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Obama Honors Quincy Jones as “The Man Who Was Music” in A Tribute

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Former President Barack Obama paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary music producer Quincy Jones, highlighting his vast influence on music and culture.

In a post on his X handle, Obama celebrated Jones’ contributions, crediting him as a figure who was instrumental in shaping modern music and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.

“For decades, Quincy Jones was music,” Obama wrote, reflecting on the long and remarkable career of the man behind some of history’s most celebrated music.

From producing Michael Jackson’s record-breaking Thriller album to composing the score for The Color Purple and collaborating with stars like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, Quincy’s impact was profound and wide-reaching.

Obama added, “It seemed like every big record—and every big film—had Quincy’s name on it.”

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Quincy Jones’ reach in the music world is indeed vast.

As the mind behind Thriller, he helped create the best-selling album of all time, defining the sound of the 1980s and introducing new standards in production.

Working alongside Michael Jackson, Quincy not only produced hits like Beat It and Billie Jean but also crafted a sonic landscape that would set the bar for generations to come.

His role in shaping Jackson’s career brought him global acclaim, securing his place in music history.

However, Quincy’s influence went far beyond pop music.

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His composition for the film adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple showcased his versatility, allowing him to bring his musical genius to Hollywood.

Through the film, Jones brought the struggles, resilience, and spirit of African Americans to the big screen in a profound way.

His soundtrack elevated the emotional impact of the film, earning him an Academy Award nomination and solidifying his reputation as a composer with the ability to resonate across various genres.

A pioneer in bridging racial divides, Quincy Jones’ work appealed to listeners of every background and every age.

From jazz and soul to pop and film scores, his music was universal, connecting people and defining eras.

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Obama highlighted that by building a career that took him from the tough streets of Chicago to the glamorous heights of Hollywood, Quincy became a trailblazer for Black artists and executives alike.

His achievements opened doors for many in an industry that had long been challenging for Black professionals to thrive in at high levels.

Obama closed his tribute by offering comfort to Jones’ loved ones and fans, saying, “Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family, and everyone who has lived their lives to his songs.”

Quincy Jones’ legacy is seen not only in his music but in the countless artists he mentored and inspired.

His career spanned over seven decades, during which he won 28 Grammy Awards and received 80 nominations, making him one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history.

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Beyond the awards, he was an advocate for social change and a visionary who used his platform to push for equality and justice.

Throughout his life, Quincy worked with music icons like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra.

His collaborations with Frank Sinatra were particularly groundbreaking, bridging racial boundaries at a time when such partnerships were rare.

Together, they produced timeless hits like Fly Me to the Moon, helping Sinatra reinvent his sound and reach new audiences.

Quincy’s early work with Ray Charles also left a lasting impact on him, helping shape his understanding of music’s power to transcend racial divides and bring people together.

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Legal Group Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs, Claims He Exceeded His Authority

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A legal advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging US President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign trade partners. The group, Liberty Justice Center, argues that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing these tariffs and has asked the US Court of International Trade to block them.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five small businesses, targets the tariffs Trump introduced on April 2, as well as the additional duties placed on China. These businesses include a wine and spirits importer from New York and a Virginia-based company making educational kits and musical instruments.

Liberty Justice Center senior counsel Jeffrey Schwab argued that only Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to set tax rates, including tariffs. He stated, “No one person should have the power to impose taxes with such far-reaching global consequences.”

In response, White House spokesman Harrison Fields defended Trump’s tariffs, saying they were necessary to address unfair trade practices, particularly with China. He claimed the president is standing up for American businesses and workers by correcting trade imbalances.

This lawsuit follows another similar legal challenge in Florida, where a small business owner is also seeking to block tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Trump’s tariffs include a 10% duty on goods from all countries, with higher rates for those with significant barriers to US imports. While some of the tariffs were paused for 90 days, the Liberty Justice Center argues that Trump’s use of special executive powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t authorize such actions.


 

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Portable Sent to Prison in Ilorin After Failing to Meet Bail in Saheed Osupa Case

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Controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Okikiola Badmus, has been sent to the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This followed his failure to meet the strict bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court, where he appeared on Monday over a defamation case filed by Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa.

The court granted him bail at N1 million with tough conditions. He is required to provide two sureties—one must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a property within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Until those conditions are met, Portable will remain in custody.


 

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Yoon Suk Yeol’s Trial Begins Over Martial Law And Causing Political Chaos

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The criminal trial of South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, began on Monday as he faces charges of insurrection for declaring martial law late last year, which led to months of political unrest.

The martial law declaration lasted just six hours after parliamentary staffers blocked special forces from entering the parliament building, where lawmakers voted against it.

Yoon, who left his home in a motorcade to attend the court session at the Seoul Central District Court, denied all charges. Prosecutors argued that he had no legal right to declare martial law and accused him of attempting to paralyze state institutions like parliament.

Yoon defended his actions, claiming that martial law was necessary to highlight the opposition party’s control over the legislature, which repeatedly blocked his government’s agenda. He maintained that he never intended to disrupt the country.

The charge of insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

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Earlier this month, Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating constitutional powers, with his martial law declaration on December 3 which is a serious blow to democracy. The court notes that his actions caused chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy.


 

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