Story

Pretty Ricky’s Baby Blue Faces Federal Charges For $24Mil PPP Loan Scam

The pandemic has placed a strain on thousands of businesses throughout the United States and to help themselves stay afloat, many owners took out Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans. Over the last few months, there have been rising reports regarding business owners or professionals being charged with various counts of fraud for their use of the millions of dollars they’ve requested from the government, including former NFL star Josh Bellamy. He stands accused of receiving PPP Loans and using the funds on luxury items and lavish vacations, and it’s reported by the Department of Justice that Pretty Ricky singer Baby Blue has also misused PPP finances.

Scott Gries / Staff / Getty Images

The Department of Justice published a lengthy statement about Diamond Blue Smith, also known as Baby Blue, and the allegations set before him including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. “Smith was arrested and appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon of the Northern District of Georgia,” wrote the DOJ.

They further claim that Baby Blue “obtained a PPP loan of $426,717 for his company, Throwbackjersey.com LLC, using falsified documents” before seeking another for “$708,065 for his other company, Blue Star Records LLC, using falsified documents.” The DOJ claimed that Blue then purchased a $96K Ferrari as well as other luxury items.

Twelve others have been named as co-conspirators with Baby Blue as the DOJ asserts that they worked together to obtain $24 million in funds. Blue has yet to publicly respond to the allegations but his social media pages are now private.

[via]

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.

The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.

Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.

Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”

With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.

“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.

The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.

Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.

Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube