(CNN) Amber Pflughoeft beamed with pride as she filled out her ballot for the first time last month.
A 20-year-old who'd been fighting bone cancer for a decade, she was fascinated with politics, her mother Tiffany Pflughoeft remembered. And after spending the last midterm election in the hospital following a bone marrow transplant, she was determined to vote this year.
But just a few days after she mailed in her ballot, Amber's condition took a sudden turn for the worse. She went back to the hospital and died in late September.
Now, her ballot will be thrown out under Wisconsin election law. She is one of several dozen Wisconsinites whose votes will be canceled because they passed away after voting early, according to state Elections Commission data provided to CNN through a public records request.
"She was so excited about it," Tiffany said this week. "She died on a Monday, but on Saturday, when she could still talk, she was telling all the nurses and doctors, 'I voted.'"
"We never realized it wouldn't count," she said.
States around the country are divided on whether to count votes from people who cast an early ballot and then die before Election Day. At least a dozen states allow it, more than a dozen others reject those votes, and laws in other states are unclear, recent research from the National Conference of State Legislatures found.
Among the most crucial swing states, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania don't count early ballots cast by voters who die before Election Day, while Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Ohio do, according to the NCSL and state elections officials.
Faze Rug joins Complex’s Joe La Puma on the latest episode of Sneaker Stories and talks about RiceGum introducing him to hypebeast sneakers, his favorite Off White sneakers and his Dior sneakers getting ruined.
In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with Grammy-winning producer, emcee, and one of the founding members of the legendary D.I.T.C. aka Diggin' In The Crates crew --
DIAMOND D
Like Talib says from the jump, the name Diamond D and D.I.T.C. define what it means to be "Down By Law." During this interview, the longtime friends discuss Diamond D's deep contributions to the annals of hip-hop history. They get rolling by talking about Diamond D's early days -- growing up in the "Boogie Down" Bronx. Next, he discusses learning to DJ under the tutelage of Jazzy Jay. They go on to explore how the D.I.T.C. collective came together, the legacies of Big L and Fat Joe, Diamond's classic album "Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop," the producers that embodied the 90's golden era sound, as well as the lost art of beat digging and the new art of "e-digging."
Later, Diamond gets into his connections and the work he's done with groups like Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees, and more. He goes on to talk about his more recent work in the 'Diam Piece' album series, and the trio evaluates the best years of hip-hop and the albums that defined them.
TIME STAMPS:
2:30 -- Diamond is asked about his growing up in the Forest Houses projects of the Bronx, New York, and what it was about the Boogie Down that made it the ideal place for the birth of hip hop. They also talk about Diamond leaving the BX to live in Long Island while he was attending college, where he would DJ parties on the regular. They also discuss the challenges of playing music to a crowd that haven't heard it before, while keeping them engaged.
6:53 -- Diamond, Talib, and Jas discuss Diddy and his production team changing the game by their sampling of mega-hits. Puff's approach being such a departure from hip hop's long standing art of digging in the crates. They also talk about the eras that followed with Kanye breaking the rules by sampling the drums from other hip hop records, and go on to do some deconstruction of Diamond's classic album from '92, 'Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop'.
11:43 -- Diamond is asked about the early days of the D.I.T.C. collective. He gets into the domino like effect of each getting record deals consecutively, supporting each other along the way. D also digs into detail about the vision of Fat Joe, him being the gangster of the crew. Diamond notes the thing standing out about Joe the most being his passion for the culture. They also talk about why many producers also make some of the best emcees.
16:39 -- Talib brings up Big L and the legacy of hip hop excellence he left, before his untimely passing. The trio converse about the punch-line style of emceeing that L mastered, and became so well known for. They speak about his most iconic track with 'Ebonics', which turns into exploring the origin of the term, and how Big L made it official. The North Carolina hip hop trio Yaggfu Front, as well as Dougie Dee get a shout-out.
22:21 -- Talib and Diamond run down the list of producers that defined the 90's golden age hip hop sound. D is asked about his go-to beat machines that he's used during his illustrious career. He names some of his favorites, but states "It's not the equipment, it's what you do with it". They go on to talk about the skits that tied Diamond's 'Stunts, Blunt's & Hip Hop' album together, he's also asked about his sophomore effort 'Hatred, Passions and Infidelity', and they discuss D's Brand Nubian connection.
26:46 -- Diamond is asked if he could name off the best cities for digging, and if he wouldn't mind giving up a few of his favorite spots. D goes on to walk us through the process of digging, including reading the credits, looking for familiar musicians. He also gives his take on "e-diggin'" with many of today's producers choosing to download their beats online. Talib reminisces on being a young fan of D.I.T.C., and asks D if he can expand a little more on the evolution of the crew.
32:46 -- Diamond talks about his 'Diam Piece' album series, the first edition dropping in 2014. They talk about Talib's appearances on both one and part two, Talib explaining why he felt like he wanted to rewrite his verse, as well as why he's moved past the competitive phase of his career. Diamond also gets asked about some people's perceptions that real hip hop shouldn't be about flossing material items.
38:57 -- Diamond speaks on how he linked up with Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest. He explains how he met Tip at the studio to show him some beats for possible use on Tribe's 'Low End Theory', then Tip asking him to take Grand Puba's spot on 'Show Business' after Puba ruffled some feathers at Jive Records with his verse. Talib also expresses the honor of being a fan, then coming full circle and being featured on many of his idol's albums.
43:21 -- Diamond outlines how he ended up producing 'The Score' for the Fugees. He tells how Wyclef approached him, stating he was a fan of his work. Talib goes on to state his favorite years of hip hop, and the albums that defined them. They also discuss the shift to the ultra-polished hip hop of the early-2000's, and how the same ones that dissed it back then, are loving it today on account of it's nostalgia. Diamond also names off a few of his favorite artists on today's scene, and Talib asks D if he really left Large Pro's number on his dresser in reference to a verse on 'Freestyle (Yo, That’s That Sh*t)'.
Albert Johnson, professionally known as Prodigy, was 1/2 of Mobb Deep along with Havoc. Together, they formed the best two man team in hip hop history in my opinion.
We pause to remember Bandana P on what would have been his 46th birthday.
What set Mobb Deep apart from other duos was the fact that Havoc is a rapper and producer. Over his incredible beats Prodigy spit some of the illest bars that have stood the test of time.
"The Learning (Burn)" featuring Big Noyd and Vita, "Quiet Storm" and it's remix featuring Lil Kim, "Shook Ones Pt. 2," "Survival of the Fittest," "Hell On Earth," "Win Or Lose," "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)," "It's Mine" featuring Nas, "Drop a Gem on Em," "The Realest" featuring Kool G. Rap, "Get Away," "Back At You," and "Crawlin" are just a handful of the Mobb's gems.
As a solo artist Prodigy gave us "Illuminati," "Keep It Thoro," "ABC," "Real Power Is People," "Return of the Mac," "Mac 10 Handle" and many other classics.
Happy birthday Prodigy. You will go down as one of greatest emcees in rap history.
Lik Moss and Guy Fisher Of OBH Records have proven to be a dynamic duo when they get in the studio together. The latest collaboration from the two is titled "On My Grind." Lock in for this new banger.
Directed by SWAG 100 LLC
Free AR-AB, Dark Lo, Mullaz, Skinny Me, No Brakes Bras and the rest of the men!!
The New song Amiri came a long way with being in the streets when I never had even a dollar. Startedhustling in anyway possible to improve my drip, fashion & working on my craft at the same time I’m from Newburgh, NY small city, tuh! yeah tell me about it, where the hell is that. It took me a lot of crafting to write this song. I just randomly caught the lyrics in my heads repeatedly over and over, as I was listening to the beat. My music is for anybody who tryna get turnt in most ways. I expect this song to do some nice numbers
Cincinnati, Ohio native Sleazy Buttons releases her new music video titled “Trick Or Treat.” The single was produced by Flacko and can be purchased on iTunes. Watch above via YouTube.
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Check out the official music video for "Paranoid" by Sheek Louch of The/D-Block. This is off of his "Beast Mode 4" album, and was produced by Jimmy Dukes.
1 Hellen Riots (Prod. by D.S.) 2 Saint Ides Flow (Ft. Jadakiss, Styles P & Whispers) (Prod. By DJ Uneek) 3 The Morning (Prod. By Dayzel) 4 Clear It Out (Prod. By Big Snype Beats) 5 Onyx (Ft. Lil Fame) (Prod. By Will and Level 13) 6 Angel Dust (Ft. Ghostface Killah) (Prod. By Isaiah Kareem) 7 G-Code (Ft. Tony Moxberg) (Prod. By Superb) 8 Spirit of Griselda (Ft. BENNY THE BUTCHER & Ragz Da Artist) (Prod. By Superb) 9 How We Do (Prod. By SuperStylez) 10 Paranoid (Prod. By Jimmy Dukes)
Kentucky State Police used to train their cadets with inspiration from 2 infamous leaders ... Robert E. Lee and Adolph Hitler.
One of the training slides had the title, "Violence of Action," and instructed cops to be "ruthless killer[s]," like Robert E. Lee and imploring officers to have, "a mindset void of emotion" and to "meet violence with greater violence," like Hitler.
And, there's more ... another training slide reads, "The very first essential for success is a perpetually constant and regular employment of violence." That is from Hitler's "Mein Kampf" manifesto. The Dept. then linked to a Hitler page on Goodreads. There are 3 quotes from Hitler in the training program.
A spokesperson for the Dept. says the slides were removed back in 2013, adding, "Our administration does not condone the use of this material."
Kentucky has been reeling for months in the wake of the Breonna Taylor killing, where Kentucky State Police have been involved in handling the various protests.
Manual RedEye, a Louisville high school student newspaper, was the first to unearth the quotes.
Elie Seckbach of ESNEWS caught up with Adrien Broner following Tank Davis' highlight reel knockout of Leo Santa Cruz, to get his reaction and talk about his upcoming return to the ring.
Leo Santa Cruz showed up to the Alamodome intending to throw down with one of boxing’s scariest knockout artists.
Gervonta Davis responded in kind and delivered the type of dramatic ending that fans crave.
The 9,000 or so socially distanced fans in attendance in San Antonio, Texas, witnessed an explosive main event filled with non-stop action as Santa Cruz and Davis engaged in a firefight. Santa Cruz looked good early and won the first two rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards. But Davis stuck to his game plan and in the sixth round connected on a surefire Knockout of the Year contender with an uppercut for the ages.
As Santa Cruz lay motionless on the canvas for the first time in his boxing career, Davis celebrated earning the WBA lightweight and WBA super featherweight titles in the biggest win, and knockout, of his career.
With the victory, Davis remains undefeated and improves to 24-0 with 23 knockouts and becomes the first boxer to win titles in two divisions since 1988 when Sugar Ray Leonard beat Donnie Lalonde for the WBC super middleweight and WBC light heavyweight titles.
The two-division champion proved his fights are must-see TV and despite the hefty price tag attached to his first pay-per-view event, buyers were likely not regretting making the purchase.
"First, I want to say, I'm a pay-per-view star. Second, I ain't dodging nobody," Davis said in his post-fight interview. "I'm going to continue to show the world that I’m No. 1. I don't have to call nobody out. I'm the top dog and everyone knows that. Just set them up and I'll knock them down, one by one."
Santa Cruz, who seemed to be OK after regaining consciousness and leaving the ring on his own feet, moves to 37-2.
This is the 1st Release from the Highly Anticipated EP from Virginia's own Gaudy Biggs x The Super Producer Spazoutbeatz. Gaudy charismatic delivery creates a perfect pair with Spaz's slapping beats
Baltimore emcee Piff aka Pennywise Jr. continues his heavy output of new music by releasing a new EP titled "Hoodie Season," just in time for Halloween.
Check out the official music video for the Adwerdz-produced title track.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A young boy who was critically wounded in a shooting earlier this week in west Houston has died of his injuries.
Dominic Sumicek, age 11, was shot in an apartment complex parking lot on Old Farm Road at about 4:30 p.m. Monday.
The 41-year-old man with Dominic was fatally shot while trying to shield the boy from gunfire, multiple neighbors and the victim's ex told ABC13.
Police have not publicly released the man's name. However, the victim's ex-girlfriend has identified him to ABC13 as Emanuel Solomon, who was a rapper on YouTube called "Montana22."
Despite the man's efforts to protect the child, the 11-year-old was still mortally wounded. Dominic was pronounced dead at a hospital on Wednesday.
Solomon's ex said he lived at the complex with his girlfriend and her son, Dominic.
Police believe three armed suspects were waiting at the complex before they opened fire. The group then got into a waiting vehicle and drove away. HPD described the suspect vehicle as a black Pontiac sedan.
Eyewitness News returned to the complex on Tuesday, where neighbors expressed fear and emotion over what happened.
Despite the anxiety caused by the shooting, neighbors recalled a happier time with Dominic when they built him a bicycle. Neighbors said they cheered the boy on when he started riding it.
Police have not made any arrests and have only described the suspects as three Black males.
Trump campaign rallies have become major super spreader events, resulting in tens of thousands of COVID cases and hundreds of deaths ... this according to Stanford Univ.
Stanford scientists conducted a study of 18 Trump rallies all over the country. The conclusion ... 30,000 confirmed coronavirus cases that resulted in more than 700 deaths.
The study offers a rough estimate because this type of tracking is imprecise, but the authors estimated by looking at the incremental COVID increases in the areas where the rallies were held.
The deaths are not necessarily limited to people who attended the rallies ... people who became COVID-positive could have spread the disease to friends and family who may have contracted coronavirus and then passed away from it.
As you know, Trump's been crowing that he's immune from COVID, at times even offering to kiss folks in the crowd. He infamously said, "I'll walk in there, I'll kiss everyone in that audience. I'll kiss the guys and the beautiful women ... I'll just give ya a big fat kiss."
Trump's campaign honchos reportedly told the staff at his Tulsa rally to 86 the social distancing signs before people piled in, many if not most not wearing masks.
The virus is surging all over the country. On Friday, a new, ominous record was set ... 99,321 new COVID cases in a single day.
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