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Cops Accused of Racial Profiling; Stop Man 258 Times at Work (@VladTV)

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A Florida police department is facing racial profiling charges after stopping a man 258 times and repeatedly charging him with trespassing at the convenience store where he works. At least once a week for the last four years, Earl Sampson has been stopped by Miami Gardens police and searched more than 100 times, jailed 56 times and arrested for trespassing 62 times, records show.

The only conviction he’s had, according to his lengthy records, is for marijuana possession.
“They created this record,” Sampson’s boss and the owner of 207 Quickstop, Alex Saleh, told the Daily News Friday. “He’s a good guy, a humble guy, a quiet guy. He’s not a convicted felon.”

Saleh plans to present a civil rights suit against the city’s police department and mayor next week after he installed security cameras to monitor the police’s activity in and outside his store.

The resulting footage since obtained by the Miami Herald is described by Saleh as beyond legal but disturbing as well.

During one of Sampson’s arrests — Sampson being just one of Saleh’s alleged employees and customers subjected to police harassment he’s seen refilling a cooler inside the store when an officer walks up beside him.

“They ask him, ‘What are you doing here?'” recalled Saleh. “He said, ‘I work here.’ The clerk said he works here. I said, ‘I’m the owner, let him go. I work here.’ The officer said, ‘Yeah right.’

“So he has more power than me!”

In addition to video appearing to show Sampson being grabbed by an officer while taking out the trash and at another time searched against a wall, Saleh accuses them of searching throughout his store without a warrant.

In a statement released to the Miami Herald, Boyd said “the department is committed to serving and protecting the citizens and businesses in the city.”

Watch surveillance footage of Sampson being harassed and arrested above. 

Source: Bossip

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“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

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Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

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Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.
 
“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.
 
As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

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Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

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The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

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