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Carl Weathers Passes Away At 76

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Carl Weathers
(Photo Cred: WBAL-TV)

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.”

Carl Weathers
(Photo Cred: Star Wars News Net)
Carl Weathers

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

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Are Cardi B & Offset Officially Done?

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Cardi B & Offset
Photo Cred: Jason Koerner/Getty Images for E11EVEN

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.”

Cardi B & Offset
Photo Cred: Harper’s BAZAAR

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.

Cardi B & Offset
Photo Cred: Johnny Nunez/VMN19/Getty Images for BET

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.

Cardi B & Offset
Photo Cred; Instagram

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

Andre 3000
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Andre 3000
Photo Cred: Variety Magazine

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 ColtraneSteve 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.

Andre 3000
(Photo Cred: Pitchfork)

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?

Jeezy Jeannie Mai
Photo Cred: Complex Magazine

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.

Jeezy Jeannie Mai
Photo Cred: The US Sun

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?

Jeezy Jeannie Mai
Photo Cred: AllHipHop

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.

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Lizzo Under Fire, Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Lizzo
Lizzo
Photo Cred: The Cut

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.

Lizzo
Lizzo performs at the Governors Ball Music Festival in the Queens borough of New York in June.
(Photo Cred: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

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.

Lizzo
Photo Cred: Glamour Magazine

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Lizzo
Photo Cred: Insider

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

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Ice-T & KRS-One Shoot On State of Hip-Hop

Ice-T KRS-One
Ice-T & KRS-One (Photo Cred: American Songwriter)

TWO LEGENDS SPEAK

ICE-T & KRS-ONE are not just legendary rap artists. They’re also gatekeepers to the genre. As Hip-Hop turns 50 this year, who better to speak on the culture and where the movement is going than these two pioneers. Ice is the original gangsta who helped to elevate Gangsta Rap and KRS would usher the Boom Bap style of rap.

Three days ago the Essence Festival of Culture took place in New Orleans. People Magazine reports that the two artists took time to speak with reporters. They spoke on the essence that is Hip-Hop, it’s meteroic rise and how it is undeniably the most influential genre of music.

KRS-One admitted to some foresight on the genre’s future saying “Fifty years ago, some of us knew this was going to happen, most of us did not know to the magnitude it would happen. But 50 years later proves that first of all, you can do anything with your mind and secondly, culture is probably the most magnificent strategy for human development known on the planet.”

Ice-T spoke on the longevity of the genre. He said, “When we started Hip-Hop was just a fad. It’s great. Hip-Hop has grey hairs. The beauty of it is that it’s still here, still flourishing and people still love it. Hip-Hop is a platform to express themselves and give insight to it’s listeners.

Photo Cred: People Magazine

HAS HIP-HOP LOST IT’S WAY?

Over the course of fifty years, Hip-Hop has taken several turns that altered the appearance of the artform. It is a “young man’s game.” In that vein the consensus is whether or not that fact is making the genre lose it’s way. Ice-T was quoted saying, “I think people from my generation are really upset with what’s going on with the youngsters because every week somebody’s going to jail. People are dying off drugs, killing each other.”

He continued, “My generation, we lost Tupac, we lost Biggie and we got the memo. Everybody calmed down. We all figured this out. We [were] rapping to get out of the streets.”

KRS-One finds the transformation from Hip-Hop’s origins to the current state deplorable. “Real Hip-Hop is free. We ain’t with no corporations, none of that. Our culture was built from the center, now we’re billionaires. We don’t [care] what people think about us.”

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Ice-T & KRS-One have spoken. How do you feel about the current state of Hip-Hop? Let us know in the comment section down below.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture.
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NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee Unveils Venue

NBA All Star 2024
Photo Cred: Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA ALL-STAR 2024 NEWS

The 2024 NBA All-Star game will take place in the capitol city of the nineteenth state. Indianapolis, Indiana will finally get to host the event after a failed attempt to do so years prior. The city has had other opportunities to host basketball-related events (NCAA Final Four), however the NBA’s greatest showcase of talent never made it here…until now!

Home to the Indiana Pacers and WNBA Indiana Fever, Indy is a basketball town to it’s core. Despite the time that Peyton Manning took over, Reggie Miller was the city’s first Peyton Manning. Some of basketball’s most iconic figures emerged from Indiana, including Oscar Robinson and Larry Bird.

The host committee announced the venue location this week. To the surprise of some but not many, they unveiled that Lucas Oil Stadium will serve as a multi-purpose venue for next year’s game per the NBA.com website.

NBA All Star 2024
Photo Cred: NBA.com

WHAT TO EXPECT

Here is what to expect at the NBA All-Star Game 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana:

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 17 as part of NBA All-Star 2024.

Purposely built for fans, Lucas Oil Stadium makes this premier event more accessible than ever to the community, and the first group of 10,500 tickets will go on sale to people in Indiana first on July 24 for $24, $49, and $79.

Sign up to receive more info at Pacers.com/AllStar2024

The event will be set up at the south end of Lucas Oil Stadium, with approximately 35,000 seats surrounding the court.

The All-Star Host Committee will purchase and distribute 2,400 State Farm All-Star Saturday Night tickets to non-profits and community organizations.

Thanks in part to support from the Indianapolis Foundation and donors to the Indy Championship Fund, IndyGo bus rides will be free throughout NBA All-Star 2024, Feb. 15-18, with extended nightly service.

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Beef Reignited? Jim Jones & Pusha T Clash After New Clipse Release

Jim Jones Pusha T
Photo Cred: Distractify

JIM JONES & PUSHA T are no strangers to beef. The two artists have had their fair share of it. In fact, they have it going on as you read this. In recent news HipHopDX reports that the Virginia rapper debuted some unreleased bars that many think are aimed at the Dipset Capo.

Pharrell hosted a Louis Vuitton show in Paris on Tuesday, Pusha was accompanied by Malice. The Clipse duo walked the runway. One of the songs played featured some lyrics that made listeners wonder if he was taking shots at Jones. They had beef ongoing from shade thrown by Jim Jones earlier this year.

Pusha T
Photo Cred: Jordi Vidal/WireImage

I’m watching your fame escape relevance/ We all in a room but here’s the elephant/ You chasing a feature out of your element,”

Pusha T

JIM JONES’ RESPONSE

There are many that believe that the bar above was in reference to Jim Jones getting close to Drake for a feature. Pusha already having established beef with Drake, perhaps was pointing out a sign of weakness in Jones. Jimmy in his typical fashion, responded via Instagram where he inquired about if they were serious.

Jim Jones
Photo Cred: Urban Islandz

“He’s nice as shit. He could rap his ass off, but what has he done? Nobody wants to be like Pusha T.

Jim Jones

This particular jab came after Jones questioned Pusha’s position on Billboard’s Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list. On an interview on The Breakfast Club, Jim went in. Doubling down on previous comments made, Jones made his now viral statement on Pusha.

Jim Jones Pusha T
Photo Cred: HipHop24x7

JIM JONES/PUSHA T CONCLUSION

The Jim Jones/Pusha T beef can be seen in different ways. I like to see the energy that comes off these tracks. Let’s hope that it stays on record and doesn’t escalate to something worse. What do you think of the beef? Let us know in the comment section down below.

#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture.
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Dr. Dre Receives An Award Like No Other

Dr. Dre Photo Cred: Alberto E Rodriguez/WireImage
Photo Cred: Alberto E Rodriguez/WireImage

DR. DRE is one of, if not the most iconic figures in Hip-Hop. His brand of production along with his longevity in the game has solidified him as the genre’s best. On Tuesday the 58 year old artist received an award that unlike his seven Grammy’s, stands out as his greatest accomplishment.

AP News reported that The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced that Dr. Dre will received the first ASCAP Hip-Hop Icon Award. In addition, he will be honored at ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Music Awards in Los Angeles this Thursday. Dre’s inaugural award will be presented to those who’s contribution to the art & culture of Hip-Hop makes an “indelible impact.”

Dr. Dre Photo Cred: Billboard
Photo Cred: Billboard

DR. DRE DESERVES THIS AWARD

The doctor’s been in from the beginning. From starting in a world class wrecking crew to emerging from the world’s most dangerous group, Dre’s career in Hip-Hop is the stuff of legends. As the former president of Death Row Records, Dr. Dre is currently the founder & CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics.

Dr. Dre has produced for a plethora of artists. A few of them include Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 50 Cent & Snoop Dogg. His body of work includes some of Hip-Hop’s most unforgettable hits. Alongside Snoop, Dr. Dre released the first of those many hits in 1992.

IN CONCLUSION

To see where Dr. Dre was to where he is today is nothing short of fantastic. With Hip-Hop breaking 50 years in the game, Dre is the gatekeeper to the culture. To celebrate the 30 year anniversary of his debut album “The Chronic” he re-released the project.

In 2010 ASCAP awarded Dr. Dre with The Founders Award. It’s only fitting they create an award that embodies him.

Dr. Dre Photo Cred: uDiscover Music
Photo Cred: uDiscover Music
#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia & click here to celebrate Hip-Hop, lifestyle and culture.

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Spinrilla Shuts Down

R.I.P. TO SPINRILLA

SPINRILLA, the popular site that enabled users to create mixtapes of Hip-Hop tracks has shut down after agreeing to pay USD $50 million over copyright infringement.

A group that included record labels from all of the big three recording companies sued Spinrilla in 2017. Alleging that “a substantial amount of content uploaded to the website” belonged to the record companies.

Spinrilla Logo

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

In a judgment issued last Wednesday (May 3). US District Court judge Amy Totenberg, who sits on the bench for the northern district of Georgia, Atlanta division. Ordered Spinrilla and its founder, Jeffrey Copeland, to pay the record companies the $50 million fine. Giving Spinrilla five days to take its services offline.

The ruling also prohibited all employees of Spinrilla. As well as people who worked “in active concert or participation” with Spinrilla. From ever operating a service “that is substantively similar to the Spinrilla Service.”

The plaintiffs in the case were Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records and Electra Records. Sony Music Entertainment’s LaFace Records. Arista Music, Zomba Records and Sony Music US Latin. As well as Universal Music Group’s Bad Boy Records and Capitol Records, along with Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z’s now-defunct label.

Spinrilla & US Major Recording Companies

In its defense against the lawsuit. Spinrilla argued that it had been “cooperating for years in a variety of ways” with the record companies. “To successfully prevent and remove unauthorized music from Spinrilla.com.”

The company has invoked the “safe harbor” clause of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

However, in a 2020, Judge Totenberg rejected that defense, noting that Spinrilla hadn’t met the requirements for safe harbor. The company didn’t have the required policy towards repeat infringers.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

The Judge Totenberg, identified that 4,082 tracks have been uploaded and distributed without permission.

Under the DMCA, each violation carries a penalty of between $750 and $150,000. The ruling exposed Spinrilla and Copeland to a penalty between $3 million and $612 million.

Spinrilla and Copeland submitted an offer of judgment to the court. Under which the defendants agreed to a $50 million fine. Forced to shut down the service permanently.

Spinrilla had millions of users since its launch in 2013. The service’s Android app had more than 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Some 195,000 followers on its Twitter feed, which is still live, and a similar amount of followers on Facebook.

Spinrilla

The case has echoes of the fight between music streaming site Grooveshark and Universal Music Group. Which ended in 2015 when Grooveshark’s founders agreed to shutter the site in exchange for avoiding paying financial damages.

Grooveshark’s founders: Josh Greenberg and Sam Tarantino. Agreed they would pay $75 million if they were ever found infringing the majors’ copyrights again. (Greenberg was found dead two months after the settlement with UMG was agreed.)

In December 2015, streaming service Aurous – dubbed “the new Grooveshark”. Shut down and agreed to pay $3 million in damages to the major music companies.

Major DJ organizations like Fleet DJs has Mixtape Divisions which has members who utilize platforms such as Spinrilla. This instant shut-down leaves questions from the mixtape DJ communities.

The major label may have won their infringement case. The question is what about the DJ’s who’ve invested major money into their mixtape and uploaded legitimate projects? What about the independent artist who uses Spinrilla as an alternative distribution outlet? Where’s the music? What about the invested money as subscribers?

#GetSOM via @swag100 & check out more of his content right here.


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