Hip-hop history, an Octavia Butler musical, and a Riker’s Island update, here’s what we’re talking about today.
1. Cardi B has become the first rapper to have her first three Billboard hits in the top ten. “Bodak Yellow” and her features on G-Eazy’s “No Limit” and Migos’ “MotorSport” sit at numbers 10, four, and seven, respectively. (The Fader)
2. The fan who wrote a letter to Dave Chappelle over transphobic jokes in his 2017 comedy specials, The Age of Spin: Live at the Hollywood Palladium and Deep in the Heart of Texas: Live at Austin City Limits is speaking out. In an article, Tyler Foster detailed his reason for reaching out to the comic and his disappointment in seeing his letter used to launch into more trans material. (Medium)
3. Tiffany Haddish says she received quality advice from Whoopi Goldberg before her Saturday Night Live episode. Haddish says she called Goldberg for advice and the actress and television host told her, “You the first, bitch, you better do a good job.” (NY Times)
4. A group of people in Cartersville, GA have been released from jail after police officers arrested them over less than an ounce of cannabis. Police say they were responding to gunshots, which partygoers say were just fireworks. The officers found less than an ounce of cannabis. Police arrested all of the attendees after no one came forward to claim the drugs. (Vibe)
5. Rikers Island will reportedly close one of its jails in 2018. City officials say the George Motchan Detention Center, which houses 600 men, will close this summer and employees at the site will be moved to other facilities. (NY Post)
6. An Octavia Butler musical is in the works. An adaptation of the writer’s 1993 dystopian novel Parable of the Sower will debut at New York’s Public Theater Jan. 8. Toshi Reagon and her mother, singer and activist Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, are bringing the story to life and hope to use Kickstarter to take the show on the road. (The Fader)