Ciara learned some life lessons after leaving Future. Perhaps the most valuable lesson was learning to love herself more.
The “Body Party” songstress graced the cover of the November issue of Women’s Health magazine. During her interview with WH she opened up about her tumultuous time with her ex-fiance and baby’s father.
Although the Atlanta natives morphed into Hip-Hop and R&B’s favorite couple, Future’s toxic ways were too much to bear. Three months after the birth of their son Future Zahir they split in 2014.
Stepping into motherhood forced her to take an honest look at where her life was and the needs of her growing family. “I can’t be the best mom if I’m not loving on myself,” said Cici.
Russell Wilson certainly helped make the transition into self-love when they began dating in 2015. They eventually married in 2016. Still, she kept her focus internal and found strength in exercising, adjusting her diet, and diving deep into her entrepreneurial endeavors.
“When I put more focus on me, I felt like I grew into another level of womanhood,” she said.
Despite the growing pains that come with maturing in life, energy doesn’t lie. By changing her perspective, she was able to take control of her life. The singer earned the master rights to her music in 2019. Subsequently establishing Beauty Mark Entertainment later that year.
Now a mother of three, self-love sounds like a simple concept, in truth, it’s a daily journey filled with endless complexities.
Cici encourages all people to find what brings them release. Find what brings you joy. “Go to that,” she said.
We had a lovely chat with the Chicago-born rapper Resse P, discussing her 7th single “Rum Chata.” The talented Hip Hop artist took us back to her childhood Christmas days, revealing what inspired her to write a song about the liqueur RumChata. We also talked about the current status of the industry and which of the emerging music genres she likes best.
Let’s break down the fun-loving Holiday single “Rum Chata”! It’s not the conventional Christmas song, how did you come up with the idea, and what inspired you to write it?
I came up with the idea one holiday season because I love RumChata and eggnog. My producer is extremely creative with his melodies, so when I heard the beat, the melody for “Rum Chata” just rang out. Knowing how big holiday jingles can be when I got great feedback, I was inspired to keep writing it into what it is today.
Are you a festive person? Do you have that Holiday spirit? How do you spend Christmas day? How about when you were younger? Is it an important season for you?
I wouldn’t say I’m a festive person or have holiday spirit really, lol! But, I do enjoy the holidays and how it can bring people together. For instance, I’ve always lived away from my family and Christmas gives me a chance to go home, spend time with them, and gather around one dinner table. Especially as a kid, we would all go to my uncle’s house during the holidays and open gifts. To say it’s an important season would be a stretch, but I do enjoy this time of year.
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a Hip Hop artist? Who is your biggest supporter?
I started making music in 2007 after my mom and brother got into a car accident. At the time, my little brother was making beats and when I went home and heard them, I thought they were dope enough to write to.
The music video for “Rum Chata” is really funny, cozy, and genuine. Did you actively collaborate with your team during the shooting? Are the people acting in the clip close to family members and friends?
Thanks so much! The team for Rum Chata was two guys with a camera, me and my assistant. It wasn’t a large production at all. Just a bunch of my family and friends loved the concept that came for free food and to support my vision.
“Chanel” came out this summer! How was it perceived? Do you plan to release any new songs in the near future?
“Chanel” got really great feedback, especially because of how popular “FNF” was by GloRilla and I shouted her out in my first verse. I’m thinking some good follow-up singles will be coming in mid-December and late January just to keep my fans fed.
Which artists have inspired you while growing up? Who used to listen to you? How about now? Who is one of your favorite artists at the moment?
My favorite artist of all time is Nas. So I was definitely influenced by his storytelling ability and overall positive Hip Hop message growing up. I think now one of my most influential artists is Lil Wayne. He is the GOAT of my generation with punchlines and metaphors that can start wars.
From the emerging new genres, which ones excite you the most? Will we be seeing you experiment with different styles?
I’m actually a really really BIG fan of EDM so I’m certain you will see me dip into that. I feel like people can already hear the Jazz in my music so that’s a given. But, POP here I come!
Social media helped many young people in the industry to stand out and prosper in their careers. What do you think about that? Do you think that streaming platforms have made the process of becoming a successful artist easier?
I definitely believe streaming platforms have given many people that wouldn’t usually get an opportunity, a chance to shine. However, I also believe it has ruined the sacredness of genuine talent. To be a star in the past was a gem. It was prized because of its unique talent and extraordinary ability. Now it seems like it’s any m#### with a camera willing to pay with their soul for fame. I believe that social media platforms in totality have made it easier to become a celebrity in general. One viral moment and the right campaign then boom, a rise to fame.
Watch the official music video for “Rum Chata” here:
If you’re struggling to raise your credit score, YG might be a good candidate to ask for some sound advice. Most rappers flex cars, jewelry, clothes, and all sorts of other things that don’t mean much after they buy them. However, this flex is needed!
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion would all agree Keenon Jackson is a valued customer. The “Scared Money” rapper wasn’t scared to let the world know he’s pushing a credit score of 833 out of 900. He took to Instagram to share his most recent TransUnion report.
The Bompton native is certainly qualified to purchase a four-door Benz that can fit all his friends.
As we all know, credit is king, and the value of good credit can’t be overstated.
Salute to any black man who is financially focused. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the type of economics Melvin (Ving Rhames) tried to teach Jodi (Tyreese) about in Baby Boy.
We don’t advocate posting financial records via social media. However, if “motivational purposes only” was a post, this would be it.
You might want to take a look at your scores. Men lie, women lie, but credit scores don’t.
In commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of DJ Screw, Travis Scott and Isaac Yowman announce they are teaming up to make a movie about the life of legendary Hip-Hop figure, DJ Screw. The full length biopic will be produced by Columbia Pictures, a subsidiary of Sony, under the leadership of Vice President Maia Eyre, according to Deadline.
“Continuing the legacy of my brother is most important,” DJ Screw’s sister Michelle Wheeler said. “The process honestly has been exciting. I’m like wow, we’re really about to make a movie. Nearly a dozen film directors and producers had approached us over the years, but this was the first time I actually felt fully comfortable. I’m very thankful for Sony and Travis being on this journey with us, helping keep my brother Screw’s legacy going.”
DJ Screw, a Houston legend who popularized the whole “chopped and screw” movement, was an icon in Texas Hip-Hop culture. Surely, Scott, who grew up in H-Town, was influenced by the icon.
Travis Scott will serve as the executive producer of the film. So will Yowman, who promised the film will be made with integrity.
“The studio and I, alongside Travis’s team, have been connecting with writers — identifying the best way to tell this story on paper,” he said.
Adding, “Screw is a music icon, in the South he’s like a God, so there’s a level of delicacy when tapping into his story. That noted I’m grateful as hell to have his sister Michelle and brother Charles in my corner as a support system. I don’t know everything, and there’s so much information out there, so being able to talk to legends like Lil’ Keke, Bun B, and D-Reck and get unbiased perspectives has been helpful with me navigating through the process.”
An insider shared, “Ye has mostly been living at the Waldorf for the past month with Juliana [Nalu, his new model girlfriend].” According to the website, the hotel is pricey, costing guests $1,204 to $4,018 per night for a stay in the penthouse.
Since moving in at the beginning of October, Ye has already reportedly spent about $170K.
“His house near Kim’s also needs renovating, and he wanted a change of scenery after months at Soho Warehouse Downtown,” the person said.
Despite staying in the swanky hotel, the source said, “He’s having to sort his finances out, so renovation work at his Malibu place is on hold at the moment.”
Kim Kardashian, the billionaire mother of his kids and former wife of the troubled rapper, is going forward with her real estate dream and is currently investing money in one of the priciest hotels in Beverly Hills.
Hip-Hop’s most colorful snitch has emerged from his hiding place. If you were wondering where 6ix9ine has been, he is back outside and it seems safe for him to be outside scurrying around NYC again even though his own lawyers can’t ever find him.
Upon his return, he came bearing gifts. The cheese-biting “Stoopid” rapper took a trip to the illustrious Privè Porter boutique. His music may not be as popular as it once was but he’s still flexing big stacks of cash and buying Birkin bags for the ladies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck8zgICuwf1/
In a clip posted to his Instagram, we find him shopping with close to a million dollars in cash. He came prepared to spend $300k on 13 Birkin bags which varied in colors, like his hair. After displaying his wealth on the floor, he made it a point to emphasize, “this is not Chanel, man!”
Drake recently rewarded a group of strippers with Chanel bags. Perhaps this was a shot at the 6 God. Looking directly into the camera 6ix9ine boasted he was ready to rumble while exclaiming the “king of NY is back.”
Shockingly, it almost felt like the old 6ix9ine. All we needed to hear was him yell, “Treyway.” Oops, the self-proclaimed king of NY snitched on his loyal subjects, and he can’t really utter the phrase.
His giving heart remains as he showed the bill for the handbags totaling over a quarter million dollars. He then gave the bags to a woman celebrating her birthday. Her friends got bags too.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Young Dolph’s Death and suspected gunman Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson thought it was smart to release a new track while incarcerated for his role in the rap star’s murder.
The track titled “No Statements” was released on YouTube last week (November 11th, 2022). Coincidentally it was the same day Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced Hernandez Govan as the third suspect arrested in the case.
In the song, Johnson maintains his innocence rapping, “say I’m a rapper, the state say that I’m a paid killer.”
Ironically the song is in fact, a statement. Judging by the timing, it appears that he considers this ordeal as material to boost his rap career. In addition, the cover art indicates the track was recorded during a phone call inside 201 Poplar inside Shelby County Jail.
“No statement/got to be patient/might make it home before you blink,” he arrogantly raps.
According to reports, two of Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire artists, Paper Route Woo and Snupe Bandz issued statements addressing the track.
“It seem like somebody giving up some statements. It can’t be no statements. Somebody constantly getting pulled in so somebody giving some statements up,” said Paper Route Woo.
Keep in mind authorities believe Hernandez Govan masterminded the murder plot. Considering he is now in custody, Paper Route Woo could be right.
“They just rapping about it, somebody talking in real life,” said Snupe Bandz.
Johnson seems to have no regard for Dolph’s grieving family. By the same token, he isn’t receiving much respect behind bars. As we previously reported, he was assaulted at Shelby County Jail.
Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins’s live streaming entertainment marketplace ICONN Live will release never-before-seen content on Apple TV.
“Adding Apple TV to the equation is going to take ICONN to the next level!” says Hip Hop veteran Ja Rule. “ICONN allows fans to access these iconic artists so intimately.”
The 46-year-old rapper continues, “With the app now being available on Apple TV, ICONN will allow even more fans to join the experience as well as introduce a whole new generation to the legends I grew up loving!”
Legendary Hip Hop artist Rakim will headline the upcoming VIBES Concert on the ICONN Live app. Viewers will witness the emcee run through tracks off the classic 1987 album Paid in Full by Eric B. & Rakim.
Paid in Full hosts the singles “I Ain’t No Joke”, “I Know You Got Soul”, and “Eric B. Is President.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked the LP’s title track at #132 on the publication’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Pain Is Love is the third studio album by Ja Rule. That 2001 Murder Inc./Def Jam-backed project earned a Best Rap Album nomination at the 44th Grammy Awards. The Pain Is Love single “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Kanye “Ye” West’s 2021 album Donda debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned an Album Of The Year nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. In contrast, the sequel mostly flew under the radar.
Apparently, at least one of the Donda 2 producers did not get paid. ATL Jacob sat down with VladTV. The conversation included the “Pablo” and “Louie Bags” beatmaker discussing the financial fallout from his time working with Kanye West.
“Everybody was confused like, ‘How we get paid?'” said ATL Jacob. DJ Vlad then asked Jacob if he was confused about the situation. The 808 Mafia affiliate replied, “Hell yeah. I’m still confused. If he’s banned from Stem Player, then how we get paid?”
Kanye West lost several lucrative business deals after the Chicago native went on conspiracy theory-laden rants about the Jewish community. However, reports claim Stem Player chose not to cut ties with the controversial entertainer.
As for ATL Jacob’s lack of knowledge about Donda 2 payouts, he does not seem upset about not getting compensated for his labor. Jacob said, “I ain’t tripping though, because I learned a lot just working on [Donda 2].”
In addition to making music with Kanye West for Donda 2, ATL Jacob has also produced for Future, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Roddy Ricch, Nav, and more. Jacob’s contribution to Kodak Black’s “Super Gremlin” helped the single peak at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2022.
Drake and Jay-Z are arguably the two greatest Hip Hop stars of their respective generations. Both rappers racked up album sales, industry awards, and critical praise as they etched their names in music history.
This week, Drake earned another No 1. on the Billboard 200 chart when Her Loss debuted atop the tally with 404,000 units. That joint effort with 21 Savage also leads the latest Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums rankings.
Drake now has 14 career Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart-toppers. The 36-year-old recording artist pulled into a tie with Jay-Z for the most all-time Number Ones on that specific weekly tally.
In addition, Drake draws closer to Jay-Z’s record for the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for a solo artist. Jay currently has 14 projects that have led the Billboard 200. Drake is right behind him with 12 projects.
Her Loss became 21 Savage’s third No. 1 album. 2019’s I Am > I Was was the Slaughter Gang captain’s first Billboard 200 topper. Savage has three Number Ones on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart as well.
As Drake continues to match some of Jay-Z’s chart records, Beyoncé recently cemented her name in the Grammys record book next to her husband. Both Beyoncé and Jay-Z now have 88 career Grammy nominations, the most for any act in history.
Drake presently has 47 career Grammy nominations with 4 wins in his career. Jay-Z has 24 Grammy victories. He is tied with Kanye West for the most Grammy wins by a Hip Hop artist. Beyoncé has 28 Grammys, the second-most of all time and the most for a female act.
21 Savage has been on the defense against some Hip Hop purists after his comments about a Hip Hop icon. During a conversation on Clubhouse, Savage shared his thoughts on Nas.
“I don’t feel like he’s relevant,” said 21 Savage. “He’s not relevant. He just has a loyal ass fanbase. He just has a loyal fanbase, and he still makes good-ass music.”
After his remarks about Nas went viral, Savage hoped on Twitter to clarify his point. The London-born rapper tweeted, “I would never disrespect Nas or any legend who paved the way for me y’all be tryna take stuff and run with it 🤦🏾♂️.”
I would never disrespect nas or any legend who paved the way for me y’all be tryna take stuff and run with it 🤦🏾♂️
Actor/filmmaker Michael Rapaport took issue with what 21 Savage had to say about the Illmatic album creator. The Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest director blasted Savage on his podcast.
“Why, me, Michael Rapaport, gets so offended? Because number one, 21 Savage, I guaranteed if I walked around the streets of New York, and I asked people to quote your best line, it would be hard for me to find somebody that would be able to quote a quotable line,” said Rapaport.
The 52-year-old New Yorker went on to say Nas’s verse on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” track is better than 21 Savage’s entire catalog. Michael Rapaport also called out DJ Akademiks for saying some Hip Hop pioneers are now “dusty.”
21 Savage recently teamed up with OVO Sound frontman Drake for the Her Loss collaborative project. Her Loss debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with the highest first-week sales for a Hip Hop album in 2022.
Nas once again partnered with producer Hit-Boy for King’s Disease III which dropped on November 11. The third installment in the album series arrived after 2020’s Grammy-winning King’s Disease and 2021’s King’s Disease II. They also created Magic in 2021.
“And we see why you would think Nas is irrelevant, 21 Savage, because when we listen to your music it shows that you’re not a big Nas fan… I hear it in your work… You’re like Cat in the Hat. That’s the kind of s### you’re on… There’s nothing positive in your s###,” said Michael Rapaport.
It has been a big week for GloRilla. The Memphis-bred rapper earned her first Grammy nomination on Tuesday, and her latest project is on pace to open in the Billboard 200’s Top 10.
According to HitsDailyDouble, GloRilla’s Anyways, Life’s Great… EP will likely debut with 28,000 first-week units. That total could be enough to land Glo among the ten best-selling projects of the week.
Anyways, Life’s Great… is expected to barely edge out the first-week sales for Nas’s King’s Disease III. Forecasters estimate the Hip Hop legend’s sixteenth studio album to debut with 27,500 units.
GloRilla released Anyways, Life’s Great… on November 11. The 9-track EP includes the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 single “Tomorrow 2” with Cardi B and the Grammy-nominated “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” with Hitkidd.
The same song they was clowning me & my friends about saying we was Ugly & Dusty just got nominated for a Grammy !!!!!!!!! WHEN GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE YOU CANNOT FAIL 🔥🏆
“The same song they was clowning me & my friends about saying we was Ugly & Dusty just got nominated for a Grammy!!!!!!!!! WHEN GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE YOU CANNOT FAIL 🔥🏆,” tweeted GloRilla.
“F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” earned a Best Rap Performance nomination at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. GloRilla is up against “God Did” by DJ Khaled, “Vegas” by Doja Cat, “Pushin P” by Gunna & Future, and “The Heart Part 5” by Kendrick Lamar.
In addition, Glo made it into the Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist category at the 2022 American Music Awards. She will also perform at the televised event taking place on Sunday, November 20 at 8 pm EST/PST.
Central Cee is not content with being at the top of the U.K. drill scene and plans to keep working until he achieves the same success across the Atlantic.
The West London rapper made significant inroads earlier this year with his viral hit “Doja.” A snippet of the song scored over a million TikTok views before the single was officially released. The video was given a significant boost when it dropped on Lyrical Lemonade, racking up 73 million views in three months.
While he expected his homage to Doja Cat to do well, he couldn’t appreciate how big of a hit it became until he performed the song at a show.
“Although I was getting so big, it didn’t feel like it ‘cause it was just numbers on the screen,” Central Cee admitted. “So then, when I went outside and actually got to do a show and see real-life people singing my lyrics, it was an indescribable feeling.”
Central Cee – Doja
However, Central Cee acknowledges that he’s “back at square one… almost.”
“I’m where I was two years ago in the U.K., [but] in America,” he explained during an in-depth interview with HotNewHipHop. “I understand that I need to do that whole process again, and go through that whole process again — which I’m excited to do,” he says.
Furthermore, Central Cee says he’s got the work ethic to keep going. “No matter how long the days get in this music thing. I’ve worked harder in the streets for a lot less P’s. That hustle won’t die in me. I just work hard and don’t complain,” he said.
Elsewhere in the interview, Cench discussed his recent LA Leakers Freestyle. He wanted to “bridge the gap,” and break down some of the differences between U.S. and U.K. lingo.
“Like, I’m on an American platform. I’m from the U.K. I know the stigma a lot of American people have and — I don’t know. I just thought it would be a good idea,” he explained,” before adding “I understood the assignment.” Check out the freestyle below.
21 Savage revealed his past near-death experience led him to live his life in such a way that he operates in constant fear of somebody causing him harm.
During a recent interview with Akademiks, 21 Savage admitted, “I’m scared of everybody n####,” before adding, “I’m not f###### Rambo. I’m scared of everybody.”
The Her Loss hitmaker reflected on the murder of his friend who was shot in his car while sitting next to 21 Savage.
“I’m scared of anybody. N#### I move scared, hell yeah I’m scared. Scared n##### stay alive. ‘Cause I done seen it. It ain’t like, it’s just like, I’m not one of them n##### who just – n#### I been shot n####,” 21 explained. “I seen my friend die, in my face, on my birthday. In the car too. It ain’t like it’s like oh we just standing on the block and a drive by happen. I’m talking bout right here n####. He in the drivers seat, I’m in the passenger seat. Type s###.”
Such traumatic experiences caused 21 Savage to suffer from constant paranoia and a feeling he’s always being followed.
“So I know like this s### get wicked fast, like that. You know what I’m sayin’? So it’s like I’m just paranoid always 24/7 n####. I think somebody following me. I’m spinnin’ the block a couple of times before I go in the house.” Check out the clip below.
Meanwhile, 21 Savage and Drake shared the visuals for “Rich Flex” from their new Her Loss album. Drizzy turned filmaker for the video, filming much of the footage using an old fashioned camcorder. Watch the video below.
Ice Spice and Lil Tjay brought some much-needed holiday cheer to the Bronx, giving back to their hometown with a Turkey Drive.
With Thanksgiving approaching next week, the famous pair were right on time to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. According to local news outlet, News12 The Bronx, ice Spice and Lil Tjay donated turkeys to around 150 local Bronx families.
The queue trailed around the block as the local stars participated in the giveaway at Fordham University, with some residents waiting in line for up to three hours.
One resident said she was “beyond grateful” to be part of a community where locals are “supporting everybody,” especially during the holiday period when working families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Alongside the Turkey Drive Ice Spice and Lil Tjay showed love to the community taking time out for their fans. The two rappers smiled and waved as they climbed atop vehicles to address the crowd. Fans took pictures with some ready to risk it all over the “Munch” rapper.
Lil Tjay continues his successful return since he was shot seven times in June. He followed up his comeback single “Beat The Odds” with the soulful offering “Give You What You Want.”
Meanwhile, Ice Spice revealed she has new music on the way. “I’m about to put out an EP,” she said during an appearance on The RapCaviar Podcast. “It’s about to be like six songs. ‘Bikini Bottom’ is on there, and then there’s some that people haven’t heard. It’s about to be a vibe. Visuals coming with it, too. Yeah, a bunch of content around it. It’s lit.”
However, some fans began suspecting Drake was up to something and guessed his camcorder footage would be used for something epic. “The way drake is carrying this camcorder i know he’s bout to drop some classic s###,” read one tweet.
the way drake is carrying this camcorder i know he’s bout to drop some classic s###.
On Wednesday, Drizzy finally revealed exactly what he was up to with his camcorder – he was filming a music video. The Her Loss duo dropped the “Rich Flex” visuals featuring Drake’s behind-the-scenes footage.
As well as his shots of Jack Harlow and the Raptors, Drake also shared clips of his celeb pals partying, including scenes recorded at the strip club. The video includes cameos from Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Fivio Foreign, Jim Jones, and many more. There are even scenes from Drake and 21 Savage’s spoof Vogue shoot, currently the subject of a $4 million lawsuit.
The “Rich Flex” video ends with a scene filmed inside Champagne Papi’s luxury jet. Lil Yachty sits alongside Drake on a plush sofa while flexing his iced-out OVO chain. Check out the video below.
The “Thotiana” rapper appeared in court Wednesday (Nov. 16), where a judge set bail at $50,000, calling the figure a “reasonable sum,” based on the “quite serious” allegations.
The judge ordered Blueface to comply with the conditions of his release, including having no contact with the alleged victim in the case. He must also stay out of trouble and keep in contact with his attorneys.
When asked if he understood the conditions of his release, Blueface replied, “Yes.”
During the hearing, the judge mentioned the presence of Blueface’s fiancee and his manager, Wack 100, although not by name. However, earlier on Wednesday, Chrisean Rock took to Instagram with Wack, who stated: “The lawyer threw gloves on and we beat another case.”
The reality tv star also wrote in the caption, “His family here is we got him Daddy coming home.”
Chrisean also got into a back-and-forth with Jaidyn Alexis, Blueface’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child. When Jaidyn shared screenshots of Wack 100 calling her several times, Chrisean Rock clapped back in another Instagram video.
The “Vibe” hitmaker claimed she didn’t need Wack 100 to call to tell her to show up to court. “I should have seen you today,” she said before adding that some Blueface fans attended the bail hearing.
SZA discussed her struggles with the music industry in an interview with Billboard.
The TDE singer contemplated her longevity ahead of her new albumS.O.S, which is scheduled to drop in December. SZA felt “emotionally [and] energetically unequipped” for the demands of a pop artist.
“I feel like music, in this capacity, I don’t see longevity,” she told Billboard. “I like to create, I like to write, I like to sing, and I like to share. But I don’t know if chasing after superstardom or whatever I’m supposed to be doing right now is sustainable for me or for anybody. I’ma take a good swing at it, and I’ma give ’em my absolute best.”
SZA vented about the stress and “red tape” involved in releasing her S.O.S. album. She also pictured what life might be like after music.
“I could be a biologist and I’ma discover a creature that didn’t exist before,” she suggested. “I could be a farmer tomorrow and create my own strain of asparagus.”
She added, “I know that I am that girl where I will figure it out. Just like before I was an artist.”
S.O.S. will be SZA’s first album since her 2017 debut Ctrl. She released a new single titled “Shirt” in October.
Sheff G’s bid to get out of prison was unsuccessful.
The 24-year-old rapper revealed his request for an early release was denied by a parole board on Wednesday (November 16). Sheff G thanked his fans for their support while he remains behind bars.
“Damn parole denied me my early release,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “Shout out to all the fans. I love y’all #FreeMe #FreeAllTheGuys.”
Sheff G pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree in 2021. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
A few months ago, fellow Brooklyn drill rapper 22Gz accused Sheff G of getting extorted in prison. 22Gz made the claim on Twitter but later deleted the post.
Sheff G responded to the allegations in an Instagram post. He denied the extortion accusations and bragged about his reputation in prison.
“I done hurd I turn this and that,” he wrote in August. “Done hurd im getting extorted and allat lies and rumors that the broke dirty and worthless has made up Imao, whats next?”
Sheff G added, “N##### better ask anyone they kno up in these upstate prisons about me ! , million dollar n#### chilling in general population never been disrespected without the boomerang effect, all yu got is ya name and ya word .. and my name would never be tainted, my reputation speaks for itself.”
The estate of The Notorious B.I.G. teamed up with Facebook’s parent company Meta to stage a virtual reality concert.
A “hyperrealistic” avatar of Biggie Smalls will perform his classic songs on Meta’s VR and Facebook platforms. The Notorious B.I.G. Sky’s The Limit: A VR Concert Experience is scheduled to premiere on December 16.
Fans will see a recreation of ‘90s Brooklyn called “The Brook” and follow a day in the life of The Notorious B.I.G. Veteran journalist Touré wrote and voiced the narrative journey.
Biggie’s VR concert will feature performances by Diddy, The Lox, Lil Cease, Latto and Nardo Wick. The metaverse event will also include a DJ set by Clark Kent.
“Having the ability to create a variance of new opportunity to showcase my son Christopher’s music through the advancement of technology is hard for me to grasp at times,” Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace said. “However, I’ve found so much excitement in the process of developing his avatar, understanding the value added for fans to experience him in ways unattainable until now. Thank you to all who have contributed to bringing this project to fruition.”
Meta Quest VR headset owners can watch the concert in the Venues section of Meta Horizon Worlds. A 2D version will be available to view on The Notorious B.I.G.’s official Facebook page.
