Floyd Mayweather's uncle, Roger Mayweather -- one of the most famous boxing trainers ever -- has died, Floyd's camp confirms with TMZ Sports. He was 58.
Roger was a KEY member of Floyd's training team -- and sculpted him into becoming the global phenom he is today. Many considered Roger the best trainer in the world.
He was also a pretty good boxer and battled with some pretty big stars, including Julio César Chávez and Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.
He was also a 2-weight world champion -- holding the WBA and lineal super featherweight titles back in the day, along with the WBC light welterweight title (from '87 to '89).
Roger had been in declining health for years. In fact, Floyd opened up about Roger's health back in 2015 and blamed boxing for damaging his brain.
"My uncle Roger Mayweather has lost a lot of memory from the sport of boxing," Floyd said ... "He's only in his 50s, but it seems like he's an old man in his 80s."
A few years ago, Roger went missing -- and fortunately, he was located by law enforcement officials.
We're told Floyd was close with Roger and is deeply emotional about his passing.
Ralph Charette, 71, said he bought a rifle and ammunition on Saturday to protect himself and his family as a wave of coronavirus panic sweeps across the country.
Charette, a military veteran, spent $1,500 at a gun shop in Germantown, Wisconsin, after encountering aggressive shoppers and empty shelves at local grocery stores.
Now, if looters come knocking, he'll be ready, he said.
"There's so much uncertainty and paranoia but you've got to protect your own," Charette said.
Charette is among a growing tide of Americans who are going to retailers, pawnshops and online to purchase gun supplies and ammunition in the wake of COVID-19, which had killed more than 60 people in the U.S. as of Saturday afternoon.
As hysteria surrounding the illness drives some to stockpile groceries and toilet paper in case they're quarantined, it's also causing many to worry about a shortage of gun supplies, which is driving up demand and leading to long lines at suppliers.
Lengthy lines formed outside the Martin Retting Guns store in Culver City, California, on Sunday morning, before the store opened. People said the line Saturday was so long, extending around the block, so they decided to come back and try again.
“People are scared,” said Drew Plotkin of Los Angeles. “There’s a lot of panic in the world and people want to be protected for the worst-case scenario.”
In New Castle, Delaware, Emily Ken, 22, bought ammunition this weekend for her 9mm handgun before "doomsday preppers" could buy up all the supply, she said.
Ken went to a Dick's Sporting Goods store where she said one of the workers told her that everywhere else in the area was sold out.
"It's better to be prepared than to not be prepared," Ken said. "I already stocked up on food. Ammo was just the next step."
Reck was born in Christiansted, St. Croix, where he lived briefly as a small child before moving with his mother to Brooklyn, New York. When in New York City, he was exposed to the hip-hop culture listening to The Notorious B.I.G. through neighbors radios and on the bus. Not only was Reck exposed to hip-hop in New York, but that is where he would find his R&B roots from groups and artists such as Boyz 2 Men, B2K, Mario, and Jagged Edge.
As a teenager Reck was fascinated by poetry and rap but never considered trying it himself until high school. He heard of an artist by the name of Drake, rap on the show Degrassi. It was from that moment on that Reck decided that just maybe he could mix his poetry with a beat and create a song. In early 2010 Reck's life was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away, during that time he became rebellious and reckless.
Later that year he came up with an idea that would later turn into the movement that is GO Official. A year later, in 2011 he would collaborate with his longtime friend Nazzy and meet Makkeio in Las Vegas to form the collective GO Official. Reck's style is a blend of poetry and life situations. He's influenced by the world around him and tells stories for the world from the world. Reck considers his music almost like a timeline of his life as well meshing a bit of witty lyrics to the trials and tribulations of life he's been through thus far.
In Fall 2015 Reck released his first official single PLANNIN on iTunes and streaming services. Reck considers it a milestone, separating a hobby from a passion and letting the world know that he's arrived. Reck now is the CEO of GO Official, LLC which consists of the Positive Mindset Clothing line as well as G.O. Entertainment. As for the future Reck plans on building the Go Official brand into one that can stand the test of time and create music that'll live on forever.
We're very sorry to report that the 28-year old daughter of Eric B has passed away.
Erica Supreme Barrier was involved in a serious car accident in Connecticut on Sunday, March 15, according to an Instagram post from Sister 2 Sister 2.0's publisher Jamie Foster Brown.
Erica's Mini Cooper Countryman was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on I-91 at 1 a.m. Sister 2 Sister 2.0 reports that she suffered "severe neck and spine fractures."
She was taken to Connecticut’s Hartford Hospital, where she passed away on Monday, March 16.
Eric B, who is 1/2 of the legendary group Eric B & Rakim, issued a statement to Sister 2 Sister 2.0 in a second post:
"This was an unfortunate vehicular accident that claimed her life however, and it’s also crucial that we pray for the other driver involved. Our hearts also go out to him and his family as we hold no ill will in our hearts for those involved.
Again, we accept GOD’s will and want to sincerely thank the good samaritans, first responders and impeccable medical staff who cared for our daughter at Hartford Hospital, Hartford CT."
Sister 2 Sister 2.0 is the relaunch of a celebrity mag, Sister2Sister, that was created in 1988 by publisher Jamie Foster-Brown.
Our deepest condolences go out to Eric B, his family and friends.
Coronavirus seems to have folks thinking they can do as they please -- one LAPD officer claims he experienced it firsthand with a rogue, and possibly contagious, car parker.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a cop in L.A. came across a woman this weekend whom he says was parked in a handicap spot without a proper placard, and when he approached her over the violation ... we're told things turned sickly.
Our sources say the woman almost instantly became combative with the officer, threatening to cough on him and give him coronavirus ... something she claimed she'd contracted.
Well, that didn't deter the cop ... we're told he arrested her for felony criminal threats. Unclear if the woman actually had COVID-19, but in any case ... we're told the officer gloved up for the bust and washed up after.
As for whether the criminal threat charge will stick, that's also hard to say for sure -- as we're told something like that is considered a wobbler -- meaning if she's eventually charged, the D.A. has the option to leave it a felony, or reduce to a misdemeanor.
Nonetheless, it's pretty crazy that an alleged parking violation escalated to a viral face-off. Crazy times, indeed.
Derrick Henry didn't get the contract he wanted from the Titans this month ... but he sure as hell got a dope chain regardless -- coppin' an $85K piece to honor his hero, Kobe Bryant.
TMZ Sports has learned Henry grew up a huge fan of the Mamba ... and shortly after the Lakers legend's death in January, Derrick hit up ZoFrost to have tribute drip made.
As you can see, the jeweler -- who's worked with NFL stars like Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Earl Thomas this past year -- created a SICK piece for the Tennessee RB.
The chain features a mamba snake wrapped around Kobe's famous logo ... and we're told it holds approximately 35 CTs of diamonds.
We're also told the chain weighs a stunning 120 grams ... and all told, came in with an $85,000 price tag.
We know what you're thinking ... but don't worry, even though Henry hasn't gotten a long-term deal from the Titans yet, the franchise tag they put on him this week is still set to pay him around $12 MILLION this season.
END OF AN ERA: Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady has announced he won’t be returning to the New England Patriots after a 20-year run.
New England reportedly made no attempt to keep Brady.
Is the 42-year old over the hill? We’ll find out soon . The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers have shown the most interest in signing Brady heading into free agency.
Brady said goodbye to Patriots fans via a statement:
“To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization. I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me – I have learned from everyone. You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that.
“Although my football journey will take play elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to know each and everyone of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.”
The lengthy posted was captioned: “FOREVER A PATRIOT.”
Elite Rochester, New York emcee and member of Da Cloth, M.A.V, has teamed up once again with super producer Hobgoblin for the sequel to their "Angelz and Demonz" project.
"Angelz and Demonz 2" features Mooch, Rob Gates, Rigz and Daniel Son.
A Japanese court on Monday sentenced a former care home employee to hang for knifing to death 19 disabled people and injuring two dozen others in the deadliest mass attack in post World War II Japan. The Yokohama District Court convicted Satoshi Uematsu of the killings and of injuring 24 other residents and two caregivers at the Yamayuri-en residential center in July 2016.
During the investigation and trial, Uematsu repeatedly said he had no regrets and was trying to help the world by killing people he thought were burdens. Advocacy groups said the suspect's views reflected a persistent prejudice in Japan against people with disabilities.
The trial focused on his mental state at the time of the crime. Chief Judge Kiyoshi Aonuma dismissed defense requests to acquit him because he was mentally incompetent due to a marijuana overdose.
"The attacks were premeditated, and the defendant was acting consistently to achieve his goal," Aonuma said, according to NHK public television.
"The crime, which took the lives of 19 people, was extremely heinous and caused damage that is incomparable to any other case," he was quoted by Kyodo News as saying.
Legendary rapper and actor, Ice Cube, was the latest guest on The Breakfast Club. He chopped it up with the crew about the coronavirus, contingency plans for Big 3 games, Kobe Bryant, new film projects and more.
Former Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star Yung Berg, who has since re-emerged under his producer moniker Hitmaka, is being accused of pistol whipping his girlfriend which reportedly led to her being hospitalized this past weekend.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department’s report, which was obtained by The Blast, the incident reportedly occurred sometime around 5:00 a.m. at a private residence in Los Angeles.
The two reportedly got into a verbal dispute and Berg allegedly “pistol-whipped” the victim “numerous times, resulting in verifiable injuries,” according to The Blast’s report. She was reportedly taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Saturday (March 14) where she was diagnosed with a “closed head injury, closed fracture of nasal bone, and facial laceration” that require stitches, according toThe Blast.
Per the celebrity outlet, the hospital records indicated that her injuries stemmed from an “assault.” Along with the report, the celebrity outlet also published graphic photos that allegedly reveal the injuries Berg’s girlfriend suffered.
The LAPD has also reportedly classified the incident under “intimate partner violence.” The Blast added that the LAPD put an emergency protective order in place which prohibits Berg from coming within 100 yards of his alleged victim. Furthermore, he is reportedly banned from contacting her and cannot go near her home until the order is no longer effective on March 20.
Currently, it’s unclear whether the LAPD will arrest Hitmaka or bring him in for questioning. Thus far, the LAPD are in the midst of investigating the incident, according to The Blast. This comes after he was previously let go from Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood following an arrest for allegedly physically assaulting his co-star and then-girlfriend, Masika Tucker, in 2014, per E! News.
Hitmaka nor any representatives from his team have released statements on the report at this time.
Mike Tannenbaum and Marcus Spears join SportsCenter react to the Houston Texans trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for David Johnson, with 2020 NFL draft picks also included in the deal.
V Don links up with Sauce Heist to bring you the official video for "Asolos" off of his BLACK MASS album. The new 12-track album is fully produced by V Don and features Dave East, Smoke DZA, 38 Spesh, ElCamino, Dark Lo, Willie The Kid, Eto, Sauce Heist, Da$H, Rigz, jxke cregxn, C Staggs, D Polo, Kadeem, and more!
The 47-year old English actor shared the news via a video on Monday, March 16th.
"This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok," he captioned the video. "I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic."
Elba is best known for his role as Stringer Bell on the HBO show "The Wire," as well as the hit movies "Molly's Game," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw," "Beasts of No Nation" and many more.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
OGAudio_Omyth and Kaream continue to rep the Bronx, New York and Manifest Something Beautiful to the fullest with their new release and music video "Ringo 123."
Manifest Something Beautiful is an independent company whose mission statement is to display their beautiful expressions through the form of Music, Visuals, Spoken word and through their clothing line Called PRVNU [PARVENU]. Our main focus is to be living examples and manifestations of the belief in oneself in one's ability to reach any height formulated and the mind showing improving with the right tenacity and guidance the sky is the limit. The members of MSB include OGAudio_Omyth, Skunk ONER, Kareem [K_Most], Johnny Rambo, Al Kada and in house producer Fif Element aka Jamaar Hunt. Here is the link to our their YouTube page. If you look up there you will see the latest single by OGAudio_Omyth that was recently dropped called "PRVNU." https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Zs91En-GhjEB-yrlaE5mQ
On Monday’s (Mar. 16) episode of#EverydayStruggle, Nadeska, Wayno and DJ Akademiks kick off the show discussing the latest updates in the Coronavirus pandemic Next, the EDS crew shares their thoughts on Waka Flocka’s Real 92.3, where he says he doesn’t believe the coronavirus is real, and thinks minorities cannot catch it. Soon after, the EDS trio dissects Jay Electronica’s debut album ‘A Written Testimony’ in ‘The Review’ segment. The crew then answers a fan question asking if Jay-Z’s guest features overshadowed Electronica on his own album. Later in the show, the EDS squad determines who had the better verse between Jay-Z or Jay Electronica in their ‘Verses/Versus’ segment. Next, the EDS trio speak on Tory Lanez’s recent interview with NWE, where he said he’s considering going independent and not seeing the use of major labels anymore. To close out the show, the crew shares who they agree with ‘Big Facts or B.S.’ segment.
In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, singer and record producer JPEGMAFIA. As one of the most brazen, uncompromising, and unpredictable figures in hip hop today, with this interview JPEGMAFIA keeps it 100, true to form. The wide-ranging conversation includes his early years growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and his move to Alabama at age 13, where he experienced prevalent racism. They also tackle gentrification, Ice Cube's profound influence on both his and Talib's unflinching approach to racism, the punk/hip hop connection, artist's empowerment to control their public image once they've paid dues, and JPEG gives his take on Kanye's support of Trump.
Later the trio discusses JPEG's hometown of Baltimore, pacifism vs. violence to promote social change, how he handles online racists, and the concept of "righteous anger". He also speaks on his years in the military, joining at a time when he saw no other viable options, the black men crying stigma, white fans trading the n-word for "cracker" at his shows, and in closing JPEG offers up words of encouragement to aspiring emcees on the steep uphill climb to success.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe and rate the audio podcast on Apple and Spotify. Full timestamps below.
2:01 -- JPEG talks about the unique titles of his projects, which are intentionally off-putting to weed out the people that most likely wouldn't vibe off his music, and also explains the origins of his rap name.
5:29 -- JPEG reflects on growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, then moving frequently with his Jamaican parents starting at age 13, finally choosing Baltimore as his home base. He also speaks on the culture shock of the outwards racism he experienced while living in the south, and gives his impartial take on gentrification.
13:22 -- JPEG and Talib reflect on Ice Cube's mega influence and impact on each of them and across the industry. As well as Cube's signature way of attacking racism in America from a street level, everyday approach.
17:00 -- JPEG and Talib discuss the punk/hip hop connection and the freedom, empowerment, and control that an artist feels once they've established a lasting legacy, using Lauryn Hill as an example.
25:47 -- Talib asks JPEG to elaborate on a paraphrased quote regarding withholding the judgement of Kanye West's backing of Donald Trump. JPEG also speaks on how profoundly honored he feels when he hears his idols acknowledge him and are fans of his music.
33:34 -- JPEG speaks on the deep love he has for his hometown of Baltimore. They also discuss it's history of being used as a political football, and pacifism vs. the necessary use of violence, and the combination of both to promote change.
48:18 -- JPEG feels forced to interrupt Talib before he begins quoting Nelson Mandela to apologize in advance if he throws up anytime during the interview, and moments later he apologizes once more. They go on to discuss battling online twitter racists, and the concept of "righteous anger".
53:58 -- JPEG reflects on his military background, joining at a time when he felt he had no other viable options. They also discuss Trump's relationship with the media, and JPEG expresses why he thinks he'll be elected for a second term.
1:04:50 -- JPEG breaks down in detail the analogy he uses of his records being his children.
1:07:53 -- Talib references JPEG's song "Thug Tears", and asks him about the stigma of black men crying, and showing vulnerability.
1:10:14 -- JPEG is asked if he is ready for the last two questions, while he ponders if he needs a reunion with the people's party trash can. Once the show is back on track he responds to prompting his white fans at his shows to trade out the n-word for "cracker" when rapping along with him during sets.
1:15:23 -- Talib closes the show with one of JPEG's most notable quotes about perseverance of aspiring artists on the steep uphill climb to achieving success.
Since coach Bill O’Brien took control of personnel, he hasn’t shied away from making big moves, like trading Jadeveon Clowney and acquiring Laremy Tunsil. Now some teams think O’Brien may make another big move.
Peter King reports in Football Morning in America that two teams said Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is a player to watch in a potential trade.
Hopkins’ contract makes him tradable: A team trading for him would have him under contract for three more years, with $40 million remaining on his deal, while the Texans would take only a $3 million cap hit.
But why would the Texans want to trade the 27-year-old Hopkins? They may think they’ve already gotten his best years out of him, after he averaged a career-low 11.2 yards per catch last season. And they may think they need some draft capital, having traded away their first-round pick this year and their first- and second-round picks next year.
O’Brien would like to add some young talent on the offensive line, the defensive line and the secondary. If trading Hopkins can help him do it, that may be an option.
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