July 25, 2019 

By City News Service 

 

Sheriff's homicide bureau detectives served a search warrant today at a home leased by rapper YG in connection with a shootout that took place earlier this month in Compton and made one arrest.

 

The warrant was served early today in the 1600 block of Blue Jay Way in the Trousdale Estates area above Sunset Boulevard in the Sunset Strip area, said Deputy Marvin Crowder.

 

“Several people were detained,” Crowder said.

 

The rapper YG was not at home during the search, Deputy Grace Medrano said. Detectives arrested 29-year-old Tyquan Williams on a weapons charge.

 

He is being held on $25,000 bail.

 

It was unclear what deputies may have taken from the home.

 

The search stemmed from a deputy-involved shooting that took place about 11:20 p.m. July 3 at the corner of Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue and claimed the life of Rickie Cornell Starks, 65, of Compton.

 

Deputies got into a shootout with an occupant of a fleeing SUV, and Starks was apparently caught in the crossfire, sheriff's Lt. Derrick Alfred said.

 

Authorities confirmed that the SUV connected with the chase and shootout was registered in the name of rapper YG.

 

A sheriff's department statement released after the shooting said: “Investigators can confirm that the information being widely reported regarding the suspect vehicle being registered to Keenon Jackson, AKA ‘YG,’ is accurate. The 2018 black Cadillac Escalade is reportedly a company car registered in the name of Keenon Jackson with an address in Sherman Oaks ... Sheriff's Homicide Bureau will not be commenting further regarding Mr. Jackson or the vehicle at this time, as this is an ongoing criminal investigation.”

 

Deputies from the Compton sheriff's station initiated the pursuit of the Cadillac for suspected reckless driving or DUI, Deputy Grace Medrano said.

 

Someone in the Escalade opened fire on the deputies with a high- powered assault rife and they returned fire at Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue, Medrano said.

 

Deputies came under fire a second time in the 1900 block of 199th Street and returned fire, Medrano said.

 

The Escalade sped away, followed by a sheriff's department helicopter to Inglewood and a suspect on the passenger side fired several shots at that helicopter, possibly striking the aircraft, Medrano said.

 

The suspects bailed out and fled on foot and one suspect was arrested, while at least one suspect and the assault rifle were not located, Medrano said. The name of the person arrested was not released.

 

Deputies found the mortally wounded Starks at the corner of Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue, and he was pronounced dead at the scene of multiple gunshot wounds.

 

One deputy who suffered graze wounds to his arm and shoulder during the pursuit was treated at a hospital and released, Medrano said.

 

The black Escalade was armored and had bullet-proof windows, ABC7 said..

 

On July 5, the rapper posted on Twitter, “I was nowhere near the scene of this incident, I was in Hollywood recording in the studio all day. I was there until after midnight on the 4th of July and didn't learn of these events until after they happened!”

July 25, 2019 

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

This week signals a time to enjoy the rays of happiness that are possible when you shift into a place of "yes" in love. Venus moves into your romance sector on Saturday and remains here through August 21. If you're single, this will be an extremely auspicious time to meet someone who has the ability to truly sweep you off your feet. Your ruler, Mars, is also in the same area of your chart and, on Thursday, will be at a gorgeous angle to Jupiter. Big love is yours for the taking. Grab it!

 

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

A decision or important conversation between you and your sweetheart on Wednesday about a family or domestic matter will lead you to love each other even more than you already do. You might feel happier than you have in a long time when it comes to your living situation. If you and your partner already live together, then there's a glorious vibe of joy between the two of you as you truly enjoy each other's company at home. If you're dating someone, then you might start to "play house," only to realize that you're both playing for keeps.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

You're all lit up mentally when it comes to love. In fact, romance is probably all you can think about these days! Not only do you have both cosmic lovers (Venus and Mars) in your communication sector starting Saturday, but on Thursday you'll enjoy a gorgeous link between Mars and Jupiter (now in your partnership sector). This will stimulate a joyous conversation between you and your mate about love, sex, and whatever motivates the both of you to get even closer. Single? You'll have no problem striking up conversation with anyone who makes your heart beat a little faster.

  

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

The beautiful thing about this week's energy is that you aren't seeking validation from anyone else. Whether you're single or in a relationship, you appear confident and filled with so much self-worth and self-love that your only focus is expressing your creative self and giving that love out to others. Because you're not worried about any lack of love in your life, you simply won't experience one. It's nice to be in such a healthy emotional place that you don't need to rely on anyone else to confirm just how awesome you are. And yeah ... you are totally awesome!

  

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

Is your love life bad for your health?You couldn't be more in the spotlight if you tried, Leo! Not only is Mars already in your sign, but on Monday, the Sun enters Leo and by Saturday, Venus joins the Leo party. Having Mars in your sign will feel especially magnificent this week in terms of sexy romantic vibes. On Thursday he'll be at a perfect angle to lucky Jupiter, now in your true love sector. This is an aspect that speaks to abundant lovemaking potential. Someone out there just can't seem to get enough of you. And that makes you very happy.

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

When it comes to love, there is plenty of action happening and you appear to be extremely happy about the developments. At the same time, however, it will be almost impossible for anyone in your life to even know that you have a love life this week -- it will seem invisible to the outside world. Fortunately for you, this dynamic not only works perfectly but adds to the romance and passion between you and someone close. Everything that happens is behind closed doors ... and that's the way you like it.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

There is no shortage of romantic opportunity flying your way these days, but sometimes, either consciously or unconsciously, you tend to shut it out before anything can get off the ground. Why? On some level you might not believe you truly deserve the kind of magnificent love story that you see unfold in other people's lives. This week, if that has been your mindset, you'll be happy to know that you're shifting the narrative you tell yourself. Spoiler alert: it includes a happy ending. Yes!

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

You're so in love with someone that you're ready to scream it out from the rooftop with a megaphone! Yes, you! It will be impossible to keep your feelings inside this week and honestly, Scorpio, for you that is a good thing. For once you won't be so concerned about vulnerability and, because of this, your guarded nature will relax just enough to experience the joy of carefree romance in a way that is typically foreign to your nature. You might make a public declaration of love or, someone might make this gesture toward you. You'll embrace it.

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

A happy-go-lucky attitude permeates your week and will surely extend to romance. You can't help but be all "half glass full" with Jupiter in your sign. What makes it even more delicious is the fact that on Thursday, Mars will be at a positive trine to Jupiter, stimulating all kinds of goodness. You'll be full of positivity and this will be extremely attractive to others. If you're single, you might meet someone you find to be inspiring and uplifting -- a true kindred spirit. Attached? No negatively is allowed in your love life. It just doesn't exist.

 

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

The depth of connection between you and your partner is about to reach a level you've always yearned for, but somehow were too afraid to allow. So much energy is infusing your 8th House of Shared Resources now, which includes sexual and emotional resources. This week, you'll find it easy to open yourself up to your blind spots in love and intimacy and really let love fill in the darkness. If you're in a relationship, you might have the most transcendental romantic encounter with your lover. You'll feel like you've come home.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Opening your heart to love will feel like the most natural state -- even though it is typically more in your comfort zone to have a sense of healthy detachment from too much intimacy. With an infusion of planets in your partnership sector, however, making a genuine and open-hearted connection will become your greatest priority. If you're in a relationship, then you and your sweetheart will experience a growth spurt that is laced with romance and genuine mutual enjoyment of one another's company. Single? Wednesday and Thursday are prime days to meet someone while you're out and about just doing you.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

You can't be blind to the fact that there is something going on between you and a colleague or someone you employ. Mars, the planet of sexual energy, is already in the area of your chart connected to work and health. This Saturday his counterpart, Venus, joins the same area of your chart. With the cosmic lovers together, there will be no denying a sexy romantic connection between you and someone you spend a great deal of time with. This person might also be someone you've hired to do work around your house. One way or another, you're discovering how much fun you can have with someone who helps you out in a significant way. This person is important to you. And the attraction is real.

July 25, 2019 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

At first glance, IFC’s “Sher­man’s Showcase” created by comedy duo Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, might seem like a traditional sketch comedy show but it’s much more.  At its core is extraordinary music which makes sense since John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. and RadicalMedia serve as executive producers. This is best-in-show and if you like to laugh then “Sherman’s Showcase” is going to bring you buckets and buckets of mirth. 

 

Bashir and Diallo have a take no prisoners approach to comedy and the series features a who’s who of movies, music, sports, and entertainment, including two EGOT winners, and multiple award-winning artists, actors and entertainers including Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, Common, Morris Day, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, Quincy Jones, Mike Judge, Kenny and Keith Lucas, Nigel Lythgoe, Curt Menefee, Vic Mensa, Tawny Newsome, Ne-Yo, Ray Parker, Jr., Mario Van Peebles, Damon Wayans, Jr., Marlon Wayans and Bresha Webb.

 

Premiering on IFC on Wednesday, July 31 at 10/9c, the series is inspired from classic shows like “Solid Gold,” “Soul Train” and “Laugh-In.” Taking a deep dive into comedy gold, Sherman’s Showcase travels through time via well-produced music segments and clips drawn from the forty-year library of a legendary (fictional) musical variety show. Each week, the vault opens for viewers to experience the chaotic comedy and amazing musical numbers from the forty-year (made-up) history of the show. Whether it’s a real artist playing a fake character, or a comedian playing a real artist, it’s always unconventional, irreverent, and most of all, hilarious.

 

The premiere episode, “Meet Sherman” introduces Sherman McDaniels, host of “Sherman's Showcase” as John Legend walks us through a history of The Showcase — from Sherman's parentage, to the origin of the show, with highlights throughout the show’s run from 1972 to present day.

 

Emmy-nominated Bashir Salahuddin was born and raised on the south side of Chicago as one of eight kids. He met his writing partner Diallo Riddle when they were both students at Harvard University. His other credits include the new comedy “South Side” which he co-created and is executive producing with his writing partner Riddle. As an actor, Bashir has starred in Lionsgate’s “A Simple Favor,” 20th Century’s “Snatched,” as well as the SAG-nominated Netflix series “GLOW.”

 

On the writing side, Salahuddin and Riddle previously were consulting producers on TBS’S “The Last OG” and developed their pilot “Brothers in Atlanta” with Broadway Video at HBO.  They began their careers as staff writers on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, where they wrote such notable pieces as “Slow Jam the News with Barack Obama” and “The History of Hip-Hop with Justin Timberlake.”

 

Here is an edited excerpt from a phone call with Bashir Salahuddin co-creator of IFC’s “Sherman’s Showcase.”

 

L.A. Watts Times: Hey there, cats and kittens!

 

Bashir Salahuddin: What?

 

LAWT: Hey there, cats and kittens. That’s the greeting Sherman McDaniels, host of Sherman's Showcase delivers in your very funny show — Sherman’s Showcase which debuts on IFC, July 31.  

 

BS: It sure is. 

 

LAWT: I love your series. 

 

BS: That’s so good to hear.

 

LAWT: Stop acting modestly. I’m sure you’re hearing this with all your press interviews. I bet not one person said, hell—I didn’t laugh once.

 

BS: Hell no. We’re comedy scientists. We know the laughs are there. This is the first time something like this is happening so I’m just wide-eyed and just trying to take it all in and not say something stupid. That’s my main goal, not to say something stupid.

 

LAWT: Unless and until you’ve been commissioned to write something “stupid” and then you just run to the bank.

 

BS: Hell, yes.

 

LAWT: I decided to take a few notes on the numerous jokes that run through your show but then I started laughing and I could not finish. I just had to sit back and enjoy—and here comes the plug— “Sherman’s Showcase” on IFC.  Can I push in?

 

BS: (laughing) Go ahead.

 

LAWT: In the show, you had a character say: “Wrong, wrong, wrong as the night is long” — that’s funny.

 

BS: (laughing) Brother, you’re wrong, wrong and the night is long and it rhymed.

 

LAWT: My favorite episode is your homage to Prince when he sings his arrangement for “Take Me Out to The Ball Game.” It’s comically and musically perfect! I can’t believe you said that many theologians said it was “the rapture” — an instant classic.

 

BS: You know, I love that episode so much. I was just talking to someone about that episode.  It's our way to pay tribute to a great artist. Diallo and I are music fans, and I don’t know if you can tell from the show, but all the music is written by musicians.

 

LAWT: Wait. All of the music in “Sherman’s Showcase” is written by musicians? That’s why I was shaking my head and singing along? Got it. It’s not like other sketch comedy shows. Well done, brother, well done.

 

BS: Thank you. We certainly helped create the melodies but the creative process was all but into the hands of great music producers.  Back to your favorite episode, as music fans, we never felt like we had a proper goodbye to Prince Roger Nelson. So, we decided to dedicate a whole episode to him. The actor we hired looks just like him particularly when he gets dolled up. We loved the idea that we were able to do early Prince, when he had the afro. Super-hot Prince, when he barely had to move and he would just show up and everybody would go crazy—like the fish would stop swimming. Finally, when he sings “Take Me Out To The Ball Game,” it was our way of saying goodbye to somebody who meant so much to us for so much of our lives.  We could not have been happier to do that.

 

LAWT: Bashir when I heard his rendition of the song I thought the arrangement was tight. It works.

 

BS: Yes, it’s amazing. It does work. It’s also good that the song is in public domain. It’s interesting. It’s one thing to have an idea and actually like do it, and then go and do it.  When you’re dealing with music there are a lot of legal restrictions. An example you can’t post a Youtube video of you and your kids if a Beyoncé song is being played in the background. The next day that thing will be gone. Do you know what I’m saying?

 

LAWT: Understood.  Is that why it’s important for you to work with professional musicians?

 

BS: Correct. A lot of comedy will do music but clearly, the writers don’t care about it because it’s all about the jokes.  We decided with this show that we must elevate. While working for Jimmy Fallon, it was really easy to write a sketch with music in it when you can just walk downstairs and walk into a room and there is Questlove. So, I think that kind of spoiled us a little bit, but that inspired us to get the right people that know music and that’s what we did.

 

LAWT: Now I know why this show — your show— “Sherman’s Showcase” hit me in the gut.  The execution of humor, flawless. The execution of music, stylish and not to be missed.  Last words?

 

BS: We create checkpoints for ourselves to make sure that the stuff is good.  We sort of make it harder on ourselves, but by doing that, the show is better. We didn’t cut any corners whatsoever.  We weren’t just in the writer's room we were also in the studio.