West Coast Cool Meets Pigskin: Snoop Dogg Scores Historic Bowl Sponsorship with Gin & Juice

In a move that throws a playful pass at NCAA traditions, hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg has teamed up with his new premium spirits brand, Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop, to sponsor the Arizona Bowl. Dubbed a "groundbreaking agreement" in the official press release, this marks the first time an alcohol brand has secured the presenting sponsor role for an NCAA bowl game.

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl!! 🏈 presented by Gin & Juice @ByDreAndSnoop 👊🏿 12/28/24. pic.twitter.com/xGPKxXmdzd

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) May 6, 2024

Set to take place on December 28th in Tucson, Arizona, the "Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop" promises a unique fusion of gridiron excitement and Snoop's signature laid-back vibes. While the Arizona Bowl traditionally donates 100% of net proceeds to charity, this collaboration presents a bold new direction for the event. For Snoop, it's an opportunity to combine his passion for football – evident through his management of the Snoop Youth Football League – with promoting his latest venture.

"I've sent many players through my SYFL to colleges (and the NFL), so it's only fitting that I bring the 'juice' back to college football," remarked Snoop in the press release. The term "juice" nods to his iconic 1994 song, adding a nostalgic touch to the partnership. The impact on fan experience and overall reception remains to be seen, but with Snoop leading the charge, spectators can anticipate an unparalleled game day experience. In addition to the on-field action, festivities will include charity events, a special "SNOOPER Bowl" featuring youth teams, and ample opportunities to sample Snoop's latest Gin & Juice flavors.

The partnership represents a significant achievement for Playfly Premier Partnerships, the agency responsible for securing the deal. Utilizing fan data, Playfly aimed to "redefine how college sports and entertainment intersect," according to Founder and CEO Mike Schreiber. While some may view this as a positive evolution in collegiate athletics, others may question the implications of commercial sponsorship in the NCAA sphere. Nevertheless, the "Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop" is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of college football, signaling a new era of collaboration and innovation.

Rapper Jim Jones Involved in Airport Scuffle, Says He Acted in Self-Defense

Rapper Jim Jones was involved in a physical altercation at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Saturday, May 4th. Cellphone footage circulating online shows Jones engaged in a scuffle with two other men on a downward escalator.

According to witness accounts, Jones became involved in an argument with a man, described as older and bald, while descending the escalator. A second individual joined the altercation shortly thereafter. Airport security personnel intervened and separated the parties before any serious injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, Jim Jones is basically giving dudes fisherman suplexes on an escalator at the airport while fighting 2 v 1. Hip hop is on FIRE right now pic.twitter.com/oTZU3cPNQ8

— KFC (@KFCBarstool) May 5, 2024

Jones later addressed the incident on social media, claiming self-defense. "I was minding my business and defending myself," he stated. He added a cryptic remark, saying, "They got what they were looking for."

Police are investigating the cause of the altercation. No charges have been filed at this time.

More Than Music: Blige's Strength of a Woman Movement Grows with $100,000 Fund

Mary J. Blige has partnered with Pepsi to empower Yonkers women. Fund grants $100,000 to local organizations supporting education and advancement.

Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, stands at a crossroads. While whispers of a graceful exit from the music spotlight within the next five to six years have emerged, Blige's unwavering commitment to uplifting Black women continues to burn brightly.

"There's definitely gonna be more acting, and retirement in, like, five or six years," Blige shared in a recent interview with Extra TV. "But for now, I'm still doing what I'm doing, just at a different pace."

Blige's legendary voice may be transitioning to new stages, but her dedication to empowerment takes center stage at the annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Now in its third year, the event is set for May 10-12 in New York City.

"This festival is more than just music," Blige emphasized. "It's a celebration of resilience, a space for us to share stories, and inspire each other to keep pushing forward."

Mary J. Blige to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ at this years ceremony.

“The legendary musician has won 9 #GRAMMYs, sold over 60 million albums and 100 million records worldwide becoming one of the best-selling acts of all time”. pic.twitter.com/fmJGUvp0SR

— music data (@music__data) April 22, 2024

Workshops, panels, and empowering performances promise to create an unforgettable experience, but Blige isn't content with just conversation. Partnering with Pepsi, she's launching the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund, a $100,000 initiative specifically designed to support underserved women in her hometown of Yonkers, New York.

"Pepsi has been an incredible partner from the start," Blige remarked. "Now, with their support, I can finally come home to Yonkers and give back to the community that nurtured me."

The fund will award grants to local organizations tackling critical issues faced by women, including education, financial stability, and food security.

"Through this fund, we aim to uplift those who are often overlooked," Blige stated. "It's about creating opportunities for them to thrive."

Watch: 'Lion King' Prequel Gets Trailer; Beyoncé's Daughter Blue Ivy Carter Cast

Photo Credit: Beyonce.com

The excitement surrounding the upcoming "Mufasa: The LionKing" prequel roared even louder with the release of its teaser trailer on Monday. The trailer itself fueled anticipation, but it was the star-studded cast that truly captivated audiences.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the photorealistic-animated prequel features a returning cast of beloved characters. John Kani reprises his role as the wise Rafiki, while Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner return as the hilarious duo Pumbaa and Timon, respectively. Donald Glover steps back into the role of Simba, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter rejoins the cast as Nala.

However, it was the addition of another member of the Carter family that stole the show – Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé's 12-year-old daughter, makes her film debut by voicing Kiara, Simba and Nala's daughter.

Blue Ivy Carter: A Timeline

• **Jan. 7, 2012:** Blue Ivy Carter is born to Beyoncé and Jay-Z at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
• **Jan. 8, 2012:** Beyoncé and Jay-Z release a statement and photo welcoming Blue Ivy to the world.
• **Feb. 1, 2012:** Blue Ivy becomes the youngest person to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to a feature credit on her father's song "Glory."
• **2015:** Blue Ivy is credited as part of the choir on Coldplay's song "Up & Up."
• **2018:** Blue Ivy begins attending West Hollywood's The Center for Early Education.
• **2020:** Blue Ivy features on her mother's track "Brown Skin Girl," winning a Grammy Award as the youngest winner in a non-competitive category.
• **Nov. 2020:** Blue Ivy narrates Matthew A. Cherry's book "Hair Love," sparking speculation about future voice acting endeavors.
• **Jan. 21, 2023:** Blue Ivy joins her mother onstage for the first time, singing "Brown Skin Girl" at a private show in Dubai.
• **May 26, 2023 (present):** Blue Ivy joins her mother on the Renaissance World Tour as a dancer for "My Power" and "Black Parade."

The teaser offers a captivating glimpse into the film's narrative. Rafiki narrates the legendary tale of Mufasa to a young Kiara, voiced by Blue Ivy Carter. Flashbacks then reveal the origin story of Mufasa, portrayed as an orphaned cub who embarks on an extraordinary journey after encountering Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a sympathetic lion. Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and Keith David round out the cast, bringing life to key characters in Mufasa's life.

Blue Ivy's involvement in the film marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Born into music royalty, she has already made waves in the industry, credited as a featured artist on her mother's hit song "Brown Skin Girl," which earned her accolades as the youngest winner of both a BET Award and an MTV Video Music Award.

Watch the trailer below.

Watch: Ne-Yo Brings Hits and New Song 'Two Million Secrets' to NPR's Tiny Desk Concert

R&B singer Ne-Yo brought his smooth vocals and songwriting talents to NPR's Tiny Desk concert series on Friday.

Ne-Yo launched into a four-song medley of his hits, including "Because of You," "So Sick," and "Sexy Love," before surprising fans with a new song, "Two Million Secrets." Ne-Yo described the new track as a "personal reflection" on growth and redemption.

He further showcased his songwriting prowess with covers of songs he wrote for Rihanna ("Take a Bow"), Beyoncé ("Irreplaceable"), and Mario ("Let Me Love You").

The intimate concert concluded with Ne-Yo's signature anthem "Miss Independent."

Born Shaffer Chimere Smith, Ne-Yo is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter with multiple platinum-selling albums. He remains a force in R&B, both with his own music and as a sought-after songwriter.

Watch the entire performance below.

BIG3 Co-founder Blasts WNBA as 'Male-Dominated System' After Clark's Record Nike Deal

John Mac, via Wikimedia Commons

Fresh off her historic selection as the number one draft pick by the Indiana Fever, 22-year-old Caitlin Clark has solidified her status as a marketing powerhouse.

Clark is poised to ink a record-breaking $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, which includes the development of her own signature shoe line. This development comes on the heels of her decision to turn down a groundbreaking offer from the BIG3 league, sparking discussions about the future of gender equity in professional sports.

The BIG3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by music icon Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, reportedly presented Clark with a $15 million package. This offer significantly surpasses the standard rookie salary in the WNBA, which stands at $76,535, highlighting the substantial financial gap between the two leagues.

In a guest column for Outkick, Kwatinetz argued that the WNBA "underpays" its stars, attributing this to a "male-dominated system" that controls basketball and limits opportunities for women. He criticized the NBA for exerting influence over the WNBA, alleging that it hinders women from receiving their fair share.

Kwatinetz further claimed in his Outkick column that Clark "found out about the BIG3 offer at the same time as everyone else," insinuating that her agents, with ties to the NBA, may have shielded her from the proposal.

The BIG3 has positioned itself as a proponent of equality, emphasizing its promotion of diversity by featuring female athletes competing at a high level alongside men. They highlight their female coaches and Black commissioner as evidence of their commitment to inclusivity.

While the financial opportunity presented by the BIG3 was undoubtedly tempting, questions linger about whether Clark, renowned for her finesse on the court, would have thrived in the league's physically demanding, defense-oriented environment. Was the offer truly withheld by her agents, or did Clark harbor reservations for other reasons?

This situation has become a focal point for discussions regarding the unequal treatment of women in basketball. Ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice into the NBA's business practices may shed light on the complexities underlying these disparities.

One thing remains certain: Caitlin Clark's journey is just beginning. Her decisions will be closely monitored, with some viewing her as a potential symbol of resistance to change or a catalyst for progress in terms of compensation and treatment of female athletes.

However, Clark's groundbreaking Nike deal offers a ray of hope. This lucrative endorsement signifies her immense marketing potential and could pave the way for a more prosperous financial future for female athletes in the WNBA. The inclusion of a signature shoe line in the deal is particularly noteworthy, elevating Clark to an unprecedented level of visibility within the sport.

This windfall stands in stark contrast to Clark's WNBA contract. The Indiana Fever will pay her a standard rookie salary, totaling $338,056 over four years. This amounts to a yearly salary of $76,535 in her first year, increasing slightly to $97,582 in her fourth year, should the team exercise their option.

The glaring disparity between Clark's Nike deal and her WNBA contract serves as a poignant reminder of the financial challenges faced by women's basketball players. While Clark's marketability transcends the court, questions persist about the equitable compensation of elite female athletes.

Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest Lead 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Mary J. Blige, the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," and the pioneering alternative rap group A Tribe Called
Quest lead a strong contingent of Black artists selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2024 class. The announcement was made during Sunday night's "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night" episode on "American Idol."

Mary J. Blige to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ at this years ceremony.

“The legendary musician has won 9 #GRAMMYs, sold over 60 million albums and 100 million records worldwide becoming one of the best-selling acts of all time”. pic.twitter.com/fmJGUvp0SR

— music data (@music__data) April 22, 2024

Blige, who began her career with Uptown Records in 1989, broke new ground in the hip-hop soul genre with R&B hits like "Real Love" and "You Remind Me." Her collaborations with iconic rap artists set a standard for blending R&B and hip-hop, notably her Grammy-winning duet with Method Man, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By," considered one of rap's greatest love songs.

Can I Kick It? 🌐 one of those classiqs

A Tribe Called Quest on the prod 🤝🏽 pic.twitter.com/Jsf9frNYEM

— THE GODMUTHA ✦ (@THEG0DMUTHA) January 26, 2024

A Tribe Called Quest, formed in Queens, New York, in 1985, quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics. Their albums "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," "The Low End Theory," and "Midnight Marauders" are hailed as classics, influencing generations of artists.

Congratulations to the #RockHall2024 Inductee Class for achieving Music's Highest Honor! 🤘 Learn more about this year's Inductees here: https://t.co/6X9ozk4jQ1 pic.twitter.com/nIEja6t5ZT

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) April 22, 2024

Joining them are legendary singer Dionne Warwick, whose smooth vocals and timeless hits like "Walk on By" and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" created a signature blend of pop, gospel, and R&B. Funk legends Kool & the Gang, songwriter Norman Whitfield (mastermind behind Motown hits like "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and "Just My Imagination"), and blues powerhouse Big Mama Thornton, credited with bridging the gap between blues and rock & roll, round out the class.

These artists, selected from a pool of nominees, helped shape the course of rock & roll with their originality, impact, and influence. The induction ceremony will be held live on Saturday, October 19th, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Fans can tune in on Disney+ or catch a special airing on ABC at a later date, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.

Full List of 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Performer Category:

Cher

Dave Matthews Band

Foreigner

Kool & the Gang

Mary J. Blige

Ozzy Osbourne

Peter Frampton

A Tribe Called Quest

Musical Influence Award:

Alexis Korner

John Mayall

Big Mama Thornton

Musical Excellence Award:

Jimmy Buffett

MC5

Dionne Warwick

Norman Whitfield

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Suzanne de Passe

B.I.G.'s Legacy Lives On: 'Ready to Die' Officially a National Treasure

The Library of Congress has announced the latest additions to the National Recording Registry, with notable selections including ABBA's "Dancing Queen," Blondie's "Parallel Lines" and The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die."

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden unveiled the 25 new titles on Tuesday, citing their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance in the nation's recorded sound heritage. The registry now boasts 650 titles, representing a diverse array of music genres and eras.

In addition to The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die," other inductees include Gene Autry's rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante" and Green Day's "Dookie." The selection process involved input from the National Recording Preservation Board, which considered landmark recordings spanning from 1919 to 1998.

Hayden emphasized the importance of preserving America's musical legacy, stating, "The Library of Congress is proud to preserve the sounds of American history and our diverse culture through the National Recording Registry."

“Ready to Die” was both the debut studio album & the only album released by The Notorious B.I.G. before he was murdered in 1997. A landmark of rap & hip-hop, it features B.I.G.'s smooth delivery, vivid storytelling, humor, eroticism & creative sampling skills. #NatRecRegistry pic.twitter.com/wCeWFknv8Q

— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) April 16, 2024

The recognition of "Ready to Die" marks a milestone for hip-hop, as the album, released in 1994, serves as both The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut studio album and his only full-length studio release during his lifetime. B.I.G. was killed in 1997, and his music continues to influence new artists.

Produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and featuring hit singles like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," "Ready to Die" is celebrated for its innovative sampling, raw lyricism, and vivid portrayal of street life. The album achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, earning a 6x Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Quotes from music critics reflect the album's enduring impact: "One of the greatest rap albums ever made" (AllMusic), "A near-flawless debut...he effortlessly spins tales both gritty and witty" (Entertainment Weekly), and "It changed the sound of East Coast rap and revitalized the entire New York hip-hop scene" (Source Magazine).

The induction of "Ready to Die" into the National Recording Registry underscores its cultural significance and contribution to the evolution of hip-hop music. As part of the registry, the album will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.

Find a complete listing of this year's selections below.

Recordings Selected for the 2024 National Recording Registry

• “Clarinet Marmalade” – Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369th U.S. Infantry Band (1919)
• “Kauhavan Polkka” – Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl (1928)
• Wisconsin Folksong Collection (1937-1946)
• “Rose Room” – Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian (1939)
• “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry (1949)
• “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page (1950)
• “Rocket ‘88’” – Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951) 
• “Catch a Falling Star” / ”Magic Moments” – Perry Como (1957)
• “Chances Are” – Johnny Mathis (1957) 
• “The Sidewinder” – Lee Morgan (1964)
• “Surrealistic Pillow” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
• “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)
• “This is a Recording” – Lily Tomlin (1971)
• “J.D. Crowe & the New South” – J.D. Crowe & the New South (1975)
• “Arrival” – ABBA (1976)
• “El Cantante” – Héctor Lavoe (1978)
• “The Cars” – The Cars (1978) 
• “Parallel Lines” – Blondie (1978)
• “La-Di-Da-Di” – Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (MC Ricky D) (1985)
• “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
• “Amor Eterno” – Juan Gabriel (1990)
• “Pieces of Africa” – Kronos Quartet (1992)
• “Dookie” – Green Day (1994)
• “Ready to Die” – The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
• “Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks (1998)