Tupac Murder Suspect's Bail Delayed Over Witness Tampering Fears

Duane "Keffe D" Davis

In a surprising turn of events, the bail hearing for Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the individual charged in connection with the 1996 murder of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, faced postponement on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The delay was granted in response to prosecutors' concerning claims that witnesses in the case might be at risk, citing jail telephone recordings and a list of names shared with Davis' family members.

Davis, a former Los Angeles-area gang leader, is the only person ever charged in the infamous drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur's life and left rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight wounded. Knight is currently serving a 28-year sentence in a California prison for an unrelated shooting in 2015.

The court-appointed defense team for Davis sought the delay to allow for a proper response to the prosecution's assertions. Attorney Robert Arroyo, representing Davis, indicated that the defense aims to address the allegations in court in writing. Last week, Arroyo stated that he did not see evidence indicating any witness had been named or threatened.

The prosecution's court filing, presented last week, asserted that Davis poses a threat to the public based on jail telephone recordings and the dissemination of a list of names. The filing did not specify if Davis instructed harm to anyone or if any individuals directly associated with the case faced physical harm.

Davis, originally from Compton, California, is currently held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. If convicted at trial, he could potentially face a life sentence.

The case resurfaced in July with Davis' arrest, a significant breakthrough in the decades-old investigation into Shakur's murder. Davis, once considered a gang member, had previously disclosed his involvement in the killing on BET's "Death Row Chronicles" in 2018 and later chronicled the events in his 2019 memoir, "Compton Street Legend."

Prosecutors argued that Davis' own words, including jailhouse calls and interviews over the years, serve as critical evidence in the case. In an October jail call, Davis' son allegedly mentioned a "green light" authorization, a phrase suggesting permission for violence, causing enough concern for authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of at least one witness.

The legal battle intensifies as Davis' defense contends that his descriptions of Shakur's killing were embellished for financial gain and "entertainment purposes." Meanwhile, prosecutors assert that Davis' repeated confessions, both in interviews and before law enforcement, indicate his responsibility for orchestrating Shakur's murder.

Davis' bail hearing is now scheduled for January 9, adding another layer of anticipation to a case that has captivated the public for over two decades.

Les McCann, Jazz Icon Behind Protest Anthem 'Compared to What,' Passes Away at 88

Photo Credit: F.N. Broers, National Archives of the Netherlands
McCann (left) with the Les McCann Trio (Herbie Lewis & Ron Jefferson), in 1962.

Les McCann, the legendary jazz pianist whose iconic 1969 protest anthem "Compared to What" resonated across genres, has died at the age of 88.

The news, confirmed by his longtime manager, Alan Abrahams, to various media outlets, attributes the cause of death to pneumonia. McCann breathed his last on Friday at a Los Angeles hospital.

A self-taught musician, samples of McCann's dynamic and soulful playing, particularly with his trio, laid the foundation for some of hip-hop's biggest hits. His influence echoes in tracks by The Notorious B.I.G. ("10 Crack Commandments"), A Tribe Called Quest ("After Hours"), Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre ("The Next Episode"), and more.

Beyond his instrumental prowess, McCann showcased his vocal talents. In 1968, he signed with Atlantic, releasing the rendition of Gene McDaniel's "Compared to What" in collaboration with saxophonist Eddie Harris, a song that remains a powerful protest anthem.

In 1971, McCann participated in the historic "Soul to Soul" concert in Accra, Ghana, alongside R&B and rock luminaries, documented in the film of the same name. Despite facing challenges such as a stroke in the 1990s limiting his keyboard playing, McCann continued to perform.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, McCann's journey began with a Navy singing contest, leading to an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Rejecting an offer to join Cannonball Adderley's band, he pioneered soul jazz, merging jazz with funk, soul, and world rhythms.

McCann's legacy extends beyond music; he was the first artist in residence at Harvard University's Learning From Performers program. An avid photographer, his work is featured in the book "Invitation to Openness: The Jazz & Soul Photography of Les McCann 1960-1980."

His prolific discography boast over 60 albums. McCann's final album, "Les McCann — Never a Dull Moment! Live From Coast to Coast 1966-1977," a collection of unreleased live recordings, was released posthumously on Dec. 1, 2023.

Megan Thee Stallion and Planet Fitness Unleash 'Mother Fitness' Campaign for a Healthy New Year

Courtesy Photo

Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has joined forces with Planet Fitness, one of the largest fitness centers, to launch the "Mother Fitness" initiative. This collaboration not only aims to enhance physical well-being but also seeks to empower communities, eliminate fitness barriers, and raise funds for a meaningful cause.

"Working out is such an integral part of my routine, so this partnership with Planet Fitness genuinely embodies my personal values," expressed Megan Thee Stallion in a statement announcing the collaboration. "We want to encourage everyone to prioritize their physical and mental health heading into the New Year, enabling them to reach new heights in 2024 and continue growing into the best version of themselves."

Megan Thee Stallion for her partnership with Planet Fitness pic.twitter.com/eysBCh4z3j

— Stallion Stats (@MegansStats) December 28, 2023

The "Mother Fitness" campaign spotlights Megan as a fervent advocate for both physical and mental well-being. It encourages individuals to embrace their "Big Fitness Energy" within a supportive and judgment-free environment — a cornerstone value of Planet Fitness.

True to Megan's commitment to philanthropy, the collaboration goes beyond slogans and workouts. An exclusive merchandise line, featuring "Real Hot Girl Fit" bucket hats and "Big Fitness Energy" crewnecks, will be available online. All proceeds will benefit the Pete & Thomas Foundation, Megan's non-profit dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in Houston, Texas, and beyond.

"Music plays a significant role in any fitness routine, so Planet Fitness is thrilled to partner with Megan Thee Stallion to break down the barriers of fitness, encourage everyone to focus on their fitness journeys the 'Judgement Free' way, and channel their Big Fitness Energy," stated Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Megan Thee Stallion embodies all the values of Planet Fitness through her dedication to physical and mental wellness and her powerful message of body positivity, making her an incredible partner for our brand."

The collaboration extends beyond the gym walls, with Megan headlining as the first performer on the Planet Fitness stage at the iconic Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Additionally, Planet Fitness is committed to making fitness accessible to everyone, offering a special $0.24 down, no-commitment membership deal from December 30th to January 12th.