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.

Stevie Williams engaged with guests as well as many young skater fans, whom he signed skateboards for. Middleman Fresh gave styling tips to guests, which in return had the sales at Fresh 2 Def Atl flourishing. Notables in attendance included Allen Iverson, Sr. VP of A&R at Atlantic Records – Dallas Martin, Socialite and Actress – Sheneka Adams, Designer – Delicia “Ms. DeCordon” Cordon, Warner Bro Records A&R Askia Fountain, R&B singer Chris Scholar and more. Swag bags were given to all attendees with Fresh 2 Def and Asphalt Yacht Club merchandise, making this a very fashion-forward event during the BET Hip Hop Awards weekend.

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Special Guests Included: music exec Chaka Zulu; media and music industry veteran Frank Ski; actress and R&B singer, Demetria McKinney; R&B singer and reality TV star Claudette Ortiz; rapper Yo Gotti; hip-hop blogger Karen Civil; Chef Jason Elliis; Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall; BET Networks’ President of Programming and Specials Stephen Hill; BET Awards & BET Hip Hop Awards executive producer, Jesse Collins; BET Networks’ music programmer, Kelly G; Monster CEO, Noel Lee; and CTE music artists. YG and DoughBoyz Cash Out

Sponsors Included: Avion Tequila, Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, Gourmet Footwear, Monster Cable, Courvoisier, Chopard, and 8732 Clothing.

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Young Dro is back and he’s still on his Ralph Lauren swag but this time, he’s put it over Rihanna’s “Diamonds” beat with an assist from Atlanta’s Decatur Slim. Dro took to Twitter showing his excitement over the newly released track, tweeting “Thank God for another day now shine bright like a diamond!!!!!!!” and “Check out my Diamond rmx ft Dslim fire!!!!!!!!”. Check out Dro and Slim’s freestyle below and let us know what you think.

Via XclusiveZones

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Chi Ali Griffith aka Chi Ali began his life in what many would say was hip-hop dream. At the age of 13, Chi Ali was a full-fledged member of the legendary Native Tongues crew. Imagine being a young kid from the Bronx, and you’re expected to have your bars on par with the likes of Q-Tip, Pos One and Queen Latifah. His released his first album “The Fabulous Chi-Ali.” His first hit record “Age is just a number,” where he spoke grown-up lyrics to young girls telling them that “The girls look so good, but their brains are not ready. I’d rather talk to a grown woman, because her brain is so steady, ” was a product of that album. That classic line has gone on to be sampled plenty of times on other classic records, but many wouldn’t know the voice behind that line. There was a good reason for that.

In March of 2001 Chi Ali was arrested in the murder of Shawn Raymond, the brother of his baby mother. The two got into an altercation that ended in violence, and Chi Ali going on the run. His name was in the spotlights again in the 2000’s, but it was for being featured on Americas Most Wanted and a fugitive. He was later apprehended in New York and was sentenced to 12 years in prison for that crime. You would think he would fade away from the hip-hop scene forever.

That was not the case. In 2012, Chi Ali was released from prison a free man. His debt was paid to society and back to what he loved and was born to do, rap. Since he’s been out, he’s been spotted at video shoots and getting back into the mix of things. What is Chi Ali working? What does it feel like to be a free man? How did you maintain your mind in jail and do you have any regrets. Hip Hop Enquirer asks these questions and more to Chi Ali via phone as he cruises the streets a man not a number.

Hip Hop Enquirer: How does it feel to be free?

Chi Ali: It feels great to be home. It’s like a surreal feeling. I’m riding around now and laughing. I’m heading to the studio and I’m just laughing and enjoying life. It’s a feeling words can’t properly describe.

Hip Hop Enquirer: I’m not going to bring you all the way back to why you got locked up. Speak about how you maintained after going to jail?

Chi Ali: I maintained. Basically it was a situation where you really didn’t have a choice. You had to make lemons out of lemonade and make the best out of a bad situation and I was determined to do that. In the beginning I couldn’t see the end. What they say, ‘when in Rome, do what the Romans do.’” I got into a lot of dumb shit in the beginning. I worked my way through it and felt my way though and I found myself in prison. I worked on my body. I rested. Most of all, I took care of my mind. I read a lot of books. I got my associates degree. I found ways to keep my mind busy where I didn’t think about the time. I didn’t keep much contact on the outside either. That makes it harder for you to do the stretch.

Hip Hop Enquirer: Do you feel like in some way going to prison was for the good. Do you feel like it was a way of telling you something?

Chi Ali: Absolutely. I believe that everything happens for a reason. At some time in my lifetime, I did something’s in my early age. I was involved in a lot of mess that I shouldn’t have been involved in. I don’t think I did my time just for the case that I went in for. Everything you do in life catches up with you in the end. I think it was something I had to go through. It helped me to grow up.

Hip Hop Enquirer: What was it like when you got home and saw all the love that people showed?

Chi Ali: So far, everybody has been showing love. The old school guys are genuinely happy to see me back outside. The young dudes, most who have heard of me, were happy to see their kinfolk back on the streets. Nobody wants to be locked up. If you know someone who is locked up, then you can appreciate someone when they’re coming home.

Hip Hop Enquirer: I know you had a chance to perform some since you’ve been out. What was like being back on stage?

Chi Ali: I performed once with Skyzoo at A3C. That was pretty cool. I got to get my swag back. Critiquing myself, I feel like I got to loosen up a bit. Performing is one of those things where experience is the best teacher. You learn things based from experience. You’ll be able to see the crowd and see what the atmosphere is like. I think it’s one of those things you can’t teach someone.

Hip Hop Enquirer: I remember you back in the day as part of Native Tongues. For those who don’t know, tell us how you got into hip-hop.

Chi Ali: I got into hip-hop through Queen Latifah. She used to be around my way in the Bronx, Cobb City. All the rappers would come through. I was the kid, so I was in awe of seeing all the familiar faces I would see on Rap City and Yo Mtv Rap. I started hanging out with them. I would run to the store and things of that nature.

Hip Hop Enquirer: Speak about Chris Lighty and his influence on your life in rap.

Chi Ali: I met Chris Lighty, Baby Chris. Rest in Peace Chris Lighty. We hooked up and he had happening to be working on a deal with Relativity Records for his Violator imprint. U told him I could rap. He put me on stage with the Jungle Brothers. They thought I was going to scared or nervous. I was scared, but I went on. Chris said after the show that he wanted to sign me. It was history ever since….Chris was a mentor. You have to remember that I knew Chris was as big as he is now. I mean, he was always big to me. Back when he was a roady for the Jungle Brothers, who in my mind was the biggest artist in the world. He was big in my eyes. He always did things the right way. I’ve been around a lot of positivity and negativity and he showed me no negativity. Chris showed me nothing but positivity. He never brought me around weed or drugs or guns. Chris kept it music with me and I think he kept it music in his life. He was one of the few people that in the world that I would say was a good dude. You won’t find many people who would say anything bad about Chris.

Hip Hop Enquirer: So what are you working on now? Do you have a mixtape or EP you’re working on?

Chi Ali: I have a mixtape/EP I’m working on. Nothing definite just yet, everything is tentative. We don’t have any titles or things like that yet. I have about 11 songs right now. I want to have about 20-30 songs ready and pick the best 10. It it’s going to be an EP, I just want to make sure I put out quality material and stay relevant with the music and stay relevant to my old school fan base.

Hip Hop Enquirer: Can you speak on some of the people you will be working with and some of the producers on the project?

Chi Ali: Fat Joe, Maino, Mysonne. I have a lot of stuff that’s tentative, in the works. I don’t want to say anything until it happens. As far as the beats, I’m down in D.C. today working with my dude Hollywood, Showbiz from Show & AG and Premier. I bumped into Illmind at the A3C and I ran into Just Blaze and 9^th Wonder, all people I’ll probably be doing stuff with but nothing has happened yet. It’s all in the works, just trying to put everything together and work fast to put out quality work.

Hip Hop Enquirer: Looking back on your life, from the beginning of your career to where you at now, including jail. Is there anything that you look back and regret?

Chi Ali: I regret the crime I did to come to prison. I was in an emotional state and I allowed my emotions to supersede my intelligence. I regret that because I took a life. I definitely send my condolences to the family of Shawn Raymond….That’s my biggest regret. I was involved in a lot of street activities that I wasn’t proud of and I do regret that. I think it made me a better person, but I still too from my community. I don’t think a person should be proud of that.

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Okay, instead of rambling on as usual trying to dissect the look we’ll try something a little different. What do you ladies think about a man wearing pink pants or has this type of fashion statement just gone too far? Leave a comment in the box below and let us know what you think about men in pick attire.

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Over at HHE, we don’t support rap beefs, but of course we know everybody wants to know about them. In a recent interview with DJ Kay Slay, Waka Flocka basically said that Wiz’s career has been “hyped” and isn’t “real”. Waka switched roles from the one being interviewed to asking Kay Slay how he feels about rappers that have been hyped. “Yo [Kay] Slay, how you feel about these rap n*ggas with all that hype man,” asked Waka. “They ain’t got no swag when they really, they hyped their way to the top. [I’m behaving myself lately.] Me too. I ain’t even gonna lie. I ain’t even gonna lie, right. … I feel like they don’t respect nothing but the real. You gotta. Wiz. Wiz.”

Wiz Khalifa seems way too lowkey and wrapped up in the goodness that is Amber Rose’s body, to even give this any attention, so we’ll see where it goes from here.

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Tis the season to make many appearances at the homes of family, friends and the occasional cocktail hour. We’ve reached the time of year when cocktail parties and Christmas gatherings prevail over all. So you better check your list twice to make sure you’re dressed accordingly. And guys, if you’re like me then you probably haven’t worn a suit since one of your late relatives funeral. But, never under estimate the styling power of the blazer; a wardrobe staple that no man should be without. The blazer and all its many forms is versatile enough to transcend from cool and casual to couture level swag. Here we present to you 5 head-turning alternatives that are sure to have you the bright and shining style star of any occasion.

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Rock, Future, and the whole A1 Free Band Gang Movement are where Bird Man, Lil’ Wayne, and Cash Money used to be, right before international stardom. Rocko’s mixtape “Gift of Gab” is a straight up street banger. The tape is an epitome of future quality street music. The beats are extremely up tempo with pounding 808s that makes your head bob up and down, along with very tuneful hooks resonating futuristic musically crafted melodies.

It is not like your typical gangsta rap, even though the same street mentality is applied to the lyrics. The tape brings a new gutter, hardcore, rockstar persona to rap. “Take U away” or “Thumb Thru Da Check” songs have potential to surpass any mainstream hip hop song out (my opinion). “Squares out your Circle” will relate to how fame take sacrifices. However, Rocko has never been known not to delivery substance packed mixtapes. Rocko Dinero, Wild Life, and Swag Season were all major in the urban underground hip hop communities.

What a nice holiday gift for music lovers and congrats to Rocko and his aggressive movement. Hard work surely pays off. Let us know what you think of the music.

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This is the first image I came across of world-famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin‘s spring 2012 “No Limit” mens sneaker. Everyone knows that the celeb friendly footwear is a major hit among those who can afford the price tag.

But one look at these makes me think he missed the mark. We’ve seen shoes with spikes, shoes with crystals, shoes with feathers, and every other material imaginable. But combining spikes and rhinestone together on one shoe is a bit of an overkill. Exactly where would one be walking to in these? What type of event would call for such attention grabbing footwear? Let us know what you think. Would you buy them? Where would you wear them to? Exactly how many “spins” can you get out of them before sending them into retirement?

The Marathon is never over for L.A.’s Nipsey Hussle. The Westside thug motivator released the second installment of his Marathon series last week via internet. This go around Nipsey is just as serious as before, picking up where he left off, by beginning The Marathon Continues with the beat from the hidden outro of The Marathon. The production on this mixtape is unique, unlike majority of the tracks in the game, they all fit Nipsey’s swag in every way. On “Who Detached Us?”  Nipsey goes in depth as usual questioning current social norms. “I think too much T.V. ruins kids/ and Homosexual actors influence it”.  Unlike other gang affiliated rapper’s Nipsey’s material consistently has substance and meaning. This claim is backed by a motivational speech at the end of the track by late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, perfect timing to say the least.

After the good stuff, Nipsey gives the gangster music most hip hop fans were waiting for. He and fellow gang buddy Cobby go in over Lil Wayne’s “Bill Gates” instrumental on “Fly Crippin”.  Although Nipsey does not blatantly promote gang banging in any of his lyrics, he makes it sound pretty fun on this track.  “I Need That” featuring  fellow up and coming Westside resident Dom Kennedy passes the trunk exam with a easy A with deep bass and great verses from both artist. “Rose Clique” “They Know” and “The Mansion” are all great tracks ending this lap of the Marathon. Nipsey is really up to something and is sure to gain a buzz before the release of his next album.

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It seems as though more and more men are getting in touch with their feminine sides. We’ve embraced hair dye, skinny jeans, and women’s accessories.  We’d like to introduce you to the next wave of the future with a polished and pedicured foot step forward. A company by the name of EvolutionMan is coming out with a line of nail polish for men. The photo above displays their just released set in 5 “manly” shades.  Tell us what you think. Guys, will you be requesting any of these at your next nail salon visit? Or ladies, how would you feel about a guy trying to approach you with purple finger nails?

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Singing sensation Estelle and super-producer Swizz Beatz performed together last night in NYC at the 2011 Billboard Summer Blowout concert. We won’t even try to deny our love for what both these two are wearing. Estelle decided to bridge the gap between the United States and her native England by wearing a black American flag tank top paired with British flag skinnies. The look could have gone another way had she not worn those beige studded pumps to glam it up a little.


Our boy Swizzy remained true to fashion form with Givenchy’s Fall 2011 rottweiler tee, dark stunner shades, backwards snapback and matching red Kamikaze Reeboks. Dope! Swizz never disappoints 

 Skyblu and Redfoo of LMFAO

Also in attendance was Skyblu and Redfoo of LMFAO who performed their smash single “Party Rock.”  Now, to some of you they may appear to be taking a page out of the Nicki Minaj style book, but we atually like how they’re dressed. If you’re going to call yourself LMFAO and have the whole country Party Rockin then you better dress the part; and they do! 

The wild untamed hair, the disco ball vest worn under tailored dinner jacket, and rock star belt on Skyblu is rockstar swag to the T! And then you have Redfoo with his ripped skull faced tank top over turquoise zebra pants and the easter colored skateboard sneakers with “Party Rock” emblazoned on the front is genius! Peep more pics below!

Estelle and Swizz

Aunt Jemima goes glam

Too dope for words

Swizzy

Estelle and Swizz perform

LMFAO rocks out

Checking out that ass in those shorts

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And when you see T.I. remember to salute!

This 4th of July make a declaration of independent swag! We’ve found a few pieces from head to toe that are sure to set off a few sparks at the family bbq!

Detroit Red Wings Snapback Cap

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