State Champ Radio Uncategorized
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Source: YouTube / NBC
Actress Maya Rudolph thrilled audiences in her SNL return as Vice President Kamala Harris over the weekend.
As Saturday Night Live opened up its 50th season over the weekend, the cold open featured the return of veteran comedienne Maya Rudolph portraying Vice President Kamala Harris. “Well your fun aunt has returned,” she began, “The fun has been rebooted. Too fun, too furious.” From there, Rudolph demonstrated how uncanny her portrayal of the Democratic presidential nominee is, right down to recapturing the exact facial expression Harris displayed during her debate with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Stepping in to portray Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was comedian Jim Gaffigan. “What can I say? I’ve got that BDE- Big Dad Energy!” Gaffigan said. He continued to portray the effervescent energy of Walz in the intro. “I’ve got to be honest here folks. When Kamala Harris called and asked to be her vice president, I said, ‘Uh, yeah,’” Gaffigan said before adding: “This is personal for me. I love this country. And as a former teacher, I need the money. This suit is from Costco!”
The skit also introduced another SNL alum, Andy Samberg, who played Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff who referred to himself as the “Second Gentle Minch,” and James Austin Johnson as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Lastly, SNL alum Dana Carvey appeared as President Joe Biden leading to a comical exchange where Rudolph said thanks for “putting the country first and for handing over the reins,” to which Carvey replied, “I didn’t want to! They made me.”
Rudolph’s portrayal of Harris has garnered her two Emmy Awards – the first in 2019 for her presidential debate sketch, and in March 2021 when she hosted the show. “When I see her, I see her having fun,” she said in a Variety cover profile about the role. “And so the fictional Kamala that we created tapped into her fun. And then [SNL producer] Steve Higgins said to me that his wife called her a ‘fun aunt,’ and we were laughing at how that sounds like ‘funt.’ We just went from there. That was the moment where you realize, ‘Oh, now I know how to do this.’”
Check out the entire opening sketch above.
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Source: Bad Boy Records / Bad Boy
It seems Diddy isn’t going out without a fight when it comes to his criminal case. His lawyer says he will take the witness stand to defend himself.
As spotted on TMZ the celebrity news site is about to release a new documentary titled The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment on Tubi. Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo was one of the individuals interviewed for the project and the legal professional made it clear that the mogul is more than willing to testify. “I don’t know if I can keep him off the stand. I think he is very eager to tell his story and I think he will tell every part of his story; including what you see in the [Cassie] video” he explained.
Harvey Levin was taken a back by the reveal and said putting Diddy in a position to have to speak on the Cassie video, allegedly blowing up a car and more is a big gamble. “He has his story and I think he has a story that only he can tell” Agnifilo added. “It’s a human story, it’s a story of love, it’s a story of hurt. When he describes that relationship he uses the word heartbreak.”
You can see the trailer for the documentary The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment below.
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Source: 741 / 741
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown is investing in himself. The NBA Finals MVP passed on surely millions of dollars in endorsement money and just launched his own athletic performance brand, called 741.
According to Brown, he turned down a smooth $50M in endorsement deals from “major sneaker companies” to roll with his own product—which means full ownership and creative control of 741. The 741 has a deeper meaning for Brown as each numeral represents “spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings.,” respectively Per Brown, via a statement, “741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”
Brown also insists the brand is not just about aesthetics and will be dedicated to “creating technologically advanced, performance-driven products with no compromises in design or functionality.” But while the tech may be first and foremost, Brown isn’t trying to burden pockets by offering “accessibility for all households, offering high-performance products at an affordable price.” Part of that plan includes offering “big kid” sizes of his shoes for 40% less than its competitors.
Also noted for his progressive politics, Brown plans to create jobs for “aspiring professionals from underserved communities, opening doors in all areas of performance and fashion retail.”
How dope is that? The sneakers look pretty good, too. Brown was infamously signed to Donda Sports (but left after, ya know) but credits the experience for boosting his eye for design. “I’ve poured everything into designing 741, and it’s been just as challenging and rewarding as anything I’ve done on the court,” says Brown.
The Rover model in a Black Moon colorway goes for $200 and features a translucent rubber outsole, Hyper Gravity Critical EVA in the midsole and engineered knit in the upper. There is also dynamic lacing and a molded external counter. The Big Kids model goes for a smooth $70.
According to Brown, the inspiration to create his own brand comes from the late, great Kobe Bryant. “Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights,” said Brown in a statement. “That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741.” Of course, it didn’t hurt that Brown started really moving forward with 741 after he signed his massive, and well-deserved, supermax NBA contract in 2023.
Brown’s kicks are now available for pre-order (scheduled to ship in late November) at www.741performance.com, and the products are scheduled to go live on October 22 online and at retailers.
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Source: Jason Mendez / Getty / Young Dolph
It’s been three years since Young Dolph was senselessly gunned down, and finally, his murder trial is underway, and day one is already producing some eyebrow-raising developments.
According to Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman, Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., 2021 murder in Memphis was the result of a $100,000 bounty put on him by Yo Gotti’s late older brother, Big Jook.
Hagerman made the bombshell claim during his opening statement, ahead of Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson taking the stand as a defendant.
“Big Jook, the person I told you about before — the No. 2 guy at [Yo Gotti’s] CMG — he’s put out a hit: $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman said, according to FOX13. “He has met with Justin. He has met with Cornelius, and they think they’re ready to do it.”
Johnson is facing charges of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft of property. According to Rap-Up, Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind Dolph’s murder, is also expected to testify, followed by the third suspect, Cornelius Smith.
The DA also claimed Johnson wanted to become the next big artist on his brother’s record label, CMG, and intended to use the money from the hit to push his music career.
For those who didn’t know, Yo Gotti and Dolph had a long-running feud, which many believe led to the rapper’s murder. The artists took jabs at each other on songs “100 Shots,” “Play Wit Yo B**ch,” and “Don’t Beef With Me.”
Ahead of the trial, Dolph’s family issued a statement:
“We remain heartbroken over the loss of Adolph, and we have faith that the legal system will bring justice to all of those involved in this crime. This has been an unimaginable time for our family, but the love and support of the community has given us strength as we continue to process this situation.”
“We ask for privacy as the legal process unfolds, and for patience from those who stand with us. We trust that the legal system will deliver justice for Adolph, allowing us, and the community he loved, to begin the journey toward healing.”
You can expect more bombshell details to drop as the trial pushes on.
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Source: Christopher Polk / Getty
MAGA country hates it when high-profile celebrities voice their opposition to their dear leader and encourage Americans to vote (just ask Taylor Swift), so a lot of stars choose to remain silent about their political beliefs.
Luckily, that isn’t keeping all of the celebrities from continuing to remind everyone that democracy is on the line come Nov. 5. At Sunday (Sept. 15) night’s Emmy Awards, Liza Colón-Zayas took the opportunity to do just that as she accepted her award for Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series in The Bear. With women’s rights, workers rights, and basically everything else under the sun at risk should Donald Trump and his MAGA cult once again come into presidential power, Colón-Zayas took a moment in her acceptance speech to encourage women to cast their ballot accordingly come November saying, “To all the Latinas, who are looking at me — keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights.”
Luckily for her, this was her first Emmy nomination and win, so MAGA country isn’t familiar enough with her name to bombard her with hate mail or death threats (y’all know how they do). Had this been Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara or Selma Hayek, their pages would’ve been flooded with all kinds of racial hate. Just sayin’.
Check out Liza Colón-Zayas acceptance speech below, and give it up for the Bronx-born native in the comments section.
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Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty
Now that the Boston Celtics took home the NBA Title this past June, we’ve seen less of Millyz since then as we’re sure he’s been busy celebrating his city’s first NBA Championship in quite some time. Now that we’re going into the Fall, the Beantown bars-smith seems ready to get back on his grind and remind everyone he’s got some potent work.
Linking up with Sada James for the visuals to “Holy Water,” Millyz and Sada take to a house of worship to spill their souls out and pray for some guidance going forward.
Back in the South, Boosie Badazz takes on the role of a teacher and in his clip to “Sharpened Pencils,” Boosie puts some kids on to the kind of life lessons that won’t read about in a book, but might be familiar with in their everyday life. Those parents and teachers conferences with Boosie must be quite the experience. Just sayin.’
Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from 93Baby, C-Loc, and more.
MILLYZ FT. SADA JAMES – “HOLY WATER”
BOOSIE BADAZZ – “SHARPENED PENCILS”
93BABY – “CLS 550”
C-LOC – “GANGSTA”
FRONTDOEX5 – “HOLD ME DOWN”
EARLY N DA MORNIN’ – “WHERE WE STARTED”
DUCKWRTH – “HAD ENOUGH”
NSG MONEY – “WHO TOLD YOU THAT”
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Source: Hope In Harlem / Hope In Harlem
A community event in Harlem focused on wellness and mental health for young people will feature NBA stars such as Allan Houston and Olympians along with other notable figures.
Source: Hope In Harlem / Hope In Harlem
The organizing committee behind the Hope In Harlem Conference announced their lineup of guests for the event. The in-person gathering will take place at the First Corinthians Baptist Church this upcoming Saturday (September 14), and there will be some notable athletes that will be on the distinguished list of speakers. Former two-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks legend Allan Houston will attend, along with Olympic Gold Medalist and world champion track star Natasha Hastings and former Miami Heat guard and NBA champion Derek Anderson.
The 2024 Hope In Harlem Conference’s theme is about youth addressing mental health and wellness through sports and other activities in the community. It begins at 10 AM with the invited speakers engaging in a series of panel discussions, led by First Corinthian Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Walrond, MDiv. The panel discussions will touch on topics such as how families in New York City can gain better access to resources to bolster Other speakers include NYC Schools Chancellor David Banks, NBA Players Association Director of the Mental Health and Wellness Program Dr. Bill Parham, and Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, PhD, the NFL’s Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services. There will also be a fencing demonstration led by U.S. Olympic Team fencing coach Akhi Spencer-El.
Afterward, attendees and the public are invited to the wellness fair which will take place on 116th Street featuring free food, games, face painting, and other engaging activities. Health screenings and free information on resources will also be provided by vendors at the wellness fair. Aside from FCBC, other sponsors for the event include Coca-Cola, the Mother Cabrini Foundation, Athletes For Hope, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinia along with the American Psychiatric Association. The wellness festival will run from 1 to 4 PM.
For more information, those interested are invited to check out the event’s website.
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Source: @michaelrubin / Instagram
JAY-Z and Michael Rubin are taking their talent back to Atlantic City. The two will host a blackjack tournament to launch Fanatics Sportsbook.
As reported by Page Six the two moguls will once again partner for an invite only event. On Sunday, September 15 the duo will throw a blackjack tournament at Ocean Casino Resort with the grand winner taking home a pot of $250,000. In the house will be various high profile guests including musicians, actors and athletes. Also expected to attend are select Fanatics Sportsbook customers. According to the celebrity gossip outlet attendees will view Sunday NFL football during the early portion of the day with Michael Rubin and JAY-Z. The two are also expected to sit at the final table for the blackjack tournament.
This is not the first time JAY-Z and Michael Rubin have teamed up for an event in Atlantic City. Back in October 2023 the two hosted an all star gala that raised over $24 million dollars for REFORM Alliance. The organization aims to change the criminal justice system by changing laws related to probation and parole. The brand new Fanatics Sportsbook will be located inside the Ocean Resort Casino. This is a 12,000 square foot space where patrons can watch their favorite sporting event via 140 led televisions, make wagers and enjoy a curated menu of food and beverages. You can learn more about it here.
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Source: Theo Wargo / Getty
The founder of the ill-fated Fyre Fest is out of jail and ready to throw a new version of the event with an expected launch date.
For those who remember the disaster that was Fyre Fest, be prepared —a new version is on the way. According to reports, Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland is gearing up for Fyre Festival II with the announcement that it will take place on April 25-28, 2025. “We have the chance to embrace this storm and really steer our ship into all the chaos that has happened, and if it’s done well, I think Fyre has a chance to be this annual festival that really takes over the festival industry,” he said in an interview about the proposed event.
For the curious, tickets to Fyre Fest II would cost $1,400 to start for a pass to the three-day event. Ticket prices range up to $1.1 million for VIP packages which include a chance to hang out with McFarland exclusively in addition to indulging in other activities such as spending time on luxury yachts, scuba diving, and island hopping. The fest would take place on a privately owned island off of the coast of Mexico. McFarland didn’t disclose the name of the island or the production company that would be involved with planning, adding that more information would be released in the next few months.
The first Fyre Fest took place in 2017 and was advertised as a luxury music festival taking place in the Bahamas. Veteran rapper Ja Rule was involved in the organization of the event, but it quickly turned into one of the most disastrous concert failures ever with people being stranded without much shelter or food. McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud related to the event, and he was released from prison in 2022. He still owes $26 million in restitution to concertgoers.
McFarland has also been busy consulting the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, steering rap celebs such as Waka Flocka Flame to endorse his run for office. He does feel there will be a turnout for Fyre Fest II. “I think there’s a large number of people who want to go to Fyre II because they’re unsure of the outcome, and they would like to have a front-row seat no matter what happens,” he said. “Thankfully, we have good partners who will make sure they’re safe and obviously make sure things work out.”
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Source: Courtesy of Damon Dash / Damon Dash
Dame Dash isn’t ducking any joke smoke. Harlem’s very own has addressed his recent viral mishap by pulling out his fake chomped on Instagram.
The mogul had an interesting week, last week. During an Instagram Live Dame Dash started responding to 50 Cent’s commentary from his recent visit to the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game the top row of his teeth fell out. It seemed that this took him by total surprise as he quickly handed his phone to his wife. While the mishap happened within the blink of an eye the moment soon went viral prompting him to explain on another Instagram Live session.
“First of all, sh*t is not dentures. These are my grills,” he explained as he showed the camera the fake teeth. “What happened was I have to go get implants put in ’cause I have implants. And I got them 20 years ago, and every 20 years, you got to switch them out. So I have to do surgery—pause—oral.” He then went on to poke fun of himself saying “my diamond grills popped out because that’s what happens when you’re broke.” The joke is a reference to an interview where the former Roc-A-Fella Records founder admitted to being broke.
You can see the former Cake-A-Holic reveal his missing teeth and discuss his streaming platform below.
