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Prince Carter Has One Dream Collab: Erykah Badu

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

One spin of Prince Carter’s music, and you’re immediately sucked into an ethereal soundscape of sounds, blending the worlds of R&B and hip-hop into his own concoction. Imagine Drake and Bryson Tiller type vibes, and that’ll give you an idea of his core musical influences.

Hailing from Minnesota originally, the rising star named himself Prince Carter as a way to pay homage to the late great Prince, one of the GOATs to hail out of the same area he’s from. But Carter was initially introduced to music through dance, eventually falling in love with both worlds at the young age of 8.

He explains, “I remember I was dancing in a parking lot, I used to love to dance. I always did choir, but it was really dancing that really made me love it at first. It was just fun. I got to express myself through it. From there, it was a roller coaster. In high school was really when I really started making music. Once I started making music, I was all over it. It was done for.”

Most recently, Prince Carter unveiled his newest project titled Not Your Type, a 6-track EP that speaks volumes to his talents as a recording artist. Produced by production group Narcowave, Not Your Type is spearheaded by lead single “Kiss & Leave,” which boasts a cinematic visual as he brings the track to life in true Prince Carter form.

AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in Minnesota?

Prince Carter: Cold as hell. To me, it’s almost closed off from the world in a way. Everything gets there late, and the people around you tend to not be as open to things. The first time I came out to LA was really a game-changer. First time stepping out into the world, you’re not with parents or anything. It literally changed my whole mindset about a lot of things. The first time I came out here, I thought, “I’m about to move out here.”

AllHipHop: What did you like about LA?

Prince Carter: I liked the freedom I felt. I don’t know what felt different, but the second I stepped off the plane, it felt different. Obviously, the weather is beautiful all-year round. I just landed back here at 10 this morning, it was negative 11 degrees back home. Literally messing my head up.

AllHipHop: That’s cold! They have seasonal depression right?

Prince Carter: That’s actually real. You literally can’t go outside for certain months because it’ll be zero or negatives with a wind chill of 10 degrees colder. It’s annoying. It’s almost treacherous.

AllHipHop: Who were you listening to that made you want to do music?

Prince Carter: Some of my biggest influences, at that time especially, would be Kanye. I was listening to a lot of Kendrick at that time. That’s around the time I first heard of SiR. Him and Kendrick made me fall in love with TDE, then SZA and all that. I definitely see myself more in a R&B headspace. When I sit down to listen to music by myself, I’m going to put on some R&B.

AllHipHop: And Prince too right?

Prince Carter: Yeah. Really the whole inspiration behind my name was Prince being from Minneapolis. Once he passed, a couple of years after that is when I decided to change my artist name from just Carter to Prince Carter. It fits, it’s the whole Minneapolis vibe. People will get it.

AllHipHop: At what point did you realize the music thing was for real?

Prince Carter: January of 2018. My older brother literally said, “Move out with me to Cali.” I was living with him, he’s like “You can do this music for real if you want to.” That’s the first time anybody put it in front of me like “You can do what you want.” Instead of having to go school. My parents are definitely first-generation immigrants, so they’re definitely school, school, school, school.

AllHipHop: Not Your Type EP out now! How are you feeling?

Prince Carter: Literally, a breath of fresh air because I’ve had that done since June. Back then, I was really thinking “I want to drop it!” I was supposed to drop with 2 different distributions and they were just lacking. Ended up pushing it back for 6 months before I really said “alright, I’m done. I’m about to drop it myself instead.” Once I really started making the videos and everything, it felt like a build-up until I finally dropped it. A breath of fresh air, I could finally restart. I can start making music again, start making projects and not feel like I’m slacking.

AllHipHop: What’s the meaning behind the title?

Prince Carter: The time I was making all of those songs was the time when I was really navigating my love life. I was figuring out things I didn’t like about other people and things that people didn’t like about me. Alright, I‘ll just make the music. Put in my entire heart, soul, and brain, everything I could into every song. We had made 15 songs before even putting songs into a tracklist. We had made a bunch, sat down and said, “Alright, which one’s the most cohesive? Which ones get the vibe across of how I’m feeling?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaLGst2h_lt/

AllHipHop: Talk about the cover art with all the women.

Prince Carter: That was mad fun to shoot. I don’t want to say it was totally impromptu, but it was pretty last minute. I knew what idea I had and thought “who can fulfill this?” My guy Dro connected me with this photographer named Pat Bombard. He’s cold at what he does. I told him my vision and we set it up right there. I had a few of my girlfriends, friends that are girls, I had them come through and relay how I wanted them to be. They nailed it for real. It was a vibe. It was really quick to shoot too, probably took 30 minutes once we started shooting. We got the one.

AllHipHop: Talk about the project’s lead single, “Kiss and Leave”?

Prince Carter: Just dropped the video, the video’s crazy. That wasn’t even supposed to be the initial lead single. It was supposed to be “Word Gets Around, the second track off the project. But the point of time that I was at: once we got to early January, I was starting to feel “Kiss and Leave” more. The vibe wise with winter and seasonal depression, it’s cuffing season obviously. I started to feel that song a little more than the other one. I’m still about to shoot a video to “Word Gets Around.” I’m trying to shoot as many videos as possible.

AllHipHop: What inspired the visual for “Kiss and Leave”? What was your vision?

Prince Carter: Before I hit the director, I knew I wanted it to be intense, but not at the same time. You could feel the tension between me and the girl, and let it go from there. The director sent me a crazy treatment for it, AJ Spitz. From there, we built on it. He had found a location, the double split room. It was the red side, the blue side. Once he got the location, we ran with ideas. The candle scene is my favorite scene. We had 800 candles to light, and it was all the small ones. It was literally the most tedious process because it’s about 11:30pm to midnight. Nobody’s in the parking lot, the winds blowing and we’re trying to set up these little candles in front of this car. We got 400, then half of them started blowing out. We had to keep grinding. We probably got 500, 600 of them actually lit.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from the project?

Prince Carter: I want them to live, connect themselves to it. Everybody’s gone through a point in their life where they’re trying to figure out what they like. Fans can listen to me in my journey, figuring that out for myself. That’s really what I want, I want them to connect with me through that.

AllHipHop: How’s the independent grind?

Prince Carter: It’s a grind for sure. Literally every single day is a workday. I normally wake up around 9am, fall asleep anywhere from 2am to 8am.

AllHipHop: Late night sessions?

Prince Carter: Literally. When I be in sessions, I be trying to book 12-hour sessions so I can sit there and kick it.

AllHipHop: Where do you usually record at?

Prince Carter: My main location, if it’s not at the crib, is this one place… well, the whole studio service itself is called Neighborhood Watche. They have a bunch of different studios all around Los Angeles, I be booking through them. Then my mans be plugging me in with a bunch of others.

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?

Prince Carter: I need some weed. I’ma package the weed and everything that comes with that as one. I need my laptop, and just a vibe. The vibe can really be anything. My friends be creating different vibes with me in the studio, but sometimes it’s really cool to be alone in a really big studio. Any size studio for real, just to be alone and kick it. Be intimate with the mic and yourself.

AllHipHop: Talk about working with the production group Narcowave.

Prince Carter: Narcowave is some of the most talented people I know, as well as good friends forreal. Ever since I met Dro, they’ve been a major part in my music. It’s really cool to see. I love relationships like that. I love how the music industry can create relationships you’ll have for the rest of your life. It’s a whole journey.

AllHipHop: What can we expect next from you, music-wise?

Prince Carter: Next, I’m about to drop a few SoundCloud projects. I’m trying to get into dropping more on SoundCloud, that’s a more organic platform than most. Most people are ruling out SoundCloud at this point just because SoundCloud artists’ generation isn’t necessarily everything right now, but people forget how major that platform is when it comes to breaking new artists. I like when it’s organic.

AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?

IPrince Carter: want my fans to realize that what everybody tells you isn’t necessarily as concrete. People expect that you have to do one thing for your life to go a certain way, or act a certain way for people like you. But if you’re yourself, people will like that version of you way more than they’ll like any other versions of you forreal. And if they don’t care, who cares. That’s what I had to figure out in my life, as a kid growing up.

AllHipHop: Who’s your dream collab?

Prince Carter: [whistles] That’s so hard right now. A dream collab for me right now might be Queen Badu. That’s one of them. I want to say somebody you can see me with. There are so many artists I want to collab with.

AllHipHop: Badu was before your time, no?

Prince Carter: For sure before my time, but before my time resonates more with my soul. I don’t really relate to most people [in] my exact age range.

AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?

Prince Carter: My main goal is to really, for this year especially, is to put out music as much as possible. If I put a number to it, every two weeks I want to be dropping something. Just so people can feel me forreal.

AllHipHop: What are you most excited for next?

Prince Carter: I’m most excited for my next all platforms project. With this project, I was really proud of the step I took from my last project. The last project I had released was just under the name Carter. It was a lot more independent than this project. This project feels more professional, looks more professional, sounds more professional. I was excited for that jump. But my next project, I know it’s going to be insane. Period.

AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?

Prince Carter: Y’all going to be hearing from me a lot more. I’m about to be on one.

Universal Music Group Shuts Down Its Russian Offices

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Universal Music Group, home to Def Jam, Motown, Interscope Records, and the world’s leading music company, has suspended all of its Russian operations in light of the Eurasian nation’s military invasion of Ukraine.

The company that puts out music for artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, DaBaby, Lil’ Wayne, Will Smith, and more confirmed that the business would be “adhering to international sanctions” and stop working with its Russian affiliates.

“Effective immediately, we are suspending all operations in Russia and closing our offices there. We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible. We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries (including the U.S., U.K., Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary) to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region.”

Variety magazine reports that a source told them that this freeze would impact artists in the country, presumably halting recording budgets and sessions. It is also alleged that staffers will continue to get paid for “an undetermined time.”

UMG is not the only major music entertainment jumping out with a clear statement against Russia’s violence and violation of humanitarian treaties. 

So has the publishing house, BMI.

BMI stated, “BMI has suspended its copyright representation payments to RAO, the Russian collection society for musical works. Additionally, we are working with CISAC on a broader effort that will help benefit creators in Ukraine and surrounding areas while also providing humanitarian aid to those who are so desperately in need.”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, several artists signed to UMG have spoken out in outrage or in horror about the atrocities in Ukraine.

Nicki Minaj tweeted this regarding “children screaming” as they maneuver through their war-torn company with their parents.

“Saw footage of bombs dropping & in the background u could hear children screaming. When I tell u it broke my heart into pieces? …To every mother fleeing w|your children, saying goodbye 2 your husband,” she wrote. “I can’t imagine how afraid & alone you must feel.”

Young Thug has started to rally other artists to help Africans being discriminated against by law enforcement, stopping them from reaching safe shelter in neighboring countries like Poland.

After seeing the above video of Black people being stopped from boarding trains, he posted on his Instagram story last week, “If some of my rap brothers are in, I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine. However, I can sense [they’re] not letting us pass. Whoever holds the info for these movements, please contact me ASAP. I’m ready.”

President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, ordered troops to storm into Ukraine on February 24th.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified that since the top of the year and as late as Tuesday, March 8th, a total of 516 civilians have been killed during Russia’s military attack. 

Thirty-seven children are dead, and 908 civilians have been injured, including 50 minors.

#Praying

Fat Yunginn ft. NoCap – “Go Harder”

By: Jake CratesCategory: Music

When you get money in the streets and jealousy takes shape with your rivals, life can become dangerous for anyone. Such was the case for Fat Yunginn who faced tragedy when his friend  and team member Den Wayne was murdered in a drive-by after his entourage was followed home after a night out.

In honor of his friend today rapper Fat Yungin delivers his newest video for the song, “Go Harder” ft. NoCap.  Murdered in 2019, “Go Harder” is a song about living out your dreams and aspirations for those in your life that are no longer here in the physical form. 

Akon’s Former Biz Partner Calls His Akon City Project A Con

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Rapper Akon’s legal troubles with his former business partner Devyne Stephens continue to rumble.

Devyne Stephens claims that he is owed millions from the “Locked Up” singer and believes that a court should freeze the artist’s bank accounts for him to be paid.

Stephens helped launch Akon’s career and the successful Konvict Music label. Stephens claims he is owed 40% of everything Akon’s has made since 2006, including touring income, record sales, and royalties. 

According to Page Six, Stephens filed his petition with a Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, March 7th, hoping a judge would freeze Akon’s assets in New York. 

The rationale is that by doing so, it would force Akon to pay out the $4 million from the debt the artist owes to the producer.

In the paperwork, Stephens’ lawyer Jeffrey Movit alleges that the multi-platinum international sensation has engaged in shady business practices and even called his Senegalese municipal project “Akon City” a “Ponzi scheme.” 

Movit and Stephens have based this assessment on testimony from retired federal Special Agent Scot Thomasson, who investigated the $6 billion project.

The agent stated that the rollout of Akon City and Akoin has “many of the trademark characteristics (known as ‘red flags’) of fraudulent business ventures such as Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes.”

Movit, working on behalf of Stephens, cited Thomasson saying, “Akon has provided almost no transparency about who is investing in Akon City or how it will be purportedly built. Therefore, Akon City is likely a scam,” he said of the high-tech Wakanda-like city.

The court documents claim that Akon is also cash strapped and owes the IRS more than $6 million in unpaid taxes in addition to being an unscrupulous businessman.

Akon’s team has responded to the allegations saying, “Mr. Stephens’ allegations about Akon City and Akon’s business ventures are not based on any evidence. They are nothing but innuendo and speculation, made by someone who had a claim against Akon dismissed.”

The spokesperson for the “Lonely” artist referred to an earlier version of Stephen’s lawsuit that a judge tossed out.

The statement concluded, “Akon is proud of the efforts he is undertaking to create opportunities for his homeland in Senegal.”

The development of the city, located on the coastal part of Senegal, used to be an oceanside village in Mbodiene in the region ofThiès. 

Construction on Akon City started on August 30th, 2021. When completed, the plan is to run the city totally on a cryptocurrency called “Akoin,” which will become the home to an estimated 300,000 people.

The city’s website states that the city will be developed into districts: African village culture; Offices and Residential; Entertainment; Health and Safety; Education; Technology; and Senwood.

The developers hope to be on the cutting edge of economic development, technological advancement, and personal investment in people. 

AllHipHop.com reported that Akon hopes that the city will be a haven for those in the African diaspora, especially those in his native country, the United States of America, who have been discriminated against.

“The system back home treats them unfairly in so many different ways that you can never imagine,” he said in 2020. “And they only go through it because they feel that there is no other way.”

“So, if you’re coming from America or Europe or elsewhere in the diaspora and you feel that you want to visit Africa, we want Senegal to be your first stop,” Akon said.

Teller Accuses ‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler Of Trying to Rob The Bank

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Director Ryan Coogler was mistaken for a bank robber in Atlanta after asking for $12,000 in cash from a branch of Bank of America (BoA).

According to TMZ, in January, a BoA teller at an Atlanta branch believed that Coogler was trying to stick up and bank and had law enforcement handcuff the Academy Award nominee as a suspect.

The moviemaker has been spending time in Georgia over the last year filming the sequel to his blockbuster Marvel film, “Black Panther.”

He went into a branch and asked to withdraw $12,000 from his checking account. The man behind “Judas and the Black Messiah” came into the bank with dark shades, wool skully, and COVID mask and slipped a discreet note to the teller to ask for the money.

The alleged note read, “I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet.”

The teller, who is described as a Black pregnant woman, tried to complete the transaction on her computer, but instead of it being processed, an alert went off and prompted her to tell her supervisor that Coogler was trying to rob them.

That is when law enforcement was called.

The officers arrived and detained two individuals waiting for Ryan at his SUV. All three men were placed in handcuffs and arrested. However, the officers recognized that Ryan did nothing wrong.

Because of the mix-up, he took down the badge numbers of the arresting officers.

Ryan Coogler recently talked about the mistake, saying, “This situation should never have happened. Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction. And we have moved on.”

Tekashi 69 Robbery Victims Say He Ruined Their Lives And Fear His Goons Want To Finish The Job

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Two people robbed by Tekashi 69 and his affiliates claim the Brooklyn rapper ruined their careers and lives.

Seketha “Skyy L. Daniels” Wonzer and Kevin Dozier have revealed the devastation 6ix9ine and members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods caused after the 2018 broad daylight attack in downtown Manhattan.

The pair were unfortunate victims of mistaken identity. Half-a-dozen gang members thought Wonzer and Dozier were affiliated with J. Prince’s Rap-a-Lot Records imprint.

Tekashi 69 did not take part in the robbery, but he filmed the attack as Denard “Drama” Butler and other Nine Trey members stole jewelry, cash, cameras, and a hard drive with over a decade’s worth of footage from Wonzer and Dozier.

“As a result of this entire ordeal, I have suffered greatly from mental anguish and emotional distress. So traumatized by this aftermath, that over a year later, I have had a difficult time getting past the incident suffering from what we believe is post-traumatic stress disorder,” Wonzer revealed.

According to Wonzer, who is a mother and grandmother, she has emotional and financial problems because she can no longer work due to the mental problems the robbery caused.

Wonzer claims she fled her state of residence to avoid the “watchful eyes” of Tekashi 6ix9ine’s “network.”

“I had terrible nightmares for a long, long time. I would wake up sweating and crying and go to children for comfort. I still get flashbacks sometimes,” Wonzer explained.

“Because I’ve had so many bad dreams, I find it hard to sleep when it’s dark. I like to keep the lights on, thinking that will protect me from bad dreams. I hate scary movies and sometimes have nightmares for days,” Wonzer added.

She is currently taking various anxiety medications and sleep aids and has also suffered from depression.

Kevin Dozier also says he has post-traumatic stress disorder, which the April 3rd, 2018 robbery caused.

Dozier says he ended up quitting his job as a publicist because he was terrified for his life. He says he went to the police, but they refused to take a report.

Dozier said he has been forced to suffer in silence, which has taken an extreme toll on his psychological well-being.

“Sometimes I just go into staring spells when I am caught thinking about what happened and not paying any attention to my surroundings,” Dozier explained. “Every day of my life I live in constant fear that someone (his goons/supporters/constituents) will be sent to finish the job.”

Kevin Dozier says he continues to be humiliated daily because Tekashi 6ix9ine shared the robbery video, which went viral on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

“I myself am there forever on camera. I felt powerless to stop it, and being someone so small on the totem pole, assisting that day, I still feel powerless and am trying to pick up the pieces,” Dozier revealed.

Tekashi 69 and his lawyers are sparring over whether or not his defense lawyers should be able to grill the pear about their mental state.

Seketha Wonzer and Kevin Dozier want a default judgment against the rapper. Their trauma is at the center of the civil suit, which could end up costing Tekashi 69 millions in damages.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Is Seen Freely Driving Around Sans Security!

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG)Category: Rumors

Tekashi 6ix9ine is pushing the line. In fact, Mr. TattleTales is in the free world appearing to live his best life. That is right, 6ix9ine is seen driving around sans his security.

Back in April of 2020, the Infamous Informant received his walking papers. However, this came at the expense of many. To date, due to his assistance, several Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods were convicted. Currently, they are still incarcerated.

Regardless of the ramifications, it appears as though the Rap Game is more forgiving than Treyway. In fact, following his release, the “Gooba” entertainer has gone on to make online history. In only one day, his track of the same name, went on to earn nearly 40 million views on YouTube.

Generally speaking, being able to afford a robust security detail is a blessing. Especially, in the case of the Civilian spitter. After, dealing with the Federal government, Tekashi has effectively compromised his credibility.

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A post shared by Say Cheese TV 👄🧀 (@saycheesetv)

Naturally, it looks as though his favor may be fading away. Recently, the Rainbow rapper was seen rolling around without the services of a dedicated security detail. Needless to say, in March of 2021, TMZ breaks a story about the Brooklyn artist not paying for security services.

So, are financial issues stalking 6ix9ine? As it stands, demand for him is waning. Be that as it may, the notorious narrator has adopted a Me Versus Everybody attitude. In fact, the “Trollz” spitter seems to embrace a provocative stance.

Above all, Tekashi 6ix9ine faces an uncertain future. Given his previous actions, it may be best for him to remain in prayer and accompanied by a bevvy of bodyguards.

Run The Jewels & Brooklyn Brewery Team Up For 36” Chain Beer Collaboration

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Fans of the Hip Hop duo known as Run The Jewels will soon be able to purchase another beer associated with the emcees. Killer Mike and El-P partnered with Brooklyn Brewery for the 36” Chain collaborative brew set.

Artists can also take part in a label design contest for 36” Chain. Prize packages for the winning design and runner-ups include cash, gift cards, a VIP brewery tour, Run The Jewels merch, Brooklyn Brewery merch, and tickets for an upcoming RTJ show.

“It’s been a great experience cooking up this beer concept with Killer Mike and El-P,” states Brooklyn Brewery’s Garrett Oliver. “These guys think about their music exactly the same way that I think about beer. Sure, it should be fun, but it should also carry real meaning and an almost talismanic power. We mean to conjure some straight-up magic.”

36” Chain will be on sale throughout New York City beginning this August. Run The Jewels will also make the alcoholic beverages available during their five concert dates in NYC’s Madison Square Garden that same month. Rage Against The Machine tapped the RTJ4 album creators for the multi-city “Public Service Announcement” tour.

Run The Jewels Emcee El-P Promises A Special Brew

“On our unexpected journey into the craft of brewing, we’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing community of artists & enthusiasts from all over the world, and we couldn’t be more excited about our new collaboration with the good people at Brooklyn Brewery,” says El-P.

The Brooklyn-bred rapper/producer added, “From the moment we talked to them, it was clear that they truly care about what they are doing and they really get where we are coming from. This one is going to be special.”

36” Chain is the latest extension of El-P and Killer Mike’s growing beverage empire. Previously, Run The Jewels launched their direct-to-consumer ordering service BaRTJ. The award-winning recording artists’ line of drinks has included the Ooh La La hard seltzer, the Run The Yules stout, and the Oh Mama! IPA.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTRtSGMYja/

Nicki Minaj Talks Partnering With Amazon For ‘Queen Radio’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Nicki Minaj is taking her talents to the live radio Amp platform. The Amazon property will be the new home of Minaj’s popular Queen Radio show.

The move to Amazon follows Queen Radio‘s original run on Apple Music. Amp will also host upcoming programs by Pusha T, Lil Yachty, Big Boi, Tinashe, Travis Barker, and other musicians.

Nicki Minaj addressed her decision to switch streaming services during an Instagram Live session on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Queen album creator also brought DJ Boof and Joe Budden onto the stream.

“I am very excited to be partners with Amazon on bringing back Queen Radio,” stated Minaj. “Queen Radio is just something that is so dear to my heart. Of course, there have been times where I’ve thought about, ‘I don’t necessarily want to do Queen Radio, or any radio for that matter.’ But, why not?”

She continued, “I want to say to Amazon, thank you guys so much for already being a really amazing partner with me on Queen Radio. We actually have so many things in store for you that I will be rolling out with Amazon.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3DGDypnM4/

Nicki Minaj went on to announce the first official new episode of Queen Radio is likely to arrive on April 8. After saying she loved working with Apple Music in the past, the 10-time Grammy nominee explained her followers will get access to more fan-friendly features on the Amp app.

“Radio has always been about music and culture,” said John Ciancutti, Vice President of Amp, in a press release. “But imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio – spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming – with all that’s made possible by today’s technology.”

Ciancutti added, “You’d make it so anybody with a phone, a voice, and a love for music could make their own show. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Amp makes it possible for you to grab the mic and run the airwaves. We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.” 

The limited-access beta version of Amp is available for download in the U.S. iOS App Store. Amp users will need a free Amazon account as their login credentials. Amazon also offers an Amp Newsletter for more information about the app.

Latto Scores First Career Top 20 Hit With ‘Big Energy’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

It looks like America is starting to enter Big Latto season. The Atlanta-raised rapper continues to climb up the Hot 100 chart with her “Big Energy” single.

Latto’s Gold-certified song rose four spots on the latest Hot 100, landing at #17 on this week’s chart. “Big Energy” is the RCA recording artist’s first Top 20 hit.

The Dr. Luke-produced track already made it to #1 at Rhythmic Radio. Latto premiered “Big Energy” at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. The show featured performances of Latto’s “B*tch from da Souf” and “Muwop” as well.

MTV also named Latto a Global Push Artist in February 2021. She said at the time, “I’m such a creative, my songs can start from anywhere. I might be in the shower and just come up with some lines and then I just put it in my notes on my iPhone.”

https://youtu.be/S3lKZ7HHImc

A year ago, Latto hopped on the remix of Chris Brown and Young Thug’s Top 10 collaboration “Go Crazy” along with Future and Lil Durk. Big Latto ended 2021 by dropping her “Super Gremlin Freestyle” which trended on YouTube.

The Rap Game reality show winner is now focused on releasing her next single on Friday, March 11. “Wheelie” will include a guest appearance by fellow Atlanta-bred rhymer 21 Savage.

Latto teased the upcoming song with specific clues about the then-unknown featured artist. Some Nicki Minaj and Cardi B fans felt the teaser purposely misled them to think either star would be on the track.

“Wheelie Friday. Y’all really suck the fun out of s###. I BEEN teasing my features with my fans & making them guess… Ima post a video snippet tomorrow & I’m done with the whole thing!” tweeted Latto on Wednesday morning in response to the backlash.

50 Cent Responds To YK Osiris Wanting To Appear On ‘Power’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Apparently, YK Osiris is ready to try his hand at acting on television. The “Worth It” singer let his followers know he wants a shot at a role in Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Power franchise.

“I think it’s time to put your boy in Power,” said YK Osiris on Instagram. “Put your boy in Power, dog. I’m telling you. That s###’s gonna be crazy! I’m getting Power this year. Watch this.”

The 23-year-old Jacksonville-born performer tagged 50 Cent in his IG video. Fiddy got wind of The Golden Child album creator’s Power request and responded on his own Instagram page.

“The youngn say he ready, I think if he [works] on acting he can do something. What y’all think?” wrote 50 Cent on Tuesday night. The 46-year-old Hip Hop mogul also reposted YK Osiris’s social media clip.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3WyTLDhaI/?utm_medium=share_sheet

The Power Universe Keeps Expanding

50 Cent serves as an executive producer for Power. The original Starz crime drama ran for six seasons. The show’s cast included Omari Hardwick, Lela Loren, Naturi Naughton, Joseph Sikora, Michael Rainey Jr., and La La Anthony.

After the conclusion of Power in 2020, Starz began airing multiple spin-off series. Power Book II: Ghost premiered that same year. The Power Book III: Raising Kanan prequel premiered in 2021. Power Book IV: Force premiered in February 2022.

The Power Franchise Brings In Big Numbers For Starz

According to Starz, the season two finale of Power Book II: Ghost produced the most-watched day on the Star app. Additionally, Power Book IV: Force reportedly debuted as the most-watched premiere in the network’s history with 3.3 million multiplatform views in the United States.

“The Power Universe continues to deliver worldwide hit series with incredible performance that compares favorably with many other high-profile streaming series,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President/CEO at Starz.

Hirsch continued, “We’re excited to see these strong early numbers for the premiere of Power Book IV: Force, which is poised to join our growing lineup of tentpole series at Starz that have global multiplatform season average views in the nine to ten million range.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivdy4VzQY_U

Kodak Black Jumps To No. 1 On The Artist 100 Chart For The First Time

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Kodak Black’s Back for Everything debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 rankings. The 19-track album opened with 60,000 first-week equivalent album units.

The success of Back for Everything has helped Kodak Black rise twenty-eight spots to #1 on the Artist 100 chart. This is the first time the Florida-bred rapper topped that weekly tally of the most popular music artists in America.

In addition, Back for Everything sits at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. Kodak Black’s “Super Gremlin” already peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 song chart.

The Atlantic recording artist only recruited Lil Durk as a guest feature on his fourth studio LP. Buddah Bless, London on da Track, Murda Beatz, Scott Storch, Starrah, Zaytoven, Boi-1da, Vinylz, Lee Major, and others provided production.

Previously, Kodak Black made it to #1 on the Billboard 200 with 2018’s Dying to Live. That Platinum-certified album opened with 89,000 units. 2017’s Project Baby 2 peaked at #2 as well.

Three Kodak Black projects (Project Baby Two, Dying To Live, Back For Everything) reached the pinnacle of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The 24-year-old southerner also has three Top Rap Albums leaders (Project Baby Two, Dying To Live, Back For Everything).

DJ Jellita Releases New EP ‘Meditation’

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Music

Rising artist DJ Jellita has been on the grind in the underground electro scene for quite some time. Starting out by DJing for his local parties in college, the artist has decided to give his career a shot. 

DJ Jellita made his debut on all streaming platforms with a brand new 4 pack of songs titled ‘Meditation’. The EP offers an interesting listen from start to finish, offering a wide array of different styles from fast-paced drops to slow, more chill instrumentation. 

The artist has been working hard on more music and is getting ready to drop his next couple of singles within the next couple of weeks. 

You can listen to DJ Jellita here: 

You can follow DJ Jellita here: https://instagram.com/ericjemielita

Nicki Minaj Says Black Men Need To Be Loved & Nurtured Like Children

By: London JennnCategory: News

While Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden have had their issues in the past, it appears the two can’t get enough of talking to each other right now. 

The “Do We Have A Problem?” rapper appears on the most recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, due to air on Wednesday (Mar. 9). However, when Nicki jumped on Instagram Live to talk Queen Radio on Tuesday evening, she added Joe to the conversation. During their chat, Nicki addressed her recent remarks about women not existing for men’s pleasure and turned her focus to Black men and their needs.  

“First of all, I wanna say this. Dear Black men, I f###### love you.” Nicki continued, “Dear Black men, I appreciate you. Dear Black men, you are needed and wanted, and dear Black men, you are the only men on this planet that, as little boys, you don’t get to be nurtured and treated like a child, like a baby, like someone’s thing that needs to be loved and hugged and kissed and told that we love you.” 

She continued and explained that raising her son has taught her that grown men require the same nurturing as Papa Bear. 

Nicki Minaj Tells Black Men: “We Need You” 

“A lot of time, especially Black men, they’re not even allowed to show their emotions,” Nicki explained. “They get told, oh you gotta man up, and you gotta do this and you gotta do that. You gotta be the man of the house before you even… You know what I’m saying? A lot of times, the man needs to be treated like that, ladies! You know how we nurture our sons and our children, and we just adore them and kiss on them? They want that, they need that too. So, I just wanna make sure that I let Black men know for the rest of their lives – I love you, and we need you.” 

Meanwhile, Joe Budden agreed with Nicki Minaj. “I love this. I love that you’re spewing this, I love that this is the message,” he said. Watch the full conversation below.  

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Whether things went as smoothly on “A Conversation with Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden” will be revealed on Wednesday when the episode airs.  

Latto Confirms 21 Savage Is Secret “Wheelie” Feature, Not Cardi B Or Nicki Minaj

By: London JennnCategory: News

Latto confirmed that the secret feature on her upcoming song “Wheelie,” is none other than 21 Savage.  

The “Big Energy” rapper had her fans guessing all week after sharing some hints about the featured artist on her next single. Lotto teased they are a rapper and a parent with a diamond-certified song who has been to the Met Gala. Many fans believed the clues led to either Cardi B or Nicki Minaj.  

Speculation that it was actually 21 Savage began when the pair were spotted together filming a music video. He was not previously considered in the conversation, although he is Latto’s rumored boyfriend as nobody was aware he has a kid. However, he has been to the Met Gala and has a diamond-certified song in “Rockstar” with Post Malone. 

Latto confirmed “Wheelie” features 21 Savage on Tuesday (Mar. 8) and also defended herself against pushback from those convinced it would be Cardi or Nicki.  

“WHO EVEN SAID IT WAS A FEMALE?” Latto tweeted. “LMAO BYEEEEEE!!!!!” 

When a fan spoke up for her, blaming the fans for making assumptions Latto replied, “This is literally all I’m saying lol.” She added, ”I can’t even play guessing games no mo w MY fans lmaooooo damn.” She further explained, “I been doing this since Queen of Da Souf album now issa problem?? Lol FOH.” 

However, after a few more tweets, Latto was done. “Wheelie Friday. Y’all really suck the fun out of s###,” she wrote. “I BEEN teasing my features with my fans & making them guess.. Ima post a video snippet tomorrow & I’m done with the whole thing!” 

She also revealed she will be doing a “Wheelie” Q&A with fans on Thursday night before the song drops.  

The Game Says He’s “Too Real & Unapologetically Black” To Outsell Eminem

By: London JennnCategory: News

The Game recently claimed he was better than Eminem, challenging him to a Verzuz during a recent episode of Drink Champs. 

“Eminem, Eminem is Eminem,” he told N.O.R.E and DJ Effen. “I like Eminem, he’s one of the f###### good emcees, great emcees. I used to think Eminem was better than me. He not. He not. He’s not. Ay, challenge it. It’s not drama!… Swizz [Beatz] and Timbaland know that it’s bigger than Verzuz. I’m not saying I want smoke with Eminem, I’m saying I want smoke with Eminem, him, and him, whoever.”  

Since then, he has doubled down on his claims, calling out Eminem telling him, “Let’s rap.” Music fans chimed in with their opinions on who the better rapper is and some used Em’s sales numbers as a metric. The RIAA confirmed the Detroit native broke the record for most Gold and Platinum-certified singles on Tuesday (Mar. 8). However, The Game is standing on his claims and fired off a series of tweets in his defense.  

“All this talk I see on the net saying Eminem is better than me because he sold more records is like saying McDonald’s is better than Tam’s burgers, it’s FALSE !!! They just put more money in McDonald’s & promoted the s### out the happy meal dangling toys in kids faces,” Game began.  

He continued, “Translation for those of you who don’t know how major record companies do business: it’s a machine designed to work for the artists who PLAY NICE in m####’s house. I was TOO REAL, TOO UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK & cut the puppet strings early on in my career n decided to rebel.”  

The Game Says: “I’m Back Outside”

The Game said fans are clueless to what goes on behind the closed door of the music industry, while he has remained silent, choosing not to “open this can of worms.” 

He claimed, “Major labels are known for BUYING ALBUMS & paying off everyone to boost sales of the artists THEY CHOOSE to shine the light on. If you ain’t dancin’ to m####’s tune, you lose your budget & the machine is taken off your project and put to work on another artist who’s willing to SD.” 

Ultimately, The Game said, “I’m back outside & this entire s### bout to get shook the f### up !!!!” Read more of his tweets below. 

Lil Wayne Reflects On Signing Drake & His Longevity In The Industry

By: London JennnCategory: News

Lil Wayne shared exactly what it was about Drake that made him sign him and revealed his shock at hearing the Toronto rapper sing for the first time. 

The Young Money Boss also revealed how he stays at the top of his game with a career spanning nearly three decades during an appearance on the I Am Athlete podcast. 

Lil Wayne explained he saw the star in Drake as soon as he heard him rap. “That’s when I saw way more than just potential,” he said. “When Drake’s music was brought to me from the homie Jas, it was about rap. I was like, ‘This dude sound different.’ What I loved about him, he was sounding just as dope as we were. When I say we, I’m talking about the streets and what we came from.” 

Lil Wayne Says: “You Gotta Be The Ultimate Artist”  

He continued, “I told him, ‘You could make working in the cubicle — you know how to make that the dopest thing in the world. Don’t stop.’ Then one day I heard, ‘[singing voice].’ Like, ‘What the f*ck was that?’ I remember asking Mack [Maine] who that is [singing] on the hook? … You gotta be the ultimate artist. My homie could do two nights when he hits your city.” 

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Lil Wayne also shared the secrets to his longevity in the music industry. “You have to be, first of all, you have to be embracing. You can’t be the person that’s saying I don’t like the new music.” He added, “You gotta love it. Learn it, like it and love it. You better understand that’s music. That’s not a certain type of music, that’s music. You got to Apple Music and top 100s and them folks right there.” 

Furthermore, you have to be versatile and work on your craft Lil Wanye said. “Therefore you have to embrace that,” he added. “You gotta go get you a vocal coach. Rest in peace, Ms. Betty Wright. Then you got a Drake. He’s music. My goal now, if you want to be the ultimate artist, that’s what I want to be. In sports, we like to call them the Swiss Army Knife.” 

Watch the full episode below.

Snoop Dogg Criticizes Photographer For Suing Nas

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Snoop Dogg chastised photographer Al Pereira for suing Nas over a photo of the Illmatic creator.

A recent Radar Online report revealed the photographer filed a lawsuit against Nas, who posted an old picture of himself and 2Pac on Instagram in 2020. Pereira, who shot the photo in 1993, sued Nas for sharing the image without permission or licensing it.

Pereira’s decision to pursue legal action didn’t sit well with Snoop Dogg. The West Coast legend went off on the photographer in a video uploaded to Instagram.

“How’s a m########### suing Nas for a picture that he in?” he said. “You f###### photographers done lost y’all m############ rabid ass minds.”

Snoop Dogg argued, “When you take a picture of a n####, that picture ain’t yours. That’s a mere likeness situation. You’re borrowing my likeness … We need some new laws to help us as artists, man, because it’s a bunch of m############ selling pictures with my face on it and I don’t get s### ‘cause they took the picture. Can anybody help me with that? Just a basic question.”

While Pereira’s lawsuit upset Snoop Dogg, the photographer claims Nas decreased the value of the image by posting it for free on Instagram. Pereira’s seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against Nas.

Watch Snoop Dogg’s rant below.

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Travis Scott Launches Project HEAL, Pledges $5 Million To Initiative

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Travis Scott announced the launch of Project HEAL on Tuesday (March 8).

In wake of the Astroworld tragedy, Travis Scott created the philanthropic initiative to help today’s youth. The Epic Records artist pledged $5 million to academic scholarships, mental health resources, tech-driven solutions for event safety and more.

“Over the past few months I’ve been taking the time and space to grieve, reflect and do my part to heal my community,” he wrote on Instagram. “Most importantly, I want to use my resources and platform moving forward towards actionable change. This will be a lifelong journey for me and my family.”

Travis Scott continued, “While it’s easy for corporations and institutions to stay in the shadows, I feel as a leader in my community, I need to step up in times of need. My team and I created Project HEAL to take much-needed action towards supporting real solutions that make all events the safest spaces they can possibly be. I will always honor the victims of the Astroworld tragedy who remain in my heart forever.”

Project HEAL started by donating $1 million to provide HBCU students with scholarships. Backed by Travis Scott, the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund plans to give $10,000 grants to seniors with 3.5 GPAs (or better) who might not graduate due to financial difficulty.

“Giving back and creating opportunities for the youth is something I’ve always done and will continue to do as long as I have the chance,” Travis Scott explained. “This program will be a catalyst to real change and I can’t wait to introduce the rest of the technology and ideas we’ve been working on. See you all so soon.”

Travis Scott launched Project HEAL a few months after last year’s infamous Astroworld Festival. 10 attendees died and hundreds more were injured at the event, leading to a bevy of lawsuits.

Nicki Minaj Moves Her Queen Radio Show To Amazon’s Amp App

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Nicki Minaj found a new home for her Queen Radio show.

The Republic Records artist teamed up with Amazon to bring Queen Radio to the newly launched Amp app. Nicki Minaj’s show previously aired on Apple Music before ending its run on the streaming service in 2020.

Amazon released a limited-access beta version of Amp on Tuesday (March 8). The live radio platform allows users to create their own shows using licensed music from Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group as well as independent companies such as CD Baby and PIAS.

“Radio has always been about music and culture,” Amp’s vice president John Ciancutti said in a press statement. “But imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio—spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming—with all that’s made possible by today’s technology … We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.”

Amazon’s Amp will feature multiple celebrity-hosted shows in addition to Nicki Minaj’s Queen Radio. Other notable artists involved in the app include Pusha T, Big Boi, Lil Yachty and Travis Barker.

“By bringing these incredible personalities into the beta, creators can experience Amp in a way that drives the feedback needed to build the app together, ahead of a public launch later this year,” Ciancutti said.

Check out the Amp app here.