Monday, June 3, 2024

Pioneering Hip-Hop Artist Brother Marquis Dies at 58 pen_spark

The best-known lineup of 2 Live Crew poses for a promotional shoot. From left are Fresh Kid Ice, Mr. Mixx, Brother Marquis and Luke "Skywalker" Campbell.
Mark Ross, better known by his stage name Brother Marquis, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, has died at 58.

The news was announced through a social media post on the group's official page, which read: "Mark Ross AKA 'Brother Marquis' of the 2 Live Crew has went to the upper room #2livecrew..." TMZ subsequently confirmed the death with 2 Live Crew's manager. No cause or manner of death has been made public yet.

Born in Rochester, New York, in 1966, Brother Marquis emerged as a pivotal figure in Southern hip-hop, particularly the Miami bass scene. He rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with 2 Live Crew, the group known for its electrifying delivery and unapologetically raw lyrics that explored themes of sexuality and social commentary.


Their 1989 album, "As Nasty As They Wanna Be," became a cultural flashpoint after a legal battle that ultimately established a precedent for artistic expression in music. Beyond the controversy, Brother Marquis's rapping prowess and the group's innovative sound significantly influenced the evolution of Southern hip-hop.

Beyond 2 Live Crew

Brother Marquis showcased his musical versatility beyond 2 Live Crew in the early 1990s. He formed the duo 2 Nazty with DJ Toomp and released the album "Indecent Exposure" in 1993. That same year, he made a notable guest appearance on Ice-T's album "Home Invasion," contributing to the original version of the iconic track "99 Problems," later remade by Jay-Z into a chart-topping hit.
Brother Marquis remained active with 2 Live Crew reunions throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. In 1996, he rejoined 2 Live Crew with original members Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won) and Mr. Mixx (David Hobbs) and released the album "Shake a Lil' Somethin'." The group continued recording and performing until Fresh Kid Ice's passing in 2017. Brother Marquis and Fresh Kid Ice released a final 2 Live Crew album "The Real One," in 1998.
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Simone Biles Wins Record-Breaking Ninth All-Around Title at U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Photo Courtesy USA Gymnatics
Simone Biles secured a record-extending ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Sunday, decisively defeating Skye Blakely. This victory cements Biles' status as the most decorated gymnast in history and sets the stage for her pursuit of a third consecutive Olympic all-around title in Paris.
Biles, a dominant force in gymnastics for over a decade, showcased exceptional athletic prowess throughout the competition. Her score of 119.750 comfortably surpassed Blakely's 113.850. The competition was notably affected by the absence of fellow Black gymnast Shilese Jones, who was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Despite this, the event underscored the depth of talent within the Black gymnastics community, with Biles standing as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has made significant contributions as an advocate for athlete safety and empowerment, particularly within the Black community. Historically underrepresented and facing numerous barriers in gymnastics, Black athletes have found a powerful ally in Biles. The "Simone Biles Legacy Act," which mandates increased oversight within the U.S. Olympic Committee, is a testament to her commitment to creating a safer and more equitable environment for future athletes, especially young Black girls who look up to her.

Biles' triumph at the U.S. Championships adds to a career marked by both dominance and resilience. In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, she made headlines by prioritizing her mental health and stepping away from competition. This courageous decision sparked a global conversation about the pressures faced by athletes, resonating deeply, particularly among young Black women who identified with her vulnerability and strength.

From her early years in foster care to her rise to international stardom, Biles continues to inspire athletes of all backgrounds. Her routines, known for their technical difficulty and grace, constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics. Off the mat, Biles leverages her platform to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, encouraging young Black girls to chase their dreams on national and international stages.
Biles' latest victory at the U.S. Championships is a testament to her enduring dominance. As she prepares for Paris, she remains a central figure in gymnastics and a powerful cultural icon. To young Black athletes, she is more than a champion; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration, embodying the possibilities of perseverance and excellence.

Reflecting on her win and her journey towards Paris, Biles told NBC, "Today, it was just getting out there and getting comfortable and confident in my gymnastics and hopefully going to Olympic trials and making that next step towards Paris. I couldn't be more proud of how I'm doing this time of the year, just getting that confidence. Over and over, getting myself back in front of the crowd. And just doing what I do in practice."
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Sunday, June 2, 2024

Dee Barnes, Hip-Hop Icon and Dr. Dre Assault Survivor, Issues Urgent Plea for Donations

On Saturday, Dee Barnes, the iconic host of the late '80s and early '90s music video show "Pump It Up!", took to social media with an urgent plea. She’s facing financial difficulties and is seeking to raise $3,000 by Monday.

"Hello EVERYONE! I’m trying to urgently raise $3000 this weekend, my deadline is this Monday 6/3/24. If you are able to donate and share. Thank you, I really appreciate you ALL!” Barnes wrote, providing details for donations via CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal.

The next day, she updated her followers, stating, "Still need your help please! $1,800 to get closer to the goal! THANK YOU!!"

Barnes made history as the first Black woman to host her own music video show on a major network, with "Pump It Up!" airing on FOX from 1989 to 1992. However, her career took a dramatic turn after a violent assault by Dr. Dre in 1991. The attack left her with lasting physical and emotional scars, and despite filing charges and settling out of court, Barnes' career and personal life were significantly impacted. In 2019, she revealed she was homeless, leading to a viral response and a successful GoFundMe campaign. Yet, five years later, she continues to struggle.

Beyond her financial challenges, Barnes has remained a vocal advocate for victims of domestic violence. Recently, she spoke out about a 2016 video showing Sean "Diddy" Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura. "Seeing that video is extremely triggering," she tweeted on May 17. "#DrDre punched, slammed, kicked and stomped me out. #Concussion Logging TF off."

Barnes’ advocacy for domestic violence victims has been unwavering. She expressed her disappointment with Combs and solidarity with Ventura and other victims, tweeting, “I’m disgusted and disappointed with Sean Combs. I stand with #Cassie, #KimPorter and all the other victims of his violent abuse.”

Dr. Dre has publicly apologized for his actions, first in 2015 and later in the 2017 HBO series "The Defiant Ones." He acknowledged, “Any man that puts his hands on a female is a fing idiot, he’s out of his fing mind. I was out of my fing mind at the time, I fed up. I paid for it, I’m sorry for it, and I apologize for it.”

While Barnes has accepted Dre's apology, she continues to highlight the long-term impact of domestic violence and the challenges survivors face in rebuilding their lives. Her recent call for financial assistance underscores these ongoing struggles.

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