In a surprising development, it was revealed that the alleged 10-year-old son of Lil Durk was responsible for shooting his stepfather. Several news sources, including The Source, reported that the stepfather even shared video evidence of the young boy’s shooting. In addition, he shared a screenshot of the police’s report on the incident on Instagram.
Lil Durk’s 10 year old son allegedly grabbed g*n off stepdad’s hip & used it to sh**t him during a domestic violence dispute with his mother 😳👀 pic.twitter.com/Ah5fpaUYot
According to the specifics of the situation, the stepfather and the young boy’s mother were involved in a domestic altercation. The stepfather claims to have had a holstered gun on his hip, which the boy allegedly took hold of. According to Joshua Pippens, the boy pointed the gun at him and fired it.
Childhood Trauma and Shocking Implications
Tragically, this young boy is now facing legal consequences for shooting someone. The events leading up to this are equally heartbreaking. Experiencing domestic violence at a young age can have long-term implications for a child’s mental health. Trauma can lead a child to act out and react impulsively. Many children cannot manage their anger and emotions because their brains are still developing. According to the National Library of Medicine.
“Children who witness domestic violence often experience a decrease in academic performance and social skills. They may also exhibit internalization issues, depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and externalization problems like aggression. Additionally, some children exposed to domestic violence may show lower IQ levels.”
A Concerning Line Of Questions
During an argument with the boy’s mother, the stepfather was carrying a holstered gun. One must wonder why he felt the need to carry a weapon while discussing issues with his significant other. Furthermore, it raises questions about why Pippens did not stop the boy from getting hold of the gun. Was he too caught up in the altercation? Did he respond too slowly? This account undoubtedly raises valid concerns.
The Implications Of Being The Son Of Lil Durk
What was the true reason for the child’s stepfather publicizing the event? Did he want to incriminate the young boy or embarrass his mother, possibly Lil’ Durk? Was this a way for him to preemptively address any potential issues before they surfaced? Or was he sensationalizing the incident for personal gain?
Incident Involving Son Of Lil Durk An Urgent Call to Action
Whatever the reason, it is not justifiable. The family and the legal system should handle this situation. The fact that the perpetrator is the son of a well-known entertainer does not justify using his life as a spectacle to gain attention. It is also important to consider the boy’s mental health.
Cultural Progress: Addressing The Issues
This brings up a slew of issues that require immediate attention. Some examples include domestic abuse, gun violence, anger management, and social media manipulation. This pervasive culture of violence has far-reaching consequences, and we must take active steps to combat it. It’s not only the right thing to do, but critical for meaningful change to happen at this point.
Hopefully, the young boy will receive the necessary support and assistance, as will all individuals involved in the situation.
Co-Founder and Chief Technology/Digital Officer of Iterate.ai, Brian Sathianathan. Image source: Fast Company Executive Board.
As of Mar 22, 2023, there have been more than 100 mass shootings in which at least four individuals were shot. This alarming figure has increased following two recent incidents on Mar 21 in South Carolina and New Jersey.
Unfortunately, the number of such incidents may increase as the year progresses. These tragic events have brought to light the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the urgent need for effective measures to prevent such incidents.
Breaking Down Iterate.ai: The Fascinating Backstory Behind A Game-Changing Company
Iterate.ai, a tech and AI company based in San Jose, CA, has developed the innovative “Threat Awareness Technology” that utilizes cutting-edge AI image recognition to detect weapons. This technology can be easily installed with new and existing cameras, allowing for immediate identification and reaction times to any type of weapon, including concealed firearms, knives, and other weapons hidden through bags, clothing, and walls.
Iterate’s technology operates in more than 4,500 locations across the United States and globally. The company has now committed to making this invention more accessible to schools and other places that need it the most. To promote public safety, Iterate.ai has pledged to offer its “Threat Awareness Technology” to any school that requires it at a low or no cost.
In addition, this innovative technology will play a crucial role in enhancing security and reducing the number of violent incidents. By providing real-time alerts and enabling immediate action, the iteration will provide a vital tool in preventing and mitigating the impact of mass shootings and other violent incidents.
Meet The Co-Founder Behind The Innovative Mass Shootings Prevention Technology Company
Recently, FMHipHop interviewed Co-Founder and Chief Technology/Digital Officer of Iterate.ai, Brian Sathianathan, regarding their new technology system, specifically designed to prevent mass shootings in indoor and outdoor public settings as at institutions.
Co-Founder and Chief Technology/Digital Officer of Iterate.ai, Brian Sathianathan.
The mention of multiple mass shootings occurring since the start of the year has raised questions about how this technology can help minimize the risk of such incidents occurring in indoor and outdoor public spaces.
“Iterate.ai has developed a threat awareness system that leverages AI-based image recognition to identify guns, knives, and robbery masks. Initially, this was developed for our client, a global convenience chain that wanted to improve safety for its customers and employees,” Brian said. “We have piloted this application on-site at convenience stores and schools. By introducing AI image recognition to existing systems, 100s of video streams can be monitored second-by-millisecond with new edge computers that are omni-vigilant. Reaction times are instantaneous (<30ms), with real-time alerts and high accuracy.”
The technology provides an enhanced level of weapon detection within the field of view of a security camera. It can accurately identify weapons, including concealed weapons, and instantly alert authorized personnel when detected. Furthermore, this automation can provide round-the-clock surveillance, an effective support tool for security guards. In an active shooter situation, the technology can provide valuable time for individuals to implement lockdown measures, potentially saving lives.
Breaking Down The Changes: Analyzing How The Latest Iteration Differs From Its Predecessor
Brian asserts that “There have been 100 mass shootings in 2023. This is indicative of a much larger problem. Iterate wants to be a part of the solution; we want to make it safer for kids to go to school, for people to buy groceries and for people to safely enjoy going to church, concerts and restaurants without worrying about their safety.”
After reading the previous article about the “Threat Awareness Technology,” you may be curious if this technology differs from the one designed for schools and businesses. Believe it or not, it is essentially the same system. The primary difference is that most companies already have security cameras. However, many schools do not, which can lead to additional expenses related to camera installation. This is precisely why Iterate.ai strives to make this iteration affordable for schools. “We know that schools operate with extremely limited budgets, and we want to do everything in our power to make it as cost-effective as possible,” Sathianathan said.
The Long Road To Innovation: Exploring the Time And Effort Invested In Creating This Solution
Iterate.ai spent more than a year creating the system, according to Brian, who asserts that it requires extensive training. The company’s team trained the system using more than 25,000 scenarios and images and incorporated an additional 40,000 variations of machine-generated images. Despite the swift and effortless implementation process, the creation of the system itself was a time-consuming process.
Iterate’s Interplay engineers were responsible for creating the “Threat Awareness Technology,” to be precise. A group of five individuals worked together to develop this solution entirely from scratch. “We have dozens of use cases that we deploy, the Threat Awareness technology system was a passion project since we noticed a need to reduce the impact of gun violence and wanted to be a part of the solution,” Brian stated.
The overall security of retail and public areas can be improved by clearly understanding the number of people in the space at any given time. Additionally, analyzing demographic data such as the gender and age of individuals entering the area can also help to strengthen security measures. Credit: iterate.ai
A Comprehensive Overview Of The Promotion And Advantages Of This Innovative Technology
Iterate.ai conducted a pilot of this iteration with schools and tested it commercially in convenience store locations. They extensively promoted the technology on numerous TV and news outlets. According to Brian, this innovation has the potential to reduce the impact of gun violence significantly. His team of engineers aims to increase awareness of the immediate deployment of AI and ML technology in schools, businesses, and other settings.
Brian acknowledges the potential benefits of having a technology system for residential use but clarifies that his team has not yet developed such a system. Nevertheless, he affirms that it is a possibility. Brian’s team can create solutions applicable at various levels, thanks to the versatility of AI and ML technology, as highlighted by Brian.
In addition, this technology “can work over WIFI or via wired camera connections. Our solution is quite flexible,” Sathianathan said. Iterate.ai aims to make this technology accessible on a broad scale. Since gun violence is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention in the United States, they are focusing on implementing the system domestically. However, they are open to deploying it internationally as well.
The Science Behind The System: Analyzing The Accuracy Of The ‘Threat Awareness Technology’
Although specific iterations may result in errors, Iterate.ai’s “Threat Awareness Technology” has an accuracy rate in the high nineties. This high degree of precision instills strong confidence in the technology among the team.
“I will say that the Threat Awareness technology is not a complete replacement to human security guards or other protective measures, but a sophisticated tool to aid personnel in keeping campuses and businesses safe,” the co-founder said. “When it misses identified alerts are sent to a human who could then make the judgment call to act accordingly, the alerts will also contain images of the threat identified, which will make human decision making easier.”
The current security setup involves placing multiple cameras in and around the building connected to a monitoring room. However, the entire system depends on only a couple of people who constantly monitor all the screens for hours. This can lead to errors and fatigue. Unfortunately, the current system is not suitable for large-scale implementation. It suffers from poor accuracy and slow reaction times, and the cost of 24/7 monitoring is high. Credit: iterate.ai
Nikiya Biggs conducted the interview. For more information on this mass shooting prevention system, click here.
Police at the scene of Monterey Park mass shooting. Image source: Raul Roa, Los Angeles Times.
Saturday, Jan. 21., the Lunar New Year festivities began in Los Angeles to commemorate the Chinese new year. The highly anticipated eve of the celebration abruptly then turned to tragedy.
Unfortunately, gunfire interrupted the night and claimed the lives of 10 people.
Just outside Star Dance Studio in Monterey Park, a gunman fired several rounds that claimed the lives of 10 people, with another 10 injured.
While many are mourning, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department may have identified a suspect.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna shared that witnesses gave an account of an Asian man and a white van as “a van of interest.
On Saturday evening, an attempt to identify the suspect occurred at 10:22 pm as surveillance captured the Asian male wearing a black printed hat, a black jacket, and glasses.
L.A. County Sheriff Luna also shared that before the suspect retreated to his van, he escaped to another location in a nearby suburb. Some individuals then overtook the shooter and “wrestled the firearm” from him.
Death by Suicide
Sunday, Jan. 22, authorities closed in on the white van allegedly connected to the horrific homicide. The SWAT team could see someone inside the vehicle just near Sepulveda Boulevard and Hawthorne. Incidentally, the person was deceased with 2 gunshot wounds coinciding with a possible suicide.
Police say this white van is connected to Saturday night’s mass shooting in Monterey Park. During a standoff Sunday in Torrance, the driver appears slumped over the wheel. Image source: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times reported that Robert Luna the Sheriff on the case was brief in sharing any motives. “We’re not only looking at that situation or scenario, but we’re making sure that we’re looking at any and every possibility,” he said.
Following the tragic shooting, the Monterey Park Lunar New Year has ceased the celebration which originally would have concluded on Sunday.
While details of the night continue to pour in, many condolences go out to all of those involved.
Born on 18 June 1994, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Takeoff embraced fame as a rapper along with his uncle, Quavo, and another family member, Offset. The trio performed under the hip-hop group, Migos, formed in 2008, with their popular single, Versace released in 2013.
“We Can’t Be Destroying Each Other.” “There’s something to live for, something to be here for.”
Having enjoyed stardom for a decade, Takeoff met his tragic end, causing heartache to many in the hip-hop space. And so, fellow rapper, Nas makes it a point of duty to remind people of the need to stop violence and focus on their purpose.
“We’re trying to tell these people out here, man, we’re here for a purpose. We can’t be destroying each other… Look at these little brothers and be like don’t shoot; don’t throw your life away. It ain’t worth it.” Nas said after praying for Takeoff to Rest in peace.
One needs to outgrow some tendencies which may be “cool when you’re growing up, but we gotta learn that we’re here for a purpose, and there is a design that’s out here to make sure we don’t grow, to make sure that we don’t make it,” he said. “And we gotta recognize that there is something in existence that’s trying to stop the youth from the hood from growing into its proper purpose.”
Nas Not Alone in the Anti-violence Advocacy
Joseph Guillermo Jones II, better known as Jim Jones has also been talking about the need to stop gun violence in hip-hop.
Jimmy Jones, 46, is not the type to keep quiet in the face of life-threatening violence within the industry. While Jones mourns Takeoff, he is positive that “stopping the violence” is a change that needs to happen in Hiphop
Jim Jones is rarely silent on issues he feels need to be spoken on. One issue that has become a continuous speaking piece for Jim Jones is the escalating violence in the hip-hop community. Capo has gone on record numerous times, raising the clarion call for needed reform. The recent wave of artists’ deaths to violence, particularly gun violence, has the rap personality reiterating what is already a given.
Jones Makes a Point
Jones recently participated in “Doin Lines,” a new XXL series. This series’s premise involves guests finishing 20 phrases as they are presented. When presented with the statement, “A change Hip-hop needs to make,” Jones responded. “[Is] stopping the violence.”
Like a Broken Record
This is not the first time Capo has spoken out. In 2020 Jones took a bold stance when he likened rappers to soldiers, contending that the two-faced and equal level of death due to unequivocal warfare. At the time, he received some flack for the comparison. An angered soldier disputed the point made by Capo. However, the artist stood by his comparison, citing the increasing danger rap artists face. Jones went as far as to point out his experience. Check out the exchange here.
The Hits Keep Coming
Slain Hip-Hop Artists. Image source: Defender.
Capo’s statement that being a rapper is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet may ruffle a few feathers.
However, there is massive evidence that supports his truth. Jim Jones’s concern comes from the hundreds of hip-hop artists’ deaths from gun violence. Defender includes an exhaustive list of these bright lights from ages 17-45 that have been snuffed out too early, highlighting earlier Jones’s statements.
Takeoff’s Death Another Sobering Reminder
Takeoff. Image source: NBC News.
The recent death ofTakeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball) re-solidified Jones’s point. At 28, the talented artist lost his life outside a bowling alley. According toPeople, Harris County Medical Examiner’s office says, “Takeoff’s death is attributed to penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into the arm.” Takeoff’s career as a hip-hop artist certainly didn’t cause his death. There is, however, a massive correlation between unchecked violence against hip-hop artists and the pervasive violence in music. Tragically, as Jones contends,
“As an aspiring artist, you have a 50 percent chance of making it as a rapper, and making it alive as a rapper is what it means.”
And that’s quite the gamble.
Trying to Scratch the Record
Jones is one of many doing what they can to bring light to the situation.
The ppl around these rappers gain so much. It’s time to start really reminding them over & over!!! At least TRY to put your foot down if you CARE! Tell them!!! You’re not loved like you think you are!!! You’re prey!!!! In a world full of predators!!!! What’s not clicking???!!! https://t.co/wpfxtnkBU6
It is truly a sad day when choosing a life as an artist draws a comparison to being a soldier on a battlefield. There is no rational basis for such. However, it is a reminder of what happens when rot, which in this case is a pervasive sub-culture of violence, goes unchecked.
Nevertheless, with great hope, Jones will not make this point in 2024 or even a month from now. But unfortunately, until there is real change, this will remain a depressing but reoccurring issue.
French Montana appeared on Sway’s Universe on Thursday, June 23 — a day before the release of his new album Montega. During the show, French spoke about the time he suffered a gunshot to the head in The Bronx in 2003. His former friend was the one who set him up, but he was also accountable for saving French’s life in the end.
“Your greatest threat always comes from the inside. They put staples in my head, bitch, they been tried,” French said on the show, referencing a line from his new song Blue Chills.
During the interview, Sway wondered if the Morroco-born rapper still kept in touch with his former friend. “There was no communication. There can’t be,” French said.
French Montana’s Close Call
French was leaving a recording studio in The Bronx before the shooting occurred. Two gunmen approached him, causing a fight to arise.
French realized that one of his friends set him up. “I ain’t run. We had the thing on us, they had the thing on them. But they got to their thing first,” he said during an interview in 2008. The struggle continued, and one of the gunmen pulled the trigger, shooting French in the head. “The bullet went in and out,” he said.
The man who shot French was unintentionally shot and killed by his partner during the fight. French’s ex-friend then took him to Lincoln Hospital.
French was charged with murder after the shooting. Thankfully, he beat the case. He explained that there was no evidence for the case. “His man that was shooting shot him by mistake. One shot me and his man shot him trying to shoot me.”
The Rap Game Is Not Easy
French shared his story shortly after Bronx rapper Lil Tjay was shot several times and rushed to surgery after an attempted robbery in New Jersey on Wednesday, June 22.
French told TMZ that he learned about Lil Tjay’s condition and has not spoken to him since the incident earlier this week. “It’s a bad situation. It’s hard out here for rappers, man.”
He continued, “We got the hardest job. You don’t know where it comes from, man. We think that everybody love us but everybody don’t love us.” French and Lil Tjay have a history together. The two teamed up with Blueface to receive a gold medal for their hit song Slide in 2019.
French Montana’s fans and loved ones are glad that he survived such a scary situation, and the rap community hopes Lil Tjay can pull through.
Will you be listening to French Montana’s new album Montega? Follow and like FMHipHop on Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all Hip Hop news.
Don McLaughlin, the Mayor of Uvalde, Texas, attended a city council meeting on Tuesday and expressed his frustrations with the lack of transparency from Texas officials. Specifically the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), for constantly changing information about the school shooting that took the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
The mayor heavily criticized Texas Rangers, a DPS agency, and its leader, Col. Steven McCraw. Additionally, McLaughlin states how pieces of information given at press conferences from DPS were either false or constantly changing. The mayor accused McCraw of intentionally minimizing his agency’s mistakes in the weeks following the massacre at Robb Elementary.
Quotes obtained by CNN from McLaughlin stated “Col. McCraw has continued to, whether you want to call it lie, leak, mislead or misstate, information in order to distance his own troopers and Rangers from the response. Every briefing he leaves out the number of his own officers and Ragers that were on-scene that day.”
“Col. McCraw has an agenda and it is not to present a full report on what happened and give factual answers on what happened to this community,” said the mayor.
The Mayor on the Community
McLaughlin states that the constant misstatements and blame-shifting from Texas authorities were dividing the community and understandably frustrating grieving families.
“What matters to Uvalde is that these brokenhearted families and this grieving community get a full investigation and an accurate report of what happened that day,” he said.
There have been many people, including families of the tragedy, who want to know where it all went wrong. McLaughlin also stated that Robb Elementary would be demolished. This comes to little surprise after the events that took place close to a month ago.
“You could never ask a child to go back or teacher to go back to that school. Ever,” said the mayor.
Famed Atlanta rapper Trouble was gunned down during a stay at a “female friend’s” house. On June 5, this fatal event cemented the loss of the rapper’s life and all over senseless negligence of human decency.
It’s now clear that the nature of the incident was due to domestic violence. The suspect, Jamichael Jones, reportedly punched his ex-girlfriend in her face and proceeded to shoot Skoob once in his chest.
This friend has emerged with a note to her once silenced Instagram. Ultimately, her problem is the media’s lack of condolences that seem to come to her at this time. She barely gives insight into the incident, but she expressed how she’s “traumatized.” Fans are indifferent to her approach and even her need to address anyone’s opinion of her for that matter.
Details of the attack continue to formulate and take over the internet. Jones gave himself up to Clayton County authorities days after a warrant was issued for his arrest. 11Alive News captured these moments during his submissive arrest. “His mother was a huge resource in helping us apprehend him,” a Sherriff’s deputy said in a press release.
Trouble’s Lover Scorned
Trouble’s supposed girlfriend, Alexis Shalae, also plastered a message on social media following the tragic news of his passing. In her heartfelt delivery on IG, she shared how Trouble “was just at the wrong place wrong time.”
Death and rappers seem to be two words that remain a trending pair. While many fans mourn the death of these pronounced figures, family and friends are amongst those affected the most. Presumably the narratives of a cheating scandal brew amid newly surfaced information. It remains evident that acts of a jealous lover have claimed another life.
Chicago Native Lil Durk called for an end to gun violence after a violent weekend in Chicago. According to the Chicago Sun Times,
“Fifty-six people were shot, eight of them fatally, in citywide gun violence this [past] weekend,” the Sun Times wrote. Six of the wounded were 15 years old or younger.”
Lil Durk reacted by sharing a graphic on his Instagram story that reads, “A 6 & 7-year-old girl were shot in Chicago — more than 250 kids have been shot & 32 killed in Chicago this year alone.” The horrific story struck a chord with Lil Durk.
The youngest life lost this past weekend was that of seven-year-old Serenity Broughton.
Gunfire broke out while Serenity and her six-year-old sister Aubrey entering the backseat of a car. Serenity was later pronounced dead at the hospital. CBS Chicago reports that Aubrey, who was taken into intensive care, has now been released.
Serenity’s and Aubrey’s grandmother, Regina Broughton told the Chicago Tribune that the girls held onto each other when the gunfire rang out, “They were hugging. When they separated and pulled apart, there was blood on both of them.”
“Aubrey, the bullet ruptured her lung, and she had to be intubated,” Broughton continued. “Serenity’s injury was fatal. The bullet pierced her heart — she didn’t have a chance.”
Lil Durk had this to say at the bottom of the post, “I be willing to help the best way I can but some higher power act as if they don’t care.” Lil Durk finishes with, “This need to change and ASAP.”
Lil Durk is not the only rapper seeking to make Chicago a better place for children. Three prominent members of the game gave back at theYear of the Youth Giveback in Bronzeville.
