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Simone Biles Makes History: Clinches Eighth National All-Around Title at US Gymnastics Championships

Posted by: JG Posted date: Sunday, August 27, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , ,

Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, secured her eighth national all-around title with a commanding performance on Sunday at the US Gymnastics Championships.

Biles, 26, also became the oldest woman to claim the championship, outscoring Shilese Jones by a significant 3.9 points. Jones, the 2022 US and world championships all-around silver medalist, finished as the runner-up.

With her eighth victory, Biles surpasses Alfred Jochim's previous record of seven all-around gold medals, which had stood for 90 years since 1933.

"I think it feels really special," Biles shared with NBC, the broadcaster of the championships. "I’ve been doing it for so long, I feel like I don’t think about numbers, I think about my performance. And I think, overall, I hit eight for eight (routines)… I guess it’s a lucky number this year."After an extended hiatus from major competitions, Biles displayed exceptional poise and skill in her routines, emerging as the dominant force throughout the championships. Her performance on Friday and Sunday was nothing short of impressive, culminating in a remarkable floor exercise routine that garnered a score of 15.400.

As she concluded her floor routine to an enthusiastic ovation from the crowd, Biles was embraced by her teammates and coaches. Teammate Jordan Chiles also took the opportunity to acknowledge Biles' extraordinary achievement, waving her arms to the crowd to sustain the applause.

Amidst the celebration, Biles remained coy about her participation in the upcoming Olympics. "I like to keep (my goals) personal just so that I know what I am aiming for," she explained to NBC. "I’m trying to move a little bit differently this year than I have in the past. So I think it’s working so far, so I’m gonna keep it a little bit secretive."

Biles' triumphant return follows a two-year hiatus after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to the mental block known as the "twisties." Remarkably, she executed elements in her routines that no other female gymnast has successfully landed in competition.The victory propels Biles, who has earned 27 U.S. titles and 35 national championship medals overall since her senior debut in 2013, into the World Championships/Pan American Games Selection Camp, scheduled for September 18-21 in Katy, Texas, where rosters for the 2023 FIG Artistic World Championships and 2023 Pan American Games will be finalized.

Lauryn Hill Marks Album Milestone with Global Tour, Joined by The Fugees

Posted by: JG Posted date: Friday, August 25, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , ,

Global music sensation Lauryn Hill is set to embark on a highly anticipated international tour alongside The Fugees, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."

In a press release issued on Tuesday, it was announced that Hill will take the stage, treating audiences to performances of her seminal album that encapsulate the musical brilliance and nostalgic magic of an era.

Starting on September 8 in Minneapolis, the tour will include a notable highlight at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City later in the month. Hill's musical journey will span continents, encompassing Australia, Canada, and several cities across the United States, culminating with a finale in Seattle in November.

The Fugees, the iconic hip-hop group, will reunite with Lauryn Hill for the US leg in October and November, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans who hold a special place for the trio.

Reflecting on the profound impact of her album, Hill shared, "‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator." She emphasized that the album provided a platform to share wisdom and perspectives through music, challenging stereotypes, and championing the idea that diverse expressions and people have a rightful place anywhere, driven by imagination, creativity and love.

Released on August 25, 1998, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" remains a cornerstone of hip-hop and R&B history, featuring enduring tracks like "Doo Wop (That Thing)," "To Zion," and "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You." The album secured Hill five Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Importantly, Hill made history as the first woman to clinch five or more Grammys in a single night, and the album marked the first hip-hop record to earn the Album of the Year honor.


The Fugees, comprising Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel, recently reunited in June, gracing the stage at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The trio had initially announced a reunion tour in 2021 to honor the 25th anniversary of their iconic album "The Score." However, the tour faced cancellation due to challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic.

Notably, member Pras Michel was recently found guilty of 10 criminal counts in federal court for his involvement in a plot to assist China in influencing U.S. government officials. These counts encompass conspiracy to defraud the US, witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Tickets for Lauryn Hill's highly anticipated tour will go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. local time. A pivotal moment on the tour is the performance at Newark's Prudential Center on October 17, underscoring the celebratory journey of both Hill and The Fugees.

Lauryn Hill Tour Dates:
September 8 – Minneapolis, MN – Mystic Lake
September 23 – New York, NY – Global Citizen Festival
October 1 – Gold Coast, AUS – Promiseland Festival
October 3 – Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena (with Koffee)
October 5 – Sydney, AUS – Kudos Banks Arena (with Koffee)
October 7 – Auckland, NZ – Eden Festival
October 17 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center (with Fugees)
October 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays (with Fugees)
October 21 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena (with Fugees)
October 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Arena (with Fugees)
October 26 – Toronto, ON – Scotia (with Fugees)
October 28 – Chicago, IL – United Center (with Fugees)
October 30 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena (with Fugees)
November 2 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (with Fugees)
November 5 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum (with Fugees)
November 7 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena (with Fugees)
November 9 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena (with Fugees)

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Reportedly Welcome Second Child: A Baby Boy

Posted by: JG Posted date: Monday, August 21, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , ,

YouTube Screengrab
Global music sensation Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky have welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world.

According to TMZ, the couple's new addition was born on August 3rd in Los Angeles. While the baby's name remains undisclosed, sources with direct knowledge shared that it begins with the letter "R."

The 35-year-old singer and A$AP Rocky previously became parents in May 2022 with the birth of their first child, a boy named RZA Athelston Mayers, paying homage to music producer and Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA.

TMZ reported the news of the birth, stating, "Sources with direct knowledge tell us the baby arrived August 3rd in Los Angeles. We don't yet know the kiddo's name, but we do know it starts with 'R' and it's a boy."

The Grammy-winning artist, known for her creative approach to sharing personal news, had earlier announced her second pregnancy in a captivating manner. During her performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February, Rihanna unveiled her growing baby bump by opening her fire red jumpsuit. The announcement created waves of excitement among fans worldwide, who eagerly awaited the arrival of the new member of the family.

Throughout her pregnancy journey, Rihanna continued to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence. Attending prominent events such as the Met Gala and the Academy Awards, the artist effortlessly embraced her maternity style, demonstrating her unique fashion choices. Rihanna shared her approach to maternity fashion in an interview with People, emphasizing that feeling good is closely tied to looking good. "You put some clothes on, and it's like, when you look good, you feel good," she expressed.

Steph Curry Stuns Fans With Rap Prowess in 'Lil Fish, Big Pond' Music Video

Posted by: JG Posted date: Wednesday, August 02, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Screengrab "Lil Fish, Big Pond" video via Twitter
Golden State Warriors' star Steph Curry proves he's a man of many talents as he showcases his musical prowess in a new rap song that's taking the internet by storm. Teaming up with Houston-based rapper Tobe Nwigwe, Curry's debut on "Lil Fish, Big Pond" has already racked up over 16,000 views on YouTube within just four hours of release.

In the music video, Curry and Nwigwe are seen bonding over a fishing trip, but it's the lyrics that have fans buzzing. Curry opens the song with his smooth delivery, boasting lines like "Daddy taught me how to flick my wrist, I'm my father's son" and "They should put the basket in the casket after I am done." It's clear that Curry's skills extend beyond the basketball court.

Watch the video below.

Vallejo, Calif., to Pay Tribute to Iconic Rapper E-40 With 'E-40 Way' Street

Posted by: JG Posted date: Tuesday, August 01, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

The Vallejo City Council in California unanimously approved a measure to pay homage to the local roots of 55-year-old rapper and entrepreneur E-40 by designating a mile-long stretch of Magazine Street in South Vallejo as "E-40 Way."

This decision celebrates the artist's formative years in the area and honors his substantial contributions to the community.

E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, achieved widespread acclaim in the entertainment industry throughout his iconic three-decade-long hip-hop career. In 2015, he released a heartfelt song titled "Magazine Street," dedicated to the neighborhood that shaped his childhood.

The dedication of "E-40 Way" between Laurel Street and Old Glen Cove Road stands as a fitting tribute to the multiplatinum rapper and entrepreneur, who has consistently expressed pride in his Vallejo upbringing and showcased his love for the community through various philanthropic endeavors.

Notably, E-40 has supported the Vallejo Salvation Army by donating turkeys for Thanksgiving andoffering food donations to the homeless. He has also generously contributed to his alma mater, James J. Hogan High School, donating over $10,000 to the school's marching band and an additional $12,000 after the school faced vandalism.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, E-40 has flourished as an entrepreneur, establishing diverse wine and alcoholic beverage lines, including E. Cuarenta Cerveza, E. Cuarenta Tequila, Tycoon Cognac, Kuiper Belt Bourbon and Kuiper Belt Gin.

This year holds special significance for E-40, as it marks the 30th anniversary of his debut album in the music industry.

The official dedication ceremony for "E-40 Way" is scheduled to take place later this year, bringing together community members, fans, and local dignitaries to celebrate the artist's enduring impact on Vallejo.

E-40 joins a distinguished roster of musicians with ties to the Bay Area who have been immortalized through street names. In May, the Oakland City Council unanimously voted to rename a section of MacArthur Boulevard in honor of the late rapper Tupac Shakur. The portion between Grand and Van Buren Avenues will now be known as Tupac Shakur Way, paying homage to the artist's profound love and connection to Oakland, where he spent much of his youth.

Oakland has previously honored other notable figures by naming streets after them, including rapper Too $hort and Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party.

Travis Scott's 'Utopia' Gets Unexpected Film Companion

Posted by: JG Posted date: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

With the imminent release of his first studio album since 2018's "Astroworld," the rapper is making efforts to promote his latest project, "Utopia," which is set to launch this Friday. This comes after a tragic incident at the Astroworld Festival in 2021, where over 300 fans were injured and 10 lost their lives in the rapper's hometown of Houston while he was performing on stage.

On Friday, Scott released the lead single from the album, titled "K-Pop," which features fellow perennial Billboard chart-toppers Bad Bunny and The Weeknd. This move was an effective way to tease the much-delayed album. However, it was a surprise movie drop on Tuesday morning that took his marketing game to a whole new level.The Cactus Jack Records boss unveiled a trailer for "Circus Maximus" on Twitter, a movie that coincides with the release of "Utopia." Scott is credited with writing and directing the film. The trailer also revealed high-profile collaborators, including famed indie filmmaker Harmony Korine, Gaspar Noé, Nicolas Winding Refn, Valdimar Jóhannsson and Kahlil Joseph. 

Its official description on AMC's website describes the film as "a surreal and psychedelic journey, uniting a collective of visionary filmmakers from around the world in a kaleidoscopic exploration of human experience and the power of soundscapes."

"The film was shot in five countries (Iceland, Denmark, France, Nigeria and Italy), and the poster claims it was produced by A24; however, studio representatives later denied its involvement in the production.

To celebrate the launch of "Utopia," Scott will be performing a livestream concert in front of the Pyramids of Giza on Friday.

Watch: Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Group Cypress Hill Performs on NPR's Tiny Desk

Posted by: JG Posted date: Thursday, July 20, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , ,

Trailblazers in the world of hip-hop, Cypress Hill, composed of B Real, Sen Dog, and producer DJ
Muggs, shattered barriers with their psychedelic sound, transcending regional boundaries and fearlessly tackling mental health issues long before they gained mainstream recognition.

As the first Latino hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum status, Cypress Hill also advocated for marijuana legalization when the concept was far from reality.

Recently, the group etched another milestone in its legacy by gracing the stage of NPR's acclaimed Tiny Desk series. Accompanied by touring members Eric Bobo, DJ Lord, and Money Mark from Beastie Boys fame, the band delivered five funky performances infused with the rare addition of a horn section.

During the performance, B Real reflected on the group's journey, stating, "Being here is an honor as we know that many greats have graced this stage. If someone had asked us 30-some-odd years ago when we started, 'Do you see yourself in a situation like this?' I think everyone would’ve said ‘hell no!’"

Cypress Hill's 1993 debut album "Black Sunday" achieved groundbreaking success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the first hip-hop album of the year to claim the top spot. The album has sold over four million copies in the United States. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the group released a deluxe edition featuring remixes of its iconic tracks.

Recent releases include "Back In Black," featuring collaborations with Demrick ("Certified") and Dizzy Wright ("Bye Bye"). Additionally, the group offered fans an intimate glimpse into their career with the Showtime documentary, "Insane in the Brain."

Cypress Hill is currently on a world tour, scheduled to run until December.

Watch the entire performance below.


Tiny Desk Set List:
"When the S*** Goes Down"
"Hand On the Pump"
"How I Could Just Kill a Man"
"(Rap) Superstar"
"Insane in the Brain"

Chicken Wings Go Big Latto Style: Wingstop Debuts Exclusive Flavor Creation

Posted by: JG Posted date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Photo Courtesy Wingstop 
In a potentially mouthwatering partnership, fast-casual chicken brand Wingstop has teamed up with hip-hop artist Latto to introduce a unique culinary creation: Latto's Lemon Herb Remix. The dry rub, crafted by Latto herself alongside Wingstop's culinary team, is now available at all Wingstop locations across the nation for a limited time.

But the collaboration doesn't end with the new flavor. Wingstop and Latto are also unveiling The Latto Meal — a feast designed to bring Latto's preferred flavor experience to life. The Latto Meal features 21 classic wings, two dips and a large serving of seasoned fries.

"I had a blast crafting my very own Lemon Herb Remix flavor with Wingstop," Latto said in a statement announcing the partnership. "As a longtime fan of Wingstop, this collaboration is a dream come true. To enjoy The Latto Meal just the way I do, make sure to request all flats in my signature flavor and pair it with plenty of ranch. Trust me, it's so delicious that you'll find yourself fighting over the last wing, just like my sister Brook and I do."

This marks the artist's second collaboration with the brand. In 2022, she joined forces with Wingstop to support her Win Some Give Some Foundation's second annual Christmas in Clayco event, which aimed to provide local families in need with a Christmas dinner, gifts and essential items.

Latto, also known as Big Latto, has quickly risen to prominence in the music industry with her distinct style and captivating lyricism. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, she gained recognition after winning Jermaine Dupri's reality TV show "The Rap Game" in 2016. Since then, she has released a string of successful singles and mixtapes that have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Her debut album, "Queen of da Souf," made its impact in August 2020, introducing her unique style to the world. However, it was her second studio album, "777," that truly propelled her into the mainstream spotlight.

One of the standout tracks from "777" was "Big Energy," the album's lead single. The song made waves across the music industry, peaking at an impressive number three on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart.

To bring this collaboration to life, Wingstop has released a new commercial featuring Latto. The advertisement showcases Latto's infectious energy as she delivers hand-sauced and tossed Lemon Herb Remix wings alongside seasoned fries to a girls' night gathering, all while her hit song "Put It on Da Floor" provides the backdrop.

Anne Fischer, Chief Growth Officer of Wingstop, emphasized the shared passion for bold and flavorful experiences between the brand and Latto. "Wingstop fans are always seeking our unique taste, and Latto's emergence as a talented artist with her own distinct flavor perfectly aligns with our vision," Fischer explained. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Latto and present the extraordinary Lemon Herb Remix, inviting fans to savor the remarkable blend of Wingstop's expertise and Latto's creative touch."

The introduction of Latto's Lemon Herb Remix coincides with National Chicken Wing Day, an annual celebration of the beloved dish. To honor this occasion, Wingstop is offering a special treat to fans on Saturday, July 29. By using the code FREEWINGS during checkout on Wingstop.com or the app, customers can enjoy five free wings.
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