Killer Mike marked Independence Day with a comeback single featuring a verse from Young Thug, his first solo song in ten years since 2012’s R.A.P. Music.
Tonight at 12:00AM ET/9:00 PM PT, I proudly present ‘RUN’, my first solo record in a strong 10 years. Thank you @youngthug, @davechappelle, and No I.D. for joining me in creating this. Link Below.
The Run the Jewels rapper tapped No I.D. to produce “Run,” which also features an introductory monologue by Dave Chappelle. The visuals depict a fight between Black people and the fascists attempting to return the South to the Confederacy. Check it out below.
Killer Mike – RUN ft. Dave Chappelle & Young Thug
Killer Mike also sends an important message in the song’s visuals. While Thugger is rapping, a soldier waves a flag featuring the words “Free Thug, Protect Black Art, Free Gunna.” Elsewhere in the video, another soldier displays an armband that reads “Free YSL.”
Young Thug and Gunna are currently behind bars awaiting trial after being arrested in a 28-person RICO indictment. Killer Mike has condemned prosecutors’ use of their rap lyrics against them in court.
Kevin Liles recently discussed the importance of protecting Black art and his staunch defense of Young Thug during a conversation with AllHipHop. Watch it below.
As reported by AllHipHop, Killer Mike called for empathy for Young Thug, who hails from the same city of Atlanta as the rapper and activist. He explained that Thug “managed to escape the streets using rap lyrics, and he’s managed to help people change their lives.”
He added, “These lyrics are no more than braggadocio rap lyrics. It is no more than Killer Mike saying I’m a killer on the mic.”
Drake got to live out his childhood dreams and sing “one of the greatest songs in the world,” performing “I Want It That Way” live on stage at home in Toronto as an honorary sixth member of Backstreet Boys.
The 6 God doesn’t do anything by halves. While most people only get to belt out the late 90s pop hit for a spot of karaoke, this weekend (Jul. 2), Drake joined the band for their set at the Budweiser Stage. Before getting into his performance, he explained why Backstreet Boys’ 1999 love song holds a special place in his heart.
Drake Recalls A Special Backstreet Boys Memory
“At 13 years old, I had a bar mitzvah, and at my bar mitzvah, for the first time in my life, this girl I was in love with came up to me and one of the greatest songs in the world was playing, and she asked me if I would dance with her,” Drake revealed. “And it was the first time I ever felt acknowledged, and it was the first time I ever felt like I had a shot at being cool.”
Drake continued calling the track “one of the greatest songs of all time,” before he took a walk down memory lane. “If she can see me now,” Drake added.
Although Drizzy has recently been in his dance music bag, the rapper loves to flex his singing chops. He did just that, integrating his own iconic hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home” into the collaborative effort. Check out Drake singing with Backstreet Boys below.
However, Drake wasn’t done with the joint performances. On Sunday, he linked with Lil Baby and a host of other rappers at Michael Rubin’s All White of 4th July party. The pair entertained the star-studded crowd with their collab “Yes Indeed.”
He certainly had a lot to celebrate after scoring big with a winning bet following a run of mega losses. Check out the report from AllHipHop to see how the ”Drake Curse” was finally broken.
Cameron Diaz is coming out of retirement to star alongside Jamie Foxx in the aptly-titled Netflix movie “Back in Action.”
Diaz, who had a baby with her husband Benji Madden in 2019, announced her retirement from acting in 2018 and has not appeared onscreen since starring with Foxx in the “Annie” remake in 2014.
Jamie Foxx announced Diaz’s comeback news by posting a voice conversation between them and American football star Tom Brady on Twitter.
“Cameron, I hope you aren’t mad I recorded this, but no turning back now,” he captioned the post. “Had to call in the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) to bring back another GOAT.”
Cameron I hope you aren’t mad I recorded this, but no turning back now. Had to call in the GOAT to bring back another GOAT. @CameronDiaz and I are BACK IN ACTION – our new movie with @NetflixFilm. Production starting later this year!! 🦊🐐 pic.twitter.com/vyaGrUmbWb
(https://twitter.com/iamjamiefoxx/status/1542190656386236416?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet) featured Diaz telling Fox she is “so anxious” returning to acting.
“I’m like pacing the room,” she added. “I feel excited, but I don’t know how to do this, you know?”
Foxx responded by introducing Brady, saying, “I understand. Listen, I got somebody on the other line that can help you with this.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, who called off his own retirement earlier this year, interjected: “I was talking to Jamie, and he said you need a few tips on how to un-retire. I’m relatively successful at un-retiring.”
Jamie Foxx then confirmed the news by adding, “@CameronDiaz and I are BACK IN ACTION – our new movie with @NetflixFilm. Production starting later this year!!”
In addition to “Annie,” the duo also starred together in the American football movie “Any Given Sunday.”
Netflix chiefs are yet to announce a release date and plot for the new film – but confirmed the news by retweeting Foxx’s announcement. The action-comedy will be directed by “Horrible Bosses” filmmaker Seth Gordon from a script he co-wrote with Brendan O’Brien.
We finally got your a$$! you thought you were gonna sit around for the rest of your life and grow old emulating Drake. Well, that’s not the way it goes.
Wasn’t good enough to make $10,000 a show. It wasn’t enough for you to get thousands of thousands of people following you on social media. You had to go and challenge Drake to a fight! Duh! Look at you now.
Izzy Drake decided to go all out and challenged Drizzy The God to a celebrity boxing match. He said IF Drake beats him, he will stop impersonating him.
According to reports Fake Drake, who doesn’t really even look like Drake except for a haircut and light skin, has been banished from IG for impersonating the famous Toronto rapper. Not quite sure exactly where the report came from, but it seems to be a real thing, with several official news sites reporting on it.
It seems as though he was trying to turn a corner saying that he would change his name to just Izzy. Well, he might be able to do that now starting from scratch.
No word on what the real Drake thinks about this.
I wonder if Drake or one of his henchmen put in a word to get him booted? I bet that’s easy. Drake got a gazillion followers on IG…that’s MONEY. Even IG don’t wanna lose that cake.
By the way, Fake Drake just dropped a new song with the Fake Lil Durk. What is the world coming to?
The government is trying to squash R. Kelly’s attempt to take him off of suicide watch, claiming the singer is at risk of taking his own life.
On Friday (July 1st), R. Kelly’s lawyer sued Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention prison for placing him on suicide watch.
The “I Believe I Can Fly” hitmaker, real name Robert Sylvester Kelly, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday (July 29th) after being found guilty of racketeering and violating an anti-sex trafficking law by leading a scheme to recruit women for sex.
“My partner and I spoke with Mr. Kelly following his sentencing. He expressed that he was mentally fine, was behaving appropriately, and was eager to pursue his appeal. He did express concerns that even though he was NOT suicidal (Metropolitan Detention Center) would place him on suicide watch,” she said. “We are in the process of filing a complaint and an emergency rule to show cause with the courts.”
She believes holding Kelly in confinement without cause “is illegal, and they will be held accountable for it.”
The government has filed a formal reply.
In court documents filed on Saturday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Speight insisted that Kelly remains on suicide watch “for his own safety” following a psychological assessment and stated that his “current life circumstances undoubtedly bring emotional distress.”
Government lawyers fear R. Kelly could be suicidal after the lengthy prison sentence and the fact that he is due to stand trial again in Chicago on August 15th, where he faces federal charges for producing child pornography and luring minors into sex acts.
Following his concert at Madison Square Garden, the musician and his friends headed to Catch Steakhouse for an after-party. Video footage shows Kelly giving a speech to the crowd and banging the glass against his head.
Despite blood pouring down his face and neck and onto his clothes, the 32-year-old launched into an impromptu performance of his hit song “My Ex’s Best Friend.”
Machine Gun Kelly appeared on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” with the cut above his right eyebrow all cleaned up but still noticeable. Host Seth asked him to explain what happened.
“You know when you clink a Champagne glass with a fork to kind of get people’s attention? Yeah, well, I didn’t have a fork, so I just clinked it on my head,” he said.
Seth joked, “You know, in medicine, they call that ‘asking for it,'” and Kelly replied, “Yeah, so I had a serious case of that last night.”
Elsewhere, the singer admitted he felt “like s###” and flinched when he accidentally touched the cut while talking. He said to Seth, “Ow, f###, sorry, I keep forgetting I have this, but I’m a hand talker.”
Machine Gun Kelly shared photos of the incident on Instagram, which showed his right eyebrow caked in blood and bloodstains down the side of his nose, face, neck, chest, and all over his hands. He captioned the snaps, “NYC you’re my bloody valentine.”
He also posted footage of the smash on his Instagram Stories with the caption, “This is where things turned,” and gave fans a closer look at the wound. Checking out the injury using his phone’s camera, he remarked in the video: “Gross.”
Big Sean and his longtime partner Jhené Aiko are expanding their family.
The couple was spotted on a stroll out in Beverly Hills on Saturday (Jul. 2), and the “Sativa” singer was sporting a baby bump in photos shared by TMZ.
Big Sean and Jhené Aiko are “overjoyed” and “look forward to this next chapter.”
News of the pregnancy first surfaced last month when a fan saw Jhené walking around a Whole Foods store looking “very pregnant.” While there was no official confirmation at the time, sources confirmed an announcement was imminent.
The pair confirmed their relationship back in 2016, posting a loved-up selfie on social media. Earlier the same year, Big Sean and Jhené Aiko combined their musical talents as a duo and released their self-titled debut Twenty88. They have also frequently collaborated on music as solo artists.
Big Sean – I Know ft. Jhené Aiko
Jhené explained why their relationship works for them on an episode of The First One with DJ Khaled.
“When I first met Sean, the one thing I can say is that he immediately felt familiar like I knew him already,” she said. “I was comfortable with him immediately, because he like, just came into my session at No I.D.’s studio. I had never felt that feeling of like, I’ve met you before. We’ve been together before. We’ve been in each other’s life, even past lives, and I think what’s cool about me and Sean is that our friendship is so strong, our friendship is really strong.”
“That has made our relationship what it is,” Jhené added. “Just that foundation of real friends who know each other on that level of—not the level like, oh, let me try to impress you or let me try to pretend to be someone else. We got to know each other already, you know, on the level of like, I have a headscarf on, I don’t even care what you think about how I look right now.”
Young Buck is heading back to court over assets in his bankruptcy case.
According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the Acting United States Trustee for Region 8 filed a motion to compel Young Buck to produce information about his assets.
The U.S. Trustee said the veteran rapper never shared documentation regarding a black truck, a royalty payment and bank account statements.
“Debtor is in possession of the Requested Information, or he has the means to readily obtain it,” U.S. Trustee Paul Randolph wrote. “At the 2004 Exam, Debtor agreed to produce the Requested Information promptly following the exam.”
Randolph continued, “On May 17, 2022, the U.S. Trustee sent an email to Debtor’s counsel reminding Debtor of the Requested Information that needed to be produced. Follow-up emails were also sent on June 16, 2022 and June 24, 2022. Despite agreeing to produce the Requested Information, Debtor has failed to produce the Requested Information. Debtor has not provided any reason for this failure.”
The U.S. Trustee sought the VIN number of Young Buck’s black truck and the denial of an insurance claim. The government also asked for contact information for a company that sent him a royalty payment in April and Wells Fargo bank statements from March until now.
“Because Debtor has failed to produce the Requested Information, the U.S. Trustee requests this Court enter an order compelling Debtor to fully produce the Requested Information on or before July 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. (CST),” Randolph wrote.
Young Buck is scheduled to return to court on July 12. The hearing will be of keen interest to 50 Cent, who’s still trying to collect money from his G-Unit artist.
The trustees believe Young Buck has been hiding assets that need to be declared to satisfy his various creditors, including Fif and G-Unit.
In addition to a pair of albums Young Buck never recorded for G-Unit Records, 50 maintains the rapper still owes him $250,000 for a loan.
The rapper settled with the trustee and agreed to pay $515 a month until a formalized agreement was worked out, but later, they accused the rapper of hiding more than just his publishing income.
The trustee wanted information on the value of his gold teeth, a “615 Cashville Records” iced out necklace, a Rolls-Royce, a Ford F-150, a black truck, a motorcycle, and eve donations he solicited via Cash App.
“By failing to disclose that he owned the Black Truck, including without limitation at his meeting of creditors and on his schedules, Defendant knowingly and fraudulently, in or on connection with the Bankruptcy Case, made a false oath or account,” 50 Cent’s attorneys told the court.
Drake is counting more millions after placing a $1 million bet on Israel Adesanya, aka The Last Stylebender.
Drake gambled a tremendous amount of money banking on Israel Adesanya to defend his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier at UFC 276 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, July 2nd.
The infamous “Drake Curse” was broken after Israel Adesanya defeated Jared Cannonier in a unanimous decision win.
On Instagram, he Drake posted a clip talking to Adesanya on a video call before the fight.
Drake captioned the post, “One of the most inspiring guys to me…the death note author himself and my partner with @stake@stylebender BIG FIGHT TMRW…got a million on it.”
Drake said, “I already know the time it is. You know I put a light million up? I wasn’t playing.
“You know the return on investment it’s a lot,” he said to the mixed martial artist before wishing “good luck” and telling him that he loved him.
“You’re different. You’re a different guy, and I have a deep, deep, deep level of respect for you,” the chart-topper continued.
Adesanya said he saw Drake live in Oakland before and wished that one day the artist could see him live.
Champagne Papi said, “That’s a guarantee. I gotta walk you out. You know, it’s crazy, I’ve never walked anyone else before. I gotta walk you.”
He reportedly gave away $1 million on Twitter, bet & won $1 million on the Golden State Warriors, and placed down $1.26 million on Odell Beckham Jr’s performance at Super Bowl LVI.
That said, there’s a new rumor about Nicki Minaj. It seems kind of silly, but I’m going to address it because it is out there. These people out here are saying that Nicki Minaj might be pregnant. After the stain of dissing Kanye West faded away, people analyzed the video of Nicki Minaj’s performances at the Essence Fest. And what they have ascertained is that Nicki is probably with with child.
Personally, I don’t care. She’s getting older, and weight gain is normal. So if she is gaining weight, more cushion for the pushing. But, if she is not just gaining weight and is pregnant, congratulations! She has one child right now and most people want at least two. Me, I don’t want any. Moving on: people are really analyzing this heavy. So without further ado, I am going to show you what people are saying on social media.
I don’t know guys, but this feels like body shaming to me.
Atlanta’s dominance in Hip Hop and R&B has been evident for decades. Atlanta has certainly been the heartbeat of the entertainment industry, boasting an influence that is unmatched.
The southern city’s dominance of the music industry is inarguably evidenced in the charts. However, driving Atlanta’s ascendency to prominence are the music executives that boast the fortitude to discover new talent and the discernment to support burgeoning talent that eventually rule the charts and the airwaves.
That being said, one can’t speak to the success of Atlanta without paying homage to Think It’s A Game Records Founder and C.E.O. Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry, one of the most prolific culture creators whose contributions to entertainment have largely influenced Atlanta’s musical and cultural landscape.
In 2011 Fly rocked the Atlanta retail industry with the launch of Fly Kix, a progressive pivot in sneaker fashion that would rival the celebrity of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, as some of the most prominent names in music frequented the on-trend sneaker boutique on a regular basis.
Eventually becoming a staple in the Atlanta community, Fly Kix was something of a precursor to Think It’s A Game Records, as Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry would often champion local artists over the speakers in the store, while retail associates and customers became unofficial A&R’s, providing feedback and advising what was hot.
With a known proclivity for introducing numerous successful acts in music, Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry has been the driving force behind artists like YFN Lucci, Rich Homie Quan, Trinidad James, Jacquees, and countless others.
With chart-topping successes, several #1 songs at radio, multiple plaques from the RIAA, and worldwide recognition via Trinidad James’ “All Gold Everything” record that was featured in Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ mega-hit, “Uptown Funk, Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry’s musical intellect has not gone unnoticed.
Having been previously awarded two proclamations from the City of Atlanta which also designated the 18th of October as “Fly Day” in Atlanta, on June 5, 2022, Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry was honorably knighted for his contribution to philanthropy and music.
Being knighted is an honor that is bestowed upon individuals who have been unselfishly impactful within their communities.
Throughout history Knights have always been an example of strength, honor, integrity, and courage, thus, this recognition speaks to Sir Girvan “Fly” Henry’s legacy which is nothing short of amazing.
Fly is now a member of knighthood along with the likes of other pioneers such as Richard Branson, Toni Braxton, and Lewis Hamilton, just to name a few.
“Family and legacy are extremely important to me,” he goes on to say. Your legacy will live for generations beyond your physical being. I’m here to make a difference and positively impact lives in every way I can,” said Fly.
Dance icon, actor and Hip-Hop legend Bruno “Pop N’ Taco” Falcon has died.
The cause of death was unknown at the time of this writing. He was 58, passing after celebrating his birthday last month.
Born on June 10, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, Falcon was a popular dancer in the 1980s, employing popping, locking, breaking and more to great success. His big break came as on of the antagonists in the hit movie “Breakin’,” a movie that was one of the first about Hip-Hop culture. He played the menacing Electro Rock 1. “Breakin'” was the first Hip-Hop film with a decidedly Los Angeles point of view, coming out the same year as “Beat Street,” which was set in The Bronx.
Falcon was also one of the view notables of Mexican heritage doing Hip-Hop in the 80s and said that he was often challenged.
“People couldn’t believe there was a Mexican who could pop,” Falcon said in an interview. “They would challenge me in front of the school or a party or a high school dance. They’d come out, right at you, right in front of your face.”
Garnering a cult-like following, he gained widespread popularly when he appeared in Micheal Jackson’s Moonwalker in 1988, “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” in 1991 and, and “Thumbelina” in 1994. He also made a number of appearances in music videos that took his talents to the masses. He was in Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You,” one of the first songs to feature Hip-Hop and the the festive 1983 hit “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie.
In his later years, Falcon maintained a low-profile as a choreographer, but still managed to work with both Michael and Janet Jackson, and also taught dance to the general public.
News of his death traveled fast over social media with many offering their condolences. One of them was Breakin’ dance partner, Popin Pete.
On Instagram, Popin Pete said, “Rest in peace my brother Popin n Taco, you will be missed..can’t believe this.” He also posted a reunion video of the pair.
Beyoncé has seemingly taken inspiration from Lady Godiva for the cover of her upcoming album Renaissance.
After surprise-releasing her previous two albums, Beyoncé took the traditional album rollout approach with Renaissance. She announced the album’s title and July 29th release date last month before dropping its lead single, the house-influenced “Break My Soul.”
She continued her rollout by sharing the album’s cover artwork, which depicts her in a minimalist spiky metallic bikini sitting atop a transparent glowing horse, which looks almost like a disco ball.
Many fans have compared the image to John Collier’s 1897 painting of Lady Godiva, a British noblewoman believed to have ridden a horse naked – covered only in her long hair – through the streets of Coventry, England.
Others have noted the similarities between the album artwork and a photo of Bianca Jagger on horseback at the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment,” she wrote in the caption.
“A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
Music aristocrat Kevin Liles has come a very long way. The head of 300 Entertainment is leading the charge in the music industry with a new initiative designed to defend creators against opposing forces. Liles, known as one of the heads of Def Jam Records, has emerged as a transformative figure in music, Hip-Hop and business. But, after all the accomplishments, money and accolades, his true purpose has leapt to the front.
Last week, Mr. Liles rang the bell at the NASDAQ in honor of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, but he had other things on his mind. His staunch, emotional defense of Young Thug moved many, but he has much more on the agenda. AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur took a bit of his time to talk with the mogul about a myriad of topics.
Check out our chat, mid-conversation.
Kevin Liles: That’s the thing. They made me so much money… I made them so much money that it stopped being about money.And so when you give yourself of service, it just becomes about how you feel. And I don’t do things to be recipient of something. I do it because it makes me feel good. You know what I mean? And that’s just where I’m at in life.
AllHipHop: How do you stay energized and motivated in these types of times? We’re inextremely turbulent times, trying times spiritually, physically, mentally. How do you stay energized?
Kevin Liles: Through scripture, through God, through meditation, through knowing that… And I think James Prince said it best, every day I get a choice and a chance.
To do better. To do more.
AllHipHop: Right.
Kevin Liles: You know what I mean? I have this campaign that I’m working on that will launch next year, and I believe that being stagnant or thinking that you did it already and it’s not more to do… What if Michael Jordan said, “You know what, I’ve got five rings, I’ve got hundreds of millions of dollars,” he wouldn’t have a company that in 2025 will be worth 13 billion called Brand Jordan.
AllHipHop: Right. If he stopped. Yeah.
Kevin Liles: What if Tyler Perry stopped when he had a successful play? He wouldn’t be rebuilding Atlanta. What if I didn’t learn the power of me and reading Russell’s book, Do You, and being around in the power serve. Understand, there’s only me.
It’s only me now in the business and I have such an opportunity because I’m an entrepreneur. I never worked for nobody, you know what I mean? But I partner with people and I’ll do things that help our culture go forward. But what if I didn’t learn what Russell instilled in me?
So where would it be now? Who would be testifying for Young Thug? Who would be out marching with Nas and Russell? Who would be down with Carmelo, with Freddie Gay? Because you don’t see nobody else. It’s not a food or a pill or anything that wakes me up every day. My will to be of service and to serve God.
AllHipHop: You mentioned in the fireside chat with Reverend Al Sharpton about we’re fighting the same fight as we did 30 years ago.
Kevin Liles: 50 years ago. 60 years ago.
AllHipHop: From a Hip-Hop perspective, it’s less time but yeah, obviously. Strange Fruit was brought up. How do we change things in a… I mean, obviously we have Protect Black Art, but how do we change this and create a shift that’s permanent or long lasting?
Kevin Liles: Policy. And putting people in place that look like us, grew up like us, act like us, talk like us, have some of the same problems as us. I don’t believe in politicians. I’m starting not to believe in a Democrat, Republican. I want to believe in what’s right and what’s wrong and the person that I believe in.
AllHipHop: And when we’re talking about Hip-Hop, it’s changed a lot, obviously. I put on Twitter theother day, Public Enemy. Can we get another group like that? Another game changing conscious group on a level that they were. Or on a level that pop artists are now.
Kevin Liles: The times dictate the art. When NWA said “f#ck the police” or Public Enemy said “fight the power,” remember DMX said (singing). You know, the time will reflect the art that comes out of it. And so I believe the biggest story hasn’t been told yet. Because I believe there’s a kid that walked 10 miles to go to school, barefoot. There’s a kid that had… Before he walked the ten miles to go to school, he had to walk two miles to get water to help his mom bathe. Wait til that story’s told. Not about the chains, not about the guns, not about… What til that story told from a perspective of I never had and I still don’t have, but I believe. Wait for that story to be told. So I believe the times dictate the art.
AllHipHop: Okay. And as far as the actual movement Protect Black Art, where are you with that now and what do you want to do with it? It’s obviously centered around the current case and things. But moving… How long do you want that to go or is that just centered around the here and the now?
Kevin Liles: It’s our legacy. And I say our legacy because 50,000 people have signed on. I got corporations that are starting to sign on to it. I’m not… I realize, we should’ve been protecting Black art since Nina Simone. So I realize the reason that we were able to come up with this term and why I want to dedicate my life to it because somebody has to protect us.
And so now, I want to protect Black art. Again, I only learned from Russell when we used to do Rush Philanthropic that sat on the border of… It was protecting art. It was providing art. It was giving. And so to me, again, the situation provides an opportunity for me to put a solution in that I believe people can get it by.
AllHipHop: You know, I’d be remiss in saying if… Since we have Russell here, Russell and Earl Graves (of Black Enterprise) were my mentors in my head, from books. I didn’t have a mentor, but Russell was definitely my mentor because I was reading his [books]. [To Russell Simmons] Obviously, studying the legacy of the culture through him and also reading the books that you were writing at that time. So I got to say thank you for that.
Russell Simmons: Thank you.
AllHipHop: Yeah. Because me and Greg, we’re from Delaware. We didn’t have anything to look at.
Kevin Liles: At least you had some ocean. I’m from Baltimore.
AllHipHop: Well y’all got the crabs though.
Kevin Liles: Okay, okay. Cool. At least you had some peace.
AllHipHop: Right, right.
Kevin Liles: Because ain’t harder back in my day. It wasn’t any harder than it is now. I jokingly say none of us grew up with a silver spoon in our mouth. We all grew up with rusted spoons in our mouth. But it’s having the opportunity to become not just a product of your environment but a product of your experiences. And allowing those experiences and taking other people, for them to get their interpretation of what those experiences are. And that’s what I was blessed to have and Russell and Lyor, whether it was matzo ball soup or philanthropy.
AllHipHop: Right.
Kevin Liles: You know, I just had a different perspective on things and I now want to continue that by doing what we’re doing with 300 Elektra, but also protecting Black art.
AllHipHop: You mentioned getting out the way, something along those lines.
Kevin Liles: Find the way, nurture the way, and get out of the way.
AllHipHop: How confident are you with the state of Black leadership, the state of leadership within the music industry, to create those new pioneers, those new leaders, disruptors even?
Kevin Liles: I believe that people are free. I believe that… But it’s an industry. I believe that there’s not enough diversity and inclusion in the music business, but in all businesses. And I also believe that if Rolling Stones could do it until they 80 and if Clive Davis could do it til he’s 75, I want to be around fighting that good fight because it’s not to be given to us. It’s something we’re going to have to take.
AllHipHop: Thank you. I appreciate you.
Kevin Liles: Always, brother. Always. Bless you. Anytime.
Doja Cat thrives on connecting directly with her fans via social media.
The “Say So” singer can often be found on her various social media channels, whether she’s hopping on Instagram Live, making a TikTok video, or responding to fans on Twitter.
In an interview with ELLE magazine, the Grammy-winning star explained that she thrives on this interaction and likes to get their feedback.
“I put a lot of things out there about myself. I’m just constantly on live… Sometimes I look at myself and I’m like, Well, if you could just f###### turn off your phone for, like, five minutes….” she said. “(But) when I’m getting creative in any way, I like to see what people think of it. I’ll be like, ‘Should I do this hat or that hat?’ Or ‘We’re going to do a ’90s- inspired makeup thing today.'”
When asked how she copes with social media controversies, she replied, “I just turn off my phone. I delete things and reopen them when I’m ready. That’s kind of how that works for me.”
The “Kiss Me More” star also assured fans that she will always be 100 percent authentic online, even if she’s saying the wrong thing.
“There’s no formula to win, but I think there’s a formula to lose,” she stated. “If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, people aren’t stupid – they’re going to pick up on that real quick. You just have to believe in yourself. It really sounds like some s**t out of The SpongeBob Movie, but it’s true.”
Have you ever felt such intense passion for something that it baffled most people around you? That something could mean the world to you. If given a choice, you would dedicate your entire life to it in a heartbeat. Hitmaker Hxrdik, that something is music. And his “something” is winning him global recognition.
What started as a way to channel energy went on to become a global phenomenon. Much to the surprise of the talented artist, his deeply personal music found adulation from thousands. Fans of Hxrdik appreciate the raw emotions he brings to his art, which resonate with them deeply. “He just gets me. He knows me better than me,” said one self-proclaimed biggest Hxrdik fan.
At his most vulnerable, Hxrdik feels the most creative. Unguardedness goes hand-in-hand with putting out hits like Hxrdik. More than anything, music is Hxrdik’s crutch, a beautiful coping mechanism. But not everyone who wants to create good music can create good music. When passion meets talent, a legend is born. What better example for that than Hxrdik? A true prodigy, he doesn’t follow trends – he sets them.
Critics were initially apprehensive of the artist. A panel of reputed names in the industry dismissed the artist when promotions began. But all that quickly turned around. The only thing needed to sway them was one listen of Hxrdik’s debut hit. And then the musician was truly unstoppable. Even with all the fame, the artist and his art remain as intrinsic as ever.
“I have never created music for just making profits. Music is my life. And creating music from the heart is as cathartic to me as listening to it is cathartic to my fans. We make a dream pair, my fans and me. And I will be forever grateful to them for giving me this big a voice,” says hitmaker Hxrdik.
Producer Dr. Dre said he recorded almost 250 songs during the pandemic, as he went through a high-profile divorce and recovered from a brain aneurysm.
The music mogul and mastermind behind so many iconic moments in Hip-Hop culture dropped the incredible number while recording in the studio with Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star.
He said, “I did 247 songs during the pandemic, then we paused, did a whole album with Marsha Ambrosius. That’s f###### nutso, that’s crazy.”
Looking back as he gets ready to leap forward, drill music pioneer and platinum-selling G Herbo unveils the music video for “Drill” with Rowdy Rebel to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his chart-topping album 25.
Merging drill influences from Chicago and New York, the menacing production underscores a raw lyrical crossfire between G Herbo and Rowdy Rebel.
In the accompanying cinematic visual, these two rap titans turn up in New York City after dark. Taking over neighborhood bodegas and the streets surrounded by friends, rap legend Jim Jones pops in for a guest appearance.
The video illuminates their chemistry on-screen and the undeniable power of this track—even a year since its release.
However, it only sets the stage for more to come from G Herbo as he prepares to drop new music very soon.
Calvin announced the news in a teaser video posted on Twitter that featured funky guitar riffs soundtracking a view of waves crashing onto a beach – with each artist’s name appearing in movie-style opening credits.
Also appearing on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 are Chloe Bailey, Shenseea, Tinashe, 6lack, Coi Leray, Latto, Swae Lee, and Jorja Smith.
The announcement comes after the Scottish musician released the album’s first single, a collaboration with Dua Lipa and Young Thug, titled “Potion,” in May.
The original Funk Wav Bounces collection, which featured the likes of Ariana Grande, Frank Ocean, Katy Perry, and Nicki Minaj, in addition to Snoop and Pharrell, was a critical and commercial hit, reaching number two in both the U.K. and U.S. album charts.
