by Kareshia Prioleau | Nov 15, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Two years post the alleged incident, ASAP Relli, former member of the ASAP Mob, finally broke his silence in court about the terrifying night he claims he was shot by ASAP Rocky.
The Unveiling of an Unimaginable Truth
Terell Ephron, who was previously known as ASAP Relli, took the stand in a Los Angeles courtroom to retell the bone-chilling events that took place on that fateful night. His testimony was as much about the alleged assault as it was about the history of the relationship he shared with the superstar rapper, ASAP Rocky.
Ephron brought to light the evolution of his rapport with Rocky, describing how the camaraderie between the two gradually morphed into a tense rivalry as Rocky’s fame began to rise.
2. Rocky’s Unfulfilled Promise
The breaking point arrived when Rocky committed to aiding the family of a deceased member of the Mob, a promise Ephron claims Rocky never honored. This act of betrayal, according to Ephron, instigated the events that led to the alleged assault.
On November 6, 2021, Ephron received a demanding phone call from Rocky, inquiring about his whereabouts. This call led to a meeting between the two at a Los Angeles hotel. Ephron alleges that Rocky, accompanied by several men, brandished a firearm at him. According to Ephron’s testimony, Rocky threatened him by placing the gun against his stomach and stating, “I’ll kill you right now.”
The Aftermath
Despite the immediate threat, Ephron was not shot at that moment. However, he claims that the sound of gunshots filled the air shortly after they split ways. He felt a burning sensation in his hand and alleges that he was shot four times by Rocky before the rapper fled the scene. Ephron chose not to report to the police until the following day, out of fear for his life.
Evidence Presented in Court
According to a report by Rolling Stone, a grainy video of the alleged shooting was presented in court. This footage, despite its lack of clarity, could potentially play a significant role in the case.
The video portrays a group of men embroiled in a scuffle at a Los Angeles intersection. While the shooting is not explicitly visible without enhancement, the court observed one individual sprinting away from the scene as the rest dispersed in all directions. Ephron, commenting on the video’s quality, said, “It’s a little blurry, but you can make out everybody.”
The Defamation Lawsuit
In addition to the assault case, Ephron has filed a defamation lawsuit against both Rocky and his attorney, Joe Tacopina. Ephron alleges that Tacopina initiated a media campaign that painted him as a dishonest opportunist, resulting in death threats and public humiliation.
Tacopina, in response to the lawsuit, stated, “This is actually nothing more than a publicity stunt which is going to backfire badly. I more than welcome this lawsuit especially because the resolution of the criminal case has not happened yet.”
In a heated moment during the court proceedings, Ephron addressed Tacopina directly, stating, “You’re just paid to be here. Me and this man knew each other for years.”
Rocky’s Stand
Rocky, who was present during Ephron’s testimony, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The hearing is set to resume on Thursday, November 9.
In this era of Music News filled with controversies and shocking revelations, this case stands as a testament to the dark side of fame and the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts. Only time will tell the outcome of this legal battle and the future of both ASAP Relli and ASAP Rocky.
by Jesse Swindell | Nov 15, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Jennifer Hudson, an iconic name in the world of music and film, has recently been under the spotlight for her rumored relationship with Common, the acclaimed rapper and actor. Their public display of affection has set tongues wagging and hearts fluttering among fans.
Unveiling The Public Display of Affection
According to People magazine, Hudson and Common were spotted at an event hosted by Artists for Mikel Mwalimu-Banks at Joe’s Pub in New York City. The Oscar-winning duo was seen walking hand-in-hand, fueling dating speculations.
Their rapport began in July 2022 while filming the upcoming action-thriller, Breathe. In this film, the duo portrays a married couple, further adding fuel to the fire of their off-screen romance.
During an interview with Al Roker on TODAY, Common had nothing but words of praise for Hudson. He refrained from confirming or denying their relationship status, but his admiration for her was evident in his words.
Hudson’s Response to Dating Queries
In a recent interview on CBS Mornings, co-host Gayle King probed Hudson about her love life. In response, Hudson confirmed her happiness but did not directly address the rumors of her being romantically involved with Common.
Common’s dating history is dotted with several famous names from the world of sports and entertainment, including Erykah Badu, Taraji P. Henson, Serena Williams, and Tiffany Haddish. Haddish’s recent comments about her breakup with Common made headlines when she claimed she was taken aback by the sudden end of their relationship.
On the other hand, Hudson was married to actor and lawyer, David Otunga, for a decade from 2007 to 2017. They share a son, David Daniel Otunga Jr.
Conclusion
While the duo has yet to confirm their relationship status, the affectionate bond between Jennifer Hudson and Common is undeniable. As fans eagerly await a formal announcement, the world continues to speculate about this potential power couple in the music industry.
by Derrick T Lewis | Nov 13, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Yung Miami, a member of the hip-hop duo City Girls, has recently been in the limelight for her candid thoughts on being genuine when it comes to dating high-profile personalities like Diddy. She believes that being true to oneself is the ultimate magnet for attracting someone of Diddy’s stature. In a recent discussion with Catrise J for Billboard News, she was asked about her approach to winning over someone like Diddy.
Miami’s Unexpected Connection with Diddy
Miami reminisced about the time when people were hasty in their judgment, asserting that she was not Diddy’s type. However, time and circumstances have shown that this assessment was far from the truth.
She strongly advocates for being genuine and believes that people are naturally drawn to authenticity. In her words, one should not attempt to be something they’re not. She believes that being yourself is the surest way to attract the right people into your life.
Miami and Diddy’s Public Appearances
Miami has been publicly acknowledging her relationship with Diddy, especially on social media platforms. She celebrated Diddy’s recent 54th birthday with an affectionate Instagram post. The post featured a collection of their pictures together and a heartwarming caption that read:
In addition to their social media interactions, Miami and Diddy were also observed together on Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis’ Apple Music show. During the show, Diddy expressed his confidence in Miami, asserting that she has the potential to become a billionaire like him someday.
Conclusion
Yung Miami‘s open and genuine approach to her relationship with Diddy serves as a testament to her assertion about the power of authenticity in relationships. Her story is a reminder that one does not need to conform to societal expectations or pretenses to attract the right kind of people in life.
In an industry where image and perception are everything, Miami’s stance on being true to oneself is refreshing and inspiring. Her boldness and confidence in her authenticity are not only commendable but also a lesson for anyone seeking to make meaningful connections in their personal and professional lives.
by Laghe Andrews | Nov 13, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Jeezy, the iconic rapper, recently opened up about his personal life in an in-depth interview with Nia Long. He shared insights about his marital journey with Jeannie Mai and how their path to separation was paved with several attempts at reconciliation, including therapy, but ultimately led to a path of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Beginning of the Journey
The rapper and the talk show host first made their relationship public in 2019. Their love story was quick to catch the media’s attention and in the following year, they announced their engagement.
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai tied the knot in 2021, in an intimate ceremony at their home in Atlanta. The couple’s decision to keep their wedding private highlighted their desire for a personal and unique celebration of their love.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Despite their seemingly perfect relationship, cracks began to show. Jeezy admitted in his interview with Nia Long that their marital journey was anything but easy.
In a bid to mend their broken relationship, the couple attempted therapy. However, despite their best efforts, their differences proved to be irreconcilable.
The Decision to Separate
Last month, Jeezy released a statement announcing the end of his marriage with Jeannie Mai. He emphasized that the decision wasn’t impulsive and was made with a heavy heart.
Moving Forward: A New Path for Jeezy
Jeezy shared that despite the end of his marriage, he believes God has set him on a new path. A path that entails taking care of himself, loving himself, and thriving despite his past experiences.
“God has put me on a different path. This path requires me to care for myself, love myself, and thrive as someone who has experienced what I have,” Jeezy stated.
Current Living Situation
Despite their divorce, the couple, along with Mai’s mother and brother, are reportedly still living under the same roof as they finalize their separation.
Jeezy’s journey with Jeannie Mai might have ended in divorce, but it appears to have led him to a path of self-discovery and personal growth. His story is a testament to his resilience and his commitment to staying true to himself.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Nov 10, 2023 | Business News, Latest |
Image credit: Ink Drop / Shutterstock.com
Spotify, the renowned music streaming platform, has recently made a significant stride in enhancing its user offerings. A mere month after the announcement of introducing a selection of audiobooks as part of its Premium subscription, the company is now extending this service to its U.S. user base for the first time.
A Progressive Leap
This expansion grants Premium subscribers 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening time, a notable rise from the initial 150,000 titles in the U.K. and Australia to a vast catalog of 200,000 titles. This move is a clear sign of Spotify’s commitment to diversifying its content and catering to the evolving preferences of its users. Spotify first ventured into the realm of audiobooks in September 2022, following its acquisition of Findaway, a digital audiobook distributor, in 2021. The company debuted with a catalog of approximately 300,000 titles for U.S. users, later extending its reach to other English-speaking markets. Canada was added to the list in early 2023.
apping into a Growing Market
Spotify has acknowledged the potential of tapping into the growing market of audiobooks. Even though audiobooks currently hold a 6% to 7% share of the broader book market, the category is witnessing a 20% year-over-year growth. This growth is majorly driven by Gen Z and millennials, with 72% of 18- to 34-year-olds indulging in audiobook listening.
Initially, accessing Spotify’s audiobooks was a somewhat complex process, primarily due to the company’s reluctance to share commissions with app stores on in-app purchases. Users had to purchase titles individually via Spotify’s website before listening to them in-app. However, the introduction of a certain number of hours in the Premium subscription has streamlined this process, enabling users to select a book and start listening with a single click. Users desiring more time can opt for an additional 10 hours by purchasing a “top-off.”
Discoverability and Content Diversity
Spotify has ensured easy discoverability of its audiobooks. They can be found on the app’s Home feed or by searching for a specific title. A curated selection of popular titles is also available for browsing in the app’s audiobook hub.
Notable titles include recent releases like Britney Spears’ “The Woman in Me” and Jesmyn Ward’s “Let Us Descend,” alongside works by renowned authors such as Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, Stephen King, Colleen Hoover, and musical artists like Willie Nelson and Dave Grohl.
The platform boasts over 70% of bestselling titles, encompassing books from the big five publishers as well as independent publishers and authors. The titles span across various genres and include classics like Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.”
Spotify’s Continued Growth
In its most recent quarter, Spotify reported a 16% year-over-year growth in paying subscribers, now totaling 226 million. Its monthly active users saw a 26% increase, reaching 574 million, surpassing the company’s forecast by 2 million. Revenue also rose by 11% year-over-year to €3.4 billion ($3.63 billion USD), aided by recent price hikes. This development heralds a promising upswing for Spotify, underlining its forward-thinking strategy and commitment to user satisfaction. The inclusion of audiobooks in its Premium subscription not only broadens its content spectrum but also positions it favorably to tap into the burgeoning audiobook market.
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