Carlee Smith Journalist Profile

Articles

How To Celebrate Juneteenth This Year

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

Americans across the country will celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, marking the end of slavery in the United States. While it officially became a federal holiday in 2021, many Black communities have long recognized the day as a powerful symbol of freedom. Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free.
Tyler Perry Faces $260 Million In SA Case -- 50 Cent Supports Perry

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

Actor Derek Dixon filed a massive $260 million lawsuit against entertainment mogul Tyler Perry on June 13, 2025, accusing him of sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation. Dixon, who appeared in Perry’s BET+ series The Oval and Ruthless, claims that Perry abused his power and influence to exploit him. According to the lawsuit, Perry first met Dixon at an event in 2019 and promised to help advance his acting career. Dixon says things quickly turned inappropriate.
Trump Organization Unveils "Trump Mobile" -- Gold Smartphone

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

The Trump Organization is stepping into the mobile phone business with the launch of Trump Mobile, a new wireless service paired with a custom-branded device called the T1 Phone. This new venture, run by T1 Mobile under a licensing deal with the Trump brand, promises patriotic appeal and practical perks. The highlight is the “47 Plan”, priced at $47.45 a month—a reference to Donald Trump aiming to be the 47th president.
R Kelly Overdose And Mistreated In Prison

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

R. Kelly collapsed in his North Carolina prison cell following what his attorney describes as a dangerous overdose while in solitary confinement. According to court documents reviewed by AllHipHop, the incident occurred just days after his legal team accused prison officials of intentionally endangering his life. The 58-year-old singer was allegedly placed in isolation on Tuesday, June 10, and administered additional medication on Thursday, June 12.
Florida Man Scams Over 120 Free Flights -- Fake Flight Attendent

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

In one of the most brazen travel scams in recent memory, a Florida man managed to fly on more than 120 commercial flights for free over the course of nearly three years by posing as a flight attendant, according to authorities. The man, whose identity has not been released pending formal charges, allegedly used forged airline credentials and replica uniforms purchased online to pass himself off as legitimate cabin crew.
50 Cent And Son Beef On Fathers Day

1 week ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

In an unexpected and heated social media drama, rapper 50 Cent has found himself embroiled in a public feud with his son, Marquise Jackson, on Father’s Day. The two have been estranged for years, but things escalated on June 18 when Marquise took to Instagram to post a cryptic message that seemed to hint at unresolved tension between father and son. Marquise, 26, shared a post that read, “I’m tired of playing the role of the villain,” adding fuel to the fire.
Sole Survivor Of Air India Flight 171 Tragedy

2 weeks ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 241 lives. Among the 242 people on board, only one survived: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar. Approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of thrust and failed to gain altitude.
Nelly And Ashanti Reignite Their Love Story In New Reality Series

2 weeks ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

Iconic music duo Nelly and Ashanti are bringing their love story to the small screen with a new reality series titled Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together. Premiering on June 26, 2025, exclusively on Peacock, the eight-episode docuseries offers fans an intimate look into the couple’s rekindled romance and life as newlyweds and new parents.
R.Kelly Demands Release From Prison Due To Safety Concerns

2 weeks ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

R. Kelly, the R&B singer currently serving a 31-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking and child pornography convictions, has filed an emergency motion seeking release from custody. His legal team claims that his life is in imminent danger due to an alleged murder plot orchestrated by three senior Bureau of Prisons (BOP) officials. According to Kelly’s attorney, Beau B.
Silento Setenced To 30 Years For Killing Cousin -- Issues Apology

2 weeks ago | rnbphilly.com | Carlee Smith |Divine Martino

Ricky Hawk, better known by his stage name Silentó, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. The rapper, who rose to fame in 2015 with the hit song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” pleaded guilty but mentally ill to multiple charges, including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. The shooting took place in January 2021 in DeKalb County, Georgia. Rooks, 34, was found shot multiple times in the street.