Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). French Montana can be added to the list of rappers getting Las Vegas residencies. It was confirmed recently that he will be performing at Drai’s in Vegas. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit So far Cardi B and Drake will be in Vegas and possibly some other entertainers are in talks about it. SEE ALSO: French Montana Victim Of Home Invasion Frank Ocean hasn’t come out with any new music in a while and we might be hearing from in soon. Headkrack mentioned the singer wrote out a cryptic message on social media and just might be releasing an album with SZA , Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar. Lastly, 21 Savage is still on lockdown, but so many rappers are standing behind him including Card B. She wants people to read, educate themselves and then take action. See photos of French Montana and the ladies he’s dated below! ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Bow Wow Arrested In Atlanta After Fight With Woman 21 Savage Arrested By ICE Agents, Says He’s A UK Citizen Jussie Smollett Speaks Out For the 1st Time After Attack [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1718794″ overlay=”true”] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office / WSB TV / Fulton County Sheriff’s Office / WSB TV TMZ released the audio of Bow Wow’s girlfriend, Kiyomi Leslie ‘s call to 911 on the night she and Bow Wow had their altercation. On the call she claims the police came before the her call and she was held up in the bedroom when the police arrived. Related: Bow Wow Arrested In Atlanta After Fight With Woman Listen to call below: The call that sent police out the first time was placed by the building manager after another resident complained about the noise. Listen below: The two were both arrested later that night and charged with misdemeanor battery. Related: Bow Wow & His Daughter Have The Cutest Moments On Social Media! [VIDEO] Stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram at @hiphopdetroit.
A hashtag, #IBelieveVanessa, is getting a growing number of contributors on Twitter from people who support the Scripps College professor who accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault—which he has denied. Educator and political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry is among those who have sided with Vanessa Tyson . See Also: Northam Now Says It Wasn’t Him In The Racist Yearbook Photo Tyson released a statement in which she officially identified herself as the accuser in the alleged July 2004 encounter, The Washington Post reported. “I cannot believe, given my obvious distress, that Mr. Fairfax thought this forced sexual act was consensual. To be very clear, I did not want to engage in oral sex with Mr. Fairfax and I never gave any form of consent. Quite the opposite. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again,” Tyson’s statement said in part. Professor who accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of 2004 sexual assault issues statement detailing alleged incident https://t.co/YFeruFI5Dc — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 6, 2019 This statement adds to the growing turmoil for Virginia’s top elected Democrats. The state’s governor and attorney general have admitted recently to wearing blackface in the 1980s. Tyson first approached The Post about her allegation in November 2017 after Fairfax won his election. But the newspaper said it declined to publish her story because it could not corroborate either her version or Fairfax’s recollection of exactly what happened. Tyson’s allegation was resurfaced recently by Big League Politics, a fringe right-wing news website that also published the racist photographs from Gov. Ralph Northam ’s medical school yearbook. “I know Vanessa. I taught Vanessa when she was a student #IBelieveVanessa ,” tweeted Harris-Perry. Here are tweets from more of Tyson’s supporters. Realized that for some, why #IBelieveVanessa is trending is a question. https://t.co/7M1VnVy1bZ Here's why we stand with @VanessaCTyson #MeToo #MeTooPoliSci — Nadia E. Brown (@BrownPhDGirl) February 6, 2019 I believe Vanessa Tyson. I've always admired her work and generosity as a scholar. I now admire her strength and courage. #metoo #IBelieveVanessa — Jennifer R. Garcia (@JGarciaForrest) February 5, 2019 Dr. @VanessaCTyson is one of the most brilliant, dedicated, and generous scholars I know. I am proud to call her my friend. She is an amazing advocate for junior scholars, for WOC, and for survivors. I believe her. #IBelieveVanessa — Dr. Julia Marin Hellwege (@JuliaHellwege) February 5, 2019 Fairfax and Tyson first met in Boston at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She recalled Fairfax asking her to walk with him to his hotel room to retrieve some papers. Tyson said the sexual encounter began with consensual kissing. But she said Fairfax guided her to the bed and forced her to perform oral sex. Fairfax, who was not married at the time, has described the encounter as consensual. On Monday, Fairfax threatened legal action against Big League Politics for its “false and unsubstantiated allegations” based on Tyson’s claim. The lieutenant governor said in his statement that The Post found “significant red flags and inconsistencies” in Tyson’s story. However, the newspaper denied Fairfax’s claim about find red flags when it investigated Tyson’s allegations and underscored that it simply could not corroborate either version of the encounter. SEE ALSO: Another Blackface Yearbook Photo Surfaces From Ralph Northam’s Alma Mater Republican Kirk Cox Could Become Virginia Governor If Scandals Bring Down Democrats [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3833240″ overlay=”true”]
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images / Getty With Motown legends such as Diana Ross , Stevie Wonder , Gladys Knight and many more still alive it was shocking to many that Jennifer Lopez will perform for the Motown Tribute on the Grammy Awards . That’s right, “Ms. Jenny From The Block,” according to Love B Scott will dance and sing some of your favorite Motown songs. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit Social media users after finding out the news couldn’t help but share how frustrated they were about this decision. Many even mentioned that other Black artists such as SZA , Daniel Caesar , India Arie , Fantasia and more must of been booked and busy not to be called to do this tribute. Jennifer Lopez doing a MOTOWN TRIBUTE at the Grammys? JENNIFER LOPEZ??? #Grammys2019 #AlwaysMissTheMark pic.twitter.com/CtAbCc38qX — ☆ My World (@Mister_Reckless) February 5, 2019 Grammys: Jennifer Lopez is going to do a Motown tribute Literally every female soul singer: pic.twitter.com/Flr2JFrkdG — The Honorable Joshua Chenault (@joshuachenault1) February 5, 2019 How do you feel about @JLo doing the Motown tribute? Me: pic.twitter.com/n7jUTiw5rs — KP (@kp_314) February 5, 2019 Dear #GRAMMYs Out of Anita, Beyonce, Lalah, India, Kelly Rowland, Latoya, Keyshia, Mary, Rihanna, Toni, Mariah, Monica, Brandy, Jill, Thee Diana, Faith, Patti, Gladys, Jennifer Hud, Jasmine Sullivan, Fantasia, Tamar, Kelly Price you get Jennifer Lopez to do Motown? Insulting. pic.twitter.com/Fs0xaN96lO — Is Your Activism Inclusive? (@2speak_easy) February 6, 2019 Let the Latin Grammy announce that Beyonce is doing a tribute to Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Selena etc. on the Latin Grammys and I want y’all to keep that same energy y’all have about Jennifer Lopez doing a Motown tribute. — Shaunte (@JustShauny) February 5, 2019 Director of Grammys: We will hire the perfect artist to tribute to Motown Records… Me: Diana Ross, Beyonce? Director: Jennifer Me: Jennifer Hudson?! Director: Jennifer Lopez Me: LOPEZ!?!?! pic.twitter.com/FkmZt43slu — WildWiseFlower (@WiseFlower7) February 6, 2019 Every year the Grammys are aired during Black History Month and for this Motown tribute fans expected to see people of color perform for it. While we know Lopez is a talented entertainer some feel she should of took a backseat on this. The Grammy Awards will be hosted by Alicia Keys and are set to air this Sunday, February 10th at 8 p.m. See photos of Jennifer Lopez below! ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Bow Wow Arrested In Atlanta After Fight With Woman 21 Savage Arrested By ICE Agents, Says He’s A UK Citizen Jussie Smollett Speaks Out For the 1st Time After Attack [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1929363″ overlay=”true”] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: @Justinmyview / R1 Digital Back in 2015, Philly rapper Freeway announced he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease . It’s the highest level of chronic kidney disease that affects the organs’ ability to purify the body’s blood. Free entered hemodialysis to keep his kidneys functioning and now he’s been given the green light to attain a new kidney. In a statement issued to The Source , Freeway’s management team confirmed that his surgery was a success. “He is now in recovery,” the statement reads. “He thanks you all for your prayers!!!” On Freeway’s end, he posted a video to his Instagram account of him prepping for surgery at the hospital. “I’m going under now!” he wrote. “Thanks for all the love & support! Pray for me!!” Since his diagnosis, Free has been devoted to organizations dedicated to assisting those with conditions like his. He’s partnered with the National Kidney Foundation and the American Kidney Fund. In 2016, the National Kidney Foundation reported that African American make up over 35 percent of people who use dialysis to treat kidney failure. Health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are also contributors to kidney failure. RELATED: Freeway Updates Fans On Kidney Transplant Status, Shares Look Inside ‘Think Free’ Album [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] RELATED: Straight From His Dialysis Treatment – Freeway Shares Encouraging Words At Meek Mill Rally
Casanova talks to B High about his new single, 2 am as well as his new project Free At Last produced by 30 Roc. Casanova also shares his thoughts on Tekashi 69’s Fed charges and how his trip to Africa changed him
Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty Jussie Smollett has returned to Chicago after a weekend in Los Angeles and in the wake of the alleged vicious attack he suffered. The Empire actor is back in town to complete shooting for the series, and police still have questions for him regarding the assault. TMZ reports : A production source tells us Smollett flew back into the Windy City Sunday, after his weekend show in Los Angeles. We’re told Smollett shot scenes for one of the final episodes of the season Monday and did a table read with the cast Tuesday … security was present the entire time. Law enforcement sources tell us cops want to speak with Jussie while he’s in town as part of their ongoing investigation. As for where he’s staying while in town … a source close to Jussie tells us he’s back at the same apartment complex where he was living at the time of the attack. The outlet adds in its report that Chicago authorities have more video footage of the area where the attack allegedly happened according to sources but has not yet released the images to the public. — Photo: Getty
Source: Paul Zimmerman / Getty Stacey Abrams gave the democratic response to President Donald Trump’s second State Of The Union Address . Abrams is the first African-American woman to give a response to a presidential address. One of the biggest lines of the night was when she challenged Trump and said she didn’t want him to fail, she just wanted him to tell the truth. Even though Abrams lost her race for Governor of Georgia amid many stories of voter suppression , she’s primed to have an amazing career in politics. RELATED: 700 Wrapped Voting Machines Found In A Georgia Warehouse Check out her Democratic Response to Trump’s State Of the Union right here. RELATED: H ow Stacey Abrams Is Taking A Stand To Make Sure Voter Suppression Never Happens Again [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
Source: Mike Alarid / EyeEm / Getty This new legislation being proposed by Hawaii is so smart, you’ll wonder why nobody has ever thought of it before. All across the many islands that make up Hawaii, there are approximately 150,000 smokers. According to the state legislature, that number is about 150,000 too many-so they’re working on an idea to change that. In an effort to bring that number down rapidly, one legislator has proposed a new law that would outlaw the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 100. Yep, you read that right. 100-years-old. “Basically, we essentially have a group who are heavily addicted — in my view, enslaved by a ridiculously bad industry — which has enslaved them by designing a cigarette that is highly addictive, knowing that it’s highly lethal. And, it is,” Representative Rich Cregan, the one who proposed the bill, told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald . The bill reads, in part, “In Hawaii, cigarettes have caused more preventable disease, death, and disability than any other health issue, each year claiming the lives of more than one thousand four hundred adults and contributing to more than twenty thousand premature deaths of minors.” Beside his role in politics, Cregan is also a physician and he asserts that the already increased purchasing age has curbed tobacco usage, but just hasn’t curbed it enough. Research does show that most tobacco addictions start young: According to the American Cancer Society , almost 90 percent of cigarette smokers start before they even reach 18-years-old. This proposed legislation should really come as no surprise from a state like Hawaii , who already has some of the strictest cigarette laws on the books; They’re one of six states which have raised the minimum purchase age for tobacco–including e-cigarettes–to 21-years-old. If this new bill passes, the ban will go into effect gradually: the minimum age will increase to 30-years-old in 2020, 40-years-old in 2021, 50-years-old in 2022, 60-years-old in 2023, and finally, by 2024, the legal age for purchase will jump to 100-years-old. Included in this, however, is that tourists will still be able to bring cigarettes with them to the island. Beyond that, this ban will not include e-cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco in order to make the bill legally sound. Though setting the age to 100 seems like a not-so-sly scheme to just eradicate cigarettes altogether, Hawaii is actually home to the highest concentration of centenarians (a person who is one hundred or more years old) in the United States. Are you on board for taking the legal age for cigarettes from 21 (or 18 in many places) to 100?!
Source: Splash News / Splash News On this fine Black History Month, Liam Neeson shocked the Internet when he revealed that he once went looking for a “Black bastard” to kill after a close friend of his was raped. Neeson made the confession in an interview with Independent when he was promoting his new flick Cold Pursuit. While explaining his character’s need for revenge, Liam described an instance when his friend was raped and she told Liam that a Black man did it. In fits of anger, Neeson said he would roam the streets with a cosh (a bar used as a weapon) looking for the nearest Black man to provoke him: “I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody – I’m ashamed to say that – and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some [Neeson gestures air quotes with his fingers] ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could…kill him.” Many online souls were flabbergasted by Liam’s words. Liam Neeson didn't say he wanted to kill his friend's rapist….which you could chalk up to revenge…..bruh straight up said he wanted to kill any black man…..if you're defending him….you're just as trash as he is…. — Bae Mama (@mc_magic1887) February 4, 2019 Liam Neeson being ready to take any Black life over what one person allegedly did just shows how meaningless and inconsequential black lives are to some. Even him telling the story demonstrates a level of privilege and understating that there may not be repercussions. — Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) February 4, 2019 Yup so Liam Neeson is definitely cancelled. — King K. (@Unkle_K) February 4, 2019 Liam then went on Good Morning America on Tuesday to clarify his story… But he just made things worse. In his interview with Robin Roberts, Liam said “There were some nights I went out deliberately into Black areas in the city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence.” He continued: “And I did it maybe four or five times, until I caught myself on and it really shocked me, this primal urge I had. It shocked me, and it hurt me. I did seek help. I went to a priest who heard my confession…[I had] two very, very good friends that I talked too, and believe it or not, power walking two hours everyday to get rid of this. I’m not racist, this was nearly 40 years ago.” Like whaaaa??? First off Liam, you said you deliberately went into Black neighborhoods to take out your anger on any random Black person. This is, in fact, racist. Like…you didn’t go to the nearest Whole Foods in your neighborhood to find a Black person. You specifically went into Black neighborhoods to enact terror. And even if your need for revenge has subsided over the years, you’ve yet to acknowledge that your targeting of Black communities was racist, which proves you still have some racism up in your bones. Finally… And listen closely… If you’re a White person, you should more readily assume you are racist, rather than believing you’re not. It’s times like these that self-identified “non-racist” White people love to distance themselves from other White people who are blatantly racist, because if there’s one thing that “non-racist” White people H A T E, it’s to be called racist. “I’m not like that horrible Liam Neeson who said he wanted to beat a random Black person,” said your random White neighbor. “I would NEVER say the N-word,” said your White lover. “Liam Neeson is canceled,” said the White head of your marketing team. I get you “non-racist” White person. But what about your racist cousin demanding more police presence in their newly gentrified neighborhood ? What about your racist uncle who bought private prison stock when Trump got elected ? It can be outright dangerous to use Liam’s actions as the sole measuring stick for racism. Wanting to kill a random Black person is the tip of the iceberg and the most primal manifestation of racist attitudes. But the system of racism is inherently violent and White people either participate in it or benefit from it. Racism, and especially anti-Black racism, is a system of power that subjugates Black people in all corners of society, from institutions to your own personal circles. While Liam’s attitude might be an inter-personal manifestation of racism, the wealth gap between races is just one example of institutional racism that White people can benefit from. A 2019 study by the Institute for Policy reported that the median Black family today owns $3,600, which is just 2% of the wealth median White families own at $146,984. On top of this, median White wealth is continuing to increase, while median Black wealth is on track to reach zero by 2082, according to the report. This major gap is due to years of wealth-stripping practices aimed at Black people in the housing market , prison-police systems and more. Now you’d think with such reports, there’d be complete social media outrage from “non-racist” White people demanding more research on the racial wealth divide, discriminatory practices and the need for reparations . The same criminalization of Black people enacted by Neeson is the same criminalization used to keep Black people out of wealth stability and instead, in prisons and resource-stripped environments. Is this not the groundwork for targeted violence? Are the “non-racist” Whites starting a social media campaign around this? If they’re aware of these issues and do nothing, aren’t they complicit in racism? Any White person claiming they’re not racist is not beneficial to anti-racist work. In contrast, it might be better for a White person to say “how do I benefit from racism” or “how can I be less racist today?” Part of this can be just doing your research on how systematic racism can be violent along with searching for the nearest Black person to pummel with a “cosh.” I understand violence is on a spectrum and might require different reactions, but “I’m not racist” attitudes aren’t helping the conversation. Racism is normal. The goal is to make it not normal on all levels.
