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Two Democratic lawmakers requested that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas be criminally investigated for ethics and tax law violations.
According to reports, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Ron Wyden of Oregon sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland formally requesting that he appoint a special counsel to criminally investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for his failure to disclose lavish gifts from wealthy friends who happen to be donors to Republican-backed causes.
“We do not make this request lightly,” the senators wrote in their letter, dated July 3. “Supreme Court justices are properly expected to obey laws designed to prevent conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety and to comply with the federal tax code.”
They specifically asked that the special counsel look into whether Justice Thomas violated federal ethics and tax laws by failing to reveal as income that he received a luxury recreational vehicle with a forgiven debt of $267,000. A representative for Justice Thomas didn’t respond to press inquiries.
The letter goes on to state that Thomas had “repeated opportunities” to explain why he didn’t disclose these gifts to the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee’s panel overseeing federal courts which Wyden and Whitehouse chair, respectively. Thomas’ actions demonstrate a “willful pattern of disregard for ethics laws,” and they added,
“No government official should be above the law.”
The letter’s publication comes after Justice Thomas was revealed in January to have received substantial gifts from donors such as Harlan Crow in the past such as premium tickets to sporting events and luxury vacations. Thomas’ attorney, , wrote that his client’s earlier disclosure to the committees “fully complied with all judicial disclosure rules on this matter.” Thomas has also come under fire due to his wife, Ginni Thomas’ involvement in efforts to help overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona for Donald Trump.
The request also comes as Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez filed a motion to impeach Justice Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito on Wednesday (July 11). In her statement, the New York congresswoman wrote that both men’s refusal to recuse themselves from cases “in which they hold widely documented financial and personal entanglements” has led to an “unchecked corruption crisis on the Supreme Court.”
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Photo: Getty
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Well, you can chalk this one up to “We Never Saw This Coming” as Hip-Hop meets alt-pop (not to be confused with alt-right) in a new song which features Quavo collaborating with songstress Lana Del Rey that may not make sense to their fans, but hey, it’s 2024 and nothing makes sense nowadays.
In the new visuals to “Tough,” we find Quavo driving out into the woods where Lana Del Rey is declared the “American Queen” on an American flag and once they find each other they share a warm embrace and seem to be in love as they share intimate moments on a ranch that probably would’ve had a burning cross in front of the house back in the day. Waiting to hear what Dr. Umar Johnson has to say about this one (LOL).
Back in Cali Tha Dogg Pound continue to churn out new work and for their clip to “Grown Up,” the Hip-Hop legends show how far they’ve come in life as they stunt with private planes, exquisite hotel rooms, and next level tour buses. They on they grown man sh*t forreal.
Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from Tyga and 310Babii, AJ Tracy, and more.
QUAVO & LANA DEL REY – “TOUGH”
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THA DOGG POUND – “GROWN UP”
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TYGA & 310BABII – “UH HUH”
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AJ TRACY – “BUBBLE BATH”
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MARSHA AMBROSIUS – “WET”
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03 GREEDO – “BLESS YOUR SOUL”
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YOUNG RODDY – “BLUE APARTMENTS”
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BOLDY JAMES & BULLWACKIE – “LOST CHILD”
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Source: Variety / Getty
It’s been a few weeks since it was revealed that the judge overseeing Young Thug’s RICO trial, Judge Ural Glanville had an “improper” meeting with both prosecutors and the lead witness in the trial after Young Thugs lawyer, Brian Steele brought the allegation to light.
While Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele was punished and sentenced to 20 days in jail for refusing to name the source of his information that he “shouldn’t have gotten,” Judge Glanville has dismissed requests he recuse himself from the case for his action (is Judge Ural Glanville related to Clarence Thomas or something, just asking?). Now according to USA Today, Glanville has decided to somewhat comply with the motion by sending it to another judge to determine whether or not he should recuse himself from the case.
Until the situation is resolved the RICO trial will be put on hold and luckily for Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele, he won’t have to report to his weekend prison stints as the Georgia Supreme Court granted an emergency motion for bond and helped him avoid the unjust punishment.
Per USA Today:
The winding legal case, ongoing since the rapper’s indictment in May 2022, has ground to a halt after Fulton County, Georgia, Judge Ural Glanville was accused of misconduct, according to The New York Times and BBC. On Monday, the judge agreed to send a motion for his recusal from the trial for another judge to weigh in, and that the trial would remain in recess until then, the outlets reported.
Thug’s defense attorneys have claimed the judge held an “improper” meeting with prosecutors and a lead witness. Glanville has denied multiple motions for recusal in the last few weeks. Jurors have not heard arguments for two weeks, the Times reported.
The judge said he would release a transcript of the meeting, according to the outlets.
A judge meeting with both prosecutors and the lead witness without the defense counsel knowing really seems as shady as it gets. That being said we’re surprised there’s a transcript of the meeting, but who’s to say it’ll be an accurate recording of their meeting? Just sayin.’
What do y’all think of this latest development in the trial of Young Thug? Should the judge recuse himself? Is it being blown out of proportion? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Kayla Oaddams / Getty / Jamie Foxx
In 2023, the world, mainly Black folk, was on pins and needles as we all hoped and prayed for beloved actor/musician Jamie Foxx after he suffered a mystery medical complication. Since his recovery, Foxx has begun sharing information about what happened in drips.
Foxx was spotted outside a restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend, where he spoke to fans about what happened before he became so seriously ill that it landed him in a hospital.
The actor explained to the fans that he was experiencing a bad headache, leading to him asking a friend for an Advil, subsequently waking up 20 days later in a hospital with no recollection of what happened to him.
“Look, April 11 last year, bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil. I was gone for 20 days,” Foxx says in the video. “I don’t remember anything. I’m in Atlanta, they told me… my sister and my daughter took me to the first doctor. They gave me a cortisone shot.”
He continued speaking on the matter while not revealing what was wrong with him on camera.
“The next doctor said, ‘There’s something going on up there,’” Foxx said while pointing to his head. “I won’t say it on camera. But it was…”
Jamie Foxx’s Mystery Medical Condition Timeline
Last April, news of Foxx’s hospitalization broke while he was in Atlanta filming his latest Netflix project, Back in Action, alongside Cameron Diaz.
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To combat the waves of misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding his health, Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, explained on social media that her father did suffer a “medical emergency” but was already on the road to recovery.
“We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday,” Corinne revealed. “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”
PEOPLE reported weeks later that Foxx was “awake and alert” but would remain in the hospital as doctors continued to monitor him.
TMZ would report in May that Foxx’s daughters Corrine and Anelise and her mother, Kristin Grannis, were seen at a Chicago physical rehabilitation center that specializes in stroke recovery and traumatic brain injury rehab.
Despite dropping more details, the conspiracies are still running rampant, and that’s a shame.
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Source: Adam Glanzman / Getty
The greatest NBA player turned rapper is blessing the Hip-Hop community. Shaq’s You Can’t Stop The Reign is now on streaming platforms.
As reported by Billboard Magazine the Louisiana State University alumni’s most significant Rap album is finally available online. Originally released on November 19, 1996 this project would find Shaq evolving lyrically and coming into his own as a musician versus relying on the rapid fire delivery he borrowed from the Fu-Schnickens. While this album wouldn’t match the commercial success of the two prior it would spawn several songs that have become timeless including his collaboration with The Notorious B.I.G. on the title track. Biggie would spit several classic lines including his infamous “my garage call it ceelo – fours, five and sixes”.
You Can’t Stop The Reign also features a never before heard track with Jay-Z and Nas; their first time ever collaborating together. “No Love Lost” finds Shaq, Hov, Esco and Lord Tariq trading verses over a beat that medium tempo instrumental. The original track was leaked on a mixtape by DJ Clue but the official album version would not have Nas on it. On a Drink Champs episode Shaq revealed that there some label politics that came into play. “People didn’t clear it, but I didn’t take it personal,” he explained. He would go on to reminisce on those sessions with gratitude. “Me being in the studio with Nas, I’m happy. I get to call my boy and say, ‘Come over, Nas here.’ I get to call my boy and say, ‘Jay in here.’ I get to call my boys and say, ‘Yo, Biggie at the house, he ’bout to jump in the seat.’ That’s what it’s all about” he said.
You Can’t Stop The Reign will be available on streaming platforms starting Friday, June 28. You can listen to “No Love Lost” below.
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For a while now Benny The Butcher’s been the most active member of the Griselda trio out on the music scene and while it’s mostly been via guest verses and collaborations, the man has shown he has more bars than Mars Inc.
Continuing to drop off new work, Benny The Butcher lends his talents to Heem for the visuals to “Billy Goat” in which the two rappers link up to hit a strip bar after a little pre-gaming in their luxury truck with their respective crews. If that was a rental they gave that joint back to the dealership smelling like Mary Jane had the wild orgy in there. Just sayin.’
Back in Harlem Juelz Santana seems ready to reclaim his spot in the rap game and in his clip to “Score,” the Harlem representative hits the basketball court to take in a friendly game of basketball with a bootleg version of Woody Harrelson running with him. That white dude Dip Set? Just askin.’
Check out the rest of today’s drops including work from 42 Dugg featuring Sexyy Red, Key Glock, and more.
HEEM FT. BENNY THE BUTCHER – “BILLY GOAT”
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JUELZ SANTANA – “SCORE”
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42 DUGG FT. SEXYY RED – “N.P.O.”
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THE MIGHTY PROSPECT – “REAL AS I AM”
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KEY GLOCK – “BIG BIG MONEY”
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BLIZZ WELLZ & JAE MILLZ – “POTENT”
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SPIFFIE LUCIANO – “I DON’T BANG”
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YUNG JIN – “6 IN THE MORNING”
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REMBLE FT. MOZZY & STONEDA5TH – “COLORS”
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Source: Quinn Harris / Getty
After taking a lengthy hiatus from the music scene, Chance The Rapper has recently been dropping off new work as he works to get back and on his post-Grammy Award winning track and he continues to keep the grind going with his latest offering.
For his lnew visuals to “Stars Out (2024),” Chance politics in the comfort of his own home which boasts some fancy chandeliers, an decent liquor collection and an old school big back television?? Can’t say we saw that coming. Does he have a VCR connected to that joint? Inquiring minds want to know.
DaBaby meanwhile seems to be making the most of the summer weather and for his clip to “Done Trying” the man takes his kids to pool before he jets off to Miami to enjoy some water sports of his own and busts out the jet ski to ride the waves off of South Beach.
Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Big Yavo, and more.
CHANCE THE RAPPER – “STARS OUT”
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DABABY – “DONE TRYING”
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YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN – “NEVER STOPPING”
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BIG YAVO – “MY KIND”
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ERICA BANKS – “ON HIS FACE”
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BIG HIT, HIT-BOY & THE ALCHEMIST”
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DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY – “WISEMEN”
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B-LOVEE FT. CASH COBAIN – “ALL ALONE”
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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
This past Saturday, June 22, 2024, Atlanta celebrated its 29th annual Birthday Bash, making history with its first female headliner, hometown hero Latto. Latto, who has spent the better half of her career working Atlanta’s underground scene before becoming a household name in 2021, gave fans the show they asked for, bringing out guests such as Usher, Flo Milli, Mariah the Scientist, Summer Walker, Roscoe Dash, Rasheeda, Princess of Crime Mob, and 21 Savage.
Her emphasis on honoring the pioneers from the city’s various eras of trap and swag who came before her put the perfect cherry on top of Latto’s high-energy set and left the memorable impression she was aiming for. Everything from Swag-era songs like “No Hands”, “Whoop Rico”, “Crank Dat Yank” and “Crank That Batman” to old-era Atlanta cuts like “Freak It” and Crime Mob song “Stilletos” helped bridge the generational gap and engaged the audience all night. Performing her hit songs “Sunday Service”, “Put it on the Floor”, “MuWop” and “Queen of the South” to an audience of over 16,000 fans, the show’s response added another milestone to her career and its ascent.
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In addition to Latto’s set, Atlanta collective Dungeon Family took the stage, giving a touching tribute to their comrade and legendary producer, Rico Wade. Performing a mix of posse cuts from “Dirty South”, “Cell Therapy” and “Kryptonite” as well as songs from Killer Mike’s Grammy award-winning Michael album (Killer Mike was also honored with the inaugural Rico Wade Game Changer Award), their set went hand in hand with another Atlanta staple, Big Oomp Records.
Recognized as Atlanta’s first independent record label, they performed “Eastside vs Westside” by Baby D and Atlanta’s unofficial anthem, “ATL Hoe”. Hot 107.9 also started a new tradition by awarding Killer Mike the Rico Wade Game Changer Award to commemorate Atlantans who helped change the city with their music.
Other notable acts included Key Glock, Boosie Badazz, Tee Grizzley, Skilla Baby, Hunxho, Rob49, Dess Dior, Famous YB and Sally and Bossman DLow, whose hit songs, “Mr Pot Scraper” and “Get in With Me” have rap fans across the country clamoring for more.
Forever acting as a platform for indie artists as well, Birthday Bash conducted the Who’s Hot Competition to give several of the city’s independent artists a stage to perform. Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash, which features some of the rap’s biggest artists from T.I. and Jeezy to OutKast and more, has given fans and artists alike the stage they needed to make it big since its start in 1995.
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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
The adulations for Killer Mike just keep on coming as the Grammy Award winning rapper continues to add new hardware to his trophy case with the latest honors coming straight out The A.
This past Saturday (June 22) the Michael rapper became the very first recipient of the inaugural Rico Wade Game Changer Award and was bestowed with the honor during Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash concert in his hometown of Atlanta, GA. After taking the stage along with a few members of his Dungeon Family, Killer Mike was presented with the award for his contributions to the Hip-Hop community in Atlanta and needless to say, the man was blown away by the surprise decoration.
Killer Mike was blessed with the award by Rico Wade’s mother, Beatrice Wade, and his sons Rico Jr. and Ryder. Also on hand to present the award were the surviving members of Organized Noize Productions, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown.
“I just wanna tell Atlanta this: y’all ain’t gotta wish to be nobody else. Who y’all are is the absolute shit,” said Killer Mike. “I don’t give a damn where in the world you at, there’s no place for Black people like Atlanta. There’s no place with this much opportunity, this much love, this many chances to do it. And I wanna thank the woman who raised Rico Wade, his mama.”
In an effort to keep Rico Wade’s legacy alive (Wade passed away this past April), Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced the launch of the Rico Wade Music Executive Training Program during Wade’s funeral service this past April.
Check out video of the presentation of the award below and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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Source: Nike / NIke
Recently, Nike showcased their upcoming releases for the rest of this year and much for the next and while there weren’t any true standout silhouettes considered to be grails, there is some heat that’s sure to have many people styling and profiling out on these streets.
Source: Nike / NIke
According to Hypebeast Nike plans on releasing quite a few interesting silhouettes while bringing back some old school favorites such as the Air Footscape Woven in its OG colorway, the Air Flightposite in “Metallic Gold” and of course the highly-anticipated return of the Air Foamposite One in it’s glorious “Galaxy” colorway that hasn’t been seen since 2012.
Naturally the “Galaxy” Foams were the jewel of the showcase and while we’re sure many of these other sneakers will find their way onto many feet, for us older heads it’s always about the OG’s.
Interestingly enough there wasn’t any Jordan or Dunks or Travis Scott collaborations featured in the showcase. Not that they need the hype, but still, kinda weird.
Check out pics of the upcoming kicks below and let us know which one you’ll be trying to copp in the comments section.