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Lil Yachty Files Lawsuit Against NFT Company For Using His Name

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty is suing an NFT company for using his name to launch a new auction without permission or compensation.

According to Radar Online, the company that the Quality Control artist named in a lawsuit is Opulous (d.b.a. Ditto Music) and Lee Jason Parson as defendants and claims that both parties by using his name have engaged in federal trademark infringement.

Lil Boat says that he has owned his stage name for close to five years, trademarking it in 2017.

The document further details how successful he is as a musician, his investments, various enforcement deals with companies like Sprite, Adidas, and Target, and adding recently under his name has become the creative director for Nautica.

He alleges that the Singapore-based company Opulous and its founder Lee James Parsons are misleading his fanbase by saying that he is working with them as they aspire to be the first music copyrighted-backed NFTs.

The company did reach out to him in 2021 for his participation but nothing was agreed on.

Still, the digital-based auction house used his name, image, and likeness in a campaign, including a press release and website.

The rapper, known for his colorful hair and writing tons of hits from some of Hip-Hop’s biggest acts, is seeking unspecified damages and all profits the company made off using his name. He is further seeking an injunction that will stop the brand from using anything connected to him in any promotional material.

Snoop Dogg Doesn’t Fear Cancel Culture Thanks To Loyalty Of His Fans

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Snoop Dogg has no worries about getting canceled.

In a Clubhouse conversation with Druski, the comedian asked Snoop Dogg about his thoughts on cancel culture. The West Coast legend dismissed the idea of being canceled, daring anyone to shun him.

“I wish a m########### would try to cancel me,” he told Druski.

Druski then asked if Snoop Dogg believed cancel culture is a real thing. The veteran rapper scoffed at it.

“It’s only believable if you believe it when they try to cancel,” he said. “’Cause you see DaBaby, you see David Chappelle. You see certain m############ like, ‘If you don’t get out of here with that s###.’ Gimme a week, n####. I’ll be back up. You gotta believe it.”

Snoop Dogg contended his fans would never turn on him. Their staunch support made him confident he’d be fine amid any controversy.

“You gotta know that your base is your base,” he explained. “You can’t — the cancel community is not bigger than my fan base. I beg to differ. Let’s match up, n####. Cancel community, meet up. Line up. Cancel community, I need you n##### to line up. Snoop’s fan base, mount up!”

Listen to the discussion between Druski and Snoop Dogg below.

Is Kanye West Spreading Rumors About Kim Kardashian’s New Man, Pete Davidson?

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Kanye … Please say it’s not true.

Rumors have made it to the headlines stating that billionaire rapper, Kanye is actually a “bully-inaire,” using his power, money, and resources to spread nasty rumors about Pete Davidson.  It is alleged that the “Jesus is King” rapper is telling people that Pete Davidson, his baby mom’s current boyfriend, has AIDS and is gay.

It seems Kanye is obsessed with Davidson. In an interview with Jason Lee, he mentioned that Kim K brought him to Saturday Night Live and kissed Davidson in front of him. He also mentioned that Davidson was in his old house with his kids and that security stopped him from coming in once while he was there. On a verse on the new The Game song, titled “My Life Was Never Eazy,” he said, “God saved me from that crash / Just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s ass.”

And now, he is saying, according to Page Six, that the man has an incurable virus, is a drug addict and that he is gonna get him beat up.

DJ Akademiks is one person that floated this.

“A n—a told me, this is real talk, Kanye has been telling anyone within an earshot of himself, he’s trying to spread a rumor that Pete Davidson has AIDS.,” Akademiks said on Twitch. “I’m telling you this is a fact. I’ve heard this from eight people. He’s telling everybody!”

The influencer continued, “I’m telling you, this is a fact. Bruh, if you gotta spread a rumor that the n—a f–kin’ your wife got AIDS, you burnt out, bro. Wrap it up. It’s over.”

Yeezy’s people have denied these claims, the trade states. However, Davidson’s people say they have heard things but choose to ignore them out of respect for Kim Kardashian.

Doe Boy ft Nardo Wick & G Herbo – “OPP PARTY”

By: Jake CratesCategory: Music

Everybody got opps in 2022 and this track from Doe Boy is no different. Check out his latest joint that features Nardo Wick and G Herbo and its a straight up gun blazing, money flashing and big car whippin track that sure to keep you bouncing out the seat of your car.

Chris Brown Issues Cryptic Reply To $20 Million Rape Lawsuit

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Superstar singer Chris Brown has denied drugging and raping a woman in response to a sensational $20 million lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe accuser.

The superstar singer seemingly responded to the accusations on his Instagram Stories. 

He wrote, “I HOPE YALL SEE THIS PATTERN OF (lying) whenever im releasing music or projects, ‘THEY’ try to pull some real bulls**t.”

The woman, a professional choreographer and dancer using the pseudonym Jane Doe, claims that the “Forever” hitmaker sexually assaulted her on a yacht parked at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ home on Star Island in the legal action Miami Beach, Florida in December 2020.

According to the documents obtained by TMZ, she alleges that Brown gave her a red cup with a mixed drink in the kitchen, and they started talking, and when he filled up her cup again, she began to feel “a sudden, unexplained change in consciousness.”

The woman claims she felt “disoriented, physically unstable, and started to fall in and out of sleep,” and the 32-year-old led her to a bedroom when she was allegedly “drugged” and “half-asleep.”

Jane Doe alleges that she mumbled for Brown to stop when he started kissing her, but he continued and raped her. She also claims that he texted her the following day and instructed her to take a morning-after pill, which she did.

The woman claims the alleged incident has caused her severe emotional distress, and she is seeking $20 million in damages.

Her attorneys, Ariel Mitchell and George Vrabeck told TMZ that their client didn’t report the alleged rape at the time because she was embarrassed. They added that they’re “committed to victims being heard and would urge anyone with information to contact them.”

PREMIERE: New Jersey’s 90Rackss Unveils New single “Why Would I Lie”

By: Shirley JuCategory: Music

90Rackss is a budding MC rising out of New Jersey with videos and singles hitting high marks in 2021. He continues his momentum by starting the new year with his newest release, a music video for “Why Would I Lie” featuring Sinn TTB. “Why Would I lie” features a similar drill vibe found in artist such as Kay Flock and B Lovee but with Rackss’s vision of drill music: raw and impulsive — an unburdened, electrifying take separating himself from the pack. 

Directed by Wavechange, “Why Would I Like” marks the first release from 90Rackss with Sloppy Vinyl, a New Jersey-based independent label he signed with. The visual features 90 and his comrades in multiple scenes that demonstrate amazing effects and the natural Charisma the Newark-based rapper possesses. 

90Rackss is one of one, which is a transparent street lyrical style that blends well with a unique sense of humor and gritty wordplay. Garnering hundreds of thousands of views and streams over the past year, Rackss is an artist who is on multiple radars worldwide. 

A lyricist with a pure trap spirit and a good heart encapsulates who 90Rackss as a person, but he shows potential to be a future millionaire very soon with his hustler’s spirit. “Why Would I Lie” is available to stream on all platforms and the official video is on Youtube. 

Pusha T Leaves Def Jam, Relationship With Kanye Is More Complex

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

The music industry is a complicated space, but there are times when people do things and let you know their friendship is greater is more important than the deals.

Rapper Pusha T took to social media to let fans know that Kanye West, his label head and friend, has amicably released him from his Def Jam contract. The post caption reads simply, “Some people call you their brother, other people show you you’re BROTHERS. Thanx ‘Yezos…’”

The Virginia native posted the last page of a contract with Def Jam, one of the most iconic Hip-Hop labels in history. The business arrangement is between the house that LL built and Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. It has long been whispered that Push wanted to concentrate on blowing up his own Heir Wave Music Group imprint, but in order for this to have happened, some things will have to change.

In 2010, Pusha T signed with G.O.O.D. Music and by 2016, he was appointed the President of the label.

Over the years, the label has signed over 25 artists. The list includes big megastars like Common, John Legend, Big Sean, Mos Def, Kid Cudi, Desiigner, and Teyana Taylor. Pusha T is one of the last big names — notwithstanding Q-Tip and Ye— to still be listed on the roster.

Since he still loves his fans, new music like It’s Not Dry Yet (INDY), which is supposed to drop in February, will be on the label.

Victor, an associate close to Pusha, says that he is still affiliated with G.O.O.D. Music and this will be his last album on Def Jam.

Despite what people are trying to say, even though King Push has left the label, it’s all over at G.O.O.D. Music.

Meagan Good Viral Video Causes Social Media Meltdown!

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG)Category: Rumors

Organically, Meagan Good maintains her dignity and her sophistication. The Harlem actress is Pressure. Regardless of her recent divorce, the celebrated thespian is transitioning into her new normal. While doing so, she effortlessly incites a social media meltdown. Of course, one of her Instagram videos is going viral.

While, the community activist readily describes the ending of her marriage as, “the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.” However, she remains confident, “I am still optimistic,” this according to XONecole. Additionally, she insists, “I still am hopeful for the future.”

Additionally, the reminiscent leading lady includes, “Throughout life, I’ve always approached relationships as understanding that at some point, they’ll get to the place that they’re going to, and then they would be over.” Next, to better illuminate her point, she adds, “I’ve always had an attitude of like, ‘Alright, next chapter. We’ll see what’s next.’”

So now, according to social media, the Hollywood Starlet’s future is stunning. She appears unstoppable. The established foundation of faith, the acclaimed artistry and the innate beauty all combine in to the awesomeness of Ms. Good.

Definitely, the public is taking note. A simple video captures a chic moment in time. A curve-caressing turquoise number highlights Meagan Good’s radiant complexion. Moreover, it is the remarkable physique which snatches attention.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meag G, Ms. Good~If Ya Nasty (@meagangood)

Of course, the public is enjoying the access. Social media is still melting away. Check out some of the ardent responses.

https://twitter.com/SwoleWorld/status/1486833679041236994
https://twitter.com/MakeNoApologeez/status/1486819277340651524

In other words she will be fine.

KiDD LUCIDD And Her Music Are A Different Look At The Houston Scene

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Music

Growing up, the only thing Houston artist KiDD LUCIDD can remember is music. If she wasn’t learning a new song on the piano or pretending, she knew how to play guitar until she actually did, KiDD LUCIDD was diving headfirst into the discographies of a plethora of artists that she now refers to as her inspirations. Now, KiDD LUCIDD is working to join the ranks of the artists who once inspired her. Through everything she has overcome in the past few years, she is in a prime position to take the music industry by storm. 

Accompanying her gift and penchant for music, KiDD LUCIDD was also writing poetry at a very early age. She wasn’t sure where her life was headed but was certain she needed to get away from everything going on in her life. So, when a recruiter approached her about joining the military, she got packed and shipped off to basic training. While it was tough, KiDD LUCIDD felt that Houston was a place she needed to run from at the time. Things only got harder for the aspiring musician, and the stress of everything going on in her life and the lack of support from her family pushed KiDD LUCIDD to attempt suicide in 2019. 

KiDD LUCIDD said people often wonder how she’s still here after everything she’s been through. “My answer will change every day because every day you wake, there’s something different about the last, something else you have to do before your times up.”

Since her attempt, KiDD LUCIDD has buckled down and has dived headfirst into her own music, hoping to share her gift with the world. “I’ve been an outcast my whole life, and more than anything, I know how it feels to keep giving love to people over and over again because you feel as if people will do you right if you do it too, but they won’t,” she says of the energy she puts into her music. KiDD LUCIDD crafts her music to be a beacon of hope for people who feel the same way she does. With a big year approaching for her career, KiDD LUCIDD says she is prepping the release of a few tracks for this summer. “My music is evolving, but I’m definitely putting in the work to bring all there is to a song.”Keep up with Houston’s KiDD LUCIDD by following her on Instagram, @kiddlucidd.

Ella Mai Talks Recording Her Sophomore Album

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

It has been three years since British singer Ella Mai released her self-titled debut studio LP. Ella Mai eventually received 2x-Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The 27-year-old London native is back this week with the new single “DFMU” which was produced by Mustard and J. Holt. Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe spoke to Ella Mai about her song for New Music Daily.

“This song in this process was very, very hard for me because it was like my life in real time. So it was almost a therapy session when I was in the [recording] session,” admitted Ella Mai. “But I think that’s the best way. All the people that I grew up listening to are always very, very honest. And I’ve always just appreciated honesty.”

Ella Mai’s “DFMU” followed 2020’s “Not Another Love Song.” Some fans were expecting that Gold-certified loosie will lead to a new full-length project, but Mai still has not dropped her second LP. The Interscope recording artist also spoke to Zane Lowe about her unreleased sophomore album.

“I think, and especially with this difference to the debut album process. Sorry. Like I said, I was naive. So I was just going in the studio and doing whatever and writing with a bunch of people,” said Ella Mai. “And I wasn’t really thinking about it. But this time around, I’m obviously a lot more experienced. So I think you just can’t even help but to think about it, which then makes everything a lot more difficult.”

She continued, “But I also work with a lot of people that feel like are family too. So it just is. There’s a balance. There are some days that are horrible, going to the studio and nothing happens, but they feel horrible at the time. But you have to have those moments in order to have great [music].

Ella Mai became an international sensation in 2018 with the Mustard-produced “Boo’d Up.” The track went on to peak at #5 on the Hot 100 chart, earn 7x-Platinum status from the RIAA, and win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song at the 2019 ceremony.

Jim Jones Announces ‘Mining Diamonds’ Podcast With UnitedMasters Network

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

New York City-bred rapper/businessman Jim Jones is the latest recording artist to jump into the podcast space. Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters is launching Jones’s Mining Diamond show.

Nakia Booth and Gregory “Beef” Jones will join Jim Jones as Mining Diamond co-hosts. Beginning on February 1, the three individuals will lead roundtable discussions on a range of entrepreneurial topics.

Jim Jones tapped chef/author JJ Johnson as the first guest. The James Beard award winner is the owner of the chain of fast-casual rice bowl restaurants known as Field Trip.

Additionally, Mining Diamond will feature conversations with actor Malik Yoba, Vin Rock of Naughty by Nature, professional BMX biker Nigel Sylvester. Other guests include business owner Russell “Big Russ” Smith and real estate developer Majora Carter.

Mining Diamonds is the newest series on the UnitedMasters podcast network. New audio and video episodes will be released bi-weekly on major streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Veteran music industry executive Steve Stoute started UnitedMasters in 2017 as a music distributor. The company is credited for helping to elevate the career of Platinum-selling rapper NLE Choppa.

Besides taking on the lead mic position for Mining Diamonds, Jim Jones also recently released the Gangsta Grillz: We Set The Trends collaborative effort with DJ Drama. The project contains contributions by Fivio Foreign, Migos, Dave East, Maino, Fabolous, and more.

Lauren Smith-Fields’s Family Credits Cardi B For Criminal Investigation Into Her Death

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Connecticut social media influencer Lauren Smith-Fields was found dead last month in her Bridgeport apartment. The 23-year-old, African-American woman reportedly died following a date set up on the Bumble app.

A white man named Matthew LaFountain, 37, called 911 on December 12 after he reportedly discovered Lauren Smith-Fields unresponsive with a nosebleed. Medical examiners ruled her death as the result of an accidental drug overdose.

Lauren Smith-Fields’ mysterious passing became national news because many social media users highlighted the situation. The local law enforcement agency also faced significant scrutiny for how investigators handled the case.

In particular, Lauren Smith-Fields’ family claimed the Bridgeport police’s handling of the probe was “racially insensitive.” Her loved ones also questioned why officers allegedly did not recover critical evidence from the apartment until two weeks after she died.

On January 23, Hip Hop artist Cardi B tweeted about how the media was covering Lauren Smith-Fields and Matthew LaFountain. The Invasion of Privacy album creator’s first post included a screenshot of a Daily Mail headline.

“Naa this man [doesn’t] look old and it’s not old at all and yet the media made it seem like she was wit [an] old ass man lookin to trick on her. I’m disgusted on how they spin the narrative [especially] because I see people saying online ‘that’s [what] she gets,'” wrote Cardi B.

That same evening, the “Bodak Yellow” performer added, “This is sooo scary!!! A fictional murderer character but in real life!! Justice for Lauren. Connecticut you have failed that young lady!!!”

Apparently, those tweets by Cardi B caused the Bridgeport Police Department to take Lauren Smith-Fields’ death more seriously. Smith Fields’ family attorney, Darnell Crosland, credited the Bronx-bred musician for drawing attention to the case.

TMZ reports:

The family’s attorney says Cardi B’s Sunday night tweet calling for “Justice for Lauren” — and accusing Connecticut of failing her — brought extra attention and made a big impact … because there’s been a ton of progress ever since. Cardi’s got an open invitation to check in with the family, in Connecticut or virtually, for an update on the investigation’s progress… and we’re told Lauren’s fam is overjoyed CB used her platform to speak out on behalf of their loved one.

Cardi B also made headlines in recent weeks for pledging to cover the funeral costs for the victims of the Twin Parks North West Complex fire in the Bronx, New York. The 29-year-old Cardi Tries star also recently won a landmark liable lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K that could lead to more legal consequences for content creators who purposely share disinformation about celebrities on their platforms.

50 Cent & Tyler, The Creator Headlining U.K’s Parklife Festival  

By: London JennnCategory: News

50 Cent and Tyler, the Creator are crossing the pond this summer, topping the bill at one of the U.K’s biggest festivals.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Parklife (@parklife_festival)

The pair will headline the “Parklife” Festival in Heaton Park, Manchester, on the weekend of June 11 and 12. The festival was postponed several times because of the global pandemic. Initially slated to take place in 2020, the event was canceled and then postponed once again in September 2021.  

“50 Cent comes live and direct from NYC to Heaton Park for Parklife 2022 🔥” the organizers announced. They also shared a montage of the G Unit Boss’s hits and big stage shows.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Parklife (@parklife_festival)

Tyler, the Creator was slated to headline the festival before it was canceled in 2020. He returns to the U.K stage for the first time since a ban prevented him from entering the country in 2015. The U.K government denied him entry to the country on the grounds that his lyrics encouraged “violence and intolerance of homosexuality.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tyler, The Creator (@feliciathegoat)

Megan Thee Stallion also joins 50 Cent and Tyler for the overseas performance, set to be 50 Cent’s only U.K festival appearance in 2022. U.K rappers Central Cee and Headie One also appear on the bill. 

Meanwhile, 50 took the time to pop up in the set on “Power book 2: Ghost,” surprising the stars of the show.  

He shared a video on Instagram showing the moment he snuck up on Method Man and Mary J Blige, who did not recognize him until he removed his mask! 

“GreenLightGang in full effect GHOST is so good, it’s a problem. 🤦‍♂️that last episode was it. FORCE feb6 @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent wore in the caption.  

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

A&E To Premiere Bobby Brown Two-Night Documentary & 12-Part Docuseries

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

A&E wants to give viewers special access to R&B icon Bobby Brown and his family. The two-night television event titled Biography: Bobby Brown will air on May 30 and May 31 at 8 pm ET/PT. 

Biography: Bobby Brown will document his journey to superstardom and the fallout from his personal struggles. The tragic deaths of his first wife (Whitney Houston) and his two children (Bobbi Kristina and Bobby Junior) will be covered as well.

The doc includes interviews with fellow New Edition members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Johnny Gill as well as fellow musicians Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Keith Sweat, and Babyface.

In addition, a new 12-episode docuseries titled Bobby Brown: Every Little Step premieres May 31 at 10 pm ET/PT. New episodes of the program will run on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT beginning June 7.

Bobby Brown: Every Little Step follows Brown’s day-to-day life with his current wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown and their children. The series will present the Massachusetts native recording new music and preparing for New Edition’s “The Culture Tour.”

Brown Ribbon Entertainment’s Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheredge-Brown serve as executive producers for Biography: Bobby Brown and Bobby Brown: Every Little Step. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for both programs.

Bobby Brown rose to prominence in the early 1980s as part of the R&B boy band New Edition. Following his departure from the group, Brown began his solo career which includes the #1 single “My Prerogative” off the Don’t Be Cruel album.

Kanye West Rep Denies Skid Row Fashion Show Collaboration

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

There were reports that Kanye “Ye” West was working with Skid Row Fashion Week to produce a special runway show. However, someone connected to the rapper/designer is denying those rumors.

TMZ recently published an article claiming Skid Row Fashion Week founder David Sabastian met with Kanye West earlier this month. An alleged collaborative fashion line with Ye was supposedly dropping on February 22. 

“Ye has a deep and solution-oriented commitment to addressing issues surrounding homelessness,” a Yeezy GAP spokesperson told Complex.

The Ye representative continued, “But this reported event is not on our schedule at this time nor are we aware of any product collaboration in development.”

In 2020, Kanye West announced a multi-year deal with Gap for a Yeezy collection. Last month, the 44-year-old entertainer united GAP with luxury fashion house Balenciaga.

While Ye is apparently not preparing to create homeless-influenced clothing, the Grammy winner is supposedly set to drop his Donda 2 album on February 22. Future is said to be executive producing the project.

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

Kanye West Announces “DONDA 2” Due February, Produced By Future

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West has given his fans what they have been waiting for and announced “DONDA 2.”  

The multihyphenate took to Instagram to reveal the release date and artwork for the project. He also announced the album is executive produced by Future.  

“DONDA2 COMING 2 22 22 EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY FUTURE,” he wrote in the caption. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPbxWfJSRd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The album cover features a burning home and could refer to his listening event for “Donda” in Chicago. The event in August last year closed with his childhood home on fire. A Twitter user noted:  

“Kanye basically ended Donda with Come To Life with his home burning down. Donda 2 cover has the home continuing to burn down as he moves on from his past and enters a new life, a new beginning. He is reborn.” 

Kanye West also shared a post via his Instagram Stories revealing the significance of the date the album will drop. “According to the stars,” he wrote. “The United States is finally getting a spiritual makeover with its fest-ever Pluto Return on Feb 22, 2022. Astrologically, Pluto return is when the heavenly body returns to the same position in a birth chart where it was when the chart began.” 

Notably, Pluto is also the nickname of “DONDA 2” producer and the title of his debut studio album. However, an eagle-eyed Twitter user pointed out that February 22 is also the birthday of Kim Kardashian’s later father, Robert.  

https://twitter.com/InkySantana/status/1486777361005699080?s=20&t=KlZzfGn9yrhjVvO5meQuFg

Will “DONDA 2” Arrive On Time?

However, many fans were concerned that the album would be delayed, as is often the way with Kanye West projects.  

https://twitter.com/TheJardTM/status/1486748414327074826?s=20&t=KlZzfGn9yrhjVvO5meQuFg
https://twitter.com/raniya_ahmd/status/1486974380303429634?s=20&t=KlZzfGn9yrhjVvO5meQuFg

Kanye West X Future

Others also commented on the fact “DONDA 2” is produced by the poster boy for toxicity, Future.  

Meanwhile, TMZ reported on Wednesday (Jan. 26) that Kanye West would be collaborating with Skid Row Fashion Week for his next Yeezy commercial. However, according to a rep for the rapper, that’s just not true.  

“This reported event is not on our schedule at this time nor are we aware of any product collaboration in development,” a Yeezy Gap spokesperson said in a statement to The New York Post. 

Drakeo The Ruler Killed In “Modern-Day Lynching” Says Attorney Ahead Of Lawsuit

By: London JennnCategory: News

The music industry suffered a loss after the tragic murder of Drakeo the Ruler, who was brutally stabbed to death at a concert in Los Angeles.  

Rolling Stone spoke to the mother of the rapper’s five-year-old son, who is planning to sue the event promoters. Drakeo the Ruler died following his performance at the Once Upon A Time in L.A. festival in December last year.  

Tianna Purtue said she is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the festival’s organizers, Live Nation, on Monday (Jan. 31). Indie promoters C3 Presents, Bobby Dee Presents, and Jeffrey Shuman will also be named in the lawsuit. The family’s lawyers say they will be seeking at least $20 million in damages.  

Purtue said her legal team played a recording during a press conference on Thursday (Jan. 27) which reportedly shows the backstage attack on Drakeo the Ruler. She has also heard reports of an earlier attack on the rapper minutes before the fatal stabbing.  

Drakeo The Ruler Was “Targeted” Says Attorney

“It just makes no sense,” Purtue told Rolling Stone. “There was no security in sight. No one was there to help until the absolute last moment where he’s fighting for his life. That’s when EMT comes around.” 

She continued, “Where was security? Where were they? Where was their post?” She questioned the absence of backstage security and said “He’s supposed to be protected as an artist. He’s coming to do a show for his fans, and he’s not even protected. It just doesn’t make sense.” 

James Bryant, Purtue’s lawyer, claimed the video shows Drakeo ambushed by at least 40 people. Furthermore, he only had a small entourage with him, and there was no security around. Furthermore, “the fence that separates the public from the artists was opened like it was a wide-open door. They were opening it and closing it like it was a door,” he said.  

Bryant said that though Drakeo the Ruler was not a gang member, the concert was held in an area with deep ties to gangs, South Los Angeles. However, he said as Drakeo was at one time acquitted of the murder of an Inglewood Family Blood, concert promoters should have taken the location into consideration.  

“I looked at that video, and I saw a sea of red. I don’t know if it was specifically gang-related, but I can tell you that all of those people attacking him were dressed in red, and that to me signifies that they were probably Bloods,” Bryant said. “If you look at the video, 40 to 60 people attacked this man who basically had no one there to help him. It was truly a modern-day lynching. They targeted him, knew what they wanted, and achieved their goal.”