The event marked a live edition of the podcast, which has built an audience through discussions about hip-hop culture, current events, relationships, music, and life experiences. Organizers promoted the show as a chance for fans to experience the group’s conversations in person at the West Side venue. The live taping was presented in partnership with Playmaker and produced by The Oracle Media.

Throughout the evening, the four New York rappers and media personalities engaged in discussions on a wide range of subjects, mixing humor, storytelling, and commentary that has become one of the podcast’s most loved hallmarks.

With all four rappers being native New Yorkers, fans not only found the artists truly relatable, but it also made for an environment that reflected the show’s connection to the city being the original home where hip-hop culture began and thrived.

“This is more than a podcast; it’s a full New York hip-hop moment,” event organizers said in promotional materials ahead of the show.

The night was filled with amazing surprises as New York’s Hot 97 DJs Drewski and Mike Medium played a curated selection of fan favorites while attendees streamed into the venue, featuring tracks like Fabolous’ “Brooklyn Badness (WYFL Freestyle),” Maino’s “NY Love,” Dave East’s “It Gotta Be Me,” and Jim Jones’ “In the Car” from his latest album, “The Landlord.”

Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the range of local vendors, most notably the delicious Caribbean cuisine provided by R’SZN Caribbean Jerk Center which drew a long line before the taping began.

Following a short break, Maino, Dave East, and Jim Jones returned to the stage, but Fabolous was absent initially. He soon appeared in a new outfit, prompting playful bets among the co-hosts about his wardrobe change.

Once everyone was settled, they welcomed surprise co-host Remy Ma, thrilling the audience. The conversation was lively and humorous, touching on social media conflicts, communication styles in relationships, upcoming projects, and a funny traffic stop story involving Maino.

A truly touching highlight of the night was when the sons of Fabolous, Jim Jones, and Maino joined their dads on stage. The hosts shared how fatherhood changed their outlook, motivating them to create better lives and relationships for their children compared to their own experiences. Despite playfully calling their dads “haters,” the affection between each father-son pair was readily apparent.

The hosts engaged the audience with New York trivia and a “Most Likely To” game. Jim Jones challenged attendees to be the first to pull out a lip gloss or a durag, rewarding the winners with cash from his wallet. The night’s grand prize was tickets and access to the Emirates Lounge for a Knicks/Nets game next season.

To close the exciting evening, Maino and emerging Brooklyn artist MRG wowed the audience with a surprise performance of their new single “Feeling Good Today 2.” The night ended with the hosts thanking each other and their loyal fans for their ongoing support of the podcast and their individual endeavors.

The event was sponsored by McDonald’s, Morgan & Morgan, and 1800 Tequila. The episode recorded at Terminal 5 is expected to be released through the podcast’s regular distribution channels at a later date.

Listen to Let’s Rap About It on all major podcast platforms and tune in for new episodes every Friday at 12 p.m. EST on the podcast’s YouTube channel.

Words: Be’n Original | Feature/Header Image by Antoine DeBrill

The trailer reunites viewers with CIA operative Joe McNamara, played by Zoe Saldaña, as she faces a new mission while continuing to navigate the personal toll of her work. Returning cast members include Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade, Michael Kelly as Byron Westfield, and Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins.

According to Paramount+, the new season follows Joe as she confronts increasingly complex threats involving hidden networks, foreign operatives, and personal betrayals. The season has been described as Joe’s most personal mission yet, with the line between her professional responsibilities and home life continuing to blur.

The trailer highlights the emotional strain of the job, with Joe’s husband, Neal, expressing concern about the dangers surrounding their family. The footage also teases new covert operations, escalating violence, and high-stakes decisions as the Lioness program faces another dangerous assignment.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, “Lioness” debuted in 2023 and follows an elite CIA program that deploys female operatives undercover to combat terrorism and other national security threats. The series has become one of Paramount+’s flagship dramas.

Season 3 premieres Aug. 2 on Paramount+.

The comeback, reported as the largest in NBA Finals history, gave New York a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and moved the franchise within one victory of its first NBA championship since 1973.

The Knicks trailed by 29 points during a first half dominated by San Antonio. The Spurs appeared in control behind strong play from Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

New York responded after halftime with a surge fueled by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. Brunson scored 36 points and added seven assists, while Anunoby finished with 33 points and connected on seven 3-pointers.

The game came down to the final seconds. After a missed Brunson shot, Anunoby tipped the ball into the basket at the buzzer, sending the sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden into celebration.

Fans erupted as the final horn sounded, waving towels and chanting throughout the arena. The victory capped a night that drew a star-studded crowd and widespread attention across New York City.

The Knicks struggled early as San Antonio shot efficiently and built what appeared to be a commanding lead. But New York gradually cut into the deficit behind improved defense and timely shooting. By the fourth quarter, momentum had shifted completely.

Following the win, celebrations spilled into streets, bars, and public gathering spots across the city as fans celebrated a team now one victory away from ending a championship drought that has lasted more than five decades.

Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio, where the Knicks will have their first opportunity to clinch the NBA title.

The bakery specializing in high-end pastries announced its June menu under the theme “Limited Drops. Big Flavor. Made to Celebrate,” featuring a mix of traditional desserts and seasonal refreshments. The menu includes Biscoff Tres Leches, Coquito Cupcakes, Red Velvet Banana Pudding, and Flan.

To accompany the dessert offerings, Baked By Lís is serving two summer beverages: Hibiscus Lemonade and Piña Coco Lemonade.

The June collection is also reflective of cultural festivities happening throughout the month. The premium baked goods brand honors Juneteenth and the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

According to the company, all items are homemade, made from scratch, and prepared with an emphasis on celebration and community gatherings.

Bryant has stated menu items will be available throughout June, with pickup, local delivery, and shipping offered on select products while supplies last.

With June gatherings expected to bring families together across the region, the special menu provides a range of desserts and drinks designed for sharing at holiday meals, cookouts, and special celebrations. Customers are encouraged to place orders early while limited-release items remain available.

You can contact Baked by Lis via Instagram @_bakedbylis or visit www.bakedbylis.com.

The production follows Ashley Rae, an aspiring actress navigating the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as she awaits a breakthrough in her career. A life-changing callback sends her into the streets of Los Angeles, where a series of encounters forces her to reconsider what she is truly seeking.

The show is executive produced by Saint-Fleur and rapper, actor, and entrepreneur MC Lyte.

The production team recently expanded with the addition of Ignacio Navarro as stage manager, Shayla Hudson-Riggle as assistant director, and Eboni Price as director.

Price, whose career includes work in television and film, said the story’s themes resonate with a broad audience.

“One Way is an incredibly relatable piece for anyone who has dared to dream,” Price said. “I am excited to help bring this vision to life and to showcase Dot’s incredible talent through the complex characters the audience will meet on this journey.”

Hudson-Riggle brings more than three decades of experience across theater, television, film, and distribution. Navarro has worked extensively in theater and stand-up comedy productions throughout the Los Angeles area.

Organizers said the premiere performance at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in the Leimert Park neighborhood has sold out. Additional performance dates are expected to be announced in response to audience demand.

The production marks Saint-Fleur’s latest creative venture and highlights the continuing growth of independent theater productions in Los Angeles.

Facing the prospect of falling into a 3-0 hole, San Antonio responded with its most complete performance of the Finals. The Spurs overcame a second-quarter surge by New York and executed down the stretch to trim the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, delivering a dominant two-way effort after criticism following a late-game mistake in Game 2. Rookie guard Stephon Castle added 23 points, including key free throws in the closing seconds.

The Spurs built an early double-digit lead before the Knicks answered with a 42-point second quarter. New York erased a 12-point deficit and appeared to seize momentum heading into halftime. But San Antonio regrouped during the break and outplayed the Knicks in critical stretches of the second half.

OG Anunoby paced New York with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson finished with 11 field goals but struggled for efficiency and committed five turnovers. Karl-Anthony Towns was held to 11 points, and Mikal Bridges scored just two as the Knicks’ supporting cast failed to match its production from the first two games.

The Knicks’ offense sputtered late. New York shot poorly from three-point range in the fourth quarter and was unable to generate enough quality looks against a Spurs defense anchored by Wembanyama.

San Antonio’s victory snapped New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak and restored intrigue to a series that had appeared to be slipping away from the Spurs after two narrow home losses.

“We went into attack mode,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the game, describing the mindset his team adopted entering the must-win contest.

Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where the Spurs will attempt to even the series and the Knicks will seek to move within one win of their first NBA championship since 1973.

Watch the highlights from Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on YouTube.

The rapper and entrepreneur will perform Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Stade de France in Paris and Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, according to an announcement made Tuesday.

The shows come after JAŸ-Z’s appearance at The Roots Picnic, where his performance drew attention from fans and critics alike.

Tickets for both concerts will be available through presale programs beginning Thursday, June 11. General ticket sales will start Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. local time through Live Nation.

In Los Angeles, Citi cardmembers will have access to a presale beginning Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. local time and continuing through 10 p.m. local time. The presale is available through the Citi Entertainment program.

In Paris, Mastercard cardholders will have access to a special presale beginning Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. local time and ending at 10 p.m. local time.

The newly announced dates are:

— Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 — Stade de France, Paris

— Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Additional information about ticket sales and presale programs is available through the respective ticketing and cardholder platforms.

The project was announced Tuesday through a joint Instagram post featuring the mixtape’s first teaser trailer and a pre-save link, ending weeks of speculation fueled by social media interactions between the two artists.

Resurrection pairs one of contemporary music’s most influential producers with an artist entering a new phase of her career. The mixtape is expected to showcase Chlöe’s continued growth as a performer, songwriter, and self-taught producer while drawing on Timbaland’s track record of innovative production and artist development.

Timbaland has spent decades shaping the sound of popular music, producing hit records and helping define pivotal moments in the careers of artists including Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, and Nelly Furtado. His work has been marked by experimentation and a willingness to push artists into new creative territory.

For Chlöe, the mixtape arrives during a busy period that has included a well-received medley performance at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards and the premiere of her upcoming film, Strung, at the American Black Film Festival. The film is scheduled to begin streaming on Peacock on June 26.

The release of Resurrection also marks Chlöe’s return to the music spotlight as she continues to expand her work across music, film, and production. The collaboration with Timbaland positions the artist at the intersection of established industry influence and a new creative direction.

Additional details about the mixtape, including its tracklist and featured guests, have not yet been announced.

You can pre-save a copy of Resurrection today.

The Ramp Your Voice! Conference was created to center Black disabled voices and experiences. What gap did you see in existing advocacy, leadership, and disability spaces that made this conference necessary?

There aren’t many spaces exclusively for us to commune and showcase who we are. I wanted to create something that displays our talents: a more holistic approach for a conference setting. My intention is clear—we are a diverse community, and we deserve to embrace that.  

One of the conference’s goals is to shift narratives about Black disabled people by highlighting joy, power, and leadership. Why is it important to move beyond conversations that focus solely on barriers and challenges?

We are more than the barriers and challenges thrusted upon us in/by society. It’s a selfish desire of mine to know who is a part of this community; each time we host this event, I learn of new people whose gifts and voices wow me. Black disabled people aren’t just the statistics we know of; we’re a powerful group of people in this world.  

Black disabled leaders often drive social change while facing chronic underfunding and exclusion from decision-making spaces. What structural changes would you like institutions, funders, and policymakers to make to address this imbalance?

In an anti-DEI political climate, it is imperative now more than ever for funders, institutions, and policymakers to support marginalized people’s bodies of work. Complicity from these entities by refusing or being fearful to boldly and publicly support such work is a mark of cowardice. Those like myself who dare to steadfastly continue creating and debuting work that spotlights ALL people will remember those who were spiritless in showing solidarity. I know who my true allies/co-conspirators are; those are the individuals and entities that will have my support whenever this political climate shifts. And trust, a shift will happen.  

The conference aims to create a national stage for Black disabled brilliance. What are some examples of leadership, innovation, or expertise within the community that you believe deserve greater recognition?

What deserves greater recognition are the ways we can show up outside of speaking on the disparities we face. We have Black disabled people whose creativity knows no bounds. This conference intentionally centers the essence of Black disabled women, femmes, and MaGes (marginalized genders) persons because we will not get to any form of liberation and freedom without them. There’s not enough highlighting the non-men and non-cishet folks in the disability community in general, much less disabled Black non-men and non-cishet people. This space is an example of not just the importance of doing so, but that it’s crucial so that we ALL feel represented in disabled storytelling and creativity.  

This conference brings together leaders, artists, professionals, students, and allies. What opportunities emerge when Black disabled people from different generations and sectors are able to connect in one space?

I love learning about people and what they do that makes their heart sing. There’s nothing greater than seeing a person be “in their bag.” I also want to offer a diverse viewing of Black disabled folks across the diaspora because I know there’s so much we can learn from each other. We may be in different parts of the globe, but there’s connective tissue that binds us as a people that we mustn’t forget exists. This conference is my small way of gently reminding us of this truth.

Creativity and artistry are central themes of the event. How do art, storytelling, and cultural expression help advance disability justice and social change?

Art, storytelling, and cultural expression are the way we as a people have survived on this planet; it’s our way of boldly declaring, “I was here. We are here. “Art, in all its forms, is a sustaining force that defies time and barriers. And sometimes, our art is the one thing we can fully control and own. I am amazed at the creativity and expressiveness of our speakers and performers and am humbled to be a witness to their human essence. Also, art, and the mere act of creativity, are profound parts of the social movements seen in this country and abroad. Art is the recordkeeper of our human experience and existence; without it, what would we have to adequately learn from the past as we live in the present?  

The conference aims to create a national stage for Black disabled brilliance. What are some examples of leadership, innovation, or expertise within the community that you believe deserve greater recognition?

What deserves greater recognition are the ways we can show up outside of speaking on the disparities we face. We have Black disabled people whose creativity knows no bounds. This conference intentionally centers the essence of Black disabled women, femmes, and MaGes (marginalized genders) persons because we will not get to any form of liberation and freedom without them. There’s not enough highlighting the non-men and non-cishet folks in the disability community in general, much less disabled Black non-men and non-cishet people. This space is an example of not just the importance of doing so, but that it’s crucial so that we ALL feel represented in disabled storytelling and creativity.  

As the founder of Ramp Your Voice!, how has your own advocacy journey shaped the vision and programming for this year’s conference?

I enjoy meeting new people and learning from them, which is how the idea for the conference was birthed. For this year, I want us to remember the past as we live in the present. I’m a history nerd; I love learning about the stories and people who existed decades and centuries before me. There’s a lot of answers and reminders in reviewing history and the people of that timeframe that I geek out about; we just have to be wise enough to catch those gems of inspiration and lessons learned.  Remembering those who came before us, those who have transitioned into the ancestral realm, and those who are still here continuing the mission of the movement, all have a place to live in our psyche, and honestly – should be in our consciousness.  Learning of Black disabled leaders of the past means that I can speak their names and take a bit of their focus/mission with me as I create my own impact. That’s what this year’s theme and programming reflect—realizing that we each have something of value to give that is undeniably valuable in these times and for the next course of history that will unfold beyond us.    

The event seeks to build a stronger pipeline of Black disabled leadership. What advice would you offer to young Black disabled people who want to become advocates, organizers, creators, or community leaders?

Dare to speak AND live in your truth. Learn of the Black disabled leaders across social movements—their impact can act as a blueprint for you to carve out your own lane in this space and time. Importantly, remain curious by seeking knowledge wherever it may appear. No one knows everything, but one can always be open to learning new information or updating what they may already know when presented with new data. Lastly, find your people who get you, beyond the work. This work is important, but you’re more than any title(s) you possess or are given. Explore yourself, explore the world around you, and be open to discovering things about yourself you didn’t know needed to bloom.  

The conference will contribute to a living archive of Black disabled stories and expertise. Why is documenting these experiences important, and what can future generations learn from them?

We live in a time where disabled people have the full ability to create more authentic stories than ever before. That ability alone reshapes the ableist narratives that have persisted for decades—even centuries—about what it means to be disabled in society. Events like the Ramp Your Voice! Conference pushes back on these outdated descriptions and paints a truer, newer record that will be a testament of who we are and how we lived in this moment. Again, that recordkeeping will be instrumental for the future generations to have—in both their learning and movement-building capacities necessary for their respective time periods.

Looking beyond June 5, what would success look like for the Ramp Your Voice! Conference, both in terms of immediate impact and its long-term influence on disability advocacy and social justice movements?

We hope that the day spent together offers a sense of respite for our attendees. Living in a time where so much chaos can occur on any given day, it’s nice to have healthy “escapes” or reminders that things can, and should, be different. That there’s more to this human experience than hardships; there’s hope, creativeness, and community to be soaked up by us all. I want this body of work to influence us all to gather together, however we can, because we need each other. Communal spaces—online and in-person—are how we will survive and thrive, and this event is a gentle nudge for us to create and be a part of these kinds of offerings. 

Be’n Original

The backlash emerged after reports and online discussions highlighted Big Sean among a group of celebrities backing Pratt’s candidacy. Pratt, best known for his role on MTV’s “The Hills” has built a campaign around criticism of Los Angeles leadership and has gained attention through viral videos and celebrity endorsements.

Several social media users questioned Big Sean’s support, with posts on Threads expressing surprise and disappointment over the rapper’s association with Pratt’s campaign. One widely shared post read, “Just found out Big Sean is supporting Spencer Pratt for mayor,” while another asked whether reports of the endorsement were true.

The criticism reflects broader divisions surrounding Pratt’s candidacy. While the reality television personality has attracted support from a range of entertainers and public figures, his campaign has also generated opposition from critics who argue he lacks governing experience and object to his political positions.

Pratt’s campaign has gained momentum in recent months, fueled by voter frustration over issues including homelessness, public safety, and the city’s response to the 2025 wildfires. The candidate has positioned himself as a political outsider challenging the city’s establishment leadership.

Reports published during the campaign identified Big Sean as one of several celebrities publicly backing Pratt, alongside figures from entertainment, media, and sports.

Neither Big Sean nor Pratt immediately responded to the latest wave of criticism discussed online. No public statement from Big Sean addressing the backlash was located as of Monday.

The debate over celebrity endorsements has become a recurring theme in the Los Angeles mayoral race, where Pratt’s growing list of supporters and detractors has helped keep the campaign in the national spotlight.