The Instagram Post and the Allegations:

Christian Keyes’ Instagram post raised eyebrows as he revealed experiencing sexual harassment without disclosing any identifying details of the alleged perpetrator. While some might see this as an attempt to protect himself or others from potential harm, it raises questions about the credibility and intent behind his claims.

Exposing a Predator or Seeking Attention?

One line of speculation revolves around whether Keyes is genuinely seeking justice and exposing a predator or merely attempting to gain attention for himself. Without naming the accused, it becomes challenging to initiate an investigation or hold the alleged harasser accountable. Skepticism arises as to whether Keyes has concrete evidence to back his claims or if his intention lies elsewhere.

Importance of Naming the Accused:

Investigative reporter Dennis Byron asserts that unjustified speculation and suspicion could be cast upon innocent individuals if Keyes refrains from naming the alleged harasser. By keeping the identity a secret, Keyes is potentially subjecting multiple people within the industry to allegations of harassment, leading to unnecessary scrutiny and reputational damage.

Presumption of Innocence:

Thelma Anderson, a former Texas state prosecutor, emphasizes the significance of safeguarding the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Anderson explains that by withholding important details, Keyes may inadvertently harm the accused’s personal and professional life, preventing them from effectively defending themselves against the claims.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability:

To ensure a fair and unbiased investigation, transparency and accountability play vital roles. Without the explicit identification of the harasser, it becomes difficult for legal authorities and industry professionals to conduct proper inquiries. Naming the person in question fosters a system where the accused can respond to the allegations and present their side of the story.

The situation surrounding Christian Keyes’ allegations of sexual harassment in Hollywood remains complex and raises several important questions. While it is crucial to support victims and encourage them to speak out, it is also important to consider the potential consequences of withholding the alleged harasser’s identity. Both Dennis Byron and Thelma Anderson emphasize the significance of naming the accused to prevent unnecessary harm to innocent individuals and enable a fair investigative process. The need for a balance between protecting victims and safeguarding the right to due process remains paramount, ensuring justice is duly served within the entertainment industry.

Photographed: DJ Traci Steele (International DJ/TV/Radio Personality) stunned in front of the new Lexus TX during the Rolling Out x Lexus AI Music Lab.

Rolling Out and Lexus announced the kick-off to launch a new era of seven-passenger luxury with a unique music innovation: the First-Ever Lexus TX and a new generative AI platform that pushes the boundaries of co-creation, culture, and technology with the Rolling Out AI Music Lab this past November.

This program between Lexus and Rolling Out represents an evolution from brand partnership to platform co-creation. Through this effort, participants will experience the unique vision of game changing DJs Trauma (Celebrity DJ/Founder – Dave Chappelle, Trauma Unit Retreat) Traci Steele (International DJ/TV/Radio Personality), Mix Master David (International Open Format DJ/Producer/Global Brand Ambassador/Philanthropist – V103, Billboard Hot 100), and Princess Cut (International DJ/Producer/Founder – Hot 107.9 ATL, Scratch Out Loud) as they redefine music and use the Rolling Out AI Music Lab to create immersive audio at the intersection of music and generative AI. Members of the Rolling Out community will also be invited to unleash their creativity and explore the infinite possibilities available to them as they create AI-generated music tracks, loops, mixes, playlists, and harmonies.

The new seven-passenger Lexus TX uses cutting-edge technology to power a new level of personalization and multimedia enjoyment

With the Rolling Out AI Music Lab, Lexus and Rolling Out collaborated to bring this experience to life creating a platform that enables everyone to experience the magic of generative music creation. This launch begins an important dialogue about co-creation and generative AI and how it can be harnessed to explore a new future with endless possibilities, where artists and curious creatives work together to develop music that expands beyond today’s current genres.

“We are excited to work with Lexus to create the Rolling Out AI Music Lab to accelerate the adoption of generative AI using music, which we’ve found to be a universal cultural language and vehicle for self-expression,” said Munson Steed, CEO, and founder of Rolling Out. “The First-Ever Lexus TX, with its third row and integrated technology that functions as an extension of the driver, highlights third dimension thinking and infinite possibilities available to creators today engaging with AI.”

The featured Lexus TX was on display for event attendees to experience AI Music making technology integrated in the vehicle at the Rolling Out x Lexus AI Music Lab.

An event guest and Mix Master David (International Open Format DJ/Producer/Global Brand Ambassador/Philanthropist – V103, Billboard Hot 100) pose together amongst the excitement of the Rolling Out x Lexus AI Music Lab.

DJ Princess Cut (International DJ/Producer/Founder – Hot 107.9 ATL, Scratch Out Loud) arrives ready with a power pose at the Rolling Out x Lexus AI Music Lab.

Munson Steed (CEO/Founder – Rolling Out) with an event attendee for the Rolling x Lexus AI Music Lab.

King Qui (Radio/Media Professional – Hits 92.3, Do Royal Couch) and his fiancé posted up against the new Lexus TX featured at the Rolling x Lexus AI Music Lab.

The DJs will launch a 12-song playlist with the culmination of these new sounds to be celebrated in two cities: Atlanta and Los Angeles. As a part of this multi-city tour, the DJs will share the AI with celebrity friends and guests during these two VIP activations in the aforementioned cities

The rise of generative AI in music has the potential to democratize music creation and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their music skills or experience. At launch, the Rolling Out AI Music Lab will be available to consumers to generate music across a number of genres, including hip hop, lo-fi, and electronic dance music (EDM). The Rolling Out AI Music Lab’s features include analyzing rhythm, melody, and harmony patterns in existing music compositions across every genre of music over the last fifty years without touching or interacting with any copyrighted music.

In addition to quickly generating new music using natural language prompts, the AI Music Assistant was created to help artists. Through the AI Music Assistant within the Rolling Out AI Music Lab users will be able to customize and create studio-quality tracks by adding instruments, discovering new chord progressions, and adding beats and loops. As part of the collaboration with Lexus, the Rolling Out AI Music Lab will also feature unique tracks that can be modified and changed in real-time and a playlist that will only be available within our music lab.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia judge overseeing the election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and others declined a request to revoke the bond of one of the defendants but did impose stricter bond conditions after prosecutors complained about his social media posts that mentioned witnesses and co-defendants.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis made a rare appearance in the courtroom to argue for the revocation of the bond of Harrison Floyd, who was a leader in the organization Black Voices for Trump. Floyd was one of 18 people accused along with the former president of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 election.

Willis filed a motion last week asking Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee to revoke Floyd’s bond. In her first in-person appearance in this case since the indictment, she argued in court that Floyd has been attempting to intimidate and contact likely witnesses and his co-defendants in violation of the terms of his release.

Floyd’s lawyers argued that his social media posts are constitutionally protected speech and that he was in no way trying communicate with or intimidate any witness or co-defendant.

McAfee said there is no constitutional right to bail and that bond orders can contain conditions that curtail a defendant’s rights, but he also noted that people are generally allowed to publicly criticize the merits of the case but cannot cross a line. He said Floyd appears “very boldly willing to explore where that line is” in this case.

McAfee said he did believe there had been a “technical violation” of Floyd’s bond conditions but that not all violations merit revocation.

Veteran journalist Dennis Byron was there for Hip Hop Enquirer to capture the moment. 

Kicking off his first time ever touring the United States, Def Jam recording artist Nonso Amadi, is making waves with his eccentric Afrobeats tunes. Media personality Lish Blake caught up with the Nigerian star during his stop in Atlanta, GA where label executives welcomed the young talent with an intimate album listening session and traditional food from his homeland, including the ever controversial Jollof rice.

The artist shared that he left Nigeria at the age of 15 where his family then relocated to Canada, so he also reps the ‘Six’ as Canadian pop stars such as Drake calls it. Finishing high school North of the border and then studying at a university in the United Kingdom, has all contributed to the Afrobeats sensations wide array of experiences which he hopes to express through his music and deliver a universal message through sounds from his native land. 

Check out Amani’s latest track Eye 2 Eye

When asked about keeping the authenticity of Afrobeats alive although he left the motherland as a child, he assured that his indigenous roots are still well planted and deep. One of the primary ways Nonso Amadi brings a piece of Nigeria with him everywhere is assuring he finds good Nigerian food. “If you look in my google search right now it will read “Nigerian food near me”. Nigerian food is the best.” Lish and Nonso even had the Great African Debate. Who in West Africa has the best Jollof rice? Nigeria? Senegal? Ghana? Let us know in the comments.

Credit: Dennis Byron

About the writer: Media personality Lish Blake, also known as Lish 2X, is a versatile talent who conducts interviews with entertainers and highlights aspects of their lives beyond their crafts. As a fashion influencer and alumni of The Fashion Institutes of Technology, Lish maintains her stylish reputation on the red carpet and everywhere she goes. She incorporates her fashion background into her interviews, often discussing attire with her guests. While primarily recognized for her music releases, Lish is expanding her portfolio by working on her own talk show, currently in production.

Source: Instagram @Biglatto

In a groundbreaking moment for female rap artists worldwide, rising star Latto has achieved yet another monumental milestone. The Atlanta-based rapper, known for her fierce and empowering lyricism, recently collaborated with Jung Kook, one of the members of the global sensation BTS, on a song titled “Seven.” The track has become an instant hit, surpassing Spotify’s global record as the highest-streamed song by a female rapper. This article delves into Latto’s musical journey, her noteworthy collaborations with industry heavyweights like Cardi B, and her accolades in the music industry.

Breakthrough Collaboration and Chart-Topping Success:

“Seven” showcases Latto’s versatility and talent as she combines her unique rap style with Jung Kook’s melodic vocals. Released to much anticipation, the song has skyrocketed to the top of Spotify’s global charts, making history as the highest-streamed song by a female rapper. This unprecedented accomplishment demonstrates the artist’s growing popularity and signals a shift towards increased recognition for female rap artists.

BTS’s Jung Kook & Latto (Instagram)

Latto’s Rise to Stardom:

Latto initially gained prominence under the moniker Mulatto, with her appearance on Lifetime’s hit reality show, “The Rap Game.” Her standout performances on the show earned her recognition as a rising star in the rap industry. Later, through a rebranding effort, she changed her stage name to Latto, asserting her individuality and cementing her identity as a force to be reckoned with.

Notable Collaborations and Musical Success:

Latto’s collaboration with Jung Kook on “Seven” is just one of many successful partnerships in her career. Earlier, she joined forces with rapper Cardi B, who recognized her talents and featured her on the chart-topping track “WAP.” The track became an instant hit and received critical acclaim, catapulting Latto into the mainstream music scene.

Furthermore, Latto’s solo work has won her numerous accolades and awards. Her debut album, “Queen of Da Souf,” released in 2020, showcased her lyrical prowess and gained immense acclaim. The album featured clever wordplay, powerful messages, and an undeniable energy that resonated with listeners worldwide.

Recognition and Praise:

Renowned journalist Dennis Byron, known for his keen insight into the music industry, recently compiled a list of the top four female rappers of the past 15 years. Latto found herself in excellent company, as Byron’s list also included Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion. This ranking has further solidified her status as a rising star and a promising force in the rap genre.

Latto’s collaboration with Jung Kook on “Seven” has not only shattered Spotify’s global record but also proven her immense talent and relevance in the music industry. With previous successful collaborations with Cardi B and a debut album under her belt, Latto has established herself as one of the most promising female rap artists of her generation. “Seven” debuts at #1 on the global Spotify chart with 15.995 million streams, breaking the record for biggest opening day for a collaboration in the platform’s chart history.

As she continues to break barriers, garner accolades, and top the charts, it is clear that Latto’s trajectory is one of success and influence. With her empowering lyrics, captivating stage presence, and ability to collaborate with industry giants, she is spearheading the global rise of female rap and solidifying her place in music history. The world eagerly awaits her next move, as she carves out her own unique lane in hip-hop.

Founders Ryan Wilson & TK Petersen of The Gathering Spot

Lawsuit Seeks Millions in Damages and Return of Business to Former Owners

By Dennis Byron | Investigative Journalist

Atlanta, GA – In a shocking turn of events, Ryan Wilson, the former owner of The Gathering Spot, a popular Atlanta-based private membership club, has filed a lawsuit against Greenwood CEO Ryan Glover and Dr. Paul Judge, alleging fraud and deception. The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court, accuses Greenwood of failing to fulfill their sales agreement, specifically pertaining to post payments. Additionally, this lawsuit follows the termination of former CFO T’Keel Petersen by Greenwood.

Pictured left to right: Rapper Killer Mike, Paul Judge, Ryan Glover and Ambassador Andrew Young (Greenwood Founders)

The Gathering Spot, known for its exclusive events, networking opportunities, and dedicated community, became a prominent destination for the city’s elite under Wilson’s ownership. However, the recent lawsuit sheds light on a dispute between Wilson and the current owners of Greenwood, which is headed by Ryan Glover (former owner of Bounce TV) and Dr. Paul Judge.

According to legal documents filed in Fulton County Superior Court, the lawsuit claims that Greenwood has reneged on their obligation to make the necessary post payments as agreed upon in their sales agreement. Wilson, who relinquished ownership of The Gathering Spot to Greenwood, is seeking damages in excess of millions of dollars, along with the return of the business to its former owners.

Further complicating matters, the termination of former CFO TKeel Peterson by Greenwood raises questions about the internal operations and financial stability of the company. Peterson, who reportedly played a vital role in managing the financial affairs of The Gathering Spot, was abruptly removed from his position. The circumstances surrounding his termination remain undisclosed.

Legal experts suggest that this lawsuit could have serious implications for both parties involved. If the court finds in favor of Wilson and determines that Greenwood committed fraud or engaged in deceptive practices, the financial consequences could be significant for Glover and Judge, as well as their associated businesses.

The Gathering Spot, once a thriving hub for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creatives in Atlanta, now faces an uncertain future. Many members have expressed concerns over the legal proceedings and the potential impact on the club’s operations. The fallout from this lawsuit could have lasting effects on the reputation and sustainability of The Gathering Spot.

Greenwood, a prominent firm associated with Ryan Glover and Dr. Paul Judge, has gained attention in recent years for its focus on economic empowerment within the Black community. However, this lawsuit casts a shadow on their business practices and threatens to undermine their reputation.

Instagram poster wrote the following @justeldredge

It’s all over…although the doors of TGS are still open the spirit in which it existed will never be the same. Ryan @spotonrw and TK @spotontk built something beautiful that almost everyone in Atlanta has experienced. Maybe you were a member, maybe you attended an event, etc somehow or someway this space was special. 
Like any space or atmosphere the wrong energy can ruin it. It’s no secret I was NOT a fan of Paul Judge @pauljudge becoming a part of The Gathering Spot. His reputation proceeded him and I have yet to meet a founder who worked with him come out better. Where we are today proves his reputation and rumors of his presence is true. 
For that reason is why I was always skeptical of Greenwood. The truth is the entire play was completely deceptive because they took a very emotional time (George Floyd Era) for our people and leveraged our desire for more Black unity as a way to take our money. 
Greenwood is not a black-owned bank. Greenwood is a financial Trojan horse created by Black leaders with influence and trust over our people. If you put your money in it you are banking with Coastal Community Bank a white-owned bank with very little to none Black leadership. Those who own Greenwood are responsible for telling us the truth and explaining why they lied. Unfortunately, Greenwood is owned by Paul Judge, Ryan Glover, and one of our talented and most popular leaders (Killer Mike) @killermike as well as one of our most historic icons (Andrew Young) and they both played a part in this betrayal. 
Now @greenwood which is really a front for a white institution acquired  @thegatheringspots and they are now allegedly replacing the original Black leadership with a white man. Disappointing is an understatement this is a direct attack on Black people, young Black men, and the spirit of entrepreneurship overall. 
The last Fresh Prince pose…a representation that it’s time to move on and prepare for a new chapter. I want to give encouragement to Ryan and TK and thank them for what they did for us. I’m sorry you are going through this but just know the Arc of the Moral Universe is Long but it Bends Toward Justice. 
#TGS

Both parties involved have refrained from making public statements regarding the litigation. While efforts to obtain comments from Greenwood CEO Ryan Glover and Dr. Paul Judge have been unsuccessful, it is expected that they will mount a vigorous defense against the allegations put forth by Wilson.

As the legal proceedings continue, industry insiders and members of the Atlanta community will closely monitor the developments in this high-stakes lawsuit. The outcome has the potential to reshape the landscape of Atlanta’s private membership club scene and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all involved parties.

This is a developing story.

Read the lawsuit for yourself here

Disclaimer: This article is a product of investigative journalism and does not represent any final judgments or legal conclusions concerning the ongoing lawsuit.

56% of Fashion executives are not optimistic about 2023 in fashion, and many fashion houses are expected to slow down on showcasing their collections. A rising star in the fashion world, Ron Dyce Collections is set to produce his first ever highly anticipated show at this year’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The designer of the patented 24 karat gold leather bottoms will be showcasing a combination of collections on February 12th in his solo runway show.

America’s Next Top Model Bianca Gold will be the show’s red carpet host with a special appearance by Love and Hip Hop star Bambi who will grace the catwalk in her official return to the fashion world.

In celebration of the 50th year of hip hop, designer Ron Dyce has invited legendary DJ Mister CEE to provide some of his classic dj mixes on the 1’s and 2’s for the official afterparty.

After having a successful year with his designs modeled in magazines such as Glamour and Harper Bazaar, Ron Dyce will be debuting his “Ultimate Collection” during New York Fashion Week in Brooklyn. The show will be co-hosted by Bianca Golden of America’s Next Top Model and industry producer Ray DeJON. Ron Dyce has enlisted the aesthetics of celebrity stylist, Yachi who will be curating the collection to bring the designer’s vision to life.

This is Ron Dyce’s first solo NYFW show. He is expected to debut spring, summer, fall & winter during NYC Fashion Week, making Dyce one of the only designers to present all collections at one show. According to the event details, Ron Dyce is expected to debut a record number of 50+ looks during a high-end luxury show. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the designer behind the Gold bottom heel that is rivaling Louboutin’s red bottoms. The show is ideal for those seeking to elevate personal style by wearing Black-owned high-end luxury designers.

While Ron Dyce has presented streetwear designs in past runway shows, this solo show introduces NYFW to the many styles of Ron Dyce. “This is more than producing a show for Ron Dyce. This is putting a year’s worth of designs in front of prospective buyers and influencers who may be familiar with his work from past shows. We get the opportunity to give him the platform to present his luxury pieces.“

In a recent poll taken by Business of Fashion (BoF), Fashion executives do not believe the current conditions of fashion will evolve. This leaves an opportunity for new and emerging independent brands to showcase their unique collections.

Those planning to attend New York Fashion Week can access tickets to Ron Dyce “Ultimate Collection” show using the designer’s official link.

Ronald Dyson was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent most of his childhood years. Enjoying many hobbies such as drawing was right at the top of the list, and is where he became an exceptional artist. In his early teenage years, he moved to Virginia where he studied agriculture. In the mid-90s he moved back to NewYork where he discovered his passion for fashion while starting his own construction company.

Ronald’s niche for fashion was inspired by his New York roots and his travels throughout the world. Ronald’s greatest influence was from his father, with his sharp style from his tailor-made clothes and custom suits.

Nearly 3 decades later Ron Dyce Collections was born in 2019, where he combines some of the finest and most luxurious fabrics that all come to appreciate. Ron Dyce is defining Luxury and Elegance as he incorporated modern, future, and timeless style into every piece, from his patented 24 karate Gold leather soles to every women’s shoe to the sharp lapel of his silk blazers. Ron Dyce soon will be in everyone’s staple.

If you are interested in scheduling an interview with fashion designer Ron Dyce or get media credentials to his upcoming NYFW show, please contact Dennis Byron at info@byronmediagroup.com

Check out Ron Dyce on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/officialrondyce/

Power Actor Rotimi has received backlash from Foundational Black Americans because of his critique on American culture and the environment and some are telling him if he doesn’t like it here than he should leave himself. In a recent interview the actor was on a radio show encouraging Nigerians to go back home because essentially the grass is greener on the other side which didn’t sit well with our guest entertainment and firm publicist Lisa Brown who has been very vocal on the topic of non Americans taking advantage of the benefits in America while putting down FBA’s in the process. Filmmaker Tariq Nasheed has also been very vocal on the topic as he took to his twitter page recently to point out what he viewed as hypocrisy coming from Rotimi.

Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

The late relationship expert Kevin Samuels will be memorialized today by many of his followers and hosted by Houston attorney Dennis Spurling who has stepped in for the man coined The Godfather of the manosphere, a movement dedicated to men uplifting themselves and their community. Additionally it is a collection of websites, blogs, and online forums promoting masculinity, misogyny, and strong opposition to feminism. Communities within the manosphere include men’s rights activists, incels, Men Going Their Own Way, pick-up artists, and fathers’ rights groups. Mr. Samuels has provided counseling for both men and women and he has been responsible for over 50 plus marriages taken place because of his popular youtube platform and his sometimes very harsh advice he has given to his guests.

Rap star Nicki Minaj even called into his show seeking advise and at one point she even asked Samuels to rate her from a scale of 1-10. He retorted by asking her to rate herself which she said she believed she was a 7 but Samuels then told her he thought she was a 9. Prior to his death he appeared in rapper Future’s music video as well as appeared on a recent episode of the TV show Atlanta.

The memorial is scheduled to start at 3:00pm CST.

Reporting by Dennis Byron

An 18-year-old Payton Gendron, a known white supremacist walked into a Buffalo, New York Tops supermarket and opened fire on multiple people of color killing 10 and injuring multiple others before being he was taken into custody unharmed. According to The Associated Press, this white terrorist live streamed his approach to the supermarket before exiting his vehicle carrying an AR-15 assault riffle while wearing a high grade bullet proof vest and helmet dressed in army fatigue clothing.

Law enforcement has yet to release the killer’s name and one official stated that they didn’t want to release his name until he is formally arraigned this evening trying not to give him any “celebrity” for his murderous acts.

“He exited his vehicle. He was very heavily armed. He had tactical gear. He had a tactical helmet on. He had a camera that he was livestreaming what he was doing,” city Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said at a news conference afterward.

Gramaglia said the gunman initially shot four people outside the store, three fatally. Inside the store, a security guard who was a retired Buffalo police officer fired multiple shots at the gunman and struck him, but the bullet hit the gunman’s bulletproof vest and had no effect, Gramaglia added. The commissioner said the gunman then killed the security guard.

City of Buffalo Speaks out:

“This is the worst nightmare that any community can face, and we are hurting and we are seething right now,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said at the news conference. “The depth of pain that families are feeling and that all of us are feeling right now cannot even be explained.”

Rev. Al Sharpton called on the White House to convene a meeting with Black, Jewish and Asian “to underscore the Federal government (is) escalating its efforts against hate crimes.” In a tweet, Sharpton said that “leaders of all these communities should stand together on this!”

At the White House, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden was receiving regular updates on the shooting and the investigation and had offered prayers with the first lady for the victims and their loved ones.

“The president has been briefed by his Homeland Security advisor on the horrific shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., this afternoon. He will continue to receive updates throughout the evening and tomorrow as further information develops,” she said.

Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesperson Anthony Coley said.

We spoke with Atlanta’s head of the NAACP President Gerald Griggs who stated the following:

“We have to directly address the root cause of this type of racially motivated violence in this Country. This was a racially motivated hate crime. Our Hearts and prayers go out to the people of Buffalo, the families of the deceased and injured. #BuffaloStrong”

On June 17th, 2015, white supremacist Dylan Storm Roof walked into a Charleston, SC Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and shot 9 blacks while they were praying. Roof was convicted in state court to a life sentence but ultimately he was prosecuted by the federal government and was sentenced to death. Hopefully the Buffalo shooter receives the same fate.

Read this domestic terrorist’s full manifesto where he espouses his white supremacy views below.

This is a developing story.

Performers gracing the stage at this year’s power-packed televised show includes popular late 80’s Hip-Hop Duo Kid N’ Play; GRAMMY-award-winning Supergroup 112; Multi-Award-Winning Music Veteran Carl Thomas; Three-Time GRAMMY-Nominated, “The Love King,” Raheem DeVaughn; Compton-Bred Actress and Songbird Amber Riley; Multi-Hyphenate Crooner and Penman Eric Bellinger; Powerhouse Songster and Serenader Avery Wilson; Multi-GRAMMY-Award-Winning Artist PJ Morton; Multifaceted Entertainer and Rising Artist Jade Novah; Viral Vocal Teen Prodigy Keedron Bryant; Gospel Sweethearts Ajah and Rhea Walls from Multi-GRAMMY-Nominated and Stellar-Award-Winning The Walls Group; Multi-Talented Vocalist and Sunday Best Season Six Winner Tasha Page-Lockhart; Gospel Songstress and Sunday Best Season One Winner Crystal Aikin; NAACP-Image-Award-Nominated Singer and Actress Sheléa; Billboard-Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Kevin Ross; and Two-Decade-Spanning Independent Artist and GRAMMY Award-nominee Eric Roberson. 

Kicking off the 2022 BMH Honorees is Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Keri Hilson who is tapped to receive the Music and Songwriter Icon Award. Multi-Award-Winning Gospel Duo Mary Mary will be presented with the Gospel Icon Award; Five-Time GRAMMY Nominee Tevin Campbell is set to receive the R&B Icon Award; Award-Winning Supergroup Dru Hill is to be recognized with the Urban Music Icon Award and a planned special performance in celebration of their 25th anniversary; NAACP Image Award-Winning Singer Karyn White will be honored with the Soul Music Award, and the Legendary R&B Group The Whispers will take home the Legends Award for their incredible nearly six-decade music career. Two-Time GRAMMY WinnerLeToya Luckett and Comedian DeRay Davis are co-hosting the show.

National Broadcast Syndication will air June 4 – July 3 and on Bounce TV on June 25. For live-taping tickets go to www.blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase tickets here. 

For more information about Black Music Honors, visit www.blackmusichonors.com or connect on social media @blackmusichonors on Facebook and Instagram or @blackmusichonor on Twitter. 

UPDATE: Looks like rapper DaBaby is coming out swinging (pun intended) against claims that he or his crew wasn’t justified in allegedly putting hands on Gary Pragar because the footage that was released by his camp might paint a different picture as to the motivation behind the altercation.

From the video below it appears Pragar was spewing racial epithets toward the rapper. Also was this video shot before or after the altercation?

https://youtube.com/shorts/92mpxw6b12Q?feature=share

The bad boy of hip hop has found himself once again in trouble with law enforcement and this time there is video evidence. According to a Los Angeles property manager identified as Gary Pragar, Johnathan Lyndale Kirk infamously known as DaBaby allegedly contacted the owner of a short term rental property that was suppose to only accommodate 12 people but after the owner received numerous noice complaints, he decided to visit the property himself. Upon arriving on the property he realized that there were close to 40 people on site and that there was a video shoot taking place. After establisihing that the initial short term rental agreement was breached, he attempted to shut down the production.

From the video below you can see an elderly man being assaulted by an alleged member of the rapper’s entourage and according to the police report the alleged victim is claiming he was sucker punched in the head by someone. However from the footage posted by TMZ you don’t see the rapper near the property owner so one might ask, how are prosecutors going to prove their case against the rapper?

DaBaby has been in the news lately for a number of violent acts and the most recent one where a video surfaced where he was seen fighting one of his artists backstage at an event and then there’s the bowling ally incident where he is caught on video putting hands on his ex-girlfriend Dani Leigh’s brother.

Just days ago Rolling Stone obtained Walmart security footage of DaBaby shooting and killing 19-year-old Jaylin Craig in 2018, a shooting the rapper claims was in self-defense. The footage in question appears to depict the rapper as the aggressor however his attorney Drew Findling has stated that his client was in his legal right to defend himself.

“Witnesses were interviewed and corroborated Mr. Kirk’s statement. The entirety of the surveillance video was viewed and determined to corroborate Mr. Kirk’s statement … Mr. Kirk was protecting himself and his family at the time of the shooting.” This according to TMZ.

Youtube star Lovely Ti put a piece together on her popular channel chronicling some of DaBaby’s violent encounters with others titled The Dark Side of DaBaby: DaBaby filmed allegedly assaulting his new artist Wisdom.

We are in sad times when individuals would take to the internet to spread outlandish and reckless lies on people but especially when those lies involves that of a deceased member of the hip hop community when that person can clearly not defend himself. Recently, Cash Jones who is famously known as Wack 100 was on a Clubhouse chat where he insinuated that there was a video showing that the late rapper Nipsey Hussle was playing for both teams or was gay. He also claimed to have received the video several years ago where it showed the late rapper in a compromising situation. Around 2019 after Nipsey died I was contacted by an individual looking to sell a video of him in which they said it would break the internet but it would cost. Will we would never run any type of porn on our platform I wanted to see if there was in fact a tape out there and why would someone want to harm this man’s legacy by releasing something like this.

At this point I asked the individual to send proof that they in fact had a video and within the hour the proof was received. I told the individual that we were not interested in purchasing it and that they should just destroy the footage because it could be very dangerous for them had it ever got out that they were trying to sell it.

I thought it was very odd to hear Wack 100 make such a claim about someone who meant a lot to so many people around the world and I knew from my own eyes that nothing in that video could ever be perceived as gay.

Why put out such a narrative like that? It is reckless and irresponsible and no one should ever condone such behavior.

It all went down this weekend on the popular social media platform Instagram when Fanbase app owner Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary Isaac Hayes made a controversial post in support of the Grammys show while many high profiles musicians have stated that they don’t plan on attending this year’s event.

“My post today about the Grammys has nothing to do with white supremacy because even though the Grammys are created by white people it is the celebration and recognition of all music genres and how that comes about is by voting.”

Hayes has taken the position that the award show is less about whites excluding blacks from winning and more about black participating in the voting process. Hayes also cited some of the black artists who have actually won Grammys which included Jay Z, Beyonce, his father Isaac Hayes as well as Smokey Robinson plus several others. His argument in support of the Grammys didn’t sit well with other notable celebrities and industry influencers which included rapper Snoop Dogg who stated the following:

“We don’t control the votes and I heard from a lil bird that snoop dogg got nominated for 18 grammys and have one. Zero so explain that one Mr. Hayes?? Fuck the Grammys and the system it was built on. They delinquent with my for fathers and as well it’s here nor there I’m the peoples champ and that’s my award!”

“I was robbed for a Grammy that was undeniably mine. Your logic doesn’t make sense from an artist perspective. You really didn’t make a point in your statement. Speaking on accolades that occurred 30 years ago in a world that has seen no change doesn’t make sense when people are taking a stand. Are you telling me some guy who makes a hit in his closet, that’s the clear winner, should already know who to shake hands with? Or are you saying no matter what talent the individual have, this is a certain class and the award shouldn’t be afforded to him?

Critisim of the Grammys isn’t just limited to Snoop Dogg or Fabo. There have been several best album wins that have been questioned including Beyoncé‘s loss in 2015 to Beck for Album of the Year and her subsequent 2017 Album of the Year loss to Adele. Other cited examples, include Michael Jackson‘s Off the Wall and Prince‘s 1999 failing to be nominated, Frank Ocean‘s Channel Orange losing to Mumford and Sons, Kendrick Lamar losing Album of the Year and Best Hip Hop Album to Daft Punk and Macklemore in 2014, his defeat to Taylor Swift in 2016  and Bruno Mars in 2018.

Others have argued that non-white artists mostly win in smaller “racialized” categories. Beyoncé has 18 of her 22 within genre-specific categories, such as rap and R&B, categories that are primarily dominated by people of color. Ann Powers, an accredited writer for the National Public Radio, accused the 2017 Grammy Awards of systematic racism due to Chance the Rapper and Beyoncé being the only black artists who won televised awards. According to Powers, there is a general notion that music made with “real” instrumentation is superior to synth or sampled music, or that “stand-still” performances are superior to performances that incorporate dance.

The Grammys has also been criticized in the past for failing to nominate popular artists of color, such as The Weeknd. The Academy’s failure to nominate The Weeknd’s work came as a major surprise considering the widespread success of his 2020 album After Hours and its single, “Blinding Lights“. The track set numerous records, including spending 40 weeks within the top 10 in the US, 4 of which the song was at number one, and for spending 28 weeks in the top 5. After it received no nominations from the Recording Academy, The Weeknd wrote “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency”.

J. Michael Butler wrote for Cambridge University about the late musical legend Isaac Hayes:

“Isaac Hayes provides a vital public figure through which scholars can analyze, evaluate, and more fully understand the comprehensive nature of the black freedom struggle as it progressed into the 1970s. Hayes merged the integrationist political objectives of mainstream civil rights organizations and leaders with the notions of racial pride, assertiveness, and autonomy that characterized the popular appeal of the black power movement. Hayes, through his “Black Moses” persona and LP of the same name, moved those freedom struggle promises and opportunities into the cultural realm, where he personified African American artistic self-determination.”

The question of the day is has Isaac Hayes son Isaac Hayes III been compromised as it relates to black independence and modern day civil rights struggles?

Source: Wiki

Lish uses rap to address issues related to gender and femininity and you won’t find any profanity or over sexualized visuals in her messaging however you clearly get her point If you’re listening.

Let us know what you think and be sure to follow her on Instagram @lish2x

Miley Cyrus faced criticism on Twitter for videos she posted of her twerking to Megan thee Stallion’s Simon Says.

The 26-year-old performed at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, where she famously twerked on Robin Thicke. Many were shocked at her drastic attempt to distance herself from her Hannah Montana persona.

Cyrus posted the twerking videos on Thursday as a way to join the hot girl movement. She can be seen in her at-home workout studio, with the camera set up to record her reflection in the mirror. Megan even quoted the tweet, captioning it “Hot girl Miley ????.” However, the Wrecking Ball singer was quick to face backlash from many people on the internet. One user stated “Love miley but that sh*ts about as jiggly as a brick,” while another user said “watching miley cyrus trying to twerk is painful.”

One user even compared her twerking to Zoey dancing against the cashews in The Proud Family Movie. However, some users did come to her defense, saying that she was just having fun and that she has improved from her past twerking performances.

The singer quickly jumped to her own defense on Instagram after a user commented on whether or not she was good at twerking. Cyrus replied, “Literally doesn’t matter! Dancing health benefits: improved condition of your heart and lungs. increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness. increased aerobic fitness. improved muscle tone and strength. stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis. better coordination, agility and flexibility. YASS PLEASE.”

#HotGirlSummer pic.twitter.com/BbZmbIvTUz

— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) July 18, 2019

Hot girl Miley https://t.co/lD1CvlKlEB

— TINA SNOW (@theestallion) July 18, 2019

Seeing Miley Cyrus dance to Megan Thee Stallion’s music made me feel uncomfortable

— fangtasia (@KhaleesiYG) July 18, 2019

Shorty still cant twerk smh she been tryin for years

— kapo (@thekapovibe) July 18, 2019

Reporting by Dennis Byron & Gabrielle Tate

Singer R. Kelly is in a Chicago federal court for his first bond hearing stemming from last week’s arrest of sex-trafficking and obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors made it clear this afternoon that they oppose any bond for the singer claiming he’s a threat to the community, especially to minors.

“This risk of obstruction is real. This risk is ongoing. This risk is heightened by the defendant’s fame and power,” one assistant U.S. attorney told the judge, Harry Leinenweber. The singer “has a unique ability to influence and intimidate witnesses and victims, and that continues to this day.”

If found guilty, Kelly, 52, could receive a minimum of 15 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of 195 years in prison based on the Chicago charges alone. He has been incarcerated in Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center since agents arrested him near his home in Trump Tower early Thursday evening.

Prosecutors argued Tuesday that home confinement and electronic monitoring would not be sufficient, given the charges against the singer.

“The defendant can entice girls to his own doorstep, he doesn’t have to leave his home to do that,” one told the judge.

Both Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary were seen leaving the courtroom in good spirits along with their attorney Gloria Schmidt.

This is a developing story.

Source: TMZ/AP/Hip Hop Enquirer

Singer Justin Bieber defended his manager, Scooter Braun, after artist Taylor Swift expressed her anger over Braun acquiring the rights to her master recordings.

Braun recently took over Big Machine Label Group, causing the Blank Space singer to make a lengthy post about how heartbroken she was. Additionally, Swift took to Tumblr saying “Scooter has stripped me of my life’s work, that I wasn’t given an opportunity to buy. Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.”

Swift has also made claims that Braun has recruited Bieber and rapper Kanye West to bully her over the years, as West notoriously interrupted her speech at the 2009 Video Music Awards and in 2016, Bieber posted a screenshot on instagram of him, Braun and West with the caption “Taylor Swift what up.”

Swift’s dispute with West continued as the lyrics “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that bitch famous” appeared in his song Famous. Both Kanye and Kim Kardashian West have repeatedly made claims that Swift approved over the lyric, however, the pop singer denied these allegation, causing Kim to leak a video of a phone call between West and Swift with her approving the line.

After Swift’s public disapproval of Braun’s newly found ownership, Bieber made a lengthy instagram post defending his manager and stating that both him and Braun have no problems with Swift. However, in the post, Bieber did ask what Swift aimed to gain from going public, even going so far as to write “What were you trying to accomplish with that blog post? Seems to me like it was to get sympathy.”

However, the singer has apparently made claims that he will no longer publicly comment on the dispute, according to the Hot New Hip-Hop website.

The New Orleans songwriters landed a multi-platinum award on Cardi B “Invasion Of Privacy”, a gold award for Bickenhead, a platinum award for City Girls “Twerk” featuring Cardi B, and a gold award for Lil Duval “Smile (Living My Best Life)”.

Devious and his team speak Nipsey Hussle, Cardi B, City Girls, the influence of New Orleans bounce music, and more. Special acknowledgement goes out to The Marathon Clothing Store, Bruce the groundskeeper, the city of Los Angeles, Cici Monet, Eric Peterson, Shane Byrd, Mellow Fellow, ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards, The BET Awards, Prince The Mogul, Joelle James, DTLA, Argyle Hollywood, Novo, Seven Club, Ciroc, Crenshaw, Slauson, Fatburger, BET Experience 2019, the city of New Orleans, and all others who assisted on this project.

Last week, a Virginia District Court judge issued a Protective Order against video blogger Latasha Transrina Kebe aka Latasha Transrina Howard aka TashaK who operates a Youtube Channel UnwinewithTashaK. According to reporting, veteran journalist Dennis Byron was working on an in-depth investigative story involving cyber-bullying and Latasha Kebe (also known as TashaK) was the subject of his reporting.

During the course of his investigation, Byron interviewed several of her former neighbors. One particular neighbor told Mr. Byron that she was a friend of Tasha K and wouldn’t be interested in participating in the story. Other neighbors fully cooperated. Once Ms. Kebe learned that there was a Investigative reporter asking questions about her, she concocted  a story suggesting Byron’s sole purpose of being there was to stalk her daughter.

On March 29th, Kebe broadcasted live on her Instagram a false and reckless story telling her 54,000 followers that Mr. Byron came to her old neighborhood a total of three (3) times asking about her child.

According to Mr. Byron, his sole purpose for visiting her old neighborhood was because he was working on a story regarding cyber-bullying and Ms. Kebe was the subject of his investigative reporting.

Mr. Byron believes the only reason why Ms. Kebe made up this elaborate story was to garner sympathy from her followers and to interfere with his investigation into her online cyberbullying behavior.

In another posting by Tasha K, she threatens to shoot Mr. Byron “one to the head and one to the heart” if he comes to her home. Mr. Byron viewed this as a direct threat on his life and took appropriate action.

On the same day, Mr. Byron received a call from an individual claiming to be the father of Latasha Kebe. The caller stated that he, along with his people, would be paying Mr. Byron a visit in Atlanta. When Mr. Byron asked “why would you be paying me a visit,” the caller angrily responded that “You’ll find out once I get there.”

Mr. Byron took that as a direct threat.

Mr. Byron has audio recordings supporting that he was only in her old neighborhood for approximately 15 minutes and never asked a single question about her child (or any other children).

During those false and malicious claims, Kebe directed her instagram followers to go to Mr. Byron’s instagram page and download images of him to make defamatory posts about him.

From Mr. Byron’s investigation, Kebe has a history of bullying people on her various social media platforms for one reason or another.

In one particular incident, Kebe called a Pennsylvania hospital pretending to be the cousin of a woman who had just given birth. Kebe claimed the new mother was the mistress of celebrity talk show host Wendy Williams’ husband, Kevin Hunter. Kebe broadcasted the legal name of the woman and the hospital location of the newborn in a video viewed more than half a million times.  Kebe claimed she was outing Kevin Hunter for allegedly having an affair with the new mother and fathering a child.

Byron believes that recording alone proves Kebe will go to great lengths to concoct a story just for views, likes and monetary gain. Kebe has also been accused of unlawfully using images belonging to photographers without their consent triggering copyright claims on Youtube, facebook and instagram while monetizing the illegally obtained photos and videos.

In another incident Kebe accused Atlanta’s Celebrity Stylist Kash Howard of being a part of a “pedophilia sex ring” involving singer R. Kelly. Kebe labeled Ms. Howard a “transitional madam” causing pain and suffering to her. We interviewed Howard on numerous occasions and she vehemently denies knowing of any illegal activities committed by the singer and pointed out that she has styled many celebrities over the course of 10 years and operates a successful clothing boutique in the Atlanta area.

According to our investigation, Kebe operates several Instagram pages with the handles “winogang” “winogang2” “winogang3” for the sole purpose of having her members stalk, harass, and intimidate the people she is blogging about on her infamous YouTube channel “UnwinewithTashaK.” Because her channel is being monetized, and she is imploring others to engage in possible criminal activity, there is a need to carefully examine Kebe’s business practices.

Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A 16-5-3 (1), criminal gang activity means the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation, coercion, or intimidation of another person to commit any of the following offenses: racketeering, stalking, rape, aggravated sexual battery, aiding or encouraging a child to escape from custody, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property and any other criminal offense that involves the violence, possession/use of a weapon.

What is Criminal Gang Activity Under Georgia Law?

Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A 16-5-3 (1), criminal gang activity means the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation, coercion, or intimidation of another person to commit any of the following offenses: racketeering, stalking, rape, aggravated sexual battery, aiding or encouraging a child to escape from custody, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property and any other criminal offense that involves the violence, possession/use of a weapon.

What Are Georgia’s Laws on Criminal Gang Activity?

Georgia’s criminal gang activity laws are set out under O.C.G.A. 16-15-4 and makes it unlawful for:

• A person employed or associated with a criminal street gang to conduct or participate in criminal gang activity through the commission of a crime;
• Any person to commit an offense with the intent to obtain or earn membership or maintain or increase his or her status or position in a criminal street gang;
• Any person to acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, through criminal gang activity or proceeds derived from any interest in or control of any real or personal property of any nature, including money;
• Any person who occupies a position of organizer, a supervisory position, or any other position of management or leadership with regard to a criminal street gang to engage in, directly or indirectly, or conspire to engage in criminal gang activity;
• Any person to cause, encourage, solicit, recruit, or coerce another to become a member or associate of a criminal street gang, to participate in a criminal street gang, or to conduct or participate in a criminal gang activity;
• Any person to communicate, directly or indirectly, with another any threat of injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to deter such person from assisting a member or associate of a criminal street gang to withdraw from such criminal street gang;
• Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to punish or retaliate against such person for refusing to or encouraging another to refuse to become or obtain the status of a member or associate of a criminal street gang;
• Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to punish or retaliate against such person for providing statements or testimony against criminal street gangs or any criminal street gang; and,
• Any person to communicate, directly, with another any threat or injury or damage to the person or property of the other person or of any associate or relative of the other person with the intent to intimidate, deter, or prevent such person from communicating to any law enforcement or corrections officer, prosecuting attorney, or judge information relating to criminal street gangs, criminal street gang members or associates, or criminal gang activity.

For Mr. Byron’s part, he wants Latasha Kebe aka #TashaK to desist from her reckless behavior as she has caused unnecessary stress to him and his family and he wants her held accountable for her actions. When asked what did he want to see happen to all those who have attacked him on social media, Byron stated “No one, especially a professional reporter doing his job, should be attacked or intimidated by any individual because they are uncomfortable with being the subject of a story.” Mr. Byron points out that he doesn’t know Kebe personally nor holds any malice for her. As a member of the press, he has a right and responsibility to thoroughly investigate stories so that the real facts are known and not contribute to fake news reporting.

We also asked Mr. Byron what role he feels platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter should play in combating cyber-bullying by their members, and he stated “ I recognizes that there is a fundamental right of the 1st Amendment (as it relates to freedom of speech) but those freedoms don’t guarantee an individual the right to bully or harass others for their self-gratification. People have committed suicide, and done other horrible things, because they have been bullied by people over the internet.

These companies have a responsibility to remove and ban individuals who don’t comply with the standards that provide a safe environment for all to enjoy. If companies are only concerned with impacting their bottom-line at the expense of others then the courts should be the place to hold these companies and individuals responsible.”

Instagram has deleted two of TashaK’s pages “TheWineBloggerLady” and “UnwinewithTashaK” (for possible harassment, cyber-bullying, and copyright claims).

On April 4th, Kebe was served with a criminal Protective Order by Gwinnett County Sheriffs and ordered to have no direct or indirect contact with Mr. Byron or his family members. In addition, she was ordered to surrender any firearms she may have in her possession.

Kebe is also being sued by rap superstar Cardi B. for the defamatory statements she made about her on her infamous youtube channel and we have also been told that there are several other lawsuits being filed against her business and her personally.

We have reached out to Youtube, Instagram and Facebook for an official statement. This is a developing story.

THE 2019 CATEGORIES INCLUDE “ISSA WAVE”, “LMAO!”, “STAN LOVE”, “SOCIAL HUSTLE” AND “BEST CELEB FOLLOW”.  NOMINEES INCLUDE @THEBSIMONE2, @BLAMEITONKWAY, @SNOOPDOGG, @THESHIGGYSHOW, @IAMZOIE, @IAMCARDIB, @CHICKLET.HF, @ELLAMAI, @CITYGIRLS, @JAYVERSACE, @QUEENNAIJA, @WILLSMITH, @PLIES, @HAHADAVIS, @KINGJAMES AND MANY MORE.

“THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” WILL AIR LIVE FROM ATLANTA, GA

VOTING IS NOW OPEN AT BET.COM/BETSOCIALAWARDS

NEW YORK – January 17, 2019 – Returning for the second consecutive year, “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” will celebrate the best viral social media moments over the past year,across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more.  This LIVE one-hour event will feature Social Media stars, celebrities, social-inspired performances, unexpected award moments, and tons of surprises. Keeping with BET’s tradition of celebrating the best in entertainment, the network will once again host an electrifying night of television that is bound to have social media buzzing.  “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” airs LIVE Sunday, March 3rd at 8 p.m. ET/PT from Atlanta, GA.

Voting will happen across five categories: “Issa Wave”, “LMAO!”, “Social Hustle”, “Stan Love”, and “Best Celeb Follow”.  The 2019 nominees include Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cardi B, LeBron James, Queen Naija, JayVersace, BlameitonKway, LalaMilan, TheShiggyShow and many more.  Round One of voting will select the five finalists in each category.  Voting starts today.

Additionally, the show will honor a social activist who uses social media as a tool to keep us informed, mobilized and hopeful for change with the “Social Movement” award; and the “Social Verified” award, which will honor an individual(s) who continuously elevates the social media landscape.

For updates and more information about “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS”, please visit BET.com/BETSocialAwards.  Join the conversation on social media by logging on to our social media platforms using the hashtag: #BETSocialAwards.

“THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” is a BET Production, with Mike Epps and Kyra Robinson serving as Executive Producers.

See below for the complete list of “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” 2019 Official Nominees:

ISSA WAVE

“Issa Wave” highlights newer music artists who have made some of the biggest waves in music over the past year via social media, word-of mouth, or by bubbling via streaming sites and underground radio shows.

1. @YELLABEEZY214
2. @ELLAMAI
3. @LILBABY_1
4. @GUNNA
5. @QUEENNAIJA
6. @IAMDANILEIGH
7. @C.SYRESMITH
8. @CITYGIRLS
9. @HERMUSICOFFICIAL
10. @JACQUEES

LMAO!

This category highlights some of the funniest, most innovative, and popular social media comedians of the year. From skits, to roasting, to all out transformation into characters we love, these entertainers have expanded the landscape of comedy.

1. @THEBSIMONE2
2. @IAMZOIE
3. @KEVONSTAGE
4. @THECHRISTISHOW
5. @IAMCAREYBOY
6. @THATGIRLJAYCOLE
7. @YESIMPRETTYVEE
8. @HAHADAVIS
9. @CHICKLET.HF
10. @JUHAHNJONES

SOCIAL HUSTLE

“Social Hustle” highlights individuals that have taken their social media savvy and flipped it into big success. Proving that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.

1. @THEALIYAJANELL
2. @SUPA_CENT
3. @TOKYOSTYLEZ
4. @PREMADONNA87
5. @LALAMILAN
6. @BLAMEITONKWAY
7. @JACKIEAINA
8. @THEPATRICIABRIGHT
9. @JAYVERSACE
10. @THESHIGGYSHOW
11.  @HIPHOPENQUIRER (shameless plug)

STAN LOVE

Oh they fan FANS! The “Stan Love” category salutes the die-hard fan clubs that ride with their favorite celebrity through thick and thin. These celebrities have true STAN LOVE.

1. BEYHIVE (BEYONCÉ)
2. BARBZ (NICKI MINAJ)
3. BARDIGANG (CARDI B)
4. RIHANNA NAVY (RIHANNA)
5. TEAMBREEZY (CHRIS BROWN)
6. TEAMDRIZZY (DRAKE)
7. LAMBS (MARIAH CAREY)
8. CICI ARMY (CIARA)
9. FUTUREHIVE (FUTURE)

BEST CELEB FOLLOW

Living their best lives and inviting us to experience it with a front row seat; these celebrities leave the big screen to hang out with us on our social screens. They inspire us, they make us laugh, and even sip tea with us as social media drama unfolds…even if they’re the ones in the middle of it.

1. KEVIN HART (@kevinhart4real)
2. SNOOP DOGG (@snoopdogg)
3. DIDDY (@diddy)
4. SERENA WILLIAMS (@serenawilliams)
5. CARDI B (@iamcardib)
6. NICKI MINAJ (@nickiminaj)
7. WILL SMITH (@willsmith)
8. PLIES (@plies)
9. LEBRON JAMES (@kingjames)
10. LIL DUVAL (@lilduval)
11. AMANDA SEALES (@amandaseales)
12. KEKE PALMER (@keke)
13. JADA PINKETT SMITH (@jadapinkettsmith)

“THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” RETURNS  LIVE SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019 AT 8 P.M./ 5 P.M. ET/PT

R. Kelly’s newest manager is being investigated by Georgia police because of alleged harassing calls being made to Timothy Savage who is the father the of Joycelyn Savage who is currently staying with the Grammy winning singer. The Blast.com is reporting the following:

R. Kelly’s manager Don Russell is reportedly being investigated by the authorities after being accused of threatening alleged victim Joycelyn Savage’s parents, who participated in the Lifetime series Surviving R. Kelly.

Timothy Savage called the cops to his Georgia residence just before 6 a.m. on Jan. 3 after he says he received threats from a man claiming to be Russell, according to a police report obtained by The Blast. Prior to Surviving R. Kelly, Joycelyn’s name came up in relation to claims that she was in a sex cult run by Kelly and she had been brainwashed (claims that she has denied).

Timothy told investigators that they were involved in the docu-series and that Russell sent texts on the day it premiered, stating that “it would be best for him and his family if the documentary does not air.” The cop who took the report also says that a call was made while they were present, and that they heard the caller say that the info the parents were providing Lifetime with was false, and if it ran they’d be forced to disprove the parents’ testimony. The caller further stated that this would destroy Timothy’s “reputation, business, and family” because it would out him as a liar.

Does this sound like harassment or was the manager just doing his job?

The entertainment community is mourning the loss of former model and actress Kim Porter who died today at the age of 47. Police responded to her Toluca Lake home today at approximately 11:38 a.m. and according to a 911 audio, the mother of four had went into cardiac arrest and wasn’t able to be revived by paramedics. She and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs dated for over 10 years and the two have three children together. She is survived by her twin daughters Jessie James and D’Lila Star, son Christian and son Quincy, whose father is singer/Producer Al B. Sure.

We spoke exclusively with L.A.P.D. public information officer Jeff Lee who stated that homicide detectives is at her residence right now located at 10300 Woodridge to ascertain if there was any foul play involved.

The following celebrities have given their condolences as well:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

R.I.P to Kim Porter, I send my condolences to her friends and family. She was loved and will be missed dearly. I know puff is hit right now he loved her for real, soul mate type shit. Chin up puff, Positive vibes only.

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on Nov 15, 2018 at 2:11pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

So sad to hear about #KimPorter. Rest In Peace @ladykp

A post shared by Rickey Smiley Morning Show (@rickeysmileymorningshow) on Nov 15, 2018 at 1:47pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

@ladykp I don’t even know what to say. Anytime you were in a room it was lit up. Your energy was always on 100. I saw you, hugged you .. just last week. You didn’t even look like you were battling anything. May god watch over your children and loved ones. Heaven has definitely gained an angel. Rest In Peace.

A post shared by Draya Michele (@drayamichele) on Nov 15, 2018 at 2:16pm PST

First, let me start off by saying Black Trump supporters are free thinkers eager to take a risk that may land them in a better place in life and that is beyond admirable and brave. Everyone should be allowed to choose their walk in life. and I too am a Black Trump supporter.

Now let\s get to the matter at hand. I cried a few times today before I finally got so fed up and contacted my boss to express how upset and disrespected I feel by Republicans and TPUSA.  By the grace of God I have not lost my invite to the barbeque or my many logins to urban media magazines. Thank the lord so I can tell you all the real tea that Conservative media is ignoring and must be addressed.

Charlie Kirk, the “President and CEO” of TPUSA.org is a 24-year-old white man from Chicago Illinois who MAGA has foolishly positioned with so much power that he and his supporters actually believe he impacts black people like MLK did.

I am so furious at this pickle juice and ham sandwich BS I can barely see straight Have these people lost their minds? The black community is a very complex community and one thing  WE do not do is hold national awards or ceremonies and exclude people we don’t like. Yes, the BET Awards invites all the black leaders and seats them accordingly but the CEO at BET knows dividing the black community will kill award show season. They need all the famous celebs who were popping on the charts to attend so their fans will not be disappointed. It is the FANS of these celebs aka BLACK LEADERS that spend the money to keep BET a network. TPUSA is stupid and needs to hire a PUBLICIST or they will fold into themselves in the next few weeks. I promise when I start writing Ithe gloves are off. Just ask Kim Kardashian. Bless her heart.

Well when you don’t actually give a F about the black community you don’t take the time to learn how we operate in our community and what is considered appropriate or not. When someone drags Beyonce or Janet Jackson black twitter will drag them to hell and back again for a retweet. When you paint yourself as an org that is causing some imaginary black exit from the “Democrat Plantation”…. but you have not taken the time to actually study the leaders in that community you break the number 1 rule… Trumpers go hard for Trump. Black people go hard for people we view as black leaders and when you do not acknowledge our leaders you shut your own door TPUSA. TPUSA destroyed their “open to all” image when they invited (baited) a bunch of black people with no resumes or press/red carpet accolades to an event meant to celebrate BLACK LEADERS. You cannot exclude black leaders in a black leader summit and expect all blacks to feel like you aren’t on some BS , It is great for the kids but the actual outcome looks like blatant cult-like non inclusiveness and since the black community is big on having our own so we don’t get excluded seeing an event where we saw not a single face we recognize was the end of buying that lie.

First of all, it is very easy to reach out to prominent blacks in the community to help your event not appear to be using people who really just want to be on the scene and view a meeting at the white house as a “golden ticket” I do not care about being on the scene anymore. I do care about the black community though because I happen to be black and I get so sick and tired of getting my hopes up that we may be experiencing an awakening and new unity but then BAM it’s just another publicity stunt. I need the world to change I need Dems and Republicans to understand that I have been emotionally affected by all of the racial tension in America. I have been stalked. I have had 2 men show up at my house. I have been called Niggers and coons. I have been threatened to be killed and raped for standing with MAGA and to sit here and watch TPUSA disrespect what I and other actual BLACK LEADERS are trying and willing to do with our platforms and putting our lives on the line to be treated as if our presence has no value and can be overruled by a 24yr old white kid, will not be tolerated ever. I have not gone through all of this to be alienated by a 24yr old kid who doesn’t know shit about my life, my struggles or what it has taken to get out of bed for the last 4yrs after I lost my entire family.  I saw maga as my new family I still have hope but they do not hear me on Twitter they treat me like I am just some random acct hating instead of a BLACK LEADER who is valid and has valid concerns

When people treat you like you have no power show them your power with google search engines and put it in a headline before Midterms so people will get the hint,  Do not “David Hogg” black trump supporters with a 24yr old kid who knows nothing about the black community or our leaders, our media personalities, or anyone in the black community.

It is so unwise to piss off a black publicist if you want to have access to platforms that blacks actually look at because the majority of us do not even know who Charlie Kirk is. Kanye West said Candace Owens name and then he allowed them to show up at TMZ with him and that is the only reason anyone black knows who THE HELL he is. They are using Kanye’s fame. Nobody black has been moved by Charlie Kirk except Candace because he pays her to care. So they basically tricked a bunch of blacks who thought the summit would help them, into buying plane tickets and hotels rooms… no seriously…. LOL the saddest part was seeing so many black Trumper’s asking people to help them get to the TPUSA Black Leaders event. Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk love to throw out the words $100,000 when trying to bait a Democrat for a conversation so they can get more clout but god forbid the young black leaders who are literally being used to make Candace Owens appear as some loving, well-received icon in the black community, cannot financially help these kids, help her, with her BS FREAK SHOW PUBLICity STUNT that I am sure she masturbated too last night

No this was not a historic moment for blacks. they hyped it up like all these celebs were gonna be there, and then they Kicked a HOTEP out. YES, a hotep…. Hoteps supported MAGA before the walkaway movement became a hashtag. The blatant not give a crap about the dynamics in the black community by allowing a white man who is 24years old and on the SPLC website as modern day KKK leader, kicking out a hotep who was loyal before Kanye is a PR CRISIS!!!!. I have no words only rage because let’s face it guys. That kid does not have good intentions for me my son any black person. He removed one of the only famous black men from the event and has convinced MAGA that Hotep said something Anti-Semitic… Well I did look into what was said and Anti-Jewish people are not good people but Hotep was not trashing the Jewish faith and the article that was written about him is by the Daily Beast Will Sommer, who has slandered several of my past clients and thrives on the HIT piece. I am disgusted, Hotep was used for months to make TPUSA look like they had black support and is no longer deemed worthy aka they have no need for his Twitter presence anymore and feel like there would be no backlash from blacks if they treated him like he was a subhuman commodity.

To conclude my rant and denouncing of TPUSA’s Charlie Kirk is to say, when you think you can treat people however you want and you assume your associations deem you worthy of dominating and believing you have black royalty status when you ain’t nothing to me or any other black single mothers, because WE KNOW HE DO NOT CARE ABOUT US FOR REAL and has no self awareness at all.

Charlie KKKirk and Candace Owens, you do need to be massively well-liked by BLACKS to keep up any further delusions that millions of us like you and want anything to do with either of you. Walk the talk. Stop tweeting fake bs, and excluding people and being trashy humans and go actually get to know the black community and make a mark that will last on our hearts. All this pretending is over. You need to really do what you keep claiming you are capable of

I will gladly continue to use black media outlets to warn other blacks that ALL black Trumpers are not buying it and TPUSA are trying to trick everyone instead of actually trying to get to know us Shame on Donald Trump if he  fully grasps that they are not well received by the majority of blacks and still keeps trying to force them on us.  No means no.

Please stop doing that you will force blacks to chose and they will not choose Charlie, when feeling like MAGA may have an evil nazi trying to take over the black community.

Editor’s note:

Remember to vote Democrat in the midterm elections. Let’s take our country back!

The 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards nominations are in, and Drake and Cardi B took the cake this year. Drake is nominated for 11 awards, including MVP and album of the year. Cardi is right behind him on nearly every category. Proving her breakout album to be a caliber of work no one was expecting. Other notable artists on the list are Childish Gambino, who’s nominated for 6 awards, coming in right behind Cardi and Drake. Also, XXXTentacion, who died earlier this year, is up for the best new artist. And Blocboy JB who is also up for the best new artist, and best collab with Drake for “Look Alive.”

The awards ceremony comes back to The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami.

BET will premiere the annual telecast on October 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

The full list of nominations is as follows:

Best Hip Hop Video

Cardi B – “I Like It” f. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
Drake – “God’s Plan”
Kendrick Lamar – “Loyalty” f. Rihanna
Migos – “Walk It Talk It” f. Drake

Hot Ticket Performer

Cardi B
Childish Gambino
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Travis Scott

Album of the Year

Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Drake – Scorpion
J. Cole – KOD
Migos – Culture II
The Carters – Everything Is Love

Video Director of the Year

Benny Boom
Dave Meyers & The Little Homies
Director X
Eif Rivera
Hiro Murai
Karena Evans

Lyricist of the Year

Childish Gambino
Drake
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
Travis Scott

MVP of the Year

Cardi B
Childish Gambino
Drake
J. Cole
Travis Scott

Producer of the Year

Ben Billions
DJ Esco
DJ Mustard
Metro Boomin
Pharrell Williams

Best Collabo, Duo or Group

21 Savage & Offset & Metro Boomin – “Ric Flair Drip”
Blocboy JB – “Look Alive” f. Drake
Cardi B – “I Like It” f. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Post Malone – “Rockstar” f. 21 Savage
The Carters – “Apeshit”

Single of the Year

“Apesh*t” – Produced by Pharrell (The Carters)
“God’s Plan” – Produced by Cardo, Young Exclusive and Boi-1da (Drake)
“I Like It” – Produced by Craig Kallman, JWhiteDidIt and Tainy (Cardi B Feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin)
“Nice for What” – Produced by Murda Beatz (Drake)
“This Is America” – Produced by Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson (Childish Gambino)

Best New Hip Hop Artist

Blocboy JB
Juice Wrld
Lil Baby
Rich the Kid
XXXTENTACION

Best Mixtape

BlocBoy JB – Simi
Future – Beast Mode 2
Juicy J – Shut Da F* Up
Lil Wayne – Dedication 6: Reloaded
Zoey Dollaz – Sorry Not Sorry

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse

21 Savage – “Bartier Cardi” (Cardi B feat. 21 Savage)
Cardi B – “Motorsport” (Migos f. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj)
Drake – “Look Alive” (Blocboy JB f. Drake)
Kendrick Lamar – “New Freezer” (Rich the Kid f. Kendrick Lamar)
Nicki Minaj – “Big Bank” (YG f. 2 Chainz, Big Sean & Nicki Minaj)

Impact Track

Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
Dej Loaf & Leon Bridges – “Liberated”
Lecrae – “I’ll Find You” f. Tori Kelly
Meek Mill – “Stay Woke” f. Miguel
N.E.R.D – “1,000” f. FUTURE

DJ of the Year

DJ Envy
Calvin Harris
DJ Drama
Khaled
DJ Mustard

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style)

Cardi B
Migos
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma
Travis Scott

Best Hip Hop Online Site/App

ALL HIP HOP
Complex
Hot New Hip Hop
Worldstar
XXL

Hustler of the Year

Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
JAY-Z
Kendrick Lamar
Travis Scott

Black Music Honors takes the time to celebrate artists who’ve molded black culture and music. Namely by inspiring those that come after them. The show wasn’t lacking in any way, especially when it came to astonishing talent.

A captivating performance paying homage to Bobby Brown by Bel Biv DeVoe moved him to tears. Bobby Brown’s speech recalled his childhood and his desire for a better life. He promised that there is more to come for his fans.

Gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans were honored with a breathtaking performance. Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, and Tasha Page-Lockhart delivered a performance for the pair worthy of a standing ovation. Then, in their speech the Winans thanked those who have ever prayed for and supported them, and their family.

Rappers Doug E. Fresh, Monie Love, YoYo, and DJ Mell Star brought us all back with their tribute to Whodini. Singers Demetria McKinney, V. Bozeman and Syleena Johnson gave reverence to Faith Evans. Evans noted that she grew up admiring Stephanie, Bobby, and Whodini.

The night went on to honor Dallas Austin, Luther Vandross, and Stephanie Mills. The evening culminated with thanks from the CEO of Central city Productions and producer of BMH, Don Jackson. Stating that the night was unforgettable, and that the show allows them to celebrate the trailblazers of Black music.

Check out some of the pictures from the show below.

Lloyd has finally stepped back onto the scene. After a long hiatus, he has released his 5th studio album “Tru.”

In the interview, we sit down with Lloyd and talk about how long it took to make the album and where the inspiration came from. He talks about “losing track of time” when he’s making music, and using his previous experiences, in music and otherwise, as learning curves.

The album features names like Sevyn Streeter, Lil’ Wayne, and Rick Ross. One of the tracks, “Infinity”,  most notably features his son River.

In the interview, he confirms that he will be going on tour with this album. Stating that’s where he feels most comfortable, “on stage.”

We’ve long awaited the return of the R&B aficionado and can’t wait to see what’s in store. Check out the interview below for more details.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjPQYQmFwKY[/embedyt]

This past week Lloyd held a private listening party for his new album at Boogalou. In attendance were some of Atlanta’s most notable influencers and celebrities, as well as some of Lloyds fans. They were able to get the inside scoop on his creative process for each song, over complimentary cocktails and interactive photos by OMGBooth. Check out some of the pictures from the event below, and don’t forget to stay connected by following #TruAlbumRelease and #StayTRU.

Album available for download here.

Rappers YG and Big Sean are heated after the NFL & EA Sports censored a specific lyric from their hit single “Big Bank” on the Madden NFL 19 soundtrack.

According to videos posted on Twitter, the lyric that was censored says: “you boys all cap, I’m more Colin Kaepernick.” Kaepernick’s name was reported omitted from the song.

“You boys all cap, I'm more Colin Kaepernick”

Wait, did Madden bleep out Kap?

(via @jeanclervil) pic.twitter.com/mzQ6u0QpNb

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 2, 2018

Big Sean took to Twitter to share his disapproval of the power move. “It’s disappointing and appalling @NFL & @EA took @Kaepernick7’s name out of my verse on Big Bank for Madden 19, like it was a curse word,” the rapper wrote. “When he’s not a curse, he’s a gift! Nobody from my team approved any of this.”

YG also showed his disapproval via Instagram  “NFL you owe us an apology.”

It’s disappointing and appalling @NFL & @EA took @Kaepernick7’s name out of my verse on Big Bank for Madden 19, like it was a curse word. When he's not a curse, he's a gift! Nobody from my team approved any of this.

— Sean Don (@BigSean) August 2, 2018

After tons of backlash from fans, EA Sports issued an apology for the edit.

“We made an unfortunate mistake with our Madden NFL soundtrack. Members of our team misunderstood the fact that while we don’t have rights to include Colin Kaepernick in the game, this doesn’t affect soundtracks,” the statement reads. “We messed up, and the edit should never have happened. We will make it right, with an update to Madden NFL 19 on August 6 that will include the reference again. We meant no disrespect, and we apologize to Colin, to YG and Big Sean, to the NFL, to all of their fans and our players for this mistake.”

The controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick and the NFL has been going on for a while now. We all remember that time in 2016 when the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback took a knee during the national anthem. He has since been blacklisted by any team on the NFL. Kaepernick’s heroic stance has inspired many other players to follow his lead, bringing up a conversation about athletes, politics, and police brutality.

BEYONCÉ PARTNERS WITH GOOGLE.ORG IN ANNOUNCING FOUR MORE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HER HOMECOMING SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM FOR 2018-2019 FOLLOWING HER SECOND ELECTRIFYING HEADLINING SHOW AT COACHELLA

Google.org has matched the $100,000 grant Beyoncé announced last week, which will enable four additional HBCUs to receive $25,000 scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year. The schools chosen are Texas Southern University, located in Beyoncé’s home city, Houston, Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, the alma mater of her father, Mathew Knowles. Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. HBCUs are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community.

“Google understands the vital role historically black colleges and universities play in delivering a high quality and culturally responsive education,” states Maab Ibrahim, a Google.org program manager. “In the last several years, Google has launched innovative programs to close the distance between Silicon Valley and HBCUs; we are proud to continue that commitment by matching Beyoncé’s generous donation.”

“Partnering with organizations like Google.org in support of HBCUs is our way of elevating cultural touchstones that paint a clear picture of excellence and opportunity through diverse education,” states Ivy McGregor, Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations at Parkwood Entertainment, which houses BeyGOOD. “We challenge other businesses across the country to join us in this commitment to higher education and investment in the future.”

“As a Morehouse graduate myself, I can attest that HBCUs provide both an excellent educational opportunity, as well as a community of support that lasts a lifetime,” says Steve Pamon, President and COO of Parkwood Entertainment, the company serving as the umbrella for Beyoncé’s production and business ventures.  “The lifeblood of that community is an annual pilgrimage to homecoming.  This scholarship program can ensure that more students will enjoy the HBCU experience that continues to enrich my life.”