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How Tony Farmer went from high school star, to jail meme, back to NBA hopeful

Like any casino list, life has a habit of showing us that at any moment, any decision you make can impact your entire existence. Sometimes these decisions are as clear as day while other times you might never see it coming.

Either way, these decisions can make or break someone’s entire life.

A young man from Cleveland, Ohio named Tony Farmer had to experience the impact of his decisions back in 2012.

Playing for Garfield Heights High School, Farmer was a star player

During his time on the team Farmer was a 4-star recruit and ranked one of the top #100 high school players in the U.S. The 6’7″ small forward had a bright future as the talent was definitely there.

The 17-year-old prospect was on the road to success until an incident involving him and his ex-girlfriend became violent. Farmer was charged with domestic abuse and kidnapping after he was caught on video harming his ex.

Then he became the infamous “BRUH” meme

It was clear he committed the crime and at that point, was at the mercy of the judge. The victim herself testified against Farmer but pleaded that he not be sent to jail. The judge ultimately decided that Tony Farmer would serve three years in prison for his crimes.

Just like that, Farmer’s future was decided. The possibility of college was no more and jail would become his reality for the next 3 years of his life.

Farmer was wrong and as a young Black man, he should have known better. In the world we live in, second chances aren’t for those who look like him or me.

Instead of making a good decision Farmer allowed himself to become much more vulnerable to getting his future stripped away.

The judge wanted to teach Tony a lesson and Judge Pamela Barker did just that. Other cases of similar age and severity are handled much differently when circumstances change.

Brock Turner, the Stanford swimmer who sexually assaulted a young woman, was given six-months jail time because it was his first offense. Ethan Couch killed four people in a drunk driving accident and was given 10 years of probation with zero jail time.

The deciding factor in these cases is that Ethan and Brock are white with money while Farmer is neither.

By no means are Farmer’s actions defensible. He was wrong and should be punished for his decisions. My point is that as a young person of color, the system is set up to strip you of your opportunities at a whim.

In an unexplained rage Farmer ruined his life. In teaching him a lesson, Judge Pamela Barker ruined his opportunities.

In June of 2015 Farmer was released from prison. Soon after getting out he began playing basketball for Lee College. The fact that he came out of prison and was able to put himself right back in the game is incredible.

As a freshman in 2015-16 Farmer averaged 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. In his second season, he bumped those numbers up to 17.4 points, 9.5 boards and 3.2 assists a game.

Although having a rough start, Farmer has taken back his dreams. Within five years he’s been a top high school athlete, sentenced to prison, and an All-Conference collegiate player. He’s proved his worth and is definitely still balling out.

His story serves as a reminder that young men of color will have to work harder than others. As much as that statement hurts it has to be taken as fact.

After a life-ruining decision Tony Farmer proved he would not give up. His resilience along with his skill proves him to be a valuable player for any professional team.

How Toronto producer The Lab Cook forged connections to reach the top

Music is a young man’s game. The sound of hip-hop is constantly evolving and the kids are at the forefront, shaping that sound.

Rich Forever’s in-house producer The Lab Cook is one of the newer artists leading that charge. Producing for acts like Jaden Smith, A$AP Ferg, and Famous Dex, Cook is blowing up.

Take the whole cake fuck a slice 🎂

A post shared by Producer • Rich Forever Music (@thelabcook) on

Every beat from The Lab Cook sounds fresh and unique.

Mixing together smooth melodies with banging 808s makes for some of the hardest and interesting music you’ll ever have the pleasure of hearing.

His smash hit “Rich Forever Outro/Intro” has garnered over 16 million views on YouTube. But his beat for the smash hit “Plug Walk” on Rich The Kid’s latest album is by far his most successful track to date.

Dreamed of this 💿

A post shared by Producer (@thelabcook) on

Kulture Hub caught up with the Toronto producer to learn more about his hustle in the music industry and his plans to take over the game.

Cook, who is only 20 years old, started making beats in his senior year of High School. He got into production with the help of his friend,

“I was intrigued by the idea of making beats one day and I wanted to see how it was done. I actually had a friend from school who made beats and he introduced me to FL Studio.”

From there began The Lab Cook’s grind. Within a couple months he was working with local artists from his hometown of Toronto. His persistence and talent ultimately propelled his platform and gave him the ability to reach more ears. Cook started networking and trying to get his beats to anyone possible,

“I just started to DM people on Instagram, sending videos of my beats. Just hitting up anyone and everyone. Now I have a lot more connections in the industry so it’s less of a hassle to get beats around. About a year in is when I started getting some more well known industry artists to fuck with me.”

And fuck with him they did.

The Lab Cook holds credits on some of the most creative joints out there. His crowing achievement however is the work he’s put in on Rich The Kid’s Rich Forever label. Producing 7 tracks on Rich The Kid’s 11 track mixtape Rich Forever 3, Lab Cook proves he’s no joke.

Cook is signed to Rich Forever along with Famous Dex and Jay Critch. He told us about how he initially linked up with the label,

“I had linked up with Rich at the time he was bringing up his label movement. I had started working with Famous Dex first and him and Rich recorded on one of my beats. I heard a snippet on the internet. It was a crazy feeling to have them both on a song. Rich just started fucking with me after that. A couple months later I woke up to a twitter DM from Rich saying I want you on my label.”

THE WORLD IS YOURS OUT NOW 🌎💿 #1 It’s ⏰

A post shared by Producer (@thelabcook) on

DM’s have proved very fruitful for the young producer but there’s more to the man’s work ethic than a strong social media presence.

Cook believes in a vision, a vision of being the top producer in the game. He knows exactly what it takes to reach his goal, now it’s all about the process,

“I have a vision [of] being a top producer in the game. When you have a vision like that it gives you motivation to do whatever it takes, the rest is just dedication and hard work.”

That hard work usually requires sacrifice and Cook isn’t shy about recognizing what he needs to remove from his life in return for success. The dedication he talks about comes in all sorts of forms, whether it’s working late nights or finding alternative ways to spread his brand.

It’s easy to say you have a vision, but Cook takes it a step further to be proactive in his chase of success.

“Long hours and late nights is a lot of it. Keeping up with what’s going on in the hip-hop world, reading the business side of things. Mainly it’s just focusing on me and what I’ve got going on, whether it’s not going out on weekends or turning down a night out. A lot of my priorities have changed in the last year or two.”

Along with production credits on countless songs, The Lab Cook has put a series of drum kits on sale for other aspiring producers.

Cook released a kit on Vyvydaudio.com featuring all original sounds created by the man himself. Staying ahead of the curve and recognizing the market immediately, he used his skills to provide a much needed service.

“I decided a few months back I wanted to make a drum kit. I like to create a lot of the sounds I use. I don’t use a lot of recycled sounds. My Vol. 2 is done, it will be for sale soon.”

This is all a part of the larger hustle needed in the music industry. Whether laying down a track or putting together a drum kit, The Lab Cook puts in the same energy as he would anything else.

Instead of being passive about his work, he knows he has to go out and take what he wants. Even though his passion is music, Cook is aware of every aspect of the business he needs to hone in on to truly achieve greatness.

“The main thing you need is to have a ‘workful’ mindset. You need a drive to go out and go get it. Definitely making connections is huge and perfecting your craft at the same time. Learn the business. Be a smart business person.

The Lab Cook is all in on his goals. Whatever it is you’re into, do that shit to the best of your ability, study your craft to the fullest, and make vital connections along the way.

5 pieces of advice from A$AP Rocky on how to strive and prosper

Always strive and prosper.

The A$AP abbreviation was brought to us back when A$AP Rocky dropped his single “Peso” in 2011. Since then he’s dropped two #1 albums, modeled for top brands, and collaborated with the world’s biggest musical artists and fashion designers.

The A$AP pioneer has done well for himself as well as for the other members of the Mob. The Harlem-born rapper with box braids proves that the world is his. With hard work and persistence A$AP has become an empire because of Rocky’s groundwork.

Today marks Lord Pretty Flacko’s 29th birthday. Whether it be setting trends or bodying a verse, Flacko always manages to be unique.

To celebrate another year of A$AP Rocky we’ve put together a guide on how the Harlem rapper manages to always strive and prosper.

“You know who you are, do you”

https://giphy.com/gifs/asap-rocky-teUaqEHLlKWhW

“Know who you are. Be you, and I’m me. I’m happy being me. It feel good to be me right now, man. Straight up.”

A$AP Rocky doesn’t waste any time trying to be something he’s not. Being comfortable in you is knowing that you’re capable of succeeding as you are. To know who you are is to know your worth.

By being himself, Rocky was able to succeed and when you win on your own merit it makes that win so much sweeter.


“Don’t discriminate against anybody, ’cause we’re all one generation”

Asap Rocky GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

“I want to be the first guy to help people accept everybody for who they are. I’m talking about colors, religions, sex, everybody. My music is for everybody, it’s not just for one kind of group.”

Rocky may be the first rapper to yell “fuck racism” as he did on stage a couple weeks ago.

Any form of hate or discrimination is just limiting yourself to a million experiences. Everyone is unique and everyone has a story, it’s up to you to embrace it.

“I treat everybody equal, and so I want to be sure that my listeners and my followers do the same if they’re gonna represent me.”


“Nowadays, everybody wanna be weird. We know how to manifest being weird”

https://giphy.com/gifs/asap-rocky-mob-vsvp-eNHuMVl435yWA

“When we came in our concern wasn’t with being the dopest n***** outta New York or being the most successful…we just was on doing our own thing — we wasn’t trying to do what everybody else was doing. ”

People like A$AP Rocky were part of the wave of rappers who embraced their weird side. Uniqueness has to be authentic and A$AP found a way to market what makes them different.

When you can channel who you are and pursue your truth you’ll be able to sell yourself and outshine the fake.


“There’s not really much somebody can say to me to bring down my confidence or anything”

https://giphy.com/gifs/asap-rocky-ferg-shabba-ranks-6TptWOUe60Awg

“I’m too conceited. We don’t need the whole world to be full of themselves but it works for me. No one else looks like this. That’s what makes me so special.”

The Harlem rapper didn’t get to where he is today by not believing he was a jiggy motherfucker. His level of confidence shows through all his music. He calls himself gorgeous, beautiful, and all the above.

When you’re sure of yourself there’s nothing that anyone can say that will deter you from your goal. Outside factors play a very little role in Rocky’s life and by doing so he’s put himself in a place where not many have been before.


“I want people to know I put everything into my art, I put it before myself”

https://giphy.com/gifs/middle-finger-asap-rocky-fuck-you-xrBNab3or28x2

“Not being seen for 2 years…creating. Not putting out any projects, this is just me creating and trying to evolve myself.”

Rocky has always been on a different wave when it came to his personal music.

Never chasing a trend or specific sound, he’s always managed to make unique art unlike anything else.

Without knocking business practices other artists may use, Rocky makes it clear that he is in this business for something else.

Here’s how A$AP Mob took their squad and created a global empire

The new trailer for Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ will get you insanely hype

If you weren’t excited about the Black Panther movie before, this new trailer will change your mind.

The upcoming Marvel movie set to release Feb. 16 just got a new trailer showcasing its world and all the wildness happening in it.

This will be the 18th movie in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, set to focus on Black Panther and his home in Wakanda.

Everything about this movie makes me believe it’s about to be fire.

The cast, the director, the characters, even the Vince Staples song over the trailer proves it so. Also this is about to be the most people of color in a Marvel movie ever.

No disrespect to Falcon (I had to look up his name, I thought it was Eagle) and War Machine but Black Panther is not with that sidekick shit, he’s the king of a nation.

After watching the new trailer about 20 times all I can think about is why I’m excited for this movie.

The stacked cast of Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Angela Bassett, and Andy Serkis is nothing but flex. Boseman, who’s set to play Black Panther, has played Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall in the past.

With past roles like that you already know Boseman is about to kill this role. Directing the cast will be Ryan Coogler who’s noted for making Creed and Fruitvale Station. Coogler was also the guy who interviewed J.Cole on stage back in 2016. Coogler worked with Michael B. Jordan on Creed and Fruitvale and the pairing is always great, this time should be no different. 

The movie features some extremely interesting characters and a whole new world, which definitely helps out the already strong cast. From the little we’ve seen of Black Panther we already know he’s a savage.

The character’s debut in Civil War was nothing but gangsta, while everyone was throwing shields and lasers, Black Panther gave straight hands.

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger – Black Panther’s opposing force – looks ready to kill everyone and everything. Jordan likened the beef between the two to Magneto and Professor X’s rivalry, only more hands.

The trailer looks lit, the cast looks lit, this movie just looks lit.

#TBT to some of your favorite rappers’ first music videos (Part 2)

We’re back again celebrating this Throwback Thursday with 10 more of your favorite rappers’ first videos.

Like before, we’re taking a look into the foundation that you’re favorite artists like Nicki Minaj and Drake were built on. You could say we’re clowning these artists but hey, I didn’t tell them to look like that.

Some of these songs are good and some of these songs are trash but one thing they have in common is they’re all hilarious to see.

These videos serve as a reminder that no one starts off lit. Artists have to earn their flame, it isn’t there right out the gate.

Without further ado here’s 10 of your favorite rappers’ first music videos:

Big Sean

In this video we have a 14-year-old Big Sean raising awareness to the dangers of sex and drug use. Before getting into the video my son even got a nice little news segment to speak on the issues.

“Too many of these rappers are using sex for sale-” BOY DON’T YOU HAVE A SONG WHERE THE HOOK IS “ASS ASS ASS ASS ASS ASS”?

Jokes aside, as a grown man obviously his perspective has changed since he was 14. That doesn’t make him and his little clean bean self any less hilarious.

The song is actually really dope for a 14-year-old, he sounds great even rapping about abstinence and being drug free.


Denzel Curry

All this video tells me is that Denzel Curry is relatable as fuck. Clips of him playing the Naruto video game, skateboarding, and feeling badass in a Halloween mask just scream youth.

The Florida rapper has evolved in about 100 different ways since this video but even in his innocence the man was still spitting. It isn’t the most polished song ever but he’s dropping bars, can’t hate on that.


Nicki Minaj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MItv-PTKaE

Oh y’all thought Nicki couldn’t rap? Hov said it best “If skills sold, truth be told, I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli. Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense but I did 5 mill’ – I ain’t been rhyming like Common since”

This is Nicki in her purest form. Straight from Queens, real raw, rapping over a Biggie beat.

The surgery jokes are lame at this point, can we just acknowledge how she completely bodied this track?


Childish Gambino

Before Donald Glover realized he was amazing at everything he was spitting bars on “Freaks and Geeks.” This song is essential nerd rap but that’s not discrediting Gambino because he was really spitting.

The evolution of Gambino from this video to seeing him win Emmys and make albums like Awaken My Love is incredible. We don’t get a lot of goofy Gambino anymore so enjoy it while it’s here.


Danny Brown

First of all, peep the swag. Danny Brown was on his real dope boy shit in this video.

I love finding gems like this because it proves that Danny Brown was always nice. Danny’s never been a phony and that shows through this video. Grimy, dirty, and raw as fuck.


ScHoolboy Q

ScHoolboy Q is my favorite rapper. This video shows exactly why. My boy was broke as fuck and he made sure it showed.

Before “Collard Greens” and “tHat Part,” Q was making survival music. If you know what it feels like to be poor you feel this music video personally.

This was before he got fat too, Q been through about 20 transformations throughout the years.


Tyga

I remember hearing this song all the time, this is legitimately the first time I realized it was Tyga. T-Raw has never been afraid of being corny and in turn he’s made some real hits.

Everyone looks stupid before they get money and Tyga isn’t safe from that rule. The video isn’t anything special, pretty par for the course in 2008. Sheesh… realizing Tyga has been in the game for 10 years just feels weird to me.


G Herbo & Lil Bibby

This video is a classic, deadass. I remember being in high school not understanding how Lil Bibby looked like that with a voice like that. The two artists have elevated way past what anyone would have thought and this is the video that started it all.

This video was kind of like a perfect storm. During the peak of Chicago’s drill scene these two came in with bars throughout the whole track shaking up the format their city created.

A young G Herbo and Lil Bibby made an accidental hit, which ended up getting sampled by Nicki Minaj a few years later.


Drake

Has there ever been a glo up more impressive than Drake’s? I almost forgot how the giant blazer with jeans and sneakers was a thing back then.

Drake is now hip-hop’s biggest star and he’s been in his own lane from the start. This video caters to the women who ultimately put Drake where he is today.

The song is fire too and if you had Myspace you’ve heard this shit once or twice.

Mogul Talk: Diddy wants to buy the NFL and allow freedom of expression

Diddy has enough money to buy you and your family about four or five times over. It’s no secret that the hip-hop mogul is the richest man in music and deservingly so. Today he’s back in the headlines threatening to buy some shit but this might be a purchase we’ll all benefit from.

Last night Diddy quote-tweeted “Facts” on a tweet made by Keith Boykin which said “Black players are 70% of the NFL. We have the power to defend Colin Kaepernick and Jemele Hill from the forces that would silence them.”

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917875104541020160

That statement is pure facts and apparently sparked Puffy’s activist flame as he continued on Twitter to stand against recent NFL drama. For those unaware, there has been controversy surrounding NFL players and their choice to sit out the national anthem. Although originally meant to protest police brutality, Trump made it about disrespecting the flag and since then things have gotten out of hand.

Protest is a part of free speech, which is what makes America great, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t agree. Reports say that Goodell will put rules in place to require players to stand for the anthem.

With the world going mad we look to Diddy to save us. After his “Facts” tweet, he went on to demand the opportunity to buy the NFL, expressing his dreams to own the league Diddy promised a league that endorses freedom of speech.

Peep his tweets below.

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917903094708690944

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917903336464109568

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917903491330445313

And my favorite ending to a Twitter thread ever.

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917903563527016448

Now obviously the NFL isn’t ‘for sale’ but the message still stands. Instead of playing for people who couldn’t relate to a social struggle if it hit them in the face, Puffy wants to bring the players into an environment of support.

Diddy also took time to big up Eminem for his freestyle last night at the BET Hip-Hop awards. The freestyle was a big (deserving) fuck you aimed at Donald Trump leaving the president ethered.

https://twitter.com/diddy/status/917974771341692931

Maybe Diddy can’t buy the NFL yet, but with more and more people in power coming out against assholes we’ll surely be seeing progress soon.

Kulture Hub’s 8 tracks to get hype to at the gym, the turn up, or at the crib

Everyone has their own playlist to get them in the right mood for a fight, a game, a party, or a session at the gym and over here at Kulture Hub we’re no different.

Getting hype is a universal mood, and it’s a mood we love to be in.

Whether it be at the club or in your house, that turnt energy always brings people together. How can anyone have beef while you’re in a line swag surfing with your favorite people?!

In honor of getting lit, each of us chose our favorite song that goes hard as fuck, peep our choices below.

Meek Mill – “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_yT5LVf5G0

Justin Moreno: This is one of those essential house party songs.

When that beat switches up you gotta go crazy. No sane person can hear this song and not scream “HOLD ON WAIT A MINUTE Y’ALL THOUGHT I WAS FINISHED?!?!?”

Every hood function is going to play this song at some point in the night…it’s science. This is one of the hardest songs ever, no contest.


TGOD MAFIA – “Da Power”

Serge: This beat though? “Da Power” is definitely my war song. It’s bound to come on at least once whenever I’m at the gym or on the way to a big meeting.

To be honest, the entire TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening mixtape is legendary but we can start here…make sure to turn the knob all the way up.


Future – “Super Trapper”

Kuliano: For me it’s gotta be anything by Future (duh) but if I had to pick ONE track it’d probably be something off his new shit like “Super Trapper.” “Zoom” is crazy too and “POA” makes me feel like I just popped an adderall.

Pretty much running that entire album anytime I’m in the gym. If I’m tryna turn up though I’ma bump both Cozy Tapes. “Crazy Brazy” is a great song to get sauced to.


Dimitri Vegas – “Tremor”

Joey Zaza: The song for me is “Tremor” by Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike.

The song is a few years old but I still get so hype to it. It all started the first time I saw them live and the mosh pit broke out during the song…it was insane! Bump this!


Young Dolph – “Get Paid”

Shanny Mac: I have to say that for a song to make it to my most lit list it has to be 3-dimensional.

It has to get me lit in the gym, in the car at obnoxious levels, and in the club. “Get Paid” passes all those tests. It feels like a nod from the Trap Gods to go out and get it.

It’s an ode to setting your price and collecting. It’s like, motivational trap and I’d be totally fine with it being my theme music.

“Rule #1: Get the money first. Rule #2: Don’t forget to get the money!”


PARTYNEXTDOOR ft. Jadakiss – Cartier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6NTEnKYiGc

Claude: When this track dropped I lost my shit. This song combines smooth R&B and street raspiness. What else could a ni**a want?

It’s a club banger and a headphone knocker. Getting a kiss of Jada’s lyrics is always something special, especially with me being from Westchester.

Party’s voice brings a colorful vibe to the song as well, especially at the end demolishing the track with his high note singing. “Cartier” is truly a banger.


Kanye West – Champion

Nkosi Bourne: THIS SONG IS FIRE AND INSPIRATIONAL AS FUCK. It is one of my top five Kanye tracks.

This musical genius (the song not Kanye, even though he made the song…..shhhhhh) makes a me feel on top of the world even though we all know I don’t got a damn thing. 


Rowdy Rebel – “Computers” (feat. Bobby Shmurda)

Gus P: First off, free Bobby free Rowdy.

But is there a better song to get hype to than Rowdy and Bobby’s “Computers”?

The answer is no, there is not. Literally in any situation if you’re lacking some sort of motivation or that extra little push to get you in that hype state of mind, just throw on “Computers” and watch yourself transform into an absolute savage.

I THINK THAT I’M TOM CRUISE.

Everybody is helping the Vegas shooting victims. Here’s how you can too.

This past Sunday was met with tragedy as a gunman tore through a crowd of 22,000 civilians during a Las Vegas concert.

The act of terror has left 59 people dead with hundreds injured and over 30 still in critical condition. A U.S Veteran, a nurse, and a mom of four are amongst the many who lost their life that day.

Now the deadliest mass shooting in American history just after last year’s Orlando shooting, the question on everyones mind is “why?”

With natural disasters seemingly in the process of destroying the world, why is it that we must contribute to the destruction? With Puerto Rico currently in shambles things seem to just be getting worse.

As Vegas struggles to get back on its feet, many families are left broken after Sunday’s attack. A victim count of over 500 leaves many with expenses that no one could have foreseen.

In the wake of all this madness a few celebrities have proven that they do hear the people’s cries and want to help.

NFL & Oakland Raiders

The future Vegas team has pledged to donate $50,000 to the Vegas victim relief fund.

The NFL foundation in support of the Oakland Raiders promised to match the $50,000 donation as well as giving another $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with blood drives and other relief efforts in Vegas.


UFC

UFC President Dana White will be donating $1 million to the families of Sunday’s shooting. The Vegas-based company has had a presence in the city for many years, and promises to help in its time of need.

Joe Rogan has also showed his support promising to donate 100% of his proceeds from his Friday show to the relief fund.


The Chainsmokers

To everyone around the world and our Las Vegas family…

A post shared by The Chainsmokers (@thechainsmokers) on

Pop-EDM duo The Chainsmokers have pledged $10,000 to victim relief while also sending out a heartfelt statement on their Instagram.

The band urges everyone to donate to the GoFundMe and to keep the Vegas victims in their prayers.


Kid Rock

Kid Rock has donated $10,000 to the victim relief fund. The country star has a huge history in Vegas, performing there regularly.


Mike Tyson

The retired boxer has also given $10,000 to victim relief. Boxing is deeply rooted in Vegas and in turn, so is Mike Tyson.

He posted the link to the GoFundMe account on his Twitter urging fans to contribute whatever they could.


Celine Dion

On Tuesday evening during her show at Caesars Palace the singer paid tribute to all the lives lost on Sunday night.

She announced that she would be donating all proceeds from the show to the families who lost loved ones during the shooting.

Dion said,

“On Sunday we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls, and so many are still suffering, but tonight we’re going to let these families know that we are supporting them and that we will help them through their tragic loss,”


Jimmy Kimmel

During his late night talk show an emotional Jimmy Kimmel spoke about the incident that took the country by surprise.

Instead of being another celebrity to send out their ‘thoughts and prayers’ and move on, Kimmel decided to be proactive.

He presented a list of politicians who voted for looser gun laws, Kimmel urged everyone who cares to call their local congressmen and use their voice for change.

If anyone would like to donate to the families and friends of victims during Sunday night’s shooting you can donate to this GoFundMe page.

The account has already raised over $8 million and will soon reach its goal in relief for the victims.

2K

2K finally explains how they rate players for pissed off NBA stars

Why is Kyrie Irving only a 90 overall?

Every year 2K has the responsibility of giving each NBA player a rating based on their previous season. You have players on opposite sides of the spectrum from LeBron at a deserving 97 overall to Melo’s 84 (FOH).

NBA 2K is the highest selling sports game out and for good reason. If you’re a fan of basketball you’re a fan of 2K and athletes are no different.

It’s no surprise then athletes get a little in their feelings when they discover their 2K rating. Playing ball is their livelihood, to play all year to end up a 77 overall has to hurt a little.

The way 2K decides these ratings has always been a mystery. Is it all relative? Does Westbrook’s 94 overall equal Steph Curry’s 94? How do you make sense of it all? Well thanks to a recent interview with Complex, 2K has revealed just what goes into their decision making when rating an NBA player.

Contrary to popular belief, the 2K team doesn’t hand out ratings based on their favorite team or who’s popular. Instead they use a deeply specific system that in turn balances players with accurate stats.

2K Games Producer Michael Stauffer spoke about the rating system,

“We have to balance the statistics. For example, a guy like Kyrie Irving has great lateral movement. We don’t want him to feel slow, but at the same time, we don’t want him to be overpowering on defense.”

By analyzing a player’s specific stats, 2K is able to break down their skills to a correlating number. For example, a player’s steals per game or 3 point shots made will factor into those respective attributes.

Certain attributes will even work in tangent with each other like passing accuracy and passing consistency. As the NBA increases their analysis of players, NBA 2K will be right behind them collecting that data.

Ratings don’t tell the whole story behind a player either. 2K revealed that player types also make a difference during actual gameplay.

In terms of Westbrook vs. Curry, 2K has a different approach. A playmaking (secondary) defender (primary) point guard is going to be evaluated differently than a defensive (secondary) playmaker (primary) point guard.

All this means is that 2K ratings have a lot of thought put into them. Melo’s 84 rating happened for a reason I guess. Not much anyone can really complain about anymore, but it’s still fun to argue.

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Wingstop and Wendy’s take shots at each other on Twitter, but who won?

Wendy’s has been the King (Queen?) of fast food social media for a minute now.

The company has a history of clapping back on Twitter and having one of the more entertaining feeds.

They sometimes get into full on conversations with people almost always ending in savagery.

Wendy’s hasn’t been shy of any beef with other fast-food chains either.

Whether it’s Burger King or McDonald’s, Wendy’s is ready for war.

Wendy’s does this social media shit.

Yesterday a new challenger stepped in Wendy’s Twitter ring. Coming in at 1,000 locations country wide, Wingstop geared up for beef.

The two fast food chains were caught up in a rap battle over Twitter. It all started when Wingstop tweeted a verse of their own in “Bad and Boujee” rhyme scheme.

Wendy’s being the bully they are had to respond to the fast food chain with their own set of bars.

This set off a series of tweets that remind everyone…people get paid to do this.

If there’s one thing I got from this it’s that this went on for way too long.

It’s no secret that these Twitter antics are just free marketing for both brands. I can’t even lie I’m kind of itching for some lemon wings from Wingstop now.

That being said, seeing your favorite brands beef on Twitter has to be a highlight of 2017. I’ve always wondered who would win between Ronald McDonald and the Burger King, maybe they’ll beef next.

By the way, has anyone noticed how these brands love using Black culture to lure in customers? I get it’s the dopest vernacular out but how about some reparations Wendy’s?

Bless some coupons or some shit for all this slang you took for your Twitter arsenal.