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Young Thug Names Hip Hop Experts On Witness List In YSl Rico Trial

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Young Thug’s YSL Racketeering trial is fast approaching, with the trial set to begin the second week of January 2023, and the rapper has curated his life of defense witnesses he’s planning to call.

According to reports, Young Thug has included a series of hip hop ‘experts’ and academics to aid his defense. The rapper is facing several charges, including murder and committing crimes in furtherance of a gang in contravention of Georgia’s racketeering act, to name a few.

On Thursday, All Hip Hop revealed that the Atlanta rapper’s legal team, led by Brian Steel, submitted a list of witnesses on Sunday who will testify in his defense. It’s unclear yet what the rapper’s defense is, but he has been supporting a Protect Black Art initiative to stop prosecutors from using songs and lyrics in criminal prosecution without more. Now, it seems that the witness list gives some insight into his defense which will address his music and lyrics being used against him.

Among those on the list is hip-hop historian Dr. Erik Nelson who is well known as the co-author of the book, ‘Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America’ which speaks to the link between hip-hop and mass incarceration of black youth.

Two university professors, Dr. Adam Dunbar from the University of Nevada and Dr. Charis Kubrin from the University of California, will testify as “experts in hip-hop lyrics.”

The rapper is also planning to call an expert on cell phones, a counselor for drug treatment, and a video analysis expert.

The evidence by the prosecution against Young Thug includes evidence from cell phones and video graphics evidence but mostly song lyrics quoted from tracks “Anybody,” “Ski,” and “Take It To Trial,” along with posts on social media.

Despite defense arguments to the judge to exclude the evidence based on Thug’s constitutional right to free speech, the evidence was allowed.

“The admission and use of these lyrics/poetry/artistry against [Young Thug] in his upcoming trial would be a Constitutional violation and an abuse of discretion, too prejudicial and unconstitutional,” Thug’s attorney had written in May to Fulton County Court judge Ural Glanville.

The rapper called the use of rap lyrics in his trial racist and discriminatory. Still, ahead of his trial, Young Thug recently scored a victory when judge Glanville ruled that evidence taken from cell phones belonging to Thug in 2015 was inadmissible as it was not procured with a warrant.

Several other developments have taken place with the YSL case over the last week as fellow rapper Gunna as well as alleged co-founder of YSL, Walter Murphy, Slimelife Shawty, and Young Thug’s brother, Unfoonk all accepted plea deals for suspended sentences and probation.

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Jamaican Grammy Nominated Musician Sells Out Birdland Show

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Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 22, 2022: Grammy nominated Jamaican jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, has sold out his Birdland Jazz Club ‘Island Holiday’ show in NYC through December 24th. The show, with Luke Sellick and Jason Brown is now only available for viewing online HERE

The Kingston, Jamaica born musician is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. A perennial favorite at jazz festivals and venues worldwide and at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he has appeared 23 times since 1976, his spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition, as Alexander accurately states, “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.”

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Documented on more than 75 recordings and cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing), the Jamaican government designated Alexander Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and in 2018 The University of The West Indies bestowed him with an honorary doctorate degree (DLitt) in recognition of his accomplishments.

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Judge Speak To Juror Seen In Elevator With Tory Lanez & Kelsey Lyrics Used As Evidence

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

A juror who was spotted in an elevator with Tory Lanez and his team during the continuation of Lanez’s trial has shared that she is familiar with the artist, and they have done business on Instagram.

Reports from journalists covering the trial of the alleged shooting of Megan Thee Stallion by Tory Lanez say that proceedings were interrupted on Monday after the judge became aware that a female juror was acquainted with the Canadian rapper and she was also spotted in the elevator with the artist and his team.

According to Law and Crime’s Meghann Cuniff, the juror identified is an African American woman who is known as ‘Juror No. 39″. The reporter said that the judge had addressed the juror issue privately without giving many details.

“The juror, a younger light-skinned Black woman with braided hair and a style of dress that included pink cheetah print pants last week, was asked to stay behind, then she went back into chambers to talk to Judge Herriford,” Cuniff tweeted.

It’s unclear if there is cause to remove the juror, but it was revealed that the woman knows Tory Lanez, but she reportedly insisted that she can be “fair.” It’s unclear if the juror had disclosed that she was acquainted with Tory during jury selection. Still, according to Cuniff, the description of the juror is that she is a women’s clothing “seamstress.” The juror disclosed that she is familiar with “at least one party in the case through Instagram but generally isn’t on social media. Says she can be fair.”

There are reports that the juror and Tory Lanez were in the elevator on Friday and again on Monday. Los Angeles reporter James Queally also said he was in the elevator on Monday with the juror as well as Tory Lanez.

James noted on Twitter, “I did end up on an elevator with Lanez, his security and PR folks today, and that specific juror was in there. I did not see them taking or hear any discussion of the case.”

Kelsey Harris’ diss track “Bussin Back” entered into evidence

In the meantime, also on Monday, Jody Little, the senior DA investigator who introduced the recorded interview of Kelsey on Friday, took the stand when she was asked about Kelsey’s diss song “Bussin Back,” diss song that she wrote about Meg saying that if she had the gun there would have been a murder.

The judge also allowed the lyrics of the song to be entered into as evidence after Little spoke to it. The essence of the song was Kelsey denying that she was the shooting and could work against Lanez’s defense.

For other major development, the defense also plans to call a neighbor whom Tory Lanez’s lawyer George Mgdesyan says will testify that he saw someone who was seated where Kelsey got out of the car and attack the person seated where Meg had been seated.

Tory Lanez’s attorney also asked Little for a reason the D.A. decided not to call the neighbor to testify.

In the meantime, there are reports that Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard Justin Edison is still missing, but the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed there is no missing person report for Edison, who was supposed to testify for the prosecution on Friday.

Edison is the one whom Kelsey texted, “help Tory shot meg,” the night of the shooting.

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Diddy Gifted Twin Daughters Range Rovers For 16th Birthday, Coi Leray Performed

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Kim Porter and Diddy’s twins ring in their sweet sixteen birthday in style, with their father gifting them matching range rovers to welcome their late teenage years.

On Sunday, Diddy hosted a star-studded affair that featured a futuristic theme for the teens just weeks after he shared that he fathered a sixth biological child that was born in October. “Happy 16th birthday to my beautiful daughters Jessie and D’lila,” Diddy wrote. “I’m so proud of the intelligent and ambitious young ladies you’re becoming. I know your mother is proud and smiling down on you. I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!! I LOVE YOU!! May God continue to bless and protect you both.”

Videos of the birthday party showed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs bringing out his daughters, D’Lila and Jessie, with whom he shares with the late Kim Porter, to a surprise-matching Range Rovers to welcome to the chapter that they can now drive legally.

In videos, the young women are seen wearing high-waisted shorts and cropped tops with garters that are said to fit in their futuristic theme. Although some fans of Diddy felt that the outfit was too grown for teenagers, the teens appeared happy and overwhelmed by the gift, with one covering her mouth in shock.

In one video, the girls squeal with joy and rush their father with a big hug. A woman in the background also shared that the girls had asked for a black and a white vehicle, and Diddy certainly delivered.

In other videos, it appears that the girls had an outfit change as their father shared a video on Instagram stories showing them wearing silver jumpsuits and matching sunglasses.

There were also two birthday cakes for the girls, and Coi Leray made a special appearance where she performed for the girls.

In the meantime, among those who attended the birthday bash was Cali Dream, the daughter of rapper, The Game. The rapper shared a photo of his daughter, who is now 12 years old, but many fans reacted with some noting that her outfit was not appropriate for a 12-year-old. However, the rapper had a message for critics noting that he and his daughter’s mother decided to allow her to wear the outfit.

“Tiffney called me & asked me would it be okay for my daughter to wear the dress in the photo to the twins party… after talking to her thoroughly for over an hour about it, I agreed to let my daughter rock.. being that she wears a school uniform 5 days a week. My daughter has grown tremendously over the last year & is now almost 5’9 in height & beautiful. She’s a straight A student & is shy in most cases & dresses like a Tom boy in baggy jeans and Dr. Martin boots damn near everyday. The twins had a futuristic bday theme & my baby wanted to look great & be in full confidence going to support her friends celebration. I am her father & her protector and she is & will always be an amazing young woman. I wish everyone happy holidays & thanks for your opinions on a child that belongs to US but we GOT THIS,” the rapper wrote.

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Popcaan, Toni-Ann Singh Shows PDA On Stage Burna Boy Concert In Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Toni-Ann Singh left the crowd speechless at Burna Boy’s concert in Kingston on Sunday night.

The African Giant was on the island as part of his Love Damini world tour, which featured an electric performance from Burna Boy and Popcaan, who also brought out Toni-Ann Singh for a guest performance. Performing her verse, the beauty queen serenaded Popcaan and even appeared excited when fans belted out her verse, “run run run heart be racing like a drum, drum drum, feel it in my soul.” Singh lets out a squeal and jumps up after fans sing along.

The reception to Toni-Ann Singh’s performance and the acceptance from fans might have been a surprise to her as just recently, Singh was a beauty queen, and although her talent piece was a song, not many expected that she had inclinations to become an artist.

On stage, the chemistry between the artists was obvious as she ensured that Popcaan knew she was singing to him. The OVO artist also popped a delicate kiss on Singh’s cheek, leaving her blushing.

Toni-Ann Singh, whose appearance at the Burna Boy event was the first stage performance ever, also expressed care towards Popcaan as she wiped the sweat from his face. Earlier this month, the former Miss Jamaica World and Miss Universe and Popcaan released the love ballad, which is her debut as a musician.

Concertgoers also shared excitement at seeing her and Popcaan perform. “Toni-Ann Singh SANG! Also Jamaicans love a love story, everytime they hug up a bere noise,” one fan recollected on Twitter.

“Popcaan calls out Toni-Ann Singh and the place shell!” another said. “Watch love,” another fan added.

“Popcaan making love to Toni-Ann Singh last night on stage was a moment! Jamaica loved every minute. KILLY KILLY A KISS WEDDING COMING SOON,” another said.

Burna Boy was in fine form at his first show in Jamaica as he performed several of his hits, including the smash hit “Last Last,” a song rumored to be addressing his ex-girlfriend Stefflon Don. Popcaan also brought out Beres Hammond to perform their collaboration.

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Kingsley Ben-Adir Spotted Filming Bob Marley Biopic In London

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Actor Kingsley Ben-Adir has been spotted with film crew in London filming the upcoming Bob Marley biopic.

The Paramount film has been in the works for over a year now, with Reinaldo Marcus Green taking on the director role and will focus on the making of the reggae legend’s classic album, Exodus. Although there were a lot of controversies surrounding the casting of a non-Jamaica for the lead role of Bob Marley, British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir is settling into the role.

This weekend Daily Mail shared some images of Ben-Adir on set in London, and fans are raving about them. The actor was spotted surrounding a group of paparazzi and fans wanting to get autographs while carrying an Adidas leather bang in one hand. He donned a green jacket, blue bell foot denim pants, and a red, blue, and white sweater. The actor also wore the traditional green gold and red rasta tam as he made his way through the crowd to hop on a bus while obviously being the center of attention. According to the Mail, the

In one photo, Ben-Adir was sitting on the bus, looking like he was in deep thought. After wrapping up filming in London over the next few weeks, the film crew will head to Jamaica next to continue production. Sources say filming will be done in Trench Town and other sections of Kingston, including at the Tuff Gong studio.

Bob Marley’s widow Rita Marley, as well as son Ziggy Marley and daughter Cedella, are the executive producers of the biopic. Cedella is the head of Tuff Gong Records, the production company that is partnering with Paramount for the film. The label was founded by Bob Marley in 1970, where he subsequently released all of his music.

Kingsley Ben-Adir was handpicked for the lead role earlier this year, leaving a lot of fans of Bob Marley fuming, particularly Jamaicans who thought that the lead role should be played by someone from the island. Bob’s son Ky-Mani Marley had also expressed interest in playing his father in the film. Some fans thought it was a no go casting someone who is not of a musical background. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green addressed those concerns earlier this year, saying he was more interested in the Peaky Blinder actor’s acting skills.

While Kingsley Ben-Adir is playing the role of Bob Marley, British actress Lashana Lynch who is of Jamaican descent is playing the role of Rita Marley. She recently shared a photo from the production set showing that she has already started working on the film.

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Insist He Won’t Crack, Speak On Gunna Plea Deal

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Atlanta rapper Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel appears concerned that the District Attorney is handing out plea deals to YSL defendants who are now offering information connecting the rapper to crimes.

In an interview on Friday, Steel responded to questions about the recent deals by Gunna and Walter Murphy. Up to Friday night, at least five persons were said to have taken plea deals, but Steel says that some are offering information that isn’t credible, all for a deal and a chance at freedom.

The plea deals aren’t in favor of Young Thug no matter the quality of information, or whether it is true or false, Steel said.

“When they want a deal, law enforcement officers are all too eager to say, ‘Well, tell us about Mr. Williams. Was he involved in this, what do you know about it? That’s the problem with this case. It’s coming from the word of people who are getting deals to say ‘Yeah, he was there. I saw him around’ or ‘He gave the order’ or ‘I heard from someone else he gave the order.’ That’s what this case is about. You’re not gonna hear any confession of Jeffery Williams,” Steel said.

Both Gunna and Murphy, as well as Slimelife Shawty, have released statements that they have not “snitched” on Young Thug.

After his release, Gunna said in a statement, “While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Slimelife Shawty also took to Instagram minutes after his deal was announced, where he denied ratting out Thug.

“Yea l’m home , ain have to snitch to get here d***head. I admitted young slime life was a gang cus it ain’t illegal for no group to be a gang look it up that don’t hurt nobody anybody can be a gang, plus the founder already admitted it stupid. what I pose to say if a founder admitted it. what I den do was say Yes it’s a fact people in ysl commit crimes like murder and ect cus ion no nun bout that,” he said.

In the meantime, Young Thug will be back in court for more pre-trial hearings next week. This week, Judge Ural Glanville ruled that evidence from cell phones that were seized by police officers without a warrant in 2015 is not admissible.

The exclusion is a big win for Young Thug, who is facing murder and other charges and is said to be the leader of the YSL gang.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey 80 Minute Interview Played In Court

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Megan Thee Stallion’s ex-best friend Kelsey continues to get grilled on the witness stand in Tory Lanez assault trial.

On Friday, Kelsey Harris‘ 80-minute interview that she gave to prosecutors back in September was played in full for jurors after Superior Court judge David Herriford granted a prosecution motion to play the video for jurors.

On Thursday, the judge ruled that the entire interview would be played after Tory Lanez’s over-zealous attorney George Mgdesyan pressed Kelsey in cross-examination along the lines that she was pressured by the prosecution in September when she gave them a lengthy statement. During her cross, Kelsey claimed that she had lied to prosecutors in September.

Earlier, the prosecution was using statements from Kelsey’s September interview to refresh her memory after her court testimony became inconsistent. However, the judge noted that the statements couldn’t be admitted into evidence and directed the jury to disregard them. However, because Kelsey became a hostile witness and the defense imputed that the prosecution may have committed prosecutorial misconduct, the judge allowed the video to be played so jurors could come to their own conclusion.

The main points of evidence that Kelsey either flip-flopped on, denied, or claimed to forget was Tory threatening her, she saw Tory with a gun, that Tory assaulted her after shooting Megan and that the rapper offered her money or favors to take care of her and her family as well as a fight between Megan and Kelsey.

Kelsey Harris arrived in court supported by her husband Darien Smith, a music manager for Megan The Stallion’s label 1501 Entertainment, with whom she is in court battling over her label deal which the rapper says is unconscionable.

In the interview, Kelsey’s posture from the September interview appears to be calm. Journalists describe her testimony as flowing with little to no interruptions by the D.A.

In the video, Kelsey said that Tory told his driver to stop the SUV as he tried to have Megan and Kelsey ejected.Kelsey also said she heard gunshots at first; then she saw Tory firing towards Megan.

“I get out of my side & no sooner do you know, you start hearing gunshots going off. I looked up maybe about the second or third gunshot. You see Tory, he’s now in the front seat. I guess he must have jumped over in a smooth transition, & he’s leaning over the door,” Kelsey said.

She continued that Megan Thee Stallion also saw Tory shoot at her, and she was stunned.

“He’s shooting over the top of the door. He was leaning over the front passenger door and he was shooting the gun…(Megan) was walking away when this happened, but by the 3rd or 4th shot, she was facing towards us, and I would describe it as like a deer in headlights.”

She further explained that she was sure of the direction the gun was pointing.

“The way Tory was angling the gun, it wasn’t like straight, it was like, down, definitely in her direction.”

Kelsey did say she didn’t hear Tory say anything, as Megan claimed that Tory said, “dance b*tch.”

Just a day before, Kelsey on the stand claimed that she heard gunshots but did not see Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion, nor did she shoot at Megan. She even denied seeing Megan limping despite videos online showing the rapper leaving bloodied footprints when walking toward police officers.

The case continues on Monday.

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Master P Fires Back At His SOn Romeo Miller Over DJ TWitch: ‘Satan You Are A Liar’

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

The producer had a reply for his son Romeo Miller who called him out for being a hypocrite on Thursday as he shared his sympathies for DJ TWitch, who committed suicide.

Master P can’t be bothered by Romeo Miller, whom he says is being used by Satan. In a post a day before, Romeo called out Master P for neglecting his children since the loss of his daughter.

In his Instagram Story, Romeo didn’t seem pleased that his father had been more concerned about a stranger dealing with suicide while his own children were suicidal.

“Today was a boiling point,” Romeo began. “I seen a man avoid his own children struggle with suicide and depression but post another man whom passed today that he doesn’t even know. Yall idols be lost. Better stop following the blind. Watch when it’s revealed.”

It seems he was reacting to a post by Master P urging that others show love and appreciation because life is short.

“Rip to the One and Only dancing #DjTwitch and Salute @snoopdogg for celebrating him! These are crazy times we are living in,” he wrote on his Instagram feed. “Life is Too Short, Appreciate your loved ones……………. #Mentalillness is Real.”

It seems that Master P wasn’t bothered by Romeo’s post, as he responded on Friday.

“Satan you are a liar! I love y’all and Jesus loves you too. Keep being a blessing and more Blessings will come to You,” he captioned a video of a woman singing a song that Satan is a liar.

Both Master P and Romeo continue to mourn their daughter and sister Tytyana Miller who died earlier this year from accidental fentanyl intoxication. The producer recently spoke about losing his daughter and her impact on him.

”I miss her,” he said while telling the crowd that he loves his daughter.

“I always was her parachute and now she’s my parachute in the sky looking over me,” the 52-year-old said while noting that he would dedicate time to working with initiatives to raise awareness of drug addiction.

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Big Sean Flaunts Ring In The Studio Sparking Jhene Aiko Married Rumors

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Big Sean and Jhené Aiko recently welcomed their baby boy, and it seems that their relationship has entered another level as fans think that Big Sean is married to Jhené.

On Friday, the rapper shared a video rapping his latest track, “Go Off,” with Russ and Ab-Soul, with one particular verse mentioning marriage, and Big Sean even points to a ring on his finger, causing speculation that the couple had secretly married.

“Same girl for six years, ni**a, I’m that picky,” he raps. “How many friends I got to have my casket carried outside / Probably not as many would stand and watch me married outside,” the verse went.

Big Sean also pointed to what seems to be a wedding band on his right hand, leading to fans questioning his verse and ring and whether they are now married following the birth of a baby boy named Noah Hasani.

Last month, Big Sean beamed with pride as he announced the birth of their son.

Big Sean

If Jhené Aiko and Big Sean are married, it wouldn’t be a surprise, really, as the rapper hinted in the past that marriage was “in the works.” The couple appeared on a live video in 2020 after rumors that they had broken up in late 2018 but later got back together in late 2019.

During the video, Big Sean complimented Jhené, “You look good!” Jhené also replied, “Why don’t you marry me?”

Big Sean told her, “It’s in the works. Don’t even trip.”

Online, fans reacted to the news of the engagement. “Love that Jhené and Big Sean found each other again and started a family love wins! Lol,” one fan said.

“Aaaww I do hope Big Sean and Jhene is married or will be … such a beautiful spiritual couple,” another said. “Jhene Aiko and Big Sean married? LOVE TO SEE IT!” another said.

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