(CNN) Joaquin Phoenix urged the film industry to dismantle a "system of oppression" in an acceptance speech at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.
Phoenix, who won the award for best leading actor for "Joker," criticized the lack of diversity among the nominated creators and performers this awards season, saying the issue could no longer be ignored.
Phoenix said that while he felt "honored" to be in attendance and appreciated the support from the BAFTA organization, he was "ashamed" that actors of color were not afforded the "same privilege."
"I feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don't have that same privilege. I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you're not welcome here," Phoenix said. "I think that's the message that we're sending to people that have contributed so much to our medium and our industry and in ways that we benefit from."
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts stirred controversy last month when it was revealed that no people of color were nominated in the four film acting categories. This year's list of Oscar nominees -- predominantly male and white -- earned similar criticism.
"I don't think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, although that's what we give ourselves every year," Phoenix continued. "I think people want to be appreciated and respected for their work."
Phoenix acknowledged that he views himself as "part of the problem." "I have not done everything in my power -- not all sets I've worked on are inclusive," he added.
On the 33rd episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, actor, producer, director, writer, sports league founder, and all-around legend among legends: Ice Cube. The conversation covers a multitude of subjects and starts at the beginning -- with the story of Cube growing up with aspirations of playing pro-football before transitioning into one of the most respected, prolific lyricists of all-time. The trio discusses the origins of Ice Cube classics like "Boyz-n-the-Hood" and "It Was A Good Day," the booming growth of the BIG3 basketball league, and emcees who had the most impact on the development of Cube's pen-game.
Later in the episode, Cube is asked if there is such a thing as a good cop, and they discuss police force gang mentality and bullying within the department to escape accountability. Cube also sums up why so much of America loves Trump, how he balances family-friendly entertainment while still maintaining his gangsta-rap persona, and stories surrounding the making of "Janky Promoters," and the Friday franchise. They also discuss how Cube's group Westside Connection was formed as a response to some of the East Coast backlash to West Coast rap dominance of the airwaves at the time, and reflect on how he feels about beefs of the past with Common and B-Real of Cypress Hill.
2:22 -- Talib recounts the first Ice Cube concert he attended, as well as the first time they met.
4:07 -- Cube explains the inspirations for his iconic song "It Was A Good Day."
5:40 -- Cube speaks on growing up a huge sports fan, playing football as a youth, why he stopped, and his full transition to the world of hip-hop after meeting Dr. Dre.
9:19 -- The trio discusses the "BIG3" -- a 3-on-3 basketball league Cube co-founded, featuring former NBA, and international players as well as talented walk-ons. Cube explains how it came together, and details the unique rules and dynamics of the league.
24:35 -- Cube talks about writing "Boyz-n-the-Hood", tells about how it wasn't originally intended for Eazy-E, and speaks on how he learned to craft rhymes that tell a story. He also details why, to him, Slick Rick is the greatest "storytelling emcee" of all-time.
30:53 -- Cube talks about his Mt. Rushmore of hip-hop -- those that had the most impact on his development as an emcee, and the influence that Public Enemy had on N.W.A. and his early solo outings.
32:57 -- Talib asks Cube if there a such a thing as a "good cop." The trio discusses many police departments being essentially gangs with badges, using loyalty as way to keep any potential whistle-blowers from speaking up.
38:23 -- Cube speaks on his quote from a recent interview where he gave his take on Donald Trump's popularity.
40:03 -- Cube touches on moments surrounding the release of his album "Death Certificate," and the backlash from critics over its controversial content.
44:44 -- Talib asks Cube how he has been able how to balance making movies like "Are We There Yet," while maintaining his gangsta rap persona.
49:21 -- Cube speaks on his approach to working with comedians on his projects, giving them full creative freedom. The movie "Janky Promoters" gets discussed, as well as Cube's real-life experiences that inspired making that film.
55:26 -- Cube talks about working with the late, great John Witherspoon, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. The trio goes on to discuss some favorite moments from "The Friday After Next", and it being the first hood Christmas movie.
1:01:58 -- Talib mentions the second concert of Cube's he attended where rapper King Sun was in the audience, somehow got a mic, and attempted to call out Cube out for stealing the song "Wicked."
1:07:15 -- Cube discusses the creation of Westside Connection and tells the story of how he felt like east coast radio and a couple of rap diss tracks were eating into the respect levels that West Coast hip-hop had gained.
1:19:58 -- Cube speaks on his son's feeling of obligation to play his father in "Straight Outta Compton," which then led to him having further acting ambitions.
1:22:25 -- Talib asks Cube about Common appearing in "Barbershop" and how they squashed any beef between them. Ice Cube details their reconciliation, working together, how he feels about Common now, and discusses how his ending the beef with B Real played out similarly.
1:26:51 -- Talib asks Cube about his history of being affiliated with the Nation of Islam, and where he is with religion present-day.
Azriel Clary has fully removed herself from R. Kelly's corner -- she's now cooperating with investigators in his federal sex crimes case in New York, according to sources with direct knowledge.
We've learned Clary has provided info about her experiences with the singer, and this time around, we're told she's not playing the role of supportive GF.
We broke the story ... Azriel was considering flipping on Kelly after cutting ties with him, and following a nasty fight with Joycelyn Savage while she was moving her stuff out of his condo. However, Clary was afraid ... because she'd allegedly lied to federal agents several times in the past to cover for Kelly.
We're told Azriel's no longer fearful of speaking out against Kelly and cooperating with the feds ... because she's finally fully disconnected from him and his team and wants to take control of her life.
There have been repercussions to her decisions ... our sources say she and her family have received death threats and been the target of online harassment since she left R. Kelly.
We're told prosecutors are monitoring the threats, along with those of the other alleged Kelly survivors ... but Clary's not letting it intimidate her.
As we reported ... Azriel has now moved back in with her family. Our sources say she's also focused on trying to help other women who've been in a similar situation ... whether with Kelly, or anyone else.
Helping the feds in their case against him is just the first step.
Kelly's lawyer, Steven Greenberg, tells TMZ he's not surprised by this development. He says, "It's not news to me. I've suspected it all along, but you can't get in the way of love... Rob's love for her."
Rochester, New York emcee and New Crack Era boss, Eto, is preparing to release a new album titled "The Beauty of It." It features production from V Don, Statik Selektah, Green Lantern, Large Pro & More!!!!
The first single off of the project is The Alchemist-produced heater titled "The Pot."
Things have been rocky as of late for Antonio Brown.
Over the past ten months the former All-Pro wide receiver was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Oakland Raiders, only to be cut six months later after a series of bizarre off the field incidents.
Brown was subsequently picked up by the New England Patriots, who released him after only one game on the heels of sexual assault claims by his former trainer, Britney Taylor.
Brown has also feuded publicly with the mother of three of his four children Chelsie Kyriss.
On January 24, the NFL free agent was arrested and charged with one count of felony burglary and battery following an alleged physical altercation with a moving truck driver at his Hollywood, Florida home. Brown was later released after posting $100,000 bond.
The incident appears to have given Brown the wake up call he's needed.
Last week he publicly apologized to the police department in Hollywood and today Brown offered a mea culpa to Kyriss via his Instagram page.
"First and foremost, I will love to Thanks the most high “God” for allowing the “God” thats in me to really look deep into myself, Mainly because greater the spirit thats in us,than the spirit thats Of the world," Brown wrote. "And me being a “God” fearing man first, Truly understand That I owe my wonderful Kids and the mother @chelsie of my wonderful kids, The world Biggest Apology, for my Public out breaks through social media, and for the hurt that I may have took them through while on my Emotional roller Coaster that were all are face with in Life."
Let's hope this is a sign of better things to come for Brown.
In this clip from People's Party, Talib Kweli asks Ice Cube about Common appearing in "Barbershop" and how they squashed any beef between them. Ice Cube details their reconciliation, working together, how he feels about Common now, and the feelings that initially created the beef. He also discusses how his reconciliation with B Real played out similarly. Full episode arrives on Monday 2/3 at 9AMet/6AMpt.
Antonio Brown came face-to-face with Logan Paul in Miami on Saturday -- and agreed to fight the YouTube star in a sanctioned boxing match.
The two talked things out at the Maxim Havana Nights Super Bowl Party.
As we previously reported, the two were in serious talks with DAZN but after Brown was arrested for allegedly attacking a moving truck driver, it seemed the fight was off.
But, in a friendly exchange captured on video by our friends at BSO, the two shook hands, hugged it out and agreed to fight. Stay tuned ...
Boosie Badazz can stop sweating it out in GA -- he's avoiding any jail time in his drug case.
The Louisiana rapper pled guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges of possession of a controlled substance and failure to maintain lane ... this according to docs from the Coweta County D.A.'s Office.
It's a nice deal for Boosie, who gets 6 months probation and a $1,000 fine ... but no time behind bars. The judge has already signed off on the deal.
It could have been a lot more serious. As we reported. Boosie was busted last April after cops pulled him over in his Dodge Charger for swerving lanes and almost hitting another car. During the stop, cops found weed, a gun and more than $20k in cash.
Boosie was never booked for the gun -- it's likely he was licensed to have it.
He'd previously served 5 years in Louisiana for drug charges, and could have been hit with a year in a Georgia jail if convicted on all charges.
On today’s episode The Champs chop it up with one of the most influential artists in the game, the legend, Lil Wayne. An artist with no ceilings Wayne shares with us the importance of never being afraid to be yourself.
Having a career that spans four decades Lil Wayne has been a master at reinventing himself. From being the youngest Hot Boy on Cash Money Records, Mixtape Weezy grew as a lyricist and became a rock star, forever standing tall among his peers, the GOATS. The Young Money Executive is responsible for putting on stars such as Nicki Minaj and Drake, just to name a few.
In this episode Lil Wayne shares a lot of stories that span from the early days of Cash Money Records, to recording his classic mixtapes. Wayne shares with us how he evolved as an artist and how he transitioned to a CEO. Weezy drops gems, revealing how he came up with “BLING, BLING” and revealing who his all time favorite artist is.
While we discuss topics such as sports and skateboarding, Lil Wayne finds out for the first time who co-signed his feature on Destiny’s Child “Solider” Remix. As a featured artist Lil Wayne has been featured in almost 200 songs, Weezy reflects back on some of those hit records and shares how important it was to build relationships with these artists over the years.
In this clip from People's Party, Ice Cube discusses the necessity he felt in creating Westside Connection with Mack 10 and WC. He tells the story of how he felt like east coast radio and a couple of rap diss tracks were eating into the respect levels that West Coast hip-hop had gained, leading to needing to stand their ground and make it clear the West Coast was here to stay. Full episode arrives on Monday 2/3 at 9AMet/6AMpt.
DaBaby better get da lawyer on the phone ... he's just been slapped with a lawsuit by the guy claiming he and his crew beat him up.
Concert promoter Kenneth Carey just filed suit against DB, his entertainment company and a bunch of the goons that were with him that day ... alleging the rapper not only illegally battered him but also turned his back on a deal they'd struck to host an event.
Long story short ... Kenneth now claims in legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- that he and DaBaby agreed to have the latter host a party where another artist, Stunna 4 Vegas, had been booked to perform at. Ken says he and DB agreed on a flat rate ... $20k, no more.
In his lawsuit ... Ken says when DaBaby and co. arrived in town, he arranged hotels and cars for them via a rental company -- and alleges one of those vehicles was returned damaged.
Fast-forward to the day Ken was supposed to pay DB, and he claims the guy asked him for an additional $10k on the spot to cover the damage to the car, which apparently got billed to DaBaby and his crew. Ken says DaBaby insisted it was the least Ken could do ... seeing how he agreed to do the hosting gig for way cheaper than he normally charges.
Ken says he refused to pay another $10k, and that's when the alleged ass-whooping -- part of which was caught on camera -- went down. The promoter says DaBaby and at least 4 other guys pulled his pants down, beat him up and poured apple juice all over him.
He also claims the crew jacked him of his phone, money and credit card that he had on hand. Adding insult to injury, Ken says neither DaBaby or Stunna showed for the event. The suit was filed by Jonathan May of The Lions' Den law firm in Miami.
Of course, DaBaby was later arrested and charged for battery in connection to this case ... but he later sprung himself from jail and defended himself online, denying the account.
Ken is suing for everything he can under the sun -- battery, breach of contract, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and so on. He wants damages and other costs well above $6 million.
Rochester, New York emcee and an artist on Eto's Old Sowl label, Boob Bronx, delivers a new EP titled "Water." The entire 5-song project was produced by Kheyzine Ala Prod.
Low Key Macias was born and raised in San Antonio Texas. His father passed away due to alcoholism when Low was 5 years old. His mother was forced to leave him with little supervision. It wasn’t long before he hit the streets and inevitably ended up in juvenile, group homes and mental institutions. This is where he spent the majority of his adolescence and began rapping in public, never failing to rally a crowd at open mics and cyphers. Upon his release at age 17 Low soon fathered a child of his own. He cleaned up his act and devoted himself to his new family until the recent death of his cousin and murder of his brother. Motivated like never before he began to take rapping more serious. You can find him now consistently releasing, performing and dropping hard hitting real life lyrics. Definitely an underestimated artist who is sure to peak your interest.
Yolanda Holmes doted on her son, Qaw’mane Wilson, an only child she lavished with fancy clothes, jewelry and a Mustang.
At 23, the aspiring rapper who called himself “Young QC” wanted more, and hired a hitman to kill his mother, Cook County Judge Stanley Sacks said Friday, as he sentenced Wilson to 99 years in prison.
The gunman, Eugene Spencer, was sentenced to 100 years.
“The word is ‘matricide,’ meaning murder of one’s own mother,” Sacks said as he stared down from the bench at Wilson and Spencer.
“Whatever he wanted, his mother gave to him. A car. A job. One could say he was spoiled. She gave Qaw’mane life, and it was his choice to take it way from her.”
Spencer rode with Wilson’s girlfriend to Holmes’ apartment in Uptown in 2012, and shot Holmes as she slept in her bed, then struggled with Holmes boyfriend, knocking him unconscious, then returning to stab Holmes after a phone conversation with Wilson, who told him to “make sure the bitch is dead.”
Wilson later collected the money in his mother’s bank accounts, and in the months after her death used the cash to customize the Mustang she had given him with gull-wing doors.
On one occasion, he withdrew thousands of dollars from a bank and tossed wads of cash to a crowd of people he said were fans of his rap music — capturing the moments in a YouTube video that was played for the jury.
His long dreadlocks pulled back into a topknot Friday, Wilson, now 30, slouched in his chair and merely nodded when Sacks announced the sentence. When asked if he had anything to say before Sacks made his ruling, Wilson was brief.
“I just want to say, nobody loved my mother more than me,” he said. “She was all I had. That’s it.”
01 CBE Smoke x Fooly x Rio Dinero x Lil Moe Montana - How We Coming 02 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - YA DIGG 03 Rio Dinero ft. Lil Moe Montana - Violent 04 Rio Dinero - Taking Risk (Lit Remix) 05 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - Young Niggas 06 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - Shootout 07 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - SKRT SKRT 08 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - Big Ole House 09 Rio Dinero X Lil Moe Montana - Made 4 Me
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