Big Bammy's Blog: 2015-12-13

Saturday, December 19, 2015

#BBB NEWS| President Barack Obama Has A Highway Named After Him In Florida [PHOTOS]

Old Dixie Highway in Riviera Beach, FL is no more. Now when you travel down that highway you’ll be driving on President Barack Obama Highway.

Riviera Beach officials renamed the highway. The new sign went up on Thursday displaying the name of the United States of America’s first black president.

This highway holds a lot of history and memories for many people. Old Dixie officials have said it paid homage to an era that glorified slavery.

The name was symbolic of racism that took place many years ago, cross burnings and the KKK and Riviera Beach Mayor, Thomas Masters says it was time for change.

Check out the rest of this story after the jump..

A 29 year old student was rushed to the hospital after a fatal car accident caused by drunk driving.

After a night of drinking Kyung Song and his girlfriend got into his Porsche in hopes of dropping his girlfriend off at home. Unfortunately the couple never made it.

Police say that Song crashed his $60,000 car into the back of a parked school bus outside of PS 22.

Read the rest of this story after the jump..

Governors of Nigeria’s 19 Northern States on Saturday in Kaduna endorsed the actions of Kaduna State, the location of last weekend’s violence involving Nigeria's Shiites.

In a communique issued at the end of a meeting, the governors stressed that all Nigerians should respect the law and constituted authority, adding that organization, whether religious or social, must operate within the law.

Offering condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the Zaria tragedy, and wishing the wounded speedy recovery, they endorsed all the steps taken so far by the government of Kaduna State to contain the situation.

They also expressed support for the decision of the Governor of Kaduna to constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to examine the remote and immediate causes of the Zaria incident, and commended him for it.

The violence unleashed by terrorists, whom justify it as a doctrine of Islam, is out of control. The castigation of Islam as the catalyst for the atmosphere of violence to the point that Donald Trump would threaten to ban Muslims from entering the United States should he win the Presidential race next year, is outrageous.

As a Muslim, who appreciates the misconceptions that are associated with religious extremism and violence, I feel an ardent responsibility to set forth the teachings of Islam that I understand in a manner where expressions of numerous acts of violence are fully exposed for the misinterpretations they are.

As a Muslim, I become saddened when I hear people attribute the kind of violence we are witnessing in this age to an Islamic teaching. I become troubled because, even though I know that Islam doesn’t, in anyway, encourage people to kill innocent civilians and engage in suicide bombings, I understand that these misconceptions exist. Misconceptions or misinterpretations, which give a justification for those, who choose to express their distorted extremism through the embrace of violent activities.

With production underway for Tupac’s highly-anticipated biopic All Eyez On Me, details have surfaced little by little on the film’s synopsis. Now, the actor who’ll assume the role of the late rapper has been revealed.

Demetrius Shipp Jr. was named as the person to portray Pac on the silver screen, and was asked by producer L.T. Hutton to take on the role because of his similar features with the “Ghetto Gospel” MC. TMZ reports that Shipp’s father also met the legendary artist during his career in the music industry.

This will be Shipp’s first major acting job, and he’ll appear alongside Jamal Woodard, the same person who played Biggie Smalls in the biopic Notorious (2009).

Last night (Dec. 18), Missy Elliott accepted the Innovator Award at Billboard’s Women In Music 2015 event and things got real…emotional.

With frequent collaborator Ciara by her side, the Grammy award winning rapper rattled off a lengthy acceptance speech that was heart-touching and times and laugh inducing at others. At one point, Elliott tears up while talking about her journey.

After a 10 year hiatus, partially due to Graves’ disease which she suffers from, the Virginia native started showing signs of musical life earlier this year. She recently started doing shows with frequency and has released the new single “WTF” with an album that might drop next year.

Read her full heartfelt speech below:

Beyonce and Jay Z will not have to break bread with a Hungarian singer who accused the couple of using her vocals without permission on the hit song “Drunk In Love.”

The lawsuit, which was filed by Mónika Juhász Miczur aka Mitsou in 2014, has been dismissed by a Manhattan judge, according to Page 6.

Miczur, alleged “Drunk In Love” used portions of her song “Gypsy Life on the Road” which was released in the U.S. in 1997.

After hearing her a cappella vocals all over Bey’s hit song in December 2013, she took legal action and sued for unspecified monetary damages, claiming the “blatant unauthorized use of [her] voice for trade purposes is causing irreparable harm and emotional distress.”

Reports have surfaced concerning the sale of Rick Ross’ current album, Black Market. Walmart has reportedly shelved the MMG leader’s project due to a certain lyric over Donald Trump.

The circumstance was apparently brought to Walmart’s attention by a journalist named Mark Dice.

Within the writer/media analyst’s video detailing his message to the multi-billion dollar company, Dice said Rozay’s line off the title track, which reads, “Assassinate Trump like I’m Zimmerman/ Now accept these words as they came from Eminem,” didn’t sit well with him and claims it incites terroristic threats.

In response to major retailers discontinuing the sale of the Dukes of Hazzard toys because of its relation to the Confederate flag, Dice said those same outlets should look into banning music from artists that promote terroristic thoughts. “They carry music from mainstream rappers that call for assassinations of leading presidential candidates,” he said.

Nigerian military authorities have decided to reduce the death sentences handed down on court-martialed soldiers earlier in 2015.

In separate rulings in January and March, 2015, military tribunals had sentenced 66 soldiers to death by firing squad for offences that included criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mutiny, mutiny, attempt to commit murder, disobedience to orders, insubordinate behavior and false accusation. Separate court martial tribunals had imposed the death sentences in a trial that involved 71 soldiers as defendants.

In a statement released today by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the acting director of public relations for the Nigerian Army, the military revealed that the capital punishments had been reduced to 10 years imprisonment for each convicted soldier.

Nicki Minaj’s forthcoming comedy series just unveiled the cast that’ll bring the project to life.

The Queens native took to her social media outlets to reveal who’ll grace your television screen in the New Year, naming Whoopi Goldberg (who’ll play Nicki’s neighbor); Selita Ebanks (taking on the role of her mother named Grace); Wesley Jonathan (who’ll act as Nicki’s father named Vincent); and young actress Ariana Neal who’ll play young Onika.

On her Instagram account, the “Moment 4 Life” rapper shared her excitement. “I am honored and excited to announce that I’ve literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series ‘Nicki,'” she wrote. “I’ve been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!”

Embattled ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is on the verge of leaving her present abode in the United Kingdom for the Commonwealth of Dominica where she has reportedly acquired the citizenship.

Mrs.Alison-Madueke is currently under investigation in Britain for alleged corruption while in office.

Investigators in the UK and Nigeria were shocked by the discovery that she had secretly acquired the citizenship of the small Caribbean country of only 72,000 people.

But sources in the UK said the National Crime Agency (NCA) was already keeping monitoring her movement.

It was learnt that the lid was blown open by some anti-corruption and civil society groups in the UK.

#BBB NEWS| Tyrese Reveals That TGT Is Over, Ginuwine Responds [PHOTOS]

It looks like one of R&B’s supergroups is calling it quits. TGT, which is comprised of heavyweights Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank, seem to have parted ways, per an Instagram post from Tyrese.

The Fast & Furious actor wrote, “I’m sorry to break the news………. TGT is done……….. It’s not about fault….. Business is business…..” Tyrese later continued to say that he and Tank will still move forward, but it looks as if Ginuwine will not be a part of that progression. “We will forever love our brother G as brothers….We’ve got TOO much history to turn this into anything negative….Even 112 are still together, NEXT, DRU HILL is still together and TROOP and New Edition…..It’s only 3 of us we did one album it was epic……And now it’s over…….”

Tyrese then gave a little background on the success the trio had when they dropped their debut album Three Kings. “The reason it worked is because of our history and mutual respect……I don’t know I’m just shocked and disappointed that I’m even putting up this post…… #ThreeKingsNoMore but I guess….#LSG only made one album…..Damn..”

A lot has changed for Chris Brown in a year, most notably, the birth of his baby girl, Royalty. Since the release of 2014’s X, Breezy has been steadily at work placing the finishing touches on his latest LP, rightfully named after the special lady in his life.

Giving #TeamBreezy a healthy dose of all he has to offer, the 26-year-old has been diligently releasing videos from the album including “Back To Sleep” “Picture Me Rollin” and “Anyway.” But now Chris is ready to gift the world with his latest full-length LP Royalty.

Led by singles “Liquor” and “Zero” Royalty find Brown in a new musical space, having shown growth and maturity, but still giving the fans the Breezy they know and love.

Stream Royalty, the deluxe edition, below..

After having a slew of director replacements, and a hefty multi-million dollar lawsuit—Tupac’s biopic, All Eyez On Me finally has begun production.

The making of the highly anticipated film came just in time, due to reports surfacing of a previous lawsuit from the late rapper’s mother, Afeni Shakur. The lawsuit claimed that the film could only gain the rights to Pac’s original music if the production took off within the time span of this year.

The good news was unearthed through a few of L.T. Hutton’s Instagram posts, which showcase a collage of photos featuring production meetings; film equipment; and a director’s chair. Hutton is a music producer and former A&R at Ruthless and Interscope Records, according to Uproxx. He is working with Morgan Creek Films to produce the biopic.

Arsene Wenger has become the second highest-earning manager in world football following the sacking of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Mourinho was finally shown the door by Roman Abramovich earlier today, following a dismal defence of the Blues' Premier League crown.

Chelsea have lost nine of their opening 16 matches in the top flight, sitting just a point above the relegation zone heading into Saturday's match against Sunderland.

Monday's defeat to Leicester City proved to be the final straw, and it means only Pep Guardiola now earns more money than Arsenal boss Wenger.

Fiery Catholic priest and the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Rev.-Father Ejike Mbaka, on Friday met behind closed-door with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mbaka stirred controversy earlier in the year when he delivered a message that former President Goodluck Jonathan would fail in the presidential election.

He had said that the Holy Spirit told him Jonathan was not favoured to continue as President going by the state of the Nigerian economy and widespread insecurity, which he had failed to contain.

The clergyman who was accompanied by four men met with Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Adewale Adeyemo, a 34-year-old first-generation Nigerian-American, was appointed to the position of Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics by President Barack Obama.

President Obama announced Mr. Adeyemo’s appointment on Tuesday to the Washington DC press. The appointment has been met with wide acclaim by Nigerians throughout the diaspora.

Baba Adam, a leader of the Nigerian community and college administrator, commended President Obama for appointing Mr. Adeyemo describing it as “ascension of inspiration”.

During his confirmation hearing in September, Mr. Adeyemo made reference to his father waking him up in 1990 to witness the release of South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela from a 27-year long prison term.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has granted bail to former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, and four others standing trial for alleged money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

Others standing trial over a 19-count charge preferred against them include, a former director of finance at the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Group General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba Kusa and two firms, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Reference Hospital.

Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf granted bail to the accused persons on the sum of N250 Million on the condition that they produce a surety each who must be a serving or retired civil servant not lower than the rank of a director.

Rita Ora is ready to cut her ties with Roc Nation, and did so Thursday (December 17) by filing a lawsuit in which she claims to have been “orphaned” due to the label’s other business endeavors.

According to reports, the 25 year old singer-songwriter is seeking a declaratory judgment stating the contract she originally signed when she was 18 violates California law and cannot be enforced.

“When Rita signed, Roc Nation and its senior executives were very involved with her as an artist,” states the complaint which was filed in a L.A. Superior Court. “As Roc Nation’s interests diversified, there were fewer resources available, and the company suffered a revolving door of executives. Rita’s remaining supporters at the label left or moved on to other activities, to the point where she no longer had a relationship with anyone at the company.”

The lawsuit names Jay Z’s streaming service Tidal along with other pursuits as the cause for the lack of attention towards Ora’s career, and states a recent distribution deal with Universal that Ora claims to have been left out of.

#BBB NEWS| Drake Invests In New Tech Company

Drake is expanding his empire. The OVO boss has taken over the rap game, but he’s not settled with limiting his success to the music industry.

Drake got involved in the restaurant business earlier this year and now he’s jumping into the tech world. Drake is become a major investor in a new app called Omni.

TMZ reports that Drake met the app’s founder Thomas McLeod through a mutual business partner and the two hit it off as they are both sneaker heads. When McLeod told Drake about his plans for Omni, Drake wanted to get involved.

McLeod told TMZ that Drake will be much more than an investor as the rapper will be involved in the creative process.

Earlier this year, Akon revealed he would provide 600 million Africans with solar-powered electricity; and he did just that.

The “Freedom” artist’s giving mood has not subsided as his plan to do the same for Latin America is in motion.

Find out more after the jump..

#BBB NEWS| WATCH: J. Cole Releases Part One Of Mini-Documentary Series Ahead Of HBO Special [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

J. Cole is gearing up to take viewers and fans on an intimate journey in regards to his upcoming HBO special Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming.

But before the program airs on Jan. 9, the Fayetteville native announced that he’s releasing a short episode each week, with the first one debuting today (Dec. 16).

Titled “J. Cole: Road To Homecoming – F#$K Money, Spread Love,” the “Intro” rapper is filmed in the beginning stages of packaging and solidifying his third studio album 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

There are various scenes from his time on stage across the country, to inviting fans for a personal listening session at his childhood home, to entertaining critics in a studio to chat about his thought process behind the aforementioned project.

“I didn’t do anything consciously, that’s the amazing thing about this,” Cole said in response to departing from a commercial stream of music. “I didn’t try at all. Everything you’re hearing flowed out and it happened organically.”

It looks like LL Cool J will be bringing his gentlemanly charm and flat cap back to the Grammys, as the rapper is set to host the awards show for the fifth time, Deadline reports.

“We are delighted to welcome back the very talented LL Cool J as our host for the 58th Grammys,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow of the rapper and Lip Sync Battle host in a statement.

“His unique expertise, both as a Grammy-winning recording artist and accomplished actor, allows him to connect with both his musical peers and the fans at home, and his dynamic personality and charismatic energy set the perfect tone for our show.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State accused embattled Governor Olusegun Mimiko of planning to lavish the sum of N325 million in Christmas gifts on members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Omo'ba Abayomi Adesanya, alleged that the Mimiko-led government in the State organized "yet another wicked" plan to squander more funds on “frivolities”.

In the statement, exclusively obtained by a SahaRareporters correspondent in Akure, Omo'ba Adesanya, bemoaned the difficulties faced by workers and some senior citizens in the State as a result of unpaid salaries, gratuities, and allowances for over three months.

Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 indicated his resolve to create a new Unit, to be known as Procurement Fraud Unit, PFU, with a view to strengthen the Commission’s efforts in fighting corruption.

“I am so concerned about procurement fraud. I am thinking of establishing a Unit, purely on procurement fraud. When put in place, it will go a long way in checking corruption”, Magu said.

The EFCC boss made this disclosure while playing host to a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, who paid him a courtesy call in his office.

The anti graft czar who vowed to tackle all shades of corruption headlong solicited support and collaboration of all stakeholders.

The creative direction of an album is just as important as the music itself. And in a time where social media and visuals command attention, album artwork needs to stand out from the rest.

Like the cover of a novel, an eye-catching album cover not only draws the listener in, but also provides a visual marker for the story to come.

Plenty of covers have gone down in hip-hop history as being iconic. N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton serves as a reminder that Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E and the rest of the crew were living up to their reputation as the “word’s most dangerous group” considering Eazy pointed a gun directly at the camera.
Images like Nas’ childhood photo on Illmatic have inspired countless artists to follow his footsteps and recreate a similar look while DMX’s blood-covered body on Flesh of My Flesh Blood of My Blood is heavy on the shock value. Then there’s Juvenile’s 400 Degreez, which called on the gaudy, dramatic vibe of Pen & Pixel designers to leave a lasting impression.

Shuaibu Usman, magistrate of the chief magistrate court, Wuse zone 2, Abuja, on Wednesday discharged Nnamdi Kanu, director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all counts of criminal conspiracy and ownership of an unlawful society brought against him by the federal government

After holding that the government had dropped the charges against Kanu, the judge ruled: “The accused person is hereby discharged and the case struck out.”

The government through its agent, the Department of State Services (DSS), had elected to withdraw the case at the lower court for a higher court, which has jurisdiction to entertain charges bordering on terrorism, to take over. Usman was scheduled to deliver judgment on the application of the DSS on December 1, but he put it off until December 16.

A three-man Court of Appeal panel sitting Abuja has upheld the ruling of the gubernatorial election Rivers state.

In a 110-page ruling delivered by Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem the Court ruled that the election of Nyesom Wike did not conform with the electoral act. The Court has ordered a rerun in 90 days.

A cable available to Southwark Crown Court, UK has revealed how a former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, was code-named “Fortunato” by Italian accomplices in the $1.1 million Malabu deal.

Italian authorities investigating the mega deal had provided evidence to the court indicating the involvement of the former president.

The court, presided by Justice Edis, said based on the evidence presented before it, “Fortunato”, meaning “the lucky one” in Italian, was implicated in the deal.

“The suggestion from the wiretaps is that “Fortunato” was implicated and I am told that this was a reference in code (not subtle) to the former President of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan,” the judge said.

#BBB NEWS| Top 22 Music Collaborations That Rocked 2015 [PHOTOS]

In 2015, we saw the partnership of artists that we thought would only live on our personal mashup wishlists.

From Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill laying down the highs of their relationship with “All Eyes On You,” to Big Grams erasing genre lines to drop their sonically cohesive self-titled album, to the surprise bangers from Drake and Future, there were no limitations as to who would join lyrical forces.

With 2016 a few weeks away, there’s already speculation of who’ll put out a joint track or full-length project for the masses. Two names in particular, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, reignited rumors in late November of their partnership on wax, which sent their legion of fans into a frenzy.

While we await the musical affiliations that the New Year will have in store, check out our list of 22 powerhouse collaborations that rocked 2015.

The World Igbo Congress (WIC) urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Department of State Security (DSS) to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement released today and signed by its chairman, Joe Nze Etoh, and public relations officer, Chigozie Onwukwe, the WIC declared its opposition to any group’s use of force to pursue the goal of self-determination, but also warned the government against using force against people using peaceful means to agitate for their rights.

The WIC stated its “support for Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB as long as they seek a peaceful dialogue with the Buhari administration for their self-determination.”
The organization, which represents Igbo interests globally, recounted the outcome of the Biafran War and cautioned the government to address grievances by Igbo and other groups within Nigeria.

Below is the text of the WIC’s statement:

#BBB NEWS| Kylie Jenner Joins Sisters Kourtney And Khloe As They Pose In Eye-wateringly Tight Waist Trainers [PHOTOS]

It's usually Kim Kardashian sharing endless Instagram snaps of her in her waist trainer, with Kylie Jenner then following in her footsteps as she took a break during her second pregnancy.

But the whole family have got in on the act now.

Khloe, Kourtney and Kylie enjoyed a toning session together as they posed up in the eye-wateringly tight matching waist trainers today.

As Kylie takes the lead with the phone, Khloe is seen pouting her heart out, while Kourtney looks fairly glum in the middle with a cap on.

Bill Cosby is claiming defamation against seven women who accused him of sexual assault and rape.

The millionaire has filed court papers counter suing his alleged victims claiming they have made “malicious, opportunistic, false and defamatory accusations of sexual misconduct against him"

The comedian is claiming emotional distress against Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Louisa Moritz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie saying the allegations of drugging and then sexually assaulting them is untrue.

Cosby claims their motivation was to put a halt to his return to television and for damages.

In his court filing the 78-year-old claims of the women have caused him shame and mortification by their “morally repugnant conduct.”

Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki has said he handed over the N10 billion given to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination convention delegates to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa and the aide-de-camp.

He said the money was given out by the two aides, on the directive of Jonathan, noting that, apart from collecting the cash, he had nothing to do with it.

As at press time, no slush funds had been traced to Dasuki’s personal accounts, it was learnt.

Dasuki, who protested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had subjected him to “media trial”, said such a treatment might jeopardise his defence.

Also yesterday, it was gathered that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed that the N10 billion was sourced from the Signature Bonus Account (oil block Account).

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Friday, December 18, 2015

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Monday, December 14, 2015