NYC Drug Dealer Receives 10-Year Sentence in Connection with Actor Michael K. Williams' Tragedy
40-year-old Irvin Cartagena, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, was sentenced Friday for his role in the sale of fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the death of “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams. We discuss it here!
Michael K Williams
Photo Credit: JOHN LAMPARSKI 2019//GETTY IMAGES
By: Joshua Martin
40-year-old Irvin Cartagena, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, was sentenced Friday for his role in the fentanyl-laced heroin death of “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams. Williams overdosed in his Brooklyn apartment, dying hours after a security camera caught him purchasing heroin from Cartagena in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams after Cartagena pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute drugs back in April.
“I am very sorry for my actions. When we sold the drugs, we never intended for anyone to lose their life. - Cartagena ”
Prosecutors were pushing for a sentence of at least 12 years, while the court’s Probation Department recommended a 20-year sentence due to his extensive criminal history. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams shared in a statement that those who participated in the sale of the drugs were aware that someone else also died from it prior to this tragedy. The conglomerate continued to sale the illicit drug even after the death of Michael K. Williams. Cartagena faced a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and could have faced up to 40 years behind bars; however, Abrams deemed the recommendations too severe.
“This sentence, while severe, is sufficient but not greater than necessary.”
Williams, who was 54 when he passed away in September of 2021, famously portrayed Omar Little in HBO’s hit crime drama “The Wire” which ran from 2002 to 2008. In addition, Williams starred in films and other TV series such as “Boardwalk Empire”, the Netflix drama series “When They See Us” and “Lovecraft Country” in which he won a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
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Annual Academy Museum Gala to Honor Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey are among the esteemed Hollywood figures set to be honored during the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' third annual fundraising gala. We discuss it here!
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey (Juan Veloz; Ruven Afanado)
By: Joshua Martin
On October 14, Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey are among the four nominees who will “receive their flowers” at this year’s event. Despite the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike which limits what promotion activities their members can do during the ongoing work stoppages, the Academy Museum of Pictures third annual fundraising gala will go on as planned. The Academy Museum Gala has become a key fundraising event for the Los Angeles movie museum since its opening in 2021.
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey take the stage at Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations held at the PlayStation Theater on February 5, 2019, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for THR)
Oprah will receive the “Pillar Award” for her “exemplary leadership and support for the Academy Museum.” Winfrey won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s Governors Award back in 2011. Meanwhile, Creed III actor/director Jordan will receive the “Vantage Award” which recognizes “an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema.” Other honorees include Meryl Streep who will receive the “Icon Award” and Sofia Coppola the “Visionary Award”.
“We are excited to gather again at our third annual Academy Museum Gala to celebrate the power, global impact, and indelible importance of cinema. I am truly honored to recognize four artists, Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Coppola, whose creativity and passion have inspired and shaped our culture in such powerful ways.”
The gala will raise money for the Academy Museum’s exhibitions and screenings, plus education and community initiatives.
The Academy Museum Gala will be held on October 14, 2023 in Los Angeles.
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Angie Martinez to be Inducted Into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Angie Martinez, "The Voice of New York," earns prestigious induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions in media, music, and philanthropy. We discuss it here!
Angie Martinez
When the conversation of women in media and hip-hop culture transpires, Angela Martinez is a name that will always be mentioned. It comes to no surprise that New York Broadcasters Association included her name on the list of their five new inductees into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. As a New York native, she transformed a challenging upbringing into a thriving career that made her known as “The Voice of New York”. Her journey began as a radio DJ on WWPR 105.1 FM, where she hosted her self-titled show for an impressive three decades. This remarkable achievement earned her numerous accolades, including the coveted NAB Marconi Radio Award and an induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020.
Angie's talents are not confined to the airwaves. She ventured into the music industry as a performing artist and became known for her powerful female anthems, earning her Grammy and BET nominations. Her creative energy extended beyond music when she took on the world of acting, starring in the classic film, Brown Sugar. Not content with just that, Angie tapped into writing and became a New York Times Best Seller, showcasing her passion for storytelling.
Angie Martinez and Mary J. Blige
Source: Shareif Ziyadat / Getty
With storytelling at her core, Angie's passion led her to create and host the NAACP-nominated IRL Podcast. In just a year, the podcast's success led to the establishment of In Real Life Productions (RLP), a self-funded production company that is now making waves in the entertainment industry. Angie's involvement as an executive producer for ABC's Hip Hop @ 50 Special and her lead producer role for the 2023 Essence Festival further solidify her status as a driving force in the media world.
Beyond her illustrious career, Angie has also shown her heart for philanthropy and healthy living advocacy. She ran the 2014 New York Marathon and raised an impressive $250,000 for CC Sabathia's PitCChIn Foundation, which supports inner-city youth. Her commitment to healthy living extended to co-authoring a cookbook, ‘Healthy Latin Eating,’ with Bravo TV's Top Chef Star Angelo Sosa, featuring recipes from fellow celebrity friends such as Fat Joe, Celia Cruz, and John Leguizamo.
Angie Martinez's journey from a young intern with curiosity and a passion for music to becoming "The Voice of New York" and a celebrated broadcasting icon is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to storytelling, philanthropy, and advocacy for healthy living exemplifies her multi-faceted character and depth. As she joins the ranks of the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame Class of 2023, Angie's legacy as a trailblazer in the industry is solidified, and her impact on the broadcasting world and her community will continue to inspire generations to come.
On October 26, 2023, the induction ceremony will be held at the iconic Rainbow Room, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, during the annual luncheon.
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Dwayne Johnson Makes 7-figure Donation to SAG-AFTRA Relief Fund
Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson makes historic 7-figure donation to support struggling actors amidst Hollywood strike. We discuss it here!
Dwayne ‘The Rock Johnson attends the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 12, 2023. (Getty Images/Gilbert Flores)
By: Joshua Martin
In a surprising move, A-List Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson contributed a “landmark” seven-figure donation to SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund set up for struggling actors amidst their ongoing strike against major Hollywood studios which began on July 13th. Leaders of the foundation President Courtney B. Vance and Executive Director Cyd Wilson sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors explaining the financial strains the strike would cause.
This is the first industry shutdown in 60 years, but it will take a while for viewers to notice a change in what is airing on television and streaming platforms since most of the content that is getting ready to be released was shot a year ago. Right now late night shows are showing re-runs due to the writers strike.
“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,' “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.” - Courtney B. Vance
Shortly after the announcement that thousands of film and television stars were going on strike, “The Rock” decided to step up for his fellow Screen Actors Guild members. In a statement Vance expressed how thankful he was and how the donation will help those in need of assistance during such a difficult time.
"Everyone knows what happens when you go on strike, when you stand for something — as the saying goes, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything," he added. "You can’t stand unless you have support underneath you, on the side, up top and up front. So Dwayne is letting everyone know, ‘I’m here. What are you going to do?” - SAG President Courtney B. Vance
For the first since 1960, both Hollywood actors and writers are on strike simultaneously. Members of SAG-AFTRA are seeking pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions and regulating the use of artificial intelligence. The Screen Actors Guild has more than 160,000 members, although the strike only affects the union’s roughly 65,000 actors.
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SAG-AFTRA Joins WGA In Entertainment Strike For Better Wages
The members of The SAG-AFTRA foundation have taken to the streets as they officially kicked off their strike for the union. The strike comes after financial challenges actors and writers are facing in the industry by not getting paid for what they're worth. We discuss it here!
Union members rally during Rock the City for a Fair Contract: SAG-AFTRA Solidarity Rally in Times Square, New York on July 25, 2023 as members of WGA and SAG-AFTRA continue strike
Credit: lev radin via Shutterstock
By: Gentel Sharrie
The members of The SAG-AFTRA foundation took to the streets as they officially kicked off their strike for the union. The strike comes after financial challenges actors and writers are facing in the industry by not getting paid for what they're worth.
This is the first industry shutdown in 60 years, but it will take a while for viewers to notice a change in what is airing on television and streaming platforms since most of the content that is getting ready to be released was shot a year ago. Right now late night shows are showing re-runs due to the writers strike.
SAG-AFTRA put out a statement of what you can and can’t work on, on their Instagram page.
The members of The SAG-AFTRA foundation took to the streets as the officially kicked off their strike for the union. The strike comes after financial challenges actors and writers are facing in the industry by not getting paid for what they're worth.
I remember when work was sparse, I could go to the mail box and count on a residual check to be there and pull me thru. Compensation for the hard work I had already rendered and its reuse. Those days are long past. pic.twitter.com/398yrWPVmN
— Giancarlo Esposito (@quiethandfilms) July 21, 2023
This is the first industry shutdown in 60 years, but it will take a while for viewers to notice a change in what is airing on television and streaming platforms since most of the content that is getting ready to be released was shot a year ago. Right now late night shows are showing re-runs due to the writers strike.
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Dame Dash Discusses Why $1 Million Isn't Enough To Maintain Millionaire Status
Entrepreneur Dame Dash shared valuable insights on the strategies necessary to maintain millionaire status during an interview for the Get Humbled interview series hosted by hair stylist Shanita Robinson. We discuss it here!
Dame Dash
By: Omar Cook
During an interview for the Get Humbled interview series hosted by hair stylist Shanita Robinson, Dame Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, shared valuable insights on the strategies necessary to maintain millionaire status. According to Dash, staying a millionaire is a greater challenge than initially achieving such wealth. The conversation took place on Sunday, July 16, where Dash generously provided valuable financial advice and tips.
Dame started off by saying “So now the question is how much bread do you want to make? And I don’t think it’s a bad thing to want to make a lot of money because there are people you might need to take care of.”
Robinson stated her goal was hit the million dollar mark and Dame interjected to let her know that a million isn’t enough to be a true millionaire. In today’s economy, Dame is right…a million definitely isn’t enough.
“We’re dreaming,” he said. “Let me tell you what a million dollars does. If you go in the store and buy a 25-cent bag of potato chips, you’re not a millionaire. You spend one dollar and you’re not a millionaire.
“You want to stay a millionaire, so you want a couple. Because the minute you start to get into millions, so do your bills. The carrying cost of things is what kills you.”
Dame Dash has a proven track record as an entrepreneur as former co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records alongside Hip-Hop icon, Jay-Z. Dash has since founded DD172, a media collective which encompasses America Nu magazine, VNGRD79, a web design firm, and BluRoc Records. Dash has consistently dropped financial advice in various podcast interviews and talk shows and is adamant about being able to control your future through ownership and entrepreneurship.
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Jamie Foxx Set To Produce Upcoming Luther Vandross Documentary
Jamie Foxx is joining forces with Colin Firth to produce an upcoming documentary on the life of music icon, Luther Vandross. “He’s one of the greatest singers in the history of music. It is truly an honor to be a part of the team to help bring this incredible story to the masses.” We discuss it here!
By: Omar Cook
Production is currently underway for a highly anticipated documentary that will delve into the remarkable life and career of the iconic R&B singer, Luther Vandross. Joining forces to bring this project to fruition are renowned actors and producers, Jamie Foxx and Colin Firth, along with Sony Music Entertainment's Premium Content Division and Sony Music Publishing, as well as Foxx's Foxxhole Productions and Firth's Raindog Films.
This collaboration aims to create an authentic and captivating portrayal of the eight-time Grammy winner, whose legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of fans worldwide. Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter has taken the helm as the director, promising to bring Vandross' story to life in a compelling and powerful way.
Vandross started his remarkable music career as a talented backup singer for esteemed artists such as Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and David Bowie. In 1981, he unveiled his highly successful debut album, "Never Too Much," which quickly soared to double platinum status and set the stage for his extraordinary journey.
With a worldwide album sales record of 40 million, Vandross consistently achieved platinum or double platinum status with the majority of his releases. His mesmerizing vocals resonated with audiences, resulting in five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including timeless classics like "Here and Now," "Endless Love," and "Power of Love/Love Power."
Vandross's impact on the R&B genre was undeniable, garnering an impressive 27 Top 10 hits, including seven chart-topping singles. His exceptional talent and artistry were recognized with a staggering 33 Grammy nominations, cementing his status as a music legend.
“Luther is one of our GOATs,” said Foxx in a statement according to The Hollywood Reporter. “He’s one of the greatest singers in the history of music. It is truly an honor to be a part of the team to help bring this incredible story to the masses.”
The upcoming documentary, which is yet to be titled, will reportedly provide an intimate journey into the life of the iconic artist, Luther Vandross. It will delve into his extraordinary rise to fame, showcasing his unparalleled talent and immense influence as one of the most celebrated pop artists in history. The film aims to capture the essence of Vandross, exploring his deep connection to music, his remarkable achievements, and the personal challenges he faced along the way.
The project is being developed in collaboration with the support and involvement of Vandross's close friends and family. Partnerships have been established with Trilogy Films, the Estate of Luther Vandross, and estate partner Primary Wave Music, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of the artist's life and legacy. A significant highlight of the documentary will be the inclusion of never-before-seen personal archives, granting viewers access to a treasure trove of exclusive content that will further illuminate Vandross's remarkable journey.
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Chadwick Boseman Set to Receive a Hollywood Star
Chadwick Boseman to receive posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 2024 alongside diverse group of entertainment icons. We discuss it here!
Chadwick Boseman poses with his Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Black Panther at the 50th NAACP Image awards in Los Angeles on March 30, 2019. (Alamy)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Every year, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce recognizes exceptional entertainers who have made significant contributions to the industry, and this year, Chadwick Boseman has been announced as one of the latest actors to be honored with a prestigious gold star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
At the age of 43, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away from colon cancer in August 2020, gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of T'Challa, also known as Black Panther, in the 2018 film that shared the same name. His exceptional performance contributed to the film's three Academy Awards and established a groundbreaking legacy as the first black superhero in the modern cinematic world, leaving an indelible impact on the Marvel franchise.
Congrats to @ChadwickBoseman and all of the 2024 inductees to the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame! ✨ pic.twitter.com/HbtMlVUsKF
— Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts (@bosemanfdn) June 26, 2023
Yesterday June 26th, Ellen K, the Chair and Walk of Famer, expressed in a statement on the organization's official website. “The Selection Committee, which is made up of fellow Walk of Famers, carefully hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world. The Committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway!”
In the Motion Pictures category, Chadwick Boseman will be posthumously honored with the acclaimed recognition in 2024, alongside other notable figures from the realms of Television, Live Theatre/Live Performance, Radio, Recording, and Sports Entertainment such as Toni Braxton, Andre "Dr. Dre" Young, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kerry Washington, Brandy Norwood, and many others.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its Walk of Fame Selection Panel extend their congratulations to all the honorees, noting that the dates for the star ceremonies are yet to be determined. Recipients have a two-year window from the date of selection to schedule their star ceremonies before the opportunity expires. Announcements for upcoming star ceremonies are typically made on the official website www.walkoffame.com, roughly ten days prior to the dedication.
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Lanvin Announces Future As Creative Director For The First Lanvin Lab Collection
Fashion House LANVIN LAB has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with celebrated Grammy-winning artist, FUTURE. Future will design a collection celebrating a ground-breaking and individualistic vision that bridges the gap between music and fashion. We discuss it here!
It’s obvious that hip-hop culture has played a pivotal role in bringing the esteemed fashion house, Lanvin, into the spotlight. Hip-hop artists, known for their bold and innovative style, have embraced Lanvin's luxurious designs, propelling the brand to new heights of popularity. With this deep-rooted musical heritage in mind, LANVIN LAB has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with celebrated Grammy-winning artist, FUTURE. Known for his unique style and drip Future will design a collection celebrating a ground-breaking and individualistic vision that bridges the gap between music and fashion.
LANVIN LAB is dedicated to fostering collaborative artistry and cultivating unique cultural dialogues. Jeanne Lanvin, the iconic couturier of her time, was not just a fashion visionary—she was a true arbiter of culture. Her innate ability to encourage camaraderie and intellectual exchange between writers, musicians, theater directors, and architects made LANVIN a unique creative hub that helped shape an entire era. In homage to that indomitable spirit, the esteemed fashion house has unveiled LANVIN LAB—a space where dreams and creativity intertwine.
The upcoming collection, slated for release in Winter 2023, promises to captivate with its range of ready-to-wear garments and accessories designed for both women and men. Lanvin's collaborations with hip-hop icons have further solidified it as a go-to choice for artists striving to make a powerful fashion statement.
“His visionary artistry resonates throughout various facets of contemporary culture today, making this collaboration an exciting opportunity for LANVIN to push boundaries and embrace the transformative power of art and culture.”
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Angela Bassett Set to Receive Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards
Angela Bassett will be presented with an honorary Oscar this fall at the 14th annual Governors Awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry. We discuss it here!
Angela Bassett poses at the 2023 Academy Awards.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
By: Omar Cook
Angela Bassett is set to receive one of the highest honors an actor can receive. According to Variety, this fall at the 14th annual Governors Awards, Bassett will be presented with an honorary Oscar. Much deserved for this iconic actress who has portrayed multiple Oscar worthy roles. The awards will take place in Los Angeles on November 18, 2023.
Bassett has been nominated for Oscar twice but went home empty handed back in March at the Oscars. She was nominated for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which many people believed she should have won, but now she will have a trophy to call her own. She will be in great company as actor Mel Brooks and film editor Carol Littleton will also receive honorary Oscars. Michelle Satter, the esteemed founding senior director of the Sundance Institute's Artist Programs, will be presented with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award during the upcoming untelevised event.
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” Academy President Janet Yang stated.
Angela Bassett’s resume is stamped, to say the least. Her breakout role came in 1990 playing Trey’s mother in Boyz n the Hood. She also played Betty Shabazz, alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s, Malcolm X film. Her role as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It, should have arguably been her first Oscar for Best Actress but her time has finally come nonetheless. Congratulation to Angela Bassett on this prestigious accomplishment as this will only solidify her place even more as one of the greatest actresses in history.
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Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com