Story

Royce Da 5’9″ Announces “The Ryan Montgomery Foundation”

Over the years, Royce Da 5’9″ has expanded his horizon in a major way. Not only did the legendary lyricist add production ability to his repertoire, but he also began offering takes and lengthy perspectives on his Instagram feed. A few days back, Royce announced that he and Lupe Fiasco would be joining forces to deliver The Lupe & Royce podcast, which launches tomorrow, October 8th on both Apple Music and Spotify. On the heels of that reveal, Royce has officially come through to announce The Ryan Montgomery Foundation.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

An official press release describes the Foundation as follows: “The Ryan Montgomery Foundation’s mission is to empower underprivileged communities through advocacy, education, and personal enrichment by implementing sustainable community programs that give individuals and families access to resources and opportunities needed to achieve their fullest potential.”

“As a person of color who has seen a therapist for many years now, I know how important it is to talk about your issues with an unbiased mental health care professional,” explains Royce. “My people often think seeking a therapist is taboo. It’s my mission to dispel that myth and give light to those who believe there is no way out of the darkness.”

Speaking on their new partnership with Royce, NAMI’s executive director Kevin Fischer offered major praise to the rapper. “NAMI Michigan is excited to collaborate with international recording artist, Royce 5″9′,” says Fischer. “His transparency and celebrity, combined with his passion to raise mental health awareness, specifically in communities of color, will have an incredible impact on our mission to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, which we consider the leading barrier to the early diagnoses and treatment that leads to better outcomes. His advocacy is needed and sincerely appreciated.”

The Foundation’s first initiative arrives as a partnership effort with NAMI (The National Alliance On Mental Illness) and CNS Healthcare; a press conference announcing the initiative is set to air on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, between 4 and 6 PM. Speakers during the conference are confirmed to include Royce himself, Mouchette Muhammad (Ryan Montgomery Foundation), Kevin Fischer (NAMI), Michael Garrett (CNS), Dr. Michele Leno (Mind Matters), and Marcus Harris (DPD).

Congratulations to Royce Da 5’9″ for using his platform to make a difference — keep posted for more news on the initiative as the press conference draws closer.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Story

Kanye West Joins Chicago Ceremony Honoring His Mother With Dr. Donda West Way

Kanye West was in Chicago for a street naming ceremony honoring his late mother, Dr. Donda West, and celebrating her lasting contributions to the city, her impact on education and the arts, and her influence on her son’s life.

A portion of 78th Street bears the official designation of Dr. Donda West Way, an appropriate tribute to a woman whose legacy remains deeply entangled with Chicago. Local news covered the ceremony, attended by community leaders, and Ye could be seen clapping in the background, wearing shades, as the new street sign was unveiled.

The event celebrated Donda West’s accomplishments and her impact on the people in her life. It was also a moment of profound personal significance for Kanye. His mother played a large part in building his confidence and supporting his musical ambitions, leading him down the path that would ultimately make him one of the most recognizable artists in music.

West had already paid tribute to his mother in his 2021 album Donda. The project took 10 years to complete, the amount of time it took Ye to process her tragic passing. Donda’s voice is present throughout the album, adding another personal element to a project centered on her memory and legacy.

The Chicago ceremony falls during a busy time for West. The artist is on a world tour and played a couple of shows in Chicago just a few weeks ago. Despite the ongoing controversy about his recent past and public reception, his repeated returns to the stage have underscored the enduring size of his audience.

Currently, the unveiling of Dr. Donda West Way is not about music but about celebrating Donda West’s life and accomplishments and the impact she continues to have through the legacy she left behind.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Story

DJ Akademiks Opens the Door to Pusha T Amidst Drake Controversy

DJ Akademiks seems to be changing his tune on Pusha T after the leak of the rapper’s alleged album with Pharrell, though the project reportedly includes several direct shots at Drake.

The reaction is notable as Akademiks and Pusha T have been on completely unique sides of the long-running Drake-Pusha T divide. Pusha T’s infamous beef with Drake reached a major milestone in 2018 with the release of “The Story of Adidon.” Akademiks has an OVO chain and has been a big supporter of Drake, which makes his latest comments about Pusha T even more shocking.

The two have had their differences, though they have never gone back and forth publicly over the years. Akademiks, however, responded to the leaked project with a more sympathetic view of Pusha T’s position. Akademiks didn’t just point out the rapper’s continued Drake references; he also recognized that Drake has been beefing with Pusha T and Pharrell over the last few years.

Things got spicy when Akademiks reminded him that Pusha T has liked a couple of his posts before. That detail apparently has Akademiks considering reaching out directly to talk with Pusha T.

Does Pusha T even want that kind of conversation? Still, Akademiks’ comments imply that he believes there’s room for a more productive discourse between two personalities who have historically been on opposite sides of the Drake-Pusha T feud.

For now, the leaked album has provided an unexpected opening for dialogue. Akademiks’ openness to Pusha T’s side, even with his clear ties to Drake, shifts the conversation away from taking sides and toward whether a direct conversation could actually happen.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0