The murder trial for alleged Tupac Shakur killer Duane “Keefe D” Davis enters its third day Wednesday, with courtroom proceedings available to watch live. Keefe faces accusations of planning the legendary rapper’s 1996 murder and allegedly providing the gun used in the shooting, though prosecutors contend he wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger that night.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial takes place in a Nevada courtroom nearly three decades after Tupac Shakur was gunned down near the Las Vegas Strip as a passenger in Suge Knight’s BMW.
Through two days of testimony, prosecutors have called over a dozen witnesses to recount the fatal shooting and the gang tensions that preceded it. A former police officer testified that Tupac told him he knew who shot him but refused to identify the shooter.
Honey, clear off your timelines and bow your heads, because the media world has lost a true titan, pioneer, and absolute legend. The culture is mourning the passing of trailblazing entertainment columnist, syndicated radio host, and author Flo Anthony, who has passed away at the age of 74. Her influence on Black excellence and independent press outlets shaped how we consume entertainment news today.
BRIDGEHAMPTON, NEW YORK – JULY 27: Jean Shafiroff and Flo Anthony attend Ellen Hermanson Foundation Gala with Event Chair Jean Shafiroff and Founder Julie Ratner at Topping Rose House on July 27, 2019 in Bridgehampton, New York. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Flo Anthony wasn’t just a reporter—she was a blueprint, an inspiration, and an absolute icon to generations of Black journalists and celebrity news outlets. Her work demonstrated the power of curated storytelling and cultural documentation that mattered.
A Trailblazer Who Broke Barriers
Long before celebrity gossip blogs and social media news channels existed, Flo Anthony was breaking ground in rooms where Black journalists were rarely allowed a seat at the table:
Breaking Boundaries: She made history as the very first African American reporter to write for the gossip column at the New York Post, as well as the first Black columnist for The National Examiner.
Trusted Voice To The Stars: Over her legendary four-decade career, Flo became a trusted insider and go-to commentator on icons like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, O.J. Simpson, and Donald Trump.
Broadcasting Powerhouse: From her syndicated radio shows Gossip To Go With Flo and Flo Anthony’s Big Apple Buzz reaching millions nationwide to her frequent appearances on Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and E!’s The Gossip Show, Flo set the standard for entertainment reporting.
Honoring A True Legend
Flo spent decades penning her weekly column for The New York Amsterdam News, The Philadelphia Sunday Sun, and numerous Black publications across the country, lifting up the culture and giving us the real inside scoop with unmatched class, wit, and sharp style. She understood the importance of spoken word storytelling and how to deliver truth with elegance.
Her hustle, brilliance, and unwavering dedication paved the path for every digital media platform, blog, and Black entertainment reporter covering Hollywood today. She was a statement piece in journalism—bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.
Rest in power, Flo Anthony. Your legacy will forever live on through every headline we write!
What are your favorite memories of Flo Anthony’s legendary career? Let’s honor her life and legacy in the comments below.
For generations, Black radio personalities used the airwaves to introduce new artists, challenge the status quo, build community and cultivate some of the most iconic voices in American media. Before podcasts and social media, Black radio was where culture lived. From breaking racial barriers to championing blues and hip-hop, these disc jockeys made history.
Whether listeners tuned into the first “The All-Negro Hour” on Chicago’s WSBC in 1929 or caught Whitney Houston going off on Wendy Williams at WBLS in 2003, radio was the place to be. In the spirit of National Radio Day, we’re spotlighting 15 of the most impactful Black radio personalities who shaped culture, broke barriers and defined what it meant to own the airwaves.
Jack L. Cooper — The First Black Radio DJ
Starting with our pioneers, former vaudeville performer Jack L. Cooper made broadcasting history in Chicago. In 1929, he launched “The All-Negro Hour” on WSBC and became the first African American radio DJ, laying the groundwork for Black programming on commercial radio. Cooper was later inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.
Hal Jackson — Breaking Radio’s Color Barrier
Hal Jackson was a pioneering broadcaster who helped open doors for Black talent in mainstream radio. In 1939, he became the first African American host at WINX in Washington with “The Bronze Review,” a nightly interview program. He later became a major force behind New York’s WBLS, helping shape the future of Black-format radio.
Nat D. Williams — Fighting for the Blues
In 1948, Nat D. Williams became the first Black disc jockey at Memphis’ WDIA. Known for his animated on-air style and infectious laugh, he helped establish the station’s “Black appeal” format. He used his platform to champion blues and Black music, directly influencing the urban radio sound we know today. Beyond radio, Williams was also a teacher and writer at Memphis World starting in 1931.
Frankie Crocker — The Chief Rocker
Beverly Johnson and Frankie Crocker at WBLS Studio.
Frankie Crocker became one of the defining voices of New York radio, particularly during his years at WBLS. Known as “The Chief Rocker,” he helped turn the station into a dominant Black-format outlet and became known for his larger-than-life personality and musical ear.
Melvin Lindsey — The Quiet Storm
In 1976, Washington, D.C.’s WHUR debuted “The Quiet Storm,” a late-night R&B format created by Melvin Lindsey. The intimate, slow-tempo programming became so popular that stations across the country adopted their own versions. The format was later carried on by Vaughn Harper and Champagne Palumbo on New York’s WBLS and elsewhere, cementing “Quiet Storm” as a radio staple.
Mr. Magic — Putting Hip-Hop on the Radio
Marley Marl and DJ Mr. Magic (John Rivas) on air at WBLS 107.5FM in 1983.
Biggie immortalized it in “Juicy”: “Hangin’ pictures on my wall / Every Saturday, Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl!” For good reason. John “Mr. Magic” Rivas hosted “Rap Attack,” first on WHBI and later at WBLS, helping take hip-hop from New York’s emerging street culture to a dedicated radio audience. Alongside Marley Marl and Fly Ty, he helped make “Rap Attack” one of the first all-rap radio shows to reach a mainstream audience—a cultural moment that resonated for decades.
Tom Joyner — The Fly Jock
Tom Joyner, known as “The Hardest Working Man in Radio.”
Tom Joyner earned his “Fly Jock” nickname by literally flying between Chicago and Dallas to host radio shows in the same day. It was a stunt that captured the public imagination and cemented his reputation for relentless hustle. He later launched the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” blending entertainment, news, politics and community issues for a predominantly Black audience.
Donnie Simpson — The Urban Radio Legend
Donnie Simpson became one of the most recognizable voices in Black radio during his decades-long career in Washington, D.C. His smooth delivery and cultural influence helped define urban contemporary radio during its rise as a major force in American music and broadcasting.
DJ Kay Slay — “The Drama King”
Known as “The Drama King,” the late DJ Kay Slay became a legendary voice in New York hip-hop radio through his long-running show on Hot 97. A former graffiti artist and mixtape DJ, Kay Slay brought street-level credibility to the airwaves, using his platform to showcase emerging rappers, break records and host some of hip-hop’s most memorable freestyles and battles.
Wendy Williams — The Queen of Radio Gossip
Wendy Williams built a massive following on New York radio, first at Hot 97 and later at 107.5 WBLS, where she conducted some of the most controversial interviews in hip-hop and R&B. Infamous for her cutthroat energy in the early 2000s, the host unapologetically tussled with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Lil’ Kim, J.Lo and others. Not every interview ended in chaos, but she certainly kept listeners entertained.
Charlamagne tha God — Influential in Contemporary Radio
Charlamagne tha God got his start working alongside Wendy Williams at Philadelphia’s Power 99. He later moved to New York and became a co-host of “The Breakfast Club” in 2010 alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee, turning the show into a cultural force known for candid interviews, occasional political takes and conversations that consistently broke through the noise.
DJ Clue — The Mixtape King
DJ Clue at DOLPHLAND Pop-Up Museum Launch Party in 2023.
If you’re an underground rap junkie, you probably still hear DJ Clue’s voice echoing in your ears. Clue became one of hip-hop’s most influential DJs through his legendary mixtapes, helping artists break records before they reached mainstream radio. He later brought that power to New York’s Hot 97, where “The DJ Clue Show” became a major platform for hip-hop’s biggest names and newest sounds.
Funkmaster Flex — Dropping Bombs in Hip Hop
Funkmaster Flex performs with Big Daddy Kane at City Winery in 2024.
Funkmaster Flex became one of the defining voices of New York hip-hop radio during his long-running tenure at Hot 97. His show became a destination for breaking records, freestyles and exclusive interviews. Known for dropping bombs and endlessly restarting hits on his turntables, his influence extended far beyond the airwaves, making him one of the most recognizable DJs in hip-hop history.
Big Boy — The Voice of West Coast Radio
Big Boy at the 92.3 Real Street Festival in Anaheim, California.
Los Angeles radio personality Big Boy became a fixture of West Coast radio through his energetic personality and celebrity interviews. His decades-long career helped establish him as one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary hip-hop and urban radio.
Steve Harvey — From Comedy to Syndication
Steve Harvey at SiriusXM Studio in New York City.
Steve Harvey transformed his comedic persona into a major radio franchise with “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” which launched on Chicago’s WGCI-FM in 2000 before expanding into national syndication through Radio One. The program combined comedy, celebrity interviews, relationships, current events and cultural commentary, making Harvey one of the biggest personalities in modern Black radio.
Laila! is having a major moment, and Black Cosmopolitan is here for it. The Brooklyn R&B artist just released “Angel” with producer and collaborator Teezo Touchdown, a track she wrote and produced herself that’s already catching the attention of industry heavyweights. When Laila! dropped this one, SZA didn’t sleep on it—the superstar shared the track to her story, delivering a co-sign that means everything in today’s music landscape.
What makes this moment so significant is that Laila! isn’t just another viral sensation fading into the background. She’s actively building her artistry with intentionality, proving she has the production chops and songwriting skills to back up her voice. “Angel” showcases her ability to blend vulnerability with polish, creating something that feels both intimate and radio-ready. SZA’s endorsement speaks volumes about the quality here—when established artists show up for emerging talent, it’s usually because the work is undeniably good.
For those of us who’ve watched the landscape of R&B shift toward more independent and collaborative projects, Laila!’s approach feels refreshing. She’s not waiting for someone else to build her sound; she’s doing it herself. That’s the kind of artist-led creative control we need to see more of, especially from young Black women in music who are redefining what it means to be a complete creative force.
Jalen Brunson didn’t let a little jet lag stop him from making a surprise appearance at his friend Fat Joe’s star-studded birthday bash this weekend. The N.Y. Knicks star had just wrapped up the Los Angeles area, where he attended teammate Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods’ wedding in Malibu on Saturday.
But the NBA champ wasn’t about to miss his buddy’s birthday. By Sunday evening, Jalen Brunson had hopped on a flight back east and was already celebrating atop Radio City Music Hall at Radio Park in Manhattan.
Fat Joe was turning 56, and the celebration brought together some serious names. Allen Iverson showed up. DJ Khaled was there. The vibe was pure New York energy mixed with that rare cross-pollination between hip-hop and NBA royalty that only happens at select events.
The guest list read like a who’s who of New York culture. Teyana Taylor, Yung Miami, Mary J. Blige, Jadakiss, N.O.R.E., Raekwon, Fabolous, and Remy Ma all came through. Rick Brunson and DJ Envy rounded out the crew. This wasn’t just a party. It was a moment.
Even the cake played into the New York theme. Joe’s custom Knicks-themed dessert featured the city skyline, a perfect touch for a legend who’s been woven into the fabric of Manhattan culture for decades. It was the kind of thoughtful detail that signals someone’s well-loved.
A mature African-American couple exercising together outdoors, power walking with hand weights.
Fitness advice is everywhere. Social media feeds overflow with new hacks, rules and promises of your best body, while age-old beliefs linger in conversations at home and in the workplace. From supplement myths to spot reduction, the confusion can push people toward unrealistic goals, leaving them frustrated when progress plateaus and ready to quit when their bodies don’t change on demand.
So what methods actually work? The Root spoke with William McCray, known as McCrayzy, a personal trainer with a degree in kinesiology and 18 years in the fitness industry, to separate fact from fiction. His insights cut through the noise and offer a clearer path to supplement myths and sustainable change.
You Don’t Have to Go ‘Cold Turkey’ on Monday
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Many people start their fitness journey with a complete overhaul: more exercise, fewer favorite foods, an entirely different routine overnight. McCray said that mindset often kicks in before weddings, reunions or vacations, and it pushes people to expect dramatic results on an unrealistic timeline. Instead, he recommends starting with one change and building from there.
Change Starts in the Mind
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McCray said fitness change begins with mindset. Before worrying about workouts or meal plans, he urges people to understand why they’re starting in the first place. According to McCray, their “why” should be “meaningful,” not “superficial,” because, as he put it, “you’re going to have to change what you’re doing.”
You May Not Need to Chug 8 Glasses a Day
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This is not permission to replace water with coffee or your favorite carbonated beverage. Still, McCray advises that the “eight glasses a day” rule is better understood as a baseline than a universal mandate.
Hydration needs vary based on body size, activity level and supplement use such as creatine. If you need a simple gauge, check your urine. Dark yellow urine can signal that you need to drink more water.
Supplements Aren’t Shortcuts
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Supplements are meant to support your routine, not do the work for you. McCray said taking them without healthy eating and movement won’t help you. “Supplements are not a replacement,” he emphasized. “They supplement what you should be already doing.”
Most supplements are unnecessary, but McCray pointed to creatine and whey protein as two worth considering.
Muscle Won’t Make Women Masculine
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McCray noted that many women avoid creatine or strength training because they worry about getting “too big.” That fear is misplaced. Women don’t have the testosterone levels to build muscle “like a man” without testosterone supplementation.
Strength Training Isn’t Just for Grown-Ups
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There’s no evidence that resistance training stops kids from growing. The old belief that it stunts growth simply doesn’t hold water, and the Mayo Clinic agrees.
For younger athletes, McCray said the focus should be on form, fundamentals and functional movement, not heavy lifting. Bodyweight work, resistance bands, kettlebells and sport-specific drills are better options.
Protein Is Probably the Missing Piece
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Many people likely aren’t getting enough protein. For the average adult, the American Medical Association recommends about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day, or roughly 54 grams for a 150-pound person. People who strength train may need more. McCray said whey protein can be a practical way to increase intake without forcing down another full meal.
You Can’t Out-Train a Bad Diet
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While exercise is beneficial, it can’t erase consistently poor eating habits. McCray said that while some people have rare genetic exceptions, most can’t out-train a bad diet. For those seeking lasting change, “There’s no way around changing your nutrition, your diet,” he said.
Sweat is Not a Calorie Counter
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Sweating more doesn’t mean you’re burning more calories or more fat. McCray said sweat is simply the body’s cooling mechanism, and some people naturally sweat more than others.
No Pain, No Gain? Not Exactly
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McCray said soreness after a workout can be normal, especially when muscles are challenged in a new way. But swelling, skin discoloration and the inability to move a joint are warning signs that something may be wrong. If you experience those symptoms, consult a physician.
Breakfast Before Burpees?
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Whether to do cardio on an empty stomach depends on the person. McCray said “fasted cardio” works for some people but not everyone. For those who prefer to eat first, he recommends eating about 90 minutes before a workout and choosing complex carbs like baked sweet potatoes, whole-grain toast with peanut butter, or quinoa.
Crunches Can’t Burn Belly Fat
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McCray said spot reduction is one of the most common myths he hears. Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles in a specific area, but they cannot selectively burn fat there.
A Longer Workout Doesn’t Mean a Better Workout
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You don’t need 90 minutes in the gym to get results. McCray said efficiency matters more than time. For example, a twenty-minute circuit with short rest periods and higher intensity can accomplish more than a longer, low-intensity session. Recent research in healthy young men also suggests that a few minutes of sprint interval exercise can have stronger effects than 60 minutes of moderate exercise.
Being ‘Basic’ Is a Flex
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When it comes to what actually works in getting results, McCray said, “the basics work.” He warns against overcomplicating fitness with extreme or starvation diets. Instead, focus on eating well, getting the right nutrients and proportions, and moving your body at least three times a week. That consistency, not perfection, builds the body you want.
Blueface Rushes From Livestream to Welcome His Newborn Son
For Blueface, one of Los Angeles hip-hop’s most recognizable and polarizing figures, a routine livestream suddenly turned into one of the biggest moments of his life. The rapper and his partner, Nevaeh Akira, have welcomed their first child together, marking a major new chapter for the couple and another milestone in Blueface’s growing family.
From Livestream to Delivery Room
The arrival of their baby boy came after several intense hours of labor. On Tuesday night, August 18, Nevaeh gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom the couple named Johnathan Jamall Porter Jr., carrying on his father’s legal name.
The timing of the birth made the moment even more memorable. Blueface was in the middle of a livestream when he received the news that Nevaeh had gone into active labor. Rather than keeping the moment private, he briefly brought his audience along as the reality of becoming a father again suddenly took over.
“Chat, we may be having a baby,” he told viewers before ending the livestream and heading to the hospital.
The couple had already been at the medical facility since Monday evening, preparing for the delivery. Once active labor began, however, the anticipation quickly turned into a race to be there for the birth of their son.
Wack 100 Shows His Support
Blueface also had support from someone who has been part of his professional and personal circle for years. His longtime manager, business partner and friend Wack 100 was at the hospital for the special occasion.
His presence added another layer of support during what was undoubtedly an emotional moment for the family. With Blueface’s life often playing out under intense public attention, having trusted people around him during major personal milestones can be especially meaningful.
A New Chapter for Nevaeh and Blueface
For Nevaeh Akira, the birth marks the beginning of her journey into motherhood. For Blueface, it marks his fourth child overall and adds another chapter to a family life that has frequently been followed by the public.
Whatever the headlines, social-media drama and complicated co-parenting dynamics surrounding the rapper’s life, the arrival of a newborn creates a moment that stands apart from all of that. It is a chance to focus on family, health and the future.
Congratulations to Nevaeh and Blueface on the arrival of their baby boy. Here’s wishing the new mother and newborn son good health, happiness and plenty of peaceful moments as they begin this new chapter together.
Suge Knight told us a wild story about Tupac, and it ends with his ashes being rolled up in a blunt.
Suge, who was with Suge Knight in Vegas when the rapper was shot, tells BlkCosmo that immediately after Tupac died, his mom wanted him cremated.
Suge says someone put him in touch with a guy late in the evening from a funeral home. He asked the guy to cremate Tupac, but the man said he was busy for the next few days.
Suge got the guy’s address and went over to his house with two bags—one with $200,000 in cash, and the other with $1 million in cash. He offered the funeral home operator the $200K bag, but the man refused to cremate Tupac that night. So Suge upped the ante and offered both bags. Facing $1.2 million, the guy agreed to cremate Tupac right then and there.
As for what happened to Tupac’s ashes, Suge said the rapper’s mom had people come to the Vegas hotel room where she was staying. They rolled his ashes into several blunts and smoked him.
For his part, Suge says he told Tupac’s mom he was on probation and felt smoking Tupac might be a violation, so he passed.
It’s been 30 years since Tupac’s death, and his accused killer is currently on trial for murder. Suge tells us Duane “Keefe D” Davis wasn’t the only one involved in Tupac’s assassination.
Reality TV might be filled with feuds, but no one feuds quite as intensely as Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton. The reality TV personalities have had a beef since 2017, and it just reignited again, with dueling stories about where they stand after a seemingly kind interaction at Essence Festival last month. To understand where they are now, we have to go back to the beginning. This feud has been brewing for almost a decade.
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Reality TV might be filled with feuds, but no one feuds quite as intensely as Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton. The reality TV personalities have had a beef since 2017, and it just reignited again, with dueling stories about where they stand after a seemingly kind interaction at Essence Festival last month. To understand where the enemies are, we have to go back to the beginning. The feud, after all, is almost 10 years old.
How it started: the 2017 tour
Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton’s drama began during a music tour. Burruss’s group Xscape joined Braxton and Monica for The Great Xscape Tour, and while things started off well enough, they didn’t end that way. Behind-the-scenes friction built throughout the run, with both women later acknowledging that communication issues and professional disagreements strained their working relationship. They kept the drama mostly private, and civil, though.
Things exploded in 2019, when Burruss and Braxton found themselves on Celebrity Big Brother alongside each other. Inside the house, Burruss and Braxton openly acknowledged they weren’t on good terms, and Braxton accused Burruss of gossiping about her. While they tried to appear cordial on the surface, the contempt was palpable. The tension was as thick as a designer handbag collection—impossible to ignore.
Todd Tucker reignited the drama
After Celebrity Big Brother, things seemed quiet between Burruss and Braxton again, though they were never exactly friendly. Things reignited in 2023 when Braxton accused Todd Tucker of threatening her. Burruss and Tucker were married at the time. Braxton claimed that both Burruss and Tucker approached her backstage aggressively.
Burruss has denied the allegations, insisting that while she and Braxton did have a verbal altercation backstage, no threats were made and Tucker was not involved. Tucker and Burruss have since split, though Burruss’s account remains consistent: Tucker never threatened Braxton. The altercation took place off-camera. Burruss has continued to make her feelings about Braxton crystal clear, insisting that she wasn’t interested in playing games with “clowns” and had no intention of getting back in the “circus” with Braxton. She’s kept her energy focused on curated reading lists and personal growth instead.
The Essence Festival encounter
For a brief moment, it looked like the drama between Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton might have been squashed. In July, Burruss was honored at Essence Festival. Braxton was not an honoree but attended the event. She was spotted slipping into a photo with Burruss, allegedly, to congratulate her. The moment went viral, but mostly for the stiff expressions from those involved in the moment. It had all the awkwardness of a tuxedo blazer worn to a casual brunch.
Burruss later explained on her Speak On It podcast that the moment caught her off guard: she didn’t understand why Braxton joined a photo meant for the night’s honorees, and she pushed back on claims that she’d deliberately left Braxton out of her own Instagram recap, saying she’d simply posted photos with the women being celebrated that night. In that same podcast appearance, Burruss didn’t hold back on her broader feelings, stating flatly that she doesn’t like Braxton and calling her “fake.”
The women have gone back and forth ever since, with Burruss insisting Braxton was being fake and had been rude to her just days before the infamous moment at Essence Festival. The feud remains active today, serving as a reminder that some tensions—much like carefully preserved gold plated jewelry—just don’t tarnish with time.
The Tupac Shakur murder trial hit an unexpected bump Tuesday in Las Vegas when police descended on a nearby Starbucks following reports of a possible shooting. The timing was surreal: while Tupac Shakur case proceedings continued just blocks away, officers rushed to the downtown coffee shop after dispatch received multiple shooting calls.
Las Vegas Metro PD arrived at the scene in the early afternoon. When officers checked the location, they found no victims and no evidence of an actual incident. The call turned out to be unfounded, though it added another layer of chaos to an already intense day in court.
The false alarm happened just a stone’s throw from the Clark County District Court Regional Justice Center, where Duane “Keefe D” Davis stands trial for the 1996 murder of Tupac. It’s the kind of distraction that underscores how much attention this case continues to generate after three decades.
Davis maintains his innocence, though prosecutors paint a different picture. According to their version, Davis planned the shooting after Tupac physically confronted one of his relatives that night. Prosecutors claim Davis supplied the weapon to the actual shooter, who then fatally shot Tupac.
The trial resumes as both sides continue presenting their cases. This moment represents one of the most significant developments in hip-hop history, finally bringing potential accountability for a killing that defined an era and left countless questions unanswered for nearly thirty years.
