WhyHunger, a non-profit organization working to end hunger and the injustices that cause it – held its 2nd annual Amplifiedconcert Presented by EY on October 15 at NYC’s Irving Plaza, kicking off its 39th annual Hungerthon fund-raising and education campaign.
Hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr., the evening’s musical talent featured iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Showhouse band The Roots, award-winning 18-year-old guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge, as well as Cuban “international funk champion” (NY Times) Cimafunk – captivating the audience with sets across funk, hip hop, blues, and soul.
Founded by the late singer/songwriter Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975, WhyHunger has music in its DNA. Honoring its origins, the organization harnesses the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. The 2nd annual Amplified eventraised a gross total of $545,000 to support WhyHunger’s ongoing work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. More than 91% of funds raised will support community-based solutions for people in need across America.
iHeartRadio served as the Amplified 2024’s Premier Audio Partner, including on-air, digital, and social promotion on six iHeartRadio New York stations including 710 WOR, Z100, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1 and 106.7 LITE FM.
Jenique Jones, WhyHunger Executive Director, said “Our 2nd Amplified concert was a dynamic celebration of the unique power of music and community to drive social change. An unforgettable kickoff to our Hungerthon campaign, the support of these artists, sponsors and fans will enable usto address the pressing challenges of food insecurity at a grassroots level, and to confront the broader social and economic causes of food injustice.”
Weldon Angelos, founder of The Weldon Project and president of its social justice initiatives, has become a leading voice for cannabis reform and criminal justice advocacy since his release from prison. Having once been a promising music producer, Angelos now finds himself at the forefront of a movement to repair the harm caused by the war on drugs, using his influence in both entertainment and activism to make a lasting impact.
Cannabis Reform and Social Justice
Angelos’ experience in the criminal justice system has fueled his dedication to cannabis reform. He explains, “The relationship between the legal cannabis industry and social justice is crucial, especially as more states move toward legalization. The war on drugs disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, particularly people of color.” For Angelos, cannabis reform must go beyond legalization; it must include efforts to expunge convictions and provide clemency to those still incarcerated. “Equity programs should be at the forefront, ensuring communities most affected by prohibition have access to business opportunities.”
He envisions the cannabis industry playing a vital role in supporting broader social justice efforts, stating, “The legal cannabis industry has the potential to be a vehicle for positive social change, but only if we make social justice a priority.”
A Documentary with a Purpose
Angelos’ upcoming documentary promises to shed light on the broader fight for justice reform, featuring powerful moments from his own journey. “One of the most impactful moments for viewers will be seeing the raw footage of my release from prison,” Angelos shares. But the documentary also highlights the efforts of those who advocated for his freedom, including icons like Snoop Dogg and Senator Cory Booker. “It captures their passion for reform, and I hope viewers feel inspired to take action and fight for what’s right.”
Angelos’ goal is to create a sense of urgency around cannabis-related incarcerations. “This documentary isn’t just about my personal journey—it’s about a movement to right these wrongs.”
Angelos has a long-standing relationship with Snoop Dogg, both in the studio and in the fight for justice reform. “Snoop’s unwavering support in pushing for clemency for people like Michael ‘Harry O’ Harris was transformative,” Angelos recalls. “Using his platform to bring attention to my case and others like mine showed me the power of combining culture with advocacy.”
Snoop’s commitment to justice reform has been an inspiration to Angelos, who sees their partnership as an example of how music and activism can intersect. “It’s a reminder that when you have a platform, you can use it to make meaningful change,” Angelos reflects.
REEFORM: Redefining the Cannabis Industry
Angelos’ venture, REEFORM, is more than just a business—it’s a movement focused on providing opportunities for those previously criminalized for cannabis offenses. “With REEFORM, we’re not just advocating for legalization but for real equity,” Angelos asserts. “We’re dedicated to creating job opportunities, offering financial support, and reshaping how the cannabis industry views its responsibility to communities impacted by the war on drugs.”
By highlighting the stories of those incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses, Angelos aims to change the narrative surrounding cannabis. “Cannabis can be a force for positive change, and we want REEFORM to be a model for how the industry can actively participate in social justice,” he says.
A Movement for Change
Despite progress, Angelos acknowledges that significant barriers remain in achieving full cannabis legalization and equity. “Federal legalization is a major hurdle,” he says. “Until we have that, we’re left with a patchwork of state laws that can still leave people vulnerable.”
Another challenge is ensuring that communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs have access to the legal cannabis industry. “High barriers to entry—like licensing costs and financing—lock many people out of the industry,” Angelos points out. “We need more equity programs and financial support to change that.”
Weldon Angelos has come full circle, from music producer to reform advocate, using his platform to lead the fight for cannabis reform and social equity. Through The Weldon Project, REEFORM, and his documentary, Angelos continues to push for change, proving that one person’s story can inspire a movement. “The fight isn’t over,” he says. “We won’t stop until justice is achieved for everyone affected by cannabis prohibition.”
Grammy nominated, NY Times Best Selling Author, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins is set to host the 4th Annual Sno Ball Gala, a night of glamor and giving back, on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place at a private location, with proceeds benefiting The Street Dreamz Foundation.
The evening promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring a star-studded guest list, gourmet dining, and entertainment. Comedian Mike Epps will serve as the master of ceremonies, bringing his signature humor to the gala. Guests will dance the night away to the beats of the renowned DJ Cassidy.
A highlight of the evening will be the silent and live auctions, offering attendees the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting a worthy cause.
The Street Dreamz Foundation, founded by Jeezy, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education, entrepreneurship, and community development programs. All proceeds from the Sno Ball Gala will directly support the foundation’s initiatives.
“The Sno Ball Gala is more than just a night of entertainment,” says Jeezy. “It’s about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of young people who need our support. I’m grateful for everyone who contributes to making this event a success year after year.”
WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger and the injustices that cause it, announces Amplified Presented by EY – the 2nd annual concert kick-off to its Hungerthon fund-raising campaign, now in its 39th year. The electrifying event coming to New York’s Irving Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 features a range of talent across funk, blues, hip hop, and soul, including iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, acclaimed guitar prodigyGrace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge and exciting special guests to be announced.
Committed to addressing hunger’s myriad social and economic causes, WhyHunger – founded by the late singer/songwriting Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975 – has music in its DNA. WhyHunger has partnered with iHeartRadio as the Premier Audio Partner for Amplified to harness the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. Relixmagazine called last year’s inaugural Amplified “a dynamic showcase of sound,” and “a lively and soulful dance party.”
The Rootsshared, “It’s hard to think of a more worthy goal than helping people worldwide to access food. We’re honored to join WhyHunger for a great night of music and proud to support the work they do – making the world a better place.”
Tickets can be purchasedHERE. Funds raised will directly support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. For more information visit WhyHunger.org/Amplified.
WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger and the injustices that cause it, announces Amplified Presented by EY – the 2nd annual concert kick-off to its Hungerthon fund-raising campaign, now in its 39th year. The electrifying event coming to New York’s Irving Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 features a range of talent across funk, blues, hip hop, and soul, including iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, acclaimed guitar prodigyGrace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge and exciting special guests to be announced.
Committed to addressing hunger’s myriad social and economic causes, WhyHunger – founded by the late singer/songwriting Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975 – has music in its DNA. WhyHunger has partnered with iHeartRadio as the Premier Audio Partner for Amplified to harness the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. Relixmagazine called last year’s inaugural Amplified “a dynamic showcase of sound,” and “a lively and soulful dance party.”
Funds raised will directly support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. For more information visit WhyHunger.org/Amplified.
The Rootsshared, “It’s hard to think of a more worthy goal than helping people worldwide to access food. We’re honored to join WhyHunger for a great night of music and proud to support the work they do – making the world a better place.”
Grace Bowers remarked, “It’s a privilege to support the legendary band The Roots for such an incredible cause like WhyHunger. We’re excited about the opportunity to raise money and awareness for community-led solutions that help feed those in need.”
WhyHunger’s Executive Director Jenique Jones said, “We’re thrilled to hold our second annual Amplified – a joyous celebration of music that raises awareness of our important mission. Nutritious food is a human right, but one often denied. We’re proud of our work worldwide to address the social, environmental, racial, and economic injustice at the root of hunger, and we hope you’ll join us in this ongoing journey toward justice.”
Veteran New York rapper Styles P of the legendary Rap trio The LOX has dedicated over a decade of his career to helping build healthy communities through his health and wellness ventures Juices For Life and, more recently, Farmacy For Life and, more recently, Juice 2 Heal. On Saturday, August 31 2024, the rapper’s nonprofit organization Farma Cares is set to host the inaugural Plant-Based BBQ at the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers, New York.
Free and open to the public, the Weill Cornell Medicine-sponsored event will feature music provided by the legendary Large Professor, and a lineup of interactive cooking and juicing demonstrations, kids’ activities, and delicious plant-based meals. As the first event of its kind in Westchester County, the BBQ aims to introduce the community to the numerous benefits of plant-based eating, cancer prevention, and overall wellness in a fun, engaging environment.
This family-friendly event offers more than just great food. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into health and nutrition through expert-led workshops on cancer prevention and the benefits of plant-based diets. The event will play a crucial role in Farma Cares’ mission to provide underrepresented communities with access to health education and healthier lifestyle options. With the passionate leadership of organization co-founders Styles P, Daniel Dapaah, and Justin Leigh Tolbert, Esq., Farma Cares is determined to create lasting positive impacts in the community.
Event Highlights:
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
• Workshop: Prostate Cancer Prevention and Screening – Speaker: Hassan “Dr. Pooch” Diop (Meyer Cancer Center | OCOE)
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
• Workshop: Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening – Speaker: Tyrone Nero (Real Dads Network)
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Expert Talk: Nutrition and the Importance of a Plant-Based Diet – Speaker: Aiya Aboubakr (Weill Cornell Medicine)
Sterlen Roberts, which drops August 30th, showcases the artist’s versatile production and range from gospel, on the soulful opening track “Way Up”, to an uptempo dance R&B smash “Dip. Sterlen gives us a 27 track record that does not fall short of creative songs. We got a chance to catch up with Sterlen to get an exclusive segment on his latest project. See the full interview here:
Videographer: Reggie Washington
Sterlen, son of Grammy nominated gospel songwriter Steven Roberts (Nobody But Jesus) has worked with many artists including Jodeci, Luke James, Keyshia Cole, Lyrica Anderson, Flo- Rida, Rico Love, Flavor Flav, and Aubrey O’Day, formerly of Danity Kane to name a few. He is the owner of his label Oakland to Paris Music Group and recently teamed up with Bungalo/Universal Music Group to release a full catalog of new music slated to drop August 30, 2024. He has put together a unique collage of music with this new album, so let’s briefly get into it.
Sterlen’s Gospel musical background is evident throughout the 27 song album which includes a gospel choir intro leading into the track “Way Up”, featured on “The Heat” Sirius XM radio. “Time on It” was the first single off the album followed up by his current single “Spoil You”, both featuring artists Kaii and Jawnwitdagreenhair. Personally, we are expecting “Spoil You” to be a huge song this year for Sterlen. Strings of uplifting gospel- soul are evident throughout the record with “Blessings”, “God Us”, “Wait”, “Pull Up” and most of all his 12 minute medley “Testimony Service”. Sterlen’s rap style at times compares to a Big Sean and yet his sound remains uniquely his own. Sterlen has a smooth but distinct voice, a dope flow and a masterful skill set as a very diverse producer.
This album seems very well crafted and definitely was not thrown together overnight. Sterlen teamed up with Grammy nominated mixer Rome Palermo and worked out the finishing touches at Rome’s Empire Studio in Calabasas, CA. We are hoping this album gets the attention it deserves. Right now the music supermarket is flooded, leaving many music fans hungry for good products. We always allow our listeners to preview it for themselves.
A federal judge decided that two Louisville Police officers who were charged with submitting a false affidavit to search Breonna Taylor’s home were not responsible for her death.
U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson said that Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was responsible for her immediate cause of death by firing at the officers, causing them to respond with lethal force.
Back in 2022, Detective Joshua Jaynes and Sgt. Kyle Meany was charged with submitting a false affidavit to search Taylor’s home before the raid and then creating a fake story to avoid responsibility after Taylor was killed during the raid. They were also charged with felonies for using a dangerous weapon to deprive Breonna of her Fourth Amendment right to defend herself against unreasonable search.
Both officers would’ve received life sentences if they were found guilty. Both are also still facing other pending charges. Many face one charge of false statements to federal investigators, while Jaynes has been charged with two counts of falsification of records, conspiracy to falsify records and witness tampering.
If convicted, Jaynes could serve up to 40 years in prison, and Meany could serve five years. They both have been fired from the Louisville Police Department.
Legendary Houston artist Justin Riley, known as BeatKing, has passed away at the age of 39.
His cause of death has not been reported.
BeatKing’s manager announced his death on August 15, 2024, in a statement:
“Today, August 15, 2024, we have lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music, and his fans. We will love him forever.”
Rapper Bun B shared his condolences, saying, “It’s always the good ones. Damn, this sh** hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father. Prayers for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla.”
BeatKing was known for his signature style and his major impact on Southern hip-hop culture in the early 2000s.
His tracks and innovative marketing elevated this brother to fame, earning him fans and respect from fellow artists everywhere.
Radio station, Houston’s 97.9 The Box, where BeatKing was a close collaborator and revered, paid their respects:
“Our hearts are heavy with the news that BeatKing, family to us here at 97.9 The Box and Radio ONE Houston, has passed away. This is a developing story, but we are sending our love to his loved ones, friends, peers, and the whole city of Houston. We love you, BeatKing.”
BeatKing is survived by his daughters. Rest in Power King.
It’s getting real dark over at team Yeezy. Kanye West’s former chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, has leveled serious accusations against West’s dentist, Thomas P. Connelly, alleging that the dentist supplied the rapper with large quantities of nitrous oxide for recreational use, disregarding the potential harm it could cause. Let’s just check the source. Yiannopoulos has a lot of baggage as a far right figure but he does seem genuinely concerned for his former boss.
Let’s get deep. Yiannopoulos claims that the doctor’s behavior was both unethical and unlawful, as it contributed to West’s alleged decline in mental health.
Get this, according to a legal affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail, Yiannopoulos alleges that Connelly not only provided West with nitrous oxide but also charged the rapper over $50,000 per month for this service. Sheesh. Despite concerns about the negative effects the gas was having on West. Yiannopoulos describes this as a betrayal of professional ethics, stating that Connelly “knowingly encouraged” the use of the gas without the supervision of a qualified medical professional, particularly given West’s history of mental illness and addiction. We told you. Just wild.
It gets worse. Yiannopoulos further claims that Connelly was aware of West’s vulnerable state, yet continued to take millions of dollars from him, effectively exploiting the rapper’s condition. He described Connelly’s actions as “fraudulent,” accusing the dentist of ignoring the “self-destructive consequences of dependence” and the potential “permanent damage to brain or body” that could result from the excessive use of nitrous oxide. Who is watching over Kanye, like seriously, we need to know.
In the affidavit, Yiannopoulos mentioned that some Yeezy employees had voiced concerns about West’s reliance on the gas, as they should, noting that he appeared to be using it almost constantly. He described how employees became alarmed upon discovering surgical tanks filled with nitrous oxide at the apartment of Bianca Censori, West’s partner, which suggested that West was consuming the gas in large amounts.
Yiannopoulos also highlighted that West had openly discussed his use of the gas during meetings with his staff, and that his communication had become increasingly “incomprehensible and contradictory.” Like, you think?
He linked these symptoms to West’s “widely-reported bipolar diagnosis,” suggesting that the prolonged use of nitrous oxide exacerbated his condition. According to Yiannopoulos, Connelly was aware of West’s psychological vulnerabilities and chose to exploit them.
Yiannopoulos has called for an investigation into the matter and has urged that Connelly’s dental license be suspended. Let’s see if anything actually happens. He stated that his decision to come forward with these claims was driven by “urgent concern” for West’s well-being.
ICYMI, these ugly accusations from Yiannopoulos come several months after his departure from Yeezy, a move he made in response to West’s plans to start a porn studio. At the time, Yiannopoulos cited moral and religious reasons for his decision, saying that he “cannot be complicit in the production of pornographic films and literature.” He also expressed concern for his own well-being, stating that involvement in the project would pose “an imminent danger to my life as a recovering addict and an unacceptable risk to my spiritual and physical health as a former homosexual.”
However, Yiannopoulos hinted that he might consider returning to Yeezy if the company were to “publicly and permanently abandon any plan to produce, distribute, or profit from obscene content.” He said, “If at any time in the future, the company publicly and permanently abandons any plan to produce, distribute, or profit from obscene content, it would be an honor to serve you again,” according to TMZ, and they get the scoop so we know there’s something to this story. Prayers for Yeezy but at some point he has to be responsible for his own well being.
