Friday, December 4, 2015

#BBB NEWS| Melvin Williams, The Inspiration Behind ‘The Wire,’ Dies At 73 [PHOTO]

Melvin Williams might’ve been notorious on the streets of Baltimore as a former drug kingpin, but he was also the reason behind the series The Wire coming into fruition.

The actor who made his way onto the show in the role of the Deacon after serving time in prison upon being released in 1996, has passed away at the age of 73 as the cause of death has yet to be determined.

Williams, who also went by the name “Little Melvin,” was the influence that former reporter of the Baltimore Sun, David Simon, created the popular HBO series.

#BBB NEWS| Tiger Woods Voices Uncertainty Of Future In Golf With TIME Magazine

Sports fans have been hit with a huge blow as many have gotten wind of Kobe Bryant’s intentions to retire via an open letter he released on The Player’s Tribune. Now another athlete may be looking to call it quits as well.

After undergoing his second back surgery in just two years, Tiger Woods is hinting at retirement in a recent interview with TIME.

Woods expressed that his back injury is related to nerves and didn’t seem too sure about returning to the golf course in fully healthy shape.

#BBB NEWS| Former Presidential Candidate Kidnapped In Kogi

A former Presidential candidate and National Chairman of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima has been reported kidnapped at Obajana in Kogi State.

The ACPN nominated Chief Galadima as its presidential flag bearer in the just concluded March 28, 2015 presidential election, but returned to man the affairs of the party shortly after he lost to president Muhammadu Buhari.

Vanguard gathered that the ACPN chairman was picked by his abductors after Obajana in Osaro, Kogi State while on his way to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to attend the burial of one of his elder brothers.

#BBB NEWS| President Buhari Meets With Chinese President Xi Jinping In South Africa [PHOTO]

President Muhammadu Buhari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The forum, which will last from December 4th-5th, is hosted by South Africa in the city of Johannesburg. The talks between Presidents Buhari and Xinping took place on the “sidelines” of the forum, according to Channels TV.

President Buhari arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday. According to an email announcement by Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, the President wished to discuss Chinese funding for several stalled rail projects in Nigeria.

#BBB NEWS| Nicki Minaj’s Brother Charged With Rape [PHOTO]

Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, has been charged with raping a 12-year-old girl. According to Newsday, Maraj, 37, was arraigned yesterday (Dec. 3) on first-degree rape for assaulting a child.

This morning (Dec. 4), Maraj was let out of Nassau County jail in East Meadow on a $100,000 bond. The district attorney has not revealed any information regarding the details of the case against the rap star’s brother.

This past summer, Jelani Maraj married Jacqueline Robinson at the Coral House on Milburn Lake in Baldwin, N.Y. Minaj shared her love for her brother via Instagram following the celebration, writing, “I would cross the ocean for [you],” in the caption of a picture of herself and the groom.

#BBB NEWS| Judge Denies Bobby Shmurda’s $2 Million Bail

Bobby Shmurda will continue his stint in jail after a judge denied his bail yet again. The Brooklyn native’s $2 million bond was denied after an appearance in a New York City court on Thursday (Dec. 3).

According to TMZ, the Epic signee’s attorneys created a “bulletproof” plan which entailed “collateral property for family members” to persuade the court to grant Bobby’s release, but it was opposed.

The 20-year-old, real name Ackquille Pollard, has remained in Riker’s Island for close to a year after he was apprehended in NYC and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking, and weapons possession.

The indictment listed 69-counts of the aforementioned charges, which also saw the arrest of Rowdy Rebel and other GS9 members. Since Bobby’s incarceration, reports have also stated that he’ll possibly face seven more years in jail for the reveal of new charges.

#BBB NEWS| J. Cole & HBO Team Up For ‘Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming’ Special

J. Cole has toured the globe for his 2014 Forest Hills Drive trek where he sold out show after show and inspired concertgoers with the live rendition of his latest album.

In case you weren’t one of the lucky few to be in attendance for the once-in-a-lifetime anointing, HBO has blessed you with good news.

The company announced that they’re teaming up with the “Love Yourz” MC to showcase his life story through the lens of “his own words” and his lyrics. The feature will also boast concert footage and behind-the-scenes access, which is shot by director Scott Lazer.

Feature guest spots from fellow rapper Drake, and Roc Nation bossman Jay Z, are also part of the HBO special.

#BBB NEWS| Oprah Winfrey To Release Her Memoir Titled ‘The Life You Want’ In 2017

This book is already sold out and the author hasn’t penned a word. Kidding, but one can only imagine how many seconds it will take for Oprah Winfrey’s memoir to skyrocket to the top of the bestseller’s list.

It’s being reported by The Hollywood Reporter the media mogul signed a deal to pen an inspirational memoir set for a January 2017 release.

Titled The Life You Want, Ms. Winfrey inked a deal with Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan. The 61-year-old is said to be in the very beginning stages of her book, but it will feature never-before told stories “even the painful ones.”

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

#BBB NEWS| NBA: Kobe Bryant Gave Jahlil Okafor Advice About Staying Focused & Out of Trouble [PHOTOS]

Kobe Bryant is originally from Philly so when the Los Angeles Lakers played the 76ers in Philadelphia last night, they made it extra special for Bryant’s last homecoming game. 

While Kobe was there, he tracked down Sixers rookie Jahlil Okafor who has gone through a lot of trouble lately including two street fights, and gave him some veteran advice.

    “I talked to him a little bit on the court, briefly in the weight room and a little bit after the game,” Bryant said. “I wish him all the best. It’s important for him to stay focused and to continue to work on his game, and he’ll be just fine.”

    Bryant also commented on how easy it is for off the court mistakes to become news nowadays.

    “Everybody has a camera with a camera phone,” he said. “You pick up on mistakes a lot more now than you would in the past. Not to say some of the heroes that have played here before haven’t made those same mistakes, but it’s just now the content gets captured so quickly.”

#BBB NEWS| Kobe Bryant Reveals His Reason For Retirement On ‘Good Morning America’ [PHOTO/VIDEO]

The legacy of the Black Mamba is coming to an end as the one and only Kobe Bryant, announced on Sunday (Nov. 29) that he will officially put the basketball down and step away from the game to wrap up his 20 year professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As many fans reminisce and look back on all the unforgettable memories that Bryant brought to the NBA, some may wonder what about now made him make the decision. The superstar sat down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America and revealed his reason behind his retirement.

“You know, going through my entire career, I’ve never really understood what athletes meant when they said, ‘You — when you know you know.’ But now I certainly understand it … So once I knew this was it, might as well say it,” Bryant expressed. After a few missed postseason appearances and experiencing numerous injuries that kept him sidelined from the game longer than usual Mamba fashion, Bryant shared that it all factored into where he stands now. “It was something that kind of evolved over the last three years, you know, with the Achilles injury, that really frightened me. Because you know, it was like, ‘My career could be over now.’ It scared me. ‘What am I going do next?’ sort of thing. So I took that time to start trying to figure that out,” he said.

#BBB NEWS| LeBron James Lands $15 Million Investment From Warner Bros.

Sports fans may be pretty familiar with the media platform known as Uninterrupted. Users can catch some of their favorite athletes from Golden State Warrior Draymond Green to even New York Giants wide receivers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz.

Through the app, the athletes share quick personal videos with their fan base.

If anybody happened to wonder who’s the mastermind behind bringing the pros in the world of sports that much more closer to their fans, all thanks goes to the king himself, LeBron James, and his manager Maverick Carter.

The pair landed big when Warner Bros. made plans to invest $15.8 million into expanding the brand of Uninterrupted across other platforms including mobile, web, television and film. “It’s giving athletes an opportunity to have a platform where they can speak about any issue,” James tells The Hollywood Reporter. “They don’t have to wait to be in front of a camera.”

#BBB NEWS| Wladimir Klitschko To Fight Tyson Fury AGAIN In 2016 [PHOTOS]

Wladimir Klitschko has confirmed he will face Tyson Fury in a rematch for his world heavyweight crown.

Klitschko has taken up the rematch clause contract in the original fight and insists he will prove he is better than he showed in losing to Fury on Saturday.

"I was really frustrated directly after the fight, but after some short nights I now know that I want to show that I'm much better than my performance on Saturday," said the former WBA Super, IBF and WBo champ.

"I couldn't show my full potential at any time. This is what I want to change in the rematch - and I will. Failure is not an option."

Fury's promoter Mick Hennessy wants the rematch in Wembley and Klitschko's team will now open negotiations to agree on a date and venue.

#BBB NEWS| Pope Francis Drops A Rock-Pop Album [PHOTO/STREAM]

While everyone was enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, Pope Francis dropped his first, rock-pop album, and it’s the most religious, yet inspirational music you probably never listened to.

Whats’ more, El Papa didn’t need to rely on prominent musicians from either genre to produce his holy body of work.

Instead, Francis called on Italian musician Tony Pagliuca from the ‘70s prog rock band Le Orme and a choir to lay his powerful speeches – spoken in different of languages – over rock ballads and tunes faithful followers would love.

#BBB NEWS| Prince Harry Plays Rugger With Underprivileged Kids Before Sharking Around With A Pretend Jaws [PHOTOS]

Prince Harry showed off his rugby skills before enjoying some sharking around with a pretend Jaws.

The prince was playing a game of tag rugby with children at the Sharks Rugby club in Durban during his tour of South Africa.

After pausing to have a good look inside the “jaws” of the club’s mascot Sharkie, Harry teased Smit, a 2007 World Cup winning hooker about South Africa’s defeat to rugby minnows Japan in the England 2015 competition.

Harry was visiting the “Shark Tank” to hear more about the South African Rugby and British High Commission Rugby Exchange Programme, which gives opportunities to players and coaches from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience playing the sport.

#BBB NEWS| Allen Iverson To Kobe Bryant: “You Brought So Much Out Of Me” [PHOTOS]

Sunday night, NBA fans went into cardiac arrest when Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the NBA.

After 20 seasons, five NBA titles and four All-Star MVP awards, Black Mamba has rightfully earned his farewell from the league, and done so gracefully and heart. After his announcement, many took to social media to publicly voice their love and respect for Number 24.

Among those players was Allen Iverson, who on Tuesday evening (December 1) paid tribute to the 6’6′ shooting guard with a heartfelt message, thanking him for all he’s done for the NBA, and also helping to elevate his game.

#BBB NEWS| Rick Ross On 50 Cent Beef “I’ll Come To Your Mama’s House And I’ll Bring Wingstop Too” [PHOTO/VIDEO]

Rick Ross stopped by Hot 97’s Ebro In The Morning wearing his trademark dark shades as well as offering his prized MMG styrofoam cups ready to talk business, and by business, he means his eighth solo LP Black Market slated to hit iTunes Friday.

The MMG quarterback was in great spirits as he explained the meaning behind his newest tattoo placed on his hairline, and his overall love for the art of ink.

However, when Ebro questioned him about his back-and-forth with 50 Cent, specifically when Rozay said 50’s son inquired about an internship with MMG, Ross remained cool as a fan, but sternly addressed the issue.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

#BBB NEWS| Arms Purchase Scandal: Raymond Dokpesi Arrested

On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the Chairman of Africa Independent Television, Raymond Dokpesi, over the spreading arms purchase scandal involving the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and the theft of N2.1billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to official data, by the end of 2013 there were only 1,864 giant pandas living in the wild, mostly in southwest China, and 375 are in captivity.

Monday, November 30, 2015

#BBB NEWS| Supreme Court To Hear Senate President Saraki’s Appeal Against Corruption Trial On Thursday

The Supreme Court has picked Thursday for hearing on the appeal filed by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The apex court’s decision to hear the appeal this week was contained in hearing notices sent to parties in the case, a copy of which The Nation sighted on Monday.

Saraki is challenging the decision of the Code of Conduct tribunal (CCT) to assume jurisdiction over the false asset declaration charges brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The Court of Appeal, in a split decision of two-to-one upheld the CCT’s jurisdiction to hear the charges, a decision Saraki appealed at the Supreme Court.

#BBB NEWS| Check Out Chris Browns' Album Tracklist

The tracklist that hit the web for Chris Brown’s forthcoming album Royalty earlier this month turned out to be bogus, but the official one is finally here.

The standard edition of the project will feature 14 songs and one feature (Chris’ RCA labelmate, Solo Lucci,) while the deluxe will have an additional 4 songs, as well as an additional feature – none other than Future!

Royalty hits stores December 18, but you can check out the tracklist in full below now.

#BBB NEWS| NBA Players React To Kobe Bryant’s Retirement Announcement [PHOTOS]

In a turn of events that basketball fans anticipated but never really prepared for, Kobe Bryant announced his impending retirement at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season. 

Penning a love letter to the sport, Bryant shared a poem entitled “Dear Basketball,” where he admitted his “body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”

As the news made its way around the Web, current and former players from the League took to social media to react.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, heralding Bryant as “one of the greatest players in the history of our game:”

#BBB NEWS| Kobe Bryant Announces This Will Be His Final Season In The NBA [PHOTO]

Kobe Bryant is ready to gracefully bow out. Sunday evening (November 29) the five-time NBA champion took to Twitter to announce he will be retiring from basketball after his 20th season in the league via a poem/love letter titled “Dear Basketball

Number 24’s announcement comes on the heels of one of his worst seasons of his career. The 6’6 shooting guard as of late has averaged 15.7 points per game, as opposed to his career average of almost 25. 3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

#BBB NEWS| Panda Who Entertained Millions Celebrates 35th Birthday (140 In Human Years) By Munching On Cake [PHOTOS]

With a regal wave to her adoring fans, Basi, the world’s second oldest panda , tucks into her very own birthday cake, as she celebrated turning 35.

In panda years that makes her around 140-years-old, which proves what a diet of bamboo shoots and acrobatic exercise can do for you.

For waving is just one of the tricks she keeps up her furry sleeve. She also rides a bicycle, shoots basketball hoops and lifts weights!

Basi became famous around the world when she was chosen as the prototype for Pan Pan, the mascot of the Beijing Asian Games in 1990.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

#BBB NEWS| Kendall Jenner Strips NAKED And Rides A Horse [PHOTOS]

Kendall Jenner stripped down and saddled up for arguably her sexiest snap to date. The model and reality star posted an extremely saucy picture to her Instagram account showing her riding a horse - completely bareback.

Kendall is seen leaning back with her long, lean legs dangling down and her curvy derriere just visible.

The 20-year-old model lifted her arms and placed her hands over her boobs to cover her modesty.

#BBB NEWS| Tyson Fury Beats Wladimir Klitschko To Become The New Heavyweight Champion Of The World [PHOTOS]

Tyson Fury produced a massive upset to be crowned the new world heavyweight champion, writes David Anderson ringside in Dusseldorf.

Fury broke down in tears in the ring after he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko with a deserved unanimous decision as he outboxed the Ukrainian.

Klitschko looked all his 39 years as the judges awarded the fight to Fury 115-112, twice, and 116-111.

Michael Buffer sent Fury's fans wild when he announced the winner with the words, "..from the United Kingdom".

Fury was overcome with emotion and thanked God for helping him become Britain's first white heavyweight world champion since Bob Fitzsimmons in the 1890s.

#BBB NEWS| Did Kendrick Lamar’s Sister Accidentally Reveal His Upcoming Collaboration With J. Cole? [PHOTO]

J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar’s “Black Friday” freestyles had the Internet on tilt yesterday (Nov. 28). With the rappers jumping on each other’s tracks, Cole’s version of “Alright” and K. Dot’s version of “A Tale of 2 Citiez” now have the masses speculating about their joint album yet again. Now, it seems Kendrick’s sister may have spilled the beans.

In a Facebook post, Kayla Duckworth wrote that the two rappers have a collaboration dropping on Feb. 16:

#BBB NEWS| Buhari: Boko Haram Has Killed 10,000 Displaced Millions, Calls For Assistance From Commonwealth

President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed that the war with Boko Haram has left over 10,000 Nigerians dead and more than 2 million people displaced.

The President made these remarks Friday night while attending a banquet for Queen Elizabeth II during the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta.

President Buhari’s remarks were relayed to members of the press by the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. According to Mr. Adesina, President Buhari called for the creation of a Commonwealth Committee which would assist Nigeria and other nations impacted by the “scourge” of international terrorism.

This committee, President Buhari explained, would meet with developing nations battling terrorism.  After conferring with these nations, the committee would formulate a grand political strategy to combat terrorism. The President voiced his hopes that such a committee be created prior to the 2016 CHOGM.

#BBB NEWS| Boko Haram Fighters Attack Village In Niger, 18 Dead

On Wednesday, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a village in southeastern Niger killing 18, according to the AP.

The attackers moved into the village on motorcycles opening fire on “anything that moved”. 

The Boko Haram fighters then raided any businesses or shops in the village, before fleeing the area. Rockets were also fired according to Reuters.  The region has seen multiple attacks by Boko Haram in the past few months.

#BBB NEWS| Appeal Court Sacks Former Senate President David Mark From Senate

A Nigerian Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State nullified the election of former Senate President David Mark in a ruling delivered by Justice Olabisi Ige.

The court ruled on six grounds of an appeal brought against a lower tribunal ruling which earlier upheld Mark’s election last month.

In ruling on the  appeal brought by Daniel Onjeh, the South Benue Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Justice Ige ruled that the election of Mr. Mark was fraught with so many irregularities that it failed all tests of “freeness and fairness”.

#BBB NEWS| Adele’s ‘25’ Album Sells A Whopping 3.38 Million In Its First Week

Adele has officially sold the most albums in a week in Nielsen Music history. The beloved UK singer moved a whopping 3.38 million copies of 25 since its Nov. 20 release, edging out all other releases in the tracking’s history since 1991, Billboard reports.

The album has also become the first to sell three million units in a single week, and is the second to reach over 2 million copies since NSYNC’s No Strings Attached in 2000.

Adele was already projected to top NSYNC’s record of 2.42 million copies in its first week. 25 has also beat out Taylor Swift for the best-selling album of 2015; Swift’s 1989 previously held the crown at 1.8 million copies. The singer penned a thank you note to her fans after the album’s release.