Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: Atlanta Hawks

  • Latto Debuts Baby Bump After Pregnancy Reveal

    Rapper Latto is embracing her new era, and it’s not just about her upcoming album, ‘Big Mama.’ The 27-year-old artist recently confirmed she’s expecting a child, and now she’s stepped out publicly for the first time since the exciting announcement, proudly showing off her baby bump!

    Courtside Debut

    On Saturday, March 21, Latto was spotted courtside at the Atlanta Hawks game against the Golden State Warriors. Accompanied by her sister, Brooklyn Nikole, this outing marked her first public appearance since revealing her pregnancy. The rapper looked radiant as she posed for photos, with her belly subtly visible beneath her white top.

    The sighting was captured and shared by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram, where fans quickly expressed their joy and congratulations. Many commented on how happy Latto seemed to be able to share this news and step out without the need for secrecy.

    Addressing Relationship Questions

    While the pregnancy news has been met with widespread happiness, it has also sparked some questions regarding Latto’s relationship with fellow rapper 21 Savage, who is widely believed to be the father. Fans recalled reports of 21 Savage’s marriage to Keyanna Joseph in 2020.

    However, initial signs suggest things are amicable, as Joseph reportedly ‘liked’ the pregnancy announcement post on Instagram. Neither Latto nor 21 Savage have officially commented on the specifics of their relationship status, leaving fans to connect the dots through various hints and their public interactions.

    Album and Personal Milestones

    This personal milestone comes as Latto gears up for the release of her new album, ‘Big Mama,’ scheduled for May 29 of this year. The lead single, ‘Business & Personal,’ already features strong allusions to 21 Savage, further fueling speculation about their connection. The music video also contains compelling details that align with Latto’s recent life updates.

    With the album rollout underway and her pregnancy now public, Latto seems ready to share this significant chapter of her life with her fans. The relief of no longer having to keep the pregnancy a secret is palpable, allowing her to focus on both her music and her growing family.

    What are your thoughts on Latto’s pregnancy and her upcoming album? Let us know in the comments below!

  • T.I. Performs at Hawks Game After ‘Magic City Night’ Canceled

    Despite the NBA’s decision to cancel the planned “Magic City Night” theme, Atlanta rapper T.I. still took the stage for an electrifying halftime performance at the Atlanta Hawks game on March 16. The sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena was treated to a dose of nostalgia as the “King of the South” delivered some of his biggest hits.

    A Successful Halftime Show Amidst Controversy

    T.I. performed fan favorites like “Rubber Band Man” and “What You Know,” even sharing a few dance steps with the Hawks mascot. The performance concluded with a special appearance from his Grand Hustle label mate, Young Dro, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. The Hawks went on to defeat the Orlando Magic 124-112, making for a successful night for the home team.

    The “Magic City Night” promotion, intended to honor the famed Atlanta strip club, was initially announced by the team. However, the NBA stepped in to cancel the event after receiving complaints from various stakeholders, including fans, partners, and employees, citing the club’s nature as an adult entertainment venue.

    Fan Engagement and Merchandise Success

    Even without the official “Magic City Night” theme, the spirit of the club was palpable. Fans celebrated the establishment, the subject of a recent STARZ docuseries, by purchasing exclusive merchandise. According to an employee at the Hawks Shop, 300 pre-order hoodies sold out almost immediately. Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, who co-produced the docuseries, was even seen sporting a Magic City hoodie at the game.

    While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately halted the promotion, the night proved to be a success in terms of fan engagement and T.I.’s performance. The event underscored the cultural significance of Magic City in Atlanta, even amidst the league’s decision to withdraw official support for the themed night.

    • T.I. performed a halftime show at the Atlanta Hawks game on March 16.
    • The NBA canceled the planned “Magic City Night” theme due to complaints.
    • Despite the cancellation, fans celebrated Magic City, with merchandise selling out.
    • T.I. performed hits like “Rubber Band Man” and “What You Know.”
    • The Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 124-112 during the game.

    What did you think of T.I.’s halftime performance? Were you surprised the NBA canceled “Magic City Night”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Ex-Hawks Exec Accused of $4M Embezzlement

    A former executive with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks is at the center of a significant financial scandal. Lester T. Jones Jr. has been accused by federal prosecutors of embezzling nearly $4 million from the team, allegedly using the stolen funds for a lavish lifestyle that included extensive travel, luxury goods, and entertainment.

    Allegations of Fraudulent Expenses

    According to reports from The Associated Press, Jones faces a single count of wire fraud. Prosecutors claim he orchestrated a scheme where the NBA team paid American Express approximately $230,000 for personal expenses that were falsely presented as legitimate business costs. One specific allegation involves Jones altering an email to make a reimbursement request appear related to business travel in Las Vegas, when it was actually for personal expenses.

    During a court appearance on October 29th, Jones pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bond. He has 15 days to decide whether to enter a guilty plea or proceed to trial.

    A Pattern of Embezzlement

    The accusations suggest a pattern of embezzlement totaling over $3.8 million during Jones’s tenure with the Hawks. He allegedly submitted numerous fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, often accompanied by fake or altered invoices. These personal expenses reportedly included trips to international destinations like the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and Thailand, as well as purchases of high-end items like Louis Vuitton apparel and expenses for a Porsche.

    Role and Duration of Alleged Scheme

    Jones, who is no longer employed by the Hawks, worked in the team’s accounting and finance department from March 2016 until June 2025. In this role, he oversaw the company’s corporate credit card account with American Express and managed the electronic expense reimbursement program, positions that allegedly gave him the opportunity to carry out the alleged fraud.

    Federal prosecutors also state that Jones is accused of faking emails and altering reports to conceal his alleged activities, further compounding the charges against him. A spokesperson for the Atlanta Hawks declined to comment on the ongoing allegations.

    What are your thoughts on this alleged embezzlement case? How can organizations better prevent such financial crimes? Share your views in the comments below!

  • Summer Walker’s ‘Alien’ Date to Hawks Game

    Summer Walker has a knack for keeping us on our toes, and her latest public appearance is no exception! After bringing an intriguing older gentleman as her date to the VMAs earlier this year, the R&B songstress seems to have leveled up her dating game – literally – by bringing an ‘alien’ to the Atlanta Hawks game.

    From Mystery Man to Space God

    Remember the buzz around the unidentified older man Summer brought to the VMAs? While his identity remains a mystery, Summer clarified that she doesn’t need a sugar daddy, though she did playfully admit she’d rather spend someone else’s money! Now, it appears she’s moved on from older Earthlings to someone from… well, outer space.

    Her date for the Atlanta Hawks’ home opener was none other than social media personality and comedian ‘Space God Da Thug.’ Known for his humorous videos and musical ventures, Space God Da Thug certainly made an impression.

    A Courtside Proposal from Space

    Caught on camera by The Neighborhood Talk, a clip shows Space God Da Thug getting down on one knee in the tunnel, pleading with Summer to give him a chance. “I’m nothing like these Earth n****s man,” he declared, holding her hand. “They done broke your heart, played with you. Look bae, I’m for real. I came all the way from space baby.”

    While Summer appeared a bit unsure, she ultimately gave him a chance, walking arm-in-arm with her intergalactic suitor to their courtside seats. The whole spectacle had fans in the comments section both baffled and amused.

    Fan Reactions and Future Music

    Comments ranged from “Lmao Summer is living life and I love that for her lmao! My girl is funny lmao” to jokes about Atlanta not being a real place. It seems most fans are happy to see Summer enjoying herself, whether it’s for laughs or genuine connection.

    Beyond the courtside antics, Summer Walker is gearing up for the release of the anticipated conclusion to her album series, ‘Finally Over It.’ Expected on November 14, the project will feature 18 songs and serves as the final installment, following ‘Over It’ and ‘Still Over It.’

    What do you think of Summer Walker’s unique dating choices? Was Space God Da Thug just for the memes, or could this be the start of something out of this world? Let us know in the comments!

  • Basketball Forecast: Wild Turnarounds and Championship Chaos

    Get ready, basketball fans! ESPN’s insider panel has released their predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season, and it looks like we’re in for a wild ride. The forecasts suggest a season packed with more plot twists than your favorite drama series, including potential dynasty-altering injuries, unexpected championship contenders, and trade rumors that could shake up the league.

    Young Teams Poised for a Comeback

    The San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks are tied for the biggest expected turnaround this season. Both franchises have been diligently building their rosters with young talent. The Spurs, after years of lottery picks, are centering their team around Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. With the addition of rookie Dylan Harper and veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk, San Antonio is poised to surprise many.

    The Atlanta Hawks are also making significant moves, adding Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard to complement Trae Young’s scoring prowess. Their acquisition of defensive specialist Nickeil Alexander-Walker signals a serious commitment to competing on both ends of the court, suggesting they won’t be overlooked this season.

    An Eighth Straight Different Champion?

    Adding to the unpredictability, experts predict an eighth consecutive season with a new NBA champion. This trend highlights the league’s increasing parity. Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the second-youngest championship team in 50 years, defied odds to win it all. However, history suggests repeating as champions is incredibly difficult.

    Despite the Thunder returning their key players and theoretically being stronger, the panel believes the streak of new champions will continue. This forecast underscores how competitive the league has become, where even a talented, young champion like OKC faces immense pressure to repeat.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Faces Franchise Crossroads

    The Milwaukee Bucks are predicted to face the most team turmoil, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. The team’s financial maneuvers, including waiving Damian Lillard and restructuring his contract to sign Myles Turner, suggest a sense of desperation to maximize Giannis’s prime years. While Antetokounmpo remains an elite player, the talent gap between him and his supporting cast appears to be widening.

    Injury Impacts and Trade Speculation

    Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury was voted the most impactful Eastern Conference injury, significantly altering the Boston Celtics’ trajectory from contenders to a rebuilding team after trading key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson is heavily speculated to request a trade, a move that wouldn’t surprise many given his injury-plagued tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans, a team struggling with mediocrity despite his immense talent.

    Deadline Drama on the Horizon

    The Golden State Warriors are expected to be major players at the trade deadline, having strategically positioned themselves throughout the offseason. Their contract offer to Jonathan Kuminga was designed to create trade flexibility. The Los Angeles Lakers are also a focal point of trade speculation as they navigate the Luka Doncic era while managing LeBron James’ expiring contract.

    Which team do you think will make the biggest splash at the trade deadline? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

  • The Weeknd Joins ‘WAY’ Campaign

    Global music sensation The Weeknd is stepping into a new role, joining the ‘WAY’ (Who Are You?) campaign. This initiative, aimed at empowering youth to redefine career success beyond traditional paths, has partnered with The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn” tour for its Atlanta stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a powerful collaboration designed to inspire the next generation.

    Redefining Career Success with ‘WAY’

    The ‘WAY’ campaign is a partnership between Stand Together, a philanthropic community focused on addressing issues like racial and socioeconomic disparities, and Dream Studios. The project’s core mission is to encourage young people to explore diverse career options through a non-traditional lens. La Mar Taylor, creative director and founder of XO Records and No More Dreams Studio, highlighted the campaign’s goal: “to help young people and society at large imagine what career success can look like.”

    Taylor emphasized that the partnership aims to dismantle outdated narratives surrounding education and achievement, instead uplifting stories driven by passion, purpose, and possibility. This approach encourages a broader understanding of success, moving beyond conventional definitions.

    Interactive Experiences and Inspiring Voices

    Leading up to The Weeknd’s August 21st concert in Atlanta, attendees had the opportunity to visit a “WAY Station” video booth. This interactive space invited concertgoers to reflect on their unique qualities and aspirations. The campaign also features inspiring video messages from influential ‘WAY influencers,’ including rapper Killer Mike, Melissa Proctor (Executive Vice President and CMO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena), Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, and tech innovator Iddris Sandu.

    Colette Weintraub, head of Stand Together Music, Sports & Entertainment, stressed the campaign’s importance in challenging societal norms. “The prevailing belief in society has many believing there is one path to success, and success looks a certain way,” she explained. “WAY is intended to give people social permission… We want people to know they can define their own pathways to success, and there is more than one pathway. Most importantly, what success looks like is up to you.”

    The ‘WAY Station’ video experience is being featured at each U.S. tour stop, with upcoming concerts in Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, and Indianapolis, concluding in New York City on September 27th. This initiative ensures that the message of redefining success reaches a wide audience.

    What does career success mean to you? Share your thoughts and aspirations in the comments below!