Ruff Ryders invited fans to join them for a celebration of the late DMX in April.
DMX’s longtime label announced the NYC Ryde Out event via Instagram on Tuesday (March 7). The tribute is scheduled to take place on April 9.
“Save the date!” Ruff Ryders wrote. “On April 9th, please join the Ruff Ryders Family as we celebrate and remember our brother DMX and all our fallen Soldiers with our NYC Ryde Out! Please bring all your family and friends for a day full of food, fun, games and music. More detailed information to come.”
Ruff Ryders directed followers to call (929) 529-6828 or visit RuffRyders2TheRescue.org for more information. The Dean family, which founded the label, started the Ruff Ryders to the Rescue foundation in 2000.
DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, passed away on April 9, 2021. The beloved rapper died of a cocaine-induced heart attack at the age of 50.
The multi-platinum selling artist’s posthumous album Exodus dropped less than two months after his death. It marked his first studio album since 2012.
Last month, Lil Wayne released a new single titled “Kant Nobody” featuring DMX. The track was produced by Ruff Ryders staple Swizz Beatz.
Donald Glover’s representative has confirmed he was joking when he recently claimed Lena Dunham used the N-word on the set of Girls.
While presenting writer/producer Paul Simms with an honorary prize at the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards on Sunday, the “Atlanta” actor recalled working with Dunham during his two-episode stint on “Girls” in 2013.
In his speech, he joked that Dunham used the N-word to refer to Simms in one of their conversations.
Dunham’s reps issued a statement to multiple outlets insisting she would never use such a word.
“Donald Glover told a joke referencing Lena Dunham for last night’s WGA Awards,” the rep said. “It included, for effect, language Lena never used, nor would use.”
In response, a rep for Glover later confirmed in an email to The Los Angeles Times that his comments were just a joke.
During the awards show, the actor recalled asking Dunham for her take on Simms, who executive produced both Girls and Atlanta.
“I asked Lena… ‘Hey, what made you decide to work with Paul?’ And she goes, ‘Honestly, this n#### let’s me do whatever I want,'” he said. “I remember thinking two things: ‘One, Lena is using the N-word extremely liberal with me. Who does she think she is, Chevy Chase? And two, that’s the kind of producer I want.'”
Earlier in this speech, the “Solo: A Star Wars Story” star made a joke about his “Community” co-star Chase, insinuating he made the same racial slur when they worked together on the sitcom.
Reports arose in 2012 suggesting Chase used the N-word on set and swiftly apologized to his co-stars.
Logic has always insisted he’s mixed race–half white, half Black. Therefore, it would make sense he feels entitled enough to use the “n-word” in his music. But still, some are questioning why the hell he just rapped the word in a sloppy ass remake of Ice Cube’s smash hit, “It Was A Good Day.”
Living Legends MC Luckyiam first brought this abomination to my attention on Tuesday (March 7) via Twitter. When a fellow tweeter asked, “Did he just say n-gga,” Luckyiam confirmed yes, yes he did. He added in the caption, “Bruh” followed by a facepalm emoji.
Logic has been labeled “corny” since the onset of his career—and this song isn’t helping. For more than two minutes, he sings the G-Funk classic like he’s performing at a pretentious jazz lounge for hipsters. He ends the clip with a smile and the words, “That’s pretty authentic.” While one person attempted to defend Logic, others quickly came for his Hip-Hop card.
“Logic is half white, half black,” one person wrote. “There should have been some sort of internal conversation between both of those halves where one side explained how wrong this is to the other. It’s like watching someone club a baby seal. Just wrong.”
Even Ice Cube’s own son, O’Shea Jackson, weighed in after someone said the “Kim” line was cringy. He replied, “Bruh it made you cringe and that’s not yo moms. Lmfaooooo.” [Jackson’s mother is Kimberly Woodruff, Ice Cube’s wife.]
Comments continued pouring in. Despite his recently announced tour with Juicy J, today was NOT a good day to be Logic. Check some of the reactions out below.
Bruh it made you cringe and that’s not yo moms. Lmfaooooo
Finesse2Tymes pushed back against any suggestion he’s responsible for the tragedy at a GloRilla concert in Rochester, New York.
Two women died in a crowd stampede at GloRilla’s show, which took place on Sunday (March 5). Finesse2Tymes, who performed at the event, spoke to TMZ about social media trolls blaming him for the deaths.
Finesse2Tymes initially commented on the deadly concert in an Instagram Stories post.
“Shyt crazy,” he wrote. “Wunt even there. Folks want me to lose so bad. Why?”
TMZ asked Finesse2Tymes to elaborate on the post. He explained why he took issue with anyone trying to point the finger at him.
“When it go on anywhere else, don’t nobody get blamed,” he said. “When it go on at my show, I get blamed.”
He continued, “As far as the situation in New York, condolences to the family and the people who was injured. I wanted to say that … Things got out of control and innocent people got hurt, but it wasn’t nothing violent going on. It’s just the internet.”
GloRilla addressed the concert deaths on Monday (March 6). She prayed for the families of the deceased and other concertgoers who were injured.
“I am devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show,” she wrote. “My fans mean the world to me. Praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected.”
Listen to Finesse2Tymes talk about the stampede below.
Metro Boomin joined a growing list of artists selling their publishing for millions of dollars.
According to Billboard, Metro Boomin sold a portion of his publishing catalog to Shamrock Capital for roughly $70 million. The investment firm made the deal on the heels of raising $600 million in preparation of acquiring rights in various fields of entertainment.
Metro Boomin reached the agreement with Shamrock Capital a few months after releasing his Heroes & Villains album. The hitmaking producer’s latest project dropped in December 2022 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Heroes & Villains was the third No. 1 album of his career. He previously reached the top of the Billboard chart with 2018’s Not All Heroes Wear Capes and 2020’s Savage Mode II, a collaboration with 21 Savage.
Metro Boomin has produced an array of hit singles over the past decade. Some of his best-known work includes Future’s “Mask Off,” Migos’ “Bad & Boujee,” Post Malone’s “Congratulations,” “ILOVEMAKONNEN’s “Tuesday” and The Weeknd’s “Heartless.”
Earlier this year, Shamrock Capital bought some of Dr. Dre’s music assets. The investment firm’s deals with Dr. Dre and Metro Boomin bolstered its lineup of music rights, which already featured Taylor Swift’s Big Machine catalog.
Lizzo is a strong leader when it comes to the body positivity movement. The plus-size singer has been relentlessly criticized for her physique since breaking out with “Truth Hurts” in 2017. Needless to say, she’s weathered the storm and emerged as one of modern music’s biggest acts. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t question the motives behind companies suddenly getting behind curvy women. On Sunday (March 5), Lizzo re-tweet a video trailer for Victoria Secret’s famous fashion show in which the brand features thicker models alongside the traditionally stick-thin ones.
She wrote in the caption, “This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake. But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again? Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?”
This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake
But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?
Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money? https://t.co/ykmcUTLayQ
Victoria’s Secret announced the new campaign earlier this week. The lingerie company’s CFO Tim Johnson shared the news during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call on March 3.
“We’re going to continue to lean into the marketing spend to invest in a business both at top of funnel and also to support the new version of our fashion show,” Johnson said. A statement followed, which read, “We are always innovating and ideating in all spheres of the business to continue to put our customer at the center of all we do and reinforce our commitment to championing women’s voices and their unique perspectives.”
Brands have been slowly moving away from solely featuring skinny women to be in their ad campaigns. They’ve also included more sizes to better mirror the reality of women’s diverse body sizes. Lizzo is just one of many pushing for inclusivity. She’s just hoping Victoria’s Secret is changing course for the right reasons.
Snoop Dogg started a coffee company, adding to his already extensive portfolio outside of music.
The 51-year-old rapper partnered with Indonesian coffee entrepreneur Michael Riady to launch a brand called INDOxyz. Snoop Dogg’s new coffee is sourced from Indonesia with beans grown in Bali, Java, Sulawesi and Sumatra.
“My relationship with coffee goes way back,” Snoop Dogg said in a press release. “The many long nights in the studio making hit after hit, coffee provided the fuel which kept us going. Today marks the launch of a new company I created along with my partner Michael, who introduced me to the best-tasting Indonesian coffee. Indo is going to change the industry. I can promise you that.”
Riady added, “I’ve long admired Snoop for his hard work and business acumen. It’s been an incredible journey working with him and building this company, and I think that together we can make an impact in the industry with a brand that resonates with the next generation.”
The INDOxys rollout begins at select stores in California. The brand comes to Las Vegas before a national retail expansion.
INDOxys will be available to purchase online via the company’s website. Snoop Dogg’s coffee will be sold at Amazon, Albertsons, Erewhon, Pavilions, Safeway, Sprouts and Vons in the coming months.
Snoop Dogg’s INDOxyz cold brew costs $5.99. The whole bean sells for $17.99.
If you love R&B, prepare to fall in love with Aqyila. The rising star has an unwavering passion for music and singing, and her smooth and sultry vocals speak for themselves. Hailing from Toronto, Aqyila stands for all things sisterhood, positivity, self-acceptance, and female empowerment…and she has plans of becoming one of the greats.
It was approximately one year ago when Aqyila unleashed her song “Vibe For Me,” which took a mind of its own as it went viral on TikTok. To date, over two million videos were made to the record. Shortly after, she was blessed with a JUNO award nomination, for Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year.
In describing herself, Aqyila states she’s “a creative in a sense. I like to sing, obviously. I also like to content create, so I vlog a lot. My friends will always ask me if I have my camera with me, and nine times out of 10 I do. Because I love to capture moments and edit them, put them on YouTube for memories.”
Most recently, Aqyila unveiled her newest single titled “OH!,” a record that speaks on standing your ground in a relationship, reminding yourself that you are worthy with or without a partner. The single is paired with a cinematic visual, directed by Nathan Lau (Anders, Tobias).
AllHipHop spoke with Aqyila, who was posted in Toronto. Read below as we discuss her background, “OH!”, getting the support of Lizzo and Monica, goals, and more!
AllHipHop: Where are you located?
Aqyila: In Toronto, Canada. Or the GTA but I usually just say Toronto, because everyone knows Toronto.
AllHipHop: How is it over there?
Aqyila: It’s good. It’s actually a lot warmer than where I was just at. For the last two days, me, my manager, my brother, and one of my band members, we were in Montreal to open for Kimbra. After that, we came back to Toronto to open for Kimbra again. It was back to b:ack singing, but Montreal’s freezing. I didn’t know it was gonna be that cold, it’s freezing girl. [laughs]
AllHipHop: I hate when it’s cold!
Aqyila: Yeah. When we went there, it felt like I needed adult snow pants because it was that cold.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Aqyila: Right now currently, my music is definitely a blend between pop and R&B. But I know that the direction I’m taking my music for the future, later on in the years, is gonna be R&B. Just because of what I’ve been doing so far. Whenever I’m recording in Toronto, when I’m back and settled, it’s been a lot of R&B, TLC type of vibes.
I’m excited for people to hear that side of me when it comes. But until then, we’ve got this pop and R&B EP that I’m very excited to give out to the world, so we can go into the next chapter after.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name?
Aqyila: It’s actually my middle name, didn’t have to think too hard. [laughs] I don’t know what I would call myself.
AllHipHop: You just dropped “OH!” Who or what inspired that record?
Aqyila: It’s a mix of disappointing experiences, then things that other people could relate to. Because it’s not everything in the song that I did, but “OH!” is that moment where you realize that the person you thought you were with that was meant for you, is not meant for you. But you also learned to move on and cope, then flourish in the end and realize there’s better for you. Sometimes the person that you think you’re with is going to be your end all be all, but it’s not. And that’s okay.
AllHipHop: How does it feel to have the video approaching a million views? That’s huge.
Aqyila: It is? Damn, I didn’t even check girl. I’m getting a lot of good feedback, so I’m glad. Even when we’re filming, I was telling the director I want it very cinematic. I want it to look like a movie, and that’s exactly what I got so I was super happy when I seen the results. I’m very proud of that video.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the video shoot?
Aqyila: Oh, the food. When we were on break, we ate a lot of good food. It’s this Caribbean spot, I can’t remember the name. It was my first time trying them, but it’s a very popular spot in Toronto. When we had it, oh this is good. I made sure to save some and eat some the next day. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in Toronto?
Aqyila: For me, it was calm. I was born in the GTA area so I just say GTA, but I’ll say Toronto for now. It was pretty diverse, which I like. All my friends, it’s a pretty diverse friend group. We all balance off of each other’s cultures, I’m always learning something new and listening to different music. It helps shape who you are when you’re around other people, because then you learn about different cultures and different things.
It does make a difference too, even in my music. Even growing up, I listened to a lot of pop on the radio. I would dance in my kitchen, so that influence is there in some of my songs. But I never thought of them as pop until it gets labeled as pop. I’m like oh true. I thought it was just a vibe, but hey. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your forthcoming EP?
Aqyila: This EP’s going to be coming out in the late April. I’m super excited because it tells a story, so it’s flowing. In the beginning, it’s about a guy. I’m trying to figure out why he’s acting the way he is. We flow into “Pressure,” because I know I’m that girl. You know I’m that girl, why are you playing with me type of vibe. That goes into heartbreak.
We end it with finding yourself. My next single “Hello” is going to be the last one before the EP drops, so I’m really excited for that to come out in March. Because that one’s a beautiful song and it means so much to me, so I’m really excited. I hope the TikTok people like that.
AllHipHop: How’d it feel to have “Vibe For Me” go crazy on TikTok?
Aqyila: Oh my gosh, that was really cool. I’ve gone viral before in the past, even before, but that was the biggest viral moment I’ve had so far. It’s had its positives and negatives. Sometimes when you go viral, it’s fun. You get a whole new audience, people will start to listen to your stuff. Or if you don’t have anything out, they’ll be anticipating a lot of things. There was a lot of excitement there.
There’s the negatives. People say stuff, maybe not nice stuff. I’m somebody that’s very protective of my energy and what’s around me, so I have no problem blocking girl. I will block you. [laughs] Even before I block, I’m gonna turn off my phone. I don’t sit on the internet all day, I just can’t. I like to be off my phone. If I’m writing or filming or editing, I’m always keeping myself busy, then checking my phone later. But it was fun. It was a lot of fun. Lizzo, Monica, they did my sound.
AllHipHop: How did Lizzo support?
Aqyila: She probably seen it all over her timeline. She ended up singing it on her page. I commented like OMG, then I dueted the video. She’s like “love you,” I was like omg! Love you too. It was dope. Full circle.
AllHipHop: What about Monica?
Aqyila: Monica too, she lip synced to it. But she was doing her thing, being all sassy. I thought that was so cool. Just because I’d grown up listening to her as well. Yo, this is a full circle moment. When Lizzo came down here in Toronto for her Watch Out For The Big Grrrls Tour, so dope. I loved it. It was so amazing. She’s a performer. Lizzo can perform! Jaw dropped.
AllHipHop: Talk about being nominated for a JUNO Award, that’s huge!
Aqyila: I remember when I was sitting there watching the YouTube Live going. Okay, I saw one of my friends get nominated too so I was tagging him. Oh my God, you just got nominated for producer! Hopefully you get it. He was texting me, then my name came up. I was frozen, because I didn’t really expect it. I was told maybe, but I didn’t think it was gonna happen. When it happened, man! That’s cool. What’s next?
It was me, the label, and my manager, we all went and got a hotel. We had a driver for the first time, so that was sick. It was the whole celebrity experience, so that was dope. Along with JUNOfest, performing. It was a vibe. It felt really good. Even though I didn’t win, it was very good for me to know that people heard what I did, and that it made an impact. Such an impact that people across the board and in the music committee even thought to even nominate my stuff. Because as an artist, you work hard on your stuff. Especially when lyrics mean a lot to you. The words that I have in that song are so empowering, I’m glad that somebody felt inspired enough to recommend it and put it up there.
AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?
Aqyila: I’m just somebody that likes to make music and make people feel good. Hopefully you make music that relates. I make music that’s personal to me, so that people can learn more sides of me. It’s a mix of having somebody that’s your go-to relatable artist, then somebody that you could turn up with. Somebody that can also show you the introspective, all into their life. I’m a mix of both.
AllHipHop: Who are your favorite artists?
Aqyila: I love Jhené Aiko, I was listening to her all weekend. It keeps me sane by listening to her music. She’s just so peaceful, she’s one of my favorite artists. Along with her, I love Jazmine Sullivan. Her riffs are phenomenal. I really look up to her music. Who else do I love? Masego, he’s phenomenal as well. Just very talented.
Also Whitney Houston. She was somebody I looked up to often as a kid. My mom would play music all the time, so I’d imitate what I heard. I taught myself how to sing like that, by imitating whatever I heard. I’m still learning but it’s pretty cool. Practice. Everybody’s like “how do you learn?” Practice. You gotta practice and practice and practice. Eventually, your vocal cords tighten up and figure it out.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?
Aqyila: I do. I really really, really am aiming to be part of, at least invited to an American awards show at some point. I think that’d be monumental for me and my team, so fingers crossed. I’m manifesting that. Winning a Juno Award or an American award, whichever one comes first, would also be dope.
And to collaborate with some really dope U.S. artists. I have so many people in mind, I’m always trying to think of who I want to collaborate with. Smino, he’s dope. I’d love to do a song with him. Even my artist friend right now, Jhyve. He’s from Toronto, but he’s so talented. I was just bouncing a demo back to him, on a song that he’s going to be hopefully coming out with on his album this year. I was telling myself this is such a vibe. I want a feature on your song, so hopefully. I haven’t been featured on anybody’s stuff yet. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Aqyila: If I’m not singing, vlogging or songwriting, then I’m cooking or trying a new recipe. Because I love to follow baking and cooking accounts. If I’m not doing that, then I’m playing video games with my brother.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want the people to know?
Aqyila: Just stay tuned for “Hello,” that’s coming out March 31st. My debut EP is coming out at the end of April. I might be doing a lot of live shows this year. If you see me, come out. See ya girl, because it’s a different experience live.
And what’s your EP called?
Aqyila: It’s called For The Better. It’s actually one of the song lines in “Hello.” That song is one of my favorites.
As “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” gears up for its final season, AllHipHop.com is in the mix talking to some of the stars that have made the series a hit.
We caught up with Harlem rapper Dave East, who plays Method Man on the show, and he shared what it was like to work on the show, how helpful Johnny Blaze has been during this journey, and which of all the Wu-Tang albums is his favorite.
Dave East shared that acting was 100% fun and put him in a different light, allowing people to see him as more than just a rapper. He also expressed how fortunate he felt to be part of his first real breakout role.
When asked what he learned from playing Method Man in the series “An American Saga,” Dave East said he already knew him before getting the role.
“I was already cool with him before I even got the role. So, really studying him and going on the Internet and just watching his old videos and interviews helped me learn him a lot more,” Dave East told AllHipHop.com. “And just calling him and asking him, “Yo, is this s##t true? Did this really happen?” It was a dope situation to be able to talk with him while I was playing the role.”
Dave East also shared which one of Wu-Tang Clan’s classic albums was his favorite and was asked to choose between: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (also known as “The Purple Tape”), Ironman, or Tical.
“For me? Probably the ‘Purple Tape.’ That’s just cause I kind of grew up more on that,” Dave East revealed. “My cousins was playing that in the crib every day. So, yeah, probably ‘Purple Tape.'”
Apart from acting, Dave East has been working on a few upcoming music projects. He revealed that he is working on Beloved 2 with Styles P and another album with Def Jam, the same label Method Man is signed to.
Cher and her boyfriend, rapper/producer Alexander Edwards, have been working on two new albums together.
While speaking to E! News for an interview, the “Dark Lady” singer announced her plans to release two albums with her boyfriend, who was once in a relationship with Amber Rose.
“I’m going to England to make two albums,” Cher told the outlet. “Some of the songs Alexander gave me, so I’m pretty excited about that. He’s a producer and a writer, and he does everything, so I’m happy about that.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cosc_ZrPm9T/?hl=en
She teased about the upcoming music, “I think, like any artist when you’ve got something good, you’re excited.”
Alexander and Cher first sparked romance rumors in November last year when they were spotted on a date in West Hollywood. Days later, the singer confirmed the relationship on Twitter, posting a photo of Alexander with a red heart emoji.
Cher also shared she was “trying to get myself in shape” to tour later this year.
No dates for the potential tour have been announced.
Cher’s last tour, “Here We Go Again,” began in September 2018 and was forced to conclude in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Chaka Khan has apologized for blasting singers such as Mariah Carey and Adele. While talking to Andrew Goldman for his “The Originals” podcast last week, the music legend was asked about being ranked No. 29 on Rolling Stone‘s list of “The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time” earlier this year and she gave her controversial opinions on those ranked higher. Khan, real name Yvette Stevens, took to Instagram to apologize for her remarks.
“Recently, I was asked about a list of the ‘greatest singers of all time’ and instead of questioning the need for such a list, I was pitted against other artists, and I took the bait,” she began. “As artists, we are unfairly put into ‘boxes,’ ‘categories,’ or on ‘lists.’ Being an artist or musician is not a competition. It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful. It was not my intention to cause pain or upset anyone. To anyone that felt this way, I sincerely apologize.”
She continued, “Thank you for all the love everyone has shown me, unconditionally. I have always been about empowering others and I started a foundation for that very purpose. I will be announcing soon. Empowering all artists is most important because we truly are the architects of change…and change begins within the heart. I love you all and God bless.”
During the interview, when Goldman noted Mariah Carey was ranked at No. 5, the “Ain’t Nobody” star jokingly alleged Carey may have bribed someone at the magazine. As for Adele landing at No. 22 and Mary J. Blige ranking at 25, she commented, “OK, I quit.”
“These are blind b######! They are blind as a m############ bat! They need hearing aids… These must be the children of Helen Keller!”
Cocaine Bear, an outlandish film about a 500-pound black bear who ingests an insane amount of cocaine and goes berserk (and rightfully so), hit theaters nationwide February 24. Shortly before its release, Pusha T dropped a remix to Melle Mel’s 1983 hit “White Lines (Don’t Do It),” the aptly titled “White Lines (Cocaine Bear Remix).”
Using the infectious bassline and soaring chorus from the 1983 version, the Coke Rap king delivered his short yet sweet interpretation to a welcoming audience—most importantly, the original song’s creator. Before Melle Mel started to trend over his dogmatic comments about Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, he spoke to AllHipHop about the remix and gave it his approval.
“I think it’s just a great testament to the legacy of the group and myself to make a record that’s 40 years old that can still be relevant,” he said. “It’s an iconic record. Again, it’s just a testament to how well our music was written and produced. It’s been in numerous movies and Duran Duran did the record over. Mobb Deep used it, too. Even up to right now with it being in Cocaine Bear and Pusha T doing the remake, it’s a testament to how powerful our music was and the imprint that it left and is still leaving within the music business.
“Hats off to everybody involved—E.T. Thorngren who mixed the record, Sylvia Robinson at Sugar Hill Records and arranger Reggie Griffin. We got in the lab and we came out with something that stood the test of time. Congratulations to everybody.”
Fellow Grandmaster Five & The Furious Five member Scorpio is equally as proud of the record. To see someone as prolific in modern day rap as Pusha T put his fingerprint on it only lends the song’s long-lasting lore more credence.
“To see this after all of the years is just incredible,” he told AllHipHop. “We’re talking 40 years. For it to stand the test of time and to see all the artists like Duran Duran, Mobb Deep and Pusha T who keep recycling it is just an honor. To be part of a great iconic song like that, I think Melle Mel really hit that one out the park when it comes to putting the pen to the pad. Touring the world, believe it or not—and they love ‘The Message,’ obviously it’s an iconic record—we have a lot of fun when we do ‘White Lines.’ It’s takes on a whole new life when we perform it now. Before it was a party record and still kind of serious, but now, it’s like when Sugarhill Gang does ‘Apache.’ Like it was an OK record, but when Will Smith put his twist to it and the dance, it gave it life.
“That’s the same way it is with us when we perform ‘White Lines.’ It’s a whole new energy to it. It’s incredible and fun to watch. Even though me and Melle have known each other since 4th grade, it’s still an honor to hit the stage together. I know we come from a group, but when things weren’t going right and real cool with the rest of the group, we remained friends. Not saying we don’t go through our s###, but we had that foundation. When basically everybody else in the group, our friendship was just based on the music. When the music didn’t go right, things didn’t go right. Now, the 40th anniversary, we’re about to go on this White Lines Tour and hit the road with Kurtis Blow and the Sugarhill Gang. It’s a great time to be celebrating “White Lines.” See you on tour.”
“White Lines (Don’t Do It)” peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart in 1983. In the U.K., it reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart the following year and spent 17 consecutive weeks in the Top 40. The song warns about the dangers of cocaine addiction, which, of course, was a big issue in the ’80s.
“Pound for pound costs more than gold,” Melle raps. “The longer you stay, the more you pay/My white lines go a long way/Either up your nose or through your vein/With nothin to gain except killing your brain.”
Unfortunately for the black bear in the film, he was unable to avoid the tragic aftermath of cocaine use. Perhaps he should’ve yielded to Melle Mel’s advice: “Don’t do it!”
Mike Epps, the famous comedian known for his hilarious jokes and quick wit, may be in hot water.
Reports from TMZ state that a loaded firearm was found in his luggage at an airport in his hometown of Indianapolis.
As per legal documents obtained by TMZ, police were called to investigate the situation after the TSA discovered the loaded gun while Epps was going through the checkpoint.
When asked about the gun, Mike Epps claimed he was in town for a show and had forgotten the firearm was in his bag.
Upon further inspection, the police discovered a .38 Special Airweight with four rounds loaded but none in the chamber.
The gun and ammunition were taken as evidence, and Epps was not arrested.
However, the report has been forwarded to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if charges should be filed against the comedian.
Mike Epps first gained fame as a stand-up comic in the late ’90s and has since starred in hit movies like “Next Friday,” “Janky Promoters,” “Sparkle,” “The Hangover” and others.
He’s also made a name for himself as a TV actor, appearing in shows like “Survivor’s Remorse” and “Uncle Buck,” “The Upshaws” and others.
Last night (March 6th), the highly controversial rapper returned to Instagram with an enigmatic post: he shared a photo of a male model wearing sunglasses with the caption “caption this” and tagged Balenciaga.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpbHoSSv4LO/?hl=en
The luxury fashion brand was one of several corporations to end its partnership with Ye in response to the rapper’s anti-Semitic tropes. Other companies included The Gap and Adidas, costing the rapper his multi-billion-dollar fortune.
Ye’s new and straightforward post was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Despite his tumultuous past, thousands of fans were ecstatic to see the hip-hop artist back on the platform.
Many were excited to see what kind of content Kanye would be sharing, while others were curious to know if he had any plans to address the backlash he had received for his previous comments.
De La Soul’s catalog includes classic songs such as “Me Myself and I” off 3 Feet High and Rising. The latest Vevo Footnotes installment features Posdnuos providing insight into the making of the “Me, Myself and I” record.
“The press was referring to us as the hippies of Hip Hop. This song became a way to express that this wasn’t a gimmick and that we were being ourselves. This is why in my first verse I say, ‘You say Plug 1 & 2 are hippies, no we’re not, that’s pure Plug bull,'” stated Posdnuos.
The De La Soul member added, “We did it in a comedic way playing off what was considered the conventional look for a Hip Hop kid vs. a non-conventional way of looking.” In addition, Posdnuos shared behind-the-scenes information about the official “Me, Myself and I” music video.
De La Soul Scored Their Biggest Billboard Hit With “Me Myself and I”
“Ali Shaheed [from A Tribe Called Quest] was the guy who wrote ‘De La Sucks’ on the bathroom wall [in the ‘Me Myself and I’ video],” revealed Posdnuos. The East Coast collective known as Native Tongues included A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.
Posdnuos concluded, “[If it were remade today] maybe you could flip the video on its head, where everyone is dressing so different and cool and loud and someone wants to dress down and plain because they are more focused on their inner growth than their outer independence.”
De La Soul’s “Me Myself and I” peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989. The song is the New York trio’s highest-charting Hot 100 entry. “Me Myself and I” also spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs rankings.
3 Feet High and Rising made it to No. 24 on the Billboard 200. The studio LP remained on that album chart for 29 weeks. 2016’s Grammy-nominated And the Anonymous Nobody… became De La Soul’s first No. 1 project on the Top Rap Albums chart.
The recent headline-grabbing situation involving The Breakfast Club has now extended to include possible public friction between Porsha Williams and Tamron Hall.
Former The Breakfast Club host Angela Yee appeared on The Tamron Hall Show to discuss her departure from the Power 105.1-based program. Hall asked Yee about being the only female voice on the radio show.
“I was the only woman who worked there too. I mean when it came to producers, camera people, and it wasn’t an easy room for me to be in,” Angela Yee told the Daytime Emmy Award winner.
Yee continued, “I feel like I did need more backup because even things that I felt, as a woman – if somebody can’t understand your point of view because they’re not coming from where you come from. So that was hard for me too, to be the only woman there.”
Porsha Williams Believes Angela Yee Let Down The Breakfast Club
Current The Breakfast Club host DJ Envy responded to Angela Yee’s comments on social media and in a video interview. Envy wrote on Instagram, “That’s not true… There are plenty of women that work behind the scenes on [The Breakfast Club].”
In addition, The Breakfast Club covered Angela Yee’s sitdown with The Tamron Hall Show during the “Rumor Report” segment on Monday. Porsha Williams, serving as a guest host, shared her take on the entire ordeal.
“When we talk about women being in the room and power women having a seat at the table, you have to talk about what that means to the people in the front. The people in the front, those are our back people, the people who hold us up,” said the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star.
Williams continued, “That’s where [Angela Yee] let down the entire Breakfast Club. If she probably had of chance, instead of talking to Tamron, she would’ve been able to expound on that. But when you have someone like a Tamron talking to you and she’s giving you accolades and raising you up to do nothing but set you up to say something that’s gonna be catchy and she can look like a journalist, then that’s when your find Angela in this place trending for the wrong thing.”
Porsha Williams Suggests Tamron Hall Looks For “Hidden Mess” From Her Guests
In addition to being a reality show star, Porsha Williams worked as a media personality on the tabloid television news series Dish Nation. Williams also wrote The Pursuit of Porsha memoir which she promoted on a November 2021 episode of The Tamron Hall Show.
“It’s a hidden mess,” answered Porsha Williams when The Breakfast Club‘s Charlamagne Tha God asked if Tamron Hall has leaned into being “messy” in order to replace the gossip-centered The Wendy Williams Show on daytime television.
Williams added, “I went on Tamron’s show and I was so excited. She’s a beautiful Black woman who branched off and got her own show. I did not necessarily feel supported on her show… I didn’t expect her to agree with everything. But there was a turn where it turned just from her asking questions about the book to her kinda almost attacking me, almost making me feel like I had to justify anything I had going on. It just didn’t feel good.”
In response, DJ Envy admitted he felt uncomfortable during his appearance on The Tamron Hall Show with his wife, Gia Casey, last April. Envy also revealed he spoke to Angela Yee about her remarks on The Breakfast Club to clear up the matter. Yee clarified her viewpoint on her own Way Up With Yee show as well.
A video of Blueface eating food from McDonald’s began circulating online. In the clip, the Los Angeles-born reality show star expresses disappointment about his order from the fast food restaurant.
“This is nasty as f###. Chicken and mayonnaise, I should’ve told them to put some cheese on that m###########. I was not thinking,” said Blueface about the sandwich.
Some social media users assumed Blueface commented about McDonald’s Cardi B & Offset items. He denied directing his food critique at the celebrity couple’s date night-themed meal-for-two.
The Cardi B & Offset Meal features the couple’s go-to orders, plus a few items to share.
Cardi B Calls Out The Internet For Instigating
“That wasn’t no Cardi [and] Offset meal. That was a regular [McChicken sandwich]. I forgot to put cheese on it [and BBQ] sauce,” tweeted Blueface on Monday afternoon.
McDonald’s Cardi B & Offset Meal does not include a McChicken. The combo comes with a cheeseburger, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a large Coke, a large Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, fries, and an apple pie.
Cardi B quote-tweeted the Famous Cryp mixtape creator and added, “The [internet] be instigating like hell. 😂😂.” Blueface then retweeted Cardi’s quote-tweet.
That wasn’t no cardi an offset meal that was a regular mc chicken I forgot to put cheese on it an CCQ sauce
Previously, Blueface Credited Cardi B For Changing His Life
Blueface’s Twitter clarification about his McDonald’s frustration came one day after he praised Cardi B for helping to change his life. The two Hip Hop artists came together for the “Thotiana (Remix)” collaboration in 2019.
“When I got that Cardi feature, I never spoke with her prior to the studio session or recording of the music video. Everything was done from management to management to ensure professional business,” tweeted Blueface.
He continued, “No money was exchanged for anything because it made [sense] for everyone, no leverage… That feature changed my life fasho, that’s the only way we doing business in 2023.”
Stand-up legend Chris Rock already faced some backlash for his Selective Outrage comedy special on Netflix. Critics took issue with the way the comedian addressed the infamous Oscar Slap by Will Smith.
Chris Rock is also catching heat for seemingly comparing Michael Jackson to R. Kelly. One comedic bit featured Rock claiming only some people face the wrath of so-called cancel culture for committing the same acts as others.
A jury acquitted Michael Jackson of child molestation charges in 2005. R. Kelly was found guilty of sex trafficking and child pornography charges in two different jurisdictions between 2021 and 2022.
Taj Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, addressed Chris Rock’s joke about his deceased family member. The widely-recognized King of Pop died in 2009 from a reported drug overdose.
Taj Jackson Thanks Will Smith For Slapping Chris Rock
“Chris Rock has used my family as punching bags for his entire career. Yet I am supposed to feel bad for him getting slapped and humiliated on the Oscars,” tweeted Taj Jackson on Monday.
The 3T member added, “After seeing a new clip of him attacking my dead uncle in the first minutes of his ‘Retaliation-I’m still relevant’ special, I have 3 things to say.”
He continued, “1. What did my family ever do to you to warrant these decades of harassment and your constant bullying [disguised] as jokes? 2. Just because you were bullied early on in life doesn’t give you the excuse to bully others now. 3. Thank you, Will Smith.”
Chris Rock has used my family as punching bags for his entire career. Yet I am supposed to feel bad for him getting slapped and humiliated on the Oscars. After seeing a new clip of him attacking my dead uncle in the first minutes of his “Retaliation-I’m still relevant ”special,…
The Oscar Slap Overshadowed The 2022 Academy Award Ceremony
The 94th Academy Awards became a trending topic around the world after Best Actor winner Will Smith smacked Chris Rock in the face during the live broadcast. The Oscar Slap led to Smith receiving a 10-year ban from any Academy event.
Rock made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head during that 2022 Oscar ceremony. Will Smith’s wife suffers hair loss from the medical condition known as alopecia areata. Smith eventually apologized to Rock in a YouTube video.
“Keep my wife’s name out your f###### mouth!” became an internet meme after Smith shouted that at Rock from his seat at the Academy Awards following his on-stage assault. Rock responded at the time, “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
Love Renaissance recording artist Summer Walker is known to be more of a reclusive celebrity. The Still Over It album creator rarely takes part in press appearances.
However, Summer Walker is active on social media. Her 5 million Instagram followers do get a glimpse into her life on occasion, and she sometimes shares her thoughts on various topics.
Summer Walker recently used her Instagram Stories to offer an explanation for why she rarely speaks out in public. According to the singer/songwriter, the idea of getting criticized by the masses is frightening.
“It took me 27 years to figure out why I’m so shy,” wrote Summer Walker on Instagram. The Shade Room took a screenshot of the Story and re-posted it on the outlet’s own account.
Walker added, “It’s [because] I’m trying not to say something crazy. I’m literally walking around overthinking how not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Deep down I’m ghetto [as f###]. [And] I be scared I’ma get canceled. 🥴… That’s [why] I don’t do interviews, you most likely not gone like what I have to say.”
After working as an exotic dancer in her hometown, Summer Walker emerged as a rising R&B star with 2019’s Over It studio LP. Two years later, she released Still Over It which broke chart records.
Two of the hottest acts on opposite sides of the pond, Central Cee and Ice Spice, could be teaming up for a transatlantic banger.
The West London rising star took to Instagram on Monday with a carousel of recent images. Among them was one photograph that had fans in a frenzy. The second slide in the series features two very well-known pieces of jewelry and hints at a collab between the famous owners.
Placed on top of a mixing board is Central Cee’s chain featuring his “Live Yours” motto pendant alongside Ice Spice’s signature $100,000 chain made by Benny Da Jeweler. The piece includes an animated version of her face, complete with her trademark curly afro encrusted in diamonds.
While Central Cee remained tight-lipped about any potential collab, leaving the caption blank, the implication is clear; the rappers are in the studio together.
— Outlander Magazine (@StreetFashion01) March 6, 2023
Furthermore, Cench could have another upcoming transatlantic collab featuring Lil Durk. “Drop that song asap,” the Chicago native penned in the comment section, adding, “Before I leak my verse.”
Central Cee has been making major moves in recent months. Drake brought the U.K. rapper out to perform his breakout hit “Doja” at his show in St. Barts last December. He also made a cameo in Drizzy’s “Jumbotron Sh*t Poppin” video from his Her Loss album.
Meanwhile, Coi Leray recently revealed that they have a song together, although it’s unlikely to be released. “I love Central Cee, I think he’s amazing,” Coi Leray stated earlier this year. “The song’s fire but we’ve grown so much since then. It was probably like two years ago so I would love to get the studio and make more.”
Central Cee joined Ice Spice on the closing day of Rolling Loud California last Sunday. While Cench’s performance went without a hitch, the same cannot be said for the “Munch” hitmaker.
During her set, an overzealous fan caused a scene as he attempted to charge the stage to join the Bronx native. Check out the clip below and watch as security guards block him from getting to Ice Spice.
Ice Spice had fans in a frenzy during her Rolling Loud California set Sunday; one of them even attempted to rush the stage, until Ice's bodyguards treated the guy like a true munch!
