This weeks show showed trailblazing in various forms, good and bad. Rapper Lil Jon helped to launch a school in Ghana over the weekend. The "Turn Down for What" hitmaker helped to fund Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten with bosses at education organization Pencils of Promise, and on Saturday he celebrated by attending its opening. This is great to see entertainers giving back in this way! Rapper Gucci Mane is the face of the new campaign with footwear giant Reebok. Gucci will be featured in a new campaign supporting Reebok’s Workout Plus EG, which was originally launched in 1986. The sneakers are available exclusively at Jimmy Jazz and Reebok.com and will retail for $85. Gucci has really elevated himself since being released from jail and now married, congrats! Rihanna, the pride of her island home nation of Barbados, has used her stardom and platform to support worldwide humanitarian efforts. As a result, the Barbadian government will honor the pop star by renaming a road after her in the neighborhood she was raised in. Rihanna has been a great entertainer and humanitarian for the less fortunate. This is well deserved. The other day in Norway, undefeated boxing star Cecilia Braekhus was facing off with Sweden's Mikaela Lauren for their upcoming fight ... when Mikaela decided to show Cecilia some love (literally). Cecilia shoved her face in shock, but took the kiss like a champ -- laughing off the gesture and even thanking her future opponent for giving her some sugar. Yeah -- that's a pretty effective way of promoting a fight. We also had a special in-studio guest, Washington, DC native, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Kyonte. Check his interview out and find out everything he's up to @_kyonte_! As always, we have the hottest news and entertainment...we got you!

To many times in life, there are situations and circumstances that force us to make a decision. This weeks show had various examples of just that. A Las Vegas-based “dancer” named Kijuana Nige leaked a video of Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Chris Foerster doing cocaine. Her intent steams from coaches taking responsibility for their actions as players who protest during the national anthem are chastised over their decisions on whether to stand. WOW...this is what this situation is coming too! Not everyone gets to deposit millions into their account, so when the opportunity recently arose for Oprah Winfrey, she took it. As the star revealed to Ellen DeGeneres during Tuesday's segment of "Burning Questions," the mogul had not been to the bank in 29 years; must be nice!! Multiple NFL players say they have been explicitly and implicitly warned against doing any kind of demonstration during the national anthem in the weeks following President Donald Trump’s directions to owners to “get that son of a bitch off the field” for protesting racial inequality. Three players and one position coach said that owners, team management or members of the coaching staffs have instructed them not to kneel or have any demonstration during the national anthem. “They didn’t say what would happen,” said one NFL linebacker who plays for one of eight teams whose owners donated to Trump’s presidential campaign. “But they let us know that we are expected to stand during the anthem.” The party just doesn't stop here. With his fist raised high Saturday night, Tampa Bay Lightning player J.T. Brown became the first NHL player to protest police brutality during the national anthem. It’s the first known example of an NHL player choosing to protest during the anthem—putting the league behind the NFL, NBA and WNBA, along with women’s soccer and Major League Baseball. Dove is facing heat for a body wash ad showing a black woman taking off her shirt to reveal a white woman. The ad was a gif showing a black woman taking off her brown shirt to reveal a white woman, who then took off her lighter-colored shirt, revealing a woman of color in a slightly darker shirt. Do you think this is racist?? Insecure actress, Amanda Seales sent out a series of tweets early Monday morning that stirred up a heated discussion about race, economics and privilege. "If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you don't have a passport, you're losing," she said. "If you're buying Jordans and Nike Suits but you don't have a credit card, you're losing."The 36-year-old also had more positive opinions saying, "If you're working a side hustle to support your dream hustle, you're winning"...thoughts? As you can see the crew had LOT'S to talk about; with more tea so check us out!!

Once again, a great tragedy has overcome our nation. The crew when into detail discussing the unfortunate recent events in Las Vegas that killed at least 60 people and injured 526 others at a country music concert across the Strip from Mandalay Bay hotel and casino. In related tragic news, boxing legend, George Foreman went to Twitter to issue aikido master and actor, Steven Seagal to a 'no-holds barred' fight! What sparked Foreman to hop on Twitter to go after Seagal is beyond us, but with both men in their upper 60s, the fight wouldn’t be a draw on the level of Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor’s super fight. Total Request Live, better known as TRL, last aired in November 2008, ending a strong 10-year run for the popular MTV’s series. This is not so much of a tragedy. TRL set a lot of trends in music and television, congrats! The show made its return on Monday (Oct. 2), with DJ Khaled and Migos helping to kick off its premiere. Kanye West is a master purveyor of hype. Adidas and the “Power” rapper have announced that the 'Yeezy Calabas' track pant will get another launch (it sold out immediately back in March) on October 8. As much of a tragedy that Kanye and his antics can be sometimes, we actually are here for this. We segwayed this into the segment topic, "funny things that put women in the mood." We had VERY special guest on this subject call in to give their point of view; you MUST listen to get this scoop!! We're back next week with another dope show...stay locked!

This weeks news had lots of "record breaking" type of moments! As everyone knows, our President, Donald Trump has come out to blast the NFL and it's owners for peaceful protesting at the various games over the weekend. The crew discussed some of the activities with this and gave their perspectives on what's good with this situation. Also, congrats to stripper turned rapper, Cardi B, as she becomes the second female rapper to lead the Hot 100 without any other credited artists on the track. Lauryn Hill reached #1 with "Doo Wop (That Thing)" in November 1998. In similar news, congrats also goes out to rapper, Post Malone who's latest single debuted at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. "Rockstar" featuring 21 Savage hit the Top 5 thanks in part to a record-breaking streaming run on Apple Music. Post's single was streamed 25 million times on the service. That passed the previous one-week record set by DJ Khaled's "I’m The One” with Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne, and Quavo. For the REAL Hip-Hop lovers, the Universal Hip-Hop Museum get an opening date and location. Slated for a 2022 completion, with Rap pioneer Kurtis Blow as the chairman, the organization will receive prime real estate in the Bronx Point section of the Bronx. The museum will offer patrons an experiential visit with music, artifacts, videos and photography and a stage for live performances. Both Microsoft and Google have agreed to contribute technology towards the guest experience. WE CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS TO OPEN! When NASA’s Langley Research Center built its newest, state-of-the-art research facility in Hampton, Va., it was only right that they named it after Katherine Johnson, the NASA engineer and subject of the book and Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures. The $23 million, 37,000-square-foot data center is named after Johnson, who broke the glass ceiling for black women in the space program. In 2015 Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work as a trailblazer in the space program - AWESOME! On the space front, rapper B.o.B. is launches a 'GoFund Me' for satellites to prove Earth is flat...go figure? Also, 'Empire' creator, Lee Daniels is in talks with iconic southern rap group, OutKast about a biopic. We're definitely here for this one! We also had a great segment topic, which is true in most cases in today's times. Is this new generation really open to OPEN relationships? Vote on our Twitter @illastr8_radio on what you think? Until next week.....

This weeks show was so entertaining that you HAVE to listen to find out what the crew had to say! By the way, SEPTEMBER 23rd at the Bowie Performing Arts Center - GIVE YOUR PARENTS A STANDING OVATION - THE PLAY is around the corner! Get your tickets at gypasoplay.eventbrite.com!!!! Until next Wednesday, enjoy the play and don't forget to tune in for more of what you need...see what I'm sayin!

This week, the crew covered some issues that showed a broad landscape how some elevate and other are just are accepted. Spike Lee and Jordan Peele are tackling the subject of race in a new movie about a black guy who joined the KKK. New director Jordan Peele is linking up with veteran OG Spike Lee, to produce a new thriller about the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The pair are teaming up to make "Black Klansman,” about the true story of an African-American police officer, who managed to infiltrate the KKK. The movie tells the tale of Ron Stallworth, who was a black detective in Colorado Springs. Get ready. Lavar Ball is planning to release his own sneaker with a price tag of $1,500 dollars. Yes $1,500. He broke the news that his sneaker, called the “The LaVar-iccis”, is in the works. Earlier this year, the former dual athlete made headlines when reports alleged he turned down million dollar endorsement deals from Nike, Adidas and Under Armor for his son Alonzo Ball. In turn, he launched his own footwear company Big Baller Brand and released the design challenged ZO2s. I'll give it to him, he's definitely at HUSTLER! Good news Nintendo enthusiasts, if you didn’t get your hands on a NES Classic this past November when it first released, you will have another chance in 2018. SNES Classic will retail for $80 and features 21 classic games such as Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, Mario Kart and Street Fighter II Turbo to name a few. You here for it? Kobe Bryant already has at least one proper Christmas gift lined up. Early word is that the Los Angeles Lakers plan to retire the future NBA Hall of Famer’s jersey just before they play the Golden State Warriors on December 18; and both numbers with be retired! In studio, we had special guest and artist extraordinaire, Aniekan Udofia. For those that are from the Washington, DC area, you should be very familiar with some of his work; preferably at "Ben's Chili Bowl." Check out his work and what's new in his world @aniekanreloaded. Don't go too far because we'll be back before you know it!

Unfortunately, more devastation in the form of Hurricane Irma and Jose are probably coming. This word, "Prominence" is symbolic for this weeks show in lieu of this and some other trending topics that the crew discussed. Just a week after watching the devastation that Hurricane Harvey unleashed on the states of Texas and Louisiana, another U.S. state is bracing for the impact of another catastrophic weather event. Our prayers are with all of our Caribbean folks. This looks like it’s going to be REALLY bad. If you live in south Florida, we highly suggest you start getting supplies together now. Don’t wait until sh!t hits the fan! On a positive note, Chance the Rapper is doing his part to honor the hard work teachers are doing in Chicago. He is launching the Twilight Awards to honor academics for their outstanding contribution to the education system. This is a great example of prominence at it's best! Cardi B Is Coming! The Atlantic Records' Superstar Is About To Drop Her Debut Album. Cardi B is ready to drop an album after already releasing a pair of mixtapes this year, the rapper revealed at the Made In America festival that her album will be out October 2017. In Feburary, Cardi signed with Atlantic Records as a solo artist. You here from Cardi's album? Lil Wayne suffered yet another health scare after he was found unconscious in his hotel room in Chicago over the weekend. The Young Money’s battle with epilepsy led to his hospitalization. We HAVE to pray for this brotha! A South African student’s mishap with financial aid went viral. Sibongile Mani is making national headlines for blowing $60K that was accidentally given to her in a $1 million financial aid payout. Sibongile, who is now possibly facing legal action. Also, live in studio we had artist, model, activist - TattedNdRich. Find him everywhere @tattedNdRich. We go you covered every Wednesday, 9-10pm!

Recent and unfortunate devastation has hit Houston, Texas in the worst way! We are all wishing for a quick recovery to this horrific tragedy. The crew had a very in-depth discussion on this and how recovery should look. ON THE OTHER HAND, relief was NOT on the way for Connor McGregor! America gathered around their homies’ television to watch Floyd Mayweather pummel Conor McGregor live from Las Vegas. We can’t recall their ever being a fight with this much hype behind it. The victory over McGregor made him 50-0, breaking the 49-0 record of hall of fame fade deliverer Rocky Marciano. We say all that to say, the hype was BIG and apparently it paid off because according to Telegraph, the fight is estimated to gross $700 between pay-per-view sales and tickets. Relief is certainly on the way with this one! Rapper Wiz Khalifa has landed his own weed-themed show on Snoop Dogg’s marijuana media platform. The “Black and Yellow” hitmaker is fronting a new digital series which will combine elements of stunt show “Jackass” and fitness competition “American Ninja” Warrior for Merry Jane, a cannabis culture website. Can't wait for this one! Hate It Or Love It? Kim Kardashian West channeled Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for a cover shoot that's on the receiving end of some harsh criticism on the internet. The reality star and her four-year-old daughter North are featured on the September cover of Interview Magazine with the headline "America's new first lady Kim Kardashian West and her daughter North West." Does The “Ho Phase” Get A Bad Rap? I'm not sure if there's much relief from this one, lol...it just, "is what it is". We also had a special guest in studio, singer/songwriter, Maya Milan. She is currently in a residency in Las Vegas with music legend, Keith Sweat. Check her out along with all her event updates at www.mayamilan.com and on social media @milanmodemusic. Don't worry, Wednesday will be here before you know it!

The observation that a creative work was inspired by true events; based on a true story. This is the technical meaning. However, this week, things took on a new and unique way of this connotation. Rapper Mystikal is back behind bars, where is facing one count of first degree rape after surrendering. Mystikal, born Michael Tyler, is accused of assaulting a woman last October at a downtown casino after the “Legends of Southern Hip-Hop” concert in the city. He's being held on a $2 million dollar bond. Will they every learn?? Future inked a deal with Forever 21 and has launched a new clothing line with the big box retailer. Atlanta rap star Future has linked up with Forever 21 to launch a new streetwear line. This is a perfect example of life imitating art, great move. Fans of Missy Elliott want her hometown to ditch a monument to white supremacy and pay some respect to the rapper instead. More than 10,000 Missy Elliott fans have signed an online petition to replace a Confederate monument in Virginia with a statue to the rap star. This would be super cool if this would become a reality, GO MISSY! On this flip side of things, Donald Trump’s apparently is the preferred face of drug dealers in Germany after thousands of ecstasy pills in the shape of the Prez's head were seized by police. This is insane, LOL! Nicki Minaj’s Barbz should be happy to know that their leader has an exciting new collab on the way. The rapper is teaming up with Mac Cosmetics again for a line of lipsticks. This time instead of operating under their Viva Glam collection, however, Nicki’s getting her own line of nude lipstick and lipglass. The new shade hits stores September 21st. In sad new, comedian and Civil Rights activist Dick Gregory died last Saturday at 84. Likewise, legendary comedian, Jerry Lewis passed away Sunday at 91. R.I.P. to two of the greatest to ever do it, they will be missed! Also, special guest artist, "ARSENAL" stopped by to let us know what's up with his career. Check him out on YouTube at https://youtu.be/zD5P30vnFWO and https://youtu.be/U1M9s(UlqKc for his new video's! Until next time...

​Is it me or are things just getting worse in the world today?? However, in some regards, things aren't all that bad. For example, singing superstar Bruno Mars donates $1 million to help victims of the Flint Water Crisis. The generous contribution was generated by revenues from Mars' sold-out Detroit concert on Saturday...this is how it's supposed to be done, great job Bruno! For more good news, the estate of Prince and the "Pantone Color Institute" on Monday unveiled a new purple color in honor of the late superstar singer. 'Love Symbol #2' is inspired by Prince's custom-made Yamaha purple piano and will be the official color for his brand. Now...on the what the problems are. Donald Trump is back to blaming both sides for Charlottesville violence. The President faced reporters at Trump Tower in NYC Tuesday and blamed the "alt-left" as much as the alt-right for the violent showdown. This guys is really sick to think this, what do you think? To add fuel to this fire, 2 Texas officers were cleared after subjecting a black college student to a 'body cavity search.' Should be considered rape? The crew had some choice words about this one! On a MUCH lighter note, we had in studio, Alisha Christine, who is the founder and organizer of "Beauty Unlisted", the Ultimate Beauty Experience scheduled for August 27th! Check for more on this event and updates @a.christimakeup. Check back with us next week for more of what you need to fulfill your need on what's HOT in today's news and entertainment!