Chance the Rapper has earned 11 new RIAA certifications from his landmark mixtape Coloring Book, including 4x Platinum for “No Problem,” 2x Platinum for “Juke Jam,” and Platinum certifications for “Same Drugs,” “Smoke Break,” “Summer Friends,” “Angels,” “All We Got,” and “All Night.” “Mixtape,” “How Great,” and “Finish Line / Drown” have each been certified Gold.

The new certifications come as Coloring Book has officially been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) during the project’s 10th anniversary year. Last night, during Chance’s sold-out Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour stop at New York City’s SummerStage in Central Park, Joey Bada$$ surprised Chance onstage to present him with three of the 11 new certifications, including his Coloring Book Platinum plaque, 4x Platinum plaque for “No Problem,” and Platinum plaque for “Summer Friends.”

The full list of Chance’s 11 new certifications includes:

4x Platinum – “No Problem”
2x Platinum – “Juke Jam”
Platinum – “Same Drugs”
Platinum – “Smoke Break”
Platinum – “Summer Friends”
Platinum – “Angels”
Platinum – “All We Got”
Platinum – “All Night”
Gold – “Mixtape”
Gold – “How Great”
Gold – “Finish Line / Drown”

The Platinum certification adds to a list of milestones that continue to define Coloring Book. The mixtape earned Chance three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Performance for “No Problem” featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.

Photo Credit: NYC Photography – Anaya Ford

Released in May 2016, Coloring Book marked a defining moment in Chance the Rapper’s career and a breakthrough for independent music at large. With Coloring Book, Chance became the first independent artist to win a GRAMMY. The critically acclaimed mixtape reshaped perceptions around streaming, artist independence, and the evolving music landscape. Blending gospel, hip-hop, and soulful live instrumentation, Coloring Book delivered an uplifting, community-driven sound that resonated across audiences and featured standout collaborations with Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, and Saba. Created alongside longtime collaborators Nico Segal, Peter Cottontale, and The Social Experiment, with additional production from Kaytranada, Brasstracks, and Francis and the Lights, the project received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Rolling Stone hailed it a “gospel-rap masterpiece,” while The New York Times recognized Chance as “a crusader and a pop savant.” Complex called it “a defining moment for independent artists,” cementing its place as one of the most influential releases of its era.

The anniversary tour also comes as Chance approaches another milestone. Saturday, August 15 marks one year since the release of Star Line, his first full-length project since 2019. Across 17 tracks, Star Line blends Chicago’s soul-rooted traditions with global influences as Chance explores growth, faith, fatherhood, identity, and community. The album debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart and reached No. 2 on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut USA Chart. The project was met with critical acclaim, with Billboard calling it “some of the best songwriting of Chance’s career,” The New Yorker noting that “Chance is as lively as ever,” and Hypebeast highlighting the album’s blend of “hip-hop, soul and experimental music” with lyricism centered on identity, resilience, and legacy.

The Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour continues Friday, August 14 in Waterloo, New York, followed by stops in Montreal, Toronto, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and more before wrapping October 11 in Pittsburgh.

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Today is day three of the trial of Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis, accused of orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996.

Today is a half-day of testimony that is set to begin at 1 p.m. While it’s unclear who exactly will testify or what the order of witnesses will be, the testimony on Tuesday referred to Marion ‘Suge’ Knight and Death Row Records. Knight was on the prosecution’s witness list, but has said he would not be cooperative if forced onto the stand.

Through two days of testimony, prosecutors have called over a dozen witnesses to describe the fatal shooting of Shakur in 1996 and the gang tensions that preceded it.

Eight witnesses were called on Tuesday, including a forensic pathologist who testified about the autopsy and a retired police sergeant who secured the crime scene’s shell casings.

William Heidmyer, a former security guard at Maxim Hotel, talked about hearing shots while in the parking garage.

LIVE UPDATES

WITNESS Daryn Dupree was an LAPD detective, started in 1990. Task force related to Christopher Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls, murder. His mother filed lawsuit, claiming there was officer involvement in his death. 2006 task force to uncover whether cops involved & to solve it.

Proffer was an opportunity to help himself during sentencing.

Question: What info was followed up on by FBI given in Davis’ proffer? Lee: notes it was a long time ago. Recordings played or photos of individuals identified. Was there a check list after? That’s not the way we operate. Files have hundreds of files over course of the investigation.

Sanft: you are not aware of any agreements w/ other agencies…right? Lee: w/ regard to interview on July 14, 1998, agreement with Davis & Feds. Juror question: if info was not followed up on, what was motivation of interview? Lee: we were following up on gang activity in area.

Prosecutor touches on the difference between proffer and immunity. At no point did the state of Nevada, Clark County DA’s office…make agreement with Davis…

Prosecutor: points out info was not be disclosed to police departments. Info was for FBI only. Proffer agreement includes confidentiality. Prosecutor points out Lee was talking to Davis for a federal drug case. Not the murder of Tupac Shakur. Kept promise to keep it confidential.

Sanft asking about claim by Davis that Reggie Wright Jr. was dealing drugs out of auto shop. Why was it included in the report? Lee: All the info is important.

Sanft: What facts did you have to support Lakewood mall incident even happened? Lee: Several witnesses. Sanft: Did you ever go to mall to verify? Lee: no. Sanft: did you reach out to PD there? Lee: info provided by Davis. Sanft: State presented this, But you can’t verify this?

Lee: Background on gang organization…not like they have a membership card. Says they concluded Davis had status, was a leader in South Side Crips… Talks about high level drug crime. “It was the totality of the information”

Sanft: How much did you actually arrest Davis with? Davis: intercepted convos between him & an individual discussing transaction, price, quantity, delivery. But Davis did not get caught with the actual cocaine. Sanft: Davis put a hit on anyone with wiretaps? Lee: No.

Sanft: Did you ever call LVMPD or Compton PD to say we have info about Davis being in Las Vegas at the time of the Tupac Shakur murder? Lee: No. Sanft: in terms of Reggie Wright Jr., did you pass that long to those covering Compton area? Lee: yes

Sanft: Any phone calls on wiretap indicate Duane Davis talking about the murder of Tupac Shakur? Lee: believes not about involvement, but maybe about Davis being in Las Vegas at the time.

Sanft taking parts of the interview, asking Lee if he verified the info. “No, I did not.” Who in the FBI was responsible for following up on info about murder of Tupac Shakur? “I was not specifically tasked to follow up & track that down.”

Sanft: Was there an actual proffer signed…do you have a copy? Lee says agreement is between Davis & federal prosecutors…not him. Lee: if an individual comes in & they’re not truthful…we would report that to the U.S. Attorney’s office…federal prosecutors could use it for sentencing

Sanft points out that recorders were available during the interview with Davis. The documentation is from a report. Not a recording. Proffer: July 14, 1998. Proffer agreement: whatever you tell us, we won’t prosecute you for. Report: July 16, 1998.

Davis said they would have waited to strike back in Compton. Cross-examination from defense attorney Michael Sanft: Did you ever visit Compton PD to see how they do their work? No.

Davis talked about gang war after the murder of Tupac Shakur. Claims the reason people believe that Orlando Anderson is killer because Compton PD members were telling people that. Davis said he & Anderson were upset about MGM incident but wouldn’t do it with so many police around…

Davis said original supplier left the country, then worked with new supplier. Denied he was leader of South Side Crips. Davis entered a guilty plea. Sentenced to prison. They talk with him in prison. Davis said he was not aware of any motive for Death Row members to kill Anderson.

Davis told FBI he was at the museum where Biggie Smalls was killed, but denied involvement. Davis said a sketch of possible suspect in that murder looked just like Reggie Wright Jr. Talked about how Orlando Anderson died. Denied distribution initially, then discussed locations.

Talked about the MGM incident, which stemmed from the mall incident. Said Orlando Anderson went back to the hotel room after it. Repeatedly denied knowing who killed Tupac. Speculated maybe it was Compton police working for Suge Knight since Tupac was talking about leaving Death Row Records.

Mentioned Omar Bradley, former mayor of Compton, said he was associated with crime. Said Reggie Wright Jr. had drug distribution location at auto body shop & he had MOB James, distributing out of the shop location. Talked about mall incident a few weeks before murder of Tupac Shakur.

Davis said Suge Knight was associated with Mob Piru. When Knight was arrested, Reggie Wright Jr. took over. Davis said he never had issues with Suge Knight & the other individuals prior to the killing of Tupac Shakur. Accused Reggie Wright Sr. of being a corrupt cop.

Also discuss individual, ‘Fats.’ Discuss Wayne Day, large-scale drug trafficker. Davis said they were related. Davis said he had a side handled as far as drugs. He said Reggie Wright, Jr. handled the north side. Talked about the start of Death Row Records.

July 16, 1998. Proffer session. Purpose: info about gang & drug activity. He was not directly investigating the Tupac Shakur murder. They knew Davis was person of interest though & asked questions about it as well. They discuss individual, ‘Zip.’ Referred to as pimp.

Points out it is confidential.

Present: Partner was with him. Assistant US Attorney. Attorney for Davis. Says he and partner maintained confidentiality of it. He is authorized to talk about it today…federal government gave permission after state prosecutors made request.

Davis indicted for trafficking 2 kilos of powder cocaine. He does proffer with Davis, a common practice in the federal justice system, beginning of negotiation for plea agreement. Federal prosecutors & defense agree. In return, feds won’t use info to charge them. Can be violated though.

Investigated ‘Grape Street Crips,’ large gang. Largest Crips group in U.S. Controlled Jordan Downs housing project. Came across Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis. Obtained info to develop case…re: drug trafficking. Indicted for selling 2 kilos of cocaine. Evidence included wiretaps.

TUPAC MURDER TRIAL DAY THREE: WITNESS: Wade Lee, special agent with FBI in 90s. With FBI for 25 years, started in May of 1996. Retired about 5 years. Assigned to squad working on a major offenders program…federal task force. Several squads in LA assigned to different regions.

S: 8 News Vegas

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Following another immediate sellout, Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival unveils the line up for the twelfth edition of the festival that has rapidly become one of the premiere moments of the annual music calendar. The brainchild of Tyler, The Creator, this year’s edition of the Los Angeles-based music festival will feature performances from artists including Future, Don Toliver, Steve Lacy, Turnstile, Not For Radio, Latin Mafia, 2hollis, Thee Sacred Souls, Wallows, and many more, along with a performance from Tyler, The Creator himself. Produced in collaboration with Goldenvoice, the Carnival will take place November 14th and 15th on the Dodger Stadium grounds. The full lineup for the twelfth annual installment can be found below.

Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival celebrated its eleventh edition in 2025, solidifying the event as one of the premier music festivals globally and one of the most sought-after artist-led festivals on the music calendar. Over the years, the festival has spotlighted unforgettable performances in the arc of many artists’ careers, including the likes of Childish Gambino, The Hillbillies, SZA, A$AP Rocky, Solange, Doechii, KAYTRANADA, Lil Yachty, GloRilla, Billie Eilish, Erykah Badu, André 3000, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and many others, in addition to Tyler himself.

Camp Flog Gnaw 2026 Official Lineup

2hollis
310babii
54 Ultra
Ama
Audrey Nuna
Casey Veggies
Concrete Boys
Domo Genesis
Don Toliver
Earl Sweatshirt & Mike
Future
Gabriel Jacoby
GENA
Isaiah Rashad
Jane Remover
J.I.D
Latin Mafia
Left Brain
Leon Thomas
Liim
Lola Young
Lupe Fiasco
Magdalena Bay
Mike G
Natanya
nomi.
Not For Radio
Nourished by Time
nsqk
Quadeca
Steve Lacy
Syd
The Alchemist
Thee Sacred Souls
threetwenty
Turnstile
Tyler, The Creator
Vince Staples
Wallows
Wyatt Waddell

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SoundExchange, the largest neighboring rights collective in the world, today announced MC Lyte has received the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award. The honor recognizes the pioneering hip-hop artist’s legacy of advocacy, including her efforts to raise awareness, engage members of Congress, and urge passage of the American Music Fairness Act.

“MC Lyte has spent her career breaking barriers, elevating artists, and using her voice to drive meaningful change,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “We are proud to honor her with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award in recognition of her enduring leadership and advocacy for the creators whose work powers our culture.”

In 2024, MC Lyte joined DMC (RUN-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels) and Melle Mel to visit Capitol Hill to meet with key lawmakers about the American Music Fairness Act and urge its passage to compel corporate terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay performance royalties. She reengaged with legislators again this summer, visiting members of Congress to continue to press for passage of AMFA.

SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe presents hip-hop legend and advocate MC Lyte with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award. (Photo credit: Lavan Anderson).

“I am deeply grateful to SoundExchange for this recognition and for its unwavering commitment to standing up for artists,” said MC Lyte. “Advocacy has always been part of my purpose, and I believe that creators deserve to be respected, protected, and fairly compensated for the music and culture they bring to the world. I’m proud to stand with SoundExchange in the fight for music fairness and for a future where every artist’s work is valued.”

MC Lyte is among the nearly 600,000 members who entrust SoundExchange to collect worldwide neighboring rights royalties on their behalf through more than 100 agreements with international organizations, covering 93% of the available global market.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 in the organization’s Early Influence category, MC Lyte has a long history of advocacy, beginning with the Stop the Violence movement in 1989, less than a year after dropping her debut album, Lyte as a Rock. Along with KRS-One, Kool Moe Dee, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav, and others, she contributed to the project’s lead single, “Self Destruction,” which debuted on top of the then new Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.

As the founder of the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, MC Lyte works to build self-esteem and financial literacy for women and youth. She has also supported a variety of diverse causes, including pro-choice efforts, community health awareness, and voting rights campaigns. She also partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund on a South African tour to empower young people and burgeoning leaders.

The author of the 2012 book Unstoppable: Igniting the Power Within to Achieve Your Greatest Potential, MC Lyte also operates the Lyte Up Your Empire platform to educate up-and-coming artists on navigating the music industry.

About MC Lyte

First female to perform Hip Hop in the White House and first African American female to serve as the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy: these are just the first of many firsts. MC Lyte’s groundbreaking music career solidified her as a Hip-Hop icon: the FIRST rap artist ever to perform at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, the FIRST female rapper to ever receive a gold single, the FIRST female solo rapper nominated for a Grammy, and in 2006, MC Lyte became the FIRST solo female rapper to be honored and inducted on VH1’s Hip Hop Honors. Her distinctive voice has become synonymous with excellence, serving as the announcer and voice for the BET Awards, Emmys, Grammys, NAACP Image Awards, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show, and numerous Fortune 500 brands. Lyricist, actress, director, inspirational speaker, DJ, author, pioneer, icon, philanthropist, and entrepreneur describe one of the most prolific and well-respected woman Hip Hop artists of all time: MC Lyte.

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from De La Soul’s tenth studio album “Cabin In The Sky”

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produced by George Getson.

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Prod by Kev Brown

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Check out the new trailer from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 featuring Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.”, with characters in the trailer talking about Wu-Tang.

Weekend 1 of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta kicks off this Friday, August 21 for players who have digitally pre-ordered the game on XBOX X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Weekend 2 of the Beta begins on Friday, August 28, which is available for players on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2.

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The list of nominees for the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (“VMAs”) was announced today, recognizing artists whose work during the last 12 months has pioneered the music industry and been the catalysts of global buzz. The “VMAs” will broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and stream on Paramount+* in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

The “VMAs” are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barbara Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers, alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer.

2026 “VMAs” Nominees:

Nominees in each category are listed in alphabetical order by first name.
(**) = Returning Category

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records

GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears”- Island

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande – Republic Records

Bruno Mars – Atlantic Records

Madonna – Warner Records

Morgan Wallen – Big Loud/Mercury Records

Sabrina Carpenter – Island

Taylor Swift – Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR

BTS – “Swim” – BIGHIT MUSIC

Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records

HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI – “Golden” – Republic Records/Visva Records

Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” – Warner Records

Olivia Dean – “Man I Need” – Island

PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” – Human Re Sources

BEST NEW ARTIST, presented by The General Insurance®

Bella Kay – Atlantic Records

CORTIS – BIGHIT MUSIC

Magnus Ferrell -Visva Records/Republic Records

Malcolm Todd – Columbia Records

Myles Smith – RCA Records

Sienna Spiro – Capitol Records

Stella Lefty – Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost

BEST COLLABORATION

Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips” – Roc Nation Distribution

French Montana x Max B – “Ever Since U Left Me” – Coke Boys Records

Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – “Bring Your Love” – Warner Records

PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai” – Sony Music US Latin

Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye – “Hard Part” – Def Jam Recordings

BEST POP

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

Charli xcx – “SS26” – Atlantic Records

LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./RCA Records

Olivia Rodrigo – “drop dead” – Geffen Records

Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island

Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

BEST HIP-HOP

Cardi B ft. Kehlani – “Safe” – Atlantic Records

Don Toliver – “E85” – Cactus Jack/ Atlantic Records

Drake – “Janice STFU” – OVO/Republic Records

Megan Thee Stallion – “LOVER GIRL” – Hot Girl Productions

Travis Scott – “DUMBO” – Cactus Jack/Epic Records

Tyler, The Creator – “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE” – Columbia Records

BEST R&B

Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records

Chris Brown – “It Depends/Obvious” – RCA Records

Dave & Tems – “Raindance” – Neighbourhood Recordings/Capitol Records

Justin Bieber – “YUKON” – Def Jam Recordings

Kehlani – “Folded” – Atlantic Records

Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis – “Is It a Crime” – Epic Records

BEST ALTERNATIVE

Geese – “Taxes” – Partisan Records/Play It Again Sam

mgk & Fred Durst – “FIX UR FACE” – EST 19XX LLC/Interscope Records

Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide” – Mercury Records

Olivia Rodrigo – “the cure” – Geffen Records

SOMBR – “Homewrecker” – SMB Music/Warner Records

Tame Impala – “Dracula” – Columbia Records

twenty one pilots – “Drag Path” – Fueled By Ramen

**BEST DANCE, presented by BACARDÍ® Rum

Bebe Rexha & Faithless – “New Religion” – Bebe Rexha Music LLC/EMPIRE

Harry Styles – “Aperture” – Columbia Records

Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY” – Lil Monsters/Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records/Capitol Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

Slayyyter – “DANCE…” – RECORDS/Columbia Records

Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records

BEST LATIN

Anitta with Shakira – “Choka Choka” – Republic Records/UMLE

Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL” – Rimas Entertainment

Fuerza Regida – “TU SANCHO” – Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records/Sony Music US Latin

KAROL G – “Papasito” – Bichota Records/Interscope Records

Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia – “La Perla” – Columbia Records

Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA – “LA VILLA” – AWOO Corp./ Sony Music US Latin

Shakira & Burna Boy – “Dai Dai” – Sony Music US Latin

BEST K-POP

BLACKPINK – “JUMP” – YG Entertainment

BTS – “SWIM” – BIGHIT MUSIC

CORTIS – “REDRED” – BIGHIT MUSIC

KATSEYE – “PINKY UP” – HYBE x Geffen Records

LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS) – “SPAGHETTI” – SOURCE MUSIC

LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records

BEST COUNTRY 

Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” – Columbia Records

Kacey Musgraves – “Dry Spell” – Lost Highway/Interscope Records

Lainey Wilson – “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Broken Bow Records

Luke Combs – “Back in the Saddle” – Columbia Nashville

Shaboozey – “Cowgirl” – American Dogwood/EMPIRE

Stella Lefty – “Boston” – Sandlot/Atlantic Outpost 

Tucker Wetmore – “Brunette” – Back Blocks Music/MCA/Mercury Records

BEST DIRECTION

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records

GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island

Taylor Swift – “Opalite” – Republic Records

BEST ART DIRECTION

Charli xcx – “SS26” – Atlantic Records

Lady Gaga & Doechii – “RUNWAY” – Lil Monsters/Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records/Capitol Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

SOMBR – “My Body Isn’t Ready” – SMB Music/Warner Records

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

A$AP Rocky – “PUNK ROCKY” – A$AP Worldwide/RCA Records

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Shaboozey – “Cowgirl” – American Dogwood/EMPIRE

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

BEST EDITING

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

Bruno Mars – “I Just Might” – Atlantic Records

LISA – “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi” – Lloud Co./ RCA Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Sabrina Carpenter – “House Tour” – Island

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

GENER8ION – “STORM starring Yung Lean” – Iconoclast Music

Harry Styles – “Dance No More” – Columbia Records

KATSEYE – “PINKY UP” – HYBE x Geffen Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

Tate McRae – “Nobody’s Girl” – RCA Records

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me” – Republic Records

JISOO X ZAYN – “Eyes Closed” – Warner Records

Madonna – “Confessions II – The Film” – Warner Records

PinkPantheress – “Stateside + Zara Larsson” – Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records

RAYE ft. Hans Zimmer – “Click Clack Symphony.” – Human Re Sources

Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia” – Republic Records

NOMINEES IN NUMERICAL ORDER

(**) = First-time nominee

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Today is day two of the trial of Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis, accused of orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996.

Today we are expected to hear continued testimony from prosecution witnesses, including police, witnesses and possibly family members.

On Monday, both sides laid out their cases: Prosecutors said Davis’ own statements are proof of their accusations, while the defense argue that none of those statements were verified or made as part of the investigation.

After the opening statements, one woman who said she heard the gunshots spoke from the stand, followed by several former officers from both the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department who spoke about their investigations.

That statement contradicts previous comments from Davis in which he said he was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, which pulled up side-by-side with Shakur’s, before the September 1996 shooting near the Las Vegas Strip. Marion “Suge” Knight, the then-head of Death Row Records, was driving the car with Shakur sitting in the passenger seat.

Davis said he granted interviews and admitted involvement in the murder in a book to make money.

LIVE UPDATES

He says he had security outside the hospital room of Tupac Shakur while he fought for his life. Stayed in Vegas for one week after Tupac passed, received his ashes, & delivered them. Prosecutor: Did you have anything to do with the murder of Tupac Shakur? Wright: Absolutely not.

Calls James McDonald like his brother. Has known him for 50+ years. Recalls when he says he learned that Tupac Shakur was shot. He says he was in Club 662 at the time. Says he headed to UMC. People started gathering there. Went back to house of Suge Knight to get his home secure.

Says he received advice from attorney about no weapons, not to carry firearms the night of Tupac’s murder.

662..spells MOB (when you dial on phone), meaning Members of Bloods. Re: Club 662.

He meaning Tupac.

Discussing the Soul Train Music Awards in 1996. Had entourage of about 50 people. Wright says he pulled a firearm. Davis shaking his head when Wright says he was there.

Discussing “Hit em Up,” Wright agrees he is aggressively expressing feelings toward Bad Boy Records. They added security.

WITNESS Reggie Wright Jr.: Father was Compton PD Lt. He was a police officer also & retired in 1996. Says he is in wheelchair as a result of COVID. Was head of security for Death Row Records. Heard of Keffe D. “At one point he was known as a crackhead.” Then a drug dealer.

Juror question: “Did Reggie Wright Jr instruct security not to have guns?” Says he did have guns that night.

Sanft touches on the subpoena. He confirms he was forced to be here. Says he’s here because he has grandkids and didn’t want to run. “Treat me as a hostile witness…” “Was I in the entourage when Tupac got shot? No.”

He is clearly upset and does not want to answer some questions. “When we got back to Compton, it was a gang war…” He is upset & going back & forth with Sanft. To Davis: “Talk to your lawyer, man. This dude is trippin.” This is the first witness where the testimony is heated.

Cross-examination from Michael Sanft: Says he told prosecutors he had nothing to do with this. Metro police were “posted up” that night, meaning they were everywhere. Reggie was watching over Suge Knight’s people. His security was separate. Says he was not present at the shooting.

Says you would have to retaliate…if someone disrespects you… “living that life.” “I put myself in the situation to protect something and somebody…did it for a paycheck….I’m older now, I get it….”

“A lot of things happened that night… Me or anyone else bringing up the dead is wrong… A lot of people got hurt by this situation in & of itself…” Says he’s 61. Bringing back people like him…”you better treat me like a hostile witness.” This is after a question about Orlando.

Learned that night Tupac got shot. Suge came back with a bandage on his head after the shooting. He says Reggie Wright Jr. had nothing to do with Tupac Shakur’s murder. The prosecutor asked about conspiracy theories that Reggie had something to do with it.

9/7/96: was in Las Vegas. His job was to make sure “nothing funny happened” at Club 662. They were the fall guys. Concerned about people… like Crips… coming and causing issues… Reggie Wright Jr.’s job that night was to make sure he didn’t get in trouble.

Points to the situation between record companies, not gangs…says some people got mixed up in it…did almost anything to get a paycheck, especially if they had just gotten out of prison. Death Row Records vs. Bad Boy Records. On both sides…a lot of tension.

Role in Death Row Records: If something happened, Suge would have you take care of that. Suge relied on him to protect his roster of music artists. “Anytime you deal with gang life, there’s gonna be violence at any given time.”

WITNESS: James McDonald, also known as MOB James. Headed security for Club 662. Prosecutor made it clear he did not come to testify voluntarily.

Says police immediately put cones on them. Suggest weapon was Glock 40. On radio: potential suspect vehicle to look for: call initiating code red at 11:17 pm—possible white or light-colored Cadillac with 2 occupants. Update about 12:45 a.m.: white Cadillac, good condition, 4 males.

Pic of cones on road. Exhibit 129 (how this is labeled): package of cartridge cases. Checked for fingerprints. Negative results. He opens envelope. Appears to be seven: Flattened cartridge cases. Several have damage. Misshapen. “This is actually the closest I’ve seen them”

Police were able to determine where several cartridge cases came from due to the street… Placed cones on top of cartridge cases to protect them. One for sure, maybe more were already run over by traffic. Popped flares on the number 3 travel lane where cartridge cases were located.

9/7/96: he was out with gang members, heard about shots fired & a code red on radio. Code red means no other radio traffic… keep radio traffic to minimum…waiting for updates from initial officer, sacred thing, you don’t break the code red. Responded to Koval & Flamingo.

WITNESS: Dean O’Kelley, deputy marshal in district court with judge here. Was a Las Vegas Metro police officer. Started in September 1991, retired July 2012. For almost 8 1/2 years, investigated cold case homicides. 1996: worked in gang unit at Metro, enforcement team.

He worked at Maxim Hotel near Koval & Flamingo. Cross-examination by Michael Sanft: Heidmeyer points to the map to specify locations. Said he saw a white Dodge Stratus, a black BMW behind it, a possible Lexus behind it, another vehicle, a white Chevy…about 10 Vehicles head toward strip

Saw the black BMW with vehicles near it. One man was armed, well-dressed…. He was not firing weapon, he had weapon in his hand, automatic pistol… He believed that person was the suspect. Police asked him which direction a caravan went & he pointed to the Las Vegas strip.

WITNESS William Heidmeyer: Security at nearby casino. Was investigating stolen vehicles on 9/7/96 with police.. “We just suddenly heard a lot of gunfire…” Prosecutor: How many shots? “It sounded like a lot” “It was a series of pops” He was armed and leaned over wall…

Rios: Anderson said a couple of guys who he didn’t know jumped him. Rios learns about shooting later than night and was asked to write a report about interaction with Anderson. Didn’t write report immediately since Anderson didn’t want to press charges.

WITNESS: Kenneth Rios, retired Las Vegas Metro police sergeant. 9/7/96: around 9 pm, working uniformed patrol at MGM. Had contact with Orlando Anderson. Rios is seen on video. Police thought Anderson was a victim. Rios asked if he needed medical assistance; he said he was fine.

Juror question about location of security person who wrote report about MGM incident.

During cross examination from Michael Sanft: I heard the Marshal tell a woman who is in here watching: “You can’t sketch the jury.”

During cross examination from Michael Sanft: I heard the Marshal tell a woman who is in here watching: “You can’t sketch the jury.”

This is video from inside the MGM. Crowd there for Mike Tyson fight.

WITNESS Michael Ingram, investigator for MGM Resorts. Surveillance video recorded on VHS in 1996. Prosecutor: “it appears victim of the beating was wearing that 13 Marino shirt” Ingram agrees. They are referring to Orlando Anderson, nephew of Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis.

Noting that during this portion where pics of the body of Tupac Shakur were shown, most family members of Tupac Shakur left the courtroom.

Jury question: were there any wounds to head? No. Jury question: were all bullets same caliber? She doesn’t know,

Cross examination from attorney Michael Sanft: Was anything missing in records? Gavin: No… She then notes: “we only took a few photos of his body at the time…”

Pic of projectile recovered from autopsy. Affidavit from Shakur’s mother indicating he was her son. Cause of death: gunshot wounds of chest and abdomen. Homicide.

Doctors did surgery and removed another projectile. Pic of right flank. Wound does not penetrate to body, possibly from projectile that hit something else, then hit body. Shakur had scars suggestive of previous gunshot wounds. Back of right hand: gunshot wound on ring finger.

Bullet entered right side of chest, went across right lung. Projectile recovered. This wound collapsed lung & caused lung to bleed. Removed lung to try to save him. Bleeding out in area from injury. Entrance gunshot wound in right thigh. Went up to abdomen, damaged intestines.

Shown: Pic of toe tag for Tupac Shakur. Graphic pic of the body of Tupac Shakur. Photos show evidence of medical intervention – meaning doctors tried to save his life. Facial pic. Another pic of his body. THUG LIFE tattoo on his stomach. Gunshot wound, right side of chest.

WITNESS Dr. Lisa Gavin: forensic pathologist medical examiner in Clark County. Practicing here for 30 years. Was in medical school in 1996. Reviewed case file, autopsy report for Tupac Shakur, etc.. Medical examiner who did autopsy died. Gavin is giving her expert opinion.

WITNESS Thomas Kern: works for Customs & Border Protection now. Worked as crime scene analyst for Las Vegas Metro police in 1996. Was present at autopsy of Tupac Shakur. Looked at photos to confirm they are legit. No cross examination.

Court resumes with the rest of the Monday’s recording of an interview Davis had with Fred Miller following the murder of Biggie Smalls.

S: 8 NEWS VEGAS

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