Cassius Life https://cassiuslife.com/ Born unapologetic for men on a mission. | Sports news, entertainment news, sex dating and relationships, men fashion, sneakerhead news Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:12:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://cassiuslife.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/04/14921982529687.png?strip=all&quality=80&w=32&crop=0,0,100,32px Cassius Life https://cassiuslife.com/ 32 32 Draymond Green Enters Counseling Program, Social Media Still Roasts Him https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/draymond-green-counseling-reactions/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:37:29 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=849377 Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns

Source: Christian Petersen / Getty

More light has finally been shed on Golden State Warriors enforcer Draymond Green’s punishment for his WWE antics on the court.

According to The Athletic‘s NBA Insider Sham Charania, Green has entered a counseling program and is expected to be benched from the league for at least three weeks while he works out his issues.

https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1736899280181358889?s=20

Three weeks adds up to about 12 more missed games, and Charania’s sources wouldn’t explicitly specify the details of his counseling out of respect for his privacy.

His latest suspension stems from last Tuesday when he hit Jusuf Nurkic during a game against the Phoenix Suns. Nurkic fell to the floor, and the four-time NBA champion was promptly thrown out of the game.

The general consensus around the league has been less about anger and more out of serious concern for Green’s behavior, hoping he gets the help he needs in order to stop his streak of violence on the court.

Because it wasn’t so much a punishment, NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars made sure he didn’t attach a number of games to his suspension because it’s not something that can be solved that easily.

“Indefinite means get yourself right. We want to see you at your best, and the best way for you to do that is to get yourself mentally and emotionally back to where you need to be,” Dumars said on ESPN’s First Take.

Out of seemingly genuine concern, Nurkic said, “I feel like that brother needs help.”

Even Kevin Durant –who’s infamously had a testy relationship with Draymond that sent a season off track– was shocked by his actions, telling the media, “That was insane to see…I hope Draymond gets the help he needs. It’s been incident after incident.

However, the severity of his forced break away from basketball is because of his contact violent acts.

Less than a month before the Nurkic incident, he was given a technical for yelling at a referee and days later choked out Rudy Gobert, who was trying to play peacemaker amid a Klay Thompson scuffle.

 

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Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns
London Brown, Malcolm Mays & Hailey Kilgore Talk About Their Character’s Journeys In Season 3 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ https://cassiuslife.com/839696/london-brown-malcolm-mays-hailey-kilgore-raising-kanan-interview/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:38:28 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=839696

Power Book III: Raising Kanan’s stars Hailey Kilgore, London Brown, and Malcolm Mays discuss their characters’ journeys, the ever-evolving relationship between Jukebox and her father Marvin, and more with CassiusLife. 

Season 3 of Power Book III: Rasing Kanan is in full swing, and we have already spoken with showrunner Sascha Penn, Joey Bada$$, and Grantham Coleman about this season’s new villain, Ronnie plus MeKai Curtis and Antonio Ortiz about Kanan and Famous as a drug dealing duo in the Power Universe.

CassiusLife also chopped it up with Hailey Kilgore, Malcolm Mays, and London Brown about their characters journeys from season 2 into season 3 and more.

London Brown Reflects On Marvin’s Evolving Relationship With Jukebox

Source: Starz / Power Book III: Raising Kanan

At the end of season 2, Marvin was coming to grips with the fact that he was doing a terrible job as a dad to Jukebox. He has seen the error of his ways this season thanks to court-mandated therapy and some soul-searching.

“Well, I think part of the major factor in all of this is the fact that Marvin wasn’t there early on in Jukebox’s life, which causes some strain within their relationship in season 1, to getting the therapy and then going ultimately to trying to become the other extreme of himself, which is super dad, ” Brown begins.

He continues, “I think it was important for Marvin to make sure he put the effort in with his daughter. I think a lot of times when we hear these stories about, you see the dad being absent from the daughter’s life, and then the parent finds himself trying to say, ‘Well, I was waiting on if you really loved me, if you needed me, why didn’t you ask me’ when it really should have been in reverse. When it’s the parents should say, ‘Yo, I messed up. What do you need from me?’ And I think Marvin is trying to do that in the way that he’s trying to do it. Not necessarily the politically correct way, sometimes overstepping because he’s trying to compensate for all the lack that he had earlier on, but we kind of see that happening for them, for Marvin.

Hailey Kilgore On Says Jukebox Likes Her Dad On The Low

Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Source: Starz / Power Book III: Raising Kanan

We spoke with Hailey Kilgore before season 2’s premiere, and she revealed that she and Brown didn’t talk to help add an emotional scene between herself and Brown.

That wasn’t the case this season, as Jukebox’s relationship with her dad is getting better but still remains a work in progress.

“I remember our conversation that we had, and I was like, “Man, London wouldn’t even talk to me. I’m sad.” Yeah, no,” Kilgore tells CassiusLife, adding, “And now I remember that first day that we were really together, and I went up and gave him a hug, and he was like, ‘oh, hello. It’s a beautiful shift. It’s so complicated, man.’ I wish for everyone that it could be as black and white as, like, oh, it was really rough, and now they’re great. I wish. I really wish that that could be the case.”

And I think the cool thing about this season… is you see that they both start to have to grieve the same things at the same time.

She continues, “But it’s so complex. It’s such a complex relationship. And I think the cool thing about this season, without going too far for the two of them, is you see that they both start to have to grieve the same things at the same time. And they start experiencing things together in real-time in a way that we have never seen. And so they realized that they may be more like each other than they realized. I think Jukebox tried not to like her dad. I think she really, really does. I think she’s kind of cool. She thinks he’s kind of cool. She will never say that. You’ll never hear her say that.”

Malcolm Mays Apologizes For Uncle Lou’s Rollercoaster Journey This Season

Malcolm Mays Apologizes To Fans For Lou's Season 3 Journey

Source: Starz / Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Uncle Lou’s life is on a downward spiral that began in season 2 when he made the decision that his music career was more important than his life on the streets.

Unfortunately, things don’t get any better in season 3, and Malcolm Mayes is apologizing to fans of his character for what they are about to see as the season progresses.

I think that it’s important to see people of color who we thought were so put together not coping properly because that informs us that there are no superheroes.

“Honestly, I feel bad for the fans because Sasha’s writing such a rich character, and that was such a political answer, such a rich character. But really, what it means is he’s just dragging this boy, ” Mays says. “He’s dragging this man. I know that the audience had formed this relationship and idea of him because Sasha planned to put the audience through a rollercoaster because they set him up as this clean-cut, always reliable guy. And he’s just corroded that because of the corrosion of his spirit that’s taken place because of all the things that have occurred that they are doing that is not supposed to be done by human beings. And so now it is just come to roost on his psyche. He’s not all the way there. He’s not coping properly. And I think that it’s important to see people of color who we thought were so together and so put together not coping properly because that informs us that there are no superheroes. We’re all humans. And this is what your journey may look like.”

but when you in here, everything feel like it’s life or death.

He continues, ” And I’m downplaying it a lot because I don’t want to give away the reveal of what happens, but it gets really dark for my man, and I’m making fun of him because it’s uncomfortable, right? It’s like we do know people who are going through it like that, and maybe the stakes aren’t as high, but when you in here, everything feel like it’s life or death. When you don’t feel right in here, you don’t look good to yourself in the mirror. It just doesn’t help. And so when you say, “What am I looking forward to the audience?”, I feel bad for the audience because if you care about this character, you’re going to have a rough one. It’s going to be rough and you just have, either you riding with the character or not because it’s going to be tough to watch.”

Power Book III: Raising Kanan season 3 is currently pushing on. You can check out the rest of the interview, where we also talked about the cast’s favorite social media reactions above.

Photo: Starz / Power Book III: Raising Kanan

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Cassius Life x Power Book III: Raising Kanan Power Book III: Raising Kanan Malcolm Mays Apologizes To Fans For Lou's Season 3 Journey
Nike Suing YouTube Influencer Cedaz For Selling Fake Sneakers https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/nike-lawsuit-youtuber-cedaz-fake-sneaker/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 17:46:19 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=849209 SINGAPORE-LIFESTYLE-SHOES

Source: ROSLAN RAHMAN / Getty

Nike isn’t just suing its giant competitors like New Balance and Skechers, but now it’s setting its sights on a YouTuber.

The Swoosh filed a trademark lawsuit against influencer Eben “Cedaz” Fox in a Florida federal court last week, alleging that he’s using his large online following –including over 50,000 subscribers on YouTube– to advertise and encourage his fans to buy fake sneakers.

He’s being accused of selling counterfeit products on YouTube, TikTok and Discord servers and has even partnered with global shipping middleman company PandaBuy to sell them.

PandaBuy is known for its sketchy offerings, and Fox is also listed as a co-owner of W2C.net, which helps ship fake Nike merchandise.

“Fox is the ringleader of an organized counterfeit trafficking community based on Discord, where he and his associates operate Discord servers as marketplaces,” the complaint, filed Dec. 15, alleges.

Nike adds that Fox “has already inspired multiple copycats who seek to replicate Fox’s misdeeds and public stunts in social media posts.”

Fox’s shenanigans are on full display on his YouTube channel. He’s even got one video with over 620,000 views where he buys a legit pair of white Air Force 1s from the Nike store, buys a fake pair from PandaBuy, and then swaps them when making a return. He appears to have successfully passed off the dupes at the store and then gives the real pair to a homeless man.

The video’s comments section is full of comments praising him for being educational and suddenly open to the previously taboo idea of buying replicas, proving Nike’s point that his influence is very real.

Other videos on his channel show him wearing fake Nike Air Mags to Sneakercon, giving fake Nike SBs to pro skateboarders, and even a tutorial video on how to use PandaBuy to buy fake sneakers like the coveted Union LA x Jordan 1.

Nike even labels Fox as a “troll” and wants a court order for Fox to quit the attaching and stop participating in “the manufacturing, transportation, promotion, advertising, and sale of counterfeit Nike products.”

According to Complex, Nike is suing for an undisclosed amount but is tripling the amount in damages and expenses.

See below how social media is reacting to Cedaz’s downfall.

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Juwan Howard Won’t Face Disciplinary Action After Heated Argument With Coach https://cassiuslife.com/848322/juwan-howard-argument-coach/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:51:39 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=848322 Toledo v Michigan

Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty

Juwan Howard can focus on coaching now that an investigation about his conduct with a strength and conditioning coach has ended.

The Michigan men’s basketball coach and former NBA player, who was also part of Michigan’s famed Fab Five, returned to the bench this weekend after a health crisis and an altercation. Howard, 50, had open heart surgery Sept. 15 to resect an aortic aneurysm and repair his aortic valve.

After working his way back as an assistant coach, with Phil Martelli taking on head coaching duties, Howard had a heated disagreement with longtime strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson last week. At the same time that Michigan athletic director announced Howard’s return, he also said that neither Howard nor Sanderson would be disciplined for the incident.

“The return of our usual coaching structure comes after a review of an incident involving several individuals during a team practice last week,” Manuel said in a statement. “Based on a thorough internal review, nothing was found to warrant disciplinary action for anyone involved. As such, we will move forward with a focus on our team and our season.”

Sanderson, who has the same role with the men’s and women’s golf teams has been at Michigan since 2009. He’s credited with helping Michigan become a powerhouse in providing NBA draft picks, sending 17 players to the draft including 11 taken in the first round.

The Athletic reports that the altercation involved Howard’s son Jace, 22, a senior guard who is rehabbing from an injury and has not played this season. He questioned a trainer about the timeline for his return, and Sanderson and Howard joined the conversation, which got heated. While no punches were thrown, the two reportedly had to be separated. As a result, Sanderson filed a report with HR. Though both men were cleared, Sanderson hasn’t been seen with the team since.

Howard has had altercations and is now working under a “zero tolerance” policy. He was disciplined in 2022 after he and Wisconsin coach Greg Gard barked at each other on the handshake line. In the ensuing commotion, Howard hit Badger coach Joe Krabbenhoff in the head. He was suspended for five games and fined $40,000. In another incident in 2021, Howard and Maryland coach Mark Turgeon had a confrontation.

In better news for Howard, his first game back against Eastern Michigan University was a win. The Wolverines beat the Eagles 83-66. They are currently 6-5 and next play Florida Dec. 19 in the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, N.C.

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Toledo v Michigan Toledo v Michigan
Jonathan Majors Found Guilty Of 3rd Degree Assault & Harassment, X Users React After Marvel Studios Drops Him https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/jonathan-majors-found-guilty-criminal-case/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:42:15 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=848238 jonathan majors

Source: John Nacion / Getty / Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors’ time in the MCU is up. Other major movie roles might follow suit after he was found guilty on two charges in the ongoing criminal trial that had everyone’s attention. 

Majors’ acting career was on a torrid rise following standout roles in HBO’s Lovecraft Country, Creed III, and as the next big bad in the MCU as Kang The Conqueror until it all came crashing down.

Monday, after four hours of deliberation spread across three days, a New York jury comprised of six people found Majors guilty of harassment and reckless assault in the third degree in connection to the interaction with his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

Majors was found not guilty on two additional charges: intentional assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree.

The Hollywood Reporter reports Majors’ family and his new girlfriend, Meagan Good, sat behind him and his attorneys as the verdict was read.

Sentencing will go down Feb. 6, 2024. Majors is facing up to a year in prison.

The trial came following the March 25 incident between Majors and Jabbari that led to her being hospitalized. An NYPD spokesperson said Jabbari “sustained minor injuries to her head and neck and was removed to an area hospital in stable condition.”

Additionally, more alleged abuse victims of Majors came forward and cooperated with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

X Users Are Recasting Kang The Conqueror

Users on X, formerly Twitter, have been all over the trial and the significant implications if Majors did not beat charges. His involvement in Marvel Studios’ plans for the future was the subject of most of the conversation.

Marvel Studios wasted no time dropping the actor following the guilty verdict, a source close to the situation revealed to Variety.

Per Variety:

Marvel Studios has parted ways with Jonathan Majors — the actor cast to play Kang, the central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — after he was convicted on Dec. 18 of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault of Grace Jabbari, his ex-girlfriend. A source close to the studio confirmed the decision to Variety.

The recast suggestions have already begun, with many suggesting Kevin Feige should give the role of Kang to Damson Idris.

“Congrats to Damson Idris for his new role as Kang,” one post on X read following the announcement of Majors’ guilty verdict.

Welp

You can see more reactions to the news in the gallery below.

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Actor Jonathan Majors Arrives At Court For Closing Arguments In Domestic Violence Trial jonathan majors
Cam’ron Finally Links Up With His Crush Nia Long After Sliding Into Her Instagram DMs https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/camron-meets-nia-long-reactions/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:16:43 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=848196 Dipset Official Reunion

Source: Prince Williams / Getty

If shooting your shot was a person, it might be Cam’ron.

The Harlem legend finally had the chance to link up with his crush, Nia Long, as they both attended sports agent Rich Paul‘s 42nd birthday party on Saturday night.

While enjoying the festivities, the actress and Cam took some pictures together, immediately sparking rumors that Cam’s pursuit had been successful.

So on Monday’s episode of his sports show, It Is What It Is, co-host Mase immediately asks for a rundown of the meeting.

I’m not with Nia,” Cam starts. “I met Nia, and she was very cool. She said, ‘You’re funny, you’re hilarious.'”

He then inquired about the lengthy DM he sent her, to which she replied, “That was fly.”

After Cam explained the innocent interaction, Mase explained a rumor that Cam was only invited to the birthday party as a way for Paul’s longtime friend and agent, LeBron James, to get back at Ime Udoka since the two had a heated NSFW exchange on the court earlier this month.

Cam hilariously doesn’t care what led to the link-up, and even if he was used as a pawn, he’s grateful.

“If that’s the case, thank you. If there’s any truth to it, thank you,” Cam said. “I see a lot of people saying ‘don’t fumble,’ but I’m not with Nia Long. I met her; she did not give me her number. I actually gave her my number; we have not spoken.”

It all began just weeks ago on It Is What It Is. Cam revealed that after her split from Ime Udoka, he sent her a lengthy Instagram message attempting to win her over.

“Hey stink. I Was giving you some time to yourself till I reached out. Your perseverance as a strong black woman through this turbulent time has been something to behold,” read part of the message. “You shouldn’t be taken advantage of and exploited as you did nothing to deserve this. Especially all over these sports networks. You’re bigger and better then that. You’re a queen, and by the way l’m a king.”

Even if Cam and Nia aren’t an item, social media is considering the link-up a win. See the reactions below.

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Dipset Official Reunion Dipset Official Reunion
Out’Side: Action Bronson & Victor Cruz Host Battle of the Captains Despite NYC NFL Team L’s https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/outside-action-bronson-victor-cruz-host-battle-of-the-captains-despite-nyc-nfl-team-ls/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:34:39 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=848141 Battle of the Captains in NYC with Action Bronson & Victor Cruz

Source: BFA for Captain Morgan / BFA for Captain Morgan

Even if both your local NFL teams take L’s, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Former NFL star Victor Cruz and culinary-inclined rapper Action Bronson hosted Battle of the Captains in New York City on Sunday, December 17.

Captain Morgan Presents: Battle of the Captains went down at Rocco’s Sports and Recreation Bar where Cruz and Bam Bam held down a watch party to see the Giants play the New Orleans Saints and the Jets play the Miami Dolphins. Those in attendance enjoyed specialty cocktails and some elevated bar food courtesy of Rocco’s and got some NFL shwag, too.

As we alluded to, Cruz’s former squad lost 24-6 while Bronson’s Jets didn’t even score a single point, losing 30-0. The drinks at the bar were good, though. Check out photos from the festivities in the gallery.

 

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Battle of the Captains in NYC with Action Bronson & Victor Cruz Battle of the Captains in NYC with Action Bronson & Victor Cruz
Darius Jackson Fires Back At Keke Palmer, Alleges She Was Physically Abusive Towards Him https://cassiuslife.com/848195/darius-jackson-fires-back-at-keke-palmer-alleges-she-was-physically-abusive-towards-him/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:35:17 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=848195 Darius Jackson Claims Keke Palmer Was Physically Abusive

Source: Derek White / Getty / Darius Jackson / Keke Palmer

The ongoing saga between Keke Palmer and her baby daddy, Darius Jackson, has taken an interesting turn.

Palmer and her ex-boyfriend are currently engaged in a messy custody battle over their son Leodis Andrellton, with the actress/singer asking for full custody of Leodis and a temporary restraining order against her former flame.

The NOPE star claims Jackson was physically and verbally abusive towards her, and now Jackson is making the same claims in a counterclaim filed on Friday morning with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Los Angeles Times reports via Complex.

Per Complex:

In the complaint, Jackson claimed that Palmer, 30, “repeatedly engaged in abusive conduct” and “acted as the primary aggressor” during their two-year relationship.

Several incidents are cited in the counterclaim between Aug. 20, 2021 to March 12, 2023, where Jackson claimed that Palmer “was verbally and physically abusive” and “frequently became agitated and aggressive after consuming alcohol.”

The former athlete alleged that the actress “punched [him] in the face” at a birthday party in August 2021, “punched the windshield of [his] car” while he was driving in January 2022, and “physically attacked [him] by choking and hitting [him]” at her Los Angeles residence on Feb. 28, 2022. 

Jackson also alleged in the filing that on March 12 of this year, Palmer had been drinking and called him multiple expletives after blaming him for a clogged shower drain. “I tried to de-escalate the situation and she became more enraged,” said Jackson in the counterclaim. 

Palmer did get a temporary restraining order against her son’s father, while Jackson denied all of the abuse claims levied against him.

Keke’s momma got in the mix by adding to the drama after threatening to shoot Jackson for entering her daughter’s home, allegedly.

This situation is a giant, public mess that we hope the two can figure out amicably for the sake of their son.

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Photo: Derek White / Getty

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Darius Jackson Claims Keke Palmer Was Physically Abusive
Anthony Edwards Responds To Instagram Model’s Abortion Claims, Social Media Reacts https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/anthony-edwards-instagram-model-paige-jordae-abortion-reactions/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:27:11 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=848033 Minnesota Timberwolves v Chicago Bulls

Source: Michael Reaves / Getty

Zion Williamson isn’t the only young NBA star who has women coming out of the woodwork following a pregnancy announcement.

Anthony Edwards, one of the leading players on the Minnesota Timberwolves, is now caught up with an Instagram model, who alleges that she was pregnant with his child when he persuaded her to get an abortion.

An Instagram account by the name of DreamPaige, run by Instagram model Paige Jordae, took to her Instagram Stories to post screenshots of an alleged text message conversation with Edwards.

In the chat, Jordae posts a positive pregnancy test, to which Edwards responds, “Hell Nawl can’t do dis.”

She asked how he wanted to proceed, and he said, “Get an abortion lol.”

Jordae is against getting an abortion, especially after a traumatic experience with a prior procedure, saying, “Honestly, I had an abortion with my son around 2 years ago, and I regret it every day.”

Still, Edwards isn’t budging, telling her she can’t force a kid into the world and expressing that he doesn’t want any children right now.

He adds that he’ll send her some money to help her out but is clear that he wants her to get an abortion and “handle this like grown ups.”

“I’m not trying to force u to be a dad to a baby u don’t want i just don’t like abortions that doesn’t make me wrong. if you really don’t wanna do this then fine… i wont,” she says.

With all the back and forth, Edwards is wondering what’s taking her so long to go along with the abortion and begins to get impatient when asking for photo proof she bought the pills.

“Okay just make sure i get da video of the box wit the right pills,” he says before repeatedly following up with texts like “send da video,” “the video” and finally “where the video.”

The screenshots come just days after Edwards’ girlfriend, Jeanine Robel, announced she was pregnant, making the situation even messier.

Edwards has since responded to the allegations, asking for privacy while he handles the matter and regrets not letting the woman make her own decision.

“I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man,” Edwards wrote in a statement. “All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time.”

See how social media’s reacting to the leaked screenshots of the text messages below.

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Minnesota Timberwolves v Chicago Bulls Minnesota Timberwolves v Chicago Bulls
Ex-NBA Player Chance Comanche To Face Murder & Kidnapping Charges After Woman’s Body Found In Desert https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/chance-comanche-murder-kidnapping-reactions/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:25:09 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=847969 Sacramento Kings Media Day

Source: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty

The NBA’s violence problems continue with a G League player’s alleged involvement in a murder.

Chance Comanche, a former member of the Stockton Kings, the G-League affiliate for the Sacramento Kings, is facing kidnapping charges after being arrested by California FBI agents on Friday. He’ll eventually be extradited to Nevada but is currently being held with bail.

His girlfriend, 19-year-old Sakra Harnden, is also in on the crime since the murder victim, 23-year-old Marayna Rodgers, was her friend. Harnden was arrested two days before Comanche in Las Vegas on kidnapping charges, with her bail set at $500,000.

The police report reveals a timeline that says Rodgers hung out with friends Dec. 5 and was supposed to see Harnden and Comanche that night. However, she hasn’t been seen since and was reported missing Dec. 7.

After arresting the couple, police say they attained vital information that led them to “recover human remains in a desert area in Henderson, Nevada,” which the coroner later proved to be Rodgers.

“Early in the investigation, detectives suspected foul play and obtained evidence to arrest Harnden and her boyfriend Comanche for their role in the kidnapping and disappearance of Rodgers,” police said, according to CNN.

Harnden faces murder charges now as well, in addition to the initial theft and kidnapping felonies.

Comanche hasn’t been charged with murder yet, but with the discovery of the body, police say both of their rap sheets will be “amended to open murder through coordination with the Clark County District Attorney’s office.”

The Stockton Kings have since released Chance Comanche, having played as recently as last Tuesday against the Salt Lake City Stars, where he scored 22 points. The 6-foot-10 center went undrafted out of the University of Arizona in 2017 and made just a single appearance for the Portland Trailblazers on April 9. His next court date is Wednesday.

See social media’s shocked reactions to the alleged murder plot below.

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Will Smith Reportedly Earned $1M To Appear At Saudi Film Fest https://cassiuslife.com/847230/will-smith-1-million-saudi-film-fest/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:21:46 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=847230 Los Angeles Premiere of Warner Bros. PicturesÆ ĂŽFocusö

Source: Eric Charbonneau / Getty

Despite the controversies that have surrounded him since Oscar night 2022 and his wife’s recent memoir, Will Smith still commands a big bag.

Variety reported that Smith was among the A-list stars who were paid $1 million and more to speak at the Red Sea International Film Festival that concluded Dec. 9. Smith joined fellow Oscar winner Halle Berry and actors Johnny Depp and Chris Hemsworth along with Michelle Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow in Jeddah in a bid to improve relations between the kingdom and Hollywood. Those were strained when Hollywood distanced itself from projects. Thereafter, Saudi government agents murdered Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

But those issues seemed to have cooled enough for high-profile actors to return. It’s one of Smith’s highest-profile appearances since he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars earning a 10-year ban from the Oscar’s governing body and the ceremony. He was also part of the Grammy tribute to hip-hop last weekend, which seems to show that Smith’s exile from Hollywood is coming to an end.

“Fame is a unique monster and I’ve had to be really careful,” he said during a talk at the festival. “You can’t get excited when everybody is saying good things about you. The more you take when people are saying good things about you, the more hurt you’re going to be when people are saying bad things about you.”

He used his appearance to provide some insight into the upcoming sequel to I Am Legend, which he’ll be starring in with Michael B. Jordan.

“We’re really close,” he said of the Creed actor and director. “I am probably giving up too much information
 the script just came in,” he said. Smith also explained how the sequel will address that his character, Dr. Robert Neville, died in the first movie. “We’re going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lives and I can’t tell you anymore.”

Smith also performed with DJ Jazzy Jeff at a music festival in Saudi Arabia, as he documented on his social media account. While traveling back home he got on an Emirates flight with Kanye West.

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X Users Are Feeling Hoodwinked & Bamboozled After Watching First Trailer For ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/the-american-society-of-magical-negroes-trailer-negative-reactions/ Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:11:45 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=846753 'The American Society of Magical Negroes' Trailer Causes Uproar

Source: Focus Features / The American Society of Magical Negroes

When the teaser dropped for The American Society of Magical Negroes, moviegoers, specifically Black and Brown ones, figured they were getting some melanin-infused wizardry shenanigans on a Harry Potter level. After seeing the first full trailer for the film, they felt as if David Blaine hit them with the ultimate switcheroo.

Black and brown cinephiles were hoping to be amazed before hitting play on The American Society of Magical Negroes first trailer, and after watching it, they were highly disappointed.

Is there still magic in the film? Yes, but it’s not being utilized in the way many wanted.

In the trailer, we are quickly introduced to Aren (Justice Smith) as we hear David Alan Grier’s voice speak and hilariously point out that watching the awkward Aren navigate a room full of white people is the “most painful thing” he has ever seen.

Grier’s character then offers Aren a job opportunity. It takes him to a barbershop that is hilariously a front for a secret society of “Magic Negroes” whose sole purpose is to keep Caucasians from “feeling uncomfortable.”

As Grier’s characters explain to Aren, uncomfortable white folks are the most dangerous animals on the planet (no lies detected). If they feel uncomfortable, it can be bad, especially for Black people.

On his first mission, things start well for Aren as he works to make Jason feel happy, but Aren gets googly eyes for a white woman that Jason likes, and this forbidden love could make everyone’s magic fail.

Black X Users Were Let Down

Immediately after watching the trailer, Black users on X, formerly Twitter, expressed their disappointment with the film’s premise.

This is uninspired, unimaginative, and boring within a POST – GET OUT (Jordan peele) and Post – Black Panther (Ryan Coogler) industry. I love and adore the actor Justice Smith though! . My critique is on the director/writers. The American society of magical negros is not giving!” one X user wrote. 

Another X user added, “so the american society of magical negros is all about black people going undercover to make yt people comfortable? and then he fumbles it all for the yt girl in the end? WHOS idea was this????”

Is The Film Being Unfairly Critiqued Just Based On A Trailer?

The film is the brainchild of director Kobi Libii and his debut film, so he is already shaking things up out of the gate. In an exclusive interview with BET.com, Libii explained his disdain for the “magical, mystical negro” phrase that legendary filmmaker Spike Lee coined back in 2001.

The “magical, mystical negro” trope in films is described as the Black character whose sole purpose is to enrich the lives of white people.

In the interview, Libii explained the premise of his satirical film, telling the website:

It all sort of starts with the Magical Negro trope. I’m sure you’re familiar with it, but just to define it on my own terms, I think of the Magical Negro as a kind of stock Black character; a Black best friend character who is only focused on helping the white hero. T

hey don’t really have an inner life, and they don’t have their own things going on. They’re just relentlessly focused on helping this white character grow in most cases, and I always thought that was so funny. For whatever reason, the idea that there’s a white writer who pictures the thing we do in the morning is getting up and trying to help them. I found it so absurd and incorrect and funny that I wanted to blow it out and criticize it, but also use it as a way to talk about other stuff. What it’s like to grow up as a Black person in this culture and some of the wild and fantastical things we have to do to survive. To me, that’s the origin story of the film.

We will reserve judgment until the film arrives. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

Photo: Focus Features / The American Society of Magical Negroes

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The American Society of Magical Negroes 'The American Society of Magical Negroes' Trailer Causes Uproar
Damson Idris Takes Aim At Black Men’s “Unprovoked Hatred” For Black Women https://cassiuslife.com/844591/damson-idris-unprovoked-hatred-black-women/ Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:53:37 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=844591 #TheMikeGala, Stormzy's 30th Birthday With The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts And Don Julio 1942 - Black & White

Source: Dave Benett / Getty

Snowfall actor Damson Idris must have been raised right in his native Britain because he’s taking a stand on online bullying.

The 32-year-old shared his feelings on Instagram recently saying that young women, especially ones newer to the entertainment industry were being trolled online by grown men and he’s not feeling it.

“I see so much unprovoked hatred towards Black women today by predominantly grown Black men,” he posted in an Instagram Story. “Especially towards our young stars that are just trying to do their thing.”

He added, “The compulsion to humble these women perhaps makes you feel like more of a man. I promise you, you aren’t men to us. A new year is approaching. Grow up.”

Although it has been reported that he and influencer Lori Harvey are now broken up the actor may have been referencing Harvey among others in his post. Earlier this month, Harvey was unfavorably compared to an employee at Los Angeles soul food restaurant The Serving Spoon when a photo of the two of them was posted online.

After seeing that several posts expressed admiration for the woman pictured at Harvey’s expense, the restaurant posted, “Y’all, we have a very beautiful and pleasant staff altogether, so negativity is NOT an option! Cut it out and stop trying to dim people’s light in your own way,” the restaurant advised. “Y’all better leave our Spooners alone! Don’t be like that!”

While he could have been talking about young celebs like the Bailey sisters, Megan Thee Stallion and others who’ve been bullied online for reasons ranging from their body types to their boyfriend choices, Idris and Harvey dated for a year but announced in a joint statement that they’d each moved on due to scheduling challenges.

“We are at a point in our lives where our individual paths require our full attention and dedication,” they said, an admission that was breathlessly picked up by major outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and People. “We part ways remaining friends with nothing but love and respect for each other and the time we shared together.”

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#TheMikeGala, Stormzy's 30th Birthday With The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts And Don Julio 1942 - Black & White #TheMikeGala, Stormzy's 30th Birthday With The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts And Don Julio 1942 - Black & White
Diddy’s Hulu Reality Show Canceled Following Sexual Assault Allegations https://cassiuslife.com/844719/diddy-hulu-reality-show-canceled/ Sat, 16 Dec 2023 14:45:45 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=844719 'Sean 'Diddy' Combs:Sean John Fragrance' photoshoot, Los Angeles, USA - 07 Jul 2016

Source: Penske Media / Getty

The fallout from Diddy’s numerous sexual assault allegation lawsuits continues. The Diddy+7 show scheduled to premiere on Hulu will not move forward, per multiple reports. The series was to feature Sean “Diddy” Combs and his children, Quincy, 32, Justin, 29, Christian, 25, Chance, 17, twins D’Lila and Jessie, 16 and baby Love, 1.

Former late-night TV host James Corden was producing through his Fulwell 73 production company. It’s not known if any of the episodes were filmed.

The Hulu show was part of a spate of projects expected around Diddy’s latest album release The Love Album: Off the Grid that was released in September. It featured artists including Jazmine Sullivan, Teyana Taylor, Ty Dollar $ign, and Mary J. Blige and earned Diddy his first Grammy nomination, for Best Urban Contemporary Album, in over two decades.

A trailer for a movie based on the project co-starring African/British model Eva Apio was released on Oct. 30 but nothing more has been announced about the project.

In September, Diddy was awarded the Global Icon Award by MTV, with his three teenage daughters, his son Christian and Blige by his side. He thanked former girlfriend Cassie Ventura for being there for him “during a dark time” in his acceptance speech.

Less than a month later, Cassie Ventura filed, then settled, a civil lawsuit accusing Combs of sexually, physically and psychologically abusing her during their decade together as professional and romantic partners. Since then, more allegations and lawsuits have poured in.

A woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal alleges that Diddy drugged and assaulted her in 1991 and used the incident to exact “revenge porn.” Liza Gardner filed a lawsuit as well saying that the rap mogul and former Guy lead singer Aaron Hall raped her. Still another suit from a Jane Doe says that former Bad Boy president Harve Pierre, Diddy and another man sexually assaulted her and then trafficked her when she was 17.

And that’s not all. In a recent L.A. Times report,  another former Bad Boy Entertainment executive, Kirk Burrowes, detailed an incident where he says he saw Combs assault a woman at the label’s offices in 1994.

“He had that propensity for violence way back then,” Burrowes said. In 1992, he was a co-founder of Bad Boy, then its president for five years. He says that Combs forced him to sign away all rights to the company…with a baseball bat. Though Burrowes sued to get his rights back in 2003, the case was dismissed as the statute of limitations had expired.

“It just wasn’t as well known,” Burrowes continued, referencing Combs’ temper. “It’s almost like it was part of his operating manual. He was so traumatizing to women.”

Although he settled with Ventura the day after she filed her lawsuit, Combs’ lawyers say it was not an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing.

In the only public statement he had made since Cassie’s lawsuit was settled, Combs denied the allegations against him via an Instagram post.

“Enough is enough. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

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'Sean 'Diddy' Combs:Sean John Fragrance' photoshoot, Los Angeles, USA - 07 Jul 2016 'Sean 'Diddy' Combs:Sean John Fragrance' photoshoot, Los Angeles, USA - 07 Jul 2016
SZN Opener: LSU Guard Aneesah Morrow Talks Leaving DePaul, Learning from Injuries, & More https://cassiuslife.com/836460/szn-opener-lsu-guard-aneesah-morrow-talks-leaving-depaul-learning-from-injuries-more/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:05:52 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=836460

SZN Opener is back with new episodes dropping every week. On Season 2 of this dynamic podcast series, host and noted sports analyst Monica McNutt showcases Black college athletes and explores their triumphs, challenges and aspirations along their sports journeys.

In Episode 2, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow joins SZN Opener for an in-depth conversation about her journey as a rising star in women’s basketball and her decision to transfer after two seasons at DePaul.

From DePaul To LSU

The Chicago native excelled on the court at DePaul University, racking up numerous accolades as one of the top players in the country including ESPN Top Freshman in the Country, BIG EAST Freshman of the Year and DePaul women’s basketball MVP.

The All-America forward transferred to Louisiana State University this year, arriving at Baton Rouge to much acclaim with 53 double-doubles in 66 career games. Morrow is “a standout at LSU as the Tigers are looking to defend their national championship from last year,” McNutt says.

Morrow has a clear vision of what she wants to accomplish at LSU.

“I knew that going to a different school would allow me to develop my game in different aspects,” she says. “I was going to be challenged at the highest level possible. I knew that I would have to come in everyday and compete for my spot, but also perform on the floor.”

So far this season, Morrow has established herself as a key player on the LSU Tigers alongside teammate Angel Reese. NOLA.com called Morrow “a versatile wing who might be the most well-rounded player on arguably the most talented team in the country.”

Versatility is her goal.

“I came here to expand my game. I’ve been working on becoming a better defender because I have to be quicker to guard out on the perimeter,” she says. “I want to be able to defend every position on the floor. Which also makes me a bigger threat. It shows my versatility and allows me to stay on the floor longer.”

“That was my biggest goal coming in here, trying to be one of the most improved players that I possibly can be,” she adds.

Injuries Gave Her A New Perspective

She may be a powerhouse on the court, but there’s more to Aneesah Morrow than basketball.

Morrow developed a resilience to the challenges she’s had to endure as an athlete, including three knee surgeries. Her injuries forced her to discover interests outside of basketball. “Being injured and having to sit down so much, I had to figure out other things that made me happy,” she says.

Despite being a top player, Morrow is determined to enjoy other aspects of her life as well.

“People see what I do on the basketball court, but there is so much more to me than just basketball,” says the LSU guard. “Being an athlete, we have to learn that about ourselves, because sometimes we let basketball define so much of our individuality and we never really get to express ourselves.”

Coming from a family of decorated athletes, she credits her parents and siblings with helping her through the tough times with their unwavering support. “A lot of things that I’ve accomplished have been because of the competitive nature that’s ingrained in me through the Morrow family,” she says.

Aspiring For The WNBA

Morrow aspires to play in the WNBA after college. It’s what motivates her to keep striving for greatness. “My goal has always been to play in the W,” she says. “Even through all the adversity, I’ve always tried to focus on the bigger picture. ”

Catch the full conversation with Aneesah Morrow above. Listen to Episode 2 of SZN Opener Season 2 on the Urban One podcasts platform or your favorite streaming app.

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Kanye West Goes On 10-Minute Rant Name Dropping Jesus, Hitler, Jay-Z, Drake & More https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/kanye-west-rant-jesus-hitler-jay-z-reactions/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:04:51 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=844521 Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - October 28, 2022

Source: MEGA / Getty

Like a broken record, when Kanye West has a new album on the horizon, he’s back to going on outlandish rants.

On what was supposed to be the eve of his latest project, Vultures, a collaborative work with Ty Dolla $ign, Ye was in a room full of supporters in Las Vegas when he took aim at everyone he’s currently at war with, which unsurprisingly is quite a few people.

In the 10 minutes of nonstop screaming, Ye name drops Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Drake, Nicki Minaj….and Jesus, among others.

“They want a Virgil, then, don’t let me speak at the funeral. I saw two, three, four, five white people not let me speak. Drake, I love you, I’m a get the tattoo. But any of y’all n-ggas, Trav, whoever, y’all gotta show up. Don’t tell me I’m talking crazy. Me, Pharrell, we broke down this door; we’re all in this sh-t together,” Ye says.

He then addresses his previous antisemitic comments, seemingly showing no remorse.

“I don’t wanna hear sh-t from any of these Jewish n-ggas saying I’m in an episode,” Ye says. “Harley Pasternak followed me to the f-cking hotel, and that n-gga killed Aaron Carter. And now they won’t clear the Backstreet Boys sample. Harley Pasternak, Pusha. Your trainer. Harley Pasternak, Jay-Z.”

Elsewhere in the rant, he mentions that he’s had phone calls with Tory Lanez, where they prayed together and continued to spout unproven stats about the Jewish community.

“The French own 80% of the banks in Africa. It’s 60 million of us in America and 60 million Jews in the world,” Ye says. “50% of our deaths are abortion. 25% of us go to prison.”

From there, he mentions his name alongside Jesus and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler before revisiting the topic of his parental rights.

“These are Zionists. This is what I’m trying to tell you. Who’s going to make the hospitals, though? He’s a Zionist, Trump. This is what I’ve been trying to tell you. Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye, third party, sponsor that. I don’t give a f-ck. I don’t give a f-ck about life or death. I get visitation with my kids. I ain’t got no say-so.”

Don’t worry; social media is just as confused about Ye’s latest stream of consciousness as you might be. See the reactions below.

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Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - October 28, 2022 Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - October 28, 2022
STREAMED: BeyoncĂ© Celebrates Self-Titled Album’s 10th Anniversary By Dropping “Grown Woman” On Streaming Services, Nicki Minaj Connects With 50 Cent, & More https://cassiuslife.com/844339/stream-beyonce-grown-woman/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:08:06 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=844339 BeyoncĂ© RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR - Los Angeles

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

BeyoncĂ© — “Grown Woman” 

Ten years ago, BeyoncĂ© stopped the music world with a surprise drop. Her famed eponymous album came with no promotion or warning, marking an important and influential moment in an iconic career. Today, Queen Bey celebrates this with the long-awaited release of “Grown Woman.”

Bey co-produced the song alongside Timbaland and released it as part of a 2013 Pepsi commercial. “Embrace your past but live for now,” she said in the ad. Meanwhile, the song carries an empowering chant: “I’m a grown woman / I can do whatever I want.”

BeyoncĂ© also spoke on the LP’s theme at the time of its release. “My message behind this album was finding the beauty in imperfection,” she explained, as per MTV.

“I have a lot of awards and I have a lot of these things that are amazing and I worked my ass off,” she added. “But nothing feels like my child saying, ‘Mommy!’ Nothing feels like when I look my husband in the eyes
Those are the things that matter, and at this point in my life, that’s what I’m striving for: Growth, love, happiness, fun. Enjoy your life, it’s short, that’s the message.”

Nicki Minaj — “Beep Beep” & “Love Me Enough” 

Shortly after releasing her Pink Print 2 LP, Nicki Minaj keeps things going with even more from the project. The Queen of the Barbs just rolled out two new high-profile songs this week to commemorate a potential chart-topping release.

“Beep Beep” features fellow Queens MC 50 Cent. “I tell him that he had the chance of a lifetime / Who want to be a millionaire? I’m your lifeline,” Minaj raps. Later, she nonchalantly adds: “If I don’t even know you exist, is that beef?” Meanwhile, 50 Cent follows Minaj with his own thoughts on quarrels. “Say we got some kinda beef, what kinda beef?” he asks. “Please, remind me.”

Moreover, Monica and Keyshia Cole join Minaj on “Love Me Enough.” Cole sings about self-love while Nicki explains her stance. “I used to think my happiness depended on a man / Diamond on the ring finger blinging on my hand
The worst drug of all, the addiction to a man.”

Nicki previously said she would drop even more bonus tracks to go along with the original release. Coincidentally, Pink Friday 2 “should have a good chance at contending for the Billboard 200’s top spot,” according to the publication. 

Megan Thee Stallion & ReneĂ© Rapp — “Not My Fault” 

Megan Thee Stallion continues to unleash new music. Shortly after unveiling her heartfelt “Cobra” single, the Texas superstar teams up with rising singer-songwriter and actress ReneĂ© Rapp for a new collaboration, “Not My Fault.”

“It’s not my fault you’re, like, in love with me,” Rapp sings on the track. “Where she at, what she doing? Who she with and where she from? She’s this, she’s that? She’s a flight risk on the run.” 

Meg also carries the love question into her verse. “I mean, who wouldn’t wanna be in love with me?” she asks. “Dudes thought I was A.I. / Ballin’ like A.I. / Stick to the money like a stapler / Stack like Jenga.”

“Not My Fault” is a track off the forthcoming Mean Girls soundtrack. Meg also announced the song with a video on social media. “It’s Megan Thee Stallion, aka The Black Regina George and I’m excited to introduce my girl to the stage,” she said. “We have a new song coming out for Mean Girls. That’s right, give it up for the new fantastic plastic, ReneĂ© Rapp.”

Rapp, who released her Snow Angel album this year, is also set to star as Regina George in the upcoming Mean Girls film. Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Jenna Fischer, and Tim Meadows are also slated to appear in the new adaptation of the popular 2004 film.

Lil Baby — “350” & “Crazy”

Lil Baby is back. More than a year since his It’s Only Me LP, the famed Quality Control MC unveils two singles, “350” and “Crazy.”

“350,” a nod to his Richard Mille watch price, kicks things off. “I know one day it’s gon’ hit me, bro ain’t never comin’ back / Ain’t never say nothin’ ’bout it,” he adds. “You know you a rat.”

Moreover, “Crazy” continues with toast to his success. “You can play if you want to, I let ’em say what they want to, but I’m ready for all of this / No matter how hard it can get / That boy on the top of the list.”

CamYouAFool, DB! And MonneymadeIt produced “350” while Money Musik, Hoops, and Str8cash held the boards down on “Crazy.”

Additionally, Baby recently confirmed that he was “finishing up the album.” His 2022 LP, It’s Only Me, and his 2020 LP, My Turn, both topped the Billboard 200.

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Beyoncé RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR - Los Angeles Beyoncé RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR - Los Angeles
Check the Tech: Gifts for the Creator https://cassiuslife.com/844360/check-the-tech-best-gifts-content-creator/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:49:13 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=844360

After covering all the tech you need to keep your home secure, gifts for the gamers, and the wellness gurus, we’re wrapping up our Check The Tech series with our host, tech venture capitalist Sara Lovestyle, 

On the final episode, entertainment attorney turned tech entrepreneur James Jones pulled up to talk about the best gifts for the content creators in your life.

Jones is the founder and CEO of the finance app Bump, which aims to be the premier destination for Banking and fintech to help creators grow and fund their passions through real-time market values and lines of credit.

For Jones, his career trajectory all started with his love for music.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been around music,” Jones said. “So that was the transition to becoming an entertainment lawyer where I’m actually representing creators, artists, and influencers and helping them find additional sources of income and understand how the business works, which transitioned me into tech.”

So, with the creators in mind, Sara picks Jones’ brain for the top items he thinks any newfound creator needs.

He starts off with a Mactrem Ring Light that features several settings to make sure your content is lit as perfectly as possible, and it’s portable for when you’re on the move.

“It’s an absolute necessity. Lighting is the most integral part of this entire process. If my lighting is bad, I can’t create content,” Sara adds.

Next up is the Logitech HD Streamcam, coming in at $99, which James says is much better quality than the one installed on your laptop, making for a crisper and more professional shot. Lastly, the Beat by Dre headphones for the utmost audio quality.

Watch the final episode of Check The Tech above for all your content creator needs.

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Check The Tech: James Jones (Gifts for the Creator)
Questlove Was “Hurt” After He “Begged” MC Hammer To Do Grammy Hip-Hop Special https://cassiuslife.com/841794/questlove-hurt-begged-mc-hammer-grammy-hip-hop-special/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:35:35 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=841794 The 64th Annual Grammy Awards - Arrivals

Source: Variety / Getty

The Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop celebrating the genre’s milestone was an unqualified success. It brought together some of the pioneering figures who have contributed to the music’s worldwide appeal over the last half-century.

But one of rap’s biggest hitmakers declined to participate. MC Hammer is known for bringing dance, showmanship and mainstream success to hip-hop with hits like “U Can’t Touch This,” “2 Legit 2 Quit,” “Pray” and “Pumps and a Bump.” He’s the first rapper to reach diamond status with his 1990 album Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em.

The special’s curator, Questlove, says despite all the artists that did perform, including Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Queen Latifah, Nelly, Public Enemy, Rick Ross, Chance the Rapper and more, he was truly hurt that Hammer didn’t want to participate.

“Of all the ‘No’s’
.Hammer hurt the most. We really wanted him to have his flowers,” Quest posted on X.

But Hammer said he made a conscious choice not to participate in any 50th anniversary celebrations. At a Tupac Shakur street naming ceremony in Oakland recently, he said, “You ain’t hear me go to none of these Hip-Hop 50 — and just for the record, I got invited to every one.”

He added, “But I really don’t have the patience for the fakeness. I’m really 60 years old. I can’t get with the fakeness of it all. I could do it with a young cat, but I can’t go around old cats and still be pretending.”

Hammer seems to be referencing some of the rappers who made millions writing and rapping about the gangster life they weren’t actually living.

“What you want me to call you? Six Shooter? Come on, man,” he continued. “Ain’t none of your bodies turned up yet!”

Other rap stars who were asked to perform at the Grammy tribute but declined, according to Quest, were Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Cube, 50 Cent and Run DMC. None have made a public statement about why.

But there could be good news on the way for fans of Hammer’s electric performances. He is active on X, showcasing what appears to be AI-generated artwork and the accomplishments of his extended family.

A few days ago, he announced that he was going on tour.

Although he responded affirmatively to several people asking him to include their cities once he hits the road, he provided no specifics about when or where it might happen. But Hammer did add in another post, “I’m going to do it fr. Let God be the truth and another man a liar.”

Just in case you’re not familiar with Hammer’s greatness and the heights of pop culture stardom he reached in his ’90s heyday, he shared a video recently on his IG page.

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The 64th Annual Grammy Awards - Arrivals The 64th Annual Grammy Awards - Arrivals
Q Mixers Secret Holiday Bingo Could Make Family & Friends Time A Little More Interesting https://cassiuslife.com/843825/q-mixers-secret-holiday-bingo/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:30:38 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=843825 Q Mixers Holiday Secret Bingo

The holidays will be here soon and families across the nation and the world will gather in celebration with food, drinks, and gifts on deck. To make the holiday gatherings just a touch more interesting, Q Mixers has a new secret holiday bingo game that could help with the good times.

Q Mixers, founded by Jordan Silbert, is a leading brand when it comes to mixers for cocktails and drink creations, has several offerings in its portfolio for classic adult sips like the Moscow Mule, Whiskey Highball, Gin and Tonic, and more. For those looking to cut down on adult beverages or don’t imbibe at all, Q Mixers is a handy way to make a mocktail or sip chilled on its own.

By way of the brand, the secret holiday bingo game can be accessed via a website link where players can get a randomized card with various shenanigans that take place during the holidays.

Do you have that one family member that always brings up your dating life? Bingo! This game is for you. Do you begrudgingly take the requisite family photo in ugly sweaters? Bingo! Another one on the card.

Whatever the activity that comes up on the card, Q Mixers, and secret holiday bingo could be a fun way to pass the holidays before someone knocks over the tree or the dog eats someone’s dessert while everyone is away wrapping gifts.

Find out more about Q Mixers and the secret holiday bingo card here.

Photo: Q Mixers

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Q Mixers Holiday Secret Bingo Q Mixers Holiday Secret Bingo
19 Crimes Rolls Out Snoop Cali Collection & Snoop & Martha 2-Pack For The Holidays https://cassiuslife.com/843382/19-crimes-snoop-cali-collection-snoop-martha-gift-sets/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:40:24 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=843382 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

As the holidays are rolling in fast, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart have a collection of wines that will be perfect for the gifting season. Via the pair’s ongoing partnership with the 19 Crimes brand, the company has a Snoop Cali Collection and a Snoop & Martha 2-Pack that will take some of the fuss out of shopping for your loved ones who are fans of good wine.

19 Crimes, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, is a brand out of Australia that partnered with Snoop Dogg for the Cali Collection, which was the first time the company sourced grapes from California. The Cali Collection is a quartet of wines using the iconic 19 Crimes design and features a stern Snoop D-O-Double-G on the front.

19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

The Cali Collection is made up of Snoop Cali Red, which is a blend of red grapes, Snoop Cali Blanc, a sauvignon blanc, Snoop Cali Rosé, which blends grenache and zinfandel grapes, and Snoop Cali Gold, a sparkling selection. The bottles retail for just $15 each, save for the Cali Gold, which is priced at $18.

19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

The Snoop & Martha 2-Pack pairs Snoop Cali Red with Martha’s Chard, a chardonnay. With this one-two combination, you can satisfy both red and white wine drinkers in one set, which retails for $30. Fans of the brand should also know about the living labels of the bottles but we won’t spoil the fun for gift-givers.

19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

We can vouch for the brand as they’re among our favorite wines to enjoy, and the price point is quite approachable.

19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

To scoop up your own 19 Crimes wines for the holidays, we suggest you head over to their website here and get to shopping.

Happy Holidays! 

19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha

Photo: 19 Crimes

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19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha 19 Crimes Wine Gift Set Holidays Snoop & Martha
Draymond Green Suspended Indefinitely For Hitting Jusuf Nurkic, Social Media Reacts https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/draymond-green-suspended-indefinitely-reactions/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:05:08 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=843250 Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns

Source: Christian Petersen / Getty

Draymond Green’s latest on-the-court violence has yielded his most severe punishment yet.

Usually, it’s a fine — he’s already given the NBA more than $2.2 million throughout his career- a few suspended games, but this time, he’s been suspended indefinitely.

“Green’s suspension will begin immediately. He will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play,” Joe Dumars, executive vice president and head of Basketball Operations, said in a statement.

The severity comes from Green’s history of creating havoc on the court, having just yelled at the referee and choking out Rudy Gobert within the last month.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, for that same reason, Green, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Green’s agent Rich Paul are expected to meet on Thursday to create a plan of counseling and figure out a way to put Green on a path to begin playing again peacefully.

Part of the frustrating part about Green’s latest suspension is that it comes when the Golden State Warriors are 11th in the Western Conference and are battling an 11-13 record. As the team’s enforcer and premiere big man, his presence will be sorely missed while he’s out indefinitely. He received a five-game suspension for choking Gobert, so there’s no telling how long he’ll be sidelined this time.

Other players around the league have also questioned Green’s latest antics, including Jusuf Nurkic, who questioned what Green’s got going on internally.

Also, former teammate Kevin Durant, who infamously had a hard time getting along with Green, was stunned at the hit during Tuesday night’s game and hopes he can tone down the aggression.

“That was insane to see. Glad Nurk is alright. Never seen that before on the basketball court in an NBA game. I hope Draymond gets the help he needs. 
 I know Draymond and that’s not—he hasn’t been that way when I was around him and coming into the league. So hopefully, he gets the help he needs to get back on the court and put all this stuff behind him.”

See below how social media is reacting to Green’s latest punishment.

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Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns
Giannis Antetokounmpo Goes On Rampage Into Pacers Locker Room In Search Of Game Ball https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/giannis-antetokounmpo-pacers-game-ball/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:10:03 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=843098 Indiana Pacers v Milwaukee Bucks

Source: Stacy Revere / Getty

We haven’t even hit the halfway mark of the NBA season, and there have already been several heated moments.

Sure, plenty of them are caused by Draymond Green’s violent streak, but the latest comes from another NBA Champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Greek Freak and the Milwaukee Bucks charted an impressive 140-126 win over the Indiana Pacers last night. Still, the victory meant more to Antetokounmpo because he scored a career-high and franchise-record 64 points.

Like most players in any sport, he wanted the game ball to commemorate the moment when things got testy between the two teams.

Once the final whistle is blown, you can see Antetokounmpo looking to grab the ball, but he realizes the Pacers staff has already secured it. So, he ran down the tunnel in an attempt to retrieve the ball from the visitor’s locker room. He’s joined by his brother Thanasis, Cam Payne and Jae Crowder.

Once he returned to the floor, he can even be seen getting into a heated conversation with Tyrese Haliburton.

In the end, arena security fetched the ball for him, but after the game he was weary about the ball’s validity.

“I have no idea. I really don’t know. I have a ball, but I don’t know if it’s the game ball. It doesn’t feel like the game ball to me,” Giannis said. “It feels like a brand new ball. I can’t tell; I played 35 minutes today and know how the game ball felt.”

However, the game wasn’t just an important performance for Antetokounmpo but also for Pacers big man Oscar Tshiebwe, who scored his first NBA points, which is why the Pacers wanted to award him the ball.

“What happened at the end of the game was unfortunate,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. “There was a misunderstanding about the game ball. It was Oscar Tshiebwe’s first NBA point, so we always get the game ball. We were not thinking about Giannis’ franchise record, so we grabbed the ball. A couple minutes later several of their players ended up in our hallway and there was a big fracas, melee, whatever.”

The game was otherwise chippy, given that the Pacers kicked the Bucks from the in-season tourney recently and a hard foul from Aaron Nesmith on Antetokounmpo early in the fourth quarter, which incited the Bucks, namely Bobby Portis.

Social media is roasting Giannis for his actions. See the reactions below.

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Indiana Pacers v Milwaukee Bucks Indiana Pacers v Milwaukee Bucks
Tracy Morgan Discovers Nas Is His Cousin: “He Started Crying, I Started Crying” https://cassiuslife.com/842160/tracy-morgan-nas-cousins/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:30:52 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=842160 2004 VH1 Hip Hop Honors - Audience and Backstage

Source: Stephen Lovekin / Getty

Comedian Tracy Morgan and Hip-Hop icon Nas have been friends for a very long time, but Morgan recently found something out that Morgan said brought the Illmatic emcee to tears.

Nas and Tracy Morgan are cousins.

The 30 Rock actor made an appearance on an upcoming episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots, a series hosted by educator, activist and writer Henry Louis Gates Jr. that celebrates the ancestral histories of celebrities and other prominent Americans. During a recent interview on the Connect The Dots podcast, Morgan revealed that on the PBS show, he learned about the DNA he shares with Nas, born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones.

“The last question he asks you, he says, ‘We want to know who did this show that you’re related to. Mr. Morgan, will you turn the last page?’” Morgan recalled. “And guess who’s sitting there? Nas. Me and Nas is third cousins on my mom’s side.”

“But me and Esco was always tight before that,” Morgan continued. “I did a show years ago on Comedy Central, a special called ‘One Mic,’ that was for Nas’ mom that just passed away. I named my special ‘One Mic,’ so me and Esco always been tight.”

But, according to Morgan, the real tender and emotional moment came when he called Nas to give him the news.

“I called him up, and I say, ‘Yo Esco,’” he explained. “He said, ‘What up, Tray?’ I said, ‘Guess what? I just did ‘Finding Your Roots,’ me and you related.’ He started crying. I started crying. And I said to him, ‘If you ever need me, I’m there, cuz.’” He said Nas returned the sentiment.

For Morgan—as it is for Black people all over America—the experience of finding out where and who one comes from isn’t just cathartic, it’s important and can be a self-revealing experience.
“You need to know who you come from before you leave this earth,” he said on the podcast. “Know who you are and where you come from. Knowledge of self. I did a lot of crying, and no matter who you are, you’re gonna break down.”
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2004 VH1 Hip Hop Honors - Audience and Backstage 2004 VH1 Hip Hop Honors - Audience and Backstage
Arrest Warrant Issued After Exchange Student Breaks Into Stephen Curry’s Home Seeking Autograph https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/student-breaks-into-stephen-curry-home/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:36:36 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=842090 Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clippers

Source: Meg Oliphant / Getty

As if Steph Curry doesn’t have enough of a headache to deal with after Draymond Green’s latest shenanigans, he has to worry about his home security now.

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Chinese exchange student who’s been accused of breaking into the sharpshooter’s Atherton home.

According to prosecutors, on Oct. 15, Sheng Gao took a bus from his Cupertino home to Atherton, the location of Curry’s $30 million home, to scope out and find Curry’s house.

The goal of his journey was reportedly to get an autograph, and with a bit of help, a woman pointed out the four-time champion’s home, and around 5:50 pm, he made his move.

After approaching the house, he pressed the intercom buttons, and as the gates to the home opened up, he walked up to the front door, which was surprisingly unlocked.

However, while he was in the crib, a nanny spotted him in the living room and demanded to know what he was doing there, and he replied he wanted Curry’s “autograph.”

After being ordered to leave, he complied, but police were still called to report the incident.

The cops later spotted him walking on El Camino Real, and the nanny confirmed that he was the kid she saw on the surveillance camera. He also confessed that he unlawfully entered the home but didn’t steal anything, which is when he was cited and released.

“He signed a citation promising to appear in court on Dec. 7 but failed to show up. The court revoked the defendant’s release on his own recognizance and issued a bench warrant for his arrest,” reports KRON4.

His bench warrant will now come with a $500 bail attached.

CBS News reports that while Steph and his wife, Ayesha, weren’t home, the kids and the nanny were.

See how social media is reacting to the bizarre incident below.

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Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clippers Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clippers
Emmy-Winning Actor Andre Braugher Dies At 61 https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/andre-braugher-dies-at-61/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:27:07 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=841976 Actor Andre Braugher at Emmy Awards Show

Source: Bob Riha Jr / Getty

Actor Andre Braugher has passed away at the age of 61.

The unfortunate news was confirmed by his publicist, Jennifer Allen, via NPR, revealing that he passed away Monday after briefly battling an illness.

Braugher made a name for himself in movies like Glory, where he shined alongside Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman as a free Black man who joined the first Black regiment in the Union Army.

Then again in Spike Lee’s Get on The Bus, which is about a group of Black men en route on a cross-country bus trip to participate in the Million Man March, and also starred in the legal mystery thriller Primal Fear.

However, it was his series work where he really shined, beginning with the police drama Homicide: Life on the Street, where he played Detective Frank Pembleton in over 100 episodes from 1993 to 1999.

Then he found himself in the role of law enforcement again for more than 20 years, this time in a more light-hearted nature– on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where he played Captain Raymond Holt with a star-studded cast that included Terry Crews, Andy Samberg and Chelsea Peretti.

He’d also appear in shows like BoJack Horseman, House and New Girl.

Throughout his career, which spanned over three decades, he was nominated for 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, for which he won two. He worked with many actors through that time, and many have sung his praises since he passed away, including Terry Crews, who left a touching message for his Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star on Instagram.

“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you,” Crews wrote. “Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like. Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”

Braugher is survived by his wife of 32 years, actress Ami Brabson, and his three sons, Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley.

Social media is reliving some of his most memorable moments on the big and little screen.

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Actor Andre Braugher at Emmy Awards Show Actor Andre Braugher at Emmy Awards Show
Draymond Green Ejected After Hitting Jusuf Nurkic In The Face, Social Media Mocks His WWE Behavior https://cassiuslife.com/playlist/draymond-green-ejected-hit-jusuf-nurkic-reactions/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:29:31 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?post_type=media_playlist&p=841863 Cleveland Cavaliers v Golden State Warriors

Source: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty

Not even a month ago, Draymond Green was suspended for choking Rudy Gobert, and now he’s found his way into another questionably dirty play.

During Tuesday night’s Golden State Warriors 119-116 loss against the Phoenix Suns, Green was guarding Jusuf Nurkic. While Green had his back turned to Nurkic, he swung his arm around and hit Nurkic in the head, leading to him falling to the court and grabbing his face.

After a review, officials would eventually call it a flagrant two foul, and with 8:23 left in the third quarter, Green was tossed from the game for his actions.

After the game, Green addressed the foul, and while he admits to flailing his arms, he is sorry for making contact with Nurkic’s face.

“I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him,” Green said. “I sell calls with my arms … so I was selling the call … and I swung, and unfortunately, I hit him.”

We’re only a quarter of the way into the NBA season, and this is already Green’s third ejection.

The first two came in rapid succession, beginning with two techs against the Cleveland Cavaliers for getting into a heated argument with the referee and a few days later for putting Gobert in a headlock while the Frenchmen were attempting to diffuse a fight between Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels.

The headlock led to a five-game suspension, and now, due to his continuous reckless behavior, the Athletic reports that he could face another extended benching.

Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admits he’s urged Green to keep it professional on the court, saying in the post game presser, “We’ve talked to him. He’s got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates.”

Nurkic spoke about the flagrant foul after the game, inexplicably confused by Green’s actions.

“Personally, I feel like that brother needs some help. I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me. But at the same time, it had nothing to do with basketball,” he said. “I’m just out there trying to play. Hopefully, whatever he got in his life, it gets better.

Green’s been ejected 18 times in regular season games, the second most of any player in the last 25 years, only trailing Rasheed Wallace.

See social media’s hilarious reaction to Green’s on-court violent spree below.

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Cleveland Cavaliers v Golden State Warriors Cleveland Cavaliers v Golden State Warriors
Kid Cudi Receives Honorary Master’s Degree From Miami Fashion Institute https://cassiuslife.com/839712/kid-cudi-masters-degree-fashion/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:17:37 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=839712 Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals

Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty

Kid Cudi has just added another achievement to his already decorated career. He received an honorary Master’s degree in fashion.

Hypebeast is reporting that the Cleveland, Ohio native was awarded a unique distinction the majority of his music peers can not claim.

On Friday, December 8, the Miami School of Fashion and Design presented the “Day-N-Nite” rapper with a Master’s degree in fashion design. The Florida-based institution detailed the reasoning for their decision in a lengthy Instagram post.

“This honorary degree from Istituto Marangoni Miami recognizes Scott’s (@kidcudi) accomplishments and vision in shaping the scene of modern fashion and luxury with Members of the Rage (@membersoftherage)” it read. “Recognizing the inspiration he is to young creatives. Is an honor for us to present this to the world of fashion worldwide and also a statement in the continuous pursuit of education in fashion and design, it is the future and the present of creativity.”

The Lonely Stoner accepted the honor with his mom present. He expressed the importance of the moment with his mother saying “She got emotional, and it was such a special memory we’ll have together forever” he revealed.

“I never walked across any stage. I got my GED in high school and only did a year of college,” he added. “My mom finally got to see me achieve what I thought I’d never do. And it was beautiful.”

You can see a quick clip from the ceremony below.

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Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals
Young Thug’s RICO Trial Delayed Until Next Year After Co-Defendant Stabbed In Jail https://cassiuslife.com/840818/young-thug-trial-delayed-defendant-stabbed-jail/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:39:43 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=840818 Philipp Plein show, Runway, Fall Winter 2017, New York Fashion Week, USA - 13 Feb 2017

Source: WWD / Getty

Young Thug’s YSL RICO case has taken another turn after his co-defendant was harmed in jail.

According to Natalie Ammons of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Young Slime Life member Shannon Stillwell was stabbed while being held in the Fulton County jail.

“I’m obviously very concerned about my client, and I’m gathering information at this time,” Stillwell’s attorney Max Schardt said, according to CNN.

The violent act led to Judge Ural Glanville announcing on Monday that court would be canceled for the rest of the day as they assess the situation.

Among the RICO charges that Young Thug also faces, Stillwell is facing eight charges — for all of which he’s pled not guilty– including two murder charges and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The 31-year-old reportedly got into a fight with fellow inmate Willie Brown, and while it’s still not clear what the motive was, Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and is currently in stable condition. For his part in the jailhouse fight, Brown’s been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items.

Judge Glanville wasn’t clear Monday on when the trial would resume, but now he’s decided to just put it on hold until after the holiday season.

“Remember yesterday we recessed because one of our participants had medical issues, and I was telling you about that? Well, unfortunately, that medical condition still exists. Given the length of time that we will probably address that, it might be just more prudent to recess you,” Judge Glanville informed the jury, motes The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “An early recess. Instead of recessing you this Friday as the court’s plan was originally, I’m going to recess you for the holidays today.”

The jury will return on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. for more witness testimony.

For the RICO charges and two gun charges, Young Thug could reportedly be facing up to 120 years in prison.

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Philipp Plein show, Runway, Fall Winter 2017, New York Fashion Week, USA - 13 Feb 2017 Philipp Plein show, Runway, Fall Winter 2017, New York Fashion Week, USA - 13 Feb 2017
Terrence Howard Files Lawsuit Over ‘Empire’ Salary Claiming He Was Underpaid https://cassiuslife.com/839633/terrence-howard-lawsuit-empire-underpaid/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:43:37 +0000 https://cassiuslife.com/?p=839633 Terrence Howard Announces Lawsuit Against CAA Over "Empire" Salary

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty

Terrence Howard is suing the Creative Artists Agency (CAA)  for breach of fiduciary duty. Howard claims the agency that was supposed to represent his interests asked him to take a lower salary for his role as music mogul Lucious Lyon in the hit series, Empire, and that the agency did so to boost its own profits.

According to Variety, the complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court notes that Howard was paid less than what Jon Hamm was paid to star in Mad Men and what Kevin Spacey made for his role in House of Cards despite Empire, which aired on Fox for six seasons, having a larger viewership than both shows. The filing claims this was due in part to CAA’s packaging fee, which Howard was allegedly kept in the dark about.

From Variety:

CAA also represented the producers of “Empire” in a package deal that was lucrative for the agency, he says. As such, Howard’s legal strategy asserts, the agency did not act in his best interest by pushing for a higher salary because it had a profit participation stake through its package, so CAA had an interest in maximizing the total profit that 20th TV realized on the series. Since 2020, the practice of talent agencies receiving packaging fees on TV series was essentially banned after the Writers Guild of America waged a nearly two-year battle against the Hollywood’s largest agencies to reform the decades-old practice.

The complaint, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages but doesn’t specify a dollar amount, also appears to implicate Empire co-creators and executive producers Lee Daniels and Danny Strong in the raw deal that also included the other co-stars on the show, all of whom are represented by CAA.

“Not only did it become abundantly clear that his agents led him on a path to rely on information that was misleading, he discovered that this was the result of the fact that CAA was not acting in his best interest, but in the in interest of their own financial benefit as well as the interest of the Production Companies and the producers, Daniels and Strong,” the complaint states. “Under normal circumstances, had CAA not been the packaging agent, and had CAA not been concurrently representing the Production Companies, where their sole financial interest would have been the 10% fee from the compensation received by Howard, they would have most certainly fought for Howard in a manner that most producers are accustomed to seeing CAA agents engage in.”

After a news conference announcing the lawsuit, Howard spoke with Rolling Stone, and while the Hustle & Flow actor didn’t say definitively that racism played a role in his alleged mistreatment, he certainly refused to rule it out.

“I can’t say for certain this was a racial issue, but I can’t imagine another counterpart – a white counterpart – with the same accolades, name recognition and numbers that I had, receiving the lowball pay that I was receiving,” he said.

“I drank the Kool-Aid,” he continued. “I believed that I was going to get paid, or that I was getting compensated properly, but I wasn’t. I just didn’t want to piss off CAA and Fox. They’re big companies to go to war against. But sooner or later you’ve got to stand up because they’re just trampling over the rights of the artists.”

Howard said his salary for the role of Lucious started at $125,000 and topped out at $325,000 per episode, which he said was far less than what he deserved, considering the massive success of the show.

Howard is being represented in the lawsuit by the attorneys with the Cochran Firm, James Bryan and Brian Dunn, and Carlos Moore of the Carlos Moore Law Group.

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Terrence Howard Announces Lawsuit Against CAA Over "Empire" Salary Terrence Howard Announces Lawsuit Against CAA Over "Empire" Salary