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Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones has died at 91

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By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Quincy Jones

Legendary producer Quincy Jones has died at age 91. Jones was a titan in the music industry with a career spanning more than seven decades. His collaborations read like a who’s who of American music.

The South Side of Chicago native, born March 14, 1933 made an impact across multiple musical genres. The 28-time Grammy Award winner remained a mainstay in the entertainment industry.

He began as a jazz musician, touring with Lionel Hampton in 1953 at age 20. After working as a studio musician for Elvis Presley, he toured with Dizzy Gillespie in the Middle East. In 1957, he moved to France and became a music director. He later toured North America and Europe with his 18-person band, the Jones Boys.

In 1961, Jones became the first Black vice president at Mercury Records. Throughout his storied career, Jones worked on nearly 40 major motion picture scores. He produced the iconic “Sanford and Son” theme, and his song “Soul Bossa Nova” became the theme for the blockbuster film “Austin Powers.”

Jones collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. He produced the soundtrack for “The Wiz” in 1978 and Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album “Thriller.” His film “The Color Purple” received 11 Academy Award nominations and introduced Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey to global audiences.

In 1985, he united music’s biggest stars to perform “We Are the World” to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. He leveraged industry relationships to bring artists including Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Diana Ross together to record the charitable song.

In the 1990s, Quincy Jones Entertainment brought “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to television, launching Will Smith’s career as one of Hollywood’s most successful stars.

Jones recently partnered with Chance the Rapper and Jennifer Hudson to reopen the Ramova Theatre on Chicago’s South Side.

His extraordinary career achievements are too numerous to list completely. His impact on music and entertainment will resonate for generations.

His family shared a statement below.

“Tonight, with full, but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother, Quincy Jones’ passing,” the statement read. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived, and know there will never be another like him. He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense joy in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

Jones is survived by seven children. Funeral arrangements are pending.

2024 Election: White Women Voters Hold Key to Harris’s Historic Presidential Bid

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States (Photo source: instagram @kamalaharris)

This election has been historic for all the wrong reasons.

It’s 2024, and Joe Biden is president of the United States, while Vice President Kamala Harris is running to become president. Her opponent, the 45th president and a convicted felon, is believed to have incited supporters to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

All of that, for lack of a better word, sounds CRAZY! However, what’s crazier is that it’s all true and has created unprecedented political tension in this country. It permeates our computer and cellphone screens. People are choosing sides, many blindly. While Black men have been targeted as a demographic that could prevent Harris’s election, White women actually wield that electoral power. Recent election data shows this clearly: White women have consistently represented 37% of the electorate in presidential elections. In 2020, 53% of White women voted for Trump over Biden, similar to 2016 when 52% supported Trump over Hillary Clinton.

Trump has been hitting the campaign trail, energizing his base with controversial remarks and behavior. The recent rally at Madison Square Garden drew comparisons to Nazi rallies held on Feb. 20, 1939. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comment calling Puerto Rico an “island of garbage” was met with widespread criticism.

These events have overshadowed the truly historic moment before us. Harris is an election away from becoming the first woman to hold the nation’s highest office. If successful, she would accomplish what Hillary Clinton could not. Harris follows in the footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black person and woman to run for president. In 1972, Chisholm’s campaign was considered bold and, to many, improbable. However, its impact reaches 52 years into our present.

Harris, who already made history as the first woman vice president of South Asian and Caribbean heritage, stands on the precipice of changing history. This HBCU graduate, former California attorney general and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., could become the first Black woman to hold the highest office in the land, representing progress in a country built on the foundation of racism and slavery.

When you go to the polls this week to make your selection, consider what side of history you want to be on and which historic moment matters most to you

 Boot Camp Clik’s Buckshot Assaulted, Video Surfaces Online

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By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Buckshot at African Fest in Chicago (Photo credit: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre)

All Hip-Hop recently reported that Brooklyn rapper Buckshot was severely beaten. A Facebook post by Sista Asia Wildenboar shows a picture of herself with the rapper and text reading “Please pray for Buckshot of Boot Camp Clik was beaten half to death in Flatbush NYC. My heart goes out to him.”

A graphic video circulating on X shows a beaten and bloodied man resembling Buckshot struggling to stand. A man can be heard making jokes in the background as another appears to assist Buckshot.

The rapper, born Kenyatta Blake, was the frontman for Boot Camp Clik and Black Moon. He helped develop a sound that defined hip-hop’s golden age in the 1990s. The remix to “I Got Cha Opin” samples Barry White’s 1977 track “Playing Your Game Baby” and features Buckshot rhyming in a unique, memorable cadence that became his trademark.

In 1994, Buckshot co-founded Duck Down Management with Drew “Dru Ha” Friedman, managing Black Moon and Smif-N-Wessun. Buckshot has collaborated with legends like KRS-One and producer 9th Wonder.

There have been no other reports regarding Buckshot’s status since the attack.

This is a developing story.

From Cash Money to Cultural Currency: Why Lil Wayne Deserves His Super Bowl Moment

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By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Lil Wayne (Photo source: instagram @liltunechi)

New Orleans vibrates with music and has given the world artists who have changed the soundscape. Lil Wayne stands as one of those artists. As jazz notes float through the French Quarter, Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest, founded in 2015, filled the Smoothie King Center with fans and the sounds of a legend. Wayne is a cultural icon and hometown hero, celebrated as such. However, even though he can pack an arena, Wayne will be found standing outside of the Super Bowl as a performer.

Kendrick Lamar being chosen earlier this year as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer has caused a stir in the industry for several reasons. The biggest: The game will be held in New Orleans, and many believe Wayne should have been given that opportunity.

Wayne has been a fixture in hip-hop culture since 1991 when he signed to Cash Money Records at age 9, becoming the label’s youngest artist. His signing was the start of a revolution. His years with the Hot Boys laid the foundation for Cash Money, and his solo career would show the world what Wayne was capable of.

The numbers tell the story.

“Tha Block Is Hot” went platinum. “Tha Carter III” moved 1,005,545 copies in its first week and went octuple platinum. “Tha Carter IV” sold 1,184,103 copies in its first two weeks, and “Tha Carter V” crossed the million-unit threshold in sales and streams.

Wayne has 186 entries on Billboard’s Hot 100 and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. The numbers he has amassed are impressive; however, his greatest impact came through his mixtape run. The “Dedication” and “Da Drought” series changed the game, introducing us to Lil Wayne the MC, who recorded these legendary tapes in hotel rooms and tour buses.

Wayne’s influences are hailed by today’s notable artists like Young Thug, who tapped into Wayne’s melodic offerings to create his own style. Kendrick Lamar hails Lil Wayne as his favorite rapper. We also can’t forget to mention that Wayne built Young Money and provided the world with Drake and Nicki Minaj, fundamentally altering hip-hop’s landscape.

Considering Wayne’s global impact, it’s easy to understand why he and many of his fans feel an opportunity was taken from him. Since Roc Nation has been at the helm of the Super Bowl selection process, it has been more rap-friendly, and Lil Wayne would seem like the perfect fit based on his legacy alone.

Wayne hasn’t been without flaws along his journey. In 2020 he was locked up for a firearms charge for which he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump and he has had some unfavorable and controversial political stances when it comes to Black people. Even during these challenges he managed to stay consistent and provide music to his fans. 

However, on the heels of a fiery battle between Kendrick and Drake, and the smash hit “ Not Like Us” playing at every sporting event and homecoming across the country, one could say Kendrick’s selection was the smart decision.

While many may debate this, one thing that can’t be debated is Lil Wayne’s legacy. On Nov. 2, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and his longtime rival and New Orleans native Master P presented him with a key to the city.

Wayne addressed his thoughts on not performing at the Super Bowl during Lil WeezyAna Fest:

“When the first Super Bowl was here, I made sure I bought tickets at the beginning of the season, and you know I did the same when I moved to Miami. I was wishing my team made it, and guess who made it that year? The Saints,” Wayne said. “I was able to give my mama that suite. She was able to bring my family and other people from New Orleans, and they had a ball. That moment I said to myself, ‘I want to be on stage for the Super Bowl one day in front of my mom.’ And I worked my ass off to get that position, and it was ripped away from me. But this moment right here, they can’t take this away from me.”

Young Thug’s Plea Deal Collapses; Prosecutors Now Seek 25-Year Prison Sentence

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

In a dramatic turn of events, Atlanta rapper Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, was on the verge of securing a plea deal that would have granted him immediate release from jail under a 15-year probation agreement. However, negotiations faltered over the conditions of his release, prompting prosecutors to now advocate for a 25-year prison sentence.

Plea Deal Negotiations Breakdown

The plea deal, which had been meticulously negotiated over several weeks, aimed to resolve the charges against Williams stemming from a sweeping indictment in May 2022. The indictment accused him and 27 others of violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, alleging involvement in a criminal street gang known as Young Slime Life (YSL). Williams has consistently maintained that YSL is a record label, Young Stoner Life, and not a criminal enterprise.

Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the primary sticking point was the specific conditions of Williams’ probation. While both parties had tentatively agreed on the 15-year probation term, disagreements arose regarding travel restrictions, community service obligations, and associations with certain individuals. These unresolved issues ultimately led to the collapse of the plea agreement.

Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Prison Term

In light of the failed negotiations, prosecutors have shifted their stance, now recommending a 25-year prison sentence for Williams. This development marks a significant escalation in the potential consequences he faces if convicted. The prosecution’s decision underscores their commitment to pursuing substantial penalties in cases involving alleged gang-related activities.

Trial Proceedings and Co-Defendant Pleas

The trial, which commenced in January 2023, has been marked by numerous delays and legal maneuvers. Jury selection alone spanned nearly ten months, making it one of the longest trials in Georgia’s history. Throughout the proceedings, several co-defendants have opted to accept plea deals, resulting in reduced sentences in exchange for their cooperation.

Notably, on October 30, 2024, co-defendants Rodalius Ryan and Marquavius Huey entered guilty pleas to reduced charges. Ryan, already serving a life sentence for a separate murder conviction, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. His ten-year sentence was commuted to time served, aligning with his existing life sentence. Huey pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy and aggravated assault, receiving a 25-year sentence with nine years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation. citeturn0news18

These plea deals have left Williams and two other defendants as the remaining individuals standing trial. The prosecution’s strategy appears to focus on securing convictions against the primary figures alleged to have orchestrated the criminal activities attributed to YSL.

Defense’s Position and Public Reaction

Williams’ defense team has consistently argued that YSL is a legitimate music label and that the charges against their client are unfounded. They contend that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and the testimonies of co-defendants seeking leniency.

The collapse of the plea deal and the subsequent push for a lengthy prison sentence have elicited strong reactions from the public and the hip-hop community. Supporters of Williams have organized protests, calling for an end to the trial and alleging that the charges are an overreach by law enforcement targeting prominent Black artists. citeturn0search8

Next Steps in the Legal Process

With the plea deal off the table, the trial is set to proceed, with both sides preparing for the next phase of legal arguments. The defense is expected to challenge the credibility of cooperating witnesses and the validity of the prosecution’s evidence. Meanwhile, the prosecution will aim to establish a clear link between Williams and the alleged criminal activities of YSL.

As the trial continues, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the recent developments have significantly raised the stakes for Williams, who now faces the possibility of spending a substantial portion of his life behind bars if convicted.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Lil’ WeezyCon to Kick Off November 2, Expanding Lil WeezyAna Fest with a New Networking Platform

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

On November 2, 2024, Live Nation Urban, in partnership with Culture Creators, will debut Lil’ WeezyCon—a dynamic addition to the annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. The inaugural event will take place at The Fillmore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering high-level networking opportunities with thought leaders, creatives, artists, and young professionals.

The event encourages participation from college students, high school seniors, and community organizations, providing a platform to connect with industry leaders in sectors they aspire to join. Designed with empowerment in mind, Lil’ WeezyCon will feature professionals in entertainment and entrepreneurship who will share their expertise and insights. Students from Dillard University are taking part in producing the event, with volunteers from LSU, Xavier University, and other local schools helping ensure it has a lasting impact throughout the city.

Tickets for the event are free, and college students with a valid ID will receive VIP access.

“We knew we wanted to do something special with this year’s festival, and tapping the Culture Creators Foundation to help us create Lil’ WeezyCon felt like the perfect way to engage the community and bring college students into the mix,” said Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Live Nation Urban. “This partnership allows us to expand beyond music and create an experience that leaves a lasting impact on young professionals and emerging creators.”

Industry leaders from Amazon, Ebony, and SoundExchange will be among those offering insights to attendees through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Topics on deck include music industry trends, media representation, and its cultural impact.

Lil’ WeezyCon will conclude with the Lil WeezyAna Fest Thank You Brunch on Sunday, November 3, at 10 a.m. at the House of Blues in New Orleans.

For more information and to register, visit www.lilweezyanafest.com.

Tyler, The Creator Returns With His Most Personal Album Yet on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

In an era where music drops like confetti on New Year’s Eve, Tyler, The Creator chose a Monday morning to gift the world “CHROMAKOPIA”, his most introspective and sonically ambitious project to date. The unconventional release time – reminiscent of the bygone Super Tuesday era – proved strategic, allowing fans to live with the music rather than rush through it during the weekend chaos. The strategy paid off; the album currently sits at No. 1 across all genres on Apple Music.

From the opening notes, it’s clear Tyler hasn’t just evolved – he’s ascended. The production on “CHROMAKOPIA” is nothing short of masterful, with layered instrumentation that rewards repeated listens. In an age where the bridge has become a lost art in music composition, Tyler deliberately weaves them throughout the project, creating textural depth that’s been sorely missed in contemporary hip-hop.

On “Thought I Was Dead,” Tyler channels Kendrick Lamar’s delivery while maintaining his distinctive voice, showcasing a technical prowess that proves he’s still pushing his boundaries as an MC. His flow switches are calculated and purposeful, each one serving the narrative rather than showing off for sport.

But it’s the personal revelations that make “CHROMAKOPIA” a watershed moment in Tyler’s discography. His mother appears throughout the album via interludes, dropping wisdom like bread crumbs leading to the album’s emotional core. On the gut-wrenching “Like Him,” Tyler confronts the void left by his absent father, while his mother offers an unprecedented apology for keeping his father at arm’s length. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from an artist who’s typically guarded about this particular pain point, despite his well-documented close relationship with his mother.

The featured artists on “CHROMAKOPIA” feel less like guests and more like carefully chosen collaborators in Tyler’s vision. Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, and Doechii each bring their unique flavors to the table. The standout collaboration comes from Doechii on “Balloon,” where she delivers what can only be described as beautiful aggression, her energy perfectly complementing the track’s ambitious production.

“Take Your Mask Off” emerges as an early fan favorite, while “Judge Judy” showcases Tyler’s signature wit and wordplay. “Sticky,” featuring the powerhouse combination of GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, demonstrates Tyler’s ability to curate unexpected yet perfect collaborations.

The album’s title, “CHROMAKOPIA”, seems to reflect its nature – a spectrum of emotions, sounds, and experiences that paint a complete picture of an artist at his peak. The meticulous attention to storytelling, coupled with moments of raw vulnerability, positions this album not just as one of Tyler’s best works but as one of 2024’s strongest musical offerings.

When Tyler, The Creator first emerged as the wild-eyed leader of Odd Future, few could have predicted this level of artistic maturity. “CHROMAKOPIA” isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to growth, both personal and artistic. It’s the work of someone who’s mastered their craft while remaining unafraid to expose their scars.

What Tyler has created here isn’t just music – it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, production, and artistic evolution. As 2024 draws to a close, “CHROMAKOPIA” stands as a monumental achievement from an artist who continues to push himself and his art form forward.

Lil Durk Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot: Chicago Rap Star’s Empire on the Brink

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Grammy Winner Faces Federal Investigation Amid a Violent Legacy

Chicago drill icon Lil Durk, born Durk Devontay Banks, has been arrested in Broward County, Florida, in connection with a murder-for-hire scheme. The shocking development comes just days after the rapper held a “Day of Prayer” in Chicago and received keys to the cities of Broadview and Bellwood, leaving the public stunned at the dramatic fall of one of rap’s biggest stars.

Federal authorities charged several members of Only The Family (OTF), Durk’s notorious collective, in the killing of a close relative of rapper Quando Rondo—a move the feds suggest was retaliation for the 2020 murder of King Von, Durk’s protégé and longtime friend. Von, whose real name was Dayvon Bennett, was gunned down in Atlanta, setting off a series of violent events that have escalated tensions within Chicago’s drill music scene and beyond.

The arrest on October 24 is the latest chapter in the saga of a rapper who has achieved both mainstream success and infamy in equal measure. Over the past two years, Durk has solidified his place in the industry with multiple platinum records and a Grammy win. Yet, his rapid ascent has been shadowed by relentless street conflicts that intertwine music, loyalty, and revenge.

A Tale of Violence and Vengeance
The allegations against Durk go deeper than just one murder. He now faces a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month, accusing him of orchestrating a plot to kill FBG Duck—another rapper whose death sent shockwaves through Chicago’s streets. Duck, born Carlton Weekly, was murdered in a brazen, daylight ambush in the Gold Coast neighborhood in 2020. According to attorney Roosevelt Allen, the lawsuit claims a $100,000 bounty was placed on Duck’s life, raising questions about just how far Durk’s influence reaches beyond the mic.

Duck’s murder has haunted Chicago’s drill community, with his mother, LaSheena Weekly, tirelessly demanding justice. The tension between Tookaville, where Duck was affiliated, and O Block, home to many of Durk’s allies, has turned into a deadly rivalry played out through music, social media, and the streets. Many believe King Von’s death further fueled this feud, leading to the retaliatory attack that now ensnares Durk in a federal investigation.

From City Honors to a Jail Cell
Durk’s arrest comes at a time when he appeared to be turning a new leaf. Just days before his apprehension, he hosted a public prayer event in Chicago, signaling a shift towards peace. Receiving keys to the cities of Broadview and Bellwood seemed to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the rapper—but the celebrations were short-lived.

The federal investigation has exposed the dark undercurrents of Chicago’s drill scene, where music often serves as both art and a battlefield. For years, Durk has walked the fine line between mainstream acclaim and street affiliations. Now, that balancing act appears to be crumbling under the weight of federal scrutiny.

Durk’s legal troubles add to the growing concerns over the drill genre’s impact on rising violence. The case against him and the OTF crew highlights the blurring of lines between artistry and street justice, forcing a reckoning within the rap community. As authorities untangle the web of revenge and retaliation, Durk’s future—and the fate of his empire—hangs in the balance.

This is a developing story.

Kamala Harris Unveils Ambitious ‘Opportunity Agenda’ for Black Men

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The plan proposes $20,000 forgivable loans to help Black entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced a comprehensive plan Monday aimed at addressing economic and social challenges facing Black men in America. The initiative, dubbed the “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” outlines a series of proposals designed to boost entrepreneurship, expand access to education and job training, and tackle health disparities.

Central to the plan is a commitment to provide 1 million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 each to Black entrepreneurs and others who have faced historical barriers to starting or growing businesses. The initiative aims to partner with mission-driven lenders and community-focused banks to distribute these funds.

“For too long, Black men have felt their voices go unheard in our political process,” Harris said in a statement. “This agenda is about unleashing the untapped ambition and leadership within the Black male community.”

The vice president’s plan also includes:

  • Expanding pathways to good-paying jobs in high-demand industries, with a focus on those not requiring a college degree
  • Creating a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital assets to protect Black investors
  • Launching a National Health Equity Initiative addressing conditions that disproportionately affect Black men, such as sickle cell disease and prostate cancer
  • Legalizing recreational marijuana nationwide and creating opportunities for Black Americans in the emerging cannabis industry

Critics argue the plan’s scope may face challenges in Congress, while supporters praise its comprehensive approach to longstanding issues.

The announcement follows Harris’s nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour, during which she engaged with Black entrepreneurs about obstacles they face in accessing capital and growing their businesses.

Harris contrasted her agenda with former President Donald Trump’s record, citing job losses and business closures among Black Americans during his administration. The vice president’s campaign emphasized that a potential second Trump term could reverse recent economic gains for Black families.

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s plan represents a significant outreach to Black male voters, a demographic that has shown varying levels of support for Democrats in recent elections.

Political analysts note that the success of such initiatives could play a crucial role in key battleground states where Black voter turnout may decide tight races.

-Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

“When The Sun Shines Again”: The Visual Masterpiece Behind Common and Pete Rock’s Latest Hit

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Hip-hop heavyweights Common and Pete Rock are riding high on the success of their first full-length collaboration, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.” The duo recently dropped a fresh video for “When The Sun Shines Again,” a standout track from the album released this summer to critical acclaim.

The visually striking clip, helmed by directors Marleaux Desire and ILLIMITEWORD, features guest appearances from neo-soul crooner Bilal and De La Soul’s Posdnuos. It’s the latest in a series of videos showcasing the album’s artistic vision, with Pete Rock’s signature boom-bap production providing the sonic backdrop.

Common and Rock wrapped up their 19-stop “The Auditorium Tour” last Friday with a bang, packing New York City’s Webster Hall. The tour’s finale capped off a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, which included a sold-out three-night, six-show residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club.

The pair’s creative synergy hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. They recently snagged four BET Hip Hop Awards nominations, including nods for “Best Duo Group” and “Impact Track” for their socially conscious joint “Fortunate.” Common’s razor-sharp wordplay earned him a “Lyricist of the Year” nomination, while Pete Rock’s masterful beats landed him in the running for “Producer of the Year.”

“The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” out now on Loma Vista Recordings, marks a high point in both artists’ storied careers. Common’s introspective rhymes and Pete Rock’s soul-drenched production create a perfect storm of old-school authenticity and contemporary relevance.

Two of the genre’s most respected veterans serves as a potent reminder of rap’s enduring power. With “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” Common and Pete Rock aren’t just nodding to hip-hop’s past – they’re carving out its future.