President Biden Pardons Thousands for 'Simple Possession’ of Marijuana

Official White House Photo by Erin Scott

Marijuana has never been more mainstream in America.

Thirty-nine states have legalized the drug for medical use. Nineteen of those have ended penalties for recreational use as well.

According to a report from the Marijuana Policy Project, legal cannabis sales have generated a combined total of $11.2 billion in tax revenue since 2014, when they began in Colorado and Washington.

While some of the old stigma surrounding the drug may be gone, and many states have phased out, gotten rid of or lessened penalties for its possession — multitudes of Americans have been left behind to pay the price of its previous prohibition.

President Joe Biden seeks to rectify that imbalance. Today he announced he is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.

As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.

Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022

"There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result," Biden said in a statement. "My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions."

According to Biden the move, which fulfills a pledge he made during his campaign, is the first step for the administration toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.

"Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either," he said.

The pardon covers the thousands who have been convicted of the crime in the District of Columbia as well, and Biden has called on the governors of every state to issue similar pardons — a critical move since most marijuana possession cases involve those convicted of state offenses.

Biden added, "Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Read the full text of his proclamation here.

Kendrick Lamar Rules Over 'Culture's Biggest Night'

"Culture's Biggest Night" proclaimed Kendrick Lamar its monarch Tuesday night at Atlanta's Cobb Theater.

King Kendrick took home six awards — including artist and album of the year (“Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers) — to rule the night at the 17th annual edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Additionally, Lamar won lyricist of the year and best live performer for his work as a solo artist. He shared two other awards. With his cousin, and frequent collaborator Baby Keem, he took home best hip-hop video honors for "Family Ties." Along with Dave Free, Lamar was named video director of the year.

It was an impressive haul, especially considering the "N95" rapper had nine nominations. Drake, who led all nominees with 14 coming into the show, took home just three.

A complete list of winners for the Bet Hip Hop Awards 2022 follows:

Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Drake
Future
Kanye West
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion

Hip Hop Album of the Year
Latto, 777
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Kanye West, Donda
Future, I Never Liked You
Pusha T, It’s Almost Dry
Nas, King’s Disease II
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Song of the Year
WINNER: Latto, “Big Energy”
Hitkidd & Glorilla, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”
Jack Harlow, “First Class”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
Kodak Black, “Super Gremlin”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Hip Hop Video
A$AP Rocky, “D.M.B.”
WINNER: Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
BIA & J. Cole, “London”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Collaboration
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
Drake feat. 21 Savage, “Jimmy Cooks”
Benny The Butcher & J. Cole, “Johnny P’s Caddy”
WINNER: Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Best Duo or Group
42 Dugg & EST Gee
Big Sean & Hit-Boy
Birdman & Youngboy Never Broke Again
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
DaBaby & Youngboy Never Broke Again
WINNER: EARTHGANG
Styles P & Havoc

Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist
Baby Keem
Blxst
Doechii
Fivio Foreign
WINNER: GloRilla
Nardo Wick
Saucy Santana

Best Live Performer
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Drake
J. Cole
Kanye West
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Tyler, the Creator

Lyricist of the Year
Baby Keem
Benny The Butcher
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Jay-Z
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Burna Boy
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Director X
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free
Teyana Taylor

Producer of the Year
ATL Jacob
Baby Keem
Hit-Boy
WINNER: Hitmaka
Kanye West
Metro Boomin
Pharrell Williams

DJ of the Year
D-Nice
DJ Cassidy
WINNER: DJ Drama
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Premier
Kaytranada
Mustard
Nyla Symone
L.A. Leakers: DJ sourMILK & Justin Credible

Best Hip Hop Platform
Big Boy’s Neighborhood
Breakfast Club
CO-WINNER: Caresha Please
Complex
CO-WINNER: Drink Champs
HipHopDX
Million Dollaz Worth of Game
NPR Tiny Desk
Verzuz

Hustler of the Year
WINNER: 50 Cent
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Megan Thee Stallion

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
CO-WINNER: Drake, “Churchill Downs” (Jack Harlow feat. Drake)
J. Cole, “Poke It Out” (Wale feat. J. Cole)
J. Cole, “London” (BIA & J. Cole)
Lil Baby, “Girls Want Girls” (Drake feat. Lil Baby)
Kanye West, “City of Gods” (Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys)
CO-WINNER: Drake, “Wait for You” (Future feat. Drake & Tems)
Jadakiss, “Black Illuminati” (Freddie Gibbs feat. Jadakiss)

Impact Track
WINNER: Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys, “City of Gods”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
Nas feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill, “Nobody”
Latto, “Pxssy”
Kendrick Lamar, “The Heart Part 5”
Doja Cat, “Woman”

Best International Flow
WINNER: Benjamin Epps (France)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Blxckie (South Africa)
Central Cee (UK)
Haviah Mighty (Canada)
Knucks (UK)
Le Juiice (France)
Nadia Nakai (Zimbabwe)
Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)

Janet Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Getting Deluxe Reissue for 25th Anniversary

"The Velvet Rope: Deluxe Edition" drops on Friday. 

Halloween is on the horizon but for Janet Jackson fans this week may feel a little more like Christmas.

That is because the diva is giving her devotees an early gift Friday (Oct. 7) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her classic album “The Velvet Rope.”

The five-time Grammy Award-winner will release a new deluxe edition of her sixth studio release. In 1997 the triple-platinum EP was Jackson’s fourth consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 chart.

A concept piece that was born out of her own bouts with depression, Jackson said the album was one of her toughest to make.

“You feel like the walls are closing in on you, and you can’t escape,” she recollected to Entertainment Weekly about recording the album in a 2001 interview. “That was happening to me during “Velvet Rope,” and I just felt like there was no way out.”

Fortunately for music lovers, the process of Jackson dealing with her own internal demons through her music, translated into a melodic and therapeutic treatise on female sexuality and mental health.

While she was not sure how her fan base would react when she was writing and recording the raw songs, which also touch on domestic violence and kinks, she persisted.

“I’m sure it did alienate a lot of people, but that’s what I was feeling, and I wanted to write about it, so I did,” she said.

It is a good thing she did too.

Produced by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the effort was named one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone. Pitchfork counts it as one of “The 150 Best Albums of the 1990s”

In addition to No. 1 hits like “Together Again and “I Get Lonely,” the new edition features 13 remixes as well as B-sides and rarities like “Accept Me” and “God’s Stepchild.” It will be the first time several of the songs have been made available to stream.

Remastered versions of some of the most memorable Jackson visuals for the project will be made available to watch on YouTube in tandem with the release.

See the complete track listing for "The Velvet Rope: Deluxe Edition" below:

THE VELVET ROPE: DELUXE EDITION
Component 1:

1. Interlude -Twisted Elegance
2. Velvet Rope [feat. Vanessa-Mae]
3. You
4. Got 'Til It's Gone [feat. Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell]
5. Interlude - Speaker Phone
6. My Need
7. Interlude - Fasten Your Seatbelts
8. Go Deep
9. Free Xone
10. Interlude - Memory
11. Together Again
12. Interlude - Online
13. Empty
14. Interlude - Full
15. What About
16. Every Time
17. Tonight's The Night
18. I Get Lonely
19. Rope Burn
20. Anything
21. Interlude - Sad
22. Special
23. Can't Be Stopped
24. Accept Me [Bonus Track] *
25. God's Stepchild [Bonus Track] *

Component 2:
1. I Get Lonely (TNT Remix Edit) with BLACKstreet *
2. Got 'Til It's Gone (Ummah Jay Dee's Revenge Mix) *
3. Go Deep (Timbaland/Missy Remix) featuring Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott *
4. Together Again (Jimmy Jam Deeper Mix) *
5. Every Time (Jam & Lewis Disco Mix)
6. I Get Lonely (Jam & Lewis Feel My Bass Mix) *
7. Got 'Til It's Gone (David Morales & Frankie Knuckles Def Club Mix) *
8. Together Again (Tony Moran 12" Club Mix) *
9. Go Deep (Masters at Work Thunder Mix) *
10. Together Again (Tony Humphries Club Mix Edit)
11. I Get Lonely (Jason vs. Janet The Club Remix)
12. Go Deep (Masters At Work Vocal Deep Disco Dub)
13. Got 'Til It's Gone (Armand Van Helden Bonus Beats)
* = new to streaming

Watch: Will Smith Releases Teaser for Runaway Slave Movie 'Emancipation'

Will Smith is having a relatively rough year for a guy who won his first Academy Award in March.

Of course, slapping the host of the show about to fete you is probably not the best way to get on the good side of karma.

While Chris Rock famously declined to press charges for the incident, Smith did get a 10-year ban from attending the ceremony. He also was grilled mercilessly by the internet and went into hiding when he should have been celebrating the apex of his acting career. 

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Things are finally looking up for the actor, who apologized to Rock for the assault on the comedian in what the latter referred to as a "hostage video,” however.

Smith's first post-slap project, “Emancipation,” is generating positive buzz. Following a recent screening his performance as Peter — the real-life runaway slave depicted in the "Whipped Peter" series of photos in Harper's Weekly in 1863 that served as a searing indictment on slavery — was compelling enough for Apple to give it a December release.

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The feature will be released to theaters in a limited release on Dec. 2, before making its debut on Apple TV+ a week later — making it eligible for this year's Oscar nominations.

That doesn't guarantee, of course, that Smith will remotely add another best actor trophy to his case remotely next year. If the word-on-the-street is to be believed, though, the movie and the powerful performance that drives it might be the most important of his career.

I had the pleasure of watching the film #Emancipation and can’t begin to tell how powerful this is for OUR community and OUR history. It’s a story of adversity, of resilience, of love, and of triumph.

Thank you Antoine Fuqua and Will Smith for sharing your gifts!#ThisIsPower

— Derrick Johnson (@DerrickNAACP) October 1, 2022

"I had the pleasure of watching the film #Emancipation and can’t begin to tell how powerful this is for OUR community and OUR history," NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson posted on Twitter following the screening. "It’s a story of adversity, of resilience, of love, and of triumph. Thank you Antoine Fuqua and Will Smith for sharing your gifts!"

Watch the teaser for the movie below:

Coolio Dead at 59

©Facebook/Coolio

Grammy Award-winning rapper Coolio died Wednesday at a friend's house in Los Angeles. He was 59.

TMZ first broke the news and his longtime manager, Jarez Posey, then confirmed it to multiple outlets.

Posey said the star went to the bathroom and when he did not return for a “long time,” friends broke down the door and found him on the floor.

According to Posey paramedics were called after he was found unresponsive but their attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.

Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio was one of the most recognizable names in rap in the late 1990s.

One of the nicest dudes I’ve known.
Good people. R.I.P. Coolio 🕊 🌹 🕊 pic.twitter.com/yQF9ZonbKA

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) September 29, 2022

The Pennsylvania native found success in the music industry after moving to Compton, California, where he went to community college and worked as a volunteer firefighter before devoting himself to music full-time.

In 1994 his debut album "It Takes a Thief" made him a star. The platinum album's lead single "Fantastic Voyage" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, while it peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200.

Coolio kept the momentum going with his next release 1995's “Gangsta’s Paradise." The hit from the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film "Dangerous Minds" earned him a Grammy for best solo rap performance.

He went on to make the song the title track of his second studio album released the same year. "Gangsta's Paradise" went on to sell over two million copies in the United States and generated two more major hits for the artist in "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" (No. 5 Billboard Hot 100) and "Too Hot" (No. 24).

After the news broke, friends, fans and former colleagues took to the internet to eulogize the fallen star. Among them was Weird Al, who the rapper feuded with after the parody song master released the song "Amish Paradise." The two squashed the beef later.

"RIP Coolio," he wrote in a simple and touching tribute.

RIP Coolio pic.twitter.com/Z53f3n6HDU

— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) September 29, 2022

Keke Palmer, SZA Featured Prominently on Prestigious TIME100 Next List

Courtesy Time

Time magazine revealed its annual list of the most influential people in the world today, and It Girl Keke Palmer, along with R&B powerhouse SZA, was front-and-center

The dynamic duo was picked — along with actor Sydney Sweeney and conservationist Farwiza Farhan — to be one of the four worldwide cover persons for the TIME100 Next list.

It showcases 100 emerging leaders from around the world, shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership, by having their peers pen a few words on why they deserve the recognition.

Calling her one of the most talented human beings I've ever met, rapper-turned-actor Queen Latifah did the honors for Palmer, writing:

Watching Keke evolve as a young woman has been a joy. She is the epitome of grace, poise, and honesty. To watch her grow as an artist, taking on a range of challenging roles—­including her stunning performances in Akeelah and the Bee, Pimp, and the critically acclaimed 2022 blockbuster Nope—has been inspiring to me as a fellow actor. Not to mention, the girl can sing! But then again, this young champion has been inspiring adults for many, many years. Keke is the future, and I can’t wait to see the things that she will do as she continues on her journey.

“For me, it’s always about making sure that I’m achieving the things that I want to achieve. I really do live in a universe of my own,” says @KekePalmer #TIME100Next https://t.co/52FUlIl3Rb pic.twitter.com/APCjEXmHaa

— TIME (@TIME) September 28, 2022

Fellow Grammy winner Lizzo feted SZA:

When she dropped CTRL, her debut studio album, it was a cultural f-cking reset. She changed the world! The authenticity in her craft—the way she’s able to tell her story and the way she uses melody—is extraordinary. No one can replicate that. When she’s onstage, she’s timeless. She’s someone who’s the real deal, and I think that she’s well on her way to being regarded as one of the greatest songwriters and singers of all time. All she needs is that pen and that voice and her story, and she’s going to be with us for a long time.

“I think that was my job—to shine a tiny light onto whatever versions of us exist. Whether you’re Black, you’re white or anything, your job is to create a clear lens of humanity for whatever you represent or whoever you represent,” says @sza #TIME100Next https://t.co/0FmrsJNsKu pic.twitter.com/4rH7XlpNv5

— TIME (@TIME) September 28, 2022

Other notable names on the list included Jonathan Majors ("The Harder They Fall"), Lashana Lynch ("The Woman King"), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II ("Aquaman"), Ncuti Gatwa ("Doctor Who"), TikTok influencer Khaby Lame and NBA star Ja Morant.

"Real change requires urgency and the determination to respond with speed to global challenges such as the climate crisis," Time editor-in-chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal wrote of the rising stars and changemakers on the 2022 list. "The leaders featured on this year's TIME100 Next list have demonstrated that spirit. They are shaping our world—and demanding we join them."

To see the complete list click here.

2022 BET Hip Hop Awards to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of 'Cornerstone' Label LOUD Records and Founder Steve Rifkind

Iconic hip-hop label LOUD Records and its founder Steve Rifkind will be honored at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.

The show — hosted by Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe — will celebrate the label’s 30 years of being an industry trailblazer and Rifkind’s concurrent run as one of the genre's savviest businessmen.

Founded with just a monthly commitment of $3,000 from BMG in 1991 by Rifkind and Rich Isaacson, the label utilized a street marketing approach pioneered by Rifkind to sell over 100 million records without relying on radio airplay.

It also expanded the scope of popular hip-hop by bringing a roster of gritty and lyrical artists to prominence, most notably multi-platinum selling super-group Wu-Tang Clan.

Other artists that owe their success to the label include Three 6 Mafia, Mobb Deep, Tha Alkaholics, Big Pun, and Xzibit to name a few.

Steve Rifkind

“It has been such a rewarding 30 years for LOUD alongside my tireless partners Rich Isaacson and Jonathan Rifkind,” Rifkind said in a statement announcing the event. “The impact we’ve been able to make with some of today’s pioneering and trailblazing acts is unmatched. I’m privileged to be able to work with everyone from Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun, Xzibit, and more, to this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards host, my brother, Fat Joe. I’m honored that BET is recognizing the impact that LOUD has made in revolutionizing the industry and propelling the culture.”

The show’s producer Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, added, “Loud Records has been a cornerstone of hip hop since its inception 30 years ago with an array of artists that have each become essential elements to the periodic table of hip hop. We salute Steve, John, and Rich for their contribution to the culture.”

The awards premiere on the network next Tuesday (Oct. 4, 9 PM ET/PT) and will feature performances from David Banner featuring Lil’ Flip, Dead Prez, Mobb Deep with Lil’ Kim, M.O.P., Remy Ma, Three 6 Mafia, Wu-Tang Clan and Fat Joe.

Rihanna Headlining Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

SIGMA, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Barbadian billionaire musician-cum-fashion mogul, Rihanna, will headline the next Super Bowl halftime show.

The 34-year-old pop star first teased the news Sunday afternoon in a vague Instagram post. She shared a photo of her hand, distinguished only by her iconic tattoos, holding an NFL-branded football.

Jay-Z's music entertainment agency Roc Nation — which oversees the halftime show and includes Rihanna on its roster — reshared the post with a caption that solidified its meaning.

"Let’s GO — @badgalriri @NFL #SBLVII @AppleMusic @NFLonFOX," the label's Instagram caption reads.

The NFL confirmed the news in a joint statement with Roc Nation declaring that the “international icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist” will take center stage at Super Bowl LVII's halftime show in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 12, 2023.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music. “Rihanna is a once-in-a-generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”

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Jay-Z added, “Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn. A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment."

The selection marks a significant milestone for the musician and new mom who gave birth to her first baby with partner A$AP Rocky in May. In 2019 she turned down the same gig in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who eventually reached a confidential settlement with the NFL on charges of collusion to keep the civil rights activist out of the league.

“I couldn’t dare do that," she told Vogue in 2019 of the reasoning behind her decision. "For what? Who gains from that? Not my people. I just couldn’t be a sellout. I couldn’t be an enabler. There’s things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.”