A lot has happened in the last thirty days. The world's focus has shifted from COVID-19 to the protests and riots breaking out across the United States. Large gatherings have been held in each state as the public speaks out against systemic and interpersonal racism. Many of our favorite artists, including Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, have participated in marches for the Black Lives Matter movement and, although Juicy J supports the movement, he has an important message for anybody that may have forgotten about the global pandemic we're also living through.
"The coronavirus is not over," tweeted the Three 6 Mafia rapper. His message is important, especially considering there has been a recent rise in cases following Memorial Day Weekend.
Juicy J wants everybody to stay safe but don't mistake his message for something it is not. The rapper has been actively supporting the protests, even releasing a new song called "Hella Fuckin' Trauma" about all that's been happening.
If you go out on the streets to protest, make sure to protect yourself and others by wearing a mask. If you're feeling sick, it's smarter to stay home and head back out once your symptoms have improved.
Just because the focus has shifted, it doesn't mean the virus is gone! There may be a bigger virus (racism) to take care of first but the coronavirus is still everpresent.
Cop Who Killed Philando Castille Charged With Manslaughter
Jeronimo Yanez, the cop who killed Philando Castille has been charged with manslaughter.
Some good news has befallen a tragic situation. St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez, the cop who killed Philando Castile in July, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. This is reportedly the first time a police officer has been charged in Minnesota in more than 35 years. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi had this to say about the decision:
“Philando Castile was not resisting or fleeing … There was absolutely no criminal intent exhibited by him throughout this encounter. …He was respectful and compliant. … He volunteered in good faith that he had a firearm beyond what the law requires.”
Castile’s altercation with Yanez was live streamed on Facebook by Castile’s girlfriend, a move which undoubtedly has led to this groundbreaking decision to press charges. Following the shooting, protests erupted across America and beyond. Philando Castile was 37 at the time of his death.
Ahmaud Arbery Defense Receives "Credible Tip" About Mysterious Note
Ahmaud Arbery’s legal team has received more information about the mysterious note left at his memorial site.
There has been an update on our last article about the ongoing Ahmaud Arbery investigation as the family of the slain young man and their defense team has reportedly received more information regarding the mysterious note that was discovered at Ahmaud’s memorial.
The anonymous note was found at the Glynn County, Georgia memorial site earlier this week where Arbery was fatally shot back in February, and a local news station captured a message that read, “Ahmaud, I am so sorry. I should have stopped them. I am so sorry.” The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) made a statement earlier this week alleging they had identified the person who had left the note and determined they were not connected to the murder. Ahmaud Arbery’s defense squad, however, has evidence that disproves this conclusion, a new report reveals.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Ahmaud’s attorneys have received an anonymous tip, that they believe to be credible, from a person that claims the person who left the note actually does have ties to The McMichaels, the father-son duo responsible for the murder. Attorney Lee Merritt shared the news in a report to TMZ, despite what the GBI had previously stated. The anonymous tipper claims the letter originated from Brunswick and the handwriting on the note stood out to them.
The tip has been shared with the GBI and the D.A.’s office, who have also been receiving additional tips and inquiries about the note.
Ahmaud Arbery’s team intends to pursue the death penalty for The McMichaels.
Shia LaBeouf’s Next Movie Will Be Based On Kevin Abstract’s Life
Kevin Abstract’s life will soon be on the big screen.
The inspiration that Kevin Abstract and his Brockhampton crew pull from Shia LaBeouf can be heard on the group’s latest tape Ginger that arrived last summer. “Just hanging out with him and having conversations helped us to figure out what we wanted to make. One of the first times he came over to hang out with us, after he left, Dom and ‘Bari started like the first three songs that made the album—that same night,” Kevin previously stated about the album.
Noam Galai/Getty Images
New reports now detail that Shia has now been equally inspired by Kevin since the actor is helming a film based on his life. According to The Fader, Shia first spoke of the film coming to life last year and now the script lives on The Black List. The official synopsis reads: “Based on the life of rapper Kevin Abstract, this biographical fiction follows a Texas teen as he struggles with identity, finding meaningful relationships, sexual fluidity, and his direction in life.”
There’s no word on when exactly this film will arrive but considering Shia’s success with his film, Honey Boy that’s based on his upbringing, we look forward to what he can do on film when presenting Kevin’s life to the world.
“He’s such a sweet guy. He’s vulnerable, he’s brave, extremely creative – the best actor we have hands down. He really cares about his craft, cares about music and cares about us as people,” Kevin added of Shia. “He lifts me up man, he does. He’s my mentor big time. I talk to the guy almost every day. He’s made me way more confident – way more.”
