Angélica María closes a cycle on Mexican television

Key judicial decision

A judge determined that the book co-written by the man whom prosecutors point to as the mastermind behind the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur can be used as evidence at trial. Duane “Keffe D” Davis’ defense sought to block the 2019 memoir “Compton Street Legend” from being admitted, as well as statements Davis made to police in 2008 and 2009.

Davis, 63, faces a charge of gang-aggravated homicide in the drive-by shooting in which Tupac was attacked in Las Vegas. The events occurred on September 7, 1996: the rapper was traveling in a black BMW with the founder of Death Row Records, Marion “Suge” Knight, when a white Cadillac matched them at a traffic light and a shooting began. Tupac was shot multiple times and died six days later; Knight survived with minor injuries.

The case, considered one of the most notorious unsolved homicides in the United States, was revived when Davis began making public statements, including in his book where he claimed he was in the Cadillac and provided the gun. This led to his arrest in September 2023. Davis pleaded not guilty.

The state’s argument is based on Davis’s book about his time in the South Side Compton Crips gang and interviews on YouTube. His attorney, Michael Sanft, maintained that the book was fictionalized for profit and that it is unclear what parts Davis actually wrote. He also argued that statements to police in 2008 and 2009 should not be used because Davis believed he had immunity after a deal.

Judge Carli Kierny dismissed both arguments. It determined that Davis adopted the book’s claims as his own, regardless of who wrote it in its entirety. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 10.

Paul McCartney, the legendary ex-Beatle, would have put his musical signature at the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. According to People magazine, the 84-year-old musician gave a performance at Madison Square Garden, the same venue where the singer and the NFL player married on July 3.

“Paul performed ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ before nearly a thousand guests,” said a source consulted by the media.

Among those attending the wedding were entertainment and sports figures, although so far no guest has confirmed or denied the versions.

Ceremony and repertoire

After the ceremony, Andrea Swift, the singer’s mother, guided attendees to a room where a stage had been set up for musical performances. In addition to McCartney, other sources mention that Stevie Nicks, Taylor’s close friend, was also part of the program. It has even been said that the singer herself offered a special performance for her guests.

Closeness between artists

The relationship between McCartney and Swift is not new. Both met at a meeting organized by Nancy Shevell, wife of the former Beatle, which was also attended by Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish. Swift has expressed admiration for McCartney: on June 2 she dedicated a message to him on Instagram for the release of The Boys of Dungeon Lane, where she described him as an “eternally exceptional artist” who has never ceased to inspire her.

The power of invisibility

While the majority build their careers on public image, there are groups that decided the opposite: hide their faces, avoid the spotlight or keep who creates their music a secret.

The Residents: mystery as a brand

Since 1970, this American group has taken anonymity to the extreme. With more than 60 albums and world tours, its members have never revealed their identity. They always appear dressed in tails, top hats and enormous eye-shaped helmets. In 2017, Hardy Fox admitted to being one of its founders, but the rest remains a mystery. This fueled myths that linked the band with members of The Beatles or Devo.

Sopor Aeternus: the gothic soul that does not let itself be seen

Pillar of the darkwave scene with four decades of experience. The project is headed by Anna-Varney Cantodea, whose real identity is unknown. Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows have an extensive discography and loyal fans, but they have never given a live concert and interviews are almost non-existent. The only images available show a gothic and vampire aesthetic that reinforces its enigma.

Les Rallizes Dénudés: noise and silence from Japan

Japanese psychedelic rock and noise band, founded in 1967. They built their cult status by rejecting studio recordings; His legacy survived through pirated tapes among collectors. The leader, Takashi Mizutani, spent years away from public life. His death took a long time to be officially confirmed, closing the aura of mystery of one of the most enigmatic groups in the Japanese country.