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YoungBoy Never Broke Again — born Kentrell Gaulden — remains behind bars for charges stemming from a prescription drug ring case in Utah.
According to Law & Crime Network — which was founded by Dan Abrams, ABC News’ chief legal affairs correspondent — a handful of fans were able to infiltrate the July 22 Zoom hearing and appear in the WebEx livestream where they dissed the judge handling the Cache County case, and demanded YoungBoy’s freedom.
“Free YB, man, free YB,” a fan said. Another went after Judge Spencer Walsh. “Shut yo b—h a– up, man, free YB,” they spewed.
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Judge Walsh played it cool amid the disruptions and asked the viewers to mute their microphones while he attempted to conduct the hearing.
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The Baton Rouge rapper’s attorney, John Williams, joined the hearing virtually late due to a doctor’s appointment and got caught up to speed. The next court date for YoungBoy Never Broke Again is set for Aug. 19, where Williams will once again appear via WebEx.
During a virtual hearing for #NBAYoungboy, whose real name Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, several Zoom bombers flooded the WebEx stream shouting at the court to “free Youngboy!” Gaulden is currently in jail for allegedly conducting a prescription drug fraud operation. pic.twitter.com/EebrEttPkv— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 22, 2024
Billboard has reached out to the First District Court in Cache County for comment.
YoungBoy had been on house arrest in Utah for two years awaiting trial in a separate federal gun case, but was arrested at his Huntsville estate back in April for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent prescription drug ring in Utah.
He’s facing 63 felonies and misdemeanors related to he case, including identity fraud, obtaining a prescription under false pretenses, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, forgery and possession of a controlled substance.
At least 15 pharmacies are said to be involved. Per the Associated Press, three other individuals implicated allegedly traveled to different pharmacies to fill out orders made by fake doctors.
The 24-year-old rhymer was hit with additional charges later into April connected to the same prescription case. He’s facing a second-degree felony count for possession of a dangerous weapon and two more misdemeanor counts of distributing a controlled substance.
On the music side, YoungBoy is yet to release a full-length project in 2024, but he teamed up with T.I. for “LLOGCLAY” in May.
Kamala Harris kicked off the first official day of her 2024 presidential run in epic fashion on Monday (July 22), raising more than $81 million in the first 24 hours after the nation’s current Vice President was endorsed by President Biden following the commander-in-chief’s announcement ending his bid for a second term.
The historic fundraising haul — which was boosted by 62% of donors making their first contribution to a campaign — was matched by an equally gaudy number of sign-ups for new volunteers in key swing states topping more than 28,000 as enthusiasm for Harris re-energized a democratic base that had grown pensive about Biden’s chances of defeating former President Donald Trump.
But perhaps the biggest bump of approval of all came from an unlikely source: Beyoncé. According to CNN, when Harris walked into her campaign headquarters on Monday night (July 22) night for her first official visit she did it to Bey’s 2016 Lemonade track “Freedom.” A source told CNN that Harris’ team got approval from the singer’s reps to use the song throughout her surprise second presidential bid.
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At press time spokespeople for Harris and Beyoncé had not returned Billboard‘s request for comment.
The Grammy-nominated song featuring Kendrick Lamar became the soundtrack for many of the street demonstrations around the nation following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. “Freedom, Freedom/ Where are you?/ ‘Cause I need freedom, too/ I break chains all by myself/ Won’t let my freedom rot in hell/ Hey! I’ma keep running/ ‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves,” Beyoncé sings on the track’s soaring chorus.
The network noted the Bey is notorious for being very guarded about licensing her music, but that she gave “quick approval” to the Harris campaign when they reached out to ask for permission to use “Freedom” on Monday, just a few hours before the campaign HQ entrance. At press time Beyoncé had not officially endorsed Harris, though CNN speculated that the permission to use “Freedom” suggested that the fledgling campaign has the singer’s support. Though Bey has not given Harris her official thumbs up, her mother, Tina Knowles, joined a group of stars giving the veep’s run their stamp of approval.
“New, Youthful, Sharp , , energy !!!!” Knowles wrote on Instagram alongside a pic of her with Harris. “Putting personal Ego , power and fame aside . That is the definition of a great leader, . Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership . Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let’s Go”
Beyoncé has been a supporter of democratic candidates in the past, singing the National Anthem at Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2013, headlining a pre-election show for Hillary Clinton along with husband Jay-Z in 2016 and endorsing the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020.
Former prosecutor Harris wasted no time during her first public appearance in taking it to twice-impeached convicted felon Trump, who is making his third run at the White House after Biden sent him packing in 2020 after a single term; Trump continues to falsely claim that Biden did not win the election.
“I took on perpetrators of all kinds: Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own game,” Harris told the crowd at her Wilmington, DE campaign HQ. “So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump’s type. And in this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his.” Once her 20-minute speech ended, Harris walked off stage to “Freedom” again.
The reported Beyoncé approval is in stark contrast to the long list of musicians who have repeatedly asked Trump to cease and desist from using their music during his campaign events. Similarly, a long list of A-list musicians have quickly leapt to support Harris’ bid — including Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Katy Perry, Lil Nas X and many more — while the Trump-topped Republican National Convention last weekend featured appearances from a mixture of stars such as Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood and Chris Janson, as well as former wrestler Hulk Hogan, fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Russell Brand and Amber Rose.
Jay-Z’s The 40/40 Club closed its primary Manhattan location’s doors last year, but the legendary nightclub will be making a return for one weekend only.
In partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook, a reimagined version of the classy sports-themed lounge is coming to the Javits Center for Fanatics Fest NYC on Aug. 16, and will run through Aug. 18.
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Blending the worlds of luxury, sports and entertainment, The 40/40 Club returns, but will be open to VIP Fanatics Sportsbook customers along with the array of celebrities and athletes expected to be in attendance.
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40/40 is going all out in curating the ambiance that the esteemed nightclub held, with autographed jerseys and memorabilia hanging across the walls along with stadium seating and glitzy chandeliers illuminating the venue.
It’s slated to be a star-studded affair with Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, Yankees legend Derek Jeter, New York Knicks leader Jalen Brunson, Carmelo Anthony, Mike Tyson, NBA Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson, Jerry Rice, David Ortiz, Spike Lee, Peyton and Eli Manning and more expected to be in attendance.
Jay-Z and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin aligning is fitting considering they have collaborated on projects such as the REFORM Alliance in the past, and Hov pulled up to Rubin’s famed white party on July 4.
Fanatics Fest NYC is the first annual celebration bringing sports fans and card collectors together for a unique experience under one roof in the Big Apple. Tickets are still on sale, with adult day passes priced at $50 plus fees, with kids 12 and under going for $20-$30 plus fees depending on the day. There are also three-day passes and VIP packages ($400+) available.
Jay’s 40/40 Club’s Flatiron location closed its doors in August 2023, but plans to reopen in a brand new NYC location in 2025.
Like the rest of us, Cardi B is getting hyped for the kick-off of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on Friday (July 26). But unlike the rest of us, the “Bongos” rapper actually got to sit down with one of the most exciting members of Team USA recently to get her nails done and share some positive affirmations.
“You stand out, because the fastest woman in the world? She’s a real lit girl,” Cardi said to sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson as the two had their nails tended to for an NBC segment hyping the network’s coverage of the games. “You’re like a girl that I could really hang out with, really chill with, really be cool with, really be like… GIRL!”
Cardi said Richardson — the Team USA sprinter who is a gold medal favorite to win the coveted 100 meter crown in Paris after losing her spot in the 2021 Tokyo Games over a positive marijuana test — is “one of us,” a compliment that seemed to really touch her new friend.
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“I’m really, really proud of you, seriously, because you came back stronger than ever with your talent,” said Cardi, who may have been projecting just a bit as she continues to tease out the long-awaited follow-up to her smash 2018 debut album, Invasion of Privacy. “You have, like, evolved.”
Blushing at all the compliments, Richardson said “enough about me” noting, “you are Miss Cardi B and I feel like the same way you’re sitting here saying the inspiration or the way that I touch people, I feel like you have that same impact. Just being yourself inspires so many people.”
That last bit almost brought Cardi to tears, as the rapper once again told Richardson how proud she is of her achievements on the track and the women exchanged more praise for each other’s strength and determination. “You almost walked away, but this is what you love,” Cardi said. “And rapping is what I love and I cannot walk away from what I love because of how other people make me feel.”
Richardson then said the quite part out loud, imploring Cardi to get back to work on her as-yet-untitled, unscheduled sophomore album so she can have new tunes to train to. “I need my race day album,” Richardson said. “I need some new songs!”
And while Cardi didn’t offer up any news, she said after agreeing to sit down just to talk, she was walking away “inspired” and “warm” from Richardson’s beaming positive vibes. “The energy… I feel it girl,” Cardi said tearing up. “You’re so special. Like you’re really more than just like an athlete, you’re really special.” The two women then hugged it out.
Cardi posted the clip on X and added another inspirational message, writing, “Wishing @itsshacarri sooooo much luck!! You bought so much emotion out of me because your words and your spirit is so powerful. Seeing your growth after people tried to turn their back on you is so inspirational to me.. You are more than just a athlete, you are a SUPERHERO and I can’t wait to see where the next 10 years take you because you already a legend.”
While, like the rest of us, Richardson waits for Cardi to drop that new music, she’s well on her way to making her own headlines after winning the world championship in the 100 last year and scoring a world season-best 10.71 to win the 100 at the U.S. trials last month.
Watch Cardi and Richardson bond below.
Wishing @itsshacarri sooooo much luck!! You bought so much emotion out of me because your words and your spirit is so powerful. Seeing your growth after people tried to turn their back on you is so inspirational to me.. You are more than just a athlete, you are a SUPERHERO and I… pic.twitter.com/twacJPd8eU— Cardi B (@iamcardib) July 22, 2024
Khalid has unveiled the full tracklist for his forthcoming album, Sincere, which is set to release on Aug. 2.
Posting to social media on July 23, the singer-songwriter wrote, “10 days left until Sincere, The Album. Here’s the tracklist. The countdown has started!”
The album, which features the singles “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me,” “Adore U,” and “Ground (Cotton Candy Skies),” marks Khalid‘s first full-length project since his 2019 release, Free Spirit.
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Khalid previously explained of the forthcoming album, “Sincere is a combination of my life experiences, it takes inspiration from conversations that I have had with my fans, supporters, and the people that love me. When I listen back to this project, I hear a sound that’s so unique and represents me at my best. This album is me at 26, continuing to evolve with the knowledge that I have garnered throughout the years.”
Back in early July, Khalid revealed that new music was coming via Instagram, where he called the album a “return to form,” adding, “I’m so happy to finally be back! Can’t wait to do it all over again.”
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Khalid has been teasing this album for some time, initially referring to it as Everything Is Changing and describing its creation process as “overwhelming” on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021.
Despite the challenges, he has managed to complete the album, which features a single collaboration with English indie-pop singer and songwriter Arlo Parks.
Here’s the complete tracklist for Sincere:
Adore U
Everything We See
Altitude
It’s All Good
Broken
Dose
Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me
Breathe
Ground
Who’s There To Pick Me Up
Tainted
Long Way Home
Heatstroke
Sincere
Owe It To You
Decline
Sincere will be Khalid’s first major release since his mixtape Scenic Drive in 2021 and follows the success of Free Spirit, which topped the Billboard 200 chart and included hit singles like “Better,” “Right Back,” “Saturday Nights,” and “Talk.”
Khalid’s latest project Sincere is out Aug. 2 via Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records.
On the heels of Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us: The Game arriving last week, Drake fans wasted no time in responding to drop, drop, drop, a video game celebrating “Family Matters.”
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An X account surfaced on Monday (July 22) for Family Matters The Game seemingly targeting Kendrick Lamar for OVO fans.
The video game is essentially inspired by Drake’s “Family Matters” bars making fun of K. Dot’s inclination to win Grammy Awards. “Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go hand him a Grammy right now,” he raps on the scathing diss.
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The point of the game is to shoot as many Grammy Award trophies into Kendrick’s mouth as possible. As the levels go up, so does the game’s difficulty with Kendrick’s head moving from side-to-side with a digitized version of the “Family Matters” instrumental playing in the background.
“Made by some real ones to prove a point. That Not Like us game was trash. KBots backdooring the plays like Kendrick’s Spotify, haha,” the game’s credits state while insinuating that Lamar’s streams were artificially boosted in his war with Drake.
As of press time, Family Matters The Game‘s high score is listed at 19 by a user named Ron. “Let’s see if @Complex ,@XXL and all the other site run with the Family Matters Game like they did the other game. Someone send this ish to @Akademiks,” the game’s X account added.
Drake fans seemed to find the game amusing. “Nah this is hilarious whoever made this,” one person wrote. Anyone who thought the pettiness from both fan bases was going to die down appears to be mistaken.
Although, it’s been two different stories on the Billboard Hot 100. On last week’s chart — dated July 20 — K. Dot’s “Not Like Us” returned to No. 1 while “Family Matters” has fallen off the chart completely.
Drake delivered the eviscerating “Family Matters” on May 4 in what he thought would be a three-part kill shot on Lamar. However, Kendrick smothered Drizzy’s momentum with the diabolical “Meet The Grahams” just mere minutes later, which cleared the way for “Not Like Us” to be the true knockout punch.
Play Family Matters The Game here.
The New York Times profiled producer Michael Uzowuru recently and in the article, they talked about his relationship with Frank Ocean. Uzowuru, who has been affiliated with the Odd Future crew since around 2009, worked on Frank’s last two albums, Endless and Blonde, and more recently they’ve been in Miami making new music together. Explore […]
A contingent of fans are still convinced that there is static between hip-hop titans Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco.
During an all-encompassing Twitter Spaces over the weekend, Lupe cleared the air about not having any issues with the “Not Like Us” rapper.
“I’m a Kendrick fan for more than his music,” the Chicago rap dignitary responded to a fan. “I like his creativity and conceptualization. And the decisions that he makes. I also like his impact into the culture for Black folks. I like that he inspires Black folks. That’s why I never said I don’t like him.”
Lupe continued: “Cus even if I don’t like all his songs or listen to all his songs — and same thing with Drake — I understand their impact into the culture and I would never, ever, ever — because for me it’s us first — ever, ever, disparage.”
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The “Kick, Push” rapper implored the agitated fan to pull up receipts regarding an instance in the past that he showcased distain for Lamar.
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“I don’t have a problem with dude. Show me where I’ve explicitly said I don’t like him. Show me that. Then we can move on.”
However, Lupe did admit he was envious of the creative environment that Top Dawg Entertainment fostered for artists.
“One thing that I wish I had. This is me being open and vulnerable that I’ve always looked at like, ‘Man, I wish I had that.’ I wish I had that creative space that they created at TDE, he said. “When I say wish I had, I wish I had it back. When we first started rocking, that was our thing.”
Lupe added some context around a 2014 Hot 97 interview: “I was so happy that those things exist. Even in that Peter Rosenberg interview, where I called Peter Rosenberg a nut-hugger very jovially was that the thing that I do admire and wished I was a part of was that creative piece. “
Back in 2018, Lupe said Kendrick wasn’t a “top-tier lyricist.” “I’ll put it to you like this. K. Dot is not a top tier lyricist to me and my standards when it comes to punchlines and bars. His overall lyrics are good, his stories phenomenal, but punchline entendre lyrically I don’t see it,” he wrote in a series of tweets captured by REVOLT. He later apologized for causing a stir with Lamar.
Lupe continued: “Also the only issue that the world thinks I have with K. Dot and I actually do is that I think his ‘Control’ verse was wack and super overhyped to be a verse claiming you are the best rapper. It was very weird. I was told it was just bait, but still.”
The claims resurfaced in April when Complex compiled a list of rappers that have apologized to Kendrick Lamar following J. Cole’s apology to the rapper. “Relax yo,” Lupe clapped back at Complex. “I wasn’t apologizing to him… Keep my name clean…I fear no rapper of any kind or on anytime. K dot solid but y’all need to chill lol.”
In a separate part of the Twitter Spaces, Lupe Fiasco took issue with some of hip-hop’s gatekeepers and thinks those involved should have some form of a PhD in the genre.
“If you want to start who is in and who is out, a process which I don’t agree with, and I think is bulls–t, if you want to do that you should have a degree,” he said. “You should have a PhD in hip-hop. If you ain’t got that, then I don’t think that you are qualified to and have the right to speak on of hip-hop.”
Lupe has stayed busy on the music side this year, as he returned with his Soundtrakk-produced Samurai project in June.
Lupe Fiasco speaks on rap culture and who has the authority to dictated it. 🤔Kendrick fans saying he hating… people can say the same thing when it comes to Kendrick hating on Drake…let’s not do that 🤝🏾that’s all I been seeing anytime someone say anything good about Drake😂 pic.twitter.com/vxk1r5t7Qg— 💥DAO💥 (@TweezySol) July 21, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan’s breakout film The Sixth Sense — which became an instant pop-culture phenomenon when it was released in 1999 — finds itself in the conversation once again thanks to Kendrick Lamar. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The Compton rapper referenced the movie twice during his […]
PinkPantheress was feeling the love during her set at the MLS All-Star Concert in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday (July 21), and she decided to return the favor for a lucky fan in the front row. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The “Boys a Liar, Pt. 2” […]