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Axios
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
A Philly rap legend went dark for years. Now he's making a comeback
Rumors of Jamal Gray's disappearance were greatly exaggerated, but rumors of his comeback are not. Why it matters: The West Philly rapper, known as The Last Emperor, is performing at Saturday's Hip Hop in the Park festival at Eakins Oval — his first show before a hometown crowd in two decades. A disciple of Dr. Dre, the 53-year-old tells Axios that despite his hiatus, he's still kickin' the high-minded, pop culture-infused bars he'd mollywop emcees with during his Philly come-up — and later, on The Lyricist Lounge, a New York incubator for the industry's illest rhyme-spitters, from Mos Def to Eminem. The big picture: If you scour pockets of the web, you'll find people wondering whether The Last Emperor had bowed into the great beyond. Once signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, Gray says those misplaced obits are understandable because he went dark for 15 years, not putting out an album. He's often confused with the late rapper Too Poetic, with whom he collabed on a song before the latter died of colon cancer in 2001. After charting a path in New York, Gray returned to Philly in 2005 to care for his ailing mother. He took on a job as a mailman — a gig he still has today — traveled to new lands and enjoyed life's simple pleasures. What they're saying:"Being an emcee, there's a component that I liken to 'Star Wars,'" Gray says. "Anybody can pick up a light saber and swing it. Anybody can pick up a microphone and impress a few people. But there's an order to it, almost like a knighthood." So this show is Gray's "Return of the Jedi" moment. When he reminds people that, even as one of hip-hop's elder statesmen, he can still crush mics like Luke Skywalker crushes the Sith. How it came together: Despite his once towering stature in hip-hop, Gray had become somewhat of an underground "ghost," Hip Hop in the Park founder Christian "TAMEARTZ" Rodriguez tells Axios. But Gray still has admirers of all ages, including Rodriguez's teenage son, who encouraged his dad to tap Gray for the festival. So Rodriguez put one of his best friends, Reef the Lost Cauze, on a mission to track down the reclusive rapper. Gray said yes, loving the festival's community-first vibes. Think of The Last Emperor as a mashup of Common, Mos Def and fellow Overbrook High School alum Will Smith — a self-proclaimed "PG-13" bridge to a bygone era of backpack rap. A time when artists laid down conscious ballads with rich storytelling and wily wordplay — a different lane from the profanity-laced, at times hyper-violent songs found in some corners of gangsta rap and drill today. Flashback: At 11, Gray wrote his first rap, jotted down inside a black-and-white composition book. His early rhymes were about "rocking parties that I had never been to," Gray says, crediting his late mother for making him read everything from "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" to English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. He developed a huge roster of words he'd deploy like platoons of soldiers during rap battles, including when a local street hustler bet on him to beat an older teen. "I smoked him. That really put a battery in my back," Gray says. Fast forward: As a freshman at Lincoln University, Gray performed at a talent show that became "the buzz" of campus. Three years later, he opened a show for the late DMX. In 1995, a friend took Gray's mixtape with him to Los Angeles, promising to get it into Dr. Dre's hands. Meanwhile, Gray kept honing his craft — until the phone rang one day: It was his friend. Dr. Dre had heard the tape. "Next thing I know, I was flying out to LA," Gray says. While at Aftermath, Gray was briefly label-mates with some of rap's biggest names, including Eminem and Eve. He'd eventually leave to form his own label, Red Planet Music, releasing his debut album, "Music, Magic Myth," in 2003. The album includes his biggest hit, "Secret Wars," a track in which he raps about his favorite rappers battling Marvel superheroes. The bottom line: Recharged and armed with a Rolodex of Philly memories, Gray is amped to grace the stage again in the place that taught him hip-hop's meaning.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Fitness trainer who helped Anant Ambani lose weight shares 3 important signs your body needs mobility training
Celebrity fitness trainer Vinod Channa has worked with many celebrities, including John Abraham, Harshvardhan Rane, Shekhar Ravijani and others. Vinod has also trained Nita Ambani and her son Anant Ambani during his drastic weight loss a few years ago, which made the billionaire heir lose 108 kg in just 18 months. Mobility training is the missing piece. Just 10 minutes a day can unlock your body's true potential. Also Read | Cardiologist says 'key to a long life' is doing these health checkups in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond The trainer often shares insights into his holistic approach to fitness and weight loss on social media. In a recent post, shared on July 5, he talked about the 3 signs your body needs mobility training to unlock flexibility, prevent injury, and move better. 3 signs your body needs mobility training Sharing the list, Vinod wrote, 'Your muscles aren't tight…they're warning you. Mobility training is the missing piece. Just 10 minutes a day can unlock your body's true potential.' Here are the 3 signs Vinod shared: 1. Constant muscle tightness — even after stretching If your hamstrings or hips always feel tight even after stretching? Then, per the trainer, it is a sign that your body needs to train and be flexible. He suggested starting with movement like: Frog Stretch Cat-Cow Hip Rocking 2. Poor posture or back pain from long sitting Do you have rounded shoulders or low back pain after sitting too long? Try these poses for mobility: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) Bird Dog Raise 3. Can't go deep in squats or feel knee pain in basic movements If your body can't go deep in squats or you feel pressure on your knees while doing exercises like lunges, then your body needs mobility training, Vinod Channa stressed. You should try: Knee rocking Hip flexor stretch Ankle mobility Lastly, Vinod suggested training smart, not hard, to be the best version of yourself and to add 10 minutes of mobility to your daily workout routine to be more flexible. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business Standard
Summer vacations 2025: Most exciting places in India to travel with kids
When the school bell rings for the last time before summer, it's not just the end of term—it's the start of something magical. With its vibrant culture, thrilling landscapes, and stories around every corner, India is the ultimate playground for curious young minds. Parents also wanted to utilise summer vacations to the fullest and provide their kids with an adventurous trip full of smiles, surprises, and stories that our kids will tell for years. Here are 10 exciting and kid-friendly travel destinations in India for Summer Vacations 2025, promising fun, learning, and unforgettable memories. Shimla Located in the Himalayan foothills, Shimla is a charming hill station with toy train rides, horse riding at Kufri, and ice skating. The kids would love the zip-lining and ropeways in the Hip Hip Hurray amusement park. The pleasant weather is perfect for children to enjoy with kids and introduces them to the Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and snow leopards. The Mall Road offers shopping, cafés, and a glimpse of colonial architecture. Ooty Ooty is also a very popular destination to enjoy with kids, especially the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Kids can enjoy Ooty Lake, stroll through the Government Botanical Gardens, and toy train joyrides. They can also enjoy wildlife, seeing elephants, deer, and even leopards in their natural habitat. Children would also enjoy a Rose Garden fun and explore the Thread Garden and Chocolate Museum for some unique learning experiences. Munnar This picturesque hill station, Munnar, is an ideal location to enjoy a summer vacation for nature-loving families. An interesting stop for kids would be the Tea Museum, where kids learn how tea is made. Eravikulam National Park, a home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is also a good place to visit with kids. Jaipur Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, has a rich history and culture. Kids will enjoy the grandeur of Amer Fort with its elephant rides and light-and-sound show. Jaipur Zoo is also a popular destination, which is located next to Albert Hall Museum, and it is home to tigers, crocodiles, and vibrant birds. Rishikesh Rishikesh is one of the most popular destinations, especially during summers, as kids love to be part of some activities such as river rafting, zip-lining, and camping. Rishikesh is also an interesting place for parents who want their kids to embrace spirituality by visiting Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti. Families could also visit Rajaji National Park, which offers jeep safaris to spot elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. Darjeeling Darjeeling is popular for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, recognised as a UNESCO site. It is a good place for kids to enjoy the steam train ride with views of the majestic Kanchenjunga. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Zoo to see red pandas and snow leopards. The tea gardens and Peace Pagoda provide scenic beauty and educational tours. Mahabaleshwar Mahabaleshwar is a popular place offering strawberry picking at local farms, which is a sweet treat for kids. One of the family's favourite activities includes boating on Venna Lake and the viewpoint circuit (like Arthur's Seat), making it a gentle hike. For fresh juices, pizzas and picnic vibes, Panchgani's Mapro Garden is the best place to visit.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
CPD Youth Liaison Officer Will Martinez to be honored as American Red Cross Hero
Chicago Police officer who works as youth liaison to be honored as Red Cross hero Chicago Police officer who works as youth liaison to be honored as Red Cross hero Chicago Police officer who works as youth liaison to be honored as Red Cross hero The American Red Cross on Wednesday will honor its new class of heroes who give back to our community. One of those 12 heroes is a Chicago Police officer who has a passion for going beyond the call of duty. Officer Will Martinez is affectionately known on the city's West Side just as "Officer Will." When Officer Martinez steps outside the Austin (15th) District police station in the South Austin neighborhood, he sees vibrancy and hope. "It's a flourishing community," Martinez said, "a lot of amazing people, a lot of great businesses." For more than a decade now, Officer Martinez has made it his mission to make sure that image is clear to others too. 'I am a regular police officer, but my specialty is the 15th District youth liaison officer," Martinez explained. As the youth liaison, Martinez becomes Officer Will, and he connects youngsters through various programs — including the most popular one that he started six years ago. Hip Hop Tuesdays are where education, games, and community policing all come together. "We're creating a safe place for the youth where they're coming to the police station, and they feel safe here," Martinez said. Officer Will gets teens engaged in the annual Austin's Got Talent show, and the 15th District Toy Giveaway — constantly letting the youngsters see the men and women behind the badge. "The youth know all the officers," Martinez said. "It's like a first-name basis." Officer Will also formed lifelong bonds. Last year, he personally drove a teen down to college to get him settled. Now the word is out, as the American Red Cross prepares to honor Officer Will as the local law enforcement officer hero of the year. "This isn't just an Officer Martinez award," Martinez said. "This is an award for the whole community and for the kids." Officer Will is being modest, considering 100 officers were nominated and he was the one chosen. "I don't think about it," he said. "So when you say it that way, it makes you think yes, it's an amazing feat." Some of Officer Martinez's youth mentees plan to attend the awards ceremony. They have already teased him about shedding tears. Officer Will said if he does, they will never let him live it down. Congratulations to Officer Will, and all the local Red Cross heroes getting recognized — from students to first responders and artists. They will all be honored at the special breakfast on Wednesday. American Red Cross You can see each one of the recipients' stories in a special on CBS News Chicago's digital steaming network at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
USA Today
21-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Stars vs. Flyers March 22: Injured players, inactives, latest updates
Stars vs. Flyers March 22: Injured players, inactives, latest updates Heading into a matchup with the Dallas Stars (43-21-4), the Philadelphia Flyers (28-34-8) will be monitoring three players on the injury report. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22 at American Airlines Center. Stream NHL games and originals all season long on ESPN+! Stars vs. Flyers game info Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 Saturday, March 22, 2025 Time: 2 p.m. ET 2 p.m. ET TV channel: ESPN+ (Watch on ESPN+ or LIVE on Fubo) ESPN+ (Watch on ESPN+ or LIVE on Fubo) Location: Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Venue: American Airlines Center NHL odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 3:37 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Favorite: Stars (-275) Stars (-275) Underdog: Flyers (+220) Flyers (+220) Total: 5.5 Stars injury report March 22 Tyler Seguin | C (Out) Injury: Hip Hip Games played: 19 19 Stats: 9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points Miro Heiskanen | D (Out) Injury: Knee Knee Games played: 50 50 Stats: 5 goals, 20 assists, 25 points Nils Lundkvist | D (Out For Season) Injury: Upper Body Upper Body Games played: 39 39 Stats: 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points Flyers injury report March 22 Ryan Ellis | D (Out For Season) Injury: Back Back Games played: 0 0 Stats: 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points Rasmus Ristolainen | D (Day-To-Day) Injury: Upper Body Upper Body Games played: 63 63 Stats: 4 goals, 15 assists, 19 points Garnet Hathaway | RW (Day-To-Day) Injury: Upper Body Upper Body Games played: 60 60 Stats: 8 goals, 10 assists, 18 points Watch the NHL on Fubo!
