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Journalist Bae | State of the Election

on July 11, 2024 Journalist Bae News Politics add comment

As the United States gears up for the presidential election in 2024, the political landscape is charged with anticipation and speculation. The outcome of this election will not only determine the course of the nation for the next four years, but also carry significant implications for global politics and policies.

Candidates and Contenders

The field of candidates for the 2024 election is diverse and dynamic. It reflects the wide spectrum of ideologies and political strategies within the American political system. Among the notable contenders are:

Current President [Joe Biden]: Biden carries the advantage of incumbency, touting achievements and rallying support from their base.

Opposition Challenger [Donald Trump]: The unforgettable challenger, Trump has gained traction with promises of change and a fresh approach to national issues.

Third-Party and Independent Candidates: Historically, third-party candidates have played a crucial role in American elections. They present alternative platforms and perspectives that resonate with segments of the electorate disillusioned with the major parties. While not as known as Trump or Biden, these are the people who can make a difference. They’re the options if you don’t want to vote for either Trump or Biden.

Key Issues Shaping the Debate

Several critical issues dominate the electoral discourse. The issues are as follows:

Economic Policy: The post-pandemic economic recovery, inflation concerns, job creation, and income inequality are likely to be central themes.

Healthcare: Access to affordable healthcare, Medicare expansion, and responses to public health crises will be hotly debated topics.

Climate Change: With growing public awareness and scientific consensus, candidates’ stances on environmental policies, renewable energy, and global climate initiatives will be scrutinized.

Social Justice and Equity: Racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration reform, and gender equality are pivotal issues influencing voter mobilization.

Foreign Policy: America’s role in global affairs, international trade relations, and strategies for maintaining national security will be key considerations.

Campaign Strategies and Digital Influence

Campaign strategies in 2024 will heavily leverage digital platforms and social media. This engages voters, disseminate messaging, and mobilize supporters. Data analytics, targeted advertising, and online fundraising will play crucial roles in shaping public opinion and voter turnout.

The Process

The electoral process in the United States includes primaries, caucuses, and the general election. Each state plays a pivotal role in selecting delegates and electoral college votes. Voter engagement initiatives will focus on voter registration drives, education on ballot measures, and efforts to combat voter suppression.

The Role of Media and Public Opinion

Media coverage will be instrumental in framing the election narrative, with debates, town halls, and interviews providing platforms for candidates to articulate their policies and engage directly with voters. Public opinion polling will track shifting voter sentiments and preferences as the campaign progresses.

Conclusion

The 2024 presidential election in the United States promises to be a landmark event. It will shape the nation’s trajectory on domestic and international fronts. With candidates vie for the highest office in the land, voters will face critical choices that will define the future of the country for years to come.

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Is Kanye West Really Retiring from Music?

on July 9, 2024 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

Rumors have been swirling about Kanye West, also known as Ye, potentially retiring from music. However, recent developments indicate that this might not be possible, at least not legally.

Contractual Obligations

Kanye West is currently embroiled in a legal battle with EMI Music Publishing, which has a clause in his contract preventing him from retiring. According to the contract, he must remain actively involved in music creation as his primary occupation and cannot take an extended hiatus or retire. This unusual stipulation has led Kanye to seek legal recourse, citing California’s seven-year limit on personal service contracts (Essence).

Artistic Evolution

Despite these legal hurdles, Kanye continues to produce music and is even planning a world tour for 2024-2025, indicating that he remains deeply involved in his musical career. His latest album, “Vultures,” released in early 2024, suggests that he’s still very much in the game, with his signature style evolving yet again (Essence).

Legal Battle

Kanye’s lawsuit against EMI is an attempt to free himself from this binding contract. He argues that he has been under EMI’s control since 2003, well beyond the seven-year limit, hoping to leverage a legal precedent set by actress Olivia de Havilland in the 1940s to gain his freedom (Essence).

Conclusion

While the idea of Kanye West retiring from music might intrigue fans and critics alike, the reality is far more complex. Legally bound by his contract, Kanye’s musical journey appears to be far from over, with new projects and performances continuing to define his prolific career.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article in Essence. Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.

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Rakim Returns After 15 Years With New & First Of It’s Kind Project

on June 23, 2024 Music Videos News TenthLetterMedia add comment

The God MC Is Back

RAKIM, Hip-Hop’s most prominent MC has announced that he is releasing a new project next month. The legendary artist known for his classic hits “Paid In Full” & “Don’t Sweat The Technique” is dropping G.O.D’s Network (Reb7rth) on July 26th. Pre-orders for the project began last week and The God MC has not lost a step!

After a 15 year hiatus, Rakim returns to the fray with a project that is truly one of a kind. The album is the first fully produced project by Rakim himself. True fans of Rakim know that he’s more than just an MC. He has a number of production credits under his belt including hit songs like “Know The Ledge” from the classic film Juice.

RAKIM- G.O.D’s Network (Reb7rth)

G.O.D’s Network is Rakim’s 4th official solo album. The 7 track project not only highlights the fact that Rakim is still a lyrical threat but features a plethora of artists. In anticipation for the album, the hot single “Be Ill” released last Friday. It features West Coast legend Kurupt & Masta Killa.

Rakim Be Ill — (Photo Cred: The Industry Cosign)

Over the infectious drums on the track, the God MC bodies the track. He spits “Design flows in binary codes, no matrix/Light-speeds, time could be froze, no spaceships/ Walkin’ paradox, I made them all believers/Ship the paradigm, even time, alter features”

Check out the official music video for Rakim’s “Be Ill” down below!

The guest list for Rakim’s LP is composed of Hip-Hop’s elite artists. The list includes Snoop Dogg, BG, Planet Asia, Method Man, .38 Spesh, Crooked I, Fred Da Godson and Kool G Rap to name a few. The album also includes posthumous features from Nipsey Hussle, Prodigy and DMX.

EDITOR’S TAKE

Rakim returning to the game proves that it’s indeed a great time to be alive! The God MC producing an album such as this at this time is legendary and solidifies Hip-Hop’s staying power as a genre and a movement. The push of good music is building momentum this year.

We had the opportunity to attend a private listening session for the upcoming project. In collaboration with Stop Beefin Radio & the Indiana Fleet DJs, we listened to A&R Extraordinaire Matthew “M-80” Markoff express deep gratitude and admiration for this project. After listening to three songs (“Be Ill” being one of them) we wished July 26th was sooner! M-80, you’ve done it again!

Stay tuned for Rakim’s G.O.D’s Network to officially release next month. Let us know in the comments below what you think!

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION is available NOW at www.rakimpresents.com

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Journalist Bae | BLACK MUSIC MONTH

on June 6, 2024 Journalist Bae Music News Politics Straight Official Magazine add comment

It’s June! It may feel like one year you woke up and somebody on black twitter said “We’re going to make Black History Month last as many months as possible, SURPRISE – it’s Black Music Month!” The joke would be on you because that is not at all what happened. While the national celebration of Black History began in 1926, we didn’t bring the music celebration on the scene until 1979. Let’s examine how the acknowledgment has evolved and take a look at some of the artists at the forefront of this year’s observation.

Late to the Party

We can thank former President Jimmy Carter for the initial national announcement of the celebration. However, the appreciation month did not become official until a bill was passed in congress only 24 years ago in 2000 (etc.org, 2024). For that, we can give a round of applause for activist Dyana Williams.

Her platform set forth the ideology that music has been a tool of black history preservation since before any official recording. Many share the same sentiment that the colonizations of African [Americans] has watered down the culture. Black Music Month is meant to praise the evolution of black music and its contribution to various genres.

Pioneers

The first ever celebration was held on the White House Lawn and included the likes of Chuck Berry and Billy Eckstine (UCCS). Now let’s take a look at some of at some artists who are literally ones FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!

KING OF RAGTIME: Scott Joplin
FATHER OF GOSPEL: Thomas A Dorsey
FATHER OF FUNK: James Brown
MUSICAL THEATRE FOREFATHERS: Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle (Shuffle Along)
MOTHER ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Sis. Rosetta Thorpe
FATHER OF JAZZ: Duke Ellington
MOTHER OF BLUES: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey
MOTHER OPERA: Marion Anderson

Join the Action

This year, you can join the party in multiple ways. If you’re in Tennessee, you can join on the “Blackest Broadway” on June 16th. NYC can join at the Music & Power Awards on June 12th. In Georgia, you can attend the South GA Gospel Music Fest on June 8th. In Kentucky, there’s a Black Music Month Celebration at the Palm Room in Louisville that takes place on June 14th. And last but not least, if you’re here in the great state of Florida, join us June 9th in Miami Gardens at the Black Music Month Celebration! Search up your city and state to see any and all events going on for the next 21 days.

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Dame Dash Emerges With New Artist Kittii Red

on April 6, 2024 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

Dame Dash Presents Kittii Red

Dame Dash, co-founder of Rocafella Records is making headlines after introducing his newly signed artist Kittii Red. Dash recently sat down in an interview with Red and talked about a variety of topics. The Indianapolis femcee was poised as Dame moderated an in-depth look into his new acquisition.

In an episode of “Relate To Great”, Dame and Kittii spoke on her journey in music. The conversation included Dame’s personal relationship with Congressman Andre Carson as well as Kittii’s take on authenticity in art and talent discovery. Check out their one on one down below.

Courtesy of America Nu Network

Red is a Naptown veteran that has established herself as a talented artist. To celebrate the new venture and her soul day, Kittii released a track called “Birthday Song” that is trending and giving more recognition to the Circle City. It will be the first song released under Dame Dash’s BluRoc Records label.

NEW MUSIC FROM KITTII RED

Kittii Red released her first single under the BluRoc Records umbrella this week. Produced by Micha D’vinci, “Birthday Song” is an appropriate debut song for her.

Kitti Red-Birthday Song

EDITOR’S TAKE

Another win for Naptown!

Dame signing Kittii just confirms what I have known for over a decade. The talent in the nineteenth state was always here, just not effectively promoted and cultured. But those days are fading fast. With social media platforms, DJ coalitions and publications aiding the fight the industry has no choice but to come here.

Kittii Red and numerous artists like her are here to continue to chip away at that glass ceiling. Dash choosing to implement a platform for artists in Indianapolis also proves his ear for music. If he so happens to be reading this, know that there is a whole fleet of DJs here as well that need to connect with you. Let’s work!

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Carl Weathers Passes Away At 76

on February 2, 2024 Entertainment News add comment

CARL WEATHERS, former football player and acclaimed Hollywood actor has died. He was 76 years old.

In a statement released by his manager, he stated that Weathers died “peacefully in his sleep.” Carl was known for many roles in his lifetime. His first film “Action Jackson” allowed him to flex his muscles as an action hero. His most memorable character was Apollo Creed, the cocky heavyweight champion in the 1976 film “Rocky” starring Slyvester Stallone.

THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Weathers spoke on the role. “It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak. But that’s a one-off, so you’ve got to follow it up with something. Fortunately those movies kept coming, and Apollo Creed became more and more in people’s consciousness and welcome in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time.”

Carl would continue to be the right guy. In 1987 he would star with Arnold Scwartzenegger in “Predator.” Weathers also was in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler. He also voiced Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4.”Recently he finished the third season of the Disney+ hit “The Mandalorian.”

He’s also been seen in commercials with Rob Gronkowski for FanDuel. Many of his fans and friends took to social media to speak on this loss. Adam Sandler said “A true great man. So much fun to be around always. Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

Straight Official Magazine offer our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

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Are Cardi B & Offset Officially Done?

on December 11, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

Cardi B & Offset have been the talk of social media as rumors have circled the couple for weeks. While there is plenty to speculate, the “Bartier Cardi” rapper has confirmed her split from the Migos member.

ENews reports that Cardi took to her IG live to finally address the situation. She stated in her clip “I’ve been single for a minute now, but I have been afraid to like—not afraid I just don’t know how to tell the world. But I feel like today has been a sign. The last time I got on Live I kind of wanted to tell you guys, but I didn’t know how to tell you, so I changed my mind. But it has been like this for a minute now. I just took it as a sign.”

In the clip she continued, “I wanna start 2024, like, fresh, open. I don’t know. I’m curious for a new life, for a new beginning. And yeah, I’m excited.”

HOW WE GOT HERE

Married in 2017, Cardi B and Offset began their journey as a married couple. Though done in secret, it was public on how much the couple loved one another. In 2018 they welcomed their first child, Kulture to the world. They seemed adamant on maintaining their marriage amongst the rumors of Offset’s infidelity.

Even after going to his IG with an emotional plea that he later featured on his Father of 4 debut studio album, Offset was remorseful. He stated “We’re going through a lot of things right now, a lot of things in the media. I want to apologize to you Cardi. I embarrassed you.”

Cardi & Offset would work things out. The couple would re-emerge as the best new power couple.

WHERE THEY STAND NOW

The union between Cardi & Offset was ended in September of last year. The female MC filed for divorce from Offset after only three years of marriage. It was during their separation that they decided to give things a try once again. In a statement from Offset’s attorney he announced “I can confirm that the divorce filed by Cardi B has been dismissed.”

The couple would also announce a new joint project. At the 2021 BET Awards Cardi dropped the news that she was pregnant with their second child.

What’s your take on Cardi B and Offset? Let us know down in the comments below.

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Andre 3000 To Release New Album This Week

on November 15, 2023 Artist News TenthLetterMedia add comment

ANDRE 3000 has decided to bless the masses with a new solo project this Friday. The ATLien and Hip-Hop legend announced this week that he will be releasing “New Blue Sun” which will be his first project since his joint project Idlewild.

Andre is the epitome of being an unpredictable artist. His impeccable wordplay and unique style is what has catapulted him to the top of most Hip-Hop fan’s lists. As one half of Outkast, Andre has created timeless songs that still slap to this day!

So what would make New Blue Sun any different from his other projects? Andre has two words…no bars.

What Can We Expect?

Andre 3000 New Blue Sun — Andre 3000-New Blue Sun (Photo Cred: BrooklynVegan)

The New York Times reports that the record will be “is an entirely instrumental album centered around woodwinds.” Andre made the announcement on Tuesday saying “I’ve been interested in winds for a long time, so it was just a natural progression for me to go into flutes,” He continued, “I just like messing with instruments and I gravitated mostly toward wind.”

While messing around he drew inspiration from Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich and Pharoah Sanders. The album was co-produced by André and Carlos Niño, and includes contributions from the guitarist Nate Mercereau and Surya Botofasina on keyboards and synthesizers.

I remember, at like 25, saying, ‘I don’t want to be a 40-year-old rapper. I’m still standing by that.
Andre 3000, New York Times interview when he was 39

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Jeezy & Jeannie Mai Calling It Quits?

on September 15, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

Jeezy & Jeannie Mai Are Over

Jeezy & Jeannie Mai are no more. Multiple news outlets are reporting the Atlanta rap star filed for divorce on Thursday. In documents obtained by People Magazine, the couple is “currently living in a bona fide state of separation,” and that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for reconciliation.”

Jeezy & Jeannie married in March of 2021. In that time the couple quickly became the talk of social media, becoming the next new power couple. In January of 2022 the couple welcomed their daughter Monaco into the world. People reports that Jeezy is seeking local joint custody of the child.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Jeezy & Jeannie were married for two years. The couple did have a prenuptial agreement in place. While reps for Jeezy & Mai were unavailable for comment by the time the news broke, the shockwaves have social media on fire.

They appeared to be such a good look together. It seems like yesterday they were just gushing about evolving from sweethearts to parents. What does this say about marriage as a whole when even the most successful of us cannot seem to make it last forever?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai are officially a wrap! What do you think about this developing news? Let us know in the comment section below and stay connected with Straight Official Magazine as we celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle & culture.

Lizzo Under Fire, Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

on August 3, 2023 Entertainment News TenthLetterMedia add comment

LIZZO is in the spotlight this week but for reasons not related to her musical talent. The Grammy award winning artist is facing sexual harassment charges filed this week. Three former dancers have come forward stating that Lizzo created a hostile work environment for over two years.

NPR reports the suit brought against Melissa Viviane Jefferson (professionally known as Lizzo) was filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It paints a picture of an allegedly hostile work environment, in stark contrast to how she portrays herself to the public.

Widely known as the ambassador for body positivity, Lizzo faces serious accusations. They include both racial and religious harassment as well as false imprisonment.

WHAT’S BEING SAID

Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez are the three former dancers that are seeking a jury trial against Lizzo. From May 2021 to May of 2023, the trio claims they endured horrible treatment from both the singer and her team.

A WCEL attorney stated “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything she stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing.”

There has been no official statement from Lizzo or her team regarding these accusations. With nine total charges filed against her, it should be a matter of time before we hear a response about the situation.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

While we await a reply from her camp, what are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know in the comments down below.