Hip Hop superstar Lil Wayne stopped by What’s Wright? with Nick Wright. During his conversation with the sports media personality, Wayne spoke about some of his favorite rappers.
In particular, Nick Wright asked the Young Money leader to name his Top 5 emcees dead or alive. Wayne quickly mentioned Supa Dupa Fly album creator Missy Elliott.
“For me, it’s always going to be first, Missy Elliott. She’s a huge influence on everything I’ve ever done. Jay-Z is the best to ever speak,” Lil Wayne told Wright. “And Biggie, obviously. Then, as a whole, I have Goodie Mob. Then I have UGK.”
Missy Elliott saw a clip of Lil Wayne on What’s Wright? talking about her being an influence on his career. The Songwriters Hall of Famer returned the praise for Lil Wayne on Twitter.
“Whenever [Lil Wayne] says my name in his interviews Twitter don’t have enough space for me to say my GRATEFULNESS because he is a LEGEND himself who birthed many emcees after him🙌🏾& as a man to acknowledge me as a big influence 4 him I send you love WAYNE💜,” tweeted Missy.
The “Work It” hitmaker also added, “Another reason this warms my heart is because I’ve seen many times [Lil Wayne] has said my name over & over for years no matter who the interviewers are he has never been hesitant to say me as a female & for that I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾💜.”
Throughout her four-decade career, Missy Elliott released numerous Platinum-certified albums such as 1997’s Supa Dupa Fly, 2001’s Miss E… So Addictive, and 2005’s The Cookbook. The Virginia native received MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 2019.
Another reason this warms my heart is because I’ve seen many times @LilTunechi has said my name over & over for years no matter who the interviewers are he has never been hesitant to say me as a female & for that I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾💜
Paramount+ announced the trailblazing Yo! MTV Raps is coming back. The Hip Hop-based program will begin streaming on the service beginning Tuesday, May 24.
Battle rapper Conceited and DJ Diamond Kuts will host the upcoming music series. A star-studded lineup of featured guests will be part of the rebooted Yo! MTV Raps as well.
Indiana emcee Freddie Gibbs will appear on the May 24 episode. Rising female star Latto is set for the May 31 show. The July 12 edition will feature veteran rhymer Trina.
Additionally, Yo! MTV Raps tapped Saba (June 7), J.I.D. (June 14), Shenseea (June 21), and Tee Grizzley (June 28) for appearances. Viewers are also able to stream fifty archival episodes of the original Yo!MTV Raps.
Conceited + DJ Diamond Kuts
Yo! MTV Rapsinitiallyaired in the United States on MTV from 1988 to 1995. Several revivals took place over the past two decades. Kurt Williamson, Warren Oliver, Michelle Kenner, Bruce Gillmer, and Jennifer Demme are executive producers for the 2022 version of Yo! Kim Velona is head of production.
“We are thrilled to re-invent some of our most storied and impactful music franchises, including Behind the Music and Yo! MTV Raps, for Paramount+,” stated Bruce Gilmer, ViacomCBS President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events.
Gilmer continued, “In addition, we will partner with some of the biggest names across the music industry to bring exclusive and unique content to the platform, such as Dave Grohl’s Cradle to Stage based on his mom’s critically-acclaimed book, and many more to come.”
Jack Harlow dropped his latest studio LP, Come Home the Kids Miss You, today (March 6). The Louisville-bred rapper’s name began trending on social media as a result.
Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe spoke to Jack Harlow about his new album. According to the 24-year-old “First Class” hitmaker, several award-winning Hip Hop stars inspired his musical style.
“I just take notes from [Drake] on his actions. He’s leaving a blueprint behind. The same way [Jay-Z] left a blueprint. Same way [Kanye “Ye” West] left a blueprint,” said Jack Harlow. “I just pull from the playbook of all the legends where it resonates with me. Ye is a huge one for me, just resonates with me massively. I see what he did.”
Harlow added, “But I think it all just comes from just being the route of just not being a street artist. Because it’s just something so traditionally street about this genre. And if you’re not street… I’m not the first artist to come through that isn’t that. And so inevitably I’m going to take notes.”
Drake is one of the guest features on Jack Harlow’s Come Home the Kids Miss You. The OVO frontman’s “Churchill Downs” verse became a trending topic for its perceived subliminal shots at Drake’s longtime rival, Pusha T.
“I was really just so blown away by his verse just as a whole,” stated the Generation Now/Atlantic artist about Drake’s contribution to his sophomore LP. “His writing is his writing. I addressed things on my verse that I don’t expect him to have to answer for. And it just is what it is.”
Harlow also told Zane Lowe, “People are venting, they’re getting things off their chest. He was getting something off of his chest and I don’t even think it’s for me to shed light on or clarify. Yeah. Not that that’s what you’re asking me to do, but I think that needs to exist. I don’t think I’ve experienced the same thing.”
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the 49th Daytime Emmy Award nominations on Thursday. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is among the nominees.
This is Beyoncé’s first Daytime Emmy nod. The R&B singer made it into the original song category for creating the theme to Facebook Watch’s Talks with Mama Tina.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, hosts that program. “Talks With Mama Tina Theme Song” is up against “Grateful For It All” and “Next To You” from The Young and the Restless.
Talks with Mama Tina launched in 2021. Tina Knowles-Lawson has invited Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Tiffany Haddish, John D. Washington, Chloe x Halle, and other celebrities onto the program.
Previously, Beyoncé won 28 Grammy Awards as a recording artist. She holds the all-time record for most Grammy wins by a female act. Country performer Alison Krauss currently has 27 wins.
Beyoncé was up for Best Original Song at this year’s Academy Award. “Be Alive” from the Will-Smith led King Richard film lost to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “No Time to Die” from the movie of the same name.
The 49th Daytime Emmy Awards will air live at 9 pm ET on June 24 on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. The Young and the Restless received the most nominations in 2022 with 18.
Some songs grow on you the more you listen to them; others you can identify as a gem the moment the first note is introduced. James Pereira has repeatedly made incredibly impactful music that hooks the listeners, but we have to take our hats off to his latest song, ‘Drift Apart.’ According to James Pereira, his music is a representation of his life and growth; that is why he is delighted that ‘Drift Apart’ is being recognized as the best one yet.
James Pereira explains that when creating the song, it wasn’t about creating the best song; rather, creating music that speaks about his growth in music and personal life and touches on real-life experiences. The song is now a resounding anthem that most people have tagged “relatable,” “the best song ever,” “a song that speaks my mind,” and so many others. James Pereira’s song, ‘Drift Apart,’ has received a lot of support from fans far and wide.
According to fans, the song is a perfect blend of reality and fantasy. It takes you through so many emotions, helping you make sense of each one. From the moment you listen to the song, you are immediately transported into the world of that song and its lyrics. Critics have also pointed out that ‘Drift Apart’ is incredibly raw, unfiltered, and fits right into the current music wave. James Pereira says that combining the features of the song together has been a great experience, especially now that the song has gained a widespread fan base.
James Pereira asserts that when musicians make songs from their heart, guided by their love for the art form, it becomes easier for audiences to relate to the creation. While ‘Drift Apart’ is now known as his best song yet, James Pereira hopes to continue creating impactful music that resonates with audiences everywhere. This is not the end but the beginning of a long and rewarding journey.
The internet has greatly changed the music industry, helping artists promote their work and easily interact with their audience. With the many streaming platforms, music has been made more accessible to the public, giving both up-and-coming and established artists an avenue to showcase their talents. As the internet continues to evolve and is rapidly transforming the music scene, Champ T is pushing the boundaries of what music can do on the internet by bringing in a new approach to the industry.
Champ T is combining groundbreaking technology with his music to create great content that is now setting him apart in the industry. According to Champ T, his goal is to create authentic music that resonates with the audience and delivers the intended message perfectly. To achieve this goal, he is leveraging technology and merging music with NFTs. Champ is also an NFT influencer with over 100K followers on Twitter.
“Technology has transformed the music industry from production, distribution, and performance to even how music is consumed,” says Champ T. However, he believes that a lot more can be done to help deliver great music, keep the audience entertained, and support young talents.
In writing and composing his music and even arranging his shows, Champ T is leveraging technology to challenge the music world’s set boundaries. His unique sound, impeccable voice, and great visuals have helped him earn a place in the industry, with his tracks getting 500K+ streams.
Champ T has written and composed several tracks, including one of his most recent songs, “Hush,” featuring JayJ. Champ T has also collaborated with some notable artists in the Web3 space and had the opportunity to organize and perform one of the biggest shows in LA, One Night in LA. Other artists that were present include Quadeca, DC the Don, Nascar Aloe, Sad Frosty, and many more.
Through his songs, Champ T pushes the boundaries of what music can do on the internet, creating a solid online community. He is helping bridge the digital renaissance of NFTs with music in a meaningful way and breaking the mold of what it means to be an artist in the digital age. This will help others in the industry, opening the door for more opportunities and showing them that you do not have to confine yourself to one thing. “The goal is to pursue a career that makes you happy and fight for your dreams without giving up,” says Champ T.
He notes that he had trouble settling in when he got started in the music industry. Champ T wanted to fit in, and he was doing things to please others, not himself. This took a toll on his career, and he felt like giving up, but he didn’t. He remained true to himself, and he’s now driving significant change in the industry.
In less than a few months since starting his journey, Champ T is changing the music and NFT space, creating a perfect blend between the two. He has gained 60K followers in a period of less than a month. Champ T has also sold out an NFT collection in 40 minutes with a floor price of over 1ETH.
“Afraid of Love,” Kareem Elmashad’s latest single, is a danceable piece of music. The song’s upbeat and feisty tone will appeal to those who like dancing and having a good time at parties, while the more sentimental side of the tune will resonate with those who can relate to melancholic feelings of heartache.
The dance music community in 2022 has been seeing a bit of a lull, and a lack of great songs has been a huge contributor to this lack of life. It’s why Kareem Elmashad’s latest single is such a welcome change of pace, spicing things up and throwing a nice dash of variety into the mix. It’s been a while since we’ve had such a fascinating track to listen to in this space.
The sheer upbeat and catchy energy from “Afraid of Love,” is excellent stuff, and exactly what’s been missing from the dance music scene. Adding influences from various different genres, it gives the listener a fresh new musical experience, while also sounding familiar in some ways. It’s a comfortable, almost nostalgic feeling, especially thanks to all the throwbacks to bygone eras of music.
Of course, throwing a bunch of different styles into a pot and hoping for the best is typically a recipe for disaster, but it’s here where Kareem Elmashad shows off his technical prowess as an artist. Seamlessly blending and meshing different influences, he throws in different bits and sounds as he pleases while still maintaining the song’s overall tone.
It’s a testament to a fantastic artist’s talent when a piece of their art can simultaneously express what they’re all about, while also showcasing their growth as an artist. This applies exponentially to “Afraid of Love,” really being a highlight of Kareem’s expanding palette of influences. It’s a display of confidence for sure.
Thankfully, all these risks and callbacks have resulted in an excellent track, one we’re sure will have listeners mashing their repeat buttons. As we said earlier, strong dance tracks like these are rare nowadays, and because of that, we’re surprised to see one pop up like this, though we’re not complaining.
Overall, “Afraid of Love,” is an excellent callback to musical styles of yesteryear, incorporating them into a more modern soundscape effortlessly. On top of that, Kareem Elmashad manages to maintain his own creative expression, and we’re eager to see what the artist comes up with next.
To hear more from Kareem Elmashad and stay up-to-date with his latest projects, you can check him out at the following links:
Isaiah Lee won’t be hit with any felonies for attacking Dave Chappelle on stage at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced it wouldn’t file felony charges against Isaiah Lee on Thursday (May 5). Dave Chappelle’s attacker could still face misdemeanor charges from the city’s attorney’s office.
“After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct,” a D.A. spokesperson said in a statement. “The District Attorney’s Office does not prosecute misdemeanor crimes within the city of Los Angeles.”
Isaiah Lee tackled Dave Chappelle while the comedian was performing at the Netflix is a Joke Festival in Los Angeles on Tuesday (May 3). The 23-year-old assailant had a replica handgun containing a knife blade in his possession.
Carla Sims, a representative for Dave Chappelle, issued his camp’s first official statement on the attack on Thursday.
“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show,” she told CNN. “Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humor before Chappelle introduced the last and featured musical guests for the evening.”
Dave Chappelle’s rep also said he’s “fully cooperating” with a police investigation.
DaBaby avoided criminal charges for allegedly shooting a trespasser at his North Carolina home.
The Troutman Police Department announced it closed its investigation into the shooting on Thursday (May 5). Authorities cleared DaBaby, opting to not file any charges.
“The investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at 135 Stillwater Drive on April 13, 2022, has been completed and closed,” police said. “Investigators have consulted with the Iredell County District Attorney’s Office and there will be no criminal charges filed at this time.”
An intruder was shot at DaBaby’s mansion in April. Although police never publicly identified the gunman, DaBaby took credit for the shooting in a since-deleted Instagram post.
“Chose not to take a n*gga life the other day & it felt great,” he wrote. “Buddy ain’t deserve to go, I step righteously. Heal up & live my boy! Just don’t bring ya ass back.”
The Interscope Records artist won’t face any charges for the shooting, but he recently picked up a felony battery charge for another incident. The controversial rapper allegedly attacked a man named Gary Prager, a property owner who rented a home to DaBaby in Runyon Canyon, California.
DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, pleaded not guilty to battery. He also accused Prager of using the n-word and lying to the police.
Benzino’s beef with Eminem didn’t get passed down to his daughter Coi Leray.
Coi Leray complimented Eminem in a Twitter post on Thursday (May 5). The Republic Records artist shared her sentiments a day after her father lambasted Slim Shady’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I’m about love, equality, respect and forgiveness,” she wrote. “I have nothing against Eminem, 25 years of my life all I know is he a very talented artist and actor! (8 Mile was great). Let’s build bridges and get over them before you burn the bridge and burn with it.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2022 inductees on Wednesday (May 4). Coi Leray’s dad Benzino slammed the Rock Hall after seeing his old foe Eminem included in this year’s class.
“Rock and roll hall of fame is just like the Grammy’s,” he wrote on Twitter. “They have no respect for our culture, Black or Hip Hop and if you don’t agree, you’re racist, period point blank.”
He added, “So where’s Nas, Eric B and RAKIM, Kool Moe D, Epmd, Fearless Four, Fat Boyz, Lauren Hill, Little Kim, OutKast and 100s other Black rappers?? GTFOH.”
Earlier this year, Benzino claimed to be moving on from his feud with Eminem. He suggested the conflict was bad for his daughter’s career.
“I realize that me going back and forth with [Eminem’s] fans is not good for the culture, my spirit, my legacy and most important, my beautiful, talented daughter Coi Leray,” he wrote on social media. “I don’t want any negativity from me affect her dream. This is truly over. God Bless All.”
Talent always finds a way to shine through, Themaclyf could only dream for so long. This artist is living his dreams and entertaining the world with his multiple talents while at it. The California-born musician has worked hard for years, built connections, and is prepared to take the music industry by storm. Themaclyf ’s foray into music started as a hobby, and when he saw how his music was received, he took it as a career. He began to receive calls from record labels, radio hosts, artist managers, and engineers.
He also got featured by more prominent artists, and that point made the logical choice for him to pursue a career in music. Since he began to work as a musician, he has shown his potential as a musician and thrived in multiple aspects of the creative process. Describing his journey as a musician, he said, “Music is just a creative way to get all of your feelings out, so as long as I think everything sounds good while I’m making it, I’m all in.” He also never limits himself to one genre of music as he believes being multidimensional as a musician is the quickest way to get discovered by a wide range of people globally.
“Who doesn’t want to dominate global music? Not me, though. The ultimate goal for me in all of this is to be known all over the world for my talents.” he said.
Themaclyf makes music with one goal in mind, and that’s to inspire people of all ages. “From time to time, I connect with my fans, and they send me messages about how they love my music. Seeing how my music inspires and helps my fans get through their days means the world to me. This has always been my goal, and I’m happy to see it happen,” Themaclyf said.
He has also reiterated his desire to keep going and doing more musically for his fans, and as much as music does so much for his fans, it does a lot for him too. Themaclyf has revealed that music is his therapy to escape his feelings and has become the only thing he genuinely enjoys doing. “My lyrics are based on true things that have happened in Space so, my listeners are guaranteed some conscious and real music every time I release new content,” he revealed.
Even though music has become his vehicle to reach stardom and fame, Themaclyf is still committed to making people happy and helping them feel better in their lives. He wants to be a point of contact for people who need someone to look up to and inspire them. Blake has friends around him in the music industry, and they motivate him to do more. So he, in turn, pays it forward by projecting positivity and encouragement into the world so people can chase their dreams.
Themaclyf ’s five-year goals are all about chasing his dreams, breaking boundaries, smashing his goals and working with bigger and more established artists. “As far as I’m concerned, there is no limit to the things I can do. After all, I’m young,” he noted.
STREAM Themaclyf ’s newest hits on all music platforms.
Detroit’s 42 Dugg faced repercussions for not surrendering to authorities to serve a six-month prison sentence.
According to the Detroit News, 42 Dugg was arrested in his hometown on Wednesday (May 4). The 4PF/CMG artist attended the NBA playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night (May 3). He then flew home on a private jet and was taken into custody upon his arrival.
“He got off the plane and they were waiting there to greet him,” his lawyer Steven Scharg said.
The Motor City rapper’s latest arrest stems from his conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. He previously pleaded guilty to the weapons charge, which resulted in three years of probation and a $90,000 fine.
But 42 Dugg couldn’t stay out of trouble, leading to his probation being revoked in February. His probation violations included an arrest for battery in Las Vegas and multiple positive test results for use of controlled substances.
42 Dugg, whose real name is Dion Hayes, received six months in prison after violating his probation. He was supposed to report to a facility in West Virginia in April, but he never appeared.
Authorities issued a warrant for his arrest following his no-show.
Sonny Digital is here to prove he can rap just as well as he can produce. Born Sonny Uwaezuoke in Michigan and growing up in Atlanta, Sonny has been making hit records for over a decade.
Consistently spending the majority of his days in the studio perfecting his craft. To date, Sonny is responsible for producing 2 Chainz’ “Birthday Song,” iLoveMakonnen’s “Tuesday,” 21 Savage’s “Red Opps,” Travis Scott’s “CAN’T SAY,” Don Toliver’s “After Party,” and many more.
As you see in the Kanye West documentary on Netflix, it’s not always the easiest thing to convince your peers, fans, and label that someone play more than one role. Especially when you’re best known for your fire beats — in Kanye’s case, producing “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and many more hits for Jay Z — it’s hard for people to take you seriously as an MC when all they expect is for you to be good at production.
Now, Sonny is ready to switch his focus to his artistry, making his mark with his newest release “GUESS WHAT” featuring SSGKOBE. The track serves as the lead single from his forthcoming album titled Mr. Digital, which he explains to be his alter ego.
AllHipHop caught up with Sonny Digital via Zoom, who was at the crib briefly to change clothes before heading to the studio.
AllHipHop: How often are you in the studio versus not?
Sonny Digital: I’m in studio every day. I just bought another studio last week. I’m in there all the time. Even when I’m not working, I’m always doing something to fix it up.
AllHipHop: How far apart are they from each other?
Sonny Digital: The new studio is 5 minutes away. Super super close. One of them is ready, but I’d like to do fix up the decor and change up a couple of things. I came up on the new studio by luck and didn’t miss the opportunity.
AllHipHop: When you were first starting out, did you always want to rap or was it only producing?
Sonny Digital: When I first started out, I felt like rapping was the easiest thing to get off. When I started making music, it was easier to rap but to actually record something, you needed a computer. To actually make beats, you needed a program or some type of hardware. All that stuff was unobtainable at first. That’s how I started rapping. I could sit there and rap. I could make a beat with my mouth.
AllHipHop: When did you first record yourself?
Sonny Digital: My first time that I remember recording myself was in the 6th grade. This program we used to use was Cool Edit Pro.
AllHipHop: When did you recently decide to switch your focus to the rapping?
Sonny Digital: Honestly, at first it was when I first started. I was trying to prove a point. As I got deeper into it, I was trying to prove I was super creative and that I can do everything. Some days I felt like rapping and some days I felt like making beats. To me, there’s really no difference. It all falls into making music.
AllHipHop: The Kanye West documentary touches on Ye not being respected as a rapper, he was known to be a producer. Did you relate?
Sonny Digital: To be honest, I haven’t even watched all 3 episodes. Reason being is that I’ve always been tuned in with Kanye since College Dropout, so I already knew what the series was going to be about. He’d been rapping about all this stuff early on in his career. The cool part about the whole thing was that it got to be viewed on a bigger scale, by more people. They got to see the challenges and see how much people can doubt you.
Sonny Digital: He’s only 18! That’s my little youngin’ right there. He and his little gang be at my studio everyday, literally when they’re in Atlanta. Working like 24 hours non stop. They are all my little bros.
AllHipHop: How did y’all connect originally?
Sonny Digital: KOBE hit me up a minute ago online but we didn’t connect immediately. It wasn’t until my guy Orlando Wharton at the label hit me up about dropping a single. He said “man you should try to reach out to the young guys,” and suggested KOBE. I had remembered the name. I told KOBE I was going to work with eventually. When I hit him up he was still in high school and I didn’t really know how that worked. I decided to wait until he got of school and he could move around.
We hadn’t talked in a second but when I tapped in it worked out. He came and pulled up on me in the studio and we’ve been kicking it ever since.
AllHipHop: How was that studio session for “GUESS WHAT”?
Sonny Digital: I was at the studio and my buddy sent me some beats. I liked it and just recorded it. I did the verse and hook. After that, I sat on it for a minute. I had circled back around to it and put a second verse on it. That’s when I said “Ima put it out, but I wanted to put somebody on it.” That’s how I came up with KOBE being on it. I felt like that was a good one to come out with. It was fun. It was something to connect with the youns guys too.
AllHipHop: Do you prefer to rap on other people’s beats, not your own?
Sonny Digital: Yes, I definitely do prefer to rap on other people’s beats. Only time I rap on one of my beats or do something that’s pertaining to me is if I feel like I’m missing something. It needs some vocals and stuff. Other than that, I know I’m a producer too. Everything ain’t for me that I make, that’s not even my main objective. Sometimes I like to split both jobs up: be a producer when it’s time to be a producer and be an artist when it’s time to be an artist. I don’t do the cliche thing either where people rap on their own beats. Ain’t nothing wrong with that, it’s just cliche.
AllHipHop: How was it shooting the music video for “GUESS WHAT”? What was the best memory?
Sonny Digital: I came up with the treatment, it was cool to see the whole thing come to life. I literally had wrote it down on a piece of paper on how I wanted the video to be. Seeing the whole thing in person was my favorite thing. The whole video is super simple, but it’s a good concept. KOBE pulled up, it was no stress.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your new project, Mr. Digital? Dropping May 17th!
Sonny Digital: I’m not real big on features. Because I’m doing another project, a production project. That’s when I’m going to call in all the big, major artists. I like not getting overshadowed. [laughs] As far as features go, I got the homies on there too. The next one that I really rock with is my boy CEO Trayle. That’s one of my good homies, I’ve been on him for 10 years.
AllHipHop: Before “OK Cool?”
Sonny Digital: Way before “OK Cool.” I’ve been knowing him for 10 years. Metro introduced me to him a long time ago. Iit was crazy how I met him. Ended up getting shot, but he good though today.
AllHipHop: You see these artists come up, I’m sure you’re proud.
Sonny Digital: Hell yeah! Every time I see them, I remind him “bro, you really came through.” I had already been trying to f### with him from a while back, but after he got shot I think I slowed down. Seeing it full circle, coming through and everything happening for him, that feels good. It always feels good to see a real n*gga win. He’s been solid though, seeing Trayle breakthrough was a good one. He’s super cool, one of the homes. That’s another reason why I wanted to put him on the tape.
AllHipHop: Is this Mr. Digital an alter ego?
Sonny Digital: It might be an alter ego, I like the alter ego thing. Some people call me Mr. Digital and some people call me Sonny. They call me whatever they want. I like that because there’s so many different things I can do, so I could place that alter ego onto whatever it is I’m doing over there. If I’m rapping, I can be Mr. Digital. If I’m producing, I can be Sonny Digital. I like being able to do different things, especially under different names. That’s easier for people to digest.
AllHipHop: What’s different about Mr. Digital?
Sonny Digital: Mr. Digital is that rapper, he’s the person that wants to rap. Sonny Digital is straight the producer. Sonny, he’s just a regular guy. I got a lot of different alter egos and nicknames I might pull out later, it depends how I feel.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Sonny Digital: Need some marijuana. I love candy, not gonna lie. Fruity candy, like Mamba’s and Starburts. It’s these specific pack of gummies I like, I forgot the name but they come in a white pack. It’s a round, red logo, they the best gummies on earth. Third thing, I like the blue Gatorade. I like it super cold.
AllHipHop: Do you have any goals for yourself?
Sonny Digital: I got a lot of goals, but my main goal is to really successfully show this creativity. Just show what I can do over the next couple years. That’s my main goal, I really want to push at whole ‘you don’t only have to do one thing’ narrative. Not just for me, but for the next coming generations. I’m trying to break down them little barriers and be comfortable. That’s really it, to be honest.
An Atlanta-based rapper has been arrested in Hardin County, Kentucky on weapons and drug charges.
According to Lex 18, OJ Da Juiceman, whose real name is Ottis Williams Jr., was charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. It is a crime to possess any amount of marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Kentucky.
Legal documents show he was booked in the Hardin County Detention Center in Elizabethtown on Wednesday, May 4th.
Many know the 40-year-old artist for his work with Gucci Mane when he appeared on the song “Wasted,” a hit song that entered the Top 50 ranking of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009.
In 2014, he released an album called The Otis Williams Jr. Story on the trap rapper’s 1017 Records.
OJ said on a podcast he did not receive any compensation for his The Otha Side of the Trap album and some of his hit songs.
“These folks hit me with, to let you out this contract, for you can be free, you gotta let us have everything from The Otha Side of the Trap for your life and ten years after your life,” Da Juiceman said, referencing a time when he was managed by Antney’s Mizay Entertainment. He implied that Antney, whose family is connected to the Queens street and Hip-Hop legacy stole money from him.
This led Waka Flocka to call the rapper, “lame.” In a profanity-laced rant, OJ responded, “D##k in the booty ass n####. You a whole hoe, p#### ass n####. You ain’t on no gangsta s###. N####, I ain’t never seen you do nothing gangsta, p#### ass n####. You a whole hoe, n####. F### you talking about, n####? You and your weak ass mama. F### both of y’all. You and that hoe.”
OJ da Juiceman has a date to stand before a judge scheduled for May 13th.
It appears Atlantic recording artist Janelle Monáe is set for the biggest acting role of her career. The 36-year-old actress/singer will star in a series about the iconic American-born French entertainer Josephine Baker.
According to Deadline, Monáe will play Josephine Baker in the forthcoming De La Resistance. The A24 production focuses on Baker being a spy for the Allies forces during the French resistance in World War II.
Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland is producing the drama. Jennifer Yale (Outlander, Underground) will be a creator and showrunner. Several streaming services are said to be vying to add De La Resistance to their platforms.
“A dream finally coming to life🖤my hero🥺🖤long live MADAM JOSEPHINE BAKER🖤let’s gooooooooooo🌹🚀💋🖤🙏🏾,” tweeted Monáe on Wednesday.
A dream finally coming to life🖤my hero🥺🖤long live MADAM JOSEPHINE BAKER🖤let’s gooooooooooo🌹🚀💋🖤🙏🏾 https://t.co/goWGkx9DDB
A24 is also the production company behind television programs like The Carmichael Show and Random Acts of Flyness. Some films like Moonlight, Hereditary, Uncut Gems, and Zola also came out under the A24 banner.
Previously, Janelle Monáe appeared in motion pictures such as Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Harriet, and Antebellum. Her television résumé includes Stargate Universe, Electric Dreams, and Homecoming.
On the music side, Janelle Monáe created the critically acclaimed The ArchAndroid, The Electric Lady, and Dirty Computer studio albums. The Kansas City native has eight Grammy nominations to her name.
The legendary Josephine Baker was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture when she played Papitou in the 1927 French silent film Siren of the Tropics. Following her death in 1975, Baker has been portrayed in several TV shows and movies, including HBO’s The Josephine Baker Story from 1991.
Josephine Baker worked as a civil rights activist too. She famously refused to perform for segregated audiences in America. The St Louis-born vocalist was also among the celebrities to attend the famous March on Washington in 1963.
Anderson .Paak is an award-winning recording artist who has released albums such as 2016’s Malibu and 2019’s Ventura. According to reports, .Paak will step behind the camera for a feature film.
A Deadline article claims Anderson .Paak will make his directorial debut for Stampede Ventures’ K-POPS! dramatic comedy. The 36-year-old rapper/singer will star in the movie with his son Soul Rasheed.
K-POPS! tells the story of a musician who goes to Korea in order to write for K-Pop acts. While in the Asian country, .Paak’s character discovers his long-lost son is a member of one of the country’s hottest new groups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oZLGE6vH4U
“My mom is from Korea but she was adopted so I never knew anything about my Korean heritage until I met my wife,” said .Paak. “This movie is a reflection on my experience learning about this part of myself alongside my wife and son – and spending even more time with them!”
Jon “Dumbfoundead” Park and Khaila Amazan wrote the K-POPS! screenplay. Plus, Anderson .Paak serves as a producer via his Apeshit Films. Production for the motion picture will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
“LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION BABY!! Really excited about the next chapter in my career. I’ll be making a film with the people I love and I’m putting everything into this! Here’s looking at you kid!! #KPOPS!” wrote Anderson on Instagram.
.Paak earned his first #1 song on Billboard‘s Hot 100 when “Leave the Door Open” topped the chart in 2021. “Leave the Door Open” lives on theAn Evening with Silk Sonic album. Silk Sonic is made up of the super-duo of .Paak and Bruno Mars.
As a solo performer, Anderson .Paak collected Gold plaques for tracks like “Come Down” and “Bubblin.” His Malibu album is certified Gold as well. The multi-instrumentalist also worked as a music video director for Leon Bridges’ “Motorbike” and DOMi & JD Beck’s “SMiLE.”
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s classic Wu-Tang Forever, Get On Down and Legacy Recordings will release a special bundle in late July. Legacy Recordings is the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment.
The Wu-Tang Forever collection includes the album with a lyric booklet, a silver-colored 7-inch single for “Triumph” and “Heaterz” on the b-side in a picture sleeve, and a reissue of the double cassette in a slipcase.
In addition, Sony Music’s Certified YouTube channel published “The Making of Triumph” video. Episode 1 of the online series features Wu-Tang Clan member RZA.
“The Making of Triumph” includes unreleased interviews from 1997 conducted on the “Triumph” music video set. Wu representatives took a break from the 5-day shoot to talk about their history, their lives, and more.
Wu-Tang Clan also started the Forever & Ever giveaway. Fans can subscribe to a “journey map” that develops over a sequence of social actions for fans to complete in order to gain points that will go toward entries for winning concert tickets, merchandise items, and vinyl.
The Wu-Tang Forever album originally arrived in June 1997. The double-disc CD topped the Billboard 200 chart and eventually earned 4x-Platinum certification from the RIAA. Wu-Tang Forever also scored a Best Rap Album nomination at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.
Previously, Legacy Records presented an expanded digital edition/vinyl bundle of Nas’s It Was Written. The company also celebrated the 25th anniversary of OutKast’s ATLiens by releasing expanded digital and vinyl versions of the album.
Memphis rap legend Yo Gotti is bringing his “Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash” back to his hometown. The 8th installment of the celebration will take place inside the FedExForum on Friday, July 15, 2022.
Gotti plans to bring in a star-studded lineup for this year’s “Birthday Bash.” Previously, the event featured performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, and many more.
“Birthday Bash is back and it’s going to be better than ever,” says Gotti. “I have a few surprises and special performances for my hometown family, but just know that I’m gonna keep putting on for the city that raised me. The energy at FedExForum will be unforgettable and fans won’t want to miss it.”
The Collective Music Group founder launched “Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash” in 2013. The annual Hip Hop showcase moved to the FedExForum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies, four years later.
2019’s “Birthday Bash” featured members of Gotti’s CMG record label, including Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, Blac Youngsta, and Big Boogie. Since then, T Gee, Mozzy, Lil Poppa, 10Percent, and Lehla Samia joined the roster.
Earlier this year, Yo Gotti released his eleventh studio album, CM10: Free Game, via Collective Music Group/Inevitable Entertainment. CM10 became Gotti’s highest-charting project of his career by debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200.
Tickets for “Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash 8” will go on sale on Friday, May 6 at 10 am local time at ticketmaster.com.
Jack Harlow is preparing to release his sophomore album, Come Home the Kids Miss You, on May 6. Plus, the Louisville-raised rapper will be in attendance at the 148th Kentucky Derby the following day.
The Kentucky Derby selected Jack Harlow to be the announcer for this year’s Rider Up. Harlow will command the Derby jockeys to mount their horses prior to the start of the race.
In addition, Country artist Brittney Spencer will sing the national anthem at the event. Organizers expect around 150,000 fans to be in attendance at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Jack Harlow’s Come Home the Kids Miss You will feature Pharrell, Drake, Justin Timberlake, and Lil Wayne. The 24-year-old Generation Now representative dropped “Nail Tech” and “First Class” as singles.
“First Class” debuted at #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart in April. The track currently sits at #2 on that weekly tally. “Nail Tech” peaked at #18 in March. Harlow also topped the Hot 100 in 2021 with Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby” collaboration.
The Kentuck Derby will air live from Louisville’s Churchill Downs Racetrack on Saturday, May 7 on NBC. Coverage of pre-race activities begins at 12 pm ET on USA Network and moves to NB at 2:30 pm ET.
M1llionz has dropped a new vlog documenting his stay in Chicago, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of his video shoot with Munna Duke for their recent collaboration, “10 To Da O.”
The Birmingham, U.K. drill rapper dropped the Pyrex Kenny-produced track in April after linking up with the Chicago spitter. The video for the transatlantic collab features M1illionz and Munna Duke taking to the streets of Parkway Gardens, Chicago’s O’Block.
The new vlog also sees M1llionz in the studio with Munna Duke recording music before filming the video. O’Block rapper Gleesh also features in the vlog, taping an interview and vibing with the pair as they record in the studio. Check it out below.
“People that don’t understand that way of life are always gonna say that,” he told The Guardian. “So they’re never gonna say: ‘Oh, it’s beautiful that he’s saying this.’ But really and truly, it is beautiful, because if you’re putting into words what you’ve seen and the impact that it’s had, and it’s taken you from wherever you was a couple years ago and now you’re on TV, doing charity work, all these things … I think they should focus on the positive and not the negative.”
He also said he wants to do more charity work, like his recent trip to Ghana, where he and his team donated to an organization working with orphaned children. “I wanna do that everywhere,” M1llionz said. “Music brings jobs as well, and opportunities. So from me rapping, when I get to a certain stage, my friends can start rapping – well, they already have. Then my other friend can be a manager, my cousin can be a tour manager, my auntie could be a caterer, my girl could be a stylist.”
