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Stella Artois recently hosted the summer’s hottest cookout during Atlanta’s Black Restaurant Week alongside a Chicken And Beer-bringing rapper.

Stella Artois x Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

On Wednesday, Ludacris attended “Luda’s Cookout” at Piedmont Park where guests followed their forks to one of five stops in Stella Artois’ “Let’s do Dinner: Summer Series.” 

The beer brand that boasts that it’s synonymous with unique dining experiences, partnered with the legendary entertainer/brand ambassador for the sizzling summer picnic that included food from six handpicked restaurants; Blk N Blu BBQ, Life Bistro, Apt 4B, Sugarhi, Not as Famous Cookie Co. and Ludacris’s Chicken And Beer.

Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

Guests enjoyed a variety of dishes that were pleasing to the palette including crab cakes, mac and cheese, beef sausage, beef ribs, shrimp and grits, Grandma’s oxtail stew, spicy jerk shrimp, butter pecan cookies, pound cake topped with beer battered chicken, and Luda’s fried chicken with bourbon.

Stella Artois x Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

The exclusive affair also featured sounds from The Kid Mave who got line-dancing guests on their feet while they sipped Stella Artois’ original and sugar-free lager.

In addition to enjoying the music and delights at the pop-up dining event, attendees heard from Ludacris who reflected on Black people’s history of unique storytelling through food.

“My Chicken And Beer restaurant is here today and I’m very thankful that we’re a part of Black Restaurant Week because Black food tells a story,” said Ludacris. “We all know that it talks about our history. I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world and the greatest thing is wherever I go is being able to taste the creativeness of what we do as Black people because things have been handed down from generation to generation.”

“I just want y’all to come together and really enjoy this,” he added. “It’s about Atlanta, it’s about culture, it’s about everyone enjoying themselves.”

Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

Like Ludacris, Black Restaurant Week founder Warren Luckett agreed and emphasized that the cookout was a way to celebrate the contributions of Black culinary arts, especially in ATL.

“This is a vision that we started back in 2016,” said Luckett after introducing his managing partners Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson. “We started back in 2016 and we only had 25 restaurants the first year that we did Black Restaurant Week. We are so pleased to announce that over the past nine years, we’ve been able to highlight over 5,000 Black-owned, restaurants, caterers, and food trucks; all types of professionals from around the culinary industry.”

Ultimately “Luda’s Cookout” served as a reminder that in addition to having a rich musical history, the capital of the Peach State has a vibrant food scene that simply can’t be ignored.

Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

The event was one of five pop-up dining events in Stella Artois’ “Let’s Do Dinner: Summer Series” and if you’d like to take part in the fun, it’s coming to Chicago on Aug. 28 and New York on Sept. 19.

Stella Artois will turn up the heat in Chi-Town by hosting a 300+ person Hot Ones Challenge, where guests will take on the wings of death at an event featuring Sean Evans and special guests. In NYC, customers will get the opportunity to connect with global icons and Stella Artois ambassadors for a memorable evening filled with delectable food, entertainment, and connection.

Ludacris

Source: Stella Artois

Enter to attend at www.stellaartois.com/letsdodinner.

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“The gag is”…Keke Palmer and Niecy Nash Betts are the latest celebs attending an ATL affair celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the Black LGBTQIA+ community.

Keke Palmer x Niecy Nash

Source: Stephanie Augello/ Tommaso Boddi/ Variety / Getty

Atlanta Black Pride Weekend and Global Black Pride have announced the inclusion of the stars in their first-ever Global Black Pride ATL.

Taking place from August 26 to September 2, Keke and Niecy join the lineup of stars that include Niecy’s HERSband Jessica Betts, Billy Porter, Yemi Alade, Omawumi, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Bishop OC Allen III, Rashad Burgess and Melissa “DJ M” Scott.

On Sunday, September 1, Atlanta’s Piedmont Park will showcase the 12th annual Pure Heat Community Festival; also known as a free “day of unity” equipped with market and food vendors, live celebrity and local performers, entertainment, educational forums, prizes and giveaways. Keke will receive the annual Humanitarian Award during the fest.

As for Niecy, she’ll be on hand at the festival to present her spouse Jessica Betts with the annual Trailblazer Award.

Additional 2024 honorees include Rashad Burgess, Lisa Cunningham, Funky Dineva, Judge Pierce Hand Seitz, Derek Ford, Devin Barrington, Adrienne Gates, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Earl D. Fowkles Jr.

Global Black Pride Atlanta will also include a gala and influencer dinner, Global Black Pride village, and Mayor Andre Dickens’ annual Global Black Pride Reception held at Atlanta City Hall.

Are you checking out the Global Black Pride 2024 Festival and Celebration?

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Kamala Harris Nancy Mace

Source: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images/Photo by Andrew Leyden / Getty

Caucasity audacity is going to reach peak levels the closer we get to Election Day on November 5. The last and only three weeks of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has been firing on all cylinders and the right-wing of the American political power structure is panicking. They see the vibes. They know the type of energy that VP Harris has injected into this race and they know that their guy Donald Trump is spiraling.

The basket of deplorables is desperate and scared and as Kendrick Lamar so eloquently stated, “every antic is feeling distasteful”.

Campaign Button Badge for Kamala Harris as President

Source: Peter Dazeley / Getty

During a recent appearance on CNN, South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace personified those lyrics with aloof aplomb…

This cantankerous Karen thinks that purposefully mispronouncing Kamala Harris’ name is cute and tries to justify her bulls**t with nonsensical rantings about trans people. This is what Donald Trump has ushered into the mainstream. Immaturity and insults from party representatives who purport themselves to be serious people.

VP Kamala Harris Campaign Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Shoutout to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Keith Boykin for G-checking this embarrassing bag of mayonnaise for her blantant disrespect. These folks are going to FAFO when the numbers start to roll in on election night. The unmitigated arrogance to forego any semblance of actual policy debate for childishness and still believe that American voters will deem them worthy of public office.

The political slaughter is going to be sweet. We can’t wait to see their pain.

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Kim Kardashian might not be ready to date again, but her kids think she is.

Celebrity Sightings In New York City - September 29, 2019

Source: Gotham / Getty

The reality star recently made an appearance on The Tonight Show, where she talked to host Jimmy Fallon about her love life and while Kardashian isn’t really trying to date at the moment, her children really want her to get back out there.

The SKIMS founder, who shares daughter North, 11, son Saint, 8, daughter Chicago, 6, and son Psalm, 5, with ex-husband Kanye West, even said her kids make lists to convince her to date the people they want.

“It’s so funny because my kids try to set me up,” she explained on the show. “Like, they’re ready now and I’m not. They’re so particular. Like they come home, they make lists. Saint wants me to be with any basketball player or soccer player.”

Kim continued,

“It’s no, no, no. And then some of my kids want me to be with streamers. Like they have lists and they try to sneakily set me up and I’m like ‘Guys, this just isn’t what I want right now.’ ”

The Kardashians star did confirm she’s single during her appearance on the late-night show, and from the looks of it, that’s not changing any time soon.

Kim filed for divorce from Kanye in February 2021 after six years of marriage. Following their split, the SKIMS founder had a nine-month fling with comedian Pete Davidson, which wrapped up in August 2022.

Most recently, Kardashian was linked to NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., though the two never publicly confirmed their relationship. According to reports from E! News, the couple split in April 2024.

The star recently grappled with the idea of dating in her 40s on an episode of The Kardashians, admitting being older and having kids makes her question if she’ll find someone.

“I go back and forth in my feelings sometimes like, ‘Uh, who’s ever gonna wanna date me? I have four kids, I’m in my 40s, you know? Like, oh my god, who’s gonna wanna deal with the drams?’” Kardashian said, according to Business Insider. “But my person will be like, ‘F**k all of that, it’s gonna be hard, but we’re together, and we’re gonna do this.’ So I’m just waiting for that person.”

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Robert Griffin III - Netflix's

Robert Giffin III – Source: Gregg DeGuire / Getty

Sports personality Robert Griffin III confirmed that he was fired from ESPN but he’s clearly finding humor in the situation.

In the sports media landscape, you can be employed today and gone tomorrow, especially at ESPN which seems to restructure its roster yearly. Unless your name is Stephen A. Smith or Pat McAfee, you might be expendable from the network and one of its sports personalities just found that out.

According to The NY Times, the latest round of layoffs included popular host Robert Griffin III fresh off his trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. The move was reportedly powered by financial reasons due to ESPN approaching the end of its fiscal year.

September marks the end of fiscal year 2024 and TV salaries aren’t cheap so it’s all about the profit.

After the news broke many doubted the validity despite credible sources making the announcement. In true Robert Griffin III fashion, he confirmed the news on social media with a clip from the movie Friday.

After tweeting the iconic “How you get fired on your day off” scene he took a more serious approach. He thanked everyone from “the booth to the studio” before thanking the fans and reflecting on the past three years with gratitude and appreciation.

Based on his tweets it feels like his next move could already be in motion.

You can read RGIII’s entire statement below.

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Hip-hop is reeling after the untimely passing of Houston rapper and producer, BeatKing.

BeatKing

Source: Prince Williams / Getty

On Thursday, BeatKing’s manager Tasha Felder confirmed his death in an Instagram statement saying;

“Today, August 15, 2024 we have lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music and his fans. We will love him forever.”

TMZ reports that the rapper passed away in a Houston hospital Thursday after suffering a pulmonary embolism after fainting while doing a morning takeover at the city’s local Urban One/Radio One station.

BeatKing, née Justin Riley, was 39. He is survived by two daughters who TMZ reports were by his side when he died.

Known for his 2020 viral TikTok hit “Then Leave,” he was a staple in the Texas club scene throughout the 2010s and present day, with hits like “Outside,” “THICK” featuring DJ Chose, and “SDAB” featuring 2 Chainz and Juicy J.

Hip-Hop Pays Tribute To BeatKing

Worldly By Jason Harvey Official Launch

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Several celebs have posted tributes to BeatKing including fellow Texas artists like UGK legend Bun B.

“It’s always the good ones,” Bun B wrote on Instagram. “Damn this s*** hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father. Prayer for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla.”

Natalie Nunn who’s featured on the remix of his hit “Outside” tributed the rapper on her InstaStory.

Similarly, DeSoto, Texas, rapper Erica Banks tributed him saying;

“You were so full of life man. So funny, so cool. Thank you for being a major part of my journey. Love you bruh.”

This story is still developing.

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Skai Jackson is trying to return to life as normal following her arrest last week.

IMDboat At San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Source: Mat Hayward / Getty

As previously reported, the former Disney Channel actress was arrested last week after a public scuffle with her boyfriend.

According to reports from TMZ, deputies were reportedly called to Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles after security spotted Jackson and her boyfriend getting into an argument, during which she allegedly pushed her man multiple times. Sources told the outlet that after security saw the altercation, they detained the couple until law enforcement arrived at the scene.

Once police arrived, Jackson and her partner not only denied that things were getting physical, but Skai also allegedly revealed that the two of them are happily engaged and expecting a baby together. Deputies reviewed video footage after the incident and saw Jackson push her boyfriend, which led to her being arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery. She was cited and released a few hours later.

Following her arrest, fans want to know what happened, especially since little is known about the man who Skai is supposedly pregnant by and getting ready to marry. Jackson went on TikTok Live on Aug. 14, less than a week after her arrest, which, of course, led to viewers bombarding her with questions about the incident.

But, as questions about her arrest continued to pop up on the screen, Jackson ignored them all, instead answering questions that didn’t seem to be asked by anyone at all.

In one clip from the Live, as multiple fans mention jail in her comments and ask about what happened, Skai talks about what upcoming projects she has in the works.

“I have a TV show that I am on that I just filmed but I can’t say what it is yet,” says Jackson in the clip.

The alleged question from the fan is clearly not present on the screen.

It’s safe to say Skai isn’t going to comment on her arrest any time soon.

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This. is. a. mess.

FAMU campus

Source: Zack Wittman for The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty

Last week, investigators officially found what anyone who has been following the curious case of Texas hemp farmer Gregory Gerami’s  $237 million donation to Florida A&M University likely already knewthe donation was faker than a $2 bill.

That’s right, the 176-page Major Gift Investigation Final Report written by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, the law firm hired to investigate the debacle, determined that Gerami’s stock donation to the HBCU was “fraudulent,” and that school administrators failed to vet the donation or its donor, indicating “a fundamental misunderstanding of the complexities associated with private stock donations.”  (What’s worse is the guy who offered the stock donation also didn’t seem to understand how they work.)

Now that the mystery has ended in the most predictable way it could have endedwith the donation exposed as faker than George Santos‘ resume, Hershel Walker’s police badge, and Donald Trump’s understanding of how facts, integrity, and complete sentences work—administrative heads are continuing to roll at FAMU.

As previously reported, FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson already resigned, and now more members of his team are following suit.

According to WCTV, Interim President Dr. Timothy Beard sent out a letter to FAMU’s senior leadership team Monday demanding that 19 members of the team resign from their positions effective on Tuesday.

“As you know, our University (FAMU) is at a critical juncture, where we must align our leadership, vision, and strategies to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities ahead,” Dr. Beard wrote in the letter. “After careful consideration and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, the past University President, and from my observations, I have concluded that a change in our senior leadership team is necessary to move forward more effectively.”

As of Wednesday, Beard has reportedly accepted the resignations of four administrators: Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, Communications Director Keith Miles, Vice President of Legal Affairs/General Counsel Denise Wallace, and Director of Government Relations Danielle McBeth. These resignations come a month after FAMU’s beloved president, Dr. Larry Robinson, handed in his walking papers in July, and three months after Shawnta Friday-Stroud, former executive director of the FAMU Foundation, resigned from her post.

On Thursday, FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard spoke out on his decision to fire several members of the university’s senior leadership staff.

“As part of the 100-day action plan that I’ve shared with the senior leadership, it involves an evaluation and assessment of management,” WUSF reports Beard said. “It’s an opportunity for me to really look in terms of the synergy of the team, and what’s going to be the best interest of FAMU going forward.”

The real question here is: What was Gregory Gerami even trying to pull here? The so-called businessman went out of his way to bless a Black college with a massive donation that turned out to be faker than Kim Kardashian’s Black woman aesthetic, why?

What did he accomplish besides causing all-out turmoil at FAMU, which ended in the HBCU being humiliated and an avalanche of now-former school officials falling from grace?

We could call Gerami a grifter, but what was even the grift?

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Charles Barkley - NC State v Purdue

Charles Barkley – Source: Mitchell Layton / Getty

Charles Barkley recently revealed that he left $100 million on the table to return to Turner Sports.

For over 25 years, Charles Barkley has been one of the voices of TNT Sports, and Inside The NBA has become the premier NBA show thanks to the chemistry between Charles, Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. Despite their chemistry and ratings, the NBA is thinking ahead with their latest TV deal.

Back in May, the NBA’s Board of Governors voted on a new future and said it would be taking its rights to Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. When the deal is finalized it will likely be for over a decade and accumulate over $75 billion for the league.

During a recent interview on The Dan LeBatard Show, Barkley explained deals came to his desk from every direction amid the news that TNT will lose the NBA next season.

“The number one thing for me is my people from Turner get to keep their jobs for at least another year,” Barkley, told Le Batard. “That’s all I was concerned with.”

Barkley admitted it did stroke his ego to receive so many offers calling it “a great feeling,” but his loyalty to the people who made Inside The NBA prevailed.

“I want to thank all of those networks for reaching out to me,” the NBA Hall of Famer said. “It was really humbling and cool, to be honest with you. Even though they were throwing crazy numbers, like damn, but as long as I got my people safe at TNT man, I feel really good.” Barkley said praising his team. “Like I say, they’re going to pay me to go and talk about nothing,” Barkley said, adding a quip, “I probably would’ve had to do an honest day’s work if I went to one of those other networks.”

At the moment we unfortunately have zero clue of how sports will be handled in the future at TNT, but we’ll be watching (and laughing) with the crew.

You can watch Charles’ full interview on The Dan LeBaard Show below.

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The lead of an inspirational new film is speaking on its message and his awe-inspiring castmates spreading the good word.

The Forge

Source: The Forge

Actor Aspen Kennedy is a fresh face that watchers of Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films, and the Kendrick Brothers’ The Forge will meet.

As previously reported, due exclusively in theaters nationwide beginning August 23, The Forge is described as a” bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the same cinematic world as WAR ROOM, the Kendrick Brothers’ 2015 hit film that claimed the #1 spot on the North American box office charts.

“We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate viewers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly,” said director Alex Kendrick. “Our hope is that audiences around the world will recognize the pivotal role that Godly mentorship plays in shaping the next generation.”

The cast of The Forge includes Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM), Cameron Arnett (OVERCOMER), Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM),, T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS), Former NFL star Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer, and Tommy Woodard (FAMILY CAMP).

At the center of it, however, is newcomer Aspen Kennedy.

Aspen Kennedy plays Isaiah, a wayward teen who needs guidance after graduating from high school and according to the actor, the film carries an important message of acceptance.

“He doesn’t have a sense of direction in his life right now,” Kennedy told BOSSIP at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago. “He doesn’t wanna go to college, he’s heading on the path where he could get strayed away, but he’s blessed to meet some mentors in his life who help him go down the right path.”

“At the core of it, even from the filmmaking process, everyone wants people to understand the love of God without forcing it just to show, ‘Hey, this is you at this age,’ It supersedes generations, age, race, to the point where it shows no matter what you’re facing we’re always looking for answers, looking for hope, and if you trust God he does more than we could ever experience.”

His words reflect those of his costar Priscilla Shirer, one of the costars of the film that Kennedy said he learned from.

Source: Gabe Ginsberg / Getty

“It is an honor to partner with the Kendrick Brothers to bring another powerful story to movie screens that will impact people and glorify Jesus,” said Shirer who’s releasing her book I Surrender All through B&H Publishing Group. “The theme of discipleship is near and dear to my heart, especially as a mom to three boys. My prayer is that this film will inspire parents to pray fervently for their children and for the mentors that God will use to impact their lives.”

An official release notes that Shirier’s book will be released as part of a suite of inspiring products that also includes two books by New York Times best-selling authors Alex and Stephen Kendrick titled “Devoted to Jesus” and “Count Me In,” and Bible Studies under the Lifeway imprint: The Forge Movie Bible Study and Fully Devoted.

Check out the official trailer for The Forge and the synopsis below.

Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the No. 1 hit WAR ROOM, comes THE FORGE, a faith-filled new movie with old friends and inspiring new twists.

THE FORGE is directed by Alex Kendrick (WAR ROOM) and produced by Stephen Kendrick (WAR ROOM), Justin Tolley (“The Chosen,”), Aaron Burns (WAR ROOM), and Trey Reynolds (FAMILY CAMP), and written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

The Kendrick Brothers continue to create inspiring and compelling stories for audiences of all ages. THE FORGE is their newest feature, joining FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, OVERCOMER, and WAR ROOM.

The Forge

Source: The Forge / The Forge

Facebook: @ForgeMovie

Instagram: @ForgeMovie

X (Formerly Twitter): @ForgeMovie

TikTok: @ForgeMovie

YouTube: @ForgeMovie

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Michael Rubin - 66th GRAMMY Awards - Red Carpet

Michael Rubin – Source: Neilson Barnard / Getty

Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin confirms Kendrick Lamar’s summer smash “Not Like Us” was blocked from his 4th of July bash that Drake attended.

One of the summer’s yearly social media traditions is watching the star-studded recap from Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin’s all white Independence Day party.

This year the exclusive affair included an invite that featured a George Condo painting for every guest and a custom pair of Travis Scott’s Nike’s.

Social media was sent into a frenzy when pictures surfaced of Drake attending the party after being freshly defeated by owl-cager Kendrick Lamar as people assumed “Not Like Us” was blasting and ruing the vibes for Drizzy on his first day out of his hole.

According to Rubin himself who appeared on The Breakfast Club,  Rubin said that that wasn’t the case and he took proper steps to ensure that didn’t happen. One of those steps was banning Kendrick Lamar’s massive hit from the playlist.

“Drake’s my friend for a long time.” said Michale Rubin. “I’m not gonna not invite him — and look, he’s obviously going through a little bit of a battle right now — I’m not gonna have him come there… I just didn’t think it was appropriate.”

“So I sent a note and said, ‘Hey, let’s not play any one’s music that’s feuding with anyone that’s [at the party]’.”

Host LoRosa then questioned if Drake was the one to make the request.

“That was a ‘me’ decision. I just thought it was the appropriate thing,” he answered.

While Michael Rubin meant well, this will further fan the flames of the historic hip-hop battle but we all need thoughtful friends like Mr. Rubin when we take the L.

You can watch Rubin tell the story and talk about Fanatics Fest NY below.

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Reasonable Doubt is set to officially return for Season 2!

Reasonable Doubt key art

Source: Courtesy / hulu

We’re super excited about the return of the Onyx Collective drama on August 22nd!

This season on Reasonable Doubt, after trying to heal from her wounds from last season’s arduous trial and deadly affair, Jax Stewart is attempting to get her life back on track. That is until one of her closest friends reveals that she has killed her husband. Her friend is claiming self-defense, but an uncompromising prosecutor thinks otherwise. Needing all the help she can get, Jax brings in ambitious defense attorney Corey Cash (Morris Chestnut) to lead the case, but things get tense very quickly. Can Jax defend her friend, save her marriage and protect her energy while being catapulted into the biggest case of her career? Or will she lose it all?

In the exclusive clip from the Season 2’s second episode we get to see Jax and Corey go head to head an explosive argument that leads her husband to intervene:

Here’s a little rundown of Episode 202 “Say Hello”:

Jax brings in a new lawyer to help with Shanelle’s case; however, when they disagree on tactics, Jax goes behind his back, a move that backfires in an unexpected way.

Stream the new season of Reasonable Doubt beginning August 22 on Hulu.