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MPR Riche Rich On His Song “Live In The Moment” & Why He Rocks Horns

By: Shirley Ju Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 3:02pmCategory: Features

MPR Riche Rich is here to remind you to “Live In The Moment,” which is also the name of his standout single that was released at the top of this year. Immediately when you hear “Granny we made it! We poppin’ bottles we counting this money, we standing on tables,” you already know the good vibes that are about to ensue.

Hailing from the West Side of Detroit, the rising star is here to spread nothing but motivation and positivity, ingrained with a hustler’s mentality since he can remember. Growing up in a family of 5 and having to take care of his siblings and family, Riche Rich prides himself in his humility and entrepreneur mindset, while using his marketing expertise to push and brand himself as a recording artist.

Riche describes himself as an “entrepreneur, family man, businessman, but the most important thing right now is artist. That’s my deliverance to the world about who I am, what I do, and why I do it. Being an artist gave me the flavor that gives people the cool look that people attract to, versus giving it to them straightforward about what it is that they need to be doing, how they should be doing it, or what part of life matters. Gave them the different appearance for a different situation to give them the same gain.”

MPR stands for Money, Power, Respect, and MPR Riche Rich is the true definition of a go-getter. Beyond music, Rich operates a podcast and plays every role in the art of filmmaking. He’s also writing his own book titled “Life Without The Possibility To See Daylight.”

AllHipHop: You’re from Detroit. I feel like more than ever, Detroit is having its moment in hip-hop.

MPR Riche Rich: Detroit got a crazy wave right now! That’s the crazy thing about it: when I left Detroit, this was 2014, it was hard to get the Detroit sound even to be heard. We had people that were hot, but they were just hot in the city. They weren’t globally accepted. Now, they’re taking it to another platform of letting other artists in the door, which we still haven’t necessarily crossed over a certain plateau because there’s still gatekeepers there. But we’ve seen Big Sean there, we’ve seen Tee Grizzley. That’s industry, and that’s where it crossed over versus us being independent and being stuck in a certain category.

AllHipHop: Do you consider yourself different from the other Detroit rappers?

MPR Riche Rich: Yes, very well. The difference between me and them is they keep a certain image or a certain look on how they’re seen. I take it to another level because I’m more of a global type of person. I got songs overseas with people in Greece that are superstars. I’ve got songs with people in Europe, other countries. I’m not more so trying to be seen in just the city, it’s a worldly thing versus I just wanna be known in America or to these certain type of people.

I’m literally trying to be known all over the world, we’re trying to plan a world tour based off of this “Live in the Moment” song. That’s what separates the category, bringing knowledge to the game that I come with, versus what most artists are doing. They’re just musicians. They don’t know the business, they’re not trying to learn the business. They’re trying to get signed, versus me not trying to get signed and do the same thing that signed artists are doing.

AllHipHop: You were actually in the military. Were you doing that before the music?

MPR Riche Rich: Yeah, I joined in 2008 and it kept going till 2013 when I got out. But I had an incident inside where I was in prison. Once I got out, I said “I’m gonna just push music.” Because I was already living the rapper’s lifestyle, I just wasn’t a rapper. I’m a step into it and take it serious, do it the right way. Have something you can be known for honorably, without people looking at you with judgment. That’s why I went to the military: to have a legacy. To say you did something with yourself, to say you didn’t waste your time. When it was “hey, what do you do next?” — because to most people, that looked like I failed because I got out.

It really was all a learning process for me because it showed me how to move now that I’m in the music. I have more patience. I have more longevity. I have more tenacity to the situation. I’m understanding. Everything’s more enhanced because I went through a certain training that the average person never even went through. That’s what gives me a different outlook on life and that’s what separates me again from a regular Detroit artist.

Nobody from Detroit has been in the military. If they have, I don’t really know that part. But in today’s society, most people haven’t been to the military coming out of Detroit. Even when I went to the military, it was a big deal. “You talking about going to the military? We in the military in the streets!” It took it to another level doing that.

AllHipHop: Were you doing music in the military?

MPR Riche Rich: No, I didn’t do music in the military. I was being a soldier at that point.

AllHipHop: What’d you learn about yourself?

MPR Riche Rich: I learned a lot of stuff. I went airborne, so I was jumping out of planes. I learned how to not lash out to things, like you’ve gotta be able to hold so much stuff. You’ve gotta be able to take in so much stuff because there’s so many things happening. What they’re training you for is to be ready for any given moment, any situation. No matter if you’ve got bullets coming at you, you still gotta be locked and loaded. You still gotta be aware. You can’t run and there’s bullets coming at you. You gotta think to shoot because your battle might be getting hit, you gotta help him and shoot.

It taught you things differently than the streets. The streets teach you to be aware, but this was another level of awareness because it was trained awareness, versus your natural abilities and your natural instincts of being like “Oh something’s going on, get out of there” or do something to react to it. This taught you how to react, why to react, when to react. It was a different type of training versus “Oh, I’m just aware because of my surroundings.” It was tactics and training that even somebody like Detroit D.U.S.T, he’s going crazy right now with the tactical training.

AllHipHop: What is tactical training?

MPR Riche Rich: Where he’s showing people how to get out of situations. When you’re in situations, you gotta learn how to get out of them. Seeing that is a whole nother platform of that’s what we was taught. Now, can you use this in real life? You learn how to use it in real life versus just seeing something on TV, and that’s the difference.

AllHipHop: Who are your biggest influences? Who made you want to do music?

MPR Riche Rich: I was a big fan of Big Herk, Blade, Trick Trick, those guys were people who I idolized coming up because they were in the city. Then you have the Lil Wayne’s, the Jay Z’s, the Dr. Dre’s, Master P’s and all of them. Yo, these guys are doing this on a whole nother level. At the given time, I was just a student. I wasn’t really in it to be a musician, I just like the game. What could I do to fit my description for the same thing that I already was doing and living like? It was music. That’s when I stepped in here and said “I’m a take it serious,” and I haven’t looked back.

AllHipHop: How’d you build your social media following?

MPR Riche Rich: I started off doing a lot of promotion and marketing. I used to wrap vehicles. I still do this same type of stuff, just not as heavy as I used to. I used to run from every showcase to every festival to every Bike Week and REVOLT concerts, all that. I used to wrap vans and I wrapped the party bus, I wrapped the box truck. I’d ride with my image all over, then I’d have super extra crazy marketing material. I had t-shirts, CDs, stickers, dog tags, stuff that was memorabilia for people. I’d do that over and over, did that for 4 or 5 years. Our first tour, we made $25K just off merch. My music was nowhere near the level that it is today, but it wasn’t even about the music, it was the marketing campaign. That’s what showed me “oh, if you can do this like this, you can really take it to another level.”

Because people are see-ers. If you look like this, they don’t know how to separate you from this or that, and that was the whole thing. It was the look that gave everybody the perception of “okay, he is somebody.” They didn’t know who I was, but the image and the look. If you see somebody arrive with 5 wrapped vehicles, they’re definitely doing something. They got merch for you to check out, you’ve got music playing in every one of the cars. You doing showcases on the street.

People still to this day tap in with me like “Bro, I remember you from SXSW” or “I remember you from Bike Week and you was doing this. I can’t believe where you at now.” You gave people hope way back then, they seen the process. Now, you still independent? And you still working? It’s giving those same people like damn, I really can probably do this.” A lot of the people when I started to now, which is 7 years, you gotta imagine how many people quit within this time. Just because it’s too hard, it’s too much. They expect so much from you and give you so less being independent. It was a whole vibe forreal.

AllHipHop: What inspired “Live in the Moment”?

MPR Riche Rich: The inspiration to “Live in the Moment” was the pandemic. Everybody’s depressed, everybody’s down, everybody’s social distancing. Everybody’s gotta stay in this little combined area. You not around family, you not around nobody. When we came up with “Live in the Moment,” this is something to give people hope again. Give people inspiration, give people a feel-good. Because even when we was stuck, we were still listening to drill music or a certain type of music. It’s harder music. I want to give people a good feeling, a good time. Even if they’re not having a good time you can wake up and say “granny we made it!” It’s giving you hope.

What really started it is once I dropped the song, people would be DMing me: “Bro, I wake up to your song, I go to sleep to your song because I lost my granny last year to Covid.” Or “I lost my granny 5 years ago.” It’s those types of things make people feel like yo, this is inspiration, this is giving me something that I couldn’t have gotten without this song and that’s when it was like nah, this is it. So, then I just started marketing it crazy.

AllHipHop: How much are you investing with the marketing?

MPR Riche Rich: We’re going crazy. In the last 6 months, we put in $50K into the marketing and promotion campaign, along with DJs, different radio people, different interviews, different campaigns. I did something different that really worked. I went with a meme campaign versus a dance campaign on TikTok, that’s what everybody was picking up. Everybody’s like “who is the person behind it?” Once they started seeing the person, they’re like “and he’s interesting? He has horns on his head. He has the look, he has the image. He got a vibe.” That made the traction pick up even more because “oh, this is fire.” The song’s undeniable, then to meet the person behind it, it was perfect timing.

It’s not like I came out of nowhere, I’ve been working for the last 7 years, dedicated to the music. Now, he finally caught one that the world loves. Now he’s pushing it in a way that nobody else is doing, because everybody’s doing it a certain way. They’re all doing it with the dance songs through TikTok. I ain’t gonna do that because it’s saturated. Everybody’s price points is way too high. How do I keep up with a campaign that an industry artist is gonna have, and do it through the memes? Because the memes wasn’t talking. So then you run a meme campaign and boom, next thing you know the songs at 100 million streams later. How did you do that in 6 months? It was because I used a platform that was resourceful, but people wasn’t using it.

That’s what really took it off, it went crazy on TikTok and on Instagram. From there, everybody is singing the song. We’re getting crowds to rock out to the song and we haven’t even performed here before, but they know the song because it’s very hard to not watch a meme. When it’s something funny, something chaotic, something controversial, they’re going to watch it time and time again. You’re making it 17 to 19 seconds long, they’re going to watch it over and over and over and the words are getting stuck in their head. “Granny we made it! We poppin’ bottles, we countin this money.” Its repetitiveness really won.

AllHipHop: Where did you shoot the music video at?

MPR Riche Rich: The music video was crazy, we shot that in Miami. The important part about the music video that a lot of people don’t know is I brought all my family instead of having video vixens or the homies, exotic cars, yachts, and mansions and all this. It was do this shoot in Miami, but bring your family. I flew my grandmother down, my mother, my sisters, my cousins, my wife, my kids. I put the whole family vibe. Usually when you see a Miami shoot, it’s gang in there. It’s all crazy, it’s vixens. Nah, I want this to be a family-oriented song.

MPR Riche Rich: I dropped it January 1st so that everybody’s resolution would be “live in the moment.” That was all marketing coming from my understanding, because I’ve been doing it for so long. I know how to make something break, I just gotta break it in. That’s what really turnt it up. This is it, and it’s been working since then.

AllHipHop: Why haven’t you released since then?

MPR Riche Rich: Because I want to push one song. As an independent artist, you gotta imagine what it takes for a budget. To push a song, you gotta come into it with a certain bag. If I start a new song, now gotta start what I did with this song all over. My idea is hey, just push this one song a year, year and a half, and then come with a new song. I’ve created new music, but I’m not releasing it because then I gotta put a budget behind it to promote and market it — while I’m still trying to get the world to feel this song. To me, there’s nothing next right now because the next thing is the next campaign.

We went from a TikTok campaign to an Instagram campaign to an iTunes campaign to a Youtube campaign to a tour campaign to a club campaign. Just with one song, you can do so many different campaigns it’ll take you 3 years. I have a whole plan for the next 2 years of what plateaus, what people I want to tap in with. I got the plan and I’m executing a plan by tapping into each platform that’s mandatory. One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is I never used the media.

All my stuff was self-driven, it was me and my team talking about me. Now we’re going for the media to talk about us because that’s what the world accepts as “this is how you made it.” But to me, I’m knowing no independent artist is doing what I’m doing because an industry artist aren’t even touching 100 million streams. Industry artists aren’t touching the people who I’ve tapped in with in doing certain things.

We know because we’ve seen it. We’ve watched it for the last 7 years. It was about us making our own standpoint because we’re trying to stay independent. If you don’t do what I do, then you’ve got to sign to a label because you gotta get all of these things from the machine and everything else that makes this stuff work from the label. We all know that everything takes a budget. To do a press run, that’s a budget. To do a marketing campaign, that’s a budget. To do a DJ run, that’s a budget. Everything’s a budget.

As an indie, you gotta pace yourself and that’s what I always did. Let me build a name for myself first, then come when I’ve got the right one and go with it. I’ve seen a lot of people waste money on major press and radio runs, and it wasn’t it. The song wasn’t it. They didn’t solidify if the song was it, and that’s what I did.

I waited until I had the “it” factor, and then I’m introducing myself to all the media and blogs. When everybody finds out about me, they’re like “how didn’t I really know about you, but you’re lit?” But you’re not lit to us, because the media has its own campaign, the marketing has its own campaign, the DJ’\s have their own campaign. I could be lit with the media, but never tapped in with the DJs and they’re like “I don’t know you.” Or I could be lit with the DJs and never tap in with the media and they’re like “I don’t know you.” Everything is a campaign. Just ’cause I’m lit with the hot artists, they can’t help me. They have their own campaign, and the reason they’re lit is because they’re running social media campaigns. They’re running marketing campaigns, press campaigns. It was all about pacing myself and doing it the right way, and not wasting $50K to $100K on something that wasn’t it. That’s why I never really tapped in with everybody.

The first time I tapped in with you was at the video shoot with Blueface and Fatboy, I was there. I’m like “yo, this is dope.” Since then I’ve been following your campaign, I’m like “oh no, she goes crazy.” Iit was one of them things that if I didn’t know, it was because I was never in the right room. But what you do organically is crazy. You know your fanbase and your following, how you move and that’s perfect, because it’s your world and you live within it. You don’t necessarily have to worry about this or that person because you created your own momentum.

Now that you’ve got it, who can stop it? This run that I’m on now is like, give the media the same look that you’ve been giving the world on your own. It’s not too many people that’s coming to you that’s independent with too many followers, high engagement, tapped in with all the celebrities, all the influencers. I know all the influencers and I hang with these guys regularly, but it’s not that they can even help me, it’s how I do it for me, and that’s what I haven’t learned.

AllHipHop: When did you get the horns?

MPR Riche Rich: We’ve been doing the horns since about 2017 or 2018. I’d be off and on with the horns, then I’d do this halo thing. The horns is the goat. Knowing what I was doing, knowing what I was putting on, I’m the greatest of all time. No one could tell me that I’m not if I feel that way. How do I show somebody the goat in real life? They visually see it, and then I speak it? Then it’s a belief. Go with the goat, what would be better than a goat horns? Everybody that sees me: “oh I get it, you’ve got the chin hair like the goat. You’ve got the horns,” and now it makes sense. “Oh, that was crazy marketing.”

Once it gets told and the world sees it, they’re all gonna pick up on it like “yo, this is crazy.” Think about Kodak: when everybody seen him with the hair, the world picked up on it because the blogs picked up on it. The media picked up on it, but you’ve gotta get the media and the blogs to pick up on it so that other people, they’re gonna do it. It’s too fire to not do it. “I’ve never seen nothing like this,” so people are gonna pick up on it.

AllHipHop: What can we expect next? What’re you most excited for?

MPR Riche Rich: The “Live in the Moment” tour. After we do the state-wide tour, we’re going to do a world tour. We’re going to try to take this song and make it as big as something like “Thriller” or a Mariah Carey song that gets played every Christmas. I want it to be one of them songs, but for celebrations. I want every award show, every basketball championship, every football championship, every graduation, it’s this celebration song. I want everybody to eventually use it from video games to movies to anything that anybody’s celebrating, they want to live in the moment at that given time. Anybody can say “Granny we made it” at any given time, because it’s about where you’re at versus where you’re going.

That’s the whole key and concept to it, give these people something that they can go with. Don’t think just live in the moment right now, I’d be lying to say that’s what I’m doing. I live in the moment now, but I have a plan for the future. That’s where it changes the whole dynamics of “is he a one-hit wonder?” You could think that, but I’m going to make you feel that way and then give you more fire. You’re like “Oh, he got us in, and now I’m here.” That’s the whole campaign to it.

Was Jada Pinkett-Smith Cackling After The Oscar’s Slap Down?

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 2:16pmCategory: Rumors

Often, during times of undulating stress one may react in a variety of ways. At times, expelling nervous laughter is as organic as breathing. So, is this the case with Jada Pinkett-Smith?

Recently, a video purportedly shows the veteran actress reacting to her husband, Will Smith, assaulting Chris Rock. So, in some way has the footage been doctored? Or, is it clearly demonstrating Jada Pinkett-Smith cackling after the Oscar’s epic slap down?

This is FKCED UP pic.twitter.com/2Z8CZf6Nzd
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) March 30, 2022

Early reports suggested that both Will Smith and Chris Rock made amends. However, that information is completely inaccurate. In fact, the comedian has gone on to convey his insight on the matter. So, too, has the cultural critic.

As of late, she champions peace and reflection. Moreover, she insists that “healing” is a necessity. “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it,” unequivocally reads an Instagram graphic. Effortlessly, Jada Pinkett-Smith shares her truth.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith)

Be that as it may, the angle of the circulating footage calls into question her credibility. Could, the thespian be playing up a strategically-crafted part? Or, is she a human, who is allowed to experience an array of emotions?

Whatever the case may be, the Alopecia advocate definitely experiences a strong emotion.

Check out the quick clip and leave a comment.

Leekthough Is Bringing Music to a New Dimension

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 1:10pmCategory: Music News

Leekthough is changing the way music is perceived and delivered. With his 1^st Studio Debut album LUNA, creating movies with sound, bringing powerful 808’s, atmospheric lyrics, and an assortment of instrumentals. Pulling inspiration from Michael Jackson, Lil Wayne, and Post Malone; the sound of his artistry is sure to be distinctive. We took some time to ask some questions about what makes him Leekthough. Here’s what he had to say.

AllHipHop: From the outside looking in, describe the wide dynamic range of Leekthough.

Leekthough: I love to experiment with all sounds ranging from EDM, Pop, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro Beat, and R&B; the list goes on honestly. My sound is built from anything I can vibe to.

AllHipHop: What are some of your highlights on your journey?

Leekthough: I would have to say when Fall For Me hit Top 50 in Hong Kong. That right there showed me that I can make respectable music. It was a motivation for me to keep experimenting with my range.

AllHipHop: What are some of your most recent accomplishments?

Leekthough: Recently I had the opportunity to perform eight times as well as have a lot of interviews with my best friend Tribe Mafia at SXSW 2022. That was another accomplishment in my career.

AllHipHop: Tell us about your current project.

Leekthough: My new project, LUNA, doesn’t have a release date quite yet. I will show you the cover after the interview, but it’s colorful and vibrant. Everything you see within the album art is not random, it all has a meaning. For example, the planet in the distance has a very significant implication.

The project has a crazy storyline within a cinematic universe that Soca Jones and I created with soundscapes and melodies. Every creation ranges from hype energetic dance hits to captivating melodic cinematic ambiances. However, the delay on LUNA comes down to mixing & mastering in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. I’m not going to lie, Soca and I had too much fun crafting every song. You will be able to travel the world, the universe all with audio. The album will make people move and laugh, alongside getting to know me as a person rather than just another artist.

AllHipHop: For new listeners, what record of yours would you pick as an introduction to you; as an artist?

Leekthough: For surely Astro & Fall For Me. These two shows range with my voice and instrumental choices. Any song on LUNA could work, I’m more than proud of every last record.

AllHipHop: Tell us a bit about your work and passion outside of music

Leekthough: Listening to audiobooks is something I enjoy in my pass time. Also, I like to focus on business & entrepreneurship while learning new skills; refining all of my old ones. Many people don’t know that I can draw. I used to draw pictures before I started making music.

AllHipHop: What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Leekthough: Accomplish more of my dreams, I don’t ask for much. I’m healthy, and I can provide for myself and my puppy while doing what I genuinely love. I’m satisfied with life.

AllHipHop: When did you start doing music, and when did you start taking it seriously?

Leekthough: When I was 22 and have been developing sine Further exploring, honing, and maturing my craft.

AllHipHop: Why music? Describe your passion.

Leekthough: I’m not so much an idealist but do adhere to some idealistic principles in life. I believe that music is the most intense outlet for self-expression, whether you’re creating or simply listening. It is the foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual exploration that I believe is an absolute necessity in life.

AllHipHop: What are your goals when it comes to your music career?

Leekthough: I know a lot of artists say to be the best to ever do it. Not so much myself, I just want to be happy and at peace with how I did things; wanting to honestly be proud of myself. I could care less what people say or think about me, I just want to be able to say I gave it my all.

DMV’s Very Own Croc Soo Savvy is Giving the People a New Look, New Sound, and New Purpose!

By: Staff Writer Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 12:52pmCategory: Music

All I have to say is “The Church Got Something To Say” with this new EP Project titled “Survival Mode” from Lexington Park Maryland’s very own Croc Soo Savvy. Croc is definitely giving them DMV melodic vibes along with a positive message. You will definitely listen to this EP all the way through with no disappointments. By switching both his style and musical approach up, in order to give his listeners more purpose than just entertainment, Croc is here to show everyone that being saved doesn’t mean you fell off.

It only means that you are even more on point! With his leading single titled “Get It” featuring “Billboard Charting Urban Gospel and R&B Recording Artist” Jor’Dan Armstrong, Croc is showing the world that he is here to stay and he means Kingdom business! “Survival Mode” is out and available on all digital streaming platforms.

Croc Soo Savvy Social Media Handles:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crocsoosavvy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CROCSOOSAVVY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CROCSOOSAVVY
Website: https://www.crocsoosavvy.com
“Survival Mode” EP Project Link: https://smarturl.it/vse8jl

Drake Hits The Studio And Seemingly Suggests New Music!

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 12:41pmCategory: Rumors

Last month, Champagne Papi flexed his benevolent side. Actually, he donated a portion of the good life. That’s right, a fan was unexpectedly blessed.

So, is Drake ready to get back into the proverbial lab and bless the mic? Well, a recent social media post appears to candidly affirm that notion. In fact, Drake hits the studio and seemingly suggests new music.

Well, within his Instagram stories, that provocative proclamation is piquing a lot of interest. Here, the lauded lyricist may be preparing for future smash hits. Generally speaking, Mr. Certified Lover Boy is always looking challenge his artistic integrity.

As a matter of fact, this visual tease follows a surprising tidbit of info from Nicki Minaj. So, with her upcoming album, the Barbie proclaims that she “discussed,” the possibility of having Drizzy work as Executive Producer. Given their history, and their innate chemistry this pairing would be dope.

Moreover, Minaj initially mentioned the prospect during an impromptu question and answer session. Be that as it may, at this time, one may only wish for more creativity from the superstar. For the most part, the acclaimed artist appears capable of achieving the impossible.

After all, he has more slaps than The Beatles.

Of his future project what can be epected?

Dougie B Arrested Outside Of Bronx Supreme After Wild Shootout Days After Cardi B Video Shoot

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 12:13pmCategory: News

Police report that drill rapper Dougie B and an associate were arrested outside of the Bronx Supreme Court in the E. 161st St. parking lot after an alleged car crash prompted thugs to blast off at each other.

Details around the detainment are murky, and charges have not been defined, but witnesses say they were shocked that it happened in broad daylight in front of the municipal building.

According to the New York Post, one bystander said she saw a “group of guys were arguing.” The woman explained, “All of a sudden I heard a gunshot.”

“So crazy because right in front of the Bronx Supreme Court?” the witness, who chose to remain anonymous, said. “What did they think was going to happen? They weren’t getting away.”

Dougie B, whose real name is Arion Howard, recently filmed a video for their song “Shake It” with Grammy winner Cardi B, was at the court for an unrelated shooting case.

AllHipHop.com reported earlier this week that the Kay Flock affiliate and Cardi B filmed a video in New York City. Both artists had been traveling and working in Los Angeles, according to the Bronx bombshell, and squeezed the shoot in to accommodate their schedules.

Nicki Minaj’s fans tried to say the two tried to copy her since she did her video on the same day.

However, those rumors were shut down after Cardi took to Instagram to set the record straight.

“Y’all be trynna play wit my body like I won’t come wit receipts! My bad I had to rehearse for a movie for 2 months, shoot Facebook, go to Europe and close deals MY BAD @dougieb___ and cardi was in LA workin and we finally in NY our home to shoot this 🔥! Don’t play wit me I Move on my timing and I BEEN DONE THIS… talk all y’all s### make sure y’all tune in to TOUCH THE GROWN!!! And FREE F##### KAY FLOCK!!” Cardi B tweeted.

Will Smith Assaulted Chris Rock And Defiantly Refused To Leave Oscars

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 12:05pmCategory: News

The Academy has claimed that Will Smith refused to leave the Dolby Theatre after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday.

Officials from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, released a statement on Wednesday in which they claimed the “King Richard” actor was asked to leave the auditorium after he slapped Oscars presenter Chris Rock onstage during the ceremony, but he refused.

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently,” their statement reads, reports The Associated Press.

They also praised Chris Rock for how he handled the situation, which took place after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” the statement continued.

“Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologize to our nominees, guests, and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”

The Academy also announced that its Board of Governors has begun the process of disciplining Will Smith for “inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”

The 53-year-old has been given the notice to write to the board before its next meeting on April 18th, when they will decide whether to suspend, expel, or make other sanctions against the actor.

Freddie Gibbs Reimagines A Raekwon Classic For “Ice Cream” Featuring Rick Ross

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 10:06amCategory: News

Freddie Gibbs is back with his latest single “Ice Cream.” The Indiana-bred emcee linked with Florida rapper Rick Ross for the Kenny Beats-produced track.

For his version of “Ice Cream,” Freddie Gibbs reimagines a classic 1995 song of the same name. Raekwon’s “Ice Cream” featuring Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Cappadonna lives on the critically-acclaimed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… album.

Kenny Beats flipped parts of the same “A Time for Love” sample “Ice Cream” producer RZA used twenty-seven years ago. Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh’s “A Time for Love” originally came out in 1980 on the Late Night Guitar album.

“Ice Cream” follows previous Freddie Gibbs releases such as “Gang Signs” featuring Schoolboy Q and “Black Illuminati” featuring Jadakiss. Both of those collaborations dropped in 2021.

Gibbs is coming off Alfredo with The Alchemist earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album at the 2021 ceremony. The 39-year-old rhymer also teamed with Madlib for 2014’s Piñata and 2019’s Bandana. A forthcoming project titled Soul Sold Separately is in the works.

In addition to dropping new music, Freddie Gibbs recently made his feature film acting debut in Down With The King. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival organizers also booked the Warner recording artist for the 2022 edition of the California event. Gibbs is scheduled to hit the Coachella stage on April 16 and April 23.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYp1h4PlTjx/

‘Top Boy’ Actor Kane Robinson To Star In Daniel Kaluuya-Written ‘The Kitchen’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 8:48amCategory: News

Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah) makes his screenwriting debut with an upcoming movie. The Oscar-winning actor worked with Joe Murtagh to pen The Kitchen for Netflix.

In addition, Kaluuya will also produce The Kitchen under his 59% Productions. Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, Steve Jobs) will executive produce the motion picture for his DMC Film production company, according to reports.

British rapper Kane “Kano” Robinson will star in the futuristic dystopian drama set in London. The 36-year-old Hoodies All Summer album creator is best known for portraying Sully in the Netflix crime drama series Top Boy.

Kane Robinson will play a character named Izi in The Kitchen. The filmmakers cast newcomer Jedaiah Bannerman as 12-year-old Benji. Plus, Kibwe Tavares is making his feature film directorial debut.

🚨 FILM NEWS 🚨

THE KITCHEN – a dystopian drama set in London in 2044, co-written by Daniel Kaluuya and starring Top Boy’s Kane Robinson (@TheRealKano) – is now in production and will release globally on Netflix in 2023! pic.twitter.com/hMmxFXxFZG
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 30, 2022

Daniel Kaluuya, Kibwe Tavares, and Daniel Emmerson came up with the idea for The Kitchen. The Sundance Institute selected the project for the 2016 January Screenwriters Lab.

Previously, Daniel Kaluuya wrote episodes for the BAFTA-winning television series Skins. In addition to working behind the scenes on the show, he also appeared on screen as Posh Kenneth.

Moviegoers can see Daniel Kaluuya in Jordan Peele’s Nope in July and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November. Season 2 of Netflix’s Top Boy, featuring Kane Robinson, premiered on March 18.

DJ Drama References Chris Rock Getting Slapped On Dreamville’s ‘D-Day’ Mixtape

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 7:42amCategory: News

J. Cole and Dreamville Records partnered with DJ Drama to put together the new D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. The 15-track project arrived on DSPs last night (March 31).

Dreamville regulars such as J. Cole, Ari Lennox, J.I.D, Bas, EarthGang, Cozz, Lute, and Omen show up on D-Day. The label also enlisted 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, Young Nudy, Sheck Wes, Reason, and more for guest appearances.

D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape follows Dreamville’s previous three compilations. 2014’s Revenge of the Dreamers mostly featured J. Cole, Bas, and Omen. A year later, Dreamville Records added Ari Lennox, Cozz, and Lute to Revenge of the Dreamers II.

The Platinum-certified Revenge of the Dreamers III peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2019. In addition to J.I.D and EarthGang providing bars, ROD3 also had a star-studded lineup of non-Dreamville acts.

TRACKLIST💥💥💥 https://t.co/4YqNDJ13EG pic.twitter.com/MW5kPOGPTP
— Dreamville (@Dreamville) March 31, 2022

D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape landed on the same week Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. DJ Drama referenced the über-viral story on the project.

“Keep playing with Dreamville’s name. Don’t get Chris Rock’d out your socks. Anything can and will happen. Then watch me walk back to my seat. Keep my name out your f###### mouth,” says DJ Drama on “Starting 5.”

Lute, Cozz, and Omen rap on the Wyldfyre-produced “Starting 5” song. J. Cole, Christo, araabMUZIK, Beat Butcha, Chuck Inglish, Jake One, J. White Did It, Frank Dukes, Illmind, and others also provided production for D-Day.

BET+ Reveals Premiere Date For ‘American Gangsters: Trap Queens’ Season 3

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 6:48amCategory: News

BET+ will stream another season of the original program American Gangsters: Trap Queens. Ten new episodes of the true-crime series will premiere later this month.

The first five installments of Trap Queens season 3 will be available on April 7. The remaining five episodes will begin streaming at a later date.

This season features the criminal stories of women such as Kimberly Smedley, Candace Wilson, Gina Cabell, Shontel Greene, and Tonia Taylor. Hip Hop legend Kimberly “Lil Kim” Jones will narrate the program.

“Trap Queens combines great storytelling with the real-life journeys of female crime bosses as they rise, fall, and seek redemption,” states Judge Greg Mathis, the show’s executive producer.

Arthur Smith and Frank Sinton are also credited as executive producers for American Gangsters: Trap Queens. Delece James and Jackson Nguyen serve as executive producers. Andrena Hale and David Rock serve as co-executive producers.

American Gangsters: Trap Queens is part of a BET+ lineup that includes Ruthless, Sacrifice, All the Queen’s Men, The Ms. Pat Show, and Real Husbands of Hollywood: More Kevin, More Problems.

Showtime Releases Trailer For ‘Cypress Hill: Insane In The Brane’ Documentary

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Apr 1, 2022 at 6:05amCategory: News

Cypress Hill scored a #1 rap song in 1993 with “Insane In The Brain.” Showtime will premiere a documentary about the Hip Hop group titled Cypress Hill: Insane In The Brane on April 20.

Insane In The Brane is part of Showtime’s Hip Hop 50 programming. The film chronicles the West Coasters’ decades-long career and influence on the music business.

Sony Music Entertainment and Mass Appeal produced the forthcoming doc. A nearly two-minute trailer for Insane In The Brane arrived on YouTube yesterday.

Director Estevan Oriol uses never-before-seen archival footage to tell the story of Cypress Hill. In addition, Insane In The Brane viewers will see rare photos of band members B Real, DJ Muggs, Sen Dog, and Eric “Bobo” Correa.

Besides the Gold-certified “Insane In The Brain” single, Cypress Hill also reached #1 on Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs chart with “The Phuncky Feel One.” The South Gate representatives’ “Throw Your Set In The Air” was a mainstream hit as well.

Cypress Hill’s discography also includes the group’s self-titled 1991 debut album. Their Black Sunday project dropped in 1993. That studio LP, which hosts the “Insane In The Brain” track, earned 3x-Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Tupac Shakur’s Collection Of Intimate Love Letters To A Girl Name Cosima Sells For Over $50K In Sotheby’s Auction

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 9:58pmCategory: News

Many people remember stories of Jada Pinkett Smith being one of rapper Tupac’s early loves, celebrating the poem he wrote her when she was a teen.

But, after moving to California, miles away from the cat-eyed actress, the artist had his heart locked on another young lady.

Her name is Cosima.

The world has become acquainted with her as she is the subject found in a few love letters that were auctioned titled “The Art and Influence of Hip Hop” at Sotheby’s on March 30th.

In the letters, Pac revealed his deep love for the girl he dated in high school.

Sotheby notes, at the time, Cosima Knez was a sophomore at his school in California after he moved from Baltimore and was a. member of the Ensemble Theatre Company with Tupac.

The two met on her birthday in October of 1988, when the rapper was 17. Their romance lasted between 7 and 8 months.

All of the letters were signed at the end with “Thinking of U! Eternally your friend, Tupac A. Shakur.”

The first letter, dated October 28th, 1988, in the auction reads, “U must be doing a good job because more and more people r beginning 2 say good things about u. Now about Aaron, what can I say? As much as I want 2, I can’t tell u what u want 2 hear. I listen when he speaks but he never says your name. I did c him looking at you, even yesterday he watched u. I have a feeling he likes u but I’m not sure. He is strange! He’s hard 2 figure out. Remember what I told u!”

“Don’t let him have your heart until he earns it. Let him show u some affection. Step away 4 a while and c if he notices. I called u last night but u were busy. I’ve been invited 2 a million parties but I have 2 work today, so I may not go.”

“Last night, I broke up with my girlfriend for good this time! She’s too immature!!! So now I want 2 take a little time 2 myself b4 I hop in 2 the dating scene. Gib swears he’s a player. As a friend, I’m warning don’t ever under any circumstances let yourself be involved with hm again. He said something 2 me today about being able to get u back whenever he wants 2. So don’t let him play u. Don’t ever tell anything the things I share with u. They r u your eyes only.”

This letter went for $8,190.

In letter marked #102, he mentions Pinkett Smith and shares how he feels only a couple of weeks after meeting Cosima.

“The words that I usually use have suddenly escaped my vocabulary. What can I say 2 u? How can I say it? I am attracted 2 u like I am attracted 2 no other nor have I ever felt this strong, this quick, with anyone!! Not Carmen, Jada, Suzie, anyone!”

“Can’t I say I like u? No, because it’s 2 week. Can I say I care for you? No, because it’s much more than that. Can I say that I love you? Easily! But that word scares me so much. I keep waiting 4 u 2 say ‘Tupac, I was just joking about liking u, goodbye!’ I could easily say, ‘Cosima, I love u and not feel any doubt in my mind or heart.’

The two-page letter he wrote in November 1988 sold for $6,930.

In one letter, #103, the young love-struck student tries to define their relationship and asks the question if they are ready for a physical and/or emotional connection.

“I don’t know what I want from u or what u want from me,” he writes. “One thing 4 certain it is not your average relationship or by attempting 2 define it we will save ourselves a lot of heartache and confusion (heartache 4 me and confusion 4 u). I’m not going 2 lie 2 u. I will be 4 ever curious about what it would be like 2 be with u sexually, but is that possible? Can we handle a physical and emotional relationship?”

This two-page letter sold for $6,048.

Auction item #104 was written to Cosima in the Spring of 1989.

“This song has been echoing through my head all night,” the teen wrote. “It fits me 2 a tee! I can’t believe u ignored me last night. 2 be honest I was glad u didn’t give in because I had a ball holding u. It wasn’t my ideal dream, but I get it where I can (Smile face)! I kind of understand your letter but in a lot of ways, I didn’t. About the part where you said ‘… Like Jada, I have grown 2 love u.’ Well, the one thing I’ve learned from our episode last week is when u say LOVE u ruin things. I don’t think we should.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith)

He said, “I want u so bad! When I’m with u I want u, when we are apart, I want u even more. How can I tell u how I feel where there’s no word in the English language 2 define what my heart is going through? I feel joy and paranoid at the same time. Joy 2 be with u and paranoid that it will end. I’m sorry if this scares u but I have fallen in love with u. I wanted to put it off by my heart won’t let me.

Even when my brain wants to deny that I’m in love my body tells me. Each breath that I breathe is breathed with thoughts and fantasies of u and I. My images are becoming stronger and harder to ignore. I want to be with u so bad that it hurts to not kiss u. It hurts to not hold u close to me. I can almost feel my tongue running over your skin. I feel the heat of your mouth as my tongue enters it. I can feel your arms around me. I can c us entwined in a heated session of lovemaking. This is agony. I want to be with u in the worst way. I better stop before I overhear (smiley face). I’ll save the rest for reality. It feels so right saying, ‘So, I’ll just it, I love you.”

On the back of the letter, he shares another poem with his love.

“I finally found the girl that I could truly love. I finally found the beauty that I searched for in so many girls. I finally found a friend as well as a lover. I finally found someone who I could talk 2 about anything. I finally found that woman whom I knew so well in my dreams. I finally found Cosima.”

This passionate letter sold for $6,930.

In one letter #105, he wrote, “Cosima, what can I say? I’m lost. Our relationship is beginning 2 become a roller coaster ride every day there a new turn. I go from pain 2 joy in one week. But I don’t want it2 end. I love u so much that I would go through hell if it means I could have u on the other side. My suggestion is that we be more sensitive of each other. What happened this weekend should never happen again. I will be more sensitive 2 your feelings but u also have 2 be more sensitive. When I say “Eternally” I want 2 believe it will be for eternity. I love u and I only want u 2 be happy.”

This letter sold for $6,930.

#106 in the auction, he started the letter quoting a popular song by the late George Michael, “Kissing a Fool.”

He wrote, “Cosima, ‘…u were far, I thought I could never be your (star), u listen 2 people who scare u 2 death & from my (heart). It’s strange that I was strong enough 2 even make a start, I’ll never find, peace of mind, while I listen 2 my (heart) …'”

This note sold for $6,930.

In another letter, #107, he included a personal poem titled “What U Mean 2 Me” and drew a custom design on the envelope.

This letter said, “Cosima, I was thinking about u and this came 2 mind.”

“This card is meant 2 express my feelings, but words cannot begin, 2 thank u 4 being there as more than just a friend. 4 the joy that u have brought me, I can never pay u back. I can’t say that I really care 4 because I feel much more than that. Who? Knows what the future holds 4 only a crystal ball can tell But “God” knows that 4 u I’d go to the fiery depths of Hell.”

In the corner of the piece, he says, “This is 2 let u know that I am here 4 eternity. I will never leave your heart.”

He instructs her to “Put this in your collection and remember me always!”

This note sold for $17,640.

Previously reported in AllHipHop.com, “The Art and Influence of Hip Hop” also included a booklet of Haiku poems that the rapper wrote for his godfather, Jamal Joseph, a former Black Panther that was incarcerated in the Leavenworth Prison when the future chart-topper was a child for his role in an armored car heist in 1981.

According to DW, the collection of poems to Joseph, signed “Tupac Shakur, Future Freedom Fighter,” sold for $302,400 at the auction.

Cosima is not the first young love that the “California Love” wordsmith wrote beautiful thoughts to. In celebration of Pac’s 50th birthday, Pinkett Smith publicly shared a poem to her. She believes he wrote it to her in 1995 when he was incarcerated on Rikers Island.

The poem was called “Lost Soulz.”

Around the time he was in school with Cosima, he wrote this for Jada.

Kid Cudi & Jack Harlow To Perform At Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2022

By: Justin Ivey Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 9:30pmCategory: News

Kid Cudi and Jack Harlow are heading to Nickelodeon’s annual Kids’ Choice Awards.

Nickelodeon announced Kid Cudi and Jack Harlow as performers for the 2022 Kids’ Choice Awards on Thursday (March 31). The event takes place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on April 9.

“I can’t believe my late 30-something butt gets to party at the Kids’ Choice Awards!” Kid Cudi said in a press release. “I grew up loving Nickelodeon and it’s been a dream of mine to get slimed. Can’t wait to perform my new single from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, “Stars in the Sky,” along with a special tune dedicated to all the dreamers out there who might be struggling in life. This one’s for you!”

According to Nickelodeon, Kid Cudi will also perform his single “Pursuit of Happiness” at the upcoming event. Jack Harlow’s setlist hasn’t been revealed.

“I grew up on Nickelodeon so to be nominated and perform at the Kids’ Choice Awards is crazy,” Jack Harlow said. “Here’s to hoping I get slimed!”

Jack Harlow is nominated for Favorite Breakout Artist. Kid Cudi didn’t receive any nominations for this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

The 2022 Kids’ Choice Awards will be hosted by iCarly actress Miranda Cosgrove and NFL star Rob Gronkowski. The broadcast airs live across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons and Nick Jr.

Help decide the winners by voting here.

TDE & Its Latest Signee Doechii Partner With Capitol Records

By: Justin Ivey Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 8:30pmCategory: News

Top Dawg Entertainment’s new artist Doechii officially joined the Capitol Records roster.

Capitol Records and TDE announced a partnership centered around Doechii on Thursday (March 31). The labels unveiled the deal on the heels of Doechii releasing “Persuasive,” her debut single for TDE.

“Top Dawg Entertainment is excited to partner with Capitol Records to provide a platform for Doechii to fulfill her artistic ambitions,” TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith said. “Doechii’s energy is contagious and, together with Capitol, we’re committed to helping her share her gifts with the world.”

Capitol’s CEO Michelle Jubelirer added, “The first time I heard Doechii’s music, I experienced that incredible chill-inducing feeling that I live for, as both a music executive and music fan. That feeling has only grown deeper as I’ve gotten to know this amazing young artist and heard more of what she’s been creating in the studio. It’s a real honor to be partnering with Top Dawg and TDE as we work to introduce Doechii to audiences around the world and help her develop into the global superstar we know that she’ll become.”

Doechii dropped two EPs, 2020’s Oh The Places You’ll Go and 2021’s BRA-LESS, before signing with TDE in 2022. She previously worked with TDE’s Isaiah Rashad, appearing on the song “Wat U Sed” from his album The House Is Burning.

Check out the video for Doechii’s “Persuasive” below.

DJ Ronniegg Uses Music As An Outlet

By: Brxton Lee Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 8:22pmCategory: Uncategorized

DJ Ronniegg is a very busy person. Working full time in finance, the creative sometimes finds it hard to balance her professional life with her dream life. The struggle has only gotten more complicated recently as DJ Ronniegg’s music has started to take off around the world. So far her tracks have been heard by more than 30,000 people to date.

For as long as she can remember, DJ Ronniegg has been involved with music in some way. The creative is well versed in being able to play instruments including the guitar. DJ Ronniegg has plans to release even more music soon.

You can listen to DJ Ronniegg below:

You can follow DJ Ronniegg:

https://instagram.com/ronnie.gauthier

Lauren London Pays Tribute To Nipsey Hussle On Anniversary Of His Death

By: Justin Ivey Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 7:36pmCategory: News

Lauren London commemorated her boyfriend Nipsey Hussle on the third anniversary of his death.

The actress honored Nipsey Hussle in an Instagram post on Thursday (March 31). Lauren London declared she’d forever love the late rapper, who is the father of her son Kross.

“Loving You,” she wrote. “Here. There. Then. Now. Forever and After. Long Live The King Ermias Asghedom. Hussle Man.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lauren London (@laurenlondon)

Lauren London also shared more Nipsey Hussle tributes on her Instagram Stories. One featured a heartfelt message about his presence remaining with her even in death.

“I may not see you but I feel you in the moon and the stars and the seasons always changing,” the message read. “Telling me though I may seem alone that you never really left.”

Last year, Lauren London opened up about losing Nipsey Hussle in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Since his death, she’s been on a “quest for peace.”

“I lost what I would say is the love of my life, so I had to go so deep within myself,” she explained. “I was so in a dark space and it was just like, ‘What is this? Who am I? God, please show me.’ When you’re facing God face-on, you’re asking real questions and you want real answers. It wasn’t for play. I really wanted to know what was going on.”

Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in 2019. His alleged killer Eric Holder is still awaiting trial for murder.

Music Chose Me – Phillionaire

By: Brxton Lee Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 7:23pmCategory: Uncategorized

Looking at the music industry today, it is hard to believe that music is a calling since it has become heavily commercialized. However, Phillionaire remains true to his calling, echoing that music is a path that has called to him his whole life. His natural inclination to music has seen him break out into a star who has superhits like “iWanna” to his credit and whose music provides more than just a distraction for his listeners. Music is a calling, according to Phillionaire.

It requires time, commitment, sacrifice, and talent to make your mark in this highly competitive industry. Yet if you do have a natural inclination to music, you have a great head start. And once you feel that pull to this particular craft, it is hard to break out of its enigma. For Phillionaire, he had no desire to escape this creative grip. Upon realizing that music was the only path he would love to tread on, Phillionaire was determined to do whatever was necessary to make this a reality. It was a calling, and there was no other way to describe it. This innate passion became even more intense, an effective motivator for the young artist.

Even with this passion and motivation, Phillionaire admits the road to success was a difficult one. He had to put forth a lot of self-discipline to focus on the mindset of “work before play” and always remembered why he chose music as a career. Phillionaire shares when he weighed out other career options, the thought of being unhappy for a lifetime always got him back on track.“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” Phillionaire reflects.

“It was music or nothing; that’s how strong the calling was.” This natural propensity generated a drive that could not have come from any other source, and Phillionaire is very grateful for it. He realizes the inclination was critical in preparing for this demanding career and is determined to continue focusing on it for future success. There is an adage that your destiny is what you make of it. Phillionaire didn’t just have the talent for a successful music career; he was born with an inclination for this craft that provided the other essential elements. A calling guided the hard work and sacrifices as Phillionaire used his penchant for music to make the right turns on an impressive career path.

Wizard Lee Elevates All Artist He Works With

By: Brxton Lee Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 6:32pmCategory: Music

Ever since he was a young man growing up in Long Island, New York, Wizard Lee always dreamed of becoming a major influence on the music culture. He was infatuated by the production side of music and when he was in high school, he bought his own equipment so he could teach himself the art form. He would later go on to graduate from university with a degree in sound recording. After graduation, Wizard Lee set up an at-home studio and began cultivating his craft in order to become a world-class producer. Currently, Wizard Lee is an independent artist. He just recently dropped the biggest project of his career, “No Matter the Weather”.

This project contains twenty-five songs and hits a variety of musical genres. Wizard Lee created a docu-series attached to the project that you can watch on his YouTube channel. He will be releasing a new episode every Friday until its completion, as well as a plethora of music videos. In the past, Wizard Lee has worked with world-renowned artists YE, Tory Lanez, Akon, and A Boogie. The first award he received was a gold placard for his production work on “Gummo” by 6ix9ine and has since gone on to create multiple platinum records as well. When listening to his music Wizard Lee intends for his fans to create their own meaning to his music.

He hopes he can help inspire others and gets great enjoyment out of releasing his music to the public. In the future, Wizard Lee looks to continue doing what he loves and expand his reach within the music industry. The artist he inspires to work with most is 2kBaby. He believes that 2kBaby’s unique sound and his production work would create timeless music for multiple generations to enjoy. You can stream “No Matter the Weather’’ on Spotify and be sure to follow Wizard Lee’s Instagram for all announcements regarding future projects.

Nipsey Hussle & Bunchy Carter: How The Deaths Of A Rapper & A Black Panther Stopped Black Progress In South Central

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Mar 31, 2022 at 6:31pmCategory: Exclusives

This is the third-year anniversary of Nipsey Hussle’s death. Tina “Slauson Girl” Sampay examines the complexities and similarities between Nip and Black Panther Bunchy Carter.

The murder of Nipsey Hussle hauntingly mirrors the murder of not only Bunchy Carter, but the entire dismantling of Los Angeles Black Panther Party. His 2019 slaying also mirrors how the vision of community progress for Blacks in South Central was disrupted during the 1960s.

Follow me for a few.

It has now been three years since Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) was gunned down in front of his flagship clothing store on the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson Ave. His father migrated to the U.S from Eritrea and his mother is a Black woman of Creole descent but Nipsey Hussle was a child of L.A’s inner city, also known as “South Central.”

While many in the South Central/ South Los Angeles community continue to build upon Nipsey Hussle’s foundation of community investment and staying rooted locally, his death continues to represent a serious loss and has left a huge void in the community.

The inner-city communities of South Central, Watts and Compton in L.A. County have become highly popularized thanks to gangster rap, mainstream media, and Hollywood films. On a micro level, those forced to live within the confines of inner-city L.A. are dealing with the harsh realities of trying to survive, when they have been systemically and economically locked out.

Jan. 17. 2022 also marked 53 years since Alprentice “Bunchy” Carter (October 12, 1942 – January 17, 1969) was gunned down on the campus of UCLA, along with fellow Black Panther John Huggins.

At only 26 years old, Bunchy Carter was a larger than life figure in South Central L.A, often referred to as “Mayor of the Ghetto” or “that N*** from the Slausons.”

Carter was leader of the “Renegade” set of the Slausons which, unlike street gangs of today, were formed by Black men to protect Black communities from the racial violence of white groups in L.A. like the S#### Hunters.

Carter was also a member of the Fruit of Islam. He was paroled from prison in 1967 and would become a founding member of the Los Angeles Black Panther Party, where he served as Minister of Defense. He even recruited Tupac’s Godfather, Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt, as a member when they were both enrolled at UCLA in 1968. One of Carter’s main focuses was organizing groups of men to observe the actions of the LAPD in South Central.

Early Nipsey Hussle songs could be considered “gangster rap” but you can trace his evolution as not only an artist, but a man seeking knowledge of self and someone who was eager to share that with those in the ghetto he grew up in.

The deaths of Huggins and Carter came after a disagreement with another Black nationalist group also at UCLA’s campus, the US organization. Much like the “street politics” that are rumored to have led to the death of Nipsey Hussle, both Huggins and Carter would lose their lives allegedly by another Black man.

Many will focus only on what is indeed a form of Black on Black crime, with less focus on the ways these Black men were knowingly, or unknowingly, pawns on the chessboard system of white supremacy. A system that seeks to undermine and destroy any real aspirations of Black liberation and self-determination.

Poverty and racism is a driving force of inner-city violence. When our Black male leaders and brightest minds continue to be stolen from Black communities, it severely handicaps our ability to escape these barriers.

Eric Holder has yet to have a trial for Nipsey’s murder despite several court appearances throughout the years. Delays are expected in the administration of justice for Black lives deemed as threats or disposable to the system.

Like Nipsey Hussle, Bunchy Carter was charismatic and embodied leadership qualities that allowed them to easily appeal to Black men in South Central. Their words evoked action and reflected the depth of their understanding of the world around them.