Amber

The ongoing protests across America have opened more eyes to the injustices going on across the country. Though the protests, marches, and demonstrations have been led by community leaders who continue to witness the impact of police brutality, there are some celebrities who've faced criticism for remaining quiet. Drake is among them. Typically seen as an apolitical figure, he's stated that he stands in solidarity with everyone protesting in America, some of which have been placed behind bars for standing up against injustice. Drake's spent the past few months flaunting his lavish mansion in Toronto, Canada but he also revealed that he's putting up six-figured towards bail relief fund. Mustafa The Poet challenged both Drake and The Weeknd to match his $400 donation to National Bail Out. Drizzy exceeded what he was asked to match with a $100K donation. Sharing a screenshot of the receipt to his story, he simply tagged Mustafa with a checkbox and rose emojis. National Bail Out is a collective that works towards helping bail out incarcerated Black mothers and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic to get them home for Mother's Day. Though Drake did show his solidarity by sharing a poem from Assata Shakur on IG, his recent donation comes after Don Lemon named him among several prominent celebrities who were quiet in the midst of the protests. View the full article

He may have lost his life in Minneapolis, but George Floyd will reportedly be laid to rest in Houston, Texas. The civil unrest in American cities has boiled over into other organizations using the protest of police brutality as a way to incite riots and violence. As many major cities crackdown on the gathering of protesters, to the extent of enacting early evening curfews, George Floyd's family prepares to lay the 46-year-old to rest. Spencer Platt / Staff / Getty Images As we all know, Floyd was killed after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes along with three other officers who either looked away or held Floyd down while he was handcuffed. While the city's medical examiner determined many contributing factors including substance abuse and health conditions caused Floyd's death, famed and respected forensic pathologist Michael Baden recently came forward with new findings. According to Dr. Baden, George Floyd died of asphyxiation. It's being reported by CBS News that Floyd will be buried in his hometown of Houston where he was raised in the Third Ward. "This is the same city that George Floyd grew up in, and his body will be returning to this city," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. A GoFundMe account created by Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd has already amassed $5 million. "This fund is established to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist our family in the days to come as we continue to seek justice for George," Philonise stated. "A portion of these funds will also go to the Estate of George Floyd for the benefit and care of his children and their educational fund." [via] View the full article

In the past few days, we've witnessed a revolt. An uprising, if you will, following the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. Many celebrities have spoken up against the injustices that have been going on across the country while others have faced a barrage of criticism for not using their platform to speak out. David Livingston/Getty Images A$AP Rocky has faced backlash for comments surrounding Black Lives Matter and the 2015 Ferguson protests. It was brought up heavily when he was incarcerated in Sweden. He has since addressed the comments but recently, the rapper was spotted at the protests in Los Angeles, though he claimed he never shared it because it wasn't for clout. "WE PROTESTED N DEEZ STREETS, NO PRESS ,NO CAMERAS ,NO INSTAGRAM .NOT 4 NO BRAGGIN RIGHTS OR PHOTO OPPS, SHIT WAS JUST GENUINE. 4 ONCE ITS LIKE DA WHOLE [world] SHARED THE SAME PAIN, I DONT POST MY EVERY MOVE, NOT MY THING BUT WE FAR FROM SILENT N ITS STILL FUK12," he declared. Despite claiming there were no cameras, nor was he there for Instagram, it seems like that wasn't entirely true. Photos emerged of the rapper on the grounds looking fashionably rebellious. There's also an AWGE trailer including a clip of Rocky posing in front of graffiti reading "Fuck 12." Check out Rocky's tweet and the pictures below. View the full article

It looks like Abra Cadabra is not letting his foot of the pedal this year. Though the rapper had made rounds a few years back with singles like "Robbery (Remix)" that included appearances from Krept & Konan, the rapper went a bit quiet for a little bit. Then he made a triumphant return at the top of the year with a few freestyles and LOL: Love Or Lust? Following an already productive year, he's back to turn up the summer with a brand new single titled, "Baby." Revving up the roads, his gruff delivery pumps up this banger over drill and grime-inspired production. Overall, this is supposed to be the anthem of the summer -- "I don't wanna cuff, you don't wanna cuff/ Miss me with that." Quotable Lyrics After I go opp block and I beat it off More time I basin' off at hers (Skkr, skkr, bop, bop) That's another opp boy in critical Anytime I hear that one of them dropped Man, it's yute and 2-step, minimal View the full article

As protestors across the country took to the streets to demonstrate this weekend, police responses to the protestors have grown increasingly forceful. On Sunday night, Louisville police officers shot and killed a man during a protest against police brutality in the city. Sparked by the death of George Floyd by police, protestors in Louisville had gathered in the parking lot of a supermarket Sunday night. In a press conference, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Chief Steve Conrad explained that his officers and the National Guard were called to the scene at the supermarket after midnight and when they arrived, they were met with a spray of bullets. LMPD and the National Guard fired back into the crowd, and one man was pronounced dead at the scene. A local media outlet has confirmed that the victim was a 53-year old man who owned a local BBQ spot, David McAtee. According to friends and family from various reports, McAtee was a good person, who was known to give police officers free meals. His mother called him a "community pillar." Police officers in Louisville - Brett Carlsen/Getty Images Conrad added that the LMPD is currently interviewing people of interest in the case, and will keep the public updated on the investigation. Conrad acknowledged, “I think it's very, very clear that many people do not trust the police. That is an issue that we're going to have to work on and work through for a long time.” The civil unrest from residents in Louisville comes in solidarity of both George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old Louisville woman brutally shot and killed in her home by LMPD in March. [via] View the full article

The 25-year-old granddaughter of Joe Jackson, Yasmine Jackson shared this weekend that she had been stabbed seven times during a racially motivated attack in Las Vegas. Yasmine, who is the daughter of Joh’Vonie Jackson, Joe’s child with ex Cheryl Terrell, took to Instagram to share details of the brutal attack including images of her battered body. The attack, which Yasmine claims happened right near her house in Vegas, involved a woman chasing her down and stabbing her. Yasmine wrote, “She said it’s because I was a n***** and that’s all I could hear while I was being stabbed. I can’t move my neck at all. I’m scared to be alone.” She also shared that at first, no one rushed to help her although there were people there witnessing the violent attack. She added that finally, “Until someone did, actually a few people did & I am thankful for you. I pray to God that if you have any kind of hatred in your heart towards black people that you heal it. I didn’t deserve this, nobody does.” Yasmine added that she is still proud to be black, despite the attack. She tagged prominent civil rights activist Shaun King in the caption, asking for assistance in getting the attack acknowledged as a hate crime. King responded to her call for help in her comment section. Yasmine, who works as a nurse, later shared that the charge has been upgraded to attempted murder. Yasmine’s mother Joh’Vonie also shared the images to her page, writing, “Look what this Woman did to my daughter @yasminejackson_ she tried to kill my daughter for being Black. My daughter has a good heart and has dedicated her time as a nurse to help others.” We hope the attacker is brought to justice soon. [via] View the full article

Celebrities all across the country have been using their platforms and power to react to the recent protests in response to the murder of George Floyd. This weekend, Lizzo took to Instagram to share a powerful video message speaking out against police brutality and civilian complacency. In the video, Lizzo first addresses the Black community, whom she reminds to not carry the weight of educating ignorant people. "It is exhausting and if they don’t see it or believe it by now, they don’t want to. There are Googles and there are books, they can do that for themselves," she said. She also addressed and identified white people who have chosen neutrality as part of the process, adding “I know you’re not racist, but you have to be more than that. You have to be anti-racist. Speak up.” She then praised influential figures who have spoken out and assisted in organization efforts for protests. She concluded the video by adding, “Now’s the time. The world is standing still and waiting for action. Let’s make progress.” Lizzo wrote in the caption of the short video, “Protest is not the end of progress, it is the beginning. I wonder what would happen if all the big companies and celebrities who have showed support on social media came out and used their platform to let activists and protesters speak and be seen?” In addition to the video, the “Truth Hurts” singer also shared this tweet to her Instagram page, acknowledging the different ways to show resistance. View the full article

Bob Kroll, the president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, is under fire after a controversial letter the union chief wrote to federation members on Monday was leaked. Former Minneapolis Police Department chief Janee Harteau obtained a letter Kroll sent to union members and took the letter public on Twitter, calling Kroll a disgrace and urging for him to turn in his badge. In the letter, Kroll addressed fellow union members and praised police in their handling of the protests, writing they’d done “excellent work” in "keeping your coworkers and others safe." Kroll continues to then write that the police are currently up against a “terrorist movement” and shared how he wished the police department had granted officers permission to use “gas munitions and less lethal mutations” to stifle protestors. Donald Trump shakes hands with Minneapolis Police Union head Bob Kroll at a rally, October 2019 - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Most alarming of all, Kroll attempts to justify George Floyd’s murder. He writes, “What is not being told is the violent criminal history of George Floyd. The media will not air this. I've worked with the four defense attorneys that are representing each of our four terminated individuals under criminal investigation, in addition with our labor attorneys who will fight for their jobs. They were terminated without due process." Read the full letter below. Kroll and the police union have remained relatively silent about the George Floyd murder, except a small statement regarding the treatment of police officers: "Now is not the time to rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers. We ask that the community remain calm and the investigation be completed in full." [via] View the full article

Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball are all mostly known for their skills out on the basketball court but this weekend, they engaged in something much more important than sports. If you've been following the news, then you probably know about the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. His killing has sparked protests all across the nation and the Ball brothers used their platform to take part in these demonstrations. Throughout the weekend, all three brothers posted videos to their social media which shows them in a group together, protesting against police brutality. Based on the clips, it appears as though the brothers were in California but more specifically, their home neighborhood of Chino Hills. Following the protests, Lonzo took to Instagram where he showed off some of the signs he had made with his brothers, and even had a strong message about racism and how he comes from a multi-racial home. "Tired of being tired of being tired Fuck Racism and everybody who stand for that shit. My momma white and my daddy black so don’t say it can’t be done," Lonzo wrote on Instagram. It's cool to see younger athletes using their platforms for good, especially when it's three young brothers who are coming together to advocate for real change. View the full article

Big Meech is still fighting for a compassionate release from prison, cutting his sentence in half after serving part of his 30-year sentence as the co-owner of BMF (Black Mafia Family). He is reportedly attempting to convince the authorities that he will change his ways when he makes it out, even going so far as to propose a name change for BMF. According to an exclusive unconfirmed report by All Hip Hop, Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory is looking to change the meaning of the BMF acronym to better describe his current mission in life. The government opposed his early release despite his COVID-19 concerns, which has led him to push harder on the positive change he will make once he finds freedom. The infamous "BMF" acronym, which currently stands for Black Mafia Family, will likely be changed to "Build More Families" in an attempt for Big Meech to better reflect his new ideals. His mother has reportedly co-signed the move. Meech's brother, Terry "Southwest T" Flenory has already been released from prison. If Big Meech earns his own release, he will need to self-quarantine for fourteen days before making his way back out. What do you think of the proposed new acronym? [via] View the full article

Lady Gaga's return to dance-pop is more subdued than it appears, especially against the backdrops of a global pandemic and roiling protests against police violence View the full article

A man was attacked at a protest in Salt Lake City, Utah, after threatening to shoot protesters with a compound bow. Video of the incident shows the man shouting "All lives matter." Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images KSLTV says SLC police officers pulled the man from the mob, but his car was flipped over and set on fire. "First, I got beat up when I yelled 'All Lives Matter.' Then I pulled out weapons and I got beat up some more," said the man, who identified himself as Brandon McCormick. "The cops grabbed me and my car got totaled ... I lost everything, coming down here to try to protect [officers] with what weapons I had ... I back up the law enforcement. I know some cops are bad. I know some people are racists are bad." The man says $1,000 and his cellphone were left in his car while it was burned. He said claimed two "black African Americans... beat him through his window because [he] yelled, 'All lives matter.'" The protests were sparked after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Police officer Derek Chauvin planted his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes. In video of the incident, Floyd can be heard saying "I can't breathe." Chauvin has been arrested on charges of murder in the third degree and manslaughter. [Via] View the full article

Eminem showed love to Killer Mike on Twitter, Saturday, tweeting out his speech at the Atlanta mayor’s press conference on Friday night, praising Killer Mike's work. Leon Bennett / Getty Images "I’m with @killermike on this one. Incredibly well done," Eminem wrote. In the video, Killer Mike joins T.I., Dr. Bernice King and Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to encourage rioters to stop destroying their home-city. “I got a lot of love and respect for police officers down to the original eight police officers in Atlanta that even after becoming police, had to dress in a YMCA because white officers didn’t want to get dressed with n*ggers,” he said. “Here we are 80 years later, I watched a white officer assassinate a black man and I know that tore your heart out. I have nothing positive to say in this moment, because I don’t want to be here. “I am duty-bound to be here to simply say it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house, so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization. And now is the time to plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize.” Check out the full speech here. [Via] View the full article

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown drove down to Atlanta, Saturday, to join in protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images "Being a celebrity, being an NBA player doesn't exclude me from no conversation at all. First and foremost I'm a black man and I grew up on this soil," he says in a video posted from Atlanta. "We're raising awareness for some of the injustices that we've been seeing. It's not ok.” "Being a bystander is no longer acceptable," Brown said. "If you and your friends are around or are witnesses to cultural biases, micro-aggressions, subtle acts of racism, actual racism etc. and you don't speak up on it or do something about it, you are part of the problem. We're past the point where if it's not in your governance space so you have nothing to do with it. If you don't speak up on these issues, you just as bad." George Floyd died on May 25, after police officer Derek Chauvin planted his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes. In video of the incident, Floyd can be heard saying "I can't breathe." Chauvin has been arrested on charges of murder in the third degree and manslaughter. [Via] View the full article

New England Patriots Captain Devin McCourty and his wife, Michelle are in mourning after their daughter Mia was stillborn last week. Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images "I cry as I type this. Dev and I suffered the most painful experience of our lives," Michelle wrote on Instagram. "My pregnancy had resulted in a still birth at almost 8 months of being pregnant -- at exactly 31 weeks 2 days when we found out that the baby girl growing inside me no longer had a heart beat after being completely fine the week before at my last doctor's [appointment]. "We are so heartbroken. We are devastated. We are speechless. We are angry. We are sad. We are confused. We are numb." Devin McCourty shared the post on Twitter. ESPN says McCourty had discussed his excitement for Mia's birth in recent interviews. "While trying to cope with our family's loss, we appreciate the love and support we've already gotten, and just ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, since we have no answers to give anyway," Michelle wrote in her post. Both Devin and his brother Jason are finalists for ESPN's Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award. The honor goes to those "whose demonstrated leadership has created a positive impact on their community through sports." [Via] View the full article