WEEKLY HIPHOP: URBAN MAGAZINE

FREEDOM FOR APRENTISS **34 Years Lost: The Fight for Justice After a Felony Murder Conviction** By [Bryck Head] In 1991, at just 18 years old, Prentiss Banks found himself ensnared in a legal nightmare that would consume a staggering 34 years of his life. Convicted of first-degree felony murder under the special circumstance of murder during a robbery, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. As he enters his fifties, both of his parents and grandparents have passed away, leaving him to navigate the complexities of injustice alone—all while he continues to assert his innocence in a crime he argues he did not commit. **A Life Unmarred Until 1991** Prentiss Banks's life before that fateful year was characterized by a lack of criminal history and a series of personal challenges. Born in the quiet, unassuming city of Mead Valley, California, he was not a troubled youth; rather, he faced obstacles such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), wh...

  Appearance On The Debut FLINT MICHIGAN MUSLIMAH:TAAJI Emerging from the vibrant streets of Flint, MI, where rhythm intertwines with reality, Taaji is making a significant impact in the hip-hop scene with a style that reflects the uniqueness of her personal journey. Growing up in an environment shaped by hardship and resilience, her passion for music blossomed later in life, influenced by the gritty narratives of classic hip-hop legends and the contemporary sounds that pulse through today’s tracks. Her experiences, including the challenges faced in prison, have honed her perspective and fueled her artistry. Taaji possesses a lyrical artistry that resonates on multiple levels. Her verses are more than mere words; they are vivid reflections of her life’s experiences, struggles, and victories. Beyond being a rapper, she is a master storyteller, crafting narratives that resonate powerfully with audiences from diverse backgrounds. Her debut single, “Muslimah,” is a testament to her ver...

  **CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 17:** Renowned R&B singer R. Kelly made a notable appearance during a legal hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019, amidst the towering concrete structures of Chicago, Illinois. Currently facing a myriad of serious sexual assault charges, the embattled artist is being held without the possibility of bail, a stark reminder of the legal battles that have beset him. (Photo by Antonio Perez - Pool via Getty Images) In a troubling turn of events, R. Kelly recently filed a motion claiming that he is the target of a sinister plot to murder him, expressing a desperate desire to be placed under home confinement for his safety.  Grouchy Greg Watkins of All HipHop has reported shocking developments regarding the singer’s well-being. Allegedly, R. Kelly experienced a serious overdose while incarcerated last week and has since been released from the hospital, raising alarms about his health and safety in prison. This distressing ne...

  MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In a tragic turn of events, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) has announced the death of Jayden Dandridge, a man previously sought for his alleged involvement in the murder of rising Memphis rapper Sayso P, whose real name was Latorian Hunt. Dandridge was discovered lifeless in an abandoned structure in Houston, Texas, reportedly with multiple gunshot wounds, raising suspicions of foul play and leading authorities to classify his death as a homicide. Law enforcement sources, as reported by TMZ, revealed disturbing details about the scene where Dandridge was found, highlighting the violence that has marred this ongoing investigation. The MPD confirmed on Monday that Dandridge, just 21 years old, had passed away. This announcement came just five days after he was publicly identified as a suspect in the harrowing Downtown Memphis shooting that took the life of Sayso P and inflicted injuries on fellow Houston rapper Sauce Walka. The investigation into this violent ...

  Celebrity News Alert........ Atlanta GA, legend DJ Unk has passed away  Born in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, Anthony Platt discovered his passion for music and DJing during his teenage years. He quickly formed a creative partnership with DJ Jelly and DJ Montay, culminating in the formation of the Southern Style DJs, a collective that would contribute significantly to the regional hip-hop scene. In 2000, he signed with Big Oomp Records, marking a pivotal moment in his career that would set the stage for his later breakthroughs.    Unk burst onto the mainstream scene with the release of his debut album, *Beat'n Down Yo Block*, which hit the shelves in 2006 under Koch Records. This album encapsulated the vibrant Southern hip-hop sound of the era, particularly highlighted by the runaway hit "Walk It Out." The track achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 2 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop charts and climbing to No. 10 on the all-encompassing Hot 100 chart, signaling his a...

  Bryck Head is an innovative and groundbreaking African American hip-hop artist, emerging from the culturally rich and bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a passion for music that resonates deeply within his community, he is quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence in the hip-hop landscape. His artistry is defined by a unique blend of lyrical ingenuity and rhythmic sophistication that captivates audiences. Throughout his burgeoning career, Bryck has forged powerful collaborations with prominent figures in the industry, including celebrated Wu-Tang Clan affiliates like La Da Darkman and OBEZ Menace. He has also joined forces with other renowned artists such as Tay Money410, MD Cutup, and Buku Band$$, highlighting his ability to connect and create impactful music across diverse styles and audiences. His collaborations reflect not only his talent but also his commitment to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. Beyond his musical pursuits, Bryck Head is an enterpri...