experience, support the surrounding community, drive sustainability, and grow and inspire a diverse workforce. We look forward to bringing our depth of experience from around the globe to Chicago and to building upon McCormick Place’s incredible track record.”
Chicago-based ghetto house pioneer DJ Deeon has died. An update posted to the artist’s Facebook page on Tuesday (July 18) by an administrator states that “I am sorry to announce the legendary Artist, Producer, DJ, Label owner, and my friend Deeon ‘DJ Deeon’ Boyd gained his wings today. The family thanks you for your support […]
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Summer Smash, the annual musical festival curated by the minds behind Lyrical Lemonade, will be rocking Chicagoland this weekend with headlining acts Kid Cudi, Future, and Playboi Carti. Culture Kings, one of the leading streetwear since 2008, partnered with Summer Smash for a festival-ready merch line that can be purchased online and onsite at the jam.
Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash 2023 goes down today (June 23) through Sunday with the aforementioned headliners and other rising stars such as Juicy J, Vince Staples, GloRilla, Trippie Redd, Rico Nasty, Lil B, and many more.
Culture Kings is the official brand sponsor of the 2023 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash’s second stage, which will host the likes of Ski Mask the Slump God among other notables. The fashion brand will also host a half-sized basketball court where fans can put up shots for chances to win NFS Hydrations bags along with other prizes.
“We’re excited to work together with Culture Kings for the 2023 Summer Smash. Their desire to ensure attendees have the best possible time at the festival has blown us away and we can’t wait for the masses to see what we’ve been working on together,” shared Toni Sudimac, Head of Partnerships at Lyrical Lemonade in a statement.
“We’re excited to team up with Summer Smash 2023 and bring the Culture Kings ‘retailtainment’ narrative to life on stage, through this exclusive merch line, and our activation on the ground. As huge fans of the festival and Lyrical Lemonade, the synergies were clear between both brands, so we hope to continue recreating this experience for hip-hop fans in the future, added Jonathan Yuska, US Brand President of Culture Kings.
To learn more about Summer Smash 2023, click here.
To shop the new Culture Kings merch drop, click here.
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Photo: Culture Kings
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Jamie Foxx suffered a medical emergency last month with details still largely unknown by the wider public, but it appears that Foxx is on the mend. The celebrated actor and entertainer is currently in recovery and rehabbing in Chicago with his family in tow, according to a new report.
TMZ reports that Jamie Foxx, 55, has been housed inside the facility in Chicago late last month after suffering a medical emergency while filming on set in Atlanta. According to the outlet, the facility Foxx is receiving treatment is one of the best of its kind in the country.
Foxx’s family, most specifically his daughters and the mother of one of his children were in Chicago over the weekend and visited the facility. While the details of Foxx’s condition and what sent him into recovery have been kept mum, he is said to be inside a facility known for stroke recovery and spinal cord injury rehab among other focuses.
Previously, one of Foxx’s daughters said that her father was moving around and actually playing pickleball with his family and friends amid reports that his condition had taken a turn for the worse. The latest news comes after that announcement made by Corrine Foxx.
Salute to Jamie Foxx and strength to him as he continues his recovery.
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