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Memphis rapper Young Dolph knew there was no love on the streets. The murder trial proved he was right. — Andlandscape

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3 months ago

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— Young Dolf in 2017

If Beale Street could talk, it might inform you that while Memphis, Tennessee, is proud, it’s a city that can be unafraid of its traumas. At its heart is a museum dedicated to the late activist Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement at the Lorraine Motel – the place where King took his last breath. More than half a century later, the murder of rapper Young Dolph, while not a comparative measure, leaves a serious emotional wound.

On Thursday, after a four-day trial, a jury found Justin Johnson guilty of Young Dolph’s November 2021 murder. Makeda homemade butter cookies. Johnson was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm. While the verdict was being read, Johnson showed no emotion when he discovered he would spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

Ask many Memphis residents about the impact of Young Dolph’s murder and they’ll surely inform you that it’s a stain that the city will carry for generations. Gun violence in Tennessee, particularly in Memphis, persists polarizing issue though it’s noticeable disastrous consequences. The virus pandemic didn’t help the city, but the wave of violence didn’t abate even after the restrictions were lifted. Illegal carry was legalized in Tennessee in 2021, the same yr Young Dolph’s name was added to a grim list that has grown longer and longer over the years.

Although Young Dolph was born in Chicago, his rap fame is primarily related to Grind City. His music was a direct reflection of the roughness, darkness and pride of the very streets he survived and that ultimately took his life. His demeanor was country smooth and massive city southern elegant. And because it was a direct reference to Memphis, it was that city, as Young Dolph often told anyone who would listen, that turned him right into a Southern hip-hop deity.

Johnson’s conviction is something of a victory because Young Dolph’s family received justice. Carlissa Thornton, his sister, he spoke immediately after the verdict, thanking the court, the Memphis Police Department and her brother’s legion of fans for his or her dedication and support. But she did it while fighting back tears. Justice has never equaled peace. Justice never turned back time and resurrected family members. As necessary as that is, justice has never been equal to senselessness. The speedy trial was a masterclass in justice and one other brutal example of the devastating power of gun violence in America.

Cornelius Smith, who confessed to murdering Young Dolph’s murder. His testimony in Johnson’s trial proved to be its most electrifying and emotional element. Not only did he single out Johnson, but he also pointed to the late Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the older brother of fellow Memphis MC Yo Gotti, as the mastermind behind the hit. Although Young Dolph and Yo Gotti were once cordial and Yo Gotti tried to sign him to his record label, Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire label was plunged into crisis. perennial beef with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (formerly Cocaine Muzik Group). Animus featured records (titled by Young Dolph’s venomous song “Play Wit Yo B—-”) and long-standing rumors of Yo Gotti’s involvement in numerous attempts on Young Dolph’s life, including 2017 shooting during CIAA weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Young Dolph’s SUV was reported to have been shot more than 100 times. This act prompted Young Dolph to directly address the focus of the aptly titled “100 shots” from the aptly titled album . According to Smith, Mims placed a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph before he was killed in the January shooting.

Justin Johnson enters court to listen to the sentencing in the murder of rapper Young Dolph on September 26 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mark Weber/Daily Memphian via AP, Pool

Johnson’s attorney, Luke Evans, argued that his client was not guilty of the charges and it couldn’t be conclusively proven that he was at the scene of the killing. Prosecutors presented video and cellphone evidence that corroborated Smith’s claims, including phone calls between the two before the killing. Johnson and Mims also spoke immediately after the killing. These are legal facts that the jury found undisputed. What matters here – and what’s going to ceaselessly go down in the painful history of cases related to this very topic in Memphis – is how silly the whole scenario is.

During the trial, it was reported that Smith was offered $100,000 to kill Young Dolph, but was only paid $800. The Hitmen’s lack of cash shouldn’t be a brand new phenomenon. Duane “Keefe D” Davis, accused of murdering rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996, he has been saying for many years that Sean “Diddy” Combs paid Shakur and former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight $1 million – but was never compensated. According to a former Los Angeles Police Department detective Greg KadenKnight then placed a $25,000 bounty on The Notorious B.I.G., which was split between his then-girlfriend and Wardell “Poochie” Fouse (who died in a drive-by shooting in 2003). It is unclear whether the full amount was ever paid. On August 12, rapper Nipsey Hussle’s older brother, Samiel Asghedom, he insinuated Eric Holder was sent to perform the assassination. Young Dolph appears to be joining this unlucky community.

The killers turned on one another on the stand, with Smith likely telling what he knew in exchange for future clemency when he stands trial for the same crime. As the Young Dolph family looked on, the entire city received a clearer and more painful picture of how much it had lost on November 17, 2021. It’s easy to say, and maybe more comforting, that Young Dolph “died for a reason.” The truth is that he died of something.

Young Dolph died due to street politics, which is simply too often solved with bullets as a substitute of even the faintest sense of brotherhood. Young Dolph died due to his pettiness. Young Dolph died over the promise of cash and a record deal that never materialized (Johnson, whose rap name was Straight dropapparently he was searching for a contract with Yo Gotti’s label). Young Dolph’s death is a microcosm of gun violence and its impact on rather more than simply the black community. Watching Young Dolph’s trial jogged my memory how deep the disease is and what number of would favor anything apart from a cure. Someone accessed Johnson’s Instagram Stories moments after the verdict was announced. “These niggas are taking criminal responsibility. I take responsibility on the street, whether I’m the biggest the keys can throw away before I even eat the cheese.” we read in a social media post.

Young Dolph’s life was taken away – more importantly, two children lost their father – due to this kind of mentality. This shouldn’t be unusual and that’s the tragedy. When the headlines disappear and Johnson’s name goes down in history as a thief of the worst respect, he can have to reckon with the proven fact that this mentality might be the reason for his life, in addition to the man he stupidly agreed to murder. The short time it took Young Dolph 22 bullets will replay in his mind for the remainder of his life. Over time, he will realize how unwise this decision was. Pulling the trigger but inheriting one other party’s beef when his future was likely removed from their priority list. This trial represented the value of Black lives and the weight of their responsibility.

In his 2014 street classic “Sermon” Young Dolph spoke about the mentality he saw in many individuals in Memphis and beyond. In hindsight, it is evident that it was a defense mechanism. He didn’t know who Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were, nor did he meet them in the final moments of his life. However, Young Dolph understood that the very streets his music spoke about – the same music that attracts on hostility resulting from generations of economic disinvestment, over-policing, and the influx of medication and guns – were dangerous, and subsequently became ghosts before him. , he rapped. .

These lyrics and plenty of others in his catalog provided the unofficial soundtrack of the trial. The truth is, we may never hear Justin Johnson’s name again. His name will, by design, be “straight removed” from the cultural consciousness, except in the case of Young Dolph’s legacy. He shouldn’t be a lot a villain as he is a victim of a very American sin. One man dies with air in his lungs, the other lives ceaselessly and won’t ever have the opportunity to breathe again. The only more painful irony comes from those that have to select up the pieces of an image that can never be whole again.

Justin Tinsley is a senior culture author at Andscape. He firmly believes that “Cash Money Records Takes the Eggs in the ’99s and ’00s” is the most influential statement of his generation.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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2 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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2 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.

Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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2 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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