Monday, June 5, 2023

Young Thug's Brother Violates Probation, Faces Lengthy Prison Term

Courtesy Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Rapper Young Thug's brother, Quantavious Grier, known by his stage name Unfoonk, has been found guilty of violating his probation after his arrest on gun charges on May 4. Consequently, a judge has sentenced him to nine years in prison, further complicating his legal troubles associated with the Young Slime Life (YSL) criminal street gang.

Grier, 34, had previously pleaded guilty to violating the RICO Act and theft by receiving stolen property in December 2022. Under his plea deal, he accepted a 12-year sentence, with two years credited for time served and the remaining ten years to be served on probation. However, his recent arrest for gun charges resulted in the probation violation ruling.The incident began when plainclothes officers conducting surveillance in southwest Atlanta noticed a black Mercedes G-Wagon parked at a BP gas station. Suspecting potential drug activity, officers initiated a traffic stop after the SUV left the parking lot, citing a violation related to window tint. The arresting officer detected the odor of marijuana inside the vehicle and discovered a 9 mm Glock handgun in the driver's side door panel.

During the probation violation revocation hearing, details emerged regarding Grier's repeated visits to the same BP gas station, which Atlanta police had identified as a hub for YSL gang-related activities. An undercover officer testified that Grier displayed familiarity with the firearm discovered during the traffic stop, asserting that it was registered. Grier did not express surprise at the presence of the weapon.

Grier's journey in the music industry has been entwined with the fame and notoriety of his brother, Young Thug. While Young Thug has achieved significant success and influence in the rap world, Unfoonk has endeavored to establish himself as a rapper in his own right. Unfortunately, his affiliation with the YSL gang and his ongoing legal troubles have overshadowed his artistic aspirations.

His most recent troubles with the law began last May when Young Thug, known for his transformative impact on Atlanta's vibrant hip-hop scene, was arrested on suspicion of gang involvement and conspiracy to violate Georgia's criminal racketeering law. The rapper, born Jeffery Williams, faced charges alongside 27 other individuals, including Grier, named in an extensive grand jury indictment. Among the charges were violent crimes such as murder and attempted armed robbery.

Watch: Charlie Wilson Delivers Raw Emotion and Joy in Electrifying NPR Music Concert

 

NPR Music celebrates Black Music Month this June with a lineup of brand-new Tiny Desk concerts that pay homage to the past, present and future of Black music.

Kicking off the series is renowned singer-songwriter Charlie Wilson, whose captivating NPR Music concert serves as a profound tribute to his extraordinary life and career.

Through a spellbinding performance, Wilson takes fans on a mesmerizing journey, seamlessly weaving together timeless hits and personal stories of triumph and resilience.

From his early days as a founding member of The Gap Band, where he achieved fame in the '70s and '80s with their iconic old-school funk and R&B sound, to his influential collaborations with hip-hop icons, Wilson's musical impact transcends generations.

Earning the moniker "Uncle Charlie" in the hip-hop community, he has been embraced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator, who recognize his unparalleled talent.

However, Wilson's path has not been without challenges.

In a candid and heartfelt moment, he opens up about his battle with addiction, revealing the depths of his past and the triumph of his recovery. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homelessness," Wilson shares emotionally. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm now 28 years clean and sober!"

Throughout the performance, Wilson effortlessly transitions between his timeless classics like "Outstanding" and "Computer Love" and more recent gems like "Sweet Yamz" and "There Goes My Baby." Backed by a live band and accompanied by a choir, Wilson's commanding vocals fill the room with raw emotion and infectious joy.

This electrifying Tiny Desk concert sets the stage for NPR's month-long celebration of Black music, featuring an exceptional lineup of diverse artists, including Babyface, Adam Blackstone, Ambré, Amaarae, Brandee Younger and surprise guests.

NPR's commitment to showcasing Black artists and their unique creative expressions sets the stage for an exhilarating month of musical exploration.

Last year's celebration left an indelible impact with unforgettable performances by Usher, FKA Twigs, Monica, and Larry June, creating viral moments, such as Usher's iconic "watch this" meme during his rendition of "Confessions Part II."

Watch the entire performance above.

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Watch: Wendy's and T-Pain Turn Up the Heat With 'Buy U a Frosty' Music Video

Courtesy Photo
Just in time for summer, T-Pain has put a spin on his iconic hip-hop hit "Buy U a Drank" to pay homage to a fast-food legend — Wendy's Frosty.

The Grammy-winning artist took his chart-topping single and gave it an icy makeover in a music video directed by Miles & AJ of SixTwentySix.

The video starts with T-Pain chilling in his studio, but in a magical twist, the scene transforms into a Wendy's restaurant. With his signature swagger, he grabs the mic and serves up a surreal summer anthem that might just leave fans craving Wendy's famous frozen dairy dessert.



"I loved Wendy's 'We Beefin?' mixtape back in 2018, and knew I wanted to work with them when the time was right. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to remake a classic with one of the most classic menu items of all time – the Wendy's Frosty," he said, expressing his excitement about the collaboration. This latest partnership adds to Wendy's growing list of musical collaborations.

In the previous "We Beefin?" mixtape, which paid homage to Biggie Smalls' debut studio album "Ready to Die," T-Pain even featured media personality and hip-hop icon Wendy Williams on a track. The mixtape sparked a playful feud with McDonald's, with tracks like "Rest in Grease" calling out the fast-food giant's shortcomings.
 


The lyrics took aim at McDonald's by saying, "You’re No. 1? That’s a joke/Why your ice cream machine always broke?/Why your drive-through always slow?/Why your innovation just can’t grow?... McDonald’s be so lazy/ I know the reason you hate me/ ’Cause I’m fast food’s First Lady/ It’s Queen Wendy up in this thang... Y’all are too chicken for this beef."

To sweeten the chances of success for this collaboration, Wendy's and T-Pain are giving fans a tasty incentive. From June 5 to the first day of summer, June 21, fans can enjoy a FREE small Frosty with any purchase. To claim their free Frosty, fans can use the offer in the Wendy's app or on the website.

Check out the full "Buy U a Frosty" video below.

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