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Sheriff’s Deputy Thought Raptors’ Masai Ujiri Could’ve Been A Terrorist

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri had an extremely bittersweet moment last year during Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

As the Raptors secured the first NBA championship in the franchise’s history, Ujiri attempted to make his way onto the court to celebrate with his team, where he became involved in an altercation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputy Alan Strickland.

The officer first claimed that Ujiri had been the aggressor, leaving the officer concussed and with a “serious jaw injury.”

Of course, body cam footage released in the months since has contradicted the officer’s laughable claims, namely that Ujiri did not make any sort of attempt to identify himself. The footage clearly shows Ujiri pulling out his identification and that the officer aggressively pushed him twice without the Raptors president getting physical before bystanders jumped in to separate the men.

Ujiri released a statement addressing the incident in which he asserted his belief that the incident was a clear-cut example of anti-Black racism.

Ujiri has since filed a counterclaim in response to the officer filing a lawsuit against him. The deputy recently asked the court to dismiss the Raptors president’s counterclaim, citing his belief that he was “trying to stop a potentially serious threat.”

“Had Deputy Strickland not employed force, he would have risked having the suspect not only trespass onto the court, he would have risked the suspect quickly getting lost amid the growing crowd of folks authorized to be on the court, and potentially committing any number of possibly serious crimes,” legal documents asking to dismiss the counterclaim read. “After all, this was a high-profile sporting event, which entailed a risk of crimes ranging from vandalism to assaults on players…assaults on coaches… player-fan brawls… and even mass murder or terrorism. The same threats persisted when Mr. Ujiri continued to attempt to barge past the second time, still without showing his (invalid) credential, even after being shoved and ordered to back up.”

Um…

[via]

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Kieran James Honors Memory with “Part of the Grind”

Singer-songwriter Kieran James delivers a devastating new single with “Part of the Grind,” a track to tackle the tangled emotions behind loss and memory. A love letter penned to a close friend who faced severe cognitive decline, the song’s emotional heft feels universal yet heartbreakingly personal.

Set to delicate instrumentation and achingly sung vocals, “Part of the Grind” is both a lament and an honoring, a means of remembering while addressing the unavoidable cost of time and illness. His voice floats, leaving room for silence and the long pauses that so often come with grief. But in that silence, there is warmth as well, a refusal to let memory be totally extinguished.

Resilience is also implied in the song’s title, a reminder that even in heartbreak, life goes on and holding the memory of someone stays with the rhythm of everyday living. it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever looked on witnessing decline, mixed sorrow with love.

In Kieran James’s “Part of the Grind,” we hear music as well as go behind it. He gives us room feel, to mourn, and to honor. In the process, he turns private pain into something achingly universal, a song for everyone who has either loved or lost.

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Esthy glows up with joy on new anthem “light it up”

In her latest song, “light it up,” singer-songwriter and producer Esthy from LA brings a vibrant and uplifting vibe that feels like sunshine in musical form. By mixing elements of playful country with polished pop sounds, she creates a track that’s all about having fun and enjoying life.

Esthy’s singing truly shines, showcasing a lively and confident style. There’s a playful tone in her voice that makes the lyrics feel friendly and inviting, encouraging you to set aside your worries and immerse yourself in the moment.

“light it up” radiates energy and is lively and bright, featuring catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms that draw you in right away. If you enjoy artists like Anne-Marie or OneRepublic, you’ll love this song, and Esthy adds her unique flair, making it special and memorable.

Esthy has a talent for creating catchy melodies, and with this one, you’ll find yourself humming throughout your day. Esthy is here to spread joy, inspire energy, and make music that connects with you instantly. This track is designed to remind you of your true unstoppable nature, and Esthy lights it up.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Esthy’s “lights it up” on Spotify.
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