Hampton University, Howard University and Xavier University of Louisiana declare multi-million-dollar gifts. Three HBCUs have gotten their biggest gifts ever, the universities declared on Tuesday (July 28). As indicated by CBS News, Howard University,
The music industry mourns the demise of a legendary figure, Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, whose influence and contributions have left a significant imprint on the world of funk and soul music. Aged 65, the Detroit Funk superstar, as he was fondly referred to, succumbed to a long battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt statement released on his Instagram account, his family shared the somber news.
“We face the insurmountable responsibility of sharing the passing of Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, Detroit’s own world-renowned ambassador of funk, soul, and electronic music, keyboardist, producer, Afro-futurist, and guiding force of light for so many. He has transitioned at the age of 65. After an extensive and noble battle with cancer, he now gracefully rests in peace and power.”
Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler wasn’t just a musician; he was a creative force that breathed life into the music scene. His artistic prowess was not limited to performing. He was also a seasoned keyboardist, a visionary producer, and a guiding force for many upcoming artists. His musical style was an eclectic mix of funk, soul, and electronic music, which he used to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Fiddler’s career spanned over four decades, during which he worked with many renowned artists such as Maxwell, Brand New Heavies, Raphael Saadiq, Slum Village, Carl Craig, and Moodyman. His involvement with the legendary band Parliament-Funkadelic as a backup keyboardist and vocalist from 1985 to 1996 significantly shaped his musical journey.
In 1990, he teamed up with his brother Bubz to release the album “With Respect”. Later, in 2004, he embarked on his solo career, releasing his debut album “Waltz of a Ghetto Fly”. His sophomore album, “Afro Strut”, followed two years later, with his third album “Inspiration Information” released in 2008.
One of the most significant contributions of Fiddler was his mentorship to J Dilla, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Fiddler is credited with introducing Dilla to Q-Tip and Clinton in July 1994, a pivotal moment that catapulted Dilla’s career.
The Instagram announcement further read:
“It would be impossible to encapsulate the gravity of his energy, global impact & contributions. His life’s work, legacy, & most importantly… his love… will far exceed his earthly presence. How blessed are we, to have experienced Amp Fiddler in this lifetime. A beautiful spirit and gift of light.”
The news of Fiddler’s passing has sent shockwaves across the music industry, with many expressing their sorrow and sharing their memories of the Detroit Funk legend.
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the funeral costs. At the time of this writing, the donations have surpassed the initial target of $9,000, reflecting the enormous love and respect people have for Amp Fiddler.
As we remember Joseph ‘Amp’ Fiddler, his music continues to live on, embodying the spirit of Detroit Funk and his passion for music. His influence on the music industry will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. Rest in peace, Amp Fiddler. You’ll always be our beloved ambassador of Detroit Funk.
Image Credit: Franklin Sheard Jr / Shutterstock.com
Renowned rapper French Montana has stepped forward to extend a helping hand to his native land, Morocco, which was significantly affected by a severe earthquake earlier this month. The musician revealed his plans for philanthropy during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), demonstrating that his heart is as large as his talent.
As he took to the stage to present the award for Best R&B, Montana seized the opportunity to shed light on the devastating situation in Morocco and announce his contribution. In collaboration with global humanitarian organizations, Global Citizen and CARE, French Montana pledged to set up an emergency fund to aid the victims of the calamity.
“I want to spread some love and light to Morocco. They’ve been hit with a big earthquake,” Montana expressed. “I’m setting up an emergency fund with Global Citizen and I will be donating myself.” Drawing attention to the plight of his homeland, he pledged a generous donation of $100,000 towards the cause.
The emergency fund is an initiative planned to assist the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth, and other disadvantaged demographics. The fund will focus on providing immediate relief in the form of food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
In addition to his monetary contribution, French Montana’s announcement serves to raise awareness about the dire situation in Morocco and encourage others to contribute. He urged people to extend their support by making a donation.
The earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, wreaked havoc in Morocco. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 2,901 individuals and left over 5,530 injured. Rescue teams from Britain, Spain, and Qatar collaborated with the Moroccan military in search-and-rescue operations. However, as time passes, the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing, as per NBC News.
Born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco, French Montana immigrated to the South Bronx with his family when he was 13 years old. Despite having to face language barriers, as he only spoke Moroccan Darija Arabic and French at the time, he managed to learn English and carve a successful career in the music industry.
His connection to his homeland remains strong, and this isn’t the first time Montana has used his platform for philanthropy. In 2017, he collaborated with Global Citizen for the first time when he traveled to Uganda to film the music video for “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee. Following his visit, he donated $100,000 to the Suubi Health Center and launched the #2BStrong petition with Global Citizen, advocating for universal health coverage within the African Union.
French Montana’s generous gesture is a shining example of the music industry’s potential to effect positive change. His contribution will not only provide immediate relief to those affected but also inspire others to contribute towards the cause. As we continue to follow this story, we hope that Montana’s actions will bring much-needed assistance and hope to the people of Morocco.
Franklin Sheard Jr / Shutterstock.com
Imagine a world where celebrities use their wealth and influence to make a difference in the lives of everyday people. This dream became a reality on June 19th, when rapper Rick Ross, also known as the “biggest boss,” made an extraordinary gesture by donating over $30,000 to a healthcare clinic in
Fayetteville, Georgia. This generous donation prevented the clinic from facing foreclosure, allowing it to continue providing essential services to the community. The heartfelt story behind his donation and its impact on the community serves as a testament to the power of kindness and empathy, especially in the world of the music business.
Rick Ross is a rap legend who’s been through a lot. He’s faced beef, lawsuits, health issues, and more. But he’s also made some of the biggest hits in hip-hop history. He’s a boss who knows how to hustle and overcome any challenge.
Through it all, he’s managed to maintain a strong connection with his roots and a deep understanding of the importance of giving back. The loss of his father at a young age played a significant role in shaping his perspective on life, and this recent act of generosity shows that he is determined to make a difference in the lives of others.
In this blog post, we will explore the story behind Rick Ross’s donation, the impact it has had on the Georgia health clinic, and the broader implications of his actions in the world of music business. So, let’s dive into the heartwarming story of how a rapper’s generosity saved a healthcare clinic from the brink of foreclosure.
Like many other small communities across the United States, Fayetteville, Georgia, is home to a local healthcare clinic that serves as a vital lifeline for its residents. We’re here to help you stay healthy and happy. Our clinic offers a range of medical services for the community, no matter who you are or what you need. Come and see us anytime! Unfortunately, the clinic was facing the threat of foreclosure due to a lack of funds, which would have forced its doors to close and left the people of Fayetteville without access to critical healthcare services.
Upon hearing about the clinic’s dire situation, Rick Ross felt compelled to step in and help. The rapper saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who rely on the clinic for their healthcare needs. The donation of over $30,000 not only helped the clinic avoid foreclosure but also served as a reminder of the power of compassion and community support.
For the people of Fayetteville, Rick Ross’s donation has been a lifeline, ensuring that their local healthcare clinic can continue to provide essential services. This act of generosity has not only helped to save the clinic but has also demonstrated the incredible impact that celebrities can have when they use their wealth and influence for good.
As the world continues to grapple with the injustice of George Floyd’s death, one Los Angeles family has been forced to face a similar tragedy. Keenan Anderson, cousin of Black Lives Matter Founder Patrisse Cullors and a 31-year-old teacher, was killed by the LAPD during a confrontation in late April. In a shocking video recently released, Anderson can be seen struggling against officers before being tased and later pronounced dead at the scene. Read on to learn more about this heartbreaking story and how it is connected to the fight for justice for George Floyd.
The muder of Keenan Anderson is yet another example of the police brutality that black people face in America. It is also a tragic reminder of how little has changed since the murder of George Floyd. We must continue to fight for justice and hold the police accountable for their actions.
One of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, Patrisse Cullors, has a cousin who was tased by police officers in Los Angeles, California. The man’s name is Keenan Anderson and he was stopped by police for riding his bike on the wrong side of the road. When police officers attempted to search Keenan Anderson, he ran away. The officers chased Kizzee and tased him when they caught up to him. Keenan Anderson died as a result of the tasing.
Patrisse Cullors, founder of Black Lives Matter, said that her cousin was shouting because he was in fear for his life. She said that the tasing was deadly and that it should never have happened.
This statement highlights the ongoing problem of police brutality against black people in America. The fact that someone would feel the need to shout this statement before they were killed by police speaks volumes about the state of race relations in America.
The aftermath of the tragedy has seen a renewed focus on the Black Lives Matter movement and its goals. The movement has gained new momentum in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and it is clear that there is still much work to be done in order to achieve equality and justice for all.
If you are able, please consider making a donation to help the Anderson family during this difficult time. Every little bit helps, and your gesture of solidarity will be greatly appreciated.
The tragic death of George Floyd has been a catalyst for much needed change in the US. Unfortunately, despite all of the progress that has been made since then, there are still issues that need to be addressed. The incident involving the BLM founder’s cousin is just one example of how systemic racism and police brutality can lead to devastating consequences. We must continue to fight for justice and accountability so that others don’t suffer like this again.
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