by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 15, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Image Credit: Jacob giampa / Shutterstock.com
Polo G, the renowned Chicago rapper, has recently made an announcement that has left his fans in anticipation. His fifth studio album, ‘Hood Poet’, was expected to hit the music platforms on September 15. However, the artist has decided to postpone its release due to the recent legal troubles he has been facing.
The Announcement
In an Instagram post, Polo G shared news of the delay with his followers. He wrote:
“Wanted to Tap Back in & Let y’all kno imma be postponing my album drop til further notice…just gettin back on track from a minor set back I’ll be updating y’all and droppin new music soon Ik y’all been waitin on me & I appreciate the ones who show genuine support but it’ll be worth the wait I promise.”
The post was a clear indication of Polo G’s commitment to his fans and his music, despite the legal issues he’s been dealing with.
Legal Issues: A Hurdle in the Path
Polo G’s decision to postpone his album comes in the wake of two felony arrests over the span of a few months. These incidents have, unfortunately, hindered the promotional activities for the album.
The rapper was arrested twice within 24 hours, along with his brother, Trench Baby. The Los Angeles Police Department, armed with a search warrant, discovered several firearms and a small quantity of drugs at his residence. Four individuals, including Polo G and his brother, were taken into custody.
Polo G and Trench Baby were later released but were then apprehended once again due to outstanding warrants for assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and kidnapping. Polo G was released after posting a $100,000 bond, and his brother was released after posting the same amount.
The Impact on Tour Schedule
Polo G was set to embark on a tour with this album. However, even with the album’s delay, the tour schedule is reportedly unaffected. The rapper is still expected to perform in New Mexico in October and continue his journey through Europe in November. A concert is also scheduled in Canada for December.
Past Arrests and Controversies
Polo G’s recent arrests aren’t his first run-ins with the law. In June 2021, he was arrested in Miami after an album release party for his project ‘Hall of Fame’. He was charged with battery on a police officer, threatening a public servant, resisting an officer with violence, and resisting an officer without violence.
In addition, Polo G was also involved in a controversy in 2020 when he claimed that the Miami police targeted him due to his race and wealth.
Looking Forward
Despite these setbacks, Polo G remains hopeful and committed to his music and fans. His recent Instagram post not only communicates the delay of his album but also his plans to release new music soon.
Polo G’s decision to postpone the release of his album underscores the importance he places on giving his best to his fans. His commitment to overcoming setbacks and delivering quality music is commendable.
In the meantime, fans eagerly await the release of ‘Hood Poet’, confident in Polo G’s promise that the wait will be worth it.
Conclusion
Polo G’s journey is a testament to the challenges and obstacles that artists often face in their careers. Despite the legal issues and controversies, his dedication to his craft and his fans remains unwavering.
While the delay of ‘Hood Poet‘ may be disappointing for some, it’s clear that Polo G is working hard to navigate through these challenging times. As they say, the best things in life are worth waiting for. And in this case, the wait for Polo G’s new album promises to be just that.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 8, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
In a shocking incident that gripped the nation, Jermelle English Jr, a Black man from Wisconsin, faced a wrongful arrest at a local Applebee’s. An unfortunate case of mistaken identity led to this brutal episode, sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident unfolded in July, when law enforcement officers from Kenosha, Wisconsin, barged into an Applebee’s, targeting English Jr. They mistook him for a suspect involved in a hit-and-run accident. A video capturing the scene went viral, showcasing English Jr. pinned to the ground, with his 1-year-old baby nearby, as the officers began hitting him repeatedly1.
Misidentification and Charges
English Jr. and the woman accompanying him, Shanya Boyd, were taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting police. Boyd faced an additional charge for marijuana possession. The actual culprits, whom the police were pursuing, were later discovered hiding in the Applebee’s restroom2.
Aftermath and Social Media Uproar
The aftermath of this incident was equally tumultuous. Jennifer Harris, the on-duty manager at Applebee’s at the time, recounted the chaotic scene to CBS 58. She expressed her concern for the baby and English Jr., while also noting that pepper spray was used during the scuffle3.
“It was a lot, I was worried for the baby first off, the baby and the gentleman, that was my first concern,” she said.
Harris also mentioned an employee who tried to intervene, urging the police to stop their assault. However, the cops responded by threatening to arrest him too4.
“One employee was trying to get the cops to stop punching him, he was like, ‘Hey, hey, stop, he’s on the ground, stop,’ and they pushed him, pushed my employee, and said, ‘One more word out of you and you’re arrested.'”
Manager’s Dismissal
In a shocking turn of events, Harris was fired by the restaurant chain after videos of the incident surfaced on social media. The management accused her of tarnishing the Applebee’s brand name.
“They told me they can’t trust me and that I didn’t just ruin this Applebee’s name, I ruined all the Applebee’s in Wisconsin’s name by letting these videos get out,” she stated. “I’m not the one who recorded the videos nor let them out on the internet, so I don’t understand. My employees are trying to get the right story out, so how did we ruin the name of Applebee’s?”
The Power of Social Media and Celebrity Influence
The incident, fueled by social media traction, caught the attention of influential figures, including music mogul JAY-Z. Known for his contributions towards social justice, JAY-Z reportedly helped English Jr. secure a strong legal defense5.
Conclusion
The incident at the Wisconsin Applebee’s serves as a stark reminder of the persistent racial disparities in our society. It underscores the power of social media to highlight social injustices and mobilize support. The episode has spurred a renewed call for police reform and accountability, and the fight for justice continues.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 31, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Sirisvisual on Unsplash
In a bold move against the Los Angeles Police Department, a prominent Black filmmaker is breaking his silence and taking legal action following a disturbing incident involving law enforcement officers. Damien Smith, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, is shedding light on an encounter with the police in 2021 that left him deeply affected and compelled to pursue justice.
Speaking exclusively with the LA Times, Damien Smith shared his harrowing experience, which he believes was tainted by racial bias. The incident occurred on a fateful day in October 2021 when Smith returned to his apartment only to find an intruder unlawfully holding his belongings. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Smith chose to call 911, believing that justice and safety would be upheld.
However, what followed was an unexpected and distressing turn of events. When the police arrived at the scene, instead of apprehending the intruder, they subjected Smith to multiple taser shocks, leaving him in shock and disbelief. As a filmmaker actively working on a project addressing police brutality, Smith couldn’t help but wonder if there was a racial component to the way he was treated by law enforcement.
Once the officers confirmed Smith’s residency, they promptly released him, but no apologies were offered for the unjust use of force. Meanwhile, the intruder, Demani Coats, was later arrested and convicted of burglary in July 2022, raising further questions about the disproportionate actions taken against Smith.
In response to this traumatic incident and the subsequent lack of accountability, Damien Smith made the difficult decision to file a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department. The lawsuit reflects the physical and emotional toll the encounter had on him, citing injuries to his chest, back, and nervous system, as well as the immense embarrassment and public ridicule he endured.
The allegations against the department are serious, encompassing charges of false arrest, assault, battery, intentional infliction of mental distress, and violation of civil rights. Smith is determined to hold the police accountable for their actions and highlight the urgent need for proper training to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
For Damien Smith, this lawsuit is not just about seeking compensation or retribution; it is a plea for justice and an urgent call for change. As a filmmaker who has devoted his career to shedding light on social injustices, he now finds himself at the center of the very narrative he has been capturing on film. His courage to speak out against the injustice he experienced is inspiring a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive reform within law enforcement agencies.
The story of Damien Smith resonates deeply with the broader social justice movement, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for racial equity and accountability in policing. His unwavering commitment to seeking justice serves as a rallying point for those advocating for change and a reminder that there is still much work to be done to achieve a more just and equitable society.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 27, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Carles Rabada on Unsplash
The Justice Department has taken a decisive step forward, embarking on a civil rights investigation aimed at delving into the disquieting conditions and alleged instances of violence perpetrated against inmates at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia. The move signals the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and ensuring transparency in matters concerning the treatment of individuals in detention. By initiating this investigation, the Justice Department aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, seeking accountability for any potential violations and facilitating improvements to prevent future occurrences of mistreatment and abuse.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the significance of this probe, stating that the Justice Department aims to determine whether systemic violations of federal laws have occurred within the facility.
During a news conference on July 13, Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, provided insight into the investigation’s scope and objectives. The inquiry was prompted by the tragic death of Lashawn Thompson, an inmate at Fulton County Jail. Thompson, who was in custody for a misdemeanor assault charge, was placed in the jail’s psychiatric wing due to his mental health condition, according to Michael Harper, the attorney representing Thompson’s family.
The allegations surrounding the conditions and treatment of inmates at Fulton County Jail have raised concerns about the facility’s compliance with civil rights standards. The investigation will delve into the reported unsanitary conditions and examine the alleged acts of violence perpetrated against inmates. It represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and addressing any potential violations of inmates’ civil rights.
By launching this civil rights investigation, the Justice Department aims to uncover the truth and determine whether there have been systemic infringements on the rights of incarcerated individuals. The findings of this inquiry will serve as a crucial foundation for improving the conditions within the jail and holding responsible parties accountable for any wrongdoing.
The death of Lashawn Thompson serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for reform within the criminal justice system. It underscores the importance of upholding the rights and well-being of individuals in custody, particularly those grappling with mental health challenges. The Justice Department’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death reflects a broader dedication to safeguarding the civil rights of all individuals, regardless of their incarcerated status.
The outcome of this civil rights investigation at Fulton County Jail holds profound implications for the pursuit of justice and the protection of inmates’ rights. As the inquiry unfolds, the Justice Department will scrutinize the practices, policies, and treatment of individuals within the facility to ensure that their constitutional rights are upheld.
The initiation of this investigation should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a renewed focus on the fair and humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. The Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to upholding civil rights, even within correctional institutions, sends a powerful message about the importance of accountability and the pursuit of justice. Through this investigation, the department seeks to shed light on any potential violations and work towards rectifying systemic issues to ensure that the rights and dignity of all inmates are respected.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash
An unsettling occurrence involving a sheriff’s deputy from Los Angeles County has ignited widespread indignation and triggered an investigation into allegations of excessive force and racial prejudice. Recorded by a camera, the footage reveals the deputy forcefully slamming a Black woman to the ground, further emphasizing the pressing need for police accountability and comprehensive reform. The incident unfolded on June 24 at a WinCo grocery store in Lancaster, California, where a Black man and woman were accused of theft. In response to the reported incident, members of the LA County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene. As the deputy sought to handcuff the man, the woman accompanying him began recording the encounter between the officer and her companion.
The situation quickly escalated as the deputy struggled to arrest the Black woman, leading to a violent altercation that was captured on camera. A concerned pedestrian witnessing the incident shouted for the deputy to stop, expressing alarm and urging intervention to prevent further harm.
In light of the incident, an activist collective named Cancel the Contract has unveiled their intention to stage a rally outside the store where the assault took place. The group aims to demand accountability and justice, urging for the dismissal of the deputies implicated in the video.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation into the incident, recognizing the need to thoroughly examine the actions of their deputy and address the serious allegations raised by the footage. Such incidents have intensified calls for comprehensive police reform and the establishment of stronger mechanisms for accountability.
In recent years, cases of excessive force and racial profiling by law enforcement have sparked widespread protests and ignited crucial conversations about the role of policing in society. The incident involving the LA County sheriff’s deputy is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
Communities are demanding transparency, fairness, and unbiased treatment from law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on public trust in the LA County Sheriff’s Department and their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality.
As the nation grapples with issues of police brutality and systemic racism, incidents like this serve as a call to action for reform-minded individuals and organizations. It is imperative that steps are taken to hold accountable those responsible for any misconduct and ensure that law enforcement agencies are held to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department must seize this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of the communities it serves. By addressing the concerns raised by the public, taking appropriate action against any wrongdoing, and implementing necessary reforms, they can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.
RECENT COMMENTS