trump on trial, nationwide student protests for gaza, 10 years of unsafe water in flint, and another viral club shay shay interview
a few reads & vibes for your weekend
Aye. Happy Friday. This week, there are no deep thoughts, just a lot of news to catch up on.
Before we get into things, I’d like to remind you about Creative Canvas, the podcast I host with my friend
. This week’s episode is called “Two B’s: Beef & Boundaries” and in it, we discuss rap beef, friend boundaries, and more. Check it out and let me know what you think.Apple | Spotify | Podcast Website
Politico: David Pecker gave prosecutors just what they were looking for in Trump hush money testimony
NPR Short Wave: 10 years after Flint, the fight to replace lead pipes across the U.S. continues
AlJazeera: With eyes on US college campuses, students stress: ‘Gaza is why we’re here’
KTLA: USC cancels main graduation ceremony over protests, valedictorian controversy
Capital B ATL: Planned Biden Morehouse Visit Angers Black Student Gaza Supporters
HuffPo: Federal Trade Commission Approves Ban Of Noncompete Agreements
BBC: Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns as transitional council is sworn in
Washington Examiner: Secret Service agent assigned to Kamala Harris detail involved in fight with other agents
AP News: TikTok has promised to sue over the potential US ban. What’s the legal outlook?
The Oaklandside: Alameda County prosecutors allegedly excluded Black people and Jews from death penalty juries
Julez Smith, son of Solange and nephew of Beyoncé, is ready to step into his own spotlight. He was profiled in Vogue after making a splash as a model at Fall/Winter Fashion Week. [Read]
Editors note: this is the same Julez who was featured in Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier” video [as pictured below] Do you feel old yet?
This past week marked the 10th anniversary of Fetty Wap’s viral hit ‘Trap Queen’. Billboard explored Fetty’s dramatic rise and fall, from going diamond to facing 6 years in prison. [Read More]
I shared earlier that Flint, Michigan has now been without clean water since April 24, 2014. It’s been 10 years. There’s one activist that has been fighting for change ever since. Mari Copeny, aka Little Miss Flint, was profiled by Teen Vogue for her ongoing activism. [Read More]
Megan Thee Stallion is being sued by a former cameraman after claims of a hostile work environment and unpaid wages. The interview associated with the filing, however, mentioned a few other salacious accusations that I’ll let you read for yourself. [More]
Coco Gauff is featured on the cover of Time Magazine. In the profile, she discusses her rise to fame, and shares her thoughts on the ongoing protests for Gaza. [Read]
Amanda Seales’ conversation with Shannon Sharpe was released this week via Club Shay Shay. If you have 3hrs - it’s an interesting conversation for sure:
As a note, Chris Brown is the featured guest for the 100th episode of R&B Money podcast with Tank and J. Valentine. The video drops tomorrow. Visit their YouTube Channel here.
A few quick film/TV round-ups for you:
“It Was All A Dream” a documentary and personal archive from dream hampton will premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Fest. It’s about the golden era of hip-hop from her eyes. [Learn more]
Yvonne Orji is developing Yaa Gyasi’s Novel ‘Transcendent Kingdom’ for Sony Pictures Television [Learn more]
H.E.R. is teaming up with Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders for a HBCU Majorettes-Inspired Dance Movie at 20th Century. H.E.R. will produce AND star in the film about a classically trained ballerina who defies her parents’ wishes and enrolls at an HBCU to join the majorette team. [Read More]
Jennifer Hudson and Quvenzhané Wallis star as mother and daughter in the apocalyptic thriller “Breathe” which is in theaters and on demand today. Watch the trailer below:
If you’re going to the theater, make it a double feature and catch Zendaya in The Challengers, it also opens today.
If you’re an R&B fan, you’re really in luck this week. Here’s some new music for you to dive into:
New albums:
Tank: R&B Money: The Vault - Apple Music | Spotify
PARTYNEXTDOOR: PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 - Apple Music | Spotify
Sinead Hartnett: Boundaries - Apple Music | Spotify
Ye Ali: Private Suite 5 - Apple Music | Spotify
On The Update Weekly Playlist, find new singles from Normani and Gunna, JT, Foggie Raw with Ari Lennox, Sasha Keable, and more. Grab it: Apple Music | Spotify
That’s all for this week, friend. Thanks for reading. If you enjoy this newsletter, consider sharing it with your community!