Music mogul and recent angel investor, Sean Combs, is helping a group of Philadelphian think-tankers expand their vision of providing resources for creatives looking to move from idea to commerce.
The Bad Boy founder has invested $2 million from his Sean Combs Capital firm into a Philadelphia-based startup called Resources for Every Creator (REC).
Founded by Will Toms and Dave Silver, two alum of Forbes 30 Under 30, in 2015, REC is “an ecosystem designed and dedicated to providing creative people with the resources, communities, and opportunities to pursue their passions and entrepreneurial goals.”
They have given out $2 million dollars to their members to pursue their dreams, bridging brands to those who have the vision to take it to the next level.
REC Philly boasts over 1,000 active members, who have all subscription memberships, and have access to a 10,000 sq ft creative facility, educational programming, and a pool of creatives like themselves to network with within the hub.
Brand partnerships linked in with REC Philly are Live Nation, Comcast, Cash App, WXPN, WSFS Bank, Amuse, Red Bull, T-Mobile, Ballard Spahr & Temple University.
When talking about the investment, Combs said, “Our goal is to make sure that independent creators have the information, tools, and resources needed to win and level the playing field.”
He continued, “This partnership is about the future of the creator economy and helping REC expand to serve more creators in cities and countries around the world.”
Toms said, “Our key focus is turning artists and creators into creative entrepreneurs. We’ve known since the beginning that we weren’t just solving a Philadelphia problem. Access to resources, strategies, and opportunities is a global challenge for creatives everywhere, and with Diddy’s support, we’re excited to bring our solution to communities beyond our hometown of Philly.”
Now, the two are moving REC to Miami, an expansion made possible with Combs’ investment, opening a 12,000-square-foot creative facility equipped with multiple recording studios, photo/video production studios, editing bays, podcast studios, dance studios, design studios, an event venue, coworking space and the in-house production equipment needed to create high-quality media.
“In Philadelphia, much of our success comes from our ability to empower & convene the local creative community, making it easy for both local & global brands to know where they can find & hire creative talent,” Silver said. “Getting artists paid has always been our most impactful metric, and I’m excited to bring that same energy into Miami.”
Toms and Silver are not done with just Philly and Miami locations but hope to expand to other cities throughout the world. In the words of their new investor, “Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop.”
If you’re one of the many who have fallen in love with his music, then you’re certainly not alone. Victor Hugo Almonte Jr., a Florida-born Dominican artist, extremely popular among music lovers and artists alike, has been able to revive the old-school vibes by ensuring that his music stays relevant to today’s generation and culture.
About Famousvicz
Florida-born artist Victor Hugo Almonte Jr. has become immensely popular with international music listeners. As a child, he has always loved music. On a side note, academically, he was pursuing a degree in engineering, but he wanted to have a career in music. So he took some chances and dove in at the age of 20. He worked hard for a few years before gaining enough recognition on SoundCloud to make it his full-time job. His peers’ feedback motivates him most because they can see how far he’s come. The Dominican Republic native has over 22 tracks on SoundCloud, bringing back the golden era of the 1970s when Pop and hip-hop were prevalent on radios across America.
Mixing Digital Samples with Classical Styles
“I’ve been a musician my whole life. I studied classical music and taught myself how to create soundtracks for horror films because it was just as important to me to pay tribute to composers who had come before me as it was to pioneer new ground in my field. Along the way, I realized how badly people need the musical innovations that used to be commonplace in pop culture–which is why I started Famousvicz, he said. His main aim is to bring back the golden era of 1970s pop and hip hop. I feel like there’s no middle ground anymore”, he says.
Why Does He Love Composing?
He believes this is just the beginning, with over 22 music tracks and 2500+ active listeners on a sound cloud. He also expresses his love for composing by stating I find it relaxing; it’s a way to vent my thoughts. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I compose because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Famousvicz says to be successful in life.
One must do what one enjoys because you’ll always be happy doing what you’re passionate about. The internet is saturated with people trying to make it big, but they should just do what they like. As far as advice goes, he says to all artists, never give up and don’t stop until you get your desired outcome.
Sidney Branch better recognized by her stage name “Scilence” is an artist, songwriter, and audio engineer. Born on the 28th of August 1990 in North-East Washington D.C. She attended Studio West Recording School for Audio Engineering, located in San Diego California. Scilence started gaining the starlight with her single called “Crush” ft. Bizzare from the highly praised rap group D12. Scilence’s music production is largely inspired by 1980s synth-pop with a blend of hip hop. Putting these two genres together has gifted her with outstanding soothing melodies, but on the other hand, her adlibs can sound very fiery.
The biggest inconvenience that Scilence faced in being recognized as an upcoming songwriter was when she first started pursuing music. She would go to studios and record labels and pitch her songs to the owners and artists, but no one realized yet just how catchy and unique her style was. At that moment she felt demotivated and rejected but on the other hand, she was hell-bent on having people from all over the world listen to her music.
After being turned down so many times, Scilence started writing music just for herself and began turning into an artist, which she never intended on being. “I never thought in a million years that I’d consider myself an artist at all. I was so new to this and it was so difficult for me to get the songs down. So I started rewriting songs again and again doing the same thing over and over. I found myself so inexperienced when it came to singing and rapping, it felt like the music I had produced was too advanced for someone who was just starting out”, Scilence explains.
Besides being a singer-songwriter Scilence is also an exceptional audio engineer, having experience with major commercial recording studios. Scilence did her engineering internship at a studio called Black Wav Studio which is situated in El Cajon, California. During her internship, she learned various ways and techniques to regulate sound waves and how to regulate them into melodies that sound as soothing as ASMR.
Scilence’s first advice to recording artists trying to break into the music industry would be to “have quality in whatever you do, whether it’s your music videos or your song recordings. In order to achieve that, first, do your research thoroughly and then invest in yourself. Find out the best recording studios, the best videographer, and the best photographer for your album art, and then you’re already one step ahead of most artists trying to get into the industry. Having consistent quality is the key.”
Scilence has just started exploring the nooks and crannies of the music industry. Make sure to support her on her journey by checking out the links given below:
It seems like a suspect connected to the murder of top-tier battle rapper and international star Pat Stay has been arrested by Halifax Regional Police.
During their last update, they were tightlipped, only saying they believed the brutal killing was not random. Now, someone has not only been identified but detained.
In a press release distributed on Saturday afternoon, police say they have arrested, but not yet charged, a 31-year-old man in relation to the homicide death on the 1600 block of Lower Water Street.
This comes a day after asking the local community to help find a cell phone believed to have been found by investigators in the area of Prince and Lower Water Streets after the fatal stabbing.
The arrest comes a day before a memorial is being held in his honor. Family, friends, and his peers in the commercial and battle rap community are set to pay tribute to the man, Eminem said was “one of the best battlers of all time” and Drake proclaimed him as “one of his fav rappers ever.”
hiphop lost one of the best battlers of all time … RIP @patstay .. KINGS NEVER DIE‼️
The tribute for the deceased 36-year-old will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the following venues: District 5, Dear Friend, Side Hustle Bar, Lake City Cider, Celtic Corner, New Scotland Brewing Co., and the Whiskey’s Lounge.
The notice of the memorial said, “Please join his family and friends in a peaceful gathering as we celebrate a Dartmouth Legend.
However, if you cannot make it, the Hip-Hop community is pushing for all that he touched to donate to his GoFundMe, hoping to secure $800,000 to support his family after his demise.
Six days after being up, the organizers raised $203,011.
Stay, aka the Sucka-Free Boss, is survived by his wife and two young children, Alaura Stay and Calvin Royce Stay.
Blac Chyna’s mother, Tokyo Toni, wants people to know she thinks whoever is reporting her daughter’s net worth and monthly earnings is lying.
In an interview with JR Curry and Isiah Curry .. Shieeeeet, Tokyo Toni went ham, putting her daughter on full blast. She was asked to respond to the allegations that her daughter makes $20 million a month on OnlyFans.
She gave it a big “Yeah Right!”
“Let me tell you something, if a b##ch made $20 million a month on OnlyFans and you got your momma still hustling on a corner, b##ch, something wrong,” the celebrity mom said.
Toni added, “If you make $20 million and you have to turn in Rolls Royces and s##t … (shakes her head) … whoever gives these numbers, I don’t know what they are into.”
She said was going to tell Chyna to get her lawyers to correct the narrative and tell people “That’s not true.”
“I don’t believe it because I got eyes and I was around for three and a half months,” the Mom says, before Curry chimes in and says, “That’s $240 million a year.”
Toni claps back, “There ain’t that much d##k sucking, f##king or talking in the world.”
She also said Chyna never told her that it was true, and was even shocked when she heard about the astronomical number from her mother.
The Dominican firecracker said if it were her, she would sue all of the blogs claiming her daughter is banking like that. She said the grounds of her lawsuit are that “it might deter some people” from working with Chyna.
Ultimately, the three concurred that OnlyFans leaked those “fake” numbers to the public to get more people to signup for the pay-for-peep-show platform and it was nobody’s business how much money the former dancer and now social media influencer is getting.
Viola Davis’ new period film “The Woman King” is more than a semi-historical exploration of the Agojie, the warrior women of the Dahomey Kingdom in Africa. It is a story of sisterhood outside of the gaze of patriarchy, it is about coming to terms with your own origin story, the rejection of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and simply put, the beauty of Black women in their purest form.
The Dahomey Kingdom, an empire in West Africa that existed roughly from 1625 to 1894, grew to its most prominent as allies to slavers up until 1852. During this time, according to The Women Soldiers of Dahomey by Sylvia Serbin, the Agojie army (also called the Dahomey Amazons) amassed thousands of warrior women and were some of the most feared soldiers along the coast and central Africa, and even against the French.
Oral tradition speaks about the last Agojie, who died at the age of 100 in 1979. Her name was Nawi and she is the featured character in the Gina Prince Bythewood-directed masterpiece, “The Woman King.”
Davis’ character Nanisca, general of the all-female army, is not just an accomplished fighter, but the prize advisor to King Ghezo—leading his Royal guard— and the model for all of the other young women who desired to dedicate their lives to the sorority of muscle-glistening warriors.
Nanisca is supported by her lieutenant Amenza (Sheila Atim) and third in command Izogie (Lashana Lynch), who throughout the movie remind their general she is human.
All of their mahogany brown skin draped over those perfectly toned bodies, was as breathtaking as the lush African scenery shot by Oscar-Contending Director of Photography, Polly Morgan.
The core of the story centers around Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a young woman whose family deems her worthless because she never submitted to a husband. As a result, her father takes her to the king’s palace, where the Agojie lived and trained.
There, she is accepted. Her value is not measured by matrimony. She is included in the family of the Agojie, a sacrifice that required her and the other girls her age to take a blood oath of celibacy and childlessness in order to be initiated, instructed, and later inducted. Now, as women warriors they will have the respect of the villagers and be protected from the various kinds of assault women of all cultures are subjected to when they are viewed as beneath their male counterparts.
Nanisca has three very clear enemies in the film.
The obvious one is the military foe, the Oyo empire. This slave-selling group is led by a General that years prior, violated the female general in the worse way possible to these Amazonian Dahomey. Her counsel to King Ghezo is to shift from blooding their hands working with them in the slave trade, selling other Africans, and dishonoring themselves before their deities and ancestors, to trading textiles like palm oil and precious metal.
Throughout the film the threat of the Oyo is met with resilience, strategy, and might of an army of women, winning against these masculine brutes in hand-to-hand combat.
The second enemy is one of the king’s wives, who seeks power and desires to be the most influential figure in his court. The clash between Nanisca and this first wife is subtle, as the general refuses to engage her. Still, the wife is as cunning as she is beautiful, and works to use her husband’s affection for her as a manipulative way to give her higher status.
The Woman King Poster Sony Pictures
The third enemy is herself. Nanisca is a top-notch killing machine because she has allowed something very necessary for living to die in her. This suppression of trauma serves her well until fate places her face-to-face with one of the ugliest realities she has worked hard to forget. In fact, Nawi’s character challenges her, forcing her to reckon with the woman she once was, and the one she could be as the Woman King.
The screenplay was masterfully written by Dana Stevens and Maria Bello, who combine the historicity of the Agojie with the compassion of sister circles and the actualization of comic book super-sheroes. Interestingly enough, the Dora Milaje from the hit Marvel franchise, the Black Panther, is based on the Agojie. Their 2018 debut into Americana on a massive scale, opened the appetite for this movie to not only be made but received with open arms and pride.
A Black Girls Rock-sponsored private screening of “The Woman King” welcomed an auditorium of approximately 100 people, all of African descent. As the influencers left the screening room, there were tears mixed with an overwhelming acknowledgment that they had experienced something otherworldly. While some bet the film will be nominated for Best Film at the Oscars, others just were in awe … soaking up the feeling of unspeakable pride felt after the first watch.
So frequently, movies about Africa and slavery make Black people feel dejected, compromised, or angry. Likewise, films about the Black feminine follow dated tropes like “the sister girl,” “the smart best friend,” “the promiscuous one,” “the superwoman/ don’t need a man” or “the mammy.” This marriage of Blackness and womanhood is a tribute to all that is sacred in melanated women.
This love letter to Black women throughout the diaspora does not ignore slavery (even showing in the movie the strength of an enslaved African mother through the good natured-ness of her biracial son) but examines the divine power of the ones, that science says were the first human beings.
One might go in to celebrate a woman king, but you will leave out just celebrating a beautiful tale of womanism, across the board.
For More Information on The Agojie aka the Dahomey Amazons
Tyler Regan’s one-man-show of comedic brilliance coupled with naturalistic writing skills has amassed him a sort of cult-like following with 1.4 million Tik Tok followers and over 2 million followers across all his social media platforms. His comedy-centric content now has over half a billion cumulative views with topics ranging from office life to “Karens”.
Although the Cornell University alum has been creating videos since 2017, he’s best known for his solid mix of commentary on politics and current events and clever representation of awkward everyday life experiences. “Finding your voice is a journey”, Tyler says, “and it wasn’t until the pandemic forced my content to become a one-man show that I truly found mine”.
Having grown up on a steady diet of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Monty Python and Robin Williams, Tyler fell into the comedy profession by accident, quite literally. The realism in his subject matter and deadpan delivery was honed, in part by the misfortune of a college soccer sports injury. He understood how to identify and distill the humorous elements of everyday life to tell relevant stories because, as Robin Williams says, “comedy can be a cathartic way to deal with personal trauma”.
The Philly native is currently filming social media content from a vintage 1976 Airstream while on a cross country trip with his girlfriend but when he returns to Los Angeles, he will continue to parlay his online fame into off-line opportunities that encompass collaborative creative writing for film/tv, as well as other multimedia projects.
Pursuing his comedy dreams in the face of despair, Tyler has the potential to occupy a place in America’s cultural heart.
About Tyler Regan:
For Tyler Regan, a career in comedy was not on his radar. He spent his adolescent and young adult years in Philadelphia tirelessly preparing to become a professional soccer player. However, at the dawn of his childhood vision becoming a reality, he suffered a devastating ankle injury that forced him into premature retirement.
In 2015, Tyler pursued a master’s degree in engineering from Drexel University and settled into an assistant project manager position. Tyler’s then-girlfriend was a content creator who encouraged him to craft and post comical videos on his social media platform. He looked at the opportunity as an outlet to escape the boredom of his 9-to-5 and be his authentically weird self. It wasn’t long before his brand of humor attracted an audience and took on a life of its own, which prompted a move to Los Angeles in 2017 but imposter syndrome set in. While he always had an interest in the film/tv industry, even enrolling in film classes that lead to him composing an original screenplay he submitted to a film festival in his early teens and graduating from Cornell with a BA in media studies.
Once in Hollywood, Tyler continued to put in work by posting daily videos of witty skits alongside actors to his YouTube channel. His dedication and consistency boosted his popularity and kept his subscribers eagerly tuned in for 2 years but he still hadn’t found his niche. And then the pandemic hit. The digital entertainer used the lockdown to pivot to TikTok and build the kind of content he wanted to make with the confidence that his tribe would gravitate towards him.
21 Savage, the Atlanta-raised and London-born rapper has asked a judge to impede some evidence from a previous run-in with law enforcement, an altercation he believes was unlawful.
According to TMZ, the “Rap Saved Me” artist wants any evidence connected to his 2019 traffic stop suppressed.
His lawyers have filed a motion to have a court stop the prosecution from using it because he believes the officers had no reason to pull him over. He says if they would not have flagged him in the first place, they would not have found the narcotics and weapons in the vehicle.
A police report alleges 21 Savage tossed a bottle of codeine out of the car when he and his entourage were pulled over. They also say they found a firearm in the car.
If he is convicted of this crime, the artist will be deported back to the United Kingdom. However he argues, he should not have been stopped in the first place, and outside of the lean allegedly thrown out the window, having a gun is not an issue.
“There was no illegality for the weapon to be in the car,” 21 Savage stated.
Allhiphop.com reported in April of 2022 that the artist’s three-year immigration status woes have taken a turn for the worst.
Back then, the Dekalb County District Attorney’s office put a hold on his immigration fight while criminal charges filed by ICE are cleared up. He simply has no idea what will happen if his Hail Mary of the defense – they should not have stopped me in the first place – does work.
Jennifer Hudson is “still processing” her newfound EGOT status.
The “Dreamgirls” star has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award – earning her the coveted “EGOT” status.
First winning an Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls,” then two Grammys – one for her self-titled album – and an Emmy for “Baba Yaga,” Jennifer won her first Tony Award for “A Strange Loop” in June.
Reflecting on her newfound status in an interview on CBS Mornings, Jennifer said, “I’m still processing it. To be able to know fully what that means, the company that I’m in… ‘Cause it came as a surprise. I did not fully see it coming.”
Winning a Tony as a producer for “A Strange Loop” made Jennifer the 17th person – and the youngest female – in history to achieve EGOT status.
“I went there to celebrate the cast for getting 11 nominations, and I don’t feel like I’ve been present. And then when they said, Strange Loop, best musical, I was cheering for them,” she recalled. “And once we get on the stage, everybody started chanting, ‘EGOT, EGOT,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, what?'”
Jennifer revealed that she bought a keepsake to remember the moment.
Already owning a ring with the letters “EGO” to commemorate her achievements before the Tony Award, she now also owns a charm with the number “17.”
Typically, divorce is difficult for the average person.
However, when it comes to celebrities and their exes, it could be crazier than anyone could ever imagine.
R&B singer Ne-Yo can attest to that. As the chart-topping songwriter is involved in a messy divorce with his estranged wife, Crystal Smith, some mess-ups are costly.
According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, the award-winning songwriter is “so sick” after his wife demanded primary custody of their kids, child, and spousal support, and possibly violated a court order that said they should not harass each other.
He believes she did this by slamming him in public, specifically pointing to an emotional Instagram post she made before she filed for divorce last month.
The post was captioned, “8 years of lies and deception. 8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and husband with numerous of women who sell their bodies to him unprotected … every last one of them! To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is an understatement. To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist.”
Smith has told people he cheating on her and is about to have a baby with another woman.
The two were married on Feb. 20, 2016, separated on July 22, 2022, and Crystal submitted her petition for divorce on Aug. 1, 2022.
Mr. “Irreplaceable” believes things are going “to the left, to the left,” after Crystal is spreading his business around to anyone that would listen, including the paparazzi.
A motion from his lawyers says, “To date, [Ne-Yo] has loss approximately $400,000 in wages associated with public appearances, professional bookings, and promotional efforts related to the promotion of his new musical project,” because of her actions.
He believes a judge should hold her in contempt and force her to delete the Instagram posts about him, barring her from venting about their situation to the public.
Three West Coast rap legends are teaming up to produce a brand new animated series.
According to Deadline, Ice-T and NWA founding members Arabian Prince and Dr. Dre will link to make “Death For Hire: The Origin of Tehk City.”
Theproject will be both a graphic novel through Z2 Comic and animated series and has been created by Ice-T, Arabian Prince, and artist Tommy The Animator. Dr. Dre will make an original score for the work.
There are plans to expand it from the series into music, toys, and NFTs.
To make the project pop, the producers have enlisted the following people to do voiceover work on the cartoon.
In addition to Ice-T, who is a notable actor, having starred in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for 22 seasons as the character who has the distinction of being the fourth-longest running prime-time live-action character of all time, he has cast his wife Coco, Snoop Dogg, Tracy Morgan, Busta Rhymes, Mike Epps, Treach, Arabian Prince, Peter Scanavino, Roxanne Shanté, Ben Baller, Styles P, Tone Trump, Emilio Rivera, Tommy The Animator and Shannon Eric Denton to appear on the show.
Deadline breaks down the synopsis this way: “Crooked Mayor Chuck Davis (Ice-T), his deadly female assassin Rhonda Knuckles (Coco), and right-hand-man Maniac Max (Treach) must navigate the savage law of the street. With his hands occupied with everything from money laundering to hired hits, Davis tries to stay one step ahead of the competition in the Round Table Gang—Benny Tang (Ben Baller), Azul Michoacan (Emilio Rivera), and Vinny “Pipes” Roselli—who have controlled the black market undercurrent of Tehk City for years.”
“But information comes at a price, especially when purchased by Pretty Black (Snoop Dogg), whose black market network feeds him intelligence from the furthest reaches of Tehk City,” the publication adds.
“Davis and his crew will soon learn that grabbing power from the top dog can take you sky high or drag you to the grave,” it reads.
There was a remix that was being promoted and it featured Megan Thee Stallion and the legendary Lil Kim. We had the exclusive! And I was proud to break the news! However, all did not work out according to plan, b.
The “Plan B” remix was taken off line as quickly as it came. The song was banging and it had Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Kim trading bars back-and-forth on the song. However, something went wrong. The song was only up for a couple of hours. Before I continue, it does live online in an un-official capacity. After listening, it is clear that Kim just busted a rap and then they added Meg’s original song.
At the moment, nobody knows what actually happened. There are some rumors though. Some people have suggested that the song was not official and people put it out before it was sanctioned. And that resulted in the abrupt takedown. But, there were other rumors that may few why it was removed. 50 Cent immediately started up with Lil’ Kim, stating that Kim was talking about Nicki Minaj‘s child in the song. Kim brush that off, admitting that she was talking about an ex!
And that is when her ex came into the picture. Mr. Papers is her former dude & baby daddy and he immediately responded to the takedown.
A lot of people have speculated that 50 Cent or Nicki Minaj had the song moved, but that does not seem to be the case. The reality is is Megan Thee Stallion never posted the song on her Instagram or her YouTube channel. It just seems that for some reason, both parties were not on board with this song. And that does not mean Meg did it. It is more feasible that her label shut it down.
That said, we wish all the best for Kim, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion.
An NFT company has filed a lawsuit against rapper Tyga regarding his breach of contract on a project.
Allegedly, the chart-topper went ghost on a half-a-million opportunity, where he was supposed to create a custom set of digital art offerings around his image and likeness.
According to Yahoo! Entertainment, Kreation Technologies says the rapper bailed out of the deal and stalled the $500,000 effort. Tyga received a signing bonus of $100,000.
It read in part, “‘Ten Thousand TYGA’ is the superstar’s latest foray into the NFT space and his first into the world of contemporary CryptoArt with partners Kreation.”
“As the trend for digital memorabilia explodes,” it continued. “TYGA creates a special NFT collection for his fans, inspired by the iconic tombs of ancient pharaohs with a techno-futuristic vibe.”
The lawsuit says the “Too Many” artist was supposed to “facilitate the design, creation, production, marketing, sale, and distribution of NFTs in exchange for the use and incorporation of TYGA’s name, image, likeness, music, and artwork.”
He was supposed to do three “drops.” One of the drops would have had 10,000 unique NFTs. Another one would feature 75 unique NFTs. The last drop is an exclusive NFT creation for only one mega buyer.
The auction was to start on June 17th on Mafic Eden at 5 p.m. (BST).
Thus, the artist’s participation was said to be “critical to the success” of the project.
The complaint also said they needed Tyga to “utilize his status and public following to endorse and gain exposure” to help sell the NFTs to fans when they dropped.
Tyga’s breach is directly related to him not posting about the project on social media, specifically Instagram and Twitter, not doing interviews with the press, and not appearing in various Twitter Space conversations and Reddit “Ask Me Anything” Forums.
Kreations says Tyga did nothing to promote the art on the day of the drops, failing to “materially participate in the promotion and marketing of the project.”
The New York Police Department believes they know who defaced a mural of deceased rapper the Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace.
According to the New York Post, the vandalism of the Brooklyn artwork was captured on surveillance footage, released a video late Wednesday.
At midnight on Friday, August 26th, the footage captured the person walking with a white bag to the mural on St. James Place and Fulton Street in Clinton Hill. This is the block where Biggie grew up.
The footage shows him splashing black paint on Biggie’s face and later writing the words in red spray paint over it, “East Coast.”
Officers are looking to track down the suspect who destroyed Vincent Ballentine’s masterpiece on the outdoor wall of the Beauty World Salon.
Ballentine took to social media and spoke about the desecration of his iconic mural.
One fan thought it was awful, commenting, “BIG UPS to you bc I was just thinking of the foul treatment of a legend on his namesake … it’s also a straight violation of spectacular art. Thank you for fixing it because we value seeing that on your corner!.”
“It’s the people who gentrified our town Bedstuy,” another one said, despite Biggie actually being from Clinton Hill and possibly hustled in the Stuy. “They need to leave and go back where they came from.”
The person’s whose name is @BottlesUp_Ent went on to say, “I’m 2014 I went on St. James the Junior Mafia to celebrate B.I.G. birthday and was told by some new comer that he doesn’t want his kids to see us in front of the building B.I.G. lives in and he called the cops and we had to leave. This year he couldn’t stop it so I know there are a lot of people like that guy who are upset that the culture is still there. It’s sad but true, we all need to love where we come from before other people come in and treat and claim it as their own.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams even addressed the situation shortly after the mural was vandalized.
“Biggie is a hero to our community, and that’s darn sure not how you spread love the Brooklyn way, as Biggie would say,” Adams said. “We’re going to look into that and make sure that mural is cleaned up and repaired because this has a place there and it remains there, and we want to find the person responsible.”
We hope the police find the person who violated the King of Brooklyn memorial.
R&B singer Ari Lennox dropped her sophomore studio LP, age/sex/location, on September 9. The Dreamville recording artist’s latest project features Lucky Daye, Chlöe, and Summer Walker.
“There were so many times where she just invited me to have dinner, just sweet friendship stuff that honestly is very rare to me,” said Ari Lennox about her collaborator. “I want more of that, I love that from Summer.”
Lennox continued, “Yeah, I don’t feel like my friends take me out like that. Well, [Dreamvile co-founder Ibrahim Hamad] and Dreamville, they do. They look out for me a lot. But specifically, Summer has taken me out a few times, she’s so lovely. Yes, I have chills. I didn’t even realize how special that is to me until I’m talking about it right now. Oh my God, I love that about her.”
Ari Lennox Applauds Her Dreamville Boss J. Cole
In addition, Ari Lennox also discussed Dreamville’s other top executive, J. Cole. She praised the Fayetteville, North Carolina representative for how he cares for himself and other people.
“It’s good energy, that’s a healthy man and a very, very great example. Literally how he takes care of himself and then the people that he surrounds us with,” Lennox stated. “The therapy resources that he literally helps so many people in the team.”
The “Pressure” vocalist added, “All the people around him constantly just helping people mentally, emotionally, and spiritually a really, really good person. I strive to be as healed as I feel Cole is, like he’s a good man.”
Missy Elliott Is One Of Lennox’s Inspirations
In the interview with Zane Lowe, Ari Lennox reflected on her musical inspirations as well. Lennox expressed her appreciation for accomplished songwriter Teedra Moses and Hip Hop/R&B legend Missy Elliott.
“It’s definitely a lot of just Missy vibes and Teedra Moses. I just love Soul and R&B so much, I literally listen to it so much,” Lennox told Lowe. “It’s everything to me so it’s going to always ooze out naturally with my melodies, with my writing style. It’s just always going to come out. All of these legendary people they’re always going to come out.”
Lennox’s age/sex/location follows the 2019 album, Shea Butter Baby. That project peaked at #67 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the title track featuring J. Cole as Platinum (1 million units).
Social media personality Rolling Ray got involved in the reignited beef between 50 Cent and Lil Kim.
50 Cent mocked Lil Kim’s daughter after claiming she dissed Nicki Minaj’s son on Megan Thee Stallion’s “Plan B” remix. Mr. Papers, the father of Lil Kim’s child, fired back at 50 Cent on Instagram Stories.
“@50cent keep my Daughter out ya internet comedy,” he wrote.
Mr. Papers later received a direct message from Rolling Ray on Instagram. Rolling Ray suggested Mr. Papers’ response was weak.
“It ain’t comedy when he directly disrespects your daughter,” Rolling Ray wrote. “& as uh man you look weak allowing him to do just that. But u soo new York?? Do better tighten up.”
50 Cent’s longstanding feud with Lil Kim resurfaced due to his trolling on Instagram. The G-Unit rapper encouraged Nicki Minaj to diss the Junior M.A.F.I.A. member after the “Plan B” remix dropped.
“@nickiminaj you better light her ass up i’m watching,” he wrote. “she said something about the baby, her baby eye fvcked up. LOL.”
Lil Kim denied 50 Cent’s claims about her referencing Nicki Minaj’s son.
“I never said a word about anyone’s child … please feel free to listen to the song where we were clearly talking about an EX,” she wrote on Instagram Stories. “To try and twist my words to have an excuse to take digs at my child is disgusting. I’m one of the most disrespected legends in the game but what you will not do is come for MY CHILD.”
Read more about 50 Cent and Lil Kim’s latest war of words here.
Lil Gotit put a vandal on notice for messing with his brother Lil Keed’s grave.
The Alamo Records rapper admonished the vandalism in an Instagram Stories post on Thursday (September 8). Lil Gotit made it clear he would take action if he ever catches the person responsible for disrespecting Lil Keed’s grave.
“Whoever going to keed grave tryna unscrew him out the wall And stuff when I catch u it ain’t gone be nan nice so I hope u see this message!!!!” he wrote.
The YSL member died days after Young Thug, Gunna and others were indicted in a sweeping RICO case. Lil Keed, who wasn’t indicted, denied the allegations against his fellow YSL members prior to his death.
“YSL is a family,” he wrote on Instagram. “YSL is a label. YSL is a way of life. YSL is a lifestyle. YSL is not a gang. YSL is not a criminal [organization]. YSL is not a street gang. YSL is not a mob.”
Lil Keed died shortly after defending his YSL brethren. Lil Gotit mourned his brother’s death on social media.
“Can’t believe I seened u die today bro I did all my cries I know what u want me to do and that’s go hard for Mama Daddy Our Brothers Naychur and Whiteboy #ImaHoldthisShitDown,” he wrote.
View Lil Gotit’s warning about the grave vandalism below.
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir are expecting their second child together.
Ka’oir disclosed her pregnancy in an Instagram video on Friday (September 9). She referenced lyrics from Gucci Mane’s song “Mrs. Davis” in the post’s caption.
“’Let’s Have Another Baby ICE Needs Somebody To Play With’ @laflare1017 @icedavis1017,” she wrote.
The footage showed Ka’oir bringing a pregnancy test to her husband while he was in bed. He smiled after seeing the test was positive.
Ka’oir’s video then shifted to her getting an ultrasound. The couple heard their baby’s heartbeat, prompting a comment from Gucci Mane.
“It got stronger,” he said in the clip.
The 1017 Records rapper married Ka’oir in 2017. Their son Ice Davis was born in 2020.
Earlier this year, Gucci Mane gave $1 million in cash to his wife for her birthday. He also posted a glowing message about Ka’oir on Instagram.
“Happy Birthday to my wife the most beautiful woman in the world and the best thing ever came into my life,” Gucci Mane wrote in January. “I love you Mrs Davis 4ever and appreciate and will never take you for granted. I got the perfect wife and family and I got your back 4life @keyshiakaoir.”
Check out the couple’s pregnancy announcement below.
Nearly everybody who knows anything about the music industry knows just how cutthroat it can be. Feezy350 is no exception. He’d used this ideology early on in his career to his advantage though by using it as a source of motivation. As soon as he got past any of the possible doubts he may have encountered at the start, Feezy350 A.K.A. GBPreach went all out in his pursuit of success on his own path.
Achieving that quickly, getting his work on NBA2k 07,and having also worked with the likes of T-Pain, Pitbulls team, and countless other household names. Feezy350 continues to build his empire day by day working hard on both already active plans as well as coming up with new ones. Experiencing his fair share of obstacles through the years, Feezy350 has beaten the odds time and time again.
Acknowledging his own role in some of the situations he’d found himself in, Feezy350 hopes to be an influence on the youth and a warning that although he has found what he was looking for, his mistakes in the past could have cost him his whole future. He doesn’t want to see that happen to anyone else. One thing Feezy350 does in an effort to make a change for the better is advocating for such a simple thing as “patience”. Being well educated and an above-average talent with consistent work and progression, Feezy350 regularly shows why he is the man worth knowing in the 2022 music industry.
With the 4th quarter of 2022 approaching and a new year on the way, artists are going extra hard with their music. Verified Hustler presents you with some of the most talented artists from around the world along with their latest releases. In alphabetical order are rising talents you want to get familiar with. Look out for these artists and their new music in 2023! Read more on Verified Hustler Mag and Midwest Fleet Radio.
AJ Reynolds – “Out The Box” – Hit after hit, AJ Reynolds has proven himself to be a lyrical success as well as securing a spot on NBC TV’s ‘The Four’ to perform in front of Diddy, DJ Khaled, and the world. His new release, “Out The Box”, is a 19-song album that changes vibes within the blink of an eye. The title speaks itself into existence. You have to think outside the box. You need to be different. You need to stand out. You need to be different from the gimmicks and the Hollywood clones walking around the industry like zombies. IG: @Realajreynolds
Armanti Weeks – “Tell Me” – Armanti Weeks is an incredibly talented R&B/soul singer from Los Angeles, CA who’s been getting heaps of appreciation from his growing audiences. Wanderer and Tell Me are two of his most soulful tracks that mirror If you want to groove to a soulful track, Armanti’s voice is one of the most beautiful vocals you will hear. IG: @armantiweeks
Awks Cord – “Money Talk” – Awks Cord – is a Pacific Northwest artist who’s been making waves across the U.S this year. Her new single “Money Talk” is an instant classic. It’s a very vibey track, with pure sounding ethereal production. Check it out now! IG: @awkscord_
Butta The Preacher – “Crazy About God” – Butta The Preacher is now at the top of the global music charts with his new hit single “Crazy About God” ft. Shallon Tore’ and Emcee N.I.C.E. Butta The Preacher is a native of Indiana whose music career as a Christian hip hop artist is something the music industry’s been needing. At 21 years old, he was shot 9 times and left for dead. Soon after that, he was hit by a drunk driver, where he flatlined and was brought back to life. During that moment, Butta The Preacher, who was once Butta Gutta, announced his calling to the gospel. He now calls his rhymes sermons on beats and he is bringing the church to the streets! This song is the Holy Anthem! #CAG IG: @ButtaThePreacher
CasinoATX – “Wanna Ride” – CasinoATX drops “Wanna Ride” from his stellar album The Street Nerd. With a hard trunk-rattling beat from his stalwart production team RawWitDaDaw, Casino delivers a southern pimpish flow, about the ladies’ love of his immaculate cars. Already getting spins from DJ Chuck T, DJ BrooklynRich, and GoDJ DJ J Corey Lamar, “Wanna Ride” is proving to be a late summer banger, for the clubs and the streets. IG: @CasinoATX
Dat Kidd Krillz – “Get Up” ft. 62 ShootaVil – Rising artist Dat Kidd Krillz drops a new hit single titled “Get Up” ft. 62 ShootaVil. Rinserz Only Entertainment is coming with the heat! Check out this dope joint now and follow Dat Kidd Krillz For his latest releases. IG: @datkidd_krillz
Detroit Barbie – “That Ain’t My Thot” ft. FL Dusa – Detroit Barbie just dropped a hot new video titled “That Ain’t My Thot” ft. FL Dusa. The hit single is a remake of “it ain’t my fault” by Silkk the Shocker. Detroit Barbie states, “this video was so much fun to create. The party scene turned into a real party that went on to 4 am while they worked diligently to get all the shots needed.” The Atlanta-based artist, who is signed to Pure Life Entertainment, continues to impress with her hard-core rhymes and sexy styles. IG: @OfficialDetroitBarbie
Flipstyle – “Creation of Music” – Flipstyle continues to elevate not only the hip hop industry but entertainment as a whole. His new album, Creation of Music, is starting to end straight fire. Among so many amazing songs, Flipstyle’s new album features the breakthrough single: Modern Entertainment, Part 1. You can expect a lot more from this up-and-coming artist, so be sure to follow him on social media for his latest releases. IG: @FlipstyleMusic
Gio Genesis – “Wasting Away” – 23-year-old New York artist Gio Genesis has shared a potent new single called “Wasting Away.” If you are a fan of stars such as Giveon, Khalid, and Daniel Caesar, you will be a fan of Gio Genesis’s soulful melodies and his story. Fresh Scoops describe his music as “a nostalgic sound with a conscientious take on the future.” Gio’s melodic structure and unique lyricism make him a force to be reckoned with. IG: @_giogenesis
Haze OPC – “Together” – Bringing the feeling back to music with the success of his latest hit singles, “Together” and “All White (Feeling Godly)”, Haze OPC Is preparing the world for his upcoming album “MyGODMySelfMyFamily&I In GOD We Trust”, which is set to drop 9/22/22. Haze OPC has been delivering nonstop hits, bringing his sound more to life meanwhile giving hope and inspiring many others around the world. He just reached a celebratory milestone of 1 million streams. Look out for his new album dropping soon! IG: @Mr_paper_chaser_opc
Ike Rhein – “Summer Breeze” – Ike Rhein is a 20-year-old Pop singer based in Miami, Fl. Ike Rhein discovered his voice and passion for music at a young age. He learned how to play numerous instruments, and began creating melodies, compositions, and songs as a child. He’s accumulated a sizable following and millions of streams and views. Ike Rhein has collaborated with various notable talents such as multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Vinny DeLeon, platinum artist Luh Kel, YN Jay, and Grammy-nominated Andy Vandette. With a fusion of futuristic notes and nostalgic vocals, Ike Rhein’s distinctive sound is on its way to the forefront of the global stage. Look out for his highly anticipated debut EP, Memoir, dropping this year. IG: @IkeRhein
Jxck Wolf – “Rolling Up” ft. Fritz Victor – Jxck Wolf is a Canadian-based music producer, artist, musician, and songwriter. His new release was composed by Jxck Wolf and written, recorded, and performed by both Fritz Victor and Jxck Wolf. Fritz has mainly been known for his music production, this track is his debut song as a vocal artist and singer. They tried to emulate that feeling of riding through your city then “rolling up” and meeting up with the crew and having a night out on the town. This is the ultimate cruising track for the summer! IG: @Jxck_Wolf
Jeweliet – “Prescription” – Jeweliet is a New York City-based R&B and Pop artist. Her new single “Prescription” is about addictive energy and good vibes! It’s about how sometimes you have bad days and need someone to make everything okay. The cure is about letting go of what’s weighing you down and letting somebody be your healing, be your Rx. In this world, we all have problems, no matter what race or gender we are. She believes everyone carries the prescription to subscribe to friends or their significant other. IG: @Theycallmejeweliet
Joseph Carney & IAMTHELIVING – “The Reverse” – The Reverse music video is a unique, conceptual new offering from acclaimed filmmaker Joseph Carney made in collaboration with Juno-winning musician IAMTHELIVING. Having both grown up in the UK before relocating to Canada, the two artists joined forces to create this one-of-a-kind piece, halfway across the world from their shared homeland. This video is a must-see! IG: @iamtheliving
LÉA THE LEOX – “T.V.” – Los Angeles-based singer LÉA THE LEOX shares an infectious new single called “T.V.” This release showcases her genre-bending versatility and sharp songwriting skills. Boasting a diverse, colorful sonic palette that draws from nu-disco, R&B, pop, and more, “T.V.” makes for a buoyant, refreshing sound suitable for the summer. IG: @leatheleox
Lon Sterling – “Butterfly” – Growing up in California, Lon Sterling quickly found his passion for music, leaving the states at the young age of 18 to travel around Europe with his band, he has experienced a diverse set of cultures and has brought his experience to life through his music. Lon Sterling is an artist you definitely want to keep an eye on. IG: @lonsterling
Naeem Reign – “Chanty” – Naeem Reign is a New Jersey-based singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer who has worked with many celebrities such as Gillie Da King, Young Ma, Philadelphia Freeway, Jadakiss, DMX, and more. Naeem Reign’s energies are felt worldwide and maybe even universal. Check out his new album “Chanty” now! IG: @Naeem_Reign
NLB Mateo – “Down” ft. Maino – NLB Mateo is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter. Previously known as the “Teen Triple Threat Xavier”. His management teams Bossed Up & AOS Entertainment have an enigmatic talent on their hands and plan for a dominant 2023. NLB Mateo’s new single “Down” features an incredibly-laced verse from NYC Hip-Hop veteran, Maino as well as a smooth serenade from the singer himself. IG: @NLBMateo
Nukstarr – “Bird Flu” – Nukstarr is a Queens, NY-based hip hop artist who’s performed with Juelz Santana, Benny the Butcher, Maino, Jim Jones, and more. In July 2021, she established Nukcleairs, which is her own brand of sneakers. She then created her own label, Prominent Sound Music Group with her best friend Delisa “De-De” Noble. With the release of Bird Flu, a collab with Hot 97’s DJ Chris Dollar, she and her team believe “She Got One!” IG: @Nukstarr
P.A.T. Louisiana’s Finest & Los Musick – Too Much Fire is simply a hit record! It has all of the elements that you are looking for..Sizzling chicken frying in grease from the best-fried chicken in the world, soul-shifting motivation in the lyrics and hook to grab your attention with rhythmic bounce that will have your head bobbing and your feet stomping! IG: @losmusick & @instapat
Rahmón P. – “Water & Wine” – Rising artist and producer Rahmón P. from New Orleans, La is back with a new single “Water & Wine” off his third upcoming album 5D PASTELS, produced by him as well. Check it out now! IG: @RahmonParker
Rich Ash – “It Takes Pape To Play” – Rich Ash is a rising artist and producer from Detroit, MI who has the full package. Lyrical, witty, luxurious, creative, and optimistic are a few ways one might describe him. The music depicts life lessons, struggles, blessings, success, and plethora of other things. Rich has pioneered his path in the music world with catchy street music that proudly illuminates his hometown and hood. Get familiar with him now. IG: @RichAshWealthy
Rich Soul – “Back Outside” – Rich Soul is Lamar Kash, Noez Newton & Astro Jetsun. The 3 brothers were born in Nashville, TN, and raised in Atlanta, GA. Growing up in a single-mother household, music always provided a voice to the brothers where no one else could. Rich Soul’s main influences were R&B and Gospel music. They fell in love with the sound and it continues to shape their musical artistry today. Rich Soul is poised to become great with a unique sound and a profound message. Check out their new release “Back Outside” now! IG: @RichSoul
S.Burley – “Shaka Zulu” ft. Yung Splita – Shaka Zulu is by far S.Burley’s greatest hit. This song embodies the energy of a spirit warrior. The way Andres Yepes directed and edited the music video gives off a cinematic look and feel. S.Burley does not miss his music. His talent is one of a kind and he lives up to the hype of being the future of hip hop. IG: @sburleytbjr
Senior. – “Weekday” – Australian Rapper Senior. debuts in the U.S with his hit Weekday which has a co-sign from Fat Joe. The song has one of the catchiest hooks of the year by Australian R&B Singer, Pasika. They’ve been making music together for 10+ years and were featured in NYC’s Time Square! Senior. is an artist, entrepreneur and business owner who has a record label, 2 boxing gyms, a clothing brand, and a property development company. IG: @JarryDSenior
Shooby – “Some” – Shooby is from Compton, CA. With mellow fresh rhymes and beats, the SoCal rapper covers subjects that explore what it’s like to stay alive and survive. Shooby’s rap style comes as a surprise. He’s not like other rappers, and he’s not trying to be. IG: @shooby
SS Naro – “Best Friends” – SS Naro is an artist from Detroit, MI. He has a hot song titled Best Friends off his Closing Arguments album. He has a unique sound mixed with the best of both worlds. SS Naro is a rapper, but also sings as well. Best Friends is the most requested song on his album. The song has a great tempo that creates a great vibe. IG: @ @thagod_naro
Tae Envy – “Take It Off” – Emerging multi-talented artist & songwriter Tae Envy from Detroit’s west side started doing music at the age of 16. The inspiration behind his music comes from his family. His dad is a musical genius with the piano and his brother battles raps. He released his debut single “Take It Off”, which surpassed 100k+ views. Later on, dropping his first EP “Envy” under his new label 600 Forever Ent. Look out for his new music coming soon! IG: @TaeEnvy
Tree Boogy – “Life Too Short” – Rising artist Tree Boogy just released a hot new single titled “Life Too Short”. His new single is about focusing on life’s important moments and realizing what’s real and fake. Check it out now! IG: @TreeBoogy
Trench Twins – “Trench SZN” – Summer 2022 served us with a heat wave coming up out of the trenches! In doing so, hip-hop brotherly duo, Trench Twins delivered their trendy track Trench SZN from their My Brother’s Keeper project. That album served as their debut project as a group. In doing so, they beautifully blended Reggaeton, R&B, dancehall, and drill. Capturing catchy sounds in what felt like a night on the town in the city. IG: @Trench.Twins
UnLearn The World –“Never That” – UnLearn The World kicked in the door to 2022 with an underground anthem that got a special assist from Mr. Bing Bong himself Nems for the Bingy remix to his self-produced track “Never That”. Though based in the Bay Area, UnLearn didn’t stray far from his Uptown NYC roots to deliver a grimey beat with quick wit, social commentary, and bravado in every bar, starting the song with “F**k the internet I’m popular in real life. Some of y’all will never know what that feels like…”. IG: @UnLearnTheWorld
