Latest news with #TupacShakur
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Rap icon Rappin' 4Tay uplifts youth while battling cancer
West Coast hip-hop icon Rappin' 4Tay, known for his smooth delivery and contributions to '90s classics like "Playaz Club" and Tupac Shakur's "Only God Can Judge Me," is using his voice for more than music these days. Speaking recently at Vertical Skills Outreach in Oakland, a boxing program, the San Francisco-born artist shared his mission to inspire and mentor young people across the Bay Area. "I've been through a lot of trials and tribulations in my life," Rappin' 4Tay said. "And I feel like, if I could, you know, plant a seed, and watch it blossom, that means a whole lot to me. Especially seeing youth off the streets, and you know, doing something constructive and productive with their lives." The rapper, born Anthony Forté, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the History of the Bay Day Festival. His collaboration with Tupac in 1996 on "Only God Can Judge Me" remains a career-defining moment, one he remembers with reverence. "Wow, such a prolific individual," he said of Tupac. "There's a chemistry that I just don't think I'll ever be able to experience that again. It was a pleasure that God allowed that to happen in my life. To meet such a strong-minded individual. It was a beautiful thing because at the time, it was a lot of East Coast-West Coast drama and conflict and what have you going on, and I didn't want to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of huddling up and getting together, you know. And that song, it fitted. It was just right." Now, 4Tay is fighting a different kind of battle. He is currently undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he continues to perform when possible and remains committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. "I'm just swinging, swinging, you know," he said. "I just want to say one love to all the individuals and family members and all the people praying for me and got my back. I appreciate it. I feel all the prayers. Thanks for all the support, etc." Forté, who encouraged youth to stay focused and complete their education, says he hopes to keep offering peace, purpose, and perspective for as long as he can. His memoir, I'll Be Around, is available now on all major book platforms.
Black America Web
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
2025 Phi Beta Sigma Conclave Welcomes 8 New Honorary Members
Source: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted its 2025 International Conclave, drawing nearly 10,000 members and supporters. This historic event celebrated the fraternity's legacy of service and inclusivity, while spotlighting its newest honorary inductees—an extraordinary group of leaders spanning education, entertainment, sports, and ministry. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Founded in 1914 at Howard University, Phi Beta Sigma has long championed the motto 'Culture For Service and Service For Humanity.' This year's conclave underscored that mission, with the fraternity unveiling a commemorative paver on Tampa's Riverwalk, symbolizing its enduring impact. RELATED STORIES: Delta Sigma Theta Induct 8 Women: Queen Latifah, Fawn Weaver, and More Alpha Kappa Alpha Welcomes Trailblazing Honorary Members Sigma Gamma Rho Honors 2025 Inductees for Excellence and Local Impact The 2025 honorary inductees exemplify Black excellence: Dr. Howard Fuller , a civil rights activist and education reformer, has dedicated his career to empowering families through equitable education. , a civil rights activist and education reformer, has dedicated his career to empowering families through equitable education. Edward 'Special Ed' Archer , a hip-hop legend, has influenced music and culture for over three decades, producing for icons like Tupac Shakur. , a hip-hop legend, has influenced music and culture for over three decades, producing for icons like Tupac Shakur. Leon Robinson , an actor and musician, is celebrated for his roles in classics like The Five Heartbeats and Cool Runnings . , an actor and musician, is celebrated for his roles in classics like and . Dr. George Koonce , a Super Bowl champion and academic leader, inspires as one of the few NFL players to earn a PhD. , a Super Bowl champion and academic leader, inspires as one of the few NFL players to earn a PhD. Fred Hammond , a Grammy-winning gospel artist, revolutionized urban praise and worship music. , a Grammy-winning gospel artist, revolutionized urban praise and worship music. Dr. John K. Pierre , Chancellor of Southern University Law Center, has advanced diversity and innovation in legal education. , Chancellor of Southern University Law Center, has advanced diversity and innovation in legal education. Dave 'Unk' Huie , a marketing entrepreneur, exemplifies service through philanthropy. , a marketing entrepreneur, exemplifies service through philanthropy. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., a pastor and financial wellness advocate, empowers communities through his bestselling books and radio show. This conclave not only celebrated these honorees but also reaffirmed Phi Beta Sigma's commitment to uplifting communities worldwide. As International President Chris V. Rey stated, 'This class represents the diversity of excellence we celebrate.' READ MORE STORIES: 2025 Phi Beta Sigma Conclave Welcomes 8 New Honorary Members Nicki Minaj Contacts Congresswoman Over Alleged TDE Affiliate 'Threat' 'City High' Singer Robbie Pardlo Passes Away at 46 SEE ALSO
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Diddy dodges more court drama in Tupac trial over claims he ordered hit on rapper after sex trafficking case collapses
DIDDY will avoid another potential court case drama over claims he ordered the murder of Tupac Shakur for $1 million, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal. Prosecutors in the Las Vegas criminal case have decided to steer clear of trying to bring Diddy in as a potential witness or even mentioning his alleged involvement in Pac's 1996 death, according to sources. 7 7 7 That move comes even though Clark County prosecutors entered in as evidence a damning police interview tape in which suspect Duane 'Keefe D' Davis alleges Diddy offered him one million dollars to kill Shakur. Last week Sean Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman in a New York court - but was acquitted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Insiders say that prosecutors considered Diddy playing a role in their murder charge against Keefe, but since the NYC case decision have dropped that strategy. The development comes as two sources say that self confessed gangster Keefe is 'super confident' of being found innocent in the Pac case - despite multiple confessions to overseeing the assassination. We can reveal that investigators have not located a 'murder weapon' or any surveillance footage which could confirm Keefe was in Sin City at the time of the drive-by murder. They have spent over a year attempting to locate hotel billing, surveillance footage, public services records and bank transactions tying Davis to Vegas. Keefe's lawyer Carl Arnold insists there is 'zero proof' that his client was in Vegas on September 7, 1996. Arnold says Keefe has lied many times and claimed to be a 'shot caller' for the murder to police and media to gain 'fame and fortune.' The Las Vegas source said: 'Diddy will not be brought into this prosecution case given the complicated nature of this case and following what happened in his New York case. 'Certainly if he would have been found guilty on all counts in New York then Vegas would have looked at what to do with the one million dollar order. Diddy's 'phantom fixer' breaks her cover after rapper cleared of racketeering 'The problem was always trying to find corroboration from a witness that this 'order' was real. The subject of meeting Jennifer Lopez or even Cassie Ventura was out there, but it was deemed unlikely they would speak on this matter or even be useful in a criminal case. 'So now the strategy is to focus purely on Davis and his actions. 'There is a confidence from prosecutors that Davis' own words, past criminal activity and actions will be his downfall. 'DOESN'T HOLD UP' 'They feel his stance that 'I lied about my whole life for fame and fortune' doesn't hold up given he confessed to being responsible for Tupac's killing to two separate police teams for no gain.' The legal insider added: 'Investigators have worked hard to locate any proof that Keefe was in Vegas that night because it dents his case. "They have attempted to find video footage from casinos or businesses back in the day. No-one then had cellphones with video or photo capabilities," they said. 'But they have come up blank so far and there is no murder weapon, fingerprints or vehicle.' 7 7 7 A family friend of Keefe's added: 'Keefe has mixed feelings obviously. He doesn't want to be in jail waiting for his trial and hates the fact that bail had been denied. "But he has made it clear that the prosecutors are 'gonna look like fools' eventually. 'He has been getting legal insight and believes he will walk away a free man. He is certain that there is no evidence putting him in Vegas and that will mean he has to be cleared." Diddy was first dragged into the Tupac Las Vegas trial because of Keefe's boasting about his connections to Bad Boy Records and the rapper. During two separate recorded interviews with LAPD and Vegas Metro officers, Keefe alleged Combs offered him a million dollars to assassinate Tupac and Suge Knight in the mid 1990s. Keefe broke ranks in 2008 by telling an LA Gang Task Force team on tape that he was 'the shot caller' of the kill, alleging Diddy offered him a $1m payout. Keefe alleged that Puffy - as Diddy was then called - said during a meeting at a Hollywood deli: 'Man I want to get rid of those dudes" - in relation to Tupac and Suge. The Compton gang king pin added the chart star feared Suge: 'Puffy was scared and was scared of the dude period.' 'We wanted a million' stated Keefe adding that 'we will wipe their ass out quick you know - it is nothing.' When asked by an officer: 'Who brought up the amount of one million dollars?" Keefe replied, 'S**t he did. It wasn't me.' Tupac Shakur was shot as he drove in the passenger side along with Suge Knight in the Las Vegas Strip area on September 7, 1996. He died in hospital from his injuries a few days later, aged 25. Keefe, who has pleaded not guilty, will go to trial in February. The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Clark County District Attorney, which is prosecuting the case, for comment. Exclusive: Diddy faces cash crisis as Cassie payout and civil suits drain $400m fortune Sean "Diddy" Combs may be heading for significant financial distress upon his release from jail, a legal expert suggests. While the music mogul avoided a potential life sentence when he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, his extensive legal battles, including a hefty settlement with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, are predicted to have severely depleted his once-nearly billion-dollar fortune. Combs, 55, was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution following a weeks-long trial in Manhattan, New York. Despite these convictions, which each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years, legal observers anticipate he will likely be released in the coming months. However, the path to rebuilding his once-thriving business empire appears fraught with financial peril and a skeptical public. Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor and founding partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, provided insights into Combs's post-trial future. "One thing that's clear is that his resources have been depleted. He still appears to have some wealth. But there's going to be a collectability issue when it comes to these civil cases," Faddis told The U.S. Sun. He elaborated that if pending civil lawsuits result in judgments, Combs may lack the personal assets required to fully compensate all plaintiffs. The $20 million settlement previously paid to Cassie Ventura is a permanent financial hit, with Faddis clarifying, "There is no legal mechanism of which I'm aware by which he could try to take back the twenty million or so dollars that he paid to Cassie in a civil judgment. That's over and done with." This substantial payout represents an irrevocable reduction in his net worth. Speculation has arisen about whether Combs might pursue counter-litigation, perhaps for defamation or malicious prosecution, against individuals involved in his trial. While Faddis acknowledged that "anything is possible," he strongly advised against such actions. "I think he would be better off kind of letting sleeping dogs lie, moving on with his life, and undertaking this herculean effort of dealing with the other civil cases," he recommended.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
15 Gen X Movie Stars Gone Too Soon
We miss these Gen X movie stars who died young. Whether from accidents, drugs or cancer, their lives were cut short in tragic ways. Here are 15 Gen X movie stars gone too soon. Related Headlines The 13 Most Captivating Prison Movies We've Ever Seen The 13 Best SNL Sketches in 50 Years of Saturday Night Live The 12 Strangest Movies We've Ever Seen Brandon Lee was born on March 31, 1965, and died on March 31, 1993 at just 28. Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, died of an accidental shooting on the set of his 1994 film The Crow (above). Adding to the terrible tragedy was the fact that his beloved father died 20 years early at only 32. River Phoenix was born on August 23, 1970 and died on October 31, 1993 at just 23. He was the Gen X actor for the duration of his short life, growing up on camera and delivering iconic performances in films from Stand By Me to Running on Empty to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to My Own Private Idaho. He died of a heroin and cocaine overdose at the West Hollywood club The Viper Room. Phoenix is survived by a very talented family that includes his younger brother, Joaquin Phoenix. Tupac Shakur was born June 16, 1971 and died September 13, 1996 at just 25. Tupac Shakur's death was a major loss to the worlds of music and film — before his death, he delivered impressive performances in films from Juice to Poetic Justice, and seemed poised to become one of the most successful Gen X actors and rappers, a performer who could convey incredible empathy and charisma both onstage and in front of a camera. He died from injuries in a Las Vegas shooting. Earlier this year, police arrested a man they say ordered the shooting. Chris Farley was born February 15, 1964 and died December 18, 1997 at just 33. One of the most explosively funny Saturday Night Live stars of the early '90s, Farley was legendary for his commitment to characters and bits, happily diving through walls and coffee tables to sell a joke. His pairing with fellow SNL player David Spade in 1995's Tommy Boy is pure bliss, and their reunion in the next year's Black Sheep seemed to mark the solidifying of one of the funniest Gen X comic duos. Farley also evoked a chaotic sweetness in films like Wayne's World and his solo starring vehicle Beverly Hills Ninja (1997). Still very much "on" even when he was off-screen, he was known for wild antics and pranks like interrupting SNL castmate Mike Myers in the shower. Following in the footsteps of his idol, John Belushi, Farley gave everything to his art. But he also developed a drug habit like Belushi's, and like his hero died of a drug overdose at 33. Also Read: The 13 Best SNL Sketches in the Show's 50 Years Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born January 16, 1979 and died August 25, 2001 at only 22. Aaliyah was already a major pop star known for hits including "If Your Girl Only Knew," "4 Page Letter" and "Are You That Somebody" when she made her feature film debut in Romeo Must Die, for which she recorded the slinky hit "Try Again." She had been recording a music video for her song "Rock the Boat" in the Bahamas when she and eight others were killed in a private plane crash. Her second and final film, the Anne Rice adaptation The Queen of the Damned, was released the year after her death. The Australian actor was born born April 4, 1979 and died January 22, 2008 at only 28. In his short life he proved himself one the most dazzling Gen X actors, starring in hits including 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot and A Knight's Tale before earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in 2005's Brokeback Mountain. He earned a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight, released the summer after his accidental overdose death from medications. Also Read: All 10 Batman Movies Ranked Worst to Best The Canadian actor and teen idol was born December 23, 1971 and died March 10, 2010 at just 38. After breaking out in the 1984 thriller Firstborn, he starred in the iconic '80s teen films Lucas, License to Drive, The Lost Boys and Dream a Little Dream, often alongside his friend Corey Feldman, which earned them the nickname The Two Coreys. The friends starred in an A&E reality show of that title in 2007. Haim, who had battled drug addiction throughout his adult life, died of pneumonia. Philip Seymour Hoffman was born July 23, 1967 and died February 2, 2014 at only 46. He was known as a deeply committed, nuanced, and astonishingly versatile actor known for roles including The Talented Mr. Ripley, Mission: Impossible 3, the Hunger Games franchise, and Capote, for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 2006. He struggled with heroin addiction early in life, and successfully abstained from it for many years before relapsing. He died from mixed drug intoxication, and heroin and other drugs were reportedly found in his home. His most frequent collaborator was writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson, for whom he appeared in Boogie Knights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, and The Master. Years after Hoffman's death, Anderson cast his son, Cooper Hoffman, as the lead in his 2021 film Licorice Pizza. Brittany Murphy was born November 10, 1977 and died December 20, 2009 at just 32. The star of Clueless (above), Girl Interrupted and 8 Mile quickly established herself as one of the most likable of her stars of Gen X, moving amiably from romantic comedy to serious drama to horror, but always maintaining a bighearted demeanor. She died at age 32 under what a coroner determined to be pneumonia, exacerbated by anemia, though the cause of death has been disputed. Paul Walker was born September 12, 1973 and died November 30, 2013 at only 40. Best known for playing the heroic Brian O'Conner in the Fast & Furious franchise, Walker was a wildly charismatic actor also praised for his roles in the teen comedy She's All That, the road thriller Joy Ride, and the diving thriller Into the Blue. But he could do serious drama as well, as he proved with 2006's Flags of Our Fathers. Walker died in a single-vehicle collision as a passenger in a speeding Porsche while driving off from a charity event. Luke Perry was born October 11, 1966 and died March 4, 2019 at just 52. Though best known as one of the stars of Beverly Hills 90210, he also starred in films like 1992's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and 1994's 8 Seconds, and had noteworthy appearances in 1997's The Fifth Element and his final film, 2019's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (above). He also had a key role on the TV series Riverdale. He died following two strokes. Chadwick Boseman was born November 29, 1976 and died August 28, 2020 at just 43 years of age. In his short life, he had an incredible run of successes, playing icons Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in 2014's Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in 2017's Marshall — demonstrating remarkable range in the process. But he was of course best known for his role as T'Challa in the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther and in three Avengers films. And he earned a posthumous Oscar nomination for his role in 2020's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Boseman died from colon cancer, which he concealed as he continued to do excellent work in film's like 2020's Da 5 Bloods. Anne Heche was born May 25, 1969 and died August 11, 2022 at just 53. First appearing in 1993's The Adventures of Huck Finn, Heche had a remarkable run of roles in the '90s films Donnie Brasco, Volcano, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Wag the Dog. In 1998, she starred in Six Days, Seven Nights (above) and Return to Paradise. Her later roles included Catfight, My Friend Dahmer and TV shows including Everwood, Men in Trees and The Brave. She died at a Los Angeles hospital after she was critically injured in a car crash. Matthew Perry was born August 19, 1969 and died October 28, 2023 at just 54. Though best known for Friends, he also had an impressive film career that included star turns in Fools Rush In (above), Almost Heroes, Three to Tango, and The Whole Nine Yards and its sequel, The Whole Ten Yards. Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles, and his cause of death was later determined to be due to acute effects of ketamine. Shannen Doherty was born April 12, 1971 and died July 13, 2024, at only 53. Though best known for TV roles — including Little House on the Prairie, Charmed, and especially Beverly Hills 90210 — Doherty was also an accomplished film actor who appeared in the Gen X classic Heathers and had a lead part in Kevin Smith's 1995 Mallrats. Brenda Walsh, her 90210 character, was one of the most iconic Gen X TV characters, and her on-screen chemistry with Luke Perry made their characters, Brenda and Dylan, one of the most scrutinized and fascinating couples in TV history. She also had a successful career in reality TV and continued to work hard on a wide range of projects as she battled breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2015. She died from the disease at her home in Malibu. You may want to cheer yourself up with this list of 12 Old Movies That Are Still a Total Pleasure to Watch, including Breathless, above. Or you might enjoy our video version of the story you've just finished. Related Headlines The 13 Most Captivating Prison Movies We've Ever Seen The 13 Best SNL Sketches in 50 Years of Saturday Night Live The 12 Strangest Movies We've Ever Seen
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
NLE Choppa reveals new look ahead of diss track release
NLE Choppa has revealed a dramatic new look, appearing completely bald in a post surrounded by Tupac Shakur memorabilia. The Memphis rapper shared the image on Instagram, unveiling not only a visual change but also an introspective message about personal growth and transformation. The post included a picture of his hair inside a Jordan shoe box, alongside a handwritten note titled 'Note To Self.' In it, he reflected on his journey, writing, 'Your hard work towards getting in alignment is the reason why I am able to write this as of now… A chapter of my life is closing, 'The Restoration,' and a chapter in my life is beginning, 'The One.'' However, in a contrast to the message of peace and self-renewal, the rapper also teased the release of a diss track scheduled for 8 p.m. CT the same day. 'All Praises To The Most High, DISS SONG 8 PM CT,' he wrote in the caption, prompting speculation among fans about the target of the track. The reveal follows recent headlines about his apology to the mother of his child, which was reportedly not accepted. Despite this, Choppa appears committed to a new path, further illustrated by his recently released children's book, which adds another layer to his ongoing transformation.
