by Laghe Andrews | Mar 1, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Young Thug, a name that has become synonymous with the music industry’s rebellious spirit, recently found himself in the news yet again. This time, it wasn’t for a chart-topping hit or a controversial statement. No, it was for something far more mundane – a speeding ticket.
The Incident
In 2021, Young Thug, real name Jeffery Lamar Williams, was pulled over in his hometown of Atlanta for driving above the speed limit. What followed was a compelling exchange caught on body cam footage, revealing a unique side of the rapper’s persona.
The Plea
As the police officer approached the car, Thugger began pleading with him to let him off with a warning. “Can I please get a warning? I don’t think I can take the ticket,” he implored.
“Why can’t you take a ticket? There are people that make $20,000 a year that take a ticket,” the officer retorted.
The Explanation
Unfazed by the officer’s response, Thug continued to reason with him. In a surprisingly candid moment, he revealed that the issue was not about the money, but rather, he didn’t want another ticket since he had recently gotten his license back.
YSL and the RICO Trial
This incident occurred three months into YSL’s ongoing RICO trial. Young Stoner Life Records, or YSL, is Thug’s record label. The label has been battling legal challenges, adding another layer of complexity to Thug’s situation.
Conclusion
The incident, caught on body cam footage, provides a glimpse into the life of the enigmatic rapper. Despite his larger-than-life persona, this incident serves as a reminder that even superstars face mundane challenges like the rest of us.
This intriguing tale of Young Thug and the speeding ticket is yet another chapter in the rapper’s eventful life, ensuring his position as one of the most talked-about figures in music news today.
by Laghe Andrews | Feb 2, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
The first track from Skepta’s much-anticipated album, Knife & Fork, titled “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” has finally hit the airwaves. This release comes precisely a week after the lead track “Jangrova”, featuring ODUMODUBLVCK and Idris Elba, from the Tribal Mark soundtrack.
A Melodic Masterpiece
Produced by the renowned Cardo, “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” is a breath of fresh air in the music scene. The track is a harmonious blend of light, airy tunes with subtle melodic elements sprinkled throughout. In an unexpected twist, Skepta even dips into a melodic mode towards the end of the track.
This unexpected turn of events suggests that there might be more surprises in store when the full Knife & Fork album is released. Alas, the wait continues as a release date has yet to be confirmed.
Artwork Controversy
The initial artwork for the track, which was shared online earlier this month, was quickly taken down amid controversy. The image depicted a group of individuals with shaved heads, one of whom had the words “gas me up” tattooed on the back. This led to an uproar as it was seen to resemble victims of the holocaust who were forcibly given shaved heads and tattoos by Nazi guards. The controversial artwork has since been replaced by a simple graphic with the text “Image Not Found”.
Skepta’s statement: “I’ve been waiting to drop Gas Me Up (Diligent) since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80s, skinhead, football culture, and it has been taken offensively by many. I can promise you that was definitely not our plan, so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward.”
He later added in a Tweet:
“I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention. But after some thought, I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed. I have to quit if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context, here are some pictures from our mood board for the 1980s UK story for my album Knife & Fork.”
Visuals for “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”
In addition to the track, the visuals for “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” have also been released. The music video, directed by Gugzay and shot by Domshotthis and Stevo1k, is a visual treat for all Skepta fans.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 18, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
Guardz, an Israeli cybersecurity startup, providing all-in-one security and cyber insurance solutions for small and medium businesses (SMBs), has successfully raised $18M in a Series A round of funding.
The Increasing Cybersecurity Threats for SMBs
With the advent of AI technologies, the cybersecurity landscape is shifting. SMBs, which were once considered safe from cyberattacks due to their size and fragmented nature, are now becoming a prime target for cybercriminals.
According to some estimates, SMBs now account for roughly half of all cyber breaches worldwide.
The reason behind this shift is the development of AI-powered cyber attack tools that allow malicious actors to launch large-scale attacks with ease. These AI technologies have made it possible to exploit vulnerabilities within SMBs, causing a spike in cyber threats.
Guardz’s Journey: From Stealth Mode to $18M
Founded less than a year ago, in January 2023, Guardz has swiftly pivoted from its initial business model. Initially, the company aimed to sell its security solutions directly to SMBs. However, it soon realized that Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who sell and manage IT services for SMBs, were the primary route to reach its target audience.
As a result, instead of direct business, Guardz began partnering with MSPs, enabling them to offer their own services “powered” by Guardz.
Funding and Growth
Guardz’s recent fundraising round, led by Glilot+, the early growth fund of Glilot Capital Partners, with participation from ClearSky, Hanaco Ventures, iAngels, and GKFF Ventures, has raised another $18M.
The company’s valuation has tripled since its last fundraising round, indicating a strong investor confidence in its business model and growth potential.
With this funding, Guardz aims to hire more engineering talent to continue developing its product. Currently, the company’s product is primarily sold to customers in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. It has about 200 MSPs on its books, representing some 36,000 seats using Guardz’s products.
Guardz’s AI-Based Security Solution
Guardz’s solution is an AI-based platform that provides robust security comparable to what larger organizations use. It offers its security platform as a managed service, which means the customer doesn’t have to manage it directly.
Guardz’s platform automatically detects malicious activity, provides remediation, and generates activity reports for further analysis by the MSP.
To combat the ever-evolving cyber threats, Guardz constantly expands its toolset. For instance, the company recently developed detection and remediation tools for a new type of cyber attack involving automated forwarding rules in Microsoft 365.
Guardz’s Future Plans
Guardz’s immediate plan is to use the funding to enhance its product and expand its customer base. Given the size of the SMB market and the increasing cybersecurity threats they face, Guardz has a huge potential for growth.
With over 150,000 MSPs globally serving the SMB market, Guardz has the opportunity to secure a significant share of this market.
The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity for SMBs
Guardz is not alone in recognizing the importance of cybersecurity for SMBs. Other companies, such as CyberSmart in the U.K., CrowdStrike, and Check Point, are also competing in this growing market.
However, Guardz stands out with its all-in-one security and cyber insurance service, its focus on partnering with MSPs, and its AI-based automated threat detection and remediation tools. As SMBs continue to face increasing cyber threats, solutions like Guardz will become even more critical.
by Laghe Andrews | Jan 18, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Renowned music voice, Fat Joe, recently took to Instagram to address rumors surrounding his alleged association with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. This incident highlights the pervasive issue of misinformation, particularly in relation to Epstein’s case.
The Backstory: A Rampant Spread of Misinformation
Misinformation has been a troubling aspect of Epstein’s case, with its tendrils reaching out far and wide over the years. This has been particularly evident in the wake of recently unsealed court documents related to the case. Interestingly, these documents did not mention Fat Joe, yet a fraudulent list implicating him began circulating.
Fat Joe Speaks Out: A Resounding Response
Fat Joe, known for his candidness, addressed this issue head-on through an Instagram Live update. He expressed his disdain for Epstein and categorically denied any association with him.
“I don’t know that man. They had me on a fake list! You guys wish I was on an Epstein list. Regardless of how Epstein died, he was corrupt. He does not deserve respect, even in death,” Fat Joe said.
Echoes of Misinformation: Public Figures Targeted
Fat Joe is not the first public figure to be ensnared in the web of Epstein-related misinformation. Previously, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and actress Whoopi Goldberg were also victims of false claims about connections to Epstein.
Kimmel’s Response: Debunking the Myths
Jimmy Kimmel addressed these rumors during his show, dismissing them as ludicrous and attributing their origin to resentment over his mockery of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ vaccination status.
Goldberg’s Stand: Calling Out the ‘Insane’
Whoopi Goldberg also found herself at the center of false Epstein rumors. She debunked these on an episode of The View, calling the claims “insane” and dismissing other false rumors she’s been falsely associated with in recent months.
Conclusion: The Power of Speaking Out
In conclusion, Fat Joe’s outspoken response to the false rumors associated with him and Epstein is a testament to the power of speaking out against misinformation. It highlights the importance of public figures using their platforms to challenge false narratives and promote truth.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning the validity of information we come across, particularly in the age of digital media where misinformation can spread like wildfire. By speaking out, public figures like Fat Joe, Jimmy Kimmel, and Whoopi Goldberg are doing their part to combat the spread of such harmful narratives.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 12, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
In a dynamic move to address the escalating menace of knife crime and youth violence in the UK, renowned actor and musician, Idris Elba, has spearheaded a new initiative known as Don’t Stop Your Future. Notably, Elba has carried this battle directly to the territory of lawmakers.
Track Release: “Knives Down”
To ignite the campaign, the multi-talented Elba has launched a song titled “Knives Down”. The track features the young and talented rapper, DB Maz, who helps Elba articulate his ideas and the campaign’s objectives.
Supported by the creative production of Fraser T Smith and The FaNaTiX, the song serves as a powerful initial assault that candidly spells out Elba’s appeals: drastic alterations in legislation and enduring investment in youth-oriented services.
The “Knives Down” Video
The release of “Knives Down” is accompanied by a gripping video, directed by the eminent MD Films. The video showcases Elba presenting his case directly to Parliament—unfiltered and poignant.
The real-life Elba mirrored this effort by taking the campaign to the heart of the UK’s political power corridor. He erected a powerful installation on the green outside the Houses of Parliament, a visual representation of the havoc wreaked by knife-related crimes.
Elba’s Conversation with Nadia Jae
In a discussion with Nadia Jae on her BBC Radio 1Xtra show, Elba elucidated that the campaign and the track symbolize a desperate call for action. He painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs where knife crime has reached a critical juncture in society.
“We’re seeing more and more young people dying, getting hurt from knife crime, more and more young people going to jail, more and more families being disrupted. And, you know, there needs to be some real intervention right now,” said Elba.
The actor further stated his demand for a complete prohibition on potentially harmful knives—machetes, swords, and so-called “zombie knives”—presently available in the country.
Installation Outside Parliament
Elba wished to bring the issue under direct scrutiny of those who have the power to effect change. To this end, he set up an installation outside Parliament.
“We have 279, I think, piles of clothes of young people who were murdered by knife crime,” Elba revealed.
The installation stood as a stark reminder of the number of young lives lost to knife crime, urging lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action.
The campaign Don’t Stop Your Future and the song “Knives Down” represent Elba’s commitment to tackling the rampant problem of youth violence in the UK. Through his efforts, the actor aims to influence lawmakers and the general public, calling for stricter laws and sufficient investment in youth services.
This fight against youth violence, led by the likes of Elba, is an essential step towards a safer future. It serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their social or professional standing, can make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the campaign initiated by Idris Elba is a powerful message against Youth Violence. Through the song and video “Knives Down”, Elba has managed to make a significant impact in Music News and social awareness alike. The fight against knife crime and youth violence continues, and only through collective efforts can we hope for a safer future.
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