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Tyler The Creator Makes Rap Music History

Two years ago, Tyler the Creator released Call Me If You Get Lostan instrumental album in his career. When it originally released, it earned 169,000 album-equivalent units. Tyler’s second US number-one album was a hit, and evidently, it still is.

Upon release in July of 2021, it was number one on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-hop Albums chart. In April of 2022, its vinyl LP partner was released, and the album was number one on the charts again. Now, in April of 2023, it has landed in the number one spot again. This is due to the release of the deluxe edition, titled The Estate Sale. 

Tyler, the Creator Announces Surprise Deluxe Album 'The Estate Sale' - Okayplayer
Photo Credit: Columbia Records

The deluxe edition features the original track plus eight bonus tracks. Other new additions feature vocals from A$AP Rocky, Vince Staples, and YG. These songs were ones that “didn’t make the final cut,” according to his Twitter account. On the topic of the album, Tyler said “Some of those songs I really love, and knew they would never see the light of day, so I’ve decided to put a few of them out.”

What does The Estate Sale have to offer?

The song “WHARF TALK” is Tyler’s alleged favorite, a collaboration with A$AP Rocky that he’s been holding on to for the last three years. This is the song that he hopes fans connect with, resonating with not only the lyrics, but the groovy guitar and nostalgic beats. The song follows a daydream about a first date, but the subject of Tyler’s attraction is not in the picture. Especially considering that A$AP Rocky was supposed to be featured on a track of the original Call Me If You Get Lost album, this song is sure to bring joy to all of Tyler’s fans.

Tyler, the Creator & A$AP Rocky's Hilarious Live Stream: Watch – Billboard
Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison for Billboard

The Grammy-winning album has gotten the makeover of a century. “DOGTOOTH” and “SORRY NOT SORRY” were some of the most streamed songs upon re-release. “WHAT A DAY” is newly remixed. “HEAVEN TO ME” has also been reworked, citing producers that have made rap history to help Tyler make his music.

This re-release of The Estate Sale pushes Tyler higher into the land of rap greats. It is clear that he put care into every lyric. Each beat is purposeful, meant to elevate the listening experience. As with every other Tyler album, it is an absolute masterpiece.

Written by Leanna Florez

 

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The Kid LAROI And GloRilla Join Lil Baby On Tour

As if fans aren’t excited enough about Lil Baby’s It’s Only Us tour, he’s just announced some thrilling openers. The artist’s movie-style trailer revealed his plans for GloRilla and The Kid LAROI to join him on tour. On Apr 10, the video was shared on Baby’s Instagram, showing the scene where he decided to recruit the tour co-stars.

Fans started off watching Lil Baby chilling in the pool as he was videoconferencing with GloRilla and Kid LAROI to see if they’d go on tour with him. “This Fasho Gone Be A Highlight Of The Summer,” Baby wrote in the caption, also promoting the sale date this Thursday, Apr 13.

You can use the password in Lil Baby’s Instagram post caption to order the tickets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @lilbaby

It’s Only Us Tour For The Latest Baby’s Album

This tour celebrates Lil Baby’s latest album, “It’s Only Me.” The album dropped in Oct 2022, debuting No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In just the first week, he had over 216,000 sales. The album was later certified platinum.

Additionally, GloRilla posted on her Instagram, saying, “It’s bout to be lit in a city near you.” The tour kicks off on Jul 26 in Houston. Lil Baby plans to party through Los Angeles, Chicago, Oakland, Washington DC, Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte, Memphis, New Orleans, and more. He’ll wrap up on Sep 22 in Fort Lauderdale.

GloRilla Hilariously Teaches Lil Baby Her Signature Dance
Lil Baby and GloRilla. Image source: UPROXX.

During the tour, Lil Baby won’t just be rapping alongside GloRilla and The Kid LAROI. He also plans to bring Hunxho, Rylo Rodriguez, and Gloss Up. Fans are raving online, thrilled at his choices. Within seconds, Lil Baby received millions of likes on the trailer-like post.

Some even theorize that GloRilla and Lil Baby will get together for a track of their own. The pair last collaborated when they met backstage at a show, posting a video of Lil Baby learning her iconic “Tomorrow” dance. The show is sure to be a sell-out with GloRilla and Lil Baby together, a personal favorite collaboration of many fans on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

To help hype up his tour, Lil Baby performs at the Governor’s Ball in June alongside other artists like Odesza and Aespa.

Written by Leanna Florez

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Rihanna To Headline 2023 Super Bowl LVII

On Sunday, September 25, the NFL made it official that Rihanna will be headlining the upcoming Super Bowl giving the fans a lot to look forward to.

Rihanna Creates Big Buzz

Social media went into overdrive over the newest buzz that a particular artist could make an appearance on one of the biggest stages in the world. Headlines across media platforms read Rihanna in talks for headlining the upcoming Super Bowl. Fans were glued to their devices with their fingers crossed. So, it was no small thing when the info leaked.

This was exhilarating news for multiple reasons. First, the artist has been on hiatus for a while now. It has been six years since RiRi released a signature project. After her 2016 “Anti,” she disappeared from the airwaves. But who could blame her? The “Do Your Thing Artist” had poured her complete essence into album after album with great success. In fact, according to Fortune,

“With sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna ranks as one of the best-selling female artists ever.”

Queen of Creativity

Although Rihanna was taking a hiatus from music, she was as focused as ever, directing her fierce and creative spirit elsewhere. And she once again excelled. The Barbadian queen was now the first black woman, as Vogue notes, to lead a luxury house.

Rihanna Fenty

Rihanna Fenty. Image Source: Kevin Mazur – Getty Images

Rumors of Rihanna’s Come Back

In 2020, fans got hints that the artist could be coming back. In an interview with Vogue, Rihanna stated, “she was aggressively working on her next music project.” However, there was no notion of when that would be fulfilled. And it became apparent at the announcement of her pregnancy it would be a while longer. But it was all good. The radiance of motherhood looked splendid on RiRi. In May of 2022, the beaming and talented performer became a mother to a beautiful baby boy.

Rihanna

Rihanna. Image Source: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Super Bowl Announcement a Real Surprise

Although fans have patiently been in wait for another album, the Super Bowl announcement was most unexpected. In 2020 the “Watch n Learn,” artist turned down an invitation to perform at the Superbowl in support of Colin Kapernick. But a lot can transpire in two years. So, right before the NFL made the official announcement, the Bajan beauty took to social media with a post cluing her fans into the outcome of the talks.

 

Jay-Z was one of the first to congratulate RiRi, stating,

“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn.”

 

That’s a fact.

And now it’s official. Rihanna will bring her magic to the Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023,  and we are here for it all.

Written By; Renae Richardson

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Irv Gotti and Murder Inc.

On August 9th of, 2022, the world got its first backstage pass into the life and struggles of Irv Gotti with the premiere of Murder Inc. The series is a documentary. But, ultimately, it is an extensive diary entry highlighting the exploits of Irving Domingo Lorenzo (Gotti).

The Irv Gotti Story

Murder Inc, the five-series documentary on BET, highlights Gotti’s history, collaborative partnerships, artists, and success and failures. However, fundamentally it is an expose on labels, label owners, and offstage access to hip hop behind the scenes. The series is three episodes in and provides an hour’s worth of behind-the-scenes insight weekly. Accordingly, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Ashanti, and Charli Baltimore are a few of the artists highlighted. And the series lays out its content via a sequence of roll-back clips, highlights, and live commentary from Gotti and the artists themselves.

Murder Inc. An Open Book

Three of the five episodes have already aired, with the first two based on Gotti’s beginnings, vision, and early stages of success. And the first two episodes of Murder Inc. provide a consistent chronicle of the label. Conversely, the third episode, “Foolish,” takes a detour. This episode is dedicated to Gotti’s once-upon-a-time flame and artist Ashanti. Although the episode is directed as an open account from Irv’s perspective, the world isn’t exactly feeling these open pages. Some go as far as labeling this portion of the narrative sketchy and predatory.

 

Assessing the Murder Inc. Story

Even though the third episode doesn’t sit well with some overall, the documentary serves its purpose. It gives an authentic behind-the-scenes look at a label in the hip hop world and the artist impacted by the moves of those in charge. And from what is on display, a good takeaway is that a lot goes into maintaining a successful label. Gotti’s success is multifaceted, resting on his vision, ambition, and strategic mindset. Earnestly Gotti’s contribution to hip hop is undeniable. But, while a lot is worthy of recognition, not everything is laudable.

Nevertheless, whether the Murder Inc. story is or is not well received, it does the job of presenting access to the side of a story from an untold perspective. And if nothing else, the series stands as proof that there is a lot that happens beyond the spotlight. While the life of a label executive may be lucrative and satisfying, it is also consuming and a road not always paved with good intentions.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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Is Blueface and Chrisean Rock’s Abusive Relationship Being Normalized?

On Tuesday, August 2nd, the world had ringside seats to a domestic dispute between Blueface and Chrisean Rock. Videos of a hardcore street brawl between the two went viral. The heavily rotated video that ended in the two parting ways that night was positive proof that the back and forth was brutal. However, by and large, they seemed un-phased. But the levels to which the two went created quite a buzz of Twitter reactions and had people questioning the normalization of abusive behavior.

https://twitter.com/poweredbyn8ture/status/1554691833325920256?s=20&t=dWTcpVgwV3pG_0C6VR0_Zw

 

https://twitter.com/ahlexmk/status/1554650906645254144?s=20&t=dWTcpVgwV3pG_0C6VR0_Zw

Blueface and Chrisean’s History of Violence

This is not new news for this pair. These two have a record of violence in general. And this is not the first time the two have been engaged in a fierce exchange. In November of 2021, Blueface and Chrisean were engaged in a struggle that ended in police intervention. Although more verbal than physical, it was enough to raise eyebrows. According to The Sun,

The exchange was only halted by police intervention as an alleged contract dispute turned nasty.

However, this interaction’s explosive nature seems to have reached peak toxic levels. Most would think, given the signs, the past, and the street bout, the two would stay away from each other. But unfortunately, that is not the case. A few days later, the two were in the same room having a discussion in front of the entire world.

When is it Too Much

The newest struggle and aftermath raise many questions about normalizing domestic abuse. Because what occurred was WorldStar behavior; slaps, punches to the head, dragging, and more. The exchange was next-level brutal, the kind of action one would see in a ring, and one that should end in charges. But today, it is as if nothing happened. As entertaining as it might have seemed to some, the entire situation is problematic. There are undoubtedly psychological issues that need to be addressed. One tweeter summed up perfectly,

Blueface vs. Chrisean: The Aftermath

A few days after the altercation, Blueface posted to Instagram. But it wasn’t him alone. He was alongside Chrisean, who was lying in bed. There were a few quips which punctuated the post about Chriseans fighting skills. But this wasn’t a quarter of it. He went on to lay out all of her business. He also suggested to the Chrisean that he would pay her to leave him alone. According to the post, Blueface stated,

“What, you need to leave me the fuck alone?” Fuck it. One hundred thousand.”

The Normalization of Abnormality

Blueface and Chrisean Rock

Blueface and Chrisean Rock Image Source: Glock Topickz Video

It is undeniable that this is wild. Of course, it’s week-old news, but the nature of that behavior needs addressing. For these two, it’s not abnormal behavior as these two seems to attract trouble with their violent nature.  Before signing with Blueface, it is rumored that Chrisean duked it out with his ex. Likewise, Blueface is also known for his aggressive behaviors and penchant for starting stuff. Nine months ago, FM Hip Hop provided coverage on an incident involving Blueface; he was hit with felony warrants for an attack at a nightclub. Therein lies the problem.

There is too much of this going on in the community. And too much of it is being glossed over.  The increasing prevalence of these incidents and responses raise questions and serve as barometers of an underlying illness. Has the world become too desensitized to this type of toxicity in the hip-hop community? Are the increased instances of anger, devaluation, psychosis, and abuse indicators of a more insidious issue in the community? What are the ramifications? More importantly, how can it be addressed?

Written by Renae Richardson

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Hitmaka Shares Unique Experience He Had With DMX

The Hip hop community lost someone extraordinary when DMX left this world in 2021. To say his passing was a shock is putting it mildly. No one expected he would be gone so soon. However, the impact of his death on hip hop was significant and looming, making it more than evident that the void he left would be one incapable of filling.

Hitmaka Shares An Experience

Like most legends who have touched many, lots remain to be shared. And yesterday, Hitmaka let the world in on a moment of impact he shared with the late DMX.

According to Hitmaka, one memory of DMX still stands out, a moment when he came to see the authentic X. In the interview, Hitmaka recounts when he witnessed DMX taking a nap on the sidewalk beside his car. The performer notes that he and a few others were in the studio and had just wrapped their session when they found DMX’s keys still inside. But X had left the studio a bit before. When he and the others exited the studio, they found DMX. According to Hitmaka, this is what the X had to say when they saw him,

“Ay yo, leave me the f*ck alone real quick.’ N***a”

Then X proceeded to sleep on the sidewalk by his Benz.

Hitmakas Response

While this may seem alarming to many, Hitmaka assured the listeners that X’s behavior didn’t faze him. When asked why, this is what he said,

“This is DMX! He’s a dog, n*gga! What are you talkin’ ’bout?!

It’s no secret that sometimes X was misunderstood. However,  DMX was who he was and never apologized for that.

DMX’s influence

There is no doubt that DMX was one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. As the 2019 issue of GQ notes,

“[As of 2019] he’s the only rapper to have his first five studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.”

That honor came earnest. No one before or after that could imitate X’s signature style. He was an original not only in his presentation but in his walk. One source notes,

“He delivered his lines with desperate aggression that propelled his debut album.”

 

And years later, he continued to move the masses with that signature growl.

The Multifaceted X (DMX)

DMX wasn’t just an artist with a rough-edged exterior that matched his image. He was a man who worked with every inch of his being to rise above his bitter roots soured with abuse and neglect. His life was the perfect exemplar of yin and yang, a life of shadow and light, suffering and pain. While on the one hand, he encountered record-breaking success, on the other, he dealt with a crippling addiction. Yet, the depth of his talent was undeniable. DMX was a rapper, actor, father, and above all, a believer.

Many have termed X as an enigma. Although often struggling with darkness, his eyes were always trained forward to the light. Some found the strength of his faith mindboggling, and others understood it to be genuine. Moreover, X  never made a pretense; the artist always took the time to bow his head in prayer, an open display of his belief.

 

He let the world know he was at times distressed but blessed.

100% Authentic DMX

In all his humanness and quest to become his best, he remained open and honest about his struggle with darkness and faith. GQ phrased it best, DMX’s life was a testament and a testimony,

“living proof that if he could make it through this, you could make it through whatever you have going on as well.”

Without a doubt, X’s life will forever be a light and inspiration. As X told People in 2021,

“I think part of growth and healing in the human experience is the ability to make peace or even find the good in the reconciliation of traumatic experiences of the past.”

He attempted to do that, share his gift, and live his life authentically. And for years to come, people like Hitmaka will continue to share what they knew of DMX and how he touched their lives because that is how unique X was.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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Jocelyn Savage, Purported Fiancée of R Kelly’s, Pregnancy Claims Shot Down  

Jocelyn Savage, who went viral last month for shocking claims that she was R Kelly’s fiancé, made news again for claims she is expecting. However, Robert Kelly’s legal team has shut down the claims of Savage, noting there is no pregnancy, at least not by Kelly.

Jocelyn Savage

Jocelyn Savage has several ties to the now incarcerated R&B crooner R Kelly. Today her name is as synonymous with Kelly as many of his more recognized tracks. Savage has made it known she has a tight connection with Kelly, at least for those who buy into her claims. It is undeniable public knowledge that Jocelyn is a solid supporter of Kelly and has remained so for quite some time.

But what was not so apparent is the Savage’s engagement with the artist, or at least according to her claims. 

Jocelyn Savage’s Initial Reveal

After R Kelly’s trial, in which he was sentenced to thirty years, it became public knowledge that before the artist’s sentencing, Jocelyn Savage proclaimed through a letter to the ruling justice that she was engaged to Kelly. The opening to the letter read, 

“June 13, 2022

Dear Honorable Judge Ann Donnelly:

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences with Robert Kelly. My name is Joycelyn Savage, and I’m Robert Kelly’s fiancé. I’m writing this letter in support of Robert in advance of his sentencing, so I can explain to the court that I’m not the victim that the government has portrayed me to be. “

Although the information went to the justice, no one could confirm the validity of her statements. As a matter of fact, the revelation of this knowledge had no bearing on Kelly’s sentencing. Post haste Kelly’s legal team vehemently denied the claim of any engagement. And no one else could deny the speculative nature of the claims.

Throwing in a Monkey-Wrench

Recently Savage threw everyone for another loop with the release of her book Love and Joy of Robert. Currently, Jocelyn claims in her book that she is not only Kelly’s fiancé, but she is expecting his child. In the 25-page book, classified as a tell-all memoir, Jocelyn gives readers an account of her relationship with Kelly from the sordid beginnings up until his imprisonment.

Interestingly, when Savage’s original proclamation of engagement was made at Kelly’s trial, there was no mention of a pregnancy. Given the weightiness of such news, there is no doubt the inclusion of this formation would prove critical to her argument. This understanding alone adds extra speculation to Savage’s admission, lending to the inevitable question: When did this happen? In the pages of her book, where she also claims she is expecting, she loosely lays out a timeline purporting why the claim was not made earlier. According to Jocelyn, she was unaware of the conception at the time she penned her original letter. She found out later. 

As the selected writing reads,

“Months later, I began experiencing severe morning sickness and was unsure what was wrong with my body. I thought I had contracted COVID-19, but the most amazing news of all was that I was expecting,” 

While it does buy some credibility still leaves room for lots of questions.

A Lot of Shocks to Go Around

Savage’s admission did not just shock the masses. Jocelyn’s family also maintains they are still working through the admissions. However, Kelly’s legal team had an entirely different response. They are not even entertaining the claim. Instead, they have outright shut down Jocelyn’s admission calling out her credibility. According to TMZ, Jennifer Bonjean, a legal representative, said this.

“Jocelyn is certainly not pregnant with R. Kelly’s child, the book is not a tell-all memoir, and people are insane.”

The Book 

The book reads like a tragedy more than a love story. One excerpt of the book is particularly shocking. Given’s writes,

“As much as he wanted me to become Aaliyah he was afraid of losing me, which led him to become extremely demanding, obsessive over me, and unable to let me leave his sight at all. Robert started to call me his “sexy little Aaliyah,” but I would have to remind him I’m Joy.” (Savage, p.9)

One must admit that one perusal of this account rules out all inclination of a love story. Nevertheless, toward the end of the book, in a chapter entitled “Bundle of Joy,” the head-over-heels author makes her proclamation. Then, she goes one step further to include an ultrasound picture. However, unlike typical ultrasound pictures, the image lacks dates and measurements, which again prevents confirmation and raises additional speculations. 

To Believe or Not to Believe

Jocelyn Savage
Jocelyn Savage. Image Source:Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

It is true that even if one chooses not to question Jocelyn’s words, her judgment is questionable. The timing makes Givens seem incredulous. Many are still trying to calculate precisely when Kelly had the time to propose to Givens. Then to add this bit of information makes one wonder precisely when did Kelly have time to impregnate Givens especially given the time frame of his imprisonment and her claims as a source notes,

“R.Kelly was arrested in Chicago on July 11, 2019, after being charged with nine counts: one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act. He has been in prison for nearly three years.” 

With Savage’s announcement, one would have to assume she reserved conjugal visits, which is unlikely. The other question becomes how far along the author is. And why aren’t we seeing anything directly from Kelly? Inquiring minds want to know. 

Whether Jocelyn’s claims hold weight is indeterminable. There is a tremendous amount of evidence and speculation which does not tip the balance in the author’s favor. But, whether it is true or not until Kelly responds, Savage has the spotlight. Everyone is along for the ride. 

Why hasn’t Kelly Responded

There can be several hypotheses regarding Kelly’s lack of response, but one of the most credible ones is Kelly’s mind is preoccupied with weightier concerns. Kelly is due for trial on August 15. This trial bears tremendous significance. According to sources, a key witness is expected to testify. Who is the witness? The witness is the supposed victim who appeared on a video having a sexual encounter with Kelly. The female is said to have been 14 at the time. 

What are the Grounds for the Case

R. Kelly 2008 Trial: Image Source Chicago Sun-Times

Kelly is standing trial for conspiracy to obstruct justice which dates back to his 2008 trial. It is now being argued that Kelly’s former 2008 trial was rigged. There is an indication that he not only paid off the key witness but issued threats to ensure she would not testify at the time of the trial.  According to Madame Noire,

“At the time, the woman, identified in court filings as “Minor 1” denied she was the 14-year-old girl in the startling VHS video and never took the stand to testify. And Kelly was later acquitted.

However, this is only one of the particulars Kelly is on trial for. And unfortunately, even one or two convictions will spell decades tacked on to the thirty years he is already serving. And even more alarming, if convicted on all accounts, he stands to serve a mandatory minimum of 55 additional years, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, genuinely making Kelly’s imprisonment life-long. 

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Written by: Renae Richardson

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Tasha K. Forced to Pay Cardi B $4 million

FM Hip Hop has been providing ongoing coverage of the Tasha K. vs. Cardi B legal battle. Now the final ruling is in, and Tasha K. must pay up.

Looking Back: What Started it All

Tasha K. and Cardi B’s legal tussle stems back to inflammatory statements the internet personality made about Cardi. Despite Cardi’s pleas for the Vlogger to retract the statements, Tasha doubled down. The lack of response forced Cardi to take things to the next level. So, she took Tasha K. to court for defamation of character. And things didn’t turn out well for the Vlogger. 

Tasha K.’s Original Ruling

According to BET, the Youtube personality was ordered to pay Cardi a sizable amount. The source notes, 

“The rapper won the case in January with more than $2.5 million in damages and another $1.3 million in legal fees.

Tasha wasn’t happy with the ruling and was looking for redress. So, she made a power move to appeal the initial verdict. Tasha filed in June of this year. It turns out two times was not a charm.

Tasha K.’s Final Ruling

Tasha lost her appeal. Due to the ruling, Cardi now has the upper hand. 

According to Rolling Out, 

“the ruling permits Cardi B the freedom to sic her lawyers and the sheriff’s office on Tasha to garnish her wages and personal property to satisfy the jury’s judgment.”

Will Cardi do it? That’s yet to be seen. But, if she does, who can blame her?

Suffering the Aftermath

Post-judgment, Tasha has received a series of scolding responses. Unfortunately, legal retribution can come with a social stigma. She is feeling the brunt of things right now. Iggy Azalea even took to social media issuing a strong warning.

https://twitter.com/IGGYAZALEA/status/1547402742385221632?s=20&t=EXGnKPU4ofbnTGDutFeblA

 

Sad Ending to a Preventable Situation

This is a sad situation. There comes a time when someone must ask themselves how much is an opinion worth? Whether Tasha has learned a lesson is yet to be seen. Life certainly took her to school.

A lesson to the Masses

Even if she hasn’t, there is a lesson for everyone. Bullying never pays. And in this case, nothing rings more authentic than the adage, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. Your mouth may write a check you can’t afford to cash.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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Family Lawyers Up Against Sesame Place Claims Discrimination

 After an incident at Sesame Place, which appears to be a blatant act of discriminatory behavior, a family is now seeking legal recourse. 

 

Incident at Sesame

 

An incident at Sesame Place is now gaining traction. In fact, the reaction to the video has proved so strong the virality has brought forth other evidence indicating patterns of behavior which now trains a spotlight on Sesame Place. 

 

What Happened?

 

A video recently went viral of two little Black girls allegedly being denied interaction with Sesame’s Place Rosita. As many fans of Sesame Street know, Rosita is one of the most beloved character representations of inclusion on the program. It isn’t odd to see the excitement many young viewers have when seeing the likeness. The video shows the two girls waiting to interact with Rosita. However, after the character is seen giving high fives to others, the two girls appear to be deliberately rebuffed. Not only were the girls ignored the claimants contend that they were also outright told no. A case of heartbreak is not the only thing on full display.

 

Did The Sesame Place Character Discriminate?

 

While one count cannot prove a discriminatory act, this is not the first time this has happened. According to TMZ, more videos have been shared since the event. Mounting proof leans closer towards patterned behavior. And additionally, the family’s legal representation reports the character’s actions before and after the exchange all lean toward discrimination. And that is a problem. 

 

The Next Recourse

 

B’Ivory LaMarr is now a legal representative for the family and is investigating the claims. According to TMZ, LaMarr had this to say

 

“All options are on the table for them, including a lawsuit.”

 

However, after the video went viral, representatives for Sesame Place reached out to the family in response. According to the letter posted, the video does not tell the entire story. The letter read that the character’s gesture of no was a reaction in response to several requests from someone in the crowd for the character to hold a child to pose for pictures. And under the regulations of the park, this is unallowable. In the letter, it is also said the character who performs as Rosita is remorseful for how the family took things. 

Sesame Letter

 Image Source: TMZ

 However, the video does give another impression altogether. The family was not the only one incensed by the video. Reportedly Kelly Rowland was also taken aback by the response. According to Yahoo, Rowland had this to say,

“OH HELL NAWWW!! TF! This just made me so mad!”

Later she shared the video.

Not Good Enough

 

However, after the response from Sesame, an activist Tamika Mallory had something to add. She claimed the response from the organization was no more than gaslighting. But, of course, until the investigation is complete, no one can be entirely sure. However, since then, another video has surfaced of another character entirely bulldozing another child. Astoundingly the mounting evidence against Sesame Place is proving at this point; sorry is not enough.

@frobabies

🤔Not sure who’s in these @sesameplace costumes but this is completely unacceptable! 🤔#frobabies #sesameplace

♬ original sound – Frobabies

In Summary

It is always sad to hear that in 2022 this remains an issue of contention. There is no definitive proof that the incident was indeed discriminatory. However, the fact this has occurred more than once, leading to the perception of discrimination, is saddening. This should not be a viral issue, but as we know, as a nation, there is still a long way to go. 

Check out FMHipHop for more FM News?

Written By: Renae Richardson

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Nick Cannon Reminisces About Past With Mariah

Nick Cannon stays in the limelight. The serial performer makes so many headlines one could call him Mr. Entertainment. Although he is well known for hosting MTV’s Wild’n Out, that is a moniker that follows him. 

Lights, Camera, Cannon

Cannon is often in the news for his ever-expanding line of heirs. Last month Canon announced the pending birth of another baby, or two, with former baby mother, Abby De La Rosa. Astoundingly this announcement came after his information earlier this year about expecting a baby with Bre Tiesi.

This time Nick’s in the news for his openness in a convo on Hot Tee. Nick Cannon made headlines for talking about some old torches but especially one in particular, Mariah Carey. 

The Interview

 

In Nick’s interview, he spent 45 minutes spilling some tea about everything about his multiple heirs to his first love. Nick gushed lovingly about his former relationship with Mariah Carey, proving sometimes former relationships are not merely water under the bridge. Unsurprisingly there remains a lot of love in his heart for Carey. However, given his and Mariah’s eleven-year marital history, his sentiments are not too unexpected. Because as the adage goes, one never forgets their first love. 

What’s the Big Deal?

There isn’t a big deal. The interview instead gave some insight into Cannon’s longings. Cannon not only spoke about his history with Mariah but deemed her an incomparable love. In his words, 

“I will never have a love as I had with Mariah.” 

While the statement is understandable, one wonders what position that mentality currently puts the other women in his life. Of course, he didn’t speak on it, so only one can assume. But, given the short status of several of his relationships and the back and forth, one gets the picture they already understand.

Not a Simple Proclamation

Not only did Nick talk about how special Mariah was to him. Cannon deems their former relationship a fairytale of sorts. And according to the artist, if he could replicate the same experience again, he would. However, he would only chance a redo if it would be the same way it once was. As he went on to say

“But, if I had the opportunity, if it could be the way it was, I’m there.”

Inarguably this is interesting.

No Do-Overs

However, as everyone knows, several things are standing in the way of that happening. One in earnest is time and change. The other is, as Nick acknowledges, Mariah already has a man. And although Nick gives the guy his props, he attaches a disclaimer. 

“The dude is amazing with my kids and we got family gatherings and things together, so I truly respect it. But come on, that’s my fantasy love.”

Cannon the Great Entertainer

Nick Cannon’s life has proved entertaining for many reasons, and not all are good. While his love story is lovely, it’s not anything the world didn’t know already. Assuredly it’s not news the world needed to learn again. Nevertheless, that is the life of the famous; everything is relevant even when it’s not. And as everyone knows, Cannon will be in the news again if for nothing more than to announce the birth of the children he is expecting, especially given a statement made last month, 

“I ain’t looking to populate the Earth completely, but I’m definitely looking forward to taking care and loving all the children that I currently have.”

Truly just another chronicle in the life of the rich and famous.

Written By: Renae Richardson