By Trey Alessio

Sunday, July 24, 2016

• On his Summer Sixteen tour in Kansas City, Drake revealed that he's working on  a new mixtape. 

CREDIT: JOHNNY NUNEZ/GETTY IMAGES

• Warner Bros. released a new trailer for "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them"

• Sony Pictures announced its plans for a sequel to the Ghostbusters reboot. 
• Paramount Pictures announced its plans for another Star Trek sequel. 
• Dreamworks announced its plans for a fifth "Shrek" movie in 2019.
• Common signed on to produce and star in a "Cooley High" remake.
• TJ Miller signed on to star as the lead voice-over in an upcoming Emoji Movie.

Monday, July 25, 2016

• Greg Jennings announced that he will retire from the NFL. He finished his career after 10 seasons.

• iHeartRadio announced the lineup for its iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 23-24. The list includes U2, Drake, Britney Spears, Sam Hunt, twenty one pilots, Billy Idol, Florida Georgia Line, OneRepublic, Sia, Cage The Elephant, Zedd, Tears for Fears, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Usher and Sting.
• The NFL reinstated Josh Gordon, but the Cleveland Browns suspended him for the first four games of the season. 
• The Chicago White Sox and Chance the Rapper announced their first ever joint music festival, Magnificent Coloring Day! The lineup includes Chance the Rapper, John Legend, Tyler the Creator, 2 Chainz, Lil Uzi Vert, Skrillex, Alicia Keys, Young Thug, Lil Wayne and "a very special guest." 

• The Chicago Cubs acquire Aroldis Champman from the New York Yankees for Gleyber Torres, Adam Warren, Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
• Wale dropped the music video for "My PYT."

• The San Diego Padres traded Melvin Upton Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Netflix released the trailer for its upcoming series, "The Get Down."

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

• The Atlanta Falcons released Devin Hester.
• Rodger Federer announced his plans to not attend the Rio Olympics. 
• James Cordon's "Carpool Karaoke" will be coming exclusively to Apple Music.
• The MTV announced the nominations for the VMA's. Here's a link to see and vote for all the nominations. 
• Waka Flocka dropped his mixtape, "Lebron Flocka James 4."

• Anquan Boldin signed with the Detroit Lions.
• HBO canceled the series, "Project Greenlight."

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

• Paramount Pictures released the trailer for the upcoming movie, "Office Christmas Party."

• Travis Scott announced his album, "Birds In the Trap Sing McKnight," will be released on August 5 exclusively through Apple Music.
• Jahlil Beats said on Periscope that Meek Mill's mixtape, "Dreamchasers 4," will out in the fall. He also said the song, "Tony Story 3" will appear on the mixtape.
• The Los Angeles Rams released Nick Foles.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

• Mac Miller dropped a new song, "Dang!," with Anderson .Paak on Beats 1 Radio and announced his upcoming album, "The Divine Feminine," will be out on September 16.

Friday, July 29, 2016

• Lionsgate released the trailer for "Hacksaw Ridge."

• The College Football Playoffs announced that all semifinal games will be played on Saturdays or holidays. Click here for the schedules for the upcoming college football playoffs. 
• Universal and Legendary Pictures released the trailer for the upcoming movie, "The Great Wall."

• HBO renewed "Ballers" for a third season. 
• Marvel announced its plans for "Avengers: Infinity War" to be one film instead of two.

CREDIT: Marvel

Saturday, July 30, 2016

• American Horror Story released a set of teaser trailers.

• Kanye West released the music video for "Wolves" in conjunction with Balmain. The video featured the version with Sia and Vic Mensa. 

• Kanye West also spoke out about the Tidal-Apple beef via Twitter.

• French Montana and Drake released the music video for "No Shopping."

• HBO announced that "Game Of Thrones" will end after its eighth season.

CREDIT: HBO

By Trey Alessio

Sunday, July 24, 2016

• Lucasfilm announced its plans for a "Star Wars" virtual reality project. The project doesn't have a name, release date or even a particular genre yet, but it does have a focal point. The subject will be Darth Vader, and the story will reveal new aspects of the villain's past. 

• Kim Kardashian posted a Snapchat video of a phone call between Kanye West and Taylor Swift. They were discussing Kanye's lyrics on his song, "Famous" from his album, "The Life of Pablo." The lyrics state, "For all my south side n****s that know me best. / I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. / Why? I made that b****. famous." Kanye West seemed to being seeking Taylor Swift's blessing for the lyrics. Taylor Swift appeared to approve of the lyrics on the video.

• Taylor Swift responded to Kim Kardashian's video with this Instagram post.

Monday, July 18, 2016

• Danny Brown announced that the title of his upcoming album will be "Atrocity Exhibition."
• Rapsody signed with Roc Nation.
• Former St. Louis Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa was sentenced to 46 months in jail for hacking the Houston Astros' player personnel database.

CREDIT: Bob Levey/AP Photo

• Arian Foster signed a 1-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. 
• The NCAA announced the No. 1 seed in college basketball will now choose the location for its first and second round games among eight assigned cities. 
• Defensive back Charles Tillman retired after 13 NFL seasons.
• Sony Pictures released a new trailer for the upcoming movie, "Magnificent Seven."

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

• Starz renewed its original series, "Power" for seasons four and five.
• Paramount Pictures released the trailer for "xXx: Return of Xander Cage."

• Kid Ink released his new song, "Golden Eye."

• GoldLink released the music video for "Spectrum."

• Jeremih dropped a surprise mixtape, "Late Nights: Europe."

• Lil Yachty dropped his new mixtape, "Summer Songs 2" via Apple Music. In conjunction with the mixtape, he also released a short film entitled, "Keep Sailing" via The Fader.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

• YG dropped the remix to "FDT." The song features G-Eazy and Macklemore.

• USA Network announced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will star in a new show entitled, "Muscle Beach."
• Schoolboy Q dropped the music video for "John Muir."

Thursday, July 21, 2016

• The San Diego Comic-Con began.
• Fox announced that Kid Cudi will join the cast of "Empire" for its third season.
• ESPN announced its plans to launch an ACC Network in 2019.
• Desiigner dropped his highly anticipated single, "Tiimy Turner."

• Open Road Films premiered a new trailer for "Snowden" at Comic-Con.

• The NBA announced the 2017 All-Star Game will be moved from Charlotte due HB2 bill "with hope of rescheduling for 2019."
• Netflix and Marvel premiered new teasers for "Luke Cage," "The Defenders" and "Iron Fist."

Friday, July 22, 2016

• Rumors began to circulate about Le'Veon Bell facing a 4-game suspension for missing a drug test.

CREDIT:  Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

• PartyNextDoor released the first single to "P3." He also announced the album will drop on August 12.

• Former Vikings and Cardinals coach Dennis Green died from cardiac arrest at the age of 67.
• AMC released the trailer for "Fear the Walking Dead" at Comic-Con.

• D.R.A.M. dropped the music video for "Broccoli."

• DJ Khaled premiered his new single, "Holy Key" from his upcoming album, "Major Key," on Beats 1 Radio.

• AMC also premiered the trailer for "The Walking Dead" at Comic-Con.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

• Netflix announced that "Bo Jack Horseman" will be renewed for its fourth season. 
• DJ Khaled revealed the tracklist for "Major Key."

• ABC announced its plans to cast Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and Jafar.
• Warner Bros. premiered the trailer for "Wonder Woman" at Comic-Con.

• Warner Bros. released the trailer for the upcoming movie, "King Arthur."

• Warner Bros. also gave a first-look for the upcoming movie, "Justice League" at Comic-Con.

• Marvel premiered the trailer for "Doctor Strange" at Comic-Con.

• Warner Bros. released a new trailer for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" at Comic-Con.

By Trey Alessio

• It was announced that "The Secret Life of Pets" scored the biggest opening weekend in the United States for an original animated film.
• Rumors began to surface about Drake and Gucci Mane recording a collaborative project. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
• UFC announced its plan to sell itself to WWE for a reported $4 billion.

Monday, July 11, 2016

• Schoolboy Q dropped the third part of his short film in conjunction with his album, "Blank Face LP."

• Drake's album, "Views" nine-week run at the top of the charts was ended. Blink-182's new album, "California," dethroned "Views."
• Tim Duncan announced his plans to retire after 19 seasons and five championships.
• Draymond Green was arrested for assault in East Lansing early Sunday morning.
• Giancarlo Stanton won the Home Run Derby with 61 total home runs. That's a record for most homers in a single Home Run Derby.

CREDIT: Marlins/Twitter

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

• ​Lil Wayne announced the "Lil Weezyana Fest 2" event.

• After the success of the new Pokemon Go phone app, the talks about a Pokemon movie began to heat up. Deadline Hollywood reported that Legendary Pictures is moving toward a deal to land the rights to make a live-action Pokemon movie.
• The MLB named the AL batting champion award after Rod Carew and the NL batting champion award after Tony Gwynn.
• Fox made a put pilot commitment for a new "X-Men" series, according to Variety.
• The AL beat the NL and wins the MLB All-Star Game, 4-2.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

• ​Federal appeal court rejected Tom Brady's appeal, which means his four-game suspension will stand.
• Revolt TV reported that a Marvin Gaye documentary will be released next year. The title of the documentary will be "Marvin, What's Going On?"

​

• YG released the video for "Still Brazy."

• The ESPY's aired on EPSN. Here's a full list of the winners.
• Male Athlete: Lebron James - ClevelandCavaliers
• Female Athlete: Breanna Stewart - UConn
• Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
• Breakthrough Performance: Jake Arrieta - Chicago Cubs
• Play: Aaron Rodgers' Hail Mary to Richard Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
• Moment: City of Cleveland wins first title in 52 years
• Upset: Holly Holm over Ronda Rousey - UFC
• Comeback Athlete: Eric Berry - Kansas City Chiefs
• Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
• Championship Performance: Lebron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
• Game: NBA Finals Game 7 - Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
• Coach: Tyronn Lue - Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA Player: LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
• MLB Player: Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals
• NFL Player: Cam Newton - Carolina Panthers
• NHL Player: Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
• Male College Athlete: Buddy Hield - Oklahoma
• Female College Athlete: Breanna Stewart - UConn
• Male Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic
• Female Tennis Player: Serena Williams
• Male Action Sports Athlete: Ryan Dungey
• Female Action Sports Athlete: Jamie Anderson
• Male Athlete with a Disability: Richard Browne
• Female Athlete with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden
• International Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo - soccer
• Best MLS player: Sebastian Giovinco - Toronto FC
• WNBA Player: Maya Moore - Minnesota Lynx
• Driver: Kyle Busch
• Male Golfer: Jordan Spieth
• Female Golfer: Lydia Ko
• Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
• Bowler: Jason Belmonte
• Fighter: Conor McGregor​
• Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Craig Sager (Special Award)
• Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Zaevion Dobson (Special Award)
• Pat Tillman Award for Service: Sgt. Elizabeth Marks (Special Award)
• Icon Award: Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and Abby Wambach (Special Award)

• ​Entertainment Weekly released the first look at the upcoming "It" reboot.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

• ​The PAC 12 announced that it reached an agreement with Twitter to live stream 150+ sporting events in 2016-2017.
• The trailer for the upcoming movie, "La La Land" was released.

• The Emmy's announced its nominations. Click here for the list of the full nominations.
• Hopsin released a short film entitled, "Die This Way."

Friday, July 15, 2016

• Star Wars released the poster for the upcoming film, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." It's set to be released this December.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

• ​Oscar Isaac signed on to star in Steven Spielberg's upcoming movie, "Kidnapping of Edgardo Montara."
• French Montana and Drake released their new single, "No Shopping."

By Trey Alessio

When 2015 turned into 2016, Schoolboy Q’s follow-up to “Oxymoron” was one of my most anticipated albums for the new year, and I think it’s safe to say it lived up to the hype.

Back when “Groovy Tony,” the lead single for Schoolboy’s “Blank Face LP,” came out in April, Q had my full attention. The song lived up to all my expectations for a Schoolboy Q track—mean, rugged, not-for-the-weak-minded, west coast gangsta music. I expected the same for the entire album, and, for the most part, that’s exactly what I received. 

Instantly, we got a vivid picture of Schoolboy’s life as a drug-dealing, west coast gangster when he opened the album and said, “Grandma sweep shells out the driveway. / One of the homies got slayed so we bang at the King parade.” on the “Torch” intro. Schoolboy Q’s rugged rap style mixed with Anderson .Paak’s definite LA R&B vibes made for an excellent start to the epitome of a gangsta rap album.

Schoolboy Q didn’t steer away from his unique style. He stuck to his roots, told a continuation of his story and managed to touch on multiple deep, real world topics. “Blank Face LP” is definitely a matured style of gangsta rap through and through with the lyrics, the production and the messages embedded in the songs.

The maturation in his lyrics was highlighted on “Black Thoughts” when he rapped, “All lives matter, both sides.” That line really struck me, especially with all the recent, tragic shootings. Schoolboy Q has since stated on Twitter that he was speaking about the unity between Bloods and Crips, but even so, the irony of a pure gangsta rapper talking about something so relevant in today’s society really spoke volumes to me. The Dallas shootings even happened at nearly the same time as the album’s premiere on Thursday night, which I thought made the irony even thicker.

My favorite albums have a variety of sounds, and we got that with the “Blank Face LP.” We got songs like “Ride Out,” “By Any Means,” “John Muir” and “Tookie Knows II” with the quintessential hardcore, Schoolboy Q vibe, but then we also got songs like “Kno Ya Wrong,” “Neva Change,” “Black Thoughts” and even “Blank Face” where Q laid out a softer, more conscious vibe. There’s even a sex/love song in “Overtime,” and even though Schoolboy Q described the song as “bootleg version of “Studio” and said the label made him put the song on the album, it seemed to fit the consistent flow of the album.

I also really enjoyed all the features on this album—the standout being Vince Staples on “Ride Out,” in my opinion. From Kanye West to Jadakiss to E-40 to Miguel, I didn’t feel like any artist was out of place on the album. I also think Anderson .Paak is on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars in the hip-hop/R&B genre. He’s my early nomination for artist of the year, and I thought Schoolboy Q snagged a feature at the perfect time for the perfect sound on this “Blank Face LP.”

In conclusion, Schoolboy Q really stepped up his game with his “Blank Face LP.” He delved into different musical sounds while still sticking to his own sound. It was a roller-coaster-of-a-journey through the west coast in the life of a drug-dealing gangster topped off with rugged lyrics and rich production.
It seems a bit too early to go out on a limb and call “Blank Face LP” the “album of the year,” but it’s certainly on its way to being in the conversation.

Here's part 1 and 2 of the upcoming short film:

THE DON'S GRADE: A-

By Trey Alessio

Sunday, July 3, 2016

• Young Thug earned his first platinum single with "Best Friend."
• Jay Electronica hinted that he may have new music dropping within the next 40 days before deleting his Twitter account.

CREDIT: GoldenStateWarriors/Twitter

Monday, July 4, 2016

• Kevin Durant announced that he will sign with the Golden State Warriors via the Players Tribune. 
• Pau Gasol signed a two-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
• Fredo Santana dropped his mixtape, "Fredo Mafia."

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

• Dirk Nowitzki signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
• FX released another teaser for the upcoming series, "Atlanta," which will star Childish Gambino/Donald Glover. The series will premiere on September 6 at 10 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. CT.

• Riff Raff announced he will be making a country album. 
• Colin Farrell signed on to the Justice League movie. His role has yet to be announced. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

• Pete Rose sued John M. Dowd, the lawyer whose investigative report got him kicked out of baseball for gambling, alleging the lawyer defamed him last year by saying that Rose raped young teen girls during spring training.
• Dwyane Wade announced his plans to sign with the Chicago Bulls. 
• The UFC announced Jon Jones wouldn't be apart of UFC 200 after he was flagged by the USADA for a potential anti-doping policy violation.  

CREDIT: Elsa / Getty Images, David M. Russell / AP, Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Thursday, July 7, 2016

• Juicy J announced his new mixtape, "Lit In Ceylon."

• TDE released a Black Hippy remix for Schoolboy Q's single, "That Part."

• Migos released an EP, "3 Way."

• Daniel Cormier became the replacement for Jon Jones to fight Anderson Silva in UFC 200.
• "The Lego Movie" sequel received a re-write from Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of "Bo Jack Horseman."
• Lionsgate released the trailer for "Blood Father." It will star Mel Gibson.  

Friday, July 8, 2016

• Schoolboy Q released his sophomore album, "Blank Face LP."

• Larry Brown announced he will step down as head coach of SMU.
• Fox Searchlight released the trailer for the upcoming movie, "Table 19." It will star Anna Kendrick.

• Ace Hood released the tracklist for "Starvation 5." The mixtape will come out on July 11.

• Serena and Venus Williams won their sixth doubles title at Wimbledon. Serena also picked up her seventh solo title at Wimbledon and her 22nd Grand Slam title.

SOURCE: http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/09/tennis/wimbledon-serena-williams-angelique-kerber-tennis/

By Trey Alessio

Sunday, June 26, 2016

• The BET Awards aired. Here's a list of the winners.
  • Video of the Year: "Formation" - Beyoncé
  • Viewer's Choice: "Formation" - Beyoncé
  • BET Humanitarian Award: Jesse Williams
  • Best Gospel/Inspirational Artist: Kirk Franklin
  • BET Young Stars Award: Amanda Stenberg
  • Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
  • Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
  • Sportsman of the Year: Stephen Curry
  • BET Lifetime Achievement Award: Samuel L. Jackson
  • Global Good Award: Akon
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
  • Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Bryson Tiller
  • Best New Artist: Bryson Tiller
  • Best International Act (Africa): WizKid
  • Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Drake
  • Video Director of the Year: Director X
  • FANdemonium Award: Beyoncé
  • BET Centric Award: "Formation" - Beyoncé
    
  • Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyoncé
  • Best Collaboration: "Work" - Rihanna & Drake
  • Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
  • Best Movie: "Straight Outta Compton"
  • Best International Act (UK): Skepta

• DJ Khaled released the video for his new single, "I Got the Keys," which features Jay Z and Future.

• Desiigner dropped his mixtape, "New English."

Monday, June 27, 2016

• A$AP Ferg and Big Sean released the video for "World is Mine."

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

• Former NFL coach Buddy Ryan died at the age of 82. He is known for being the defensive coordinator for arguably one of the all-time best defenses in the 1985 Chicago Bears.

CREDIT: Kidwiler Collection / Getty Images

• Women's basketball coach Pat Summitt died at the age of 64. She is the winningest coach in men and women's college basketball. When she finished her career in 2012, she led Tennessee to 1098 wins and eight national championships. 

CREDIT: AP Photo/Gerry Broome

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

• Adidas announced its further partnership with Kanye West. The Kanye West + Adidas brand will include footwear, apparel and accessories for all genders across street and sport. It's said to be the most significant partnership ever created between an athletic brand and a non-athlete. 

CREDIT: Adidas

• Ty Dolla $ign told HOT 97 that he has a project entitled, "Campaign" coming soon. It will contain 14 songs, and he said it will be the "soundtrack of the summer."
• Open Road Films released the trailer for "Bleed For This." 

• Dreamwork's Animation released the trailer for "Trolls."

Thursday, June 30, 2016

• 20th Century Fox released the red band trailer for "Why Him?"

• Rihanna released her video for "Sledgehammer," the single from "Star Trek Beyond."

• Disney revealed its plans for a "Wreck-It Ralph" sequel to come out in 2018.
• Schoolboy Q dropped the second part of his short film and the video for "Tookie Knows II" from the upcoming album, "Blank Face LP."

• The NFL suspended Johnny Manziel for the first four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
• The NFL also suspended Sheldon Richardson for the first game without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
• Coastal Carolina beat Arizona, 4-3, in the elimination game to win the College World Series.

CREDIT: AP Photo/Ted Kirk

Friday, July 1, 2016

• Logic dropped his surprise mixtape, "Bobby Tarantino."

• The NBA announced that OJ Mayo will be dismissed and disqualified from the league for violating terms of the anti-drug program.
• Reports surfaced that once all the label members drop each of their albums this year, we may get a TDE tour, which would include Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad, SZA and Lance Skiiiwalker. 
• The NBA free agency kicked off. The highlight move was Dwight Howard to the Atlanta Hawks.
• Ace Hood revealed his plans to drop his mixtape, "Starvation 5," on July 11.

• Fergie released a new song/music video in "MILF $."

Saturday, July 2, 2016

• 21 Savage and Metro Boomin' announced they will be releasing a joint project entitled, "Savage Mode" on July 15.