Tag: News

Rapper “Pop Smoke” Dead at 20.

Culture News

Rapper Killed In a Alleged Home Invasion ‼️

Bashar Barakah Jackson, known professionally as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper and songwriter whom home was invaded by two men with hoodies who fired multiple shots critically wounding Pop Smoke, as it was reported by TMZ. He was signed to Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records and released his first single “Welcome to the Party” in April 2019.

According to TMZ, this incident happened around 4:30 AM in the Hollywood Hills and he was rushed by Ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead. His home was believed to be rented, and was owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Teddi Mellencamp‘s husband, Edwin Arroyave who owns several homes in LA.

One suspect was handcuffed but later released as he was determined not be involved. No one has been caught or identified; as far as we know according to TMZ. Unidentifiable source says his brother is one of the main suspects, allegedly.

Rest In Peace Pop.

Featured Image Credit: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Updated Story

Mike Dee, Pop’s Brother speaks out against the allegations from speculators and “public investigators”.

Pop Smoke 💨 murder also appears to be a target according to TMZ’s recent report as they share information supported by the surveillance footage.

“… you see 4 men approach the home at around 4:30 AM and sneak around back. A couple minutes pass before 3 of the 4 walk back up the side of the home to the front. The 4th apparently walked in the backdoor but no camera was trained on it. The next time you see the man, he exits through the front door of the house.”

It was reported that it was multiple shots fired inside the home only to have struck Pop Smoke according to the evidence provided to TMZ, there were no other victims.

Continue reading “Rapper “Pop Smoke” Dead at 20.” →

Chicago’s Legend in Making @FBG_DUCK Has Self-Confessed Chicago’s Legends

Culture News

FBG Duck, a Chicago Musical Illustrator, published a video recorded by Money Strong TV on his channel two days ago on Dec. 7, 2019; and with the apparent loss of legends from the City of Chicago, who are without a doubt gone too soon because of various tragic situations; he proclaims their affects in and on culture. In his illustrated story he mentions Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez. With the current loss of another great Chicago Legend Juice Wrld; and Famous Dex being recently hospitalized to recover from seizures, there is no concrete word if he has been released, there is much to be concerned about.

The murder and drug epidemic of Chicago has depreciated the circulation of producers in culture from the city, putting the ideas out there to be mocked by upcoming or lurking seasoned artist to develop from other markets. Every artist mentioned has a different level of success, impact, trade, and skill that contributed to the identity of who Chicago is in the urban culture world. A legend is someone who creates or develops a traditional story, who taps into their genius, and sculps a path for others to follow or to observe only to be influenced by their impact. No matter how well known the legend is globally, it can be very well known in pockets or wide areas to be proclaimed a legend.

Watch FBG Duck Declare Chicago Legends.

Subscribe to FBG Duck’s channel for more content.

This brings attention to the social issues that we need to solve in Chicago, and beyond, that deal ultimately with poverty, civic engagement, health, and the brotherhood of humanity. His piece of art pushes towards conversations that need to be had to better our community and restore unity between the gangs or just those who are conflicted and need to heal in order to let go of past conflicts or traumas. In the words of FBG Duck, “just to show yourself a better you”, is worth the participation in helping leaders like him carry messages like this far and wide in the diaspora to help appreciate the progress made in the culture.

I’d like to send love and light to all of the families of our lost and slain ones, even those we lost to non violent tragic situations because we are all still suffering from a bigger issue. Our health, wealth, and our mind state suffers or take constant hits (Urban Dark Hue Beings) because we are in a constant state of oppression while walking dead. We must prescribe a remedy to our ignorance, discipline ourselves, and love one another because the world is depending on it. We are depending on it. You existence is dependent on it.

We don’t die we multiply, so rest peacefully Juice Wrld , Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez . We love and wish you all where still among us but we will continue to push y(our) energy, that will never be destroyed, into the world with love.

@NipseyHussle Tha Homie Gone Too Soon…. Let’s Celebrate His Life and Live in Love, Peace, Truth, Freedom, and Justice

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, age 33, born August 15, 1985 was shot and killed March 31, 2019 in Hyde Park LA area in front of his clothing store, The Marathon. It was reported first by TMZ and then reported by other sources.

I know it’s weird to mourn the lost of someone that you’ve never met but I felt his energy, he was a Ethiopian King. He was a long distance mentor, brother in spirit, and someone who I was happy to be chosen to represent and present the voiceless, or misrepresented. He is and will always be a pillar in our world, not just the Hip Hop Community. He used his voice for better. He lead change, he was a change agent. So with all do respect and honor to his character and his assassination as reported by LA’s Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD via CBSN, he was not a “tireless activist”, he was a man of the most high doing God’s work from the Organic Laws: Love, Truth, Freedom, Peace, and Justice, living Ma’at in his own way. Let’s set the record straight.

I will say that his murder is very questionable and so is the alleged killer, asking ” What ya’ll gone do ?”, on a alleged IG page: shittycuzz_0fficial or ima_god_in_da_streetz__ , where there is a claim made he’s innocent. Either way, none of what we assume will change the circumstances and bring him back, so I will digress.

I will say to never believe anything you hear and half of what you see because death hoax do happen. We do know that the CIA, FBI, and other government agencies have conspired to assassinate many for their political infusions. And Nipsey was one of those political infusions, who has his own mind, and amassed a lot of power independently which is known as a threat to some here in the U.S. or considered a Revolutionary Act.

Click here to read an article from The Guardian on ‘Preventing the rise of the messiah”

@DJNEPHETS is a Hometown Hero, check out his latest social mission.

Culture News

I need everyone who reads this post to share it in support of Dj Nehpets.

He’s campaigning to bring awareness to Jukivist in Chicago and we need your help.

Jukivist is a state of mind. It’s an attitude towards life and how you respond to external situations, plus a lifestyle to live by to create harmony in the community.

We all understand that as people we can be tribal and find people who are like us.

Basically he’s saying that we all are one mind that think and move in love. And that’s what Jukivisim or Jukivist is about. Moving and speaking in love together.

Join DJ Nephets as he helps others create the change in our city by joining your great mind and spirit to build and grow together in harmony, the jukivist way!!

Happy 5th Anniversary ‼️ To BK From WordPress 😊 : How does this make me feel ⁉️💞 #BitterSweet

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Personal Perspectives, What's Good?

It’s amazing because it’s a reflection of how consistent I have been in developing my quality of communication and media. And to think I’ve been hard on my self because I’ve been thinking that I haven’t been consistent.

I’ve come a long way ‼️ and I have ways to go but this milestone reminds me that I can overcome anything. Throughout these last 5 years, I’ve floated through the industry crafting, drafting, and developing my lane. This year I’ve finally chosen a specialty: LAW , ETHICS, and ACTS. 

After playing almost every position in the Field. I am now using all of my tools and knowledge acquired to further run 🏃🏾‍♀️ my race, as Nipsey Hussle says “Marathon”, because I’m more into victory laps. At some point the race will end but the marathon continues.

I am Self-Published, Director, CTO 👩🏾‍💼, Editor, Scholar 👩🏾‍🏫, Producer, Creative, Communication and Media Specialist, and everything else I intend on being in the future.

BIG thanks to all those who have, will, and do support me during my venture. It’s been a long 6 years in finding self. And I’m grateful to have shared it with you.

I dedicate this celebration to Jaymo and , a close relative who was shot and killed today on the Southside of Chicago, including the other young man who was shot & killed. I will not mention his name in respect of his family and to give them their privacy. 

This is why my mission is important because quality in using our (my) voice will bring change to our environment especially if we do it in quantity.

I love you all forever and you did not leave in vain. All angels 👼🏾 memories will live forever through us & our legacy.

Happy 5th Anniversary to me‼️🇲🇦🍾🥃🍷🍸🍹 Thanks for having meWordpress.

Our Godmother #ArethaFranklin is Gravely Ill 😷 🤒 #UpdatesInfo & #LovePeaceBlessings

Culture News, Entertainment, Heritage-History

This is tragic to report for some but it comes of no surprise to me that our Queen Aretha Franklins has transitioned, August 16 after her long fight with pancreatic cancer. She will be missed forever and we will carry the torch beloved. Continue to live a beautiful life.

Source: The Washington Post, Vox, CNN, People, Fox News

View this post on Instagram

The Queen of Soul is currently surrounded by friends and family and they’re asking for prayers and privacy at this time. According to Showbiz 411, she’s in a “gravely ill” state as those around her are preparing for the worst. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Franklin has been battling numerous health problems for years and had to cancel a series of concerts last summer citing “doctor’s orders.” Her latest performance was on November 2 of last year for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The 76-year-old was reportedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, but she denied reports that she carried the disease. Last February, Aretha announced that 2017 would be her last year “in concert.” 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #30yearsofControversy

A post shared by Willie D (@williedlive) on

I woke up this am and hopped on my instagram to explore, discovering the post above stating that our beloved Aretha Franklin is reportedly gravely ill in Detroit; While she’s surrounded by friends and family.

My team and I send love ❤️, grace, and we appreciate our beloved queen 👑 for the barriers she broke for those who came after her. Her legacy is set in stone. As she transcends we want her to know that we love 💗 her forever and that she can peacefully transition. She’s fulfilled her destiny as a beacon of light 💡 here on earth 🌏.

I’m just not going to get into all the extra shit that every other newspaper, blog, or reporter has already told you through the newswire. I wrote this with the mindset that you have already gotten the news. If not my sources are listed below.

Sources: Fox News, Showbiz411, Click On Detroit

Communal Eating and the Importance of Sharing a Meal and Conversation

Community, Culture News, Food, Dining, and Drinks, Lifestyle, Travel

Yesterday at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, I hosted 8 guest to celebrate the New Year (my new year).  The benefits of dining with others is the centering of food and conversation which helps to upwardly build relations.

Follow me on snap @BillieDaKidd

In today’s community or world we don’t eat with our family a lot. We’re typically always on the go, with our extended family from work, or maybe with our friends. Whatever the situation, we aren’t spending two hours a day communally eating.

What is Communal Eating:

Communal Eating As A Vaccination Against Loneliness And Social Isolation

Eating together and having a quintessential human experience is communal dining. You get to catch up with your peers, family, or partners. It’s a great way to learn from one another and inspire new cuisines, cultural practices, and share information.

Conarga released news about a national survey that they performed, which found that 40 percent of American families eat dinner together at three or fewer times a week. I’m not for sure when the news release was published but I’ll guess that it was around 2003. Do you think that number has increased or decreased?

Well I’m gone get straight to the point with you. I’m improving my life and culture, so how I bond with humans in my life is utterly important to me. It’s not about one individual but about the unit as a collective. It’s about the whole experience and learning how not to be selfish or kill the mood of others, being aware of how you’re energy (Inner G) impacts others.

Here’s my Why

Inspired by GOODNET, gateway to doing good

9 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family 

  1. Betters Relationships
  2. Leads to Healthier Food Choices
  3. Can Lead to Better Grades or Work Experience
  4. A Chance to Explore New Foods
  5. Lead to Greater Happiness
  6. Homemade Meals Promotes Portion Control including Public Communal Dining
  7. Equals healthy Children and Adults
  8. Relieves Stress
  9. Saves Money

Unarmed Stephon Clark Killed in his Own Backyard by Sacramento Police 👮 🚔

Community, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

The victim, Stephon Clark, was only 22-years-old when he was shot and killed in his backyard where he lived with his family, on Sunday. Clark was reportedly shot 20 times while only holding his cell phone at the time.

The Sacramento Bee 🐝 reported that the officers were responding to a call of someone breaking car windows. The Sacramento Police 🚔 conducted a helicopter search to locate the suspect which is how they mistakenly targeted Clark.

What a great way to spend tax payer dollars 💵 Sacramento Police, and we appreciate if you used intelligence when investigating a crime. In my opinion police should be required to have a four-year degree in sociology or a degree that deals with humanity including consistent training to deal with the public in an non-aggressive, non-violent, and un-aggravated way.

I am tired of seeing Black men being targeted as if they have no importance. There needs to be some policies in play to resolve this consistent conflict between the government and the urban community. We will not keep tolerating the police “accidentally” taking the lives of innocent 😇 individuals.

My heart 💜 prayers, and peace goes out to Clark’s Family. Sleep peacefully brother for you will not die in vain.

Black Panther Premiere: Community Bonding and Celebration with @ThorntonTwp

Community, Culture News, Entertainment

Black Panther Premiere at Cinema 8

Published First: Thornton Township

I had the pleasure of connecting with Thornton Township to witness the debut of Black Panther with the community, Feb. 16 at Cinema 8 in Lansing. Royal purple carpets, wristbands, goodie bags with Black History Flashcards, including free snacks and beverages were gifted to the community members for their support in making the day great. The movie theater was filled with love from the elders, generation X, baby boomers, and the millennials who all seemed to take away the great message the movie had to offer which was “We are stronger united than we are divided”. Can you think of any significant way to spend black history month?

There were many other messages that were encoded but the message mentioned above was commonly received by the guest. I cried many times during the movie: tears of joy, tears of realization, tears of sadness, and tears of anger. Black Panther reminded me of my constant duty to the community, and Dr. Jamal Turner, the keynote speaker in theater one, spoke to us about his experience as a real life Black Panther.

Thornton Township was thanked by many guests for doing such a wonderful thing for the community because they provided an opportunity, “To those who probably couldn’t afford movie tickets” as said by Jouhan Sawe, a Thornton Township community member and employee.

Jeanette and Betty BP
Jeanette Quinn and Bessie Watkins, constituents of Thornton Township 

Another guest, Jeanette Quin said “Everything was perfect. The movie, how the event was put together, and how smooth it flowed. We were right on time and I thank them for hosting the event.” It’s more than safe to say that the community is looking forward to more remarkable things happening in Thornton Township. I know I had a marvelous time dressed in full regalia, bonding with the people, and being of service to the community. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the month, and I hope to see you at the next outing or social.

Check out my Hood Movie Review of Black Panther! 

 

@DrUmarJohnson @The_HWCC #Umoja #Unity #UrbanPress #Recap #BKgetsherway

Community, Culture News, Economics, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

Dr. Umar Johnson at The Harold Washington Cultural Center for the First Day of Kwanza; and a Late Dinner at Yassa African Food

The first day of Kwanza was beautiful. If you’re not familiar with Kwanza don’t trip. Kwanza is an “African American” seven-day cultural experience recognized each year from December 26-January 1. The seven-day principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Co-operative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kummba (Creativity), Imani (Faith).

Umoja describes the First Day of Kwanza in Chicago at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Dr. Umar Johnson, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist, was a Keynote Speaker along with a line of talented Artists. Johnson is facing a legal challenge with the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania, Bureua of Professional and Occupational Affairs aka the State Board of Psychology.

Set aside all of that, he came through the land and dropped Jewels that are worthy of sharing with Urban (Black) Parents. As a Mentor, I consider this information to be a necessary conversation especially for young parents. Most parents aren’t educated on the business of “Education”, and it’s a major responsibility that they are educated.

  1. Never go to a school meeting by yourself
  2. Do not get your child evaluated if they are in 3
  3. Don’t communicate over the phone, always do it in writing via emails or written documents.
  4. Stop telling the school your business. (*inform your children of this too)
  5. Know that you have a right to a second opinion, especially if they’re claiming your child has special education needs. Legally the school will pay for the qualified specialist of your choice to evaluate your child for a second opinion.

Do your research and understand the policies that govern education. Don’t just leave it at that either, as a parent know what education is, to be able to determine what kind of education your child should receive. What a wonderful way to spend Umoja! It was a pleasure to learn better methods and theories to aid in helping us have a better understanding of developing our children.

Dr. Johnson is in the works of deciding where he will plant his first school. He’s deciding between Detroit, Atlanta, and Chicago. Allegedly, He’s had some conflicts along the way because he hasn’t gotten any returned phone calls from real estate interest. He’s had other partners and associates call to inquiry about the real estate. We’ll be contacting Dr. Umar Johnson to obtain more information about his plans with FDMG. We’ll keep you updated.

After our long day of unity he treated his staff and invited guest to dinner. If you haven’t ate at Yassa African Food , then set your date soon. We had a blast as a community, and we were treated like family. I can’t wait to see what the universe does next in Dr. Johnson’s journey.

Check out the gallery of press images from the event. Photo credits to Shabria Davidson of Sky Team Media, our Photojournalist of the evening. If you use images, I ask that you notify me and give credit to the creatives who produced the content. When contact is made you will be given all social media and credential information to use for multiple platforms. Respect our craft and art, these are non negotiable terms. Conditions made to subject vary, mass media laws apply.