Pressure Works!

2022 admittedly was a strange but revealing year for most, entertaining in some circles to say the least and/or an absolute hellscape in others.

While Russia adamantly laid claims to Ukraine and decided to bomb the Ukrainians into submission – they fought back and won the hearts and minds of many around the world.

Olympian Britney Griner released from Russian custody in prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, nicknamed the “Merchant of Death” by his accusers. Viktor Bout, a former Soviet military officer, was serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States on charges of conspiring to kill Americans, acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles, and provide material support to a terrorist organization. Bout has maintained he is innocent.

Griner – who had for years played in the off-season for a Russian women’s basketball team – was arrested on drug smuggling charges at an airport in the Moscow region in February. Despite her testimony that she had inadvertently packed the empty cannabis oil cartridge found in her luggage, she was sentenced to nine years in prison in early August and was moved to a penal colony in Mordovia in mid-November after losing her appeal.

The swap, did not include another American that the State Department has declared wrongfully detained, Paul Whelan. Whelan was arrested on alleged espionage charges in 2018 and sentenced to 16-years in prison in a trial that US officials have called unfair. Griner and Whelan’s families had urged the White House to secure their release, including via prisoner exchange if necessary.

Politicking…

The Oath Keepers were successfully prosecuted and sentenced for their involvement in the Jan 6th attack on the US Capitol Building.

While we’re talking about politics Jan 6th Committee recommended criminal charges and uncovered details about the Trump administrations involvement and lack of action on Jan 6th while highlighting GOP complicity and utter ineptitude in relation to actual governing and passing legislation.

The panel formally or informally interviewed more than 1,000 witnesses, collected more than 1 million documents and held 10 well-watched hearings. The two Republicans and seven Democrats on the panel were able to conduct the investigation with little interference after House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy declined to appoint minority members, angry that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had rejected two of his suggested appointments.

In the end, the panel came to a unanimous conclusion that Trump coordinated a “conspiracy” on multiple levels, pressuring states, federal officials and lawmakers to try to overturn his defeat, and inspired a violent mob of supporters to attack the Capitol and interrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s win. The panel recommended that the Justice Department prosecute Trump on four crimes, including aiding an insurrection.

While a so-called criminal referral has no real legal standing, it is a forceful statement by the committee and adds to political pressure already on Attorney General Merrick Garland and special counsel Jack Smith, who is conducting an investigation into Jan. 6 and Trump’s actions.

States responded to the Supreme Courts position on abortion. Voters in California, Michigan and Vermont enshrined reproductive rights in their state constitutions, while Kentucky voters said no to a proposal that would have rejected abortion protections in the state constitution. Also coming up short was a Montana abortion-related referendum that raised the prospect of criminal charges for health care providers who provide abortions.

Since the end of Roe v. Wade, several states expanded abortion rights, while some sought to ban the practice outright or shorten the viability time. 

Former President Donald Trump announced is bid for reelection in a lackluster speech deemed ‘low energy.’
Meanwhile Trump Co CFO indicted and convicted on tax evasion charges.

*Infinite Media-Infinite Pressure Foundation does not condone bullying or hate speech of any kind. *

The Artist Formerly Known as…..

Ye has always been outspoken about his support for Trump, so it wasn’t so strange Ye met with Trump at Mar a lago amid controversial tweets, podcast, and interviews. However, the visit sparked controversy because of his guest, a white supremist Nick Fuentes. Apparently, Trump had a few words to say about Ye’s ex and urged him not to run for president.

For those of you living under a rock, Ye took a 1.5 billion haircut after ending corporate relationships with GAP, Adidas and Balenciaga. Ye also quietly divorced ex-wife Kim Kardashian after a highly publicized break up. Well, the criticism against the creative genius hasn’t been kind. Ye received backlash after his ‘White Lives Matter” t-shirt design during his Yeezy Season 9 fashion show, which quickly escalated to a back-and-forth social media exchange with Vogue fashion editor Gabriella Kafera-Johnson. Ye’s arguably most incendiary post, [aside from parroting Candance Owens lies about George Floyd’s death] set the internet on fire with a sleepy post [death Con 3 on Jews] about Jewish people, power structures in the entertainment and fashion industries…

whew…. yea you had to be present for all of that.

Kyrie Irving and Nike’s relationship came to an end after Kyrie posted a link on his Twitter account that may/ or may not share antisemitic views. Well, that tweet led him to being suspending for 5 games without pay, a 500,000 donation to the Anti-Defamation League, a lengthy apology and the termination of his shoe deal with Nike.

Irving had been a Nike-sponsored athlete since 2014. Nike has launched seven models of Irving’s signature shoe, which have been popular among basketball players.

Nike was expected to launch the Kyrie 8 — Irving’s eighth signature shoe — in November 2022, per Sneaker News.

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech, and we condemn any form antisemitism. To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone,” Nike’s statement read.

Elon Musk bought Twitter and companies divested in advertising spend due to Musks ‘free speech policy’ and warm embrace of right-wing perspective and rhetoric.

*Infinite Media-Infinite Pressure Foundation does not condone bullying or hate speech of any kind.*

New Life

Nick Cannon grew his family to 12 children.

Rihanna, Asap Rocky, Sophie Turner, and Joe Jonas all became first time parents. Summer Walker birthed twins with Erykah Badu as her doula.

Keke Palmer revealed she’s pregnant on SNL.

On to the Music

Beyonce dropped her first solo album in almost 4 years, without any visuals outside of her Tiffany’s collaborations. Pusha T’s ‘Its Almost Dry’ had everybody ordering Diet Coke. Nas dropped his third installment of his Hit-Boy produced King’s Disease Trilogy. 21 Savage caught a couple of strays for his comments regarding Nas’ relevance in the commercial music climate, which turned into a music collaboration ‘One Mic One Gun’ with the hip hop legend.

Drake and 21 Savage, dropped a collaborative album ‘Her Loss’ and supported the release with a deepfake campaign strategy that included a SNL performance and a ‘Vogue’ cover that resulted in a lawsuit from the fashion behemoth. Despite the album landing a number 1 spot on the Billboard 200, Drake received
backlashed for his lyrics about Serena Williams husband Alexis Ohanian and Megan thee Stallion.

TDE had big year Kendrick Lamar releasing Mr Morale and the Big Steppers, Sza ‘SOS’ and Ab Soul ‘Herbert’. SZA debuted at #1 on the Hot 200 with [ ]
the biggest week for a –

Megan thee Stallion received justice after Tory Lanez was convicted for the 2020 shooting of the Houston lyricist.

Serena Williams announced her retirement from tennis with a Vogue exclusive.

Rihanna dropped Black Panther single ‘Lift Me Up’ after years long drought from releasing music, sending love and light to all of Rihanna Navy. Taylor Swift’s Midnights sold 1.5 million first week in album sales and broke Ticketmaster in the process after announcing her latest tour, sparking political push back against the company’s monopoly on live events.

The Movie Industry had a few blockbuster drops too.

The Woman King, Nope, Black Panther 2, Avatar 2, and The Batman.

Long Live…

 Gunna and Young Thug were arrested along with 26 others after authorities alleged that “YSL is a violent criminal street gang that has committed multiple murders, shootings and car-jackings over the course of a decade,” according to WSB.

 Gunna entered into a plea deal and received a time-served, suspended sentence, which will include 500 hours of community service. He was released from Fulton County Jail after being incarcerated since mid-May.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way,” Gunna said in a statement shared with Complex following his release.

His attorney Steve Sadow also issued a statement to Instagram on Thursday, writing, “Gunna did not snitch to get out of jail. He has said nothing and is not cooperating.”

On a lighter note, music has seen a quality resurgence in 2022, with offerings from the icons and game changers alike, with sample-laced gems, mellow vibes and sonic candy.

Future was the only artist in 2022 to chart every single week on Billboard.

Hold up, there were a few collabs I enjoyed as well, Dj Khaled’s God Did ft Lil Wayne Rick Ross and Jay-Z, Fivio Foreign, Alicia Keys and Ye ‘City of Gods, City Girls Good Love ft Usher, and so many more!

RIP to Aaron Carter, Jo Mersa Marley, Takeoff, Pnb Rock, Coolio, and Pele.

Bill Russell, Barbara Walters, Queen Elizabeth, The Pope, Andre Talley, Vivienne Westwood, and Pele.

Queen Elizabeth died after the longest reign in British history. Harry and Meghan, the Duke and
Duchess of Sussex were in attendance and the topic of conversation. Harry and Meghan released a Netflix Documentary detailing their relationship journey and subsequent decision to take a step back from the royal family and live in the US.

  Oh, and I can’t forget about the Murder Inc Story on BET. If you’re a lover of hip hop and R&B, this 5-part documentary was packed with gems. Irv Gotti’s recollection on getting Jay-Z, DMX and Ja Rule signed is something you don’t want to miss. Also, the early origins of the Murder Inc record label, plus insights into the infamous Ja Rule, 50 Cent beef.

Visibly missing from the documentary of the iconic brand was Ashanti. Irv Gotti faced alot of backlash due to his treatment of Ashanti and his jaw dropping commentary on their personal and professional relationship. Ashanti responded on Diddy’s ‘Gotta Move on Remix and subsequent interview with Angie Martinez.

So many ‘ I cant believe that just happened’ moments in 2022, I just chopped it up to a few. I’ll let Uncle Murda grab the wheel at this point.

Check out Uncle Murda’s annual Rap-up 2022.

Drop a line or two and tell me what’s in your rotation. Don’t forget to email me with your tips and topics at [thepen@infinitepressure.org]

– The Pen