Big Boi released long-awaited album Boomiverse, with features from Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Killer Mike. It was met with very positive reviews and reestablished his place as a hitmaker after a hiatus from music.
Metro Boomin performed an incredible set at Electric Daisy Carnival 2017 in Las Vegas, most notably bringing Drake out on the stage. Drake then announced he has an album coming out with the St. Louis producer, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Matthew Knowles, businessman and father of Beyonce Knowles, took to Instagram this weekend to announce that Queen Bey and Jay Z’s twins are finally here. Blue Ivy, five, will now have a little brother and sister to help carry on her their parents’ legacies. Jay Z also announced the release date for his forthcoming album, 4:44, set to be a Sprint-Tidal exclusive coming to us on June 30th.
PARTYNEXTDOOR was announced to have writing credits on DJ Khaled’s latest single, “Wild Thoughts” featuring Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, and a phenomenal sample of “Maria Maria” by Santana. The OVO artist was quick to take to Twitter and give credit to Rih Rih’s artistry, saying “There’s only one Rihanna.”
Young Thug, on the heels of his Beautiful Thugger Girls release, took to social media this weekend explaining his rationale for why the album dropped this past Friday. It also appears he forgot he changed the title of his album. Thug said, “I dropped E.B.B.T.G on 2PAC’s bday because I’m the #newPAC. I feel like I am the thug he didn’t get to become #SoImGoinFinishWhatHeStarted” and ended it off with an emoji of a woman getting her haircut.
Paul George, Indiana Pacers’ superstar forward, informed them of his intentions to test free agency in the Summer of 2018. Sources announced that Pacers management contacted the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been rumored to be George’s next destination and the key to taking down the Golden State Warriors. The Pacers hope to get something in exchange for PG13 before the trade deadline, as opposed to him leaving them in ruins during free agency. Expect to see a big move very soon.
The Supreme Court ruled that offensive names can in fact be trademarked, in reference to Asian-American band The Slants and The Washington Redskins. In an 8-0 ruling, the decision cited that a federal law banning the use of said names is unconstitutional, in reference to the free speech clause of the First Amendment.
Oscar-award winning actor Mahershala Ali added another milestone to his increasing ascension in the entertainment world, earning a cover on GQ Magazine’s summer issue. He used the cover and his article to share a powerful message about the United States current status with regard to African Americans, saying he recognizes how they’ve historically been mistreated but he loves the country and hopes it can improve.
Jeronimo Yanez, Minnesota police officer responsible for the death of Philando Castile, was acquitted of all charges on Friday. Yanez was charged with second-degree manslaughter and endangering safety after the unfortunate events of July 2016. The results of the case added yet another layer to the controversy surrounding police officers and wrongful killings of black people around the country.
Jay Sekulow, a lawyer from Donald Trump’s legal team, announced that the President is in fact not under investigation, despite his tweet which read “I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt” Sekulow stated the tweet was in response to a Washington Post story, but was not actually true. With just under 5 months in office and a multitude of controversy, time will tell as to whether or not something else will arise causing Trump to be investigated.
A forest fire in Portugal left 62 people dead this weekend and has since been referred to as the deadliest the country has ever experienced. 12 people managed to survive, protecting themselves by remaining in a water tank for over 6 hours. Those 12 included a disabled 95-year-old woman.
A van drove directly into Finsbury Park Mosque in London, killing one person and injuring several pedestrians. Considered a terrorist attack, the police were able to arrest the driver while two other passengers fled. This occurred in addition to the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, which left 79 people dead or missing and presumed dead.
Charleena Lyles, thirty year-old mother of four and three months pregnant with her fifth, was shot and killed on Sunday morning by Seattle police who claimed she was holding a knife. Lyles had called the police to report a burglary in an attempt to protect her children. Her family identified her and referenced her struggles with mental health at a vigil held on Sunday evening.
