by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 23, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
In recent times, a disturbing phenomenon has been emerging, particularly within the world of celebrity fan bases. Individuals who dared to voice their criticisms against popular rapper Nicki Minaj found themselves victims of an alarming cybercrime trend known as doxxing. These individuals, are reportedly considering various legal options to protect themselves and seek justice.
A Closer Look at Doxxing
An article by Time Magazine shed light on this terrifying experience that has befallen several individuals who dared to criticize Minaj, particularly concerning her recent feud with fellow artist, Megan Thee Stallion. These individuals claim they were doxxed by Minaj’s ardent fan base, colloquially known as the Barbz.
The term “doxxing,” as explained by The Atlantic, refers to the act of revealing and maliciously using another’s private and personal information. This deliberate act of cybercrime has left the victims scrambling, looking for ways to legally shield themselves while attempting to gather as much information as they can about the perpetrators.
The Unfortunate Experience of Erick Louis
One such individual is Erick Louis. Louis, a content creator on the popular app TikTok, found himself in the crosshairs after he uploaded a video criticizing Minaj’s “Big Foot” track. The repercussions were swift and unexpected. He received a phone call from his brother, informing him that an unordered pizza had been delivered to his house. Soon, his phone was inundated with calls from unknown numbers, an experience he described to Time as nerve-wracking and unsettling.
The Painful Betrayal of Bela Delgado
Another victim of this malicious act is Bela Delgado, a former Nicki Minaj fan who once ran fan accounts for the rapper in 2017. Delgado’s disillusionment with Minaj began when the artist started associating with controversial figures like Tekashi 6ix9ine, who pled guilty to using a minor for a sexual performance.
The backlash from the Barbz was swift and brutal after Delgado uploaded (and later deleted) a video expressing their disappointment in Minaj following the release of “Big Foot.” The harassment was not only directed at Delgado but also their family members.
The Legal Maze: A Complex Path to Justice
According to entertainment attorney Lauren Kilgore, navigating the legal system to find justice for doxxing victims is a complex and uncertain path. The legal landscape is nuanced, and current discussions in Congress about crafting anti-doxxing legislation must carefully balance free speech rights against privacy protections.
Seeking Accountability: A Plea for Responsibility
While the victims grapple with the aftermath, there’s a call for the celebrities whose fan bases carry out these attacks to take responsibility. Ebony Jasmine Harris, another victim of the Barbz’s doxxing, believes that if Minaj chooses to use her power negatively and refuses to speak out against the doxxing, it speaks volumes about her as an individual.
Wrapping Up: An Ongoing Battle
As the people continue their battle against the violation of their privacy, a larger conversation about the power of celebrity fan bases and the potential for harm has been sparked. The victims are not just seeking justice for themselves but also hope to raise awareness about the dangers of doxxing and the need for stricter regulations and laws to combat it.
In the meantime, they continue to navigate their way through this horrifying experience, bearing a heavy burden and an even heavier responsibility to protect their privacy and ensure their safety in the face of relentless cyber harassment. They’re standing up against the violation, exploring legal options, and hoping for a safer, more respectful cyberspace where dissent doesn’t lead to dangerous retaliation.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 2, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
Despite recent fluctuations in economic indicators such as inflation, a robust current of capital continues to course through the veins of Silicon Valley. In a notable example, Top Tier Capital – a San Francisco-based VC and private equity firm – has recently announced an impressive $1.05 billion boost to its investment fund, aimed at global venture funds and tech companies.
A Reinvigorated Investment Strategy
In a conversation with TechCrunch, Top Tier Capital’s managing partner, David York, explained the strategy underlying the new capital influx. This round of funding, which includes Top Tier’s Fund X, single-investor funds, and separate accounts, is set to emphasize investments in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
“We have enormous confidence in the continued growth of technology globally, as well as our future investment activities,” York shared in a statement.
Building Stronger Ventures in Uncertain Markets
According to York, the strongest companies are often built in uncertain markets. Despite the current global economic fluctuations, the digital economy has continued to grow as part of global GDP overall. This presents a unique opportunity for Top Tier to fortify its position as one of the more vigorous venture franchises in the business.
“We see an opportunity here to build our firm for the future, as we remain focused on trying to invest as one of the stronger venture franchises in the business,” York stated.
A Look at Top Tier’s Journey
Founded in 2011 by Philip Paul, who spun the company out of Paul Capital, Top Tier Capital primarily invests in VC funds but also in startups alongside select managers. Its portfolio includes around 400 fund interests, including big names like Andreessen Horowitz, Mayfield Ventures, and Creandum. The firm has exposure to over 16,000 venture-backed companies spanning sectors like biotechnology, software-as-a-service software, web3, and AI.
Since its founding, Top Tier has raised approximately $3.7 billion in capital from investors across 12 funds and has more than $8 billion in assets under management. The firm’s exits include corporate performance management platform Anaplan, cybersecurity upstart Carbon Black, and cloud app management company Engine Yard.
Recent Startup Bets
Top Tier has recently placed bets on startups such as Plus One, a company building parcel robotics vision systems; Paro, a marketplace matching freelance financial experts with firms; and Humane, the company behind the AI-powered wearable, the Ai Pin.
New Additions to the Top Tier Team
As part of this new development, Top Tier has announced the addition of Jonathan Biggs, a former SVB Capital managing partner based in London, to its team as an investment partner. Simultaneously, Michelle Ashworth has been promoted to a partner role alongside Biggs.
Jessica Archibald, Top Tier’s managing director, expressed her enthusiasm for the future, stating, “We believe the companies powering our future are being built today, and we think our firm’s deep industry expertise and longstanding relationships make us a uniquely valuable investing partner.”
Wrapping Up
Top Tier Capital’s recent $1.05 billion funding is a testament to the resilience and potential of the global tech industry. With its new capital and strategic emphasis on Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Top Tier is poised to strengthen its position as a powerful force in the global venture capital landscape.
As the world of startups continues to evolve and innovate, investors like Top Tier Capital will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology worldwide.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 2, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Arturo Holmes / Shutterstock.com
Good music doesn’t come cheap, and when it comes to a verse from Meek Mill, that statement takes on a whole new level. The Philly-born rapper recently let slip his price tag for featuring in a song, and the quotations are enough to make anyone’s jaw drop.
Markdown quote:
“Every time I do a verse I charge 250k and up if you got 150k on sight and I like the song we can swap it outtt!!!!” – Meek Mill
The Industry Standard
In an industry where talent is abundant, the stakes are high and the prices even higher. Meek’s asking price aligns with his contemporaries. However, it’s worth noting that Meek’s pricing far outweighs that of rapper J. Cole.
In a surprising revelation last year, J. Cole dispelled rumors of him receiving $2,000 per word for his verses. His approach to music features is rather humble and passion-driven, unlike the industry’s norm.
Markdown quote:
“Yo, bro, it’s just a bar, bro…I don’t even charge n***a for the verse, I’m doing this shit because I’m inspired to do it.” – J.Cole
More Than Just a Verse
Meek further elaborated on his pricing, emphasizing that artists paying for his feature receive more than just a verse. The benefits extend to exposure to Meek’s expansive audience, which includes his 50 million followers with real engagement.
Markdown quote:
“Some of these artists need others’ platforms to get their point across, and I offer them data and fanbase opportunities along with mass marketing” – Meek Mill
Investing in Land
So, what does Meek Mill do with all that hard-earned money? It seems he’s eyeing an expansion of his real estate portfolio. The rapper recently expressed his desire to acquire 15 acres in south New Jersey. However, he’s clear on one thing – no wetlands.
Markdown quote:
“Looking for 15 Acres in south nj no wetlands tho help me out” – Meek Mill
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the figures may seem astronomical to some, it’s clear that the music industry operates on a different financial scale. Whether it’s Meek Mill’s $250,000 verses or J. Cole’s passion-driven approach, the price of a verse in the rap world is more than a monetary figure; it’s a reflection of an artist’s value, reach, and influence.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 26, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
Image Sky Cinema / Shutterstock.com
Music icon and fashion trendsetter, Rihanna, made a much-anticipated comeback to Paris Fashion Week in style. After a brief hiatus following the birth of her second son, the starlet graced Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior couture spring 2024 runway show with her bold presence.
The Dior Couture Spring 2024 Runway Show
The Dior Couture show, held at the famed Musée Rodin on January 22, welcomed Rihanna, who brought her signature twist to the Dior’s celebrated ‘New Look’ silhouette.
W Magazine describes the New Look’s shape as having “rounded, dramatic shoulders and a cinched waist that finishes off into some sort of statement skirt.”
Rihanna, affectionately known as RiRi, embraced this style, accentuating her waist with a chunky black belt and wearing a skirt that fell just beyond her knees.
Rihanna’s Style Statement
Rihanna upped the fashion ante with her unique interpretation of the ‘New Look’. She sported an off-the-shoulder jacket, and gave her outfit an edgy spin with a newsboy baseball cap, leather gloves, dramatic lip liner, and dazzling diamond jewelry.
Rihanna’s Fashion Journey
This Fashion Week appearance marked Rihanna’s first at a designer show since the birth of her second son, Riot Rose, in August. Her previous fashion excursion was Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton menswear debut in Paris last June.
Rihanna’s relationship with Dior dates back to 2015 when she made history as Dior’s first Black ambassador. Her last appearance at a Dior show was in the fall of 2022, during her pregnancy with her first son, RZA.
At that time, she made headlines for her audacious choice of a sheer dress.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s return to Paris Fashion Week and her distinct take on Dior’s ‘New Look’ silhouette once again underscores her status as a style icon. Whether it’s music, fashion, or life, Rihanna continues to walk her path, bold and unapologetic.
by Laghe Andrews | Jan 19, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
After almost three years of collaboration, Mercedes-AMG and music maestro Will.i.am have launched a revolutionary, interactive music experience. The high-performance car manufacturer and the renowned artist have co-developed the MBUX Sound Drive, an in-car technology that evolves music based on real-time driving dynamics.
The Concept: MBUX Sound Drive
The innovative MBUX Sound Drive can interpret and respond to any in-car “signal,” from acceleration, braking, steering to windscreen rain sensors. This capacity to sync with these signals allows the creation of rhythms that augment focus, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
“Imagine a world where your car can become an instrument creating musical journeys. MBUX Sound Drive enhances driving and sound technology, letting motorists reshape music just by driving,” Will.i.am said.
The Launch Event
On January 9, Will.i.am hosted a presentation at the Las Vegas Convention Center, elucidating the vision behind this groundbreaking technology. The artist expressed his excitement about how composers, producers, and songwriters might harness this technology to create new works and reimagine classics for motorists.
The launch of the MBX Sound Drive is set for mid-2024, and it will come equipped in Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles fitted with the second-generation MBUX system.
Access for Existing Users
For existing Mercedes customers, the software will be accessible using the Update Wizard on their MBX display or the Mercedes me connect app once it becomes available in their region.
Conclusion
The MBux Sound Drive is not just a new frontier for music creation, but it also introduces fresh, thrilling, and interactive listening experiences for drivers. It’s a testament to the creative prowess of Mercedes-AMG and Will.i.am, and their commitment to enhancing the driving experience with innovative technology
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