Evelyn Thomas, Voice of 1980s Disco Hit 'High Energy,' Dead at 70

Evelyn Thomas and daughter Yaya Diamond, via Wikimedia Commons

Evelyn Thomas, the disco diva whose anthemic hit "High Energy" electrified dance floors worldwide, died on Sunday, July 21, at the age of 70. The cause of death has not been made public.

The news was announced by her longtime collaborator and mentor, Ian Levine, in a  heartfelt post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Levine, who discovered Thomas in 1975, recounted their decades-long musical partnership, which began with her debut single "Weak Spot" and culminated in her chart-topping success with "High Energy" in 1984. He described Thomas as his "lifelong protégé" and lamented her passing, stating, "It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protégé really has left us. Her music will outlive all of us."

Born Ellen Lucille Simpson in Chicago on Aug. 22, 1953, Thomas's distinctive voice and energetic stage presence quickly propelled her to disco stardom. "High Energy," co-written by Levine and penned specifically for Thomas, became her signature song, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Evelyn Thomas has died. pic.twitter.com/YFz4hYMOim

— Ian Levine (@IanLevine) July 21, 2024

Thomas and Levine continued their collaboration through the 1980s, releasing albums such as "High Energy" and "Standing at the Crossroads." After a hiatus, they reunited in 2009 to record three more songs. Though estranged for a time, they reconnected shortly before Thomas's death.

In his tribute, Levine revealed that he and co-writer Fiachra Trench had recently penned a new song for Thomas, titled "Inspirational," but her declining health prevented her from recording it.

"Knowing that she was dying, she reached out to me in love," Levine wrote. "Fiachra and I dropped everything to record one last track for her, a wonderful uplifting song called 'Inspirational.'"

Yesterday, I lost my mom. Trying to begin the healing process, but it’s incredibly hard.💔 Embracing every memory and hoping for strength each day. #Grief #LoveAndLoss #HealingJourney #highenergy #evelynthimas #yayadiamond pic.twitter.com/yZhnkviGRJ

— Yaya Diamond ™ (@Yaya_Diamond) July 22, 2024

Instead, Thomas's daughter, Kimberly, who performs as YaYa Diamond, will record the song as a tribute to her mother.

Kimberly also shared her grief on social media, posting a montage of photos with her mother set to "High Energy." "RIP mommy Ellen Simpson AKA Evelyn Thomas," she wrote, adding, "The legacy that my mother left me is beyond words and the memories are undeniably beyond any monetary value."

Thomas's death marks the loss of a disco icon whose music continues to electrify dance floors worldwide. As Levine poignantly noted, "Her music will outlive all of us."

Solange Calls for Accountability in Sonya Massey’s Fatal Shooting

Photo Courtesy Sangamon County Jail

The fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy has sparked widespread protests and calls for police reform, amplified by the voice of singer and activist Solange Knowles.

Body-camera footage released Monday shows a disturbing encounter between Massey and the deputies responding to her 911 call for help. The video captures Massey pleading, "Don't hurt me," before Deputy Sean Grayson, armed and agitated, threatens her with, "You better fing not or I swear to God I'll fing shoot you in the f***ing face," as she held a pot of boiling water. Grayson then fires three fatal shots.

Knowles, reacting to the footage on social media, highlighted the irony of Massey's initial plea for safety. "The first words Sonya Massey said at her front door were 'don't hurt me'," she tweeted. "She was told, 'Why would we hurt you, you called us.'" Knowles questioned the efficacy of such reassurances, asking, "When have those words meant anything when you're Black and a woman in this country? When do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen, in your bedroom, with your babies, or on your lawn?"

first words Sonya Massey said at her front door were “don’t hurt me”

she was told “why would we hurt you, you called us”

when have those words meant anything when your black and woman in this country

when do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen,…

— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) July 23, 2024

Grayson, 30, faces charges of second-degree murder and official misconduct. Records reveal Grayson's turbulent law enforcement history, including employment at six different agencies over four years and two prior DUI arrests. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

#NEW Sean Grayson has been employed at other police departments in central Illinois.

This is information from the Illinois Law Enforcement Board of Standards.

I have already sent FOIA requests to these departments. @wandtvnews pic.twitter.com/4pkVxL8SNE

— Caryn Eisert (@CarynEisert) July 18, 2024

Knowles' impassioned response has resonated with many calling for enhanced de-escalation training, stricter accountability, and increased community oversight of law enforcement. The tragic incident has reignited a national conversation about police violence and systemic issues within the criminal justice system, particularly as they affect Black women.

Motown's Love Song Ends: Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Last Four Top, Dies

Photo Credit: Jay Goodwin

Fakir at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2019.

Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last surviving member of the Four Tops, the Motown quartet whose soaring harmonies and heartbreaking lyrics helped define the sound of a generation, died Monday. He was 88.

Fakir died of heart failure at his home in Detroit, surrounded by family, according to a spokesperson. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the most popular acts of the 1960s, known for hits like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)."

NEW YORK (AP) - Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last surviving original member of the beloved Motown group the Four Tops that was known for such hits as "Reach Out, I'll Be There" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love," has died at age 88.
Fakir died Monday of heart failure, according to… pic.twitter.com/xvWoon944I

— Chris Walker (@WalkerATX) July 22, 2024

As the lead tenor, Fakir provided the bedrock for the group's distinctive sound, his smooth voice blending seamlessly with Levi Stubbs' powerful baritone and the rich harmonies of Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. Their music, often infused with themes of love, loss, and longing, resonated with audiences worldwide and continues to be celebrated today.

Born in 1935 in Detroit, Fakir's journey to musical stardom began in the city's vibrant gospel scene. He initially aspired to be a professional athlete but found his true calling in music, forming the Four Tops with his childhood friend Stubbs and fellow singers Benson and Payton.

The group's breakthrough came in 1963 when they signed with Motown Records and were paired with the legendary songwriting and production team Holland-Dozier-Holland. The collaboration yielded a string of chart-topping hits that solidified the Four Tops' place in music history.

(1/3) In Memoriam: 1990 Inductee Abdul “Duke” Fakir was the last remaining original member of the Four Tops, one of the mightiest vocal groups of all time. pic.twitter.com/VsFpyP99hX

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) July 22, 2024

Between 1964 and 1967, they achieved 11 Top 20 hits, including two No. 1 singles: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There." Other notable songs included "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Bernadette" and "Just Ask the Lonely."

Initially called the Four Aims, the group changed their name to avoid confusion with the Ames Brothers. They had recorded for several labels, including Chess Records, with little commercial success before their association with Motown.With Fakir as lead tenor, the Four Tops became known for their tight, haunting harmonies behind Stubbs' powerful baritone. Their music often reflected themes of romantic pain and loss, contributing to their lasting legacy in the music industry.

After Holland-Dozier-Holland left Motown in 1967, the Four Tops continued to have sporadic success with hits like "Still Water (Love)" and "Keeper of the Castle." Their last Top 20 hit came in the early 1980s with "When She Was My Girl."

Despite changes in the music industry, the Four Tops remained a popular concert act, touring with latter-day members of the Temptations and maintaining their unity until Payton's death in 1997. Benson died in 2005 and Stubbs in 2008.

“The things I love about them the most — they are very professional, they have fun with what they do, they are very loving, they have always been gentlemen,” Stevie Wonder said when he helped induct the Four Tops into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

The group was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Fakir, who was married twice, most recently to Piper Gibson for the last 50 years, had seven children, six of whom survive him. He recently completed a memoir titled "I'll Be There," published in 2022, and was working on a planned Broadway musical based on the group's life.

Hot Girl Meg Sparks Emergency Power Program for Elderly Amid Texas Outages

Megan Thee Stallion is launching an initiative to provide generators for senior citizens across her native Houston to prepare them for future natural disasters. After Hurricane Beryl recently left 2 million people without power, the rapper decided to take action.

The rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, is partnering with Bread of Life, Inc. to launch the Emergency Power Program through her Pete and Thomas Foundation. The organizations will provide generators to elderly residents in Houston, granting them the ability to maintain electricity during natural disasters.

"It's been painful to watch the elderly population in Houston suffer without electricity during these devastating storms,” she said in a statement. “That's why we wanted to partner with Bread of Life to take a strategic approach to this problem and secure generators to help protect our senior citizens. We need to do our part to provide our elders with the best resources possible to withstand future emergencies.”

Earlier this week, more than 200,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were still without power, struggling with the heat one week after Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas. CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area utility, said it has restored power faster than in recent storms and expected full restoration by Friday.

Rudy Rasmus, Executive Director and Founder of Bread of Life, Inc., emphasized the urgency of the initiative.

"We want to expand our support of the most vulnerable people in the city, and Hurricane Beryl, the derecho, and other storms have highlighted that our seniors are in dire need of assistance," Rasmus said. "Through our partnership with Megan Thee Stallion and her Pete and Thomas Foundation, we hope to provide generators to senior personal care homes this hurricane season. Our goal is to provide generators to our most vulnerable seniors ahead of storms or other events that knock out power so there is no interruption in service."

The initiative is timely, as Hurricane Beryl left at least 18 people dead and millions without power for several days. Reliable backup power has become critical for Houston’s most vulnerable residents.

Megan Thee Stallion, a three-time Grammy Award winner, recently released her third album, "Megan," and performed at the BET Awards 2024. She established the Pete and Thomas Foundation in February 2022 to support women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities.

Recognizing the increasing frequency of severe weather events in Houston, the Pete and Thomas Foundation and Bread of Life, Inc. established the Emergency Power Program to support senior citizens in the short term and provide a long-term solution to protect them from future emergencies and power outages.

Missy Elliott Makes History as NASA Sends Her Hit to Venus

Hold onto your inflatable chairs and dust off your butterfly clips, because Missy Elliott just took "Supa Dupa Fly" to a whole new level: Venus. NASA beamed the iconic 1997 hit across 158 million miles of space on Friday, July 12, making it the first hip-hop track to ever reach another planet.

Missy's lyrics hitched a ride on NASA's Deep Space Network, traveling at the speed of light to give Venus a taste of that '90s hip-hop flavor. And where better to blast this female empowerment anthem than the planet named after the goddess of love and beauty herself?

"I still can't believe I'm going out of this world with NASA through the Deep Space Network when 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' becomes the first-ever hip-hop song to transmit to space!" Elliott said in a statement. "I chose Venus because it symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment, and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to share my art and my message with the universe!"

The transmission, facilitated by the Deep Space Station 13 radio dish antenna in Barstow, California (aptly nicknamed "Venus"), took just 14 minutes to reach the planet.

Brittany Brown, director of Digital and Technology at NASA Headquarters, said the collaboration was a natural fit.

YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song “The Rain” has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is… pic.twitter.com/g6HofNQSt1

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) July 15, 2024

"Both space exploration and Missy Elliott's art have been about pushing boundaries," Brown said. "Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting."

"The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" is only the second song ever transmitted into deep space, following the Beatles' "Across the Universe" in 2008.

The transmission comes ahead of two upcoming NASA missions to Venus, DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) and VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy), scheduled for launch in the late 2020s. The Deep Space Network, which has been operational since 1963, will be instrumental in receiving data from these missions.

NASA hopes the transmission of Elliott's music will inspire future generations of scientists and explorers, just as Missy's music has inspired generations of artists and fans on Earth. Perhaps, somewhere out there in the cosmos, extraterrestrial life forms are already grooving to the beat.

Court Dismisses Federal Gun Charge Against Boosie Badazz

TrillEntCMG, via Wikimedia Commons

Rapper Boosie Badazz, legally known as Torrence Hatch, had his federal gun charge dismissed on Friday by the United States District Court Southern District of California. The charge stemmed from his arrest last June in San Diego, where he was accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Hello from San Diego, where a federal judge today dismissed a gun charge against rapper Torrance “Boosie Badazz” Hatch.

Boosie cried and said he’s going to take his family on vacation to celebrate.

Here he is leaving court with his lawyer Meghan Blanco. pic.twitter.com/IgMAIudJEd

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) July 12, 2024

The dismissal marks a significant legal victory for the rapper, who has been entangled in multiple legal battles in recent years. Boosie's lawyer confirmed the court's decision, though specific details surrounding the dismissal remain unclear. The rapper was reportedly filming a music video in San Diego when police observed a firearm in his waistband during an Instagram Live session.

Boosie Reacts To His Federal Gun Case Getting Dismissed Today #Boosie pic.twitter.com/yG2pLx64J9

— Real1Of1TV (@Real1of1TV) July 12, 2024

Court reporter Meghann Cuniff shared a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Boosie and his attorney Meghan Blanco outside the San Diego courtroom. During the hearing, Boosie grew emotional and expressed his intentions to take his family on vacation to celebrate.

"I'm at a loss for words right now, man," Boosie said in a video posted on his Instagram. "I'm gonna take me a trip cross country, bro. Go to about three different countries. God is good, boy. He'll make a way out of no way. That [expletive] love me, bro."

Boosie also shared his gratitude on social media, posting: "CASE DISMISSED!! GOD I JUST WANNA SAY THANK U!! YOU NEVER LEAVE ME, U MAKE A WAY OUT OF NO WAY. U MADE ME BEAT SOUTH BATON ROUGE, U MADE ME BEAT CANCER, U MADE ME BEAT DEATHROW, U MADE ME BEAT GUN SHOTS, U MADE ME BEAT FED CASES, U FORGAVE MY SINS #itrustnugod EVERY TIME IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE YOU SHOWED THEY ASS! TO ANYONE IN TROUBLE CALL ON GOD I DON'T CARE HOW BAD IT LOOKS HE WILL DO IT! HE WILL MAKE A WAY OUT OF NO WAY. Shoutout to my attorneys @missanairam @daali5150 WE DID IT!! Shoutout to my prayer warriors @standingongodsword @donkspeaks and all my fans who said a prayer. TO EVERYONE WHO SHITTED ON ME N SAID I WAS GOING TO JAIL, TO THOSE WHO WANTED ME LOCKED UP N TO THOSE WHO DID ME WRONG THINKING I WOULD BE IN JAIL, JOKES ON U [EXPLETIVE]."

'Illmatic' Tops Billboard's List of Greatest Rap Albums, Nas Reacts

Nas has received the ultimate accolade for his debut album, "Illmatic," as Billboard names it the greatest rap album of all time. The legendary rapper expressed his gratitude and excitement on Instagram acknowledging the honor and the support from his fans: "Thank you to @billboard! N the people !!! We here #1 illmatic."

The album, which includes hits like "N.Y. State of Mind" and "The World Is Yours," has been widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in the genre's history.

In Billboard's ranking, "Illmatic" beat out other iconic albums such as Dr. Dre's "The Chronic," Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," OutKast's "Aquemini," and The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Life After Death."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas)

The top 10 list also featured 2Pac's "All Eyez On Me," Snoop Dogg's "Doggystyle," Eric B. and Rakim's "Paid in Full," JAY-Z's "The Blueprint" and Slick Rick's "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick."

However, the list stirred some controversy with certain album placements. Billboard ranked Cardi B's "Invasion of Privacy" at No. 29, ahead of JAY-Z's "Reasonable Doubt," Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city" and Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP." Albums by Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Uzi Vert were also ranked above OutKast's "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik," MF DOOM and Madlib's "Madvillainy" and Run-DMC's "Raising Hell," raising eyebrows among some hip-hop fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas)

Nas reflected on his journey and the creation of "Illmatic" in a heartfelt Instagram post earlier this year. He recounted how he dreamed of working with his favorite producers and how he achieved that vision with the help of Large Professor, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and DJ LES. He expressed gratitude for their contributions and for the album's lasting impact.

In addition to Billboard's recognition, Nas and "Illmatic" were recently honored by the New York State Senate. Senator Jamaal T. Bailey highlighted Nas’ achievements, saying, “Nasir Jones, poetically known as Nas, was making the greatest Hip Hop album of all time, Illmatic. Nas has been a Hip Hop griot — the rapid response system for the streets, for lack of a better term.”

Celebrating Illmatic 30th anniversary with The Las Vegas Philharmonic on Labor Day Weekend August 29 to September 1. Presale tickets available now at https://t.co/SDMyAnnjKt (code: represent) pic.twitter.com/jQRAstiolq

— Nasir Jones (@Nas) May 21, 2024

As 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of "Illmatic," Nas is planning to celebrate with special live performances. He is set to perform the album with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas, with shows scheduled for August 29, 31, and September 1. This event follows a previous symphonic performance of "Illmatic" with the National Symphony Orchestra in New York City in 2018.

"Illmatic" was groundbreaking for its innovative use of an all-star producer team and for Nas' extraordinary storytelling, capturing the struggles and dreams of life in New York City. Upon its release, the album entered the Billboard 200 at number 12 and peaked at number two on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It has since achieved Platinum status and sold over 2 million copies in the United States.

Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Ready to Die' Marks 30 Years With Reissue

The Notorious B.I.G.'s groundbreaking debut album, "Ready to Die," is set for a special 30th-anniversary reissue on September 13th. Rhino Records announced the reissue last Friday, months after the album's induction into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, solidifying its cultural impact.

The two-LP reissue will feature newly reimagined limited edition cover art and will be available in both black and color vinyl editions. The black vinyl version will be sold through Rhino.com and biggiemerch.com, while the color vinyl edition will be exclusive to select retailers.

Author and journalist Justin Tinsley, in his essay for the Library of Congress induction, described the album as a response to "American capitalism and just how deadly the pursuit of money could be and was for so many—in particular, young Black folks in America."

The 6x platinum-certified album, celebrated for hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," each with over 1 billion streams, continues to be recognized as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever, appearing on lists like Apple Music's 100 Best Albums of All Time and Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time.

The reissue comes 30 years to the day after the album's original release, marking a milestone for a record that shaped hip-hop's golden age and solidified The Notorious B.I.G.'s place as a rap legend.

Track Listing for Ready To Die (30th Anniversary)

LP One: Side One
Intro
"Things Done Changed"
"Gimme The Loot"
"Machine Gun Funk"
"Warning"

Side Two
6. "Ready To Die"
7. "One More Chance"
8. "F*$K Me"
9. "The What"
10. "Juicy"

LP Two: Side One
"Every Day Struggle"
"Me & My Bitch"
"Big Poppa"
"Respect"

Side Two
5. "Friend of Mine"
6. "Unbelievable"
7. "Suicidal Thoughts"
8. "Who Shot Ya"

Ye Says He's Out, But Will He Really Fade to Black?

Ye and Ty Dolla $ign's "Vultures 1" album topped the charts when it was released in February.

Hold onto your hypebeasts, folks! Ye — the artist formerly known as Kanye West — might be hanging up his microphone for good. Yes, that's right, the man who brought us "The College Dropout" and "Jesus Walks" (and, let's be honest, a whole lotta controversy) is hinting at a full-blown musical retirement.

Rich the Kid shared an alleged text message from Ye on Tuesday, July 9, in which the rapper explained his decision to walk away from professional music. "I am retiring from professional music. Not sure what else to do," West wrote in the message.

Ye said he’s retiring from making music but he don’t know what else to do pic.twitter.com/Sd3aM52dTl

— Donda Times (@dondatimes) July 9, 2024

Rich the Kid tried to convince him otherwise: "Retire? Why? How? The people NEED you. The music you & Ty & we have made the BIGGEST STAMP in culture to this date in 2024. Drop Ye about mine & V2 and we do it all over again. The kids need you big bro for sure. Maybe some time to chill but retiring ain't it." The "New Freezer" rapper deleted the text message exchange featuring Ye's alleged retirement from his Instagram Story about a half-hour after originally posting it.

Ye and Ty Dolla $ign's "Vultures 1" album topped the charts when it was released in February, as did the album single "Carnival" featuring Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid. However, the second and third volumes the duo promised fans in March and April failed to drop. According to Ty Dolla $ign, all the songs for the second album are complete. However, no release date has been announced since it was last rumored to be dropping in May. Most recently, Ye and Ty announced a "Vultures" listening event to take place in Korea on Aug. 23.

Ye's career has been marked by dramatic announcements and sudden changes in direction, leaving fans and industry observers questioning whether this retirement declaration is final or another twist in his unpredictable journey. His influence on the music industry has been significant, from groundbreaking albums like "The College Dropout" and "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" to his ventures into fashion and other creative fields.

For now, fans and the music world wait to see if Ye's retirement will stick or if he will once again surprise everyone with a new chapter in his storied career.

Court Grants Extension for Prosecutors in Young Thug Judge Recusal Dispute

The trial of rapper Young Thug has been further delayed after prosecutors requested more time to respond to a defense motion to remove the presiding judge. The defense motion seeks to remove Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville from the case due to allegations of bias or misconduct.

The court has granted a 48-hour extension due to an unexpected medical emergency, pushing the deadline from 5 p.m. on Monday to 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Motion granted by Judge Rachel Krause.

State responses are now due Wednesday 5PM. pic.twitter.com/vKLKB1nyC5

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 8, 2024

Last week, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause ordered the Fulton County District Attorney's Office to respond to the motion, halting the months-long trial. Before Judge Krause could issue a ruling, defendant Deamonte Kendrick filed a motion to disqualify all Fulton County Superior Court judges.

YSL Woody goes LIVE, addressing trolls calling him a rat and talking about his loyalty to his people. Woody remains a witness in the trial of Young Thug and associates. DA Adriane Love is likely taking note of his statements. pic.twitter.com/tVS5oa3Olk

— Mr. Garland Merrick (@GarlandMerrick) July 7, 2024

The trial saw a dramatic turn on June 7, when Kenneth Copeland, known as "Lil Woody," refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment right, despite a plea bargain agreement. Copeland was subsequently found in contempt of court and detained over the weekend. The following Monday, a meeting was held in Judge Glanville's chambers to discuss the violation of the plea bargain, involving Copeland, the judge, and the prosecution.

Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, confronted Judge Glanville during a court break after learning about the private meeting. Steel, who did not disclose how he obtained this information, was also found in contempt of court. His sentence of 10 weekends in jail has been stayed by the Georgia Supreme Court pending appeal.

YOUNG THUG TRIAL IS PAUSED UNTIL A DIFFERENT JUDGE DECIDES IF JUDGE GLANVILLE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE CASE

Judge Glanville has changed his mind and transferred Young Thug and Yak Gotti's motions to recuse him to a different judge. pic.twitter.com/EIDI3Vjxe6

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 1, 2024

Judge Glanville has denied the recusal motion filed by Steel and co-counsel Keith Adams. However, Kendrick's attorney pursued relief from the Georgia Supreme Court, which dismissed the motion on procedural grounds, deciding that another judge should hear the recusal motions.

The trial remains stalled as these legal disputes continue to unfold. Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, faces racketeering charges along with several co-defendants. The high-profile case has seen numerous legal maneuvers and complications, with the latest delay further prolonging the proceedings.

Legal Woes Deepen for Combs as Sexual Assault Cases Reach Eight, 50 Cent Reacts

Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing his eighth sexual assault lawsuit since November 2023, as former porn star Adria English accuses him of grooming and coercing her into sexual activities at his parties.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that between 2004 and 2009, the rapper and business mogul forced English to engage in sexual intercourse with party guests, consume alcohol, and take ecstasy. Combs has denied all allegations through his lawyer, Jonathan Davis.

"No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without any proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court,” Davis said in a statement.

Wait say what ?? Porn star Adria English, who is suing #Diddy for sex trafficking, also claims she dated #JayZ. She says Jay Z gave both #Beyonce & #Rihanna nicknames named after her.

Do yall believe her?

🎥: @unwinewithtasha pic.twitter.com/lh1QPUOgq1

— TeaWithTia (@RealTeaWithTia) July 3, 2024

English claims she was hired to attend Combs' "white parties" in 2004, initially without any expectations of sexual activities. However, by the third party, Combs, 54, she said he coerced her into having sex with guests, leveraging her past in adult entertainment.

This lawsuit follows a series of allegations against Combs, starting with R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of rape and physical abuse in November 2023. Though Combs settled that lawsuit the following day, leaked footage of him physically assaulting Ventura in 2016 sparked public outrage.

Subsequent lawsuits have been filed by other individuals, including former employees and women accusing him of sexual assault, abuse, drugging, and other acts of sexual misconduct. One woman even claimed that Combs "sex trafficked and gang raped" her as a 17-year-old in 2003. All claims have been denied by Combs, who is also named in a lawsuit involving his son, Christian "King" Combs.

Once celebrated for his successful music career and business ventures, including Bad Boy Records and Cîroc vodka, Combs has seen his reputation tarnished by these allegations. In recent weeks, New York Mayor Eric Adams demanded that Combs return the ceremonial key to the city awarded to him in September 2023. Additionally, Howard University rescinded Combs' honorary degree, discontinued a scholarship in his name, and returned a $1 million donation.

Rapper 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, who has a long-standing feud with Combs, has publicly reacted to the latest lawsuit. Sharing a post from The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram, 50 Cent commented, "WHAT HAPPEN 👀 how much s*** was this fool doing? 😳LOL NAH I'm gonna need more episodes for this docu series." The post referred to his planned documentary on the allegations against Combs, developed through his G-Unit film and television company. The documentary, which has not yet announced a release date or platform, promises to delve into the numerous accusations against the music mogul.

English's lawsuit also claims that Combs forced her to have sex with celebrity jeweler Jacob Arabo, known as "Jacob the Jeweler." She alleges that besides her usual fee for attending the parties, she received an additional $1,000 after the "forced sexual intercourse" with Arabo, who is also named as a defendant.

List of Lawsuits Filed Against Sean "Diddy" Combs (November 2023 - June 2024)

1. Cassie Ventura: (November 2023) - Allegations of rape and physical abuse. Settled out of court.
2. Joi Dickerson-Neal: (December 2023) - Former chef alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
3. Rodney Jones Jr.: (January 2024) - Former driver alleging wrongful termination, unpaid wages, and emotional distress after witnessing alleged sexual misconduct.
4. Jane Doe (1) vs. Christian Combs & Sean Combs: (April 2024) - Lawsuit against Diddy's son alleging sexual assault, with Diddy named as a co-defendant for alleged negligence.
5. April Lampros: (May 2024) - Allegations of drugging and sexual assault dating back to the 1990s.
6. Jane Doe (2): (May 2024) - Anonymous woman alleging Combs "sex trafficked and gang raped" her as a 17-year-old in 2003.
7. Crystal McKinney: (June 2024) - Allegations of drugging and rape involving Combs and rapper French Montana.
8. Adria English: (June 2024) - Former adult film actor alleging grooming and coercion into sexual activities at Combs' parties.

B.G. Wins Court Battle: Free to Write Lyrics While Under Federal Supervision

A federal judge has rejected a request from prosecutors to prohibit rapper Christopher "B.G." Dorsey from promoting violence in his music while on supervised release, citing First Amendment concerns. However, U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan ruled that B.G. must submit copies of any new songs to the government for review before their release.

The ruling, issued Friday, is the latest development in a case that has sparked debate about an artist's right to free expression versus the government's responsibility to enforce the terms of supervised release. B.G., known for his 1990s hit "Bling Bling," came under scrutiny after performing with other rappers who have felony convictions and releasing lyrics that prosecutors said glorified violence.

Rapper B.G. says he is not allowed to rap about certain topics like "snitches" while on supervised release #bg #cashmoney #cashmoneyrecords pic.twitter.com/EaPzyEdYGF

— livebitez (@livebitez) June 20, 2024

In March, parole officers requested B.G.'s arrest for violating the terms of his supervised release, but he was later released on his own recognizance. Prosecutors asked Judge Morgan to impose restrictions on his lyrics, arguing they could undermine his rehabilitation.

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B.G.'s attorneys argued that such restrictions would constitute an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech. Judge Morgan agreed, stating that the condition "may be an unconstitutional prior restraint."

However, Judge Morgan acknowledged the government's concerns and ordered B.G. to submit his lyrics for review before release or promotion. If deemed inconsistent with his rehabilitation, prosecutors could request modifications to his supervised release terms.

During a recent hearing, a Louisiana prosecutor justified B.G. having to turn in his lyrics to the state by implying they were "promoting" murder &he should instead "uplift people" with what he writes while on probation.

State-approved hip-hop? https://t.co/dPgFZsINC5 pic.twitter.com/V82PzXMUGA

— 𝐚𝐣𝐠 (@andrejgee) June 21, 2024

B.G., a member of the Hot Boys rap group, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2012 for illegal gun possession and other charges. He was released to a halfway house in fall 2023 and began a two-year period of federal supervision on Feb. 1.

The case has drawn attention from other prominent artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Jay-Z, who have condemned the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. B.G.'s attorneys expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing it allows him to continue his artistic work while addressing the terms of his supervision.

Flavor Flav Flavors Up Red Lobster

Photo Credit: X/FlavorFlav

Seafood fans have a new reason to say, "Yeah boyee!"

Fans of the legendary Public Enemy hype man can enjoy Flavor Flav’s Faves, an exclusive off-menu meal at Red Lobster. The collaboration comes after Flav showed his love for Red Lobster by ordering the entire menu in an attempt to “save the Cheddar Bay Biscuits” when the chain faced financial difficulties earlier this year.

Yeahhh boyeeeee! Our hype man @flavorflav is helping us make this the most flavorful Crabfest ever 🤤 🦀 pic.twitter.com/Tpza2aRUea

— Red Lobster (@redlobster) June 10, 2024

Red Lobster’s partnership with Flavor Flav, known for his larger-than-life personality and signature clock necklaces, has resulted in a meal featuring a handpicked selection of the chain’s seafood favorites. The meal is available at Red Lobsterrestaurants nationwide and includes Maine Lobster Tail, Snow Crab Legs, Garlic Shrimp Scampi, and Bacon Mac & Cheese, plus a choice of one side. To order, diners just need to ask their server for Flavor Flav’s Faves.

"As a long-time Red Lobster fan, I’m fired up to bring a little bit of my own flavor to fans with a meal featuring my seafood favorites," said Flavor Flav, known for hits like "Fight the Power" and "911 Is a Joke." "You gotta get to Red Lobster and give it a try because this signature meal is hype, boyee!"

Flavor Flav's Faves

Red Lobster’s Chief Experience Officer, Sara Bittorf, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "When you have someone like Flavor Flav who shows their love for a brand by ordering the entire menu, you know there is a lot more fun to be had. Flavor Flav’s passion for Red Lobster is unmatched, and we’re excited to bring our guests a flavor experience unlike any other."

This collaboration comes just in time for Red Lobster’s Crabfest, featuring new dishes like Creamy Crab Carbonara, Crab & Lobster Duo, and Snow Crab & Crab-Topped Steak. Guests can also indulge in the Crab Your Way option, choosing from wild-caught Snow or Bairdi Crab, with flavor options including Cajun Butter, Roasted Garlic Butter, or Simply Steamed.

For more details on Red Lobster’s menu or to find a nearby location, visit the Red Lobster website.

Usher's Legacy Takes Center Stage at BET Awards

Photo By Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET 

The 2024 BET Awards celebrated Black excellence Sunday night, with a lineup of high-energy performances and a moving tribute to Usher, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hosted by Taraji P. Henson at the Peacock Theatre, the event opened with an electrifying performance by Megan Thee Stallion, who emerged from an egg in a nod to her latest album artwork. She ignited the night with "Hiss," followed by "Boa" and "Where Them Girls At."

Drake led the nominations with seven, including album of the year for "For All The Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)." Nicki Minaj followed closely with six, including album of the year for "Pink Friday 2."

Usher's tribute was a standout moment. Introduced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Usher watched as a parade of artists honored his career. Childish Gambino opened with "U Don't Have to Call," followed by Keke Palmer's rendition of "U Make Me Wanna." Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, and Tinashe contributed with performances of Usher's hits.

L.A. Reid and Babyface, co-founders of Usher's label LaFace Records, presented the award. Overcoming technical difficulties during his acceptance speech, Usher expressed gratitude and humor about his journey and those who supported him, including Jermaine Dupri.

Lauryn Hill revisited tracks from her groundbreaking album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," bringing out her son YG Marley for "Survival" and "Praise Jah in the Moonlight." Hill closed her set with Fugees member Wyclef Jean performing "Fu-Gee-La."

The diverse lineup included Ice Spice previewing her upcoming album "Y2K," GloRilla descending from the ceiling for "Yeah Glo!" and "TGIF," and Tyla performing "Jump" with Skillibeng and Gunna.

Victoria Monét, who won video of the year for "On My Mama," performed her hits, while Sexy Redd, Tanner Adell, Doechii, and Shaboozey showcased their talents.

Usher and Victoria Monét emerged as the night's biggest winners. Usher received the Lifetime Achievement Award and best male R&B/pop artist. Monét won video of the year and captivated the audience with her performances.

For a complete list of winners click here. 

Kanye West in Moscow: Concert Rumors Swirl, Putin Meeting Speculated

Kanye West arrived in Moscow today, fueling rumors of a potential concert and a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The rapper's visit coincides with the birthday of Gosha Rubchinskiy, the new creative director of West's Yeezy brand.

Russian media outlets reported West's arrival, citing footage appearing to show him in the Moscow subway. While sources suggest the visit is primarily to celebrate Rubchinskiy's birthday, the possibility of a concert hasn't been definitively ruled out. There have been no official announcements from West's representatives or potential venues regarding a performance.

Kanye West arrives in Moscowhttps://t.co/JdkYJGdjoS pic.twitter.com/KvmBlxZxCd

— RT (@RT_com) June 30, 2024

In December 2023, West appointed Rubchinskiy to lead the Yeezy design team. A statement from Yeezy at the time hailed the move as "a milestone in design history."

Kanye West's loyalty to Russia has turned into open support for aggression against Ukraine. The American rapper, who has a huge army of fans around the world, continues to praise Putin and everything he does. Adolf Hitler is another figure Kanye seems to be influenced by. pic.twitter.com/3XDJuELPeB

— Jan Wouters Esq. 🇧🇪 🇺🇦 @BelgianBoy@mastodon.social (@layoutdokter) June 30, 2024

The 47-year-old rapper, known for past statements praising President Putin, was filmed walking with an entourage in Moscow, wearing baggy white trousers and a white hoodie. Videos circulating online show him shopping and interacting with fans.

West posted "Hello, Moscow" in Russian on VKontakte, the country's state-monitored social media platform, on Sunday. He was also seen in a Moscow underpass, a hotel lobby, the Gum mall, and Red Square.

Reports indicate West is staying at the Four Seasons Hotel near the Kremlin, where the Presidential Suite reportedly costs around £10,000 ($12,450 USD) per night.

Russian Ye’s fans are waiting for him in front of his hotel in Moscow 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/Cr4dqm4cs3

— Donda Times (@dondatimes) June 30, 2024

West's visit to Russia has sparked controversy, as most Western celebrities have distanced themselves from the country following its invasion of Ukraine. However, West, who has faced criticism for various controversial statements and actions, remains an exception. His past praise for Putin raises questions about the nature of his visit and potential interactions with Russian officials.

Watch: Sisters With Voices Deliver Soul-Stirring Tiny Desk Set

Screengrab: YouTube

In a fitting conclusion to NPR's Black Music Month celebration, the iconic R&B group SWV delivered a captivating Tiny Desk concert. The trio, known for their harmonious vocals and enduring hits, performed at NPR's headquarters, showcasing their timeless appeal and musical prowess.

Formed in New York City, Sisters With Voices (SWV) rose to fame in the 1990s alongside popular girl groups like En Vogue, TLC and Xscape. Their unique blend of R&B, new jack swing, and hip-hop soul earned them multiple platinum records and a dedicated fanbase that remains strong today.

The Tiny Desk setlist was a nostalgic journey through SWV's biggest hits, starting with the crowd-pleasing "I'm So Into You." The audience's enthusiasm was evident, with many singing along even after the song ended. Other fan favorites like "Right Here," "You're the One," and their number-one hit "Weak" further showcased their musical prowess and enduring appeal.

Before performing "You're the One," Lelee Lyons reflected on the group's groundbreaking approach to music in the '90s, noting their willingness to push boundaries. This served as a reminder of SWV's significant impact on the music industry and their continued influence.

SWV is currently co-headlining the Queens of R&B Tour with fellow '90s hitmakers Xscape. The tour, which kicked off with a sold-out show in Concord, California, features a mix of solo and collaborative performances, offering fans a nostalgic and exciting concert experience.

Watch the entire performance below.

SET LIST
"I'm So Into You"
"Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix)"
"You're the One"
"You're Always on My Mind"
"Rain"
"Weak"
"Anything (Old Skool Radio Version)"

Jewel Brown, Blues and Jazz Legend, Succumbs to Cancer at 86

Jewel Brown, the celebrated jazz singer from Houston who gained fame performing with Louis Armstrong,has died at age 86, her publicist confirmed Wednesday.

Born and raised in Houston's Third Ward, Brown was one of six children. She knew she wanted to sing from an early age, participating in local talent shows and earning her way to a regular gig in Galveston while still a teenager. Her talent soon led to recording singles for Liberty Records in the early 1960s, and she was drawn to Los Angeles to sing with keyboardist Earl Grant's band.

Freedomland Remembers Jewel Brown: Vocalist Jewel Brown passed away (June 25) at the age of 86. Born in Houston, she joined the Louis Armstrong All-Stars (1961) and toured the world until 1968. She appeared at Freedomland with Pops and the last member of that talented group. pic.twitter.com/Gk1xw5v1Yq

— Freedomland_USA (@Freedomland_USA) June 26, 2024

In 1961, while Louis Armstrong was touring in Sierra Leone with his All Stars, his longtime singer Velma Middleton died suddenly. Armstrong offered Brown the opportunity to take Middleton's place. This led to a nearly decade-long collaboration, with the two touring, recording, and performing together until Armstrong's retirement in 1969.

"He was the most fantastic person I've worked with my entire life," Brown said of Armstrong in a 2015 interview with the Houston Chronicle. "It was just a gift from heaven to be able to work with him."

Brown's career began at the tender age of 12, when she performed professionally for the first time at the Manhattan Club in Galveston, Texas. She later turned down an opportunity to tour Europe with Lionel Hampton's band to stay in school. Before joining Armstrong, she headlined at Jack Ruby's nightclub in Dallas, a period she rarely discussed in interviews.

Despite her success, Brown eventually chose to return to Houston in 1969 to care for her parents.

https://t.co/DAIu2JDSqJ

Some very sad news from Houston. Jewel Brown, jazz singer extraordinaire, has passed away at the age of 86. Jewel was born and raised in Houston's Third Ward and later sang in Louis Armstrong's band for seven years, from 1961-1968. Prior to singing for…

— Traces of Texas (@TracesofTexas) June 27, 2024

"Baby, I grew up on it all," she told the Houston Chronicle. "I've done country and western, ballads, torch songs, blues, and jazz. They call mea bluesy jazz singer and a jazzy blues singer. Give a song to me. If it's good, I'll do it."

After parting ways with Armstrong, Brown continued to sing but focused on performing locally. Health issues, including scoliosis, osteoporosis, and partial sight loss in one eye, limited her later career, but she remained active in the Houston music scene. In 2007, she was inducted into the Blues Smithsonian Hall of Fame, and in 2015, she was recognized by Congress for her contributions to the arts.

During her hiatus from performing, Brown managed a barbershop with her brother, sold insurance, and worked as a tailor. She eventually returned to performing locally and made a significant comeback, performing at events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Satchmo Fest.

A 1955 photo of Jewel Brown, jazz singer extraordinaire from Houston. Jewel sang in Louis Armstrong's band for years. You can find videos of the two of them on YouTube. I was fortunate enough to see her live 6 years ago and she was still great. Afterward I spoke with her for… pic.twitter.com/x1wkT1N4A6

— Traces of Texas (@TracesofTexas) June 3, 2023

In recent years, Brown recorded for Dynaflow Records in Austin. She had recently been treated for colon cancer before her death.

Brown’s family expressed their gratitude in a statement sent to ABC13: "It is a special but difficult time for us. We appreciate all the love, the calls, concerns, and acknowledgements that all of you have expressed. We know how much Jewel was loved by many across the globe, in Texas, in Houston, and especially her Third Ward community. We thank you all!"