Illastr8 Radio Show

The ladies took a turn this week and discussed their feelings on the groundbreaking verdict that at one point set the world ablaze! It has taken almost a year and the collapse of a nation, but on Tuesday, April 20 around 5:05 pm EST, a jury has convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges related to the murder of George Floyd. Now the man that took the life of Floyd, the rapper known as “Big Floyd,” will possibly serve up to 75 years in prison. He received a guilty verdict on the following charges: second-degree, third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter. He is the first police officer to be convicted of killing a Black person in the state of Minnesota. The jury deliberated for about 11 hours before coming to this decision. For the "HOT TAKE" this week, singer/songwriter 'Chic Loren' stopped by. Check her everywhere @chiclorgen. Drop a comment on your thoughts!

We had to "give it up" to some folks that most certainly needed it this week. First off, DMX - R.I.P! The passing of DMX this past weekend left the Hip-Hop world in tatters even though we had been preparing for the worse since news of his condition was first reported last week. With all kinds of tributes and homage being paid to the Hip-Hop legend on social media, rumors are circulating that his hometown of Yonkers, NY is thinking of immortalizing the gruff-voiced rapper with a statue in the city he called home for most of his life. The city of Yonkers is also willing to let DMX’s family use the Yonkers Raceway track to host a memorial service. Yonkers Raceway has a seating capacity of 7,500, but under the state’s COVID guidelines they’d be limited to 20 percent of that number. We'll see what happens. Whatever it is, it needs to be BIG! Flavor Flav says that people are still calling him Boosie Badazz following the gag that he pulled earlier this month. At the beginning of the month, Boosie posted a video, sharing that a fan had confused him with Flav. He appeared to be distressed. Flav then also made a video, claiming that somebody had confused him with Boosie as a joke. They do look alike with those red glasses, lol! The Centers for Disease Control and the Food & Drug Administration has recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (preferred by the Black community), citing concerning new studies which may link the vaccine to a rise in blood clots. Until recently, though, Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine had been the preferred vaccine delivered to African American communities, according to multiple reports. Health care providers viewed the J&J’s shot as a blessing, since it can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for months and takes just one dose — unlike Pfizer’s and Moderna’s. We'll see where this one goes? Nas, real name Nasir Jones, has stealthily become one of the most prolific investors in the world. And his early investment in Coinbase, the cryptocurrency exchange expected to reach over $100 billion in valuation when its COIN stock lists on Wednesday, will push him into billionaire status. Nas' investment firm has been an early stage investor in some of the biggest companies in the world, including Robinhood in 2013, Ring, Lyft and Dropbox. GET THAT BREAD! Usher trended on Twitter Monday after he allegedly threw fake dollar bills with his face on them at a strip club in Las Vegas. A woman called beel0ove on Instagram posted pics of the fake money to her private account Monday. A friend of hers then shared it, tagging the strip club, Sapphire Las Vegas. And the "Ush Busks" went viral. Find out more from the crew on this one, lol.  Rapper Styles P is calling for a Hip-Hop Union after seeing videos of former Bad Boy rapper Black Rob in poor health and homeless circle the net. This has been a long-overdue discussion that needs to happen now!  For the "HOT TAKE" this week, Attorney, Author and Actor - Tiffany Simmons, Esq. of the popular "Hood Court" on YouTube and IG stopped by. Check her everywhere @theplugslawyer. Drop a comment on your thoughts!

There were some priority situations that needed to be discussed this week! DMX was rushed to hospital on Friday after suffering an overdose. He has battled with drug addiction for most of his life. Since Friday, there have been false reports that the rapper has passed, but DMX is currently alive and on life support. Reports have additionally been given that DMX has also tested positive for COVID-19. Visitors of the rapper are being closely monitored with only a handful being approved to spend personal time with the rapper as he remains in a coma. BIG prayers up for X! Utah becomes the first state to make dad's pay prenatal child support. Utah passing a law that will require fathers to pay half of the bills when they get a woman pregnant? This directly dispels the myth of deadbeat fathers being Black. The women who are hurt most by the neglect of their children’s father, particularly during prenatal care, are those who have conceived with white men. Being trifling is not racial — it is a construct birthed out of being foul. Wow! Kanye West has been documenting his life ever since he entered the entertainment industry 20 years ago and luckily for his devoted legion of fans, all of the behind the scenes moments of the legendary rapper/producer/designer’s life will officially be available for all to see. @Billboard reports, Netflix recently agreed to pay $30 million for the rights to stream an official Kanye West documentary that is said to be 20 years in the making. As of now, there is no specific release date for the documentary, although reportedly it’s said to be dropping on Netflix sometime this year. an unnamed buyer scooped up the classic cartridge from Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas for the Super Mushroom price of $660,000 this past Friday. Get this. The original owner bought it as a Christmas gift almost 35 years ago back in 1986. Somehow, even during that era of insane Nintendo hype, he never gave it out. The $660,000 sale price obliterates any previous records for sales of Super Mario Bros. games. The biggest being a 1985 copy of the same game that went for $114,000 last July. For a video game, lol! As a way to help Black women prioritize their wellbeing, Orpha launches, "OWN Your Health." Oprah Winfrey’s latest venture "Own Your Health" is a campaign geared towards helping Black women gain agency and a greater sense of community when it comes to their health needs and the unique treatment disparities they face. Great thing to do! For the "HOT TAKE" topic this week the ladies discussed 'Things Men Got Away With In the Past…That Are Not OK In the Present?' Drop a comment on your thoughts! 

Above all else this week, the trending topics discussed didn't hold back! CBS says Sharon Osbourne will not receive $10 million to exit 'The Talk.' After sources claimed that Sharon Osbourne would be receiving up to $10 million to walk away from The Talk, CBS has released a statement shutting down the rumor. Sharon claimed that she had been "blindsided" by the network who asked her to weigh in on Piers Morgan's remarks about Meghan Markle. We'll see how this one turns out. Days after accusing Instagram owner Mark Zuckberg of being a racist, Boosie Badazz is back on the social media platform @HesBackAgain2021. Boosie has been booted off Instagram several times, most recently for sharing a video of him punching a man in the face. The clip was taken from his new music video. Boosie lost his original Instagram page for posting explicit content despite several warnings to stop. Boosie needs to get it together, lol. Nike has filed a lawsuit against MSCHF, the company that created Lil Nas X's "Satan Shoes." The shoes are unofficial designs of Nike's trademark Air Max 97 sneakers but Nike has claimed that they have nothing to do with the rapper's shoe line. Nike is asking the court to order MSCHF to "permanently stop" fulfilling orders for the "unauthorized" Lil Nas X Satan Shoes. They accuse the company of copyright infringement. The sneakers were released following the release of Lil Nas X's latest single "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)." In the video, he plays a fallen angel who rides a stripper pole to hell and gives the devil a lapdance. You can't play around like this bro!! According to the Fulton County Court Clerk, Jeezy and Mai signed off on paperwork on Monday (March 29th) – and now they have six months to tie the knot before the license expires. Jeezy became engaged to Jeannie Mai in April of 2020, after dating for a little more than two years. The Atlanta trap star decided to pop the question in 2019 during a house party in Los Angeles. This will be the second marriage for Jeannie, who divorced from her ex-husband Freddy Harteis before she met Jeezy on the set of “The Real,” where she served as a co-host. However, their wedding plans were postponed due to Jeannie Mai’s health crisis. All the best to the new hot couple on the block! Very few things in music history have made more sense than shimmery church sock-wearing Steve Harvey and his 27-button suits hosting the upcoming Easter Sunday Verzuz battle between Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Isley Brothers. Verzuz fans can also expect a 4/20 “How High” special featuring Redman & Method Man and a Battle of the ’90s Bops between legendary R&B groups SWV and Xscape. Another Verzuz BANGER!! The hubcap from the SUV that  Biggie was shot in hits auction block for $150,000. The seller received the memento from a family friend who owned the car rental company that owned the vehicle. Photos from the crime scene in 1997 show the GMC Suburban Biggie rode in with its hubcaps wearing the “THINK B.I.G. MARCH 25, 1997” stickers advertising the release of his final album, Life After Death.  Today, the 24-year old object is weathered with a partially peeled promotional sticker, as seen in updated photos on the auction site. Hey...it is a piece of Hip-Hop history after all, right?  For the "HOT TAKE" this week, Beyshan Tucker and Frances Hall from the DC based clothing store,"I'm SO DC" stopped by to give us the scoop on what's coming up on this very influential brand that is taking DC by storm! Check them out everywhere @imsodconline and www.imsodconline.com. Drop a comment on your thoughts!

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield step into the ring for a rematch on May 29th after Tyson claimed that terms had been agreed between the two veteran prizefighters. The rematch comes months after Tyson stepped into the ring with Roy Jones Jr. in November. Recently, it was claimed by Holyfield's camp that Tyson turned down $25 million for a rematch. Let's see how this one turns out?? Jamie Foxx is set to play Mike Tyson in a new biopic series titled, "Tyson." According to the Hollywood Reporter, the limited series, which was originally pitched as a film, will follow the life of Mike Tyson, and will be executive produced by the boxing legend himself, alongside AntoineFuqua and MartinScorsese. Jamie Foxx has played in his fair share of o biopics films, but Mike Tyson is also accomplished on the entertainment front. Back in 2009, he played himself in Hangover and brought his one-man show to Broadway. He has also dabbled in a few animated series, including Adult Swim’s Mike Tyson Mysteries. We are excited for this! On March 14, Nas won the first Grammy Award of his career at the 63rd annual ceremony when the Recording Academy named King’s Disease as Best Rap Album. Plus, his first studio LP is being labeled an “audio treasure” worthy of preservation by the United States Library of Congress. Illmatic will now live in the LOC alongside other Hip Hop classics like Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell, N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton, De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising, Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and Jay-Z’s The Blueprint. Only eleven Hip Hop acts have been chosen for the honor. Congrats, Nas! Former President Trump is now launching his own social media platform to rival Twitter. When Twitter and Facebook bounced Donald Trump off of their social media platforms for spreading false information about the election, many suspected that the former president would lose his mind not being able to express himself to the public via the mediums. Despite inciting a national insurrection on January 6, for the most part, 45 didn’t. He sat in the cut quietly and plotted a way to push his propaganda to MAGA Maniacs all across the world. Now we know why. Wild ‘N Out was put on hiatus. That decision was the result of the show’s host/producer Nick Cannon dealing with significant backlash for making anti-Semitic comments on his Cannon’s Class podcast. He later publicly apologized. Following Cannon’s mea culpa, ViacomCBS announced last month that the entertainment conglomerate is bringing Wild ‘N Out back to VH1. New episodes of the program will be made in the future, but the pre-recorded second half of season 15 will start airing on April 6 at 8 pm ET/PT. The line-up of guest stars for the new installments of Wild ‘N Out includes Rapsody, Juvenile, Cuban Doll, Headkrack, Da Brat, MC Lyte, 24kGoldn, Big Tigger, Young Joc, Peter Gunz, Corey Gunz, Trinidad James, Queen Najia, FatBoy SSE, Donnell Rawlings, and more. Definitely excited about this one!  For the "HOT TAKE" this week, Ramona Harris of "Truth Marketing and Consulting." Check her out everywhere @truthmarketingandconsulting and www.truthmarketingandconsulting.com. Drop a comment on your thoughts!

There were some trending things that needed to be discussed this week that may have had you feeling mixed emotions. Kerrion Franklin, the son of Kirk Franklin, has threatened to release another tape if he is again called a liar by his father. He also accuses his father of battery. Last week, Kerrion released audio of a conversation with his father, where Franklin threatened to assault him. Crazy! Drizzy Drake once again etched his name in the music history books. This week, the Canadian recording artist became the first act to debut three songs at the #1, #2, and #3 positions on the Hot 100 chart. Drake joins a list with The Beatles and Ariana Grande as the only acts to sit at #1, #2, and #3 at the same time. Plus, Drizzy extended his record of most total weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 for solo males (51). He only trails Mariah Carey (84), Rihanna (60), and The Beatles (59). Drake continues to make things happen. There's a mix up on this guy! On Monday, Rap Snacks announced that it was expanding and will now feature a beverage line that Lil Baby will be rolling out. Coming in five different flavors–fruit punch, strawberry watermelon, mango pineapple, blueberry, and sweet tea, will quench your thirst this season. As you know, a few celebs already have their own brand of chips with Rap Snacks. Romeo, Lil Yachty, Boosie, Migos, Cardi B, and most recently Trina, have partnered with the brand as well. Rick Ross, Boosie, and Master P also have noodles named after them with the brand. The decision, which was approved by Pope Francis, came in the form of a two-page explanation published in seven languages answering a question about whether Catholic clergy have the authority to bless gay unions. The main takeaway was that such unions are not part of God’s plan and that God “cannot bless sin.” To be clear, the explanation made sure to note that the church welcomes and blesses gay people, just not their unions. The Vatican holds that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect, but the note said that gay sex is “intrinsically disordered.” In addition to being part of God’s plan, Catholic teaching says that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and woman and is intended for the sake of creating new life. This is a subject matter that is sensitive. However, we had to discuss it. Drop a comment on your thoughts!  

We discussed some trending topics this week that 'changed the approach' on what we may have thought. Pop star Lizzo has been looking for a boyfriend - for years. News has learned that the pretty thick singer has finally found one. News has confirmed that Lizzo is currently dating Flint, Michigan rapper BFB DaPackman. He's an up and coming comedian and rapper. It's still early, but these two make the perfect couple. First off - they both have extremely outgoing personalities. And they both have that extra body that makes you warm and feel safe. Well see how this goes? Megan Thee Stallion is giving out grants and scholarships worth $1 million to women. The “Savage” sensation has teamed up with officials at Fashion Nova, with whom she has her own clothing line and encouraged interested applicants to sign up for the Women on Top initiative. Megan revealed the very first recipient of the fund will be the Houston, Texas branch of female empowerment nonprofit YWCA, formerly known as the Young Women’s Christian Association. It’s not the first time Megan has used her platform to provide financial aid to worthy causes. Last year, she teamed up with bosses at Rap Rotation, Amazon Music's flagship hip-hop brand, to launch the Don't Stop Scholarship Fund to help put two female students of color through college. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have sold their massive brand Verzuz to Triller for an interest in the brand. The Triller network has acquired the powerhouse, virtual movement that was created in a pandemic. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland will now oversee music and company strategy. On top of it all, many of the 42 artists involved with Verzuz are now shareholders in Triller too. That's what it's about! Cardi B becomes 1st female rapper to earn a diamond single with 'Bodak Yellow.' The song went 9x-platinum in 2019 and reached the elusive diamond status less than two years later. The single powered Cardi into her Invasion of Privacy debut, where every song on the album is at least gold — making her the first woman to accomplish that feat as well. Cardi's crazy self continues to make moves! On Sunday, March 7, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview, which comes a little over a year after they decided to step back from some of their duties as a part of the Royal Family. British tabloids have been tearing Meghan down for years, ever since it was first revealed she was dating Prince Harry in 2016. Now that Harry and Meghan have moved on from their Royal duties and relocated to Southern California, they’re giving some insight into the hell they endured inside the palace walls about a Royal Family member expressing “concerns” about how dark Archie’s skin might be; How Meghan suffered from suicidal thoughts; How the family cut Harry off, financially, after they stepped down; and that their next child will be a girl. For the "HOT TAKE" this week, Judy England of "PS Bonafide Sauces." Check her out everywhere @bonafidesauces. Drop a comment on your thoughts!

The crew discussed some topics that 'freed' you some people and circumstances. Bobby Shmurda has been released from prison after spending more than six years behind bars. Six years y'all!!! Shmurda served time for conspiracy and weapons possession, authorities said. He pleaded guilty in connection to being a member of the GS9 gang of East Flatbush. During his 2014 arrest, cops say they found two guns and crack cocaine in the car he was in. Unlike Tekashi 6ix9ine, Shmurda did not snitch on his co-defendants and actually did more time to let his brothers off with lighter sentences. He was sentenced to seven years but was eligible for early release. He was picked up by Migos member, Quavo, who had stated that he would be picking up his longtime friend once he was freed. Music legend Stevie Wonder has revealed that he is moving to Ghana to protect his grandchildren from injustice. Oprah then asked him whether he would be moving to the continent permanently: "I am, because I don't want to see my children's children's children have to say, 'Oh, please like me. Please respect me. Please know that I am important. Please value me.' What kinda [life is that]?" Back in 1994, he said he wanted to move to Ghana because he felt there was "more of a sense of community" than in the US. He also stated in that 1974 interview that Ghana’s president at the time had offered him some land. Do you agree with Stevie Wonder's reasons for leaving the country? Would y'all be willing to move to the continent too? In the video, K Michelle dances to Cardi's new song Up. It starts off fine, until K Michelle starts twerking. That's when things go awry. It's not clear whether the singer will suffer any real injury to her body due to the booty - other than some hurt feelings and a little discomfort. Taco Bell is entering the #ChickenSandwichWars with a new chicken sandwich taco! The newest menu item will reportedly be initially tested in select markets starting on March 11th, with plans to expand if the sandwich is a hit. Participating locations in Nashville, Tennessee and Charlotte, North Carolina will be the testing markets. This may be pretty good? Safaree announces divorce with Eric Mena after 2 years and 2 OnlyFans accounts...she called him 'a little girl.' The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a sudden rise in divorce filings. By April 2020, the interest in divorce had already increased by 34 percent in the United States with newer couples being the most likely to file for divorce. In fact, a full 20 percent of couples who’d been married for five months or less sought divorce during this time period, compared with only 11 percent the year before. Naturally, it affects the celebrity world too. Dr. Dre’s wife Nicole Young filed for divorce in June 2020, Xzibit’s wife Krista Joiner filed on Monday (February 22) and now, Safaree has revealed he and Erica Mena are next in line after only two years of marriage and one child. Tiger Woods was "awake, responsive, and recovering" in the hospital from major surgery, according to a statement on his Twitter account on Tuesday, after a high-speed rollover car crash near Los Angeles.  Prayers to Tiger. Drop a comment on your thoughts! 

The ladies discussed how to make 'Boss' moves with some of the trending topics this week! Rihanna's "Savage X Fenty" Brands are not worth 1 Billion, wow! The Diamonds hitmaker, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, recently secured an additional $115 million in a second round of investment funding, with one financial supporter identified as private equity firm L Catterton, in which bosses at luxury goods group LVMH have a stake. Revenue figures have not been released, but in a press release, company chiefs claim sales increased 200% in 2020, while its subscription-based service grew by 150%. Rihanna launched the sexy label in 2018, adding to her growing business empire, which also includes Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty, and the additional money is expected to support the expansion into retail sales and possibly a new athletic line. That's what it's about!! It appears Shad “Bow Wow” Moss is really serious about stepping into a World Wrestling Entertainment ring. Last week, the 33-year-old rapper got into a Twitter spat with some WWE superstars after claiming he wants to become a wrestler. Now, Bow Wow is letting his followers know that he has actually begun the process of one day going head-to-head with an opponent in the squared circle. He tweeted, “I have officially decided to train with my boy @TheREALRIKISHI at his gym in California to get ready for the @wwe. LOCKED IN.” Rikishi (born Solofa F. Fatu Jr.) is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2015. The former Intercontinental Champion is part of the famous Anoaʻi wrestling family and the father of current WWE wrestlers Jey and Jimmy Uso. Still no word on when Atlanta is coming back since its 3rd season has been delayed (for two years now), but it’s not like Donald Glover is just chilling at home. The multi-talented actor will be starring in a remake of Mr. and Mrs. Smith alongside actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge that’s set to drop next year via Amazon Prime. The OG Mr. and Mrs. Smith starred Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as secret assassins and dropped in 2005. Not sure about this one? Rapper, Ludacris who's real name is Chris Bridges has a new show, "Luda Can't Cook" alongside veteran Chef Meherwan Irani. Luda admitted during the event that cooking has never been his thing but will undergo the grueling process and pitfalls of learning how to cook under Chef Irani’s careful instruction. Luda Can’t Cook makes its debut on Discovery Plus on Feb. 25. This should be fun!  For the "HOT TAKE" this week, the ladies of the "BOSS Mastermind" Group were in the building to discuss their upcoming seminar, March 1-5th. Check them out on how to register @thebossbootcamp. Drop a comment on your thoughts!  

This week, the crew discussed some situations that were starting a new chapter. For instance, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss appears to be the latest rapper to turn his attention to wrestling. The entertainment veteran told his Twitter followers that he hopes to one day jump into the squared circle. 2021 has already seen several wrestling/rap crossovers. Cardi B playfully called out WWE CEO Vince McMahon, Snoop Dogg showed up on AEW’s Dynamite, and Bad Bunny recently became a regular on WWE programming. We're not too sure about this one?? Last June, Quaker Oats, a division of PepsiCo Inc., announced that it would be retiring the Aunt Jemima brand, which featured racist images of Black women. The pancake mix and syrup brand will now be known as the Pearl Milling Company, but the name change isn’t exactly sitting that well with some. The Aunt Jemima brand was first founded in 1889 and hired a former slave to become the product’s front-facing figure, wearing aprons and other stereotypical presentations. A Syracuse, N.Y. woman by the name of Anna Short Harrington played the role of Aunt Jemima from 1935 to 1934 after she was discovered cooking pancakes at the New York State Fair. As its brand ambassador, Harrington traveled the nation while in character, down to cooking pancakes and the whole bit. This should be interesting! Congratulations is in order as The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame released its nominee list for the 2021 induction ceremony and it’s loaded with familiar names for Hip-Hop heads. Some of the most notable nominees include Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Mary J. Blige as well Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan. In order to be eligible, your first commercial album must have been released at least 25 years. First-time nominee Jay-Z’s debut, Reasonable Doubt, dropped in June 1996. This is a long-time coming! In very sad news, Mary Wilson, the co-founder of the legendary Supremes singing group and a Motown Records legend died at the age of 76. As one of the most talented vocalists of her era, Wilson reportedly passed away suddenly on Monday (Feb. 8) according to her publicist and friend, Jay Schwartz. Rest in Paradise! For Valentine’s Day weekend only, BET: Uncut will return to the late night airwaves on the channel for the first time since it went off the air in 2006. Along with a tweet announcing the show’s return, BET included a GIF of Cardi B sharing a three-way kiss with two women from her new "UP" video. BET: Uncut ran for six years and featured raunchy music videos that couldn’t necessarily get clearance to air during the daytime; Nelly’s “Tip Drill” may be the crown-holder. It’ll be interesting to see what BET does with the programming block, considering the fact that any music video and just about any raunchy content are available at the click of a button online.  Black GOP candidate for governor wants to end Black History Month, huh!?! Austin Chenge, a U.S. Army veteran of Nigerian descent, is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The next election for governor of Michigan is November 2022. DON'T VOTE FOR THIS GUY!! Drop a comment on your thoughts!