(CNN) Patricia and Leslie McWaters spent 47 years together, raising their children, then grandchildren and then great-grandchildren. And last week, they died together of Covid-19, within the same minute.
"They literally did everything together and although we're shocked about it, when we look at it, we also think it's not so surprising, because they were together all the time and they had so much fun together in life," said one of their two daughters, Joana Sisk.
The McWaters are among the 268,087 people to have died from the coronavirus in the US, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. And as the number of hospitalizations consistently reaches new highs, experts worry higher numbers of deaths will follow.
At first glance, the two were quite different: she was a no-nonsense retired nurse, and he was a fun-loving veteran and retired truck driver. She was the boss, and he was the king of one-liners. But the common denominator everyone saw between Patricia and Leslie "LD" McWaters, Sisk said, was their genuine kindness and care for other people.
They enjoyed being together hosting pool parties, attending family sporting events and going dancing at the bar where they met.
"Pat was the most beautiful woman ever and boy did she look good in hot pants and go-go boots!" Sisk remembers her father saying.
But then Pat went to the hospital to get treatment for a coronavirus infection, Sisk said. She was told to go home and isolate, which she did. After 35 years in the medical field, she didn't question the doctors, though she felt poorly, Sisk said.
The following week, the couple went to the hospital again, this time in an ambulance. They were there for a week.
When they died of the virus, the hospital staff tending to them said their times were too close to call, and recorded the exact same time: Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 4:23 p.m.
"Those of us that know them, know that mom went first and said, "LD, it's time to go!" Sisk said.
The Crown Prince of the Ville (Louisville) ky, after Dropping the heartfelt Ep Mr.17th , the Team 563 Boss takes you on a up & close and personal look through the streets where it all began while narrating the back story, After you catch up with Philly and the Team 563 movement head over to spinrilla and listen to the full project (https://tinyurl.com/mr17thep)…. Then stay in touch with Philly Blocks via Twitter/IG @phillyblocks
A friend of Tekashi69′s who arranged a 2018 shooting in Times Square at rival rapper Chief Keef was sentenced Tuesday to 4 1/2 years in prison.
Kintea “Kooda B” McKenzie added time to his sentence by claiming in the spring that he was at heightened risk of catching coronavirus at the Metropolitan Correctional Center because of his asthma. Judge Paul Engelmayer agreed and released McKenzie — who was then captured on a YouTube video partying in a cramped apartment, smoking, drinking and dancing.
The 22-year-old McKenzie was “doing everything possible to contract coronavrius,” Engelmayer said during his Manhattan Federal Court sentencing conducted remotely due to the pandemic.
“You had lied to me when you said you were concerned about the coronavirus,” Engelmayer said. “You were essentially celebrating pulling one over on the court to secure your release.”
McKenzie is the last person to be sentenced in connection with the headline-grabbing takedown of the Nine Trey Bloods, which resulted in the arrest of Tekashi69. The trash-talking rapper betrayed his fellow gang members and cooperated with the feds. Tekashi scored a light sentence of two years and is again trolling enemies on social media while his former buddies in Nine Trey serve lengthy sentences of as much as 24 years in prison.
In 2018, Tekashi fueled his fame by starting gang beefs with rivals, including the Chicago-based rapper Chief Keef. McKenzie, a member of the Gorilla Stone Bloods, accepted Tekashi’s offer of $20,000 to shoot at Chief Keef. McKenzie then recruited another shooter, who has not been identified, to open fire at Chief Keef in the early hours of June 2, 2018, while he stood outside the W Hotel. No one was injured. Tekashi ultimately paid McKenzie only $10,000.
“You could have said no, you could have taken a pass, but you were all in,” Engelmayer said. “You lined up a hitman.”
Prosecutors said during the hearing that they had reached out to Chief Keef to see if he wanted to speak at the sentencing — but that he wanted nothing to do with the case.
McKenzie said he’d gone astray after getting a taste of fame through his friendship with the rainbow-haired rapper. Tekashi named a hit song, “KOODA,” after McKenzie.
“I allowed myself to look up and listen to someone with more success and fame,” McKenzie wrote to the court. “I thought he was a good friend. I was excited he named a song after me.”
Poke Dog assisted by Dru G bring the visual to "Vision," a standout track from his new album The Cure.The track is produced by Grammy winning producer SamPeezy. Watch the Visuals Via Venom directed video below.
“Deeply passionate” for a lack of better words is probably one of the best ways to describe Mayne’s music. Conscious content is something he strive to bring with every track; by bypasses the mundane perspectives to life and just aim his lyrics straight to the soul of his listeners, with an ancient motif. The spiritually inclined loves his music and compare it to a high transferred to beats, a melodic tone emulating the meditative state or trance. Mayne (born Jamel Swain) is an American rapper, songwriter, and poet born in Mississippi, raised in Maryland and spent time servicing in the Marine Corps. The military veteran, poet and recording artist seen his share of struggle growing up in a single parent household; however, he always tried to make decisions based on family values that would benefit those around him as well as himself. Mayne would like to think of himself as being very knowledgeable to many styles of music and listens to a lot of different genres which brought him to the realization that all forms of music has an energy connected and speaks through that connection. Mayne is original and consider his music to be a new wave and thrives off trying to bring back an element within hip-hop that’s rarely heard today. He believes his music is necessary and is what the people have been unknowingly waiting for, and if it’s not his music to shuffle in this new age it is the energy that’s growing and is waiting to be heard. It’s spiritual.
Rochester, New York's own YEAROFJORDN & BroGawd are back with another visual “Eastside” ft. Curtis Coke aka L.I. the 3rd single off their joint project "Outer Heaven" Out Now! Produced by Adwerdz.
Hammo was born and raised in a small town in Australia called Glen Innes. Now Hammo is residing in Tamworth in the North-Western region of New South Wales, Australia. Growing up Hammo had a rough childhood and had to work extremely hard for everything that he earned. He even did time in a juvenile detention center when he turned 20 years old. Before rapping Hammo was a boxer and was well-known for his short-temper and fighting, both in the street and in the boxing ring. Being in the ring has helped Hammo cope with his anger, aggression, and depression. Later in life creating music was Hammo's replacement to boxing.
As the December 11th release date for their collaborative album titled "Real Bad Boldy" inches closer, Boldy James and Real Bad man release it's 2nd single, "On 10."
"Love and Loyalty" is the latest music video from Philadelphia emcees Buick B and Oliver Rothstein's new "Brick & Mortar" album. The DVIOUSMINDZ-produced track is the perfect backdrop for the duo's rapid fire flows.
"Brick & Mortar" is available now on all streaming platforms.
1. The Intro Ft. Heim History (Prod. by DVIOUSMINDZ) 2. The Purists (Prod. by Nicholas Craven) 3. Hells Roof Ft. Eto (Prod. by Vinny Idol) 4. Gorgeous Weather (Prod. by DJ Pain and Dream Life Beats) 5. Think White (Prod. by Chillon Davis) 6. Carry It Ft. Heim History (Prod. by Syer on the Beat) 7. Love and Loyalty (Prod. by DVIOUSMINDZ)
Bonus Tracks:
8. Buick B - Very Far (Prod. by Nicholas Craven) 9. Oliver Rothstein - Bosses Eat (Prod. by Syer on the Beat)
Washington (CNN) Even with coronavirus spiking and new restrictions taking effect, Congress remains stalled on fresh relief for Americans in need.
While there's support from both Republicans and Democrats for sending out another round of payments, it's unlikely Americans will get a second round of stimulus checks before the end of the year -- and lawmakers have been unable to come to any agreement on a broader economic aid package.
Congress returns to Washington this week focused on passing a broader spending bill by December 11 to avert a partial government shutdown, though it's possible that some relief programs could be added to such a broader spending bill.
If anything, those provisions may extend programs set to expire on December 31 -- including expanded unemployment benefits, an eviction moratorium and a pause on student loan payments.
Disagreements over new checks
There's been little talk from lawmakers of a second round of stimulus checks since the summer. The most recent stimulus package proposal put forth by Republicans, who currently control the Senate, didn't include money for direct payments.
President-elect Joe Biden supports a $3 trillion Democratic-backed bill that passed the House in May, which provided for a second round of checks. But that package has little chance of passing Congress unless Democrats gain control of the Senate by winning both runoff Senate races in Georgia set for January 5.
More than 160 million Americans received stimulus payments earlier in the year, after Congress approved a $2 trillion aid package in March. They helped keep many families out of poverty as millions of people lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
But for many, that $1,200 check has already been spent. Now, as coronavirus cases surge, a group of more than 120 economists are urging lawmakers to approve another round of checks, arguing that they are "one of the quickest, most equitable, and most effective ways to get families and the economy back on track."
Congress has already allowed some relief programs to expire, like the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and the $600 federal boost to weekly unemployment benefits.
But others end this month. If Congress adds any stimulus to the general spending bill, they may prioritize pushing back those deadlines.
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:56am
Forget Skittles, Marshawn Lynch says he would shoot Hennessy in the locker room before NFL games ... claiming he would use his backpack to sneak the booze in.
Beast Mode revealed his secret pre-game ritual during an interview with Peyton Manning ... playing off his pre-game drinking routine as no big deal.
"My superstition was that I needed to have maybe a shot … a shot and half ... before every game," Lynch said on ESPN's "Peyton's Places."
Peyton asked Marshawn to clarify -- saying, "[A shot] of ... ???"
"Hennessy," Lynch replied ... "Whatchu mean 'of?'"
Manning asked where Lynch where he would get the booze -- maybe from a bar in the stadium during his run with the Seahawks?
"Nah, the bar's in my backpack," Lynch said.
The NFL has long banned alcohol from locker rooms -- so, if Marshawn is telling the truth (and there's no reason to suggest he's lying), it seems the boozy ritual would violate the NFL's policy.
But, as Marshawn also pointed out during the show, he got fined so much during his playing days, the NFL would send him a weekly invoice!
Lynch wasn't the only NFL player drinking Hennessy before games -- Clinton Portis has said he would share the H with Santana Moss and Sean Taylor during their time with Washington back in the day.
Portis later said he used the cognac for pain management.
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:30am
Video After The Jump
AllstarrDaGreat returns with an official music video for the powerful song "Naheim." Over masterfully crafted Exel production, AllStarr paints a vivid picture of coming of age in the hood where only the strong survive.
This is off of the Newark, New Jersey emcee's latest album titled "GODSPEED." Available everywhere music is streamed and sold: https://smarturl.it/godspeedADG
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:26am
Video After The Jump
Jaden Smith goes Sneaker Shopping at SoleStage in Los Angeles and talks about his collaboration with New Balance, creating his own sneakers, and giving footwear to homeless people on Skid Row.
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:21am
Video After The Jump
Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman debate whether it was unfair that the Broncos played the New Orleans Saints with practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton at quarterback since four of Denver's QBs were out due to COVID-19 protocols.
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:15am
Video After The Jump
Rex Ryan, Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark react to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers falling to 7-5 after a 27-24 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season.
Posted by ChasinDatPaper on November 30, 2020 at 10:07am
Video After The Jump
In this episode of "People's Party With Talib Kweli," Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, songwriter, elite lyricist, and one of the true champions of the mix-tape era:
PAPOOSE
There's a ton of history covered with the mix-tape king during this thorough discussion. Here's a brief overview:
• The living legacy and influence of Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G Rap. • Working with Busta Rhymes on 'Touch It' remix and what it did for Pap's career. • Pap Giving DJ Kay Slay his demo tape fresh off a prison bid. • Defunding the police, prison reform, community policing, and black ownership. • Signing a record deal with Jive for $1.5 million and the fallout that followed. • The backlash from records like 'Change Gone Come' and 'Sharades'. • The hip-hop marriage of Papoose and Remy Ma, and how they got together. • Starring on 'Love & Hip Hop' and Pap's surprise about how his fans reacted. • Papoose's latest album 'Endangered Species'. • Covid-19 and its impact on the marginalized. • Who will carry the torch for today's generation of emcees.
Don't miss a minute of this one, with plenty of jewels spread throughout this full hour and some change.
TIMESTAMPS:
2:50 -- Papoose and Talib trade statements of gratitude. Pap thanks Kweli for putting him on with his feature in 'The Beast', so early in his career. Talib notes how having him on the track kept his stock up during the mix-tape movement, and they go on to talk about who has the stronger 'hat game'. They also go into Pap's hometown of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and he's asked what his experience was like growing up there, and if he thinks it's the best rap neighborhood on earth.
8:30 -- Talib brings up the fact that both him and Pap have had the honor to collab with the living legend Kool G Rap. They go on to talk about G Rap's underrated status as one of the most influential emcees in hip hop history. Jas asks Papoose where his name originated from, Talib and Pap give a shout out and rest in peace to Justo Faison and they discuss how important he was to the evolution of the mix-tape era and helping Papoose establish himself in the game.
13:16 -- Talib notes how much Pap's track 'Alphabetical Slaughter' impacted him, with it being one of those songs that exude hip hop in it's purest form. Pap goes on to talk about having a close ear to hip hop as a young child, and setting a high bar for himself as a future wordsmith after listening to Big Daddy Kane's album 'Long Live The Kane'. Pap is also asked about his experience working with Busta Rhymes on the 'Touch It' remix, and how they linked up.
19:12 -- Papoose is asked about giving DJ Kay Slay his first demo outside Hot97. The story highlights a crossroads in Papoose's life -- he was fresh out of Rikers Island prison and ready to risk everything to get his shot. They also discuss the day that Pap signed his deal and the importance of Kay Slay to the culture along with what he did for Pap's career and so many others, while he opened up doors for new artists when nobody else would give them a chance.
23:47 -- Papoose talks about his experience working with Violator Records CEO Chris Lighty. With Chris getting him casted in the De Niro/Pacino film 'Righteous Kill' with one quick phone call. Talib goes on to ask Pap for his take on defunding the police and prison reform, from a perspective of someone that's been through the system. They talk about community policing and black ownership being a vital piece of the solution to go along with reforms to these historically racist institutions.
31:39 -- Papoose speaks on signing with Jive Records in a deal worth $1.5 million, planning his debut album, 'The Nacirema Dream'. But later on Kay Slay revealed that he and Papoose had left Jive, saying that they had "almost (became) victims of A&R hell." Pap explains why he blames himself for signing with a big label in the first place and Jasmin asks Pap if he feels he was blackballed from other potential deals after the fallout with Jive Records. He speaks on learning from mistakes of the past and owning them in full.
36:02 -- Talib brings up Pap's song 'Change Gone Come' being a tribute to Sean Bell who was killed by the NYPD on his wedding day. Pap talks about the character assasiation by local newspapers and being targeted by the police after the song hit the airwaves. Showing up to his shows on horses, and telling clubs not to give him admission. Papoose is later asked about his wife Remy Ma, and why she is such a powerful emcee. Pap talks about how she's been able to silence the critics with her ability to dish out hits while writing at such a high level.
42:45 -- Papoose illustrates the time-line of how he and Remy found love. Being close friends during a turbulent time in Remy's life while she was on trial, leading to her getting locked up. He talks about the blessing in disguise that came along with learning how to communicate while incarcerated. Papoose goes on to speak about the relevance of the term 'black love' and what it means to him. Pap is also asked about the importance of being held up as a positive example in the realm of reality tv, and he talks about being surprised with the reception from fans to him starring in 'Love & Hip Hop'.
50:16 -- Talib thanks Pap for his conscious song '3rd Eye', dealing with some of today's most notable disparities and injustices. He asks Pap if he felt like it was his responsibility as a man and/or entertainer to write records like that. He speaks on learning about knowledge of self at a young age, and the privilege of growing up with teachers that made black history a priority. Papoose goes on to talk about the move to live instrumentation on his latest album 'Endangered Species', defines what the album title is pointing to, and working with bassist/producer Brady Watt.
58:11 -- Papoose is asked about his song 'Covid-19', and if he can give his take on the huge amount of mis-information about the sickness and how the virus is affecting black people and other marginalized communities more than others. Talib reflects on knowing he had covid in it's beginnings, despite all the negative test results, and Pap speaks on his uncle passing away on the hospital floor from cardiac arrest due to hospital overload. Finally Talib caps the show with asking Pap who he thinks will be carrying the torch for today's generation of emcees.
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