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Chris Brown Rape Accuser Loses Lawyers After Cops Find Texts On Her Phone

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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The Jane Doe accusing Chris Brown of drugging and raping her has lost her attorneys after text messages between the pair came to light. 

The unidentified woman is suing the singer for assaulting her on a yacht docked outside of Diddy’s Miami home on December 31, 2020. However, since the emergence of the messages, she has now lost her legal representation.  

The text messages and voice note shared by Chris Brown sent almost immediately after the alleged assault are suggestive and flirtatious. TMZ report Jane Doe’s lawyers confirm she is responsible for the messages and voice note. Read some of the text messages and listen to the voice note below.  

According to Rolling Stone, Miami Beach cops obtained the texts from the woman’s phone during their investigation into the allegations. They shared them with the accuser’s lawyers last week.  

“We are very grateful that the Miami Beach Police Department brought this to our attention. They did a great job,” the unidentified woman’s lawyer, George Vrabeck, told Rolling Stone. The attorney confirmed he and his co-counsel Ariel Mitchell, have ceased to represent the accuser in her lawsuit against Chris Brown. They cite unspecified “information” obtained from police last Thursday (Mar. 3) as the reason.  

“We were not made aware that the information existed (prior to filing). It precludes us from going forward for a number of reasons,” Vrabeck says. “It’s not a comment on whether an assault happened or not, but it precludes us from going forward.” 

Meanwhile, Chris Brown has issued a couple of statements of his own via his Instagram Stories. “No more dragging me through the mud,” he wrote, sharing a Radar Online report publishing the text messages. “Me and my team are taking legal action on this situation. You don’t play with people’s lives like that.” 

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Nicki Minaj Gives Props To Lil Kim & Admits Getting Booty Shots In Joe Budden Interview

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Nicki Minaj has had a rocky relationship with Lil Kim throughout her rap career, paying homage to her predecessor then later beefing with her.  

During her highly-anticipated interview with Joe Budden, which aired on Wednesday (Mar. 9), Nicki spoke on Lil Kim’s influence in the game, giving her props while addressing the fashion industry and the marginalization of female rappers and Black women.  

Nicki said that as “the biggest female rapper of all time” in the “most influential genre in the world,” she should have had a Vogue cover by now. She also pointed to how white women are treated differently. “When Billie Eilish comes out and sets a trend with her green hair, she’s immediately put on American Vogue,” she said. The outspoken rapper also gave Lil Kim her props, saying her influence has been similarly ignored.  

Nicki Minaj Says They Should Have Been On The Cover Of Vogue Magazine  

“The same way I feel I should have already been on the cover of American Vogue, so should have Lil’ Kim. If we being all the way a thousand. If this is what your magazine represents, influence…” She added, “Because when myself or Lil Kim goes on the internet, every day we see our influence. We will see our influence. So, I’m not gonna say it’s about me only and not give that woman [Kim] her dues.” 

Elsewhere during the conversation, Nicki Minaj admitted to having “ass shots” early in her career though she denied having surgery. She said surgery wasn’t acceptable in the public eye at that time, she felt like a “guinea pig” in the early days of social media. “I was one of the first people to be sh*tted on on the internet,” she said. 

However, she revealed that being around Lil Wayne and the Young Money roster made her feel self-conscious. Wayne would surround himself with voluptuous women with large derrieres at the studio, triggering her insecurities. Nicki felt she could never look like these women who represented her beauty standard for women in rap. 

Big Booty Muses 

“Actually, what happened was I kept on being around [Lil] Wayne and them,” Nicki Minaj explained. “At that time, you know Wayne, he’s always talking about big booties… Wayne would have a new chick in the studio every session. They were his muses, but I just was around them all the time and I was like the little sister. This is what you’re supposed to look like in the rap culture and I don’t look like that.” 

When Joe Budden asked if she felt pressure from anyone else, she added, “I think Wayne, I think they said stuff sometimes.” The host then interjected with, “jokingly.” Nicki continued, “But to a young girl or up-and-coming rapper, when it’s from someone like Lil Wayne, it matters. Even if they’re joking, they don’t know that the person that is there in that room with them is not finding it funny.” 

Watch the full interview below.

A Conversation With Nicki Minaj & Joe Budden

Funk God George Clinton Talks Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg And His Incredible Career In Music

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Exclusives
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George Clinton has seen it all and done it all.

The futuristic pioneer is the second most sampled artist in Hip-Hop – hands down – and has a tenured space in the culture. Before rap, the 80-year old transformed the landscape of music with P-Funk, but his roots run far deeper. “We came through the psychedelic era, the Motown [era] was straight, clean cut, then psychedelic era, everybody went wild, Woodstock, the acid, the drugs,” he says. “I mean, that was it.” And we were forever changed by the likes of “Flash Light,” “Aqua Boogie,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Atomic Dog” and numerous groundbreaking albums. 

He put the stank on the wax along with his bands Parliament-Funkadelic. It was only destiny that the sounds seep into the culture of Hip-Hop. Artists like Dr. Dre, Outkast, Warren G, Redman, Snoop Dogg, EPMD, Digital Underground and many others were influenced profoundly by King Clinton. While in Detroit, he was a part of Motown, but decades later witnessed a young, pre-Dr. Dre Eminem rise in Detroit. You can see Brother George Clinton in everything from Redman’s Dare Iz A Darkside to Slim Shady’s Purple Hills to Humpty Hump’s nose.

In this conversation, he talks his legacy, his honors as well as the moves he is making with the latest interation of Parliament-Funkadelic. He may be an elderstatesman, but he’s got plenty of creativity left. He even chats with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur between painting in his Florida home.

Kim Kardashian Intends To Avoid Criticizing Kanye West On Hulu Show

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Reality television thrives on drama, but Kim Kardashian wants to avoid airing out her ex-husband Kanye West on her new Hulu show.

Kim Kardashian addressed the hostility between herself and Kanye West in an interview with Variety. Although their relationship woes keep playing out in public, the reality star plans to refrain from disparaging ‘Ye on Hulu’s The Kardashians.

“Being in the public eye and having disagreements publicly is never easy,” she told Variety. “But I do believe in handling it all privately. I believe in championing publicly and criticizing privately. I don’t think I would ever criticize the father of my children on my TV show. That’s just not really what I’m about, and I just don’t think that would ever make me feel good.”

Kim Kardashian continued, “I’m always really respectful of what the kids will see. The reality is, we’re always a family. We always will have a love and respect for each other. And even if there’s moments where it might not seem like that, there are so many moments that are super positive. I do think it’s important for people to see that things aren’t perfect all the time, but that they can get better.”

Hulu’s The Kardashians premieres on April 14. The series covers Kim Kardashian’s contentious divorce from Kanye West and her romance with Pete Davidson.

Faith Evans Recalls Biggie Smalls Refusing To Exit Car Amid Bodega Raid

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Faith Evans shared an amusing story about her late husband The Notorious B.I.G. on the 25th anniversary of his death.

In an interview with People, Faith Evans remembered a time when Biggie Smalls refused to leave their car to get some weed. Since he wouldn’t do it, she went inside a bodega to make the pickup and found herself in the middle of a raid.

“B.I.G. was really lazy,” she said. “He wouldn’t get out of the car to go into the store to get the weed! So I go in, and it just so happens they were getting raided. I was taking a long time. And it’s not like he got out the car to come and check and see what happened.”

Faith Evans laughed while recalling how Biggie reacted when she returned to the car. The Notorious B.I.G. remained oblivious to the raid and simply wondered why she took so long.

“It was about an hour, and I came back all frazzled, and I’m like, ‘Why you didn’t come check on me?’” she explained. “He’s like, ‘No, I’m not getting out the car, what are you talking about?’ He was like, ‘Well, where the weed at?’ Not, ‘Are you OK?’ but, ‘Where’s the weed?’”

Faith Evans married The Notorious B.I.G. in 1994. The two separated prior to Biggie’s death in 1997.

Kanye West Reacts To ‘DONDA 2’ Cut From Billboard Charts!

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Category: Rumors
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As of late, everything that Ye does creates headlines. Recently, Hip-Hop’s poet laureate penned his pain. So, today (March 9), Kanye West reacts as DONDA 2 is excluded from the Billboard charts.

Per usual, the avant-garde artist ignores the status quo. Accordingly, he exclusively unveils his latest release through his uniquely-crafted Stem player. In fact, the electronic device costs $200 and allows for an awesome audio experience.

https://twitter.com/stemplayer/status/1494766720996855812

Last month, the Stem Player Twitter account made a bold declaration. Clearly, it sends a shout out to Kanye West. An emphatic tweet reads, “A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE MUSIC. PLAYS MUSIC. SPLITS MUSIC. FREES MUSIC. WITH ANY SONG. EVOLUTIONARY DIGITAL PLATFORM. MADE WITH OUR FRIEND AND COLLABORATOR @kanyewest.”

As a matter of fact, on Feb. 18, the Chicago creative shared exciting news. So, in a since deleted IG post, Mr. West mentions a milestone. At the time, “39,500” players were sold. By the same token, he boasts that “total net sales” exceed over $8.6 million,” this according to Billboard.

Be that as it may, often innovation challenges convention. Certainly, this is the case with Yeezy’s latest album. Currently, DONDA 2 is ineligible for chart placement. Since, “the album is being sold with a device that can be used for other means besides the playing of the album,” this violates the established charting stipulations, reports Billboard.

Meanwhile, “people familiar with the matter from both Billboard and MRC,” insist on further monitoring its evolution, “as it relates to chart eligibility.” Per usual, the avant-garde artist ignores the status quo. Granting all this, Kanye actually considers this action a “Big win.”

Although, Ye’s personal life is in flux. However, his entrenched creativity continues to blossom. So, in this instance, Yeezus emanates feelings of victory.

In fact, his most recent IG caption says as much. Of course, the “Eazy” MC shares his thoughts. “Big win for the kid,” he states. “We can no longer be counted or judged We won we won we won we won,” notes the “New Slaves” narrator.

“We make my own systems We set our own value aaaand yesterdays price is not todays price baaaaabeeeee!!!!!” expresses the accomplished artist.

Keep up the good work.

Notorious B.I.G. Mural In Brooklyn Honors 25th Anniversary Of His Death

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Multiple New York City artists teamed up to create a Notorious B.I.G. mural for the 25th anniversary of his death.

According to the New York Daily News, artists Eliot Salomé-Diaz, Carlo Nieva, Benny Guerra and Tylan Deputy worked together on the tribute. The Notorious B.I.G. mural appears on the security gate of Brooklyn’s Fine Care Pharmacy, which used to be the location of a liquor store frequented by Biggie Smalls.

“Today we’re spreading love the Brooklyn way, unveiling a new mural of #BiggieSmalls 25 years after his death— a sign of the importance of the artist and of the arts,” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams wrote via Twitter. “Biggie lost his life to gun violence— a quarter century later, we still continue the fight to end that epidemic.”

The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. He was 24.

25 years later, the murder of The Notorious B.I.G. officially remains unsolved. While many allegations and theories have surfaced over the years, no one’s ever been convicted.

The legendary rapper, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, only released one solo album during his lifetime. His 1994 debut Ready To Die was followed by 1997’s Life After Death, which dropped after he was killed.

View the mural for The Notorious B.I.G. below.

Young Dolph Fans, Record Label Vow To Rebuild Memorial If It’s Taken Down

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Fans of Young Dolph do not want the Makeda’s Cookies to disassemble the memorial that has been up in the artist’s memory since his death last November. 

Protestors outside of the private business demanded that the memorial stay intact and threatened to rebuild one should the owners of the building remove it.

AllHipHop.com reported that the owners of the cookie shop had been in contact with the deceased artist’s family about breaking down the four-month-old memorial and have received their blessing to do so.

The “Preach” rapper was murdered in a drive-by shooting outside of the family-owned business, and since the shooting, the brick and mortar has remained closed. 

One of the owners, who initially thought she could reopen the shop, said that she no longer feels safe in the location.

According to ABC 24, the building owner that housed the cookie company decided if Makeda goes … so does the memorial.

Members of the community, fans of the artist, and his label, Paper Route Empire, are adamant that they are not saying goodbye to the tribute, vowing to resurrect it. 

Not everyone was as defiant.

Community activist Frank Gotti said that he understands the owner’s perspective.

“I understand you have to lease it out and run a business. I understand it. It’s his building, and nobody can argue with him on that. I appreciate him for keeping it up this long,” he said.

Another way that fans remember Young Dolph is through his music. After his death, streaming platforms and radio stations are playing his songs more, and the deceased rapper is acquiring new fans like Lil Wayne.

https://twitter.com/MackTightRadio/status/1501320470892793862?s=20&t=0fjtgvCR53GPoWjOvnH4Tw

While interviewing on Mack Tight Radio, the Young Money Rapper said he recently started listening to Dolph and compared him to 2 Chainz. 

When asked what made Young Dolph special, Weezy said, “His authenticity. Just being himself and learning how to make that s### make sense.”

Wayne is not the only person listening. According to Billboard, only one month after Young Dolph’s death, his streams shot up 573%.

50 Cent Gets His Wish As Starz Renews ‘Power Book IV: Force’

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Starz renewed Power Book IV: Force after 50 Cent publicly called out the network for keeping the show in “limbo.”

50 Cent, who produces Force, threatened to leave Starz because the company renewed a series called Hightown before the latest spinoff in the Power franchise. The network rectified the situation on Wednesday (March 9), announcing it greenlighted Force for a second season.

“Fans have been eagerly awaiting Joseph’s return as the iconic ‘Tommy Egan’ and from the show’s record-setting debut, it was clear right away that they want to see another season of him taking on this new city,” Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch said in a press statement. “We are thrilled to have Joseph back in the Power universe and to be expanding the world with a new tapestry of power players brought to life by our fantastic cast.”

The renewal makes sense for Starz, which saw Force quickly become a hit with the most-watched premiere in network history. It may also help placate 50 Cent, who suggested he’d exit Starz when his overall deal with the network expires in September.

“This is me packing my stuff, STARZ,” he wrote on Instagram prior to the renewal. “Sucks, my deal is up over here I’m out. They Renewed High town and FORCE is the highest rated show they have it sitting in limbo. If I told you how much dumb s### I deal with over here.”

50 Cent serves as an executive producer on all of the shows in the Power franchise. He also produces the Starz series BMF, which premiered in 2021.

Prince Carter Has One Dream Collab: Erykah Badu

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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One spin of Prince Carter’s music, and you’re immediately sucked into an ethereal soundscape of sounds, blending the worlds of R&B and hip-hop into his own concoction. Imagine Drake and Bryson Tiller type vibes, and that’ll give you an idea of his core musical influences.

Hailing from Minnesota originally, the rising star named himself Prince Carter as a way to pay homage to the late great Prince, one of the GOATs to hail out of the same area he’s from. But Carter was initially introduced to music through dance, eventually falling in love with both worlds at the young age of 8.

He explains, “I remember I was dancing in a parking lot, I used to love to dance. I always did choir, but it was really dancing that really made me love it at first. It was just fun. I got to express myself through it. From there, it was a roller coaster. In high school was really when I really started making music. Once I started making music, I was all over it. It was done for.”

Most recently, Prince Carter unveiled his newest project titled Not Your Type, a 6-track EP that speaks volumes to his talents as a recording artist. Produced by production group Narcowave, Not Your Type is spearheaded by lead single “Kiss & Leave,” which boasts a cinematic visual as he brings the track to life in true Prince Carter form.

AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in Minnesota?

Prince Carter: Cold as hell. To me, it’s almost closed off from the world in a way. Everything gets there late, and the people around you tend to not be as open to things. The first time I came out to LA was really a game-changer. First time stepping out into the world, you’re not with parents or anything. It literally changed my whole mindset about a lot of things. The first time I came out here, I thought, “I’m about to move out here.”

AllHipHop: What did you like about LA?

Prince Carter: I liked the freedom I felt. I don’t know what felt different, but the second I stepped off the plane, it felt different. Obviously, the weather is beautiful all-year round. I just landed back here at 10 this morning, it was negative 11 degrees back home. Literally messing my head up.

AllHipHop: That’s cold! They have seasonal depression right?

Prince Carter: That’s actually real. You literally can’t go outside for certain months because it’ll be zero or negatives with a wind chill of 10 degrees colder. It’s annoying. It’s almost treacherous.

AllHipHop: Who were you listening to that made you want to do music?

Prince Carter: Some of my biggest influences, at that time especially, would be Kanye. I was listening to a lot of Kendrick at that time. That’s around the time I first heard of SiR. Him and Kendrick made me fall in love with TDE, then SZA and all that. I definitely see myself more in a R&B headspace. When I sit down to listen to music by myself, I’m going to put on some R&B.

AllHipHop: And Prince too right?

Prince Carter: Yeah. Really the whole inspiration behind my name was Prince being from Minneapolis. Once he passed, a couple of years after that is when I decided to change my artist name from just Carter to Prince Carter. It fits, it’s the whole Minneapolis vibe. People will get it.

AllHipHop: At what point did you realize the music thing was for real?

Prince Carter: January of 2018. My older brother literally said, “Move out with me to Cali.” I was living with him, he’s like “You can do this music for real if you want to.” That’s the first time anybody put it in front of me like “You can do what you want.” Instead of having to go school. My parents are definitely first-generation immigrants, so they’re definitely school, school, school, school.

AllHipHop: Not Your Type EP out now! How are you feeling?

Prince Carter: Literally, a breath of fresh air because I’ve had that done since June. Back then, I was really thinking “I want to drop it!” I was supposed to drop with 2 different distributions and they were just lacking. Ended up pushing it back for 6 months before I really said “alright, I’m done. I’m about to drop it myself instead.” Once I really started making the videos and everything, it felt like a build-up until I finally dropped it. A breath of fresh air, I could finally restart. I can start making music again, start making projects and not feel like I’m slacking.

AllHipHop: What’s the meaning behind the title?

Prince Carter: The time I was making all of those songs was the time when I was really navigating my love life. I was figuring out things I didn’t like about other people and things that people didn’t like about me. Alright, I‘ll just make the music. Put in my entire heart, soul, and brain, everything I could into every song. We had made 15 songs before even putting songs into a tracklist. We had made a bunch, sat down and said, “Alright, which one’s the most cohesive? Which ones get the vibe across of how I’m feeling?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaLGst2h_lt/

AllHipHop: Talk about the cover art with all the women.

Prince Carter: That was mad fun to shoot. I don’t want to say it was totally impromptu, but it was pretty last minute. I knew what idea I had and thought “who can fulfill this?” My guy Dro connected me with this photographer named Pat Bombard. He’s cold at what he does. I told him my vision and we set it up right there. I had a few of my girlfriends, friends that are girls, I had them come through and relay how I wanted them to be. They nailed it for real. It was a vibe. It was really quick to shoot too, probably took 30 minutes once we started shooting. We got the one.

AllHipHop: Talk about the project’s lead single, “Kiss and Leave”?

Prince Carter: Just dropped the video, the video’s crazy. That wasn’t even supposed to be the initial lead single. It was supposed to be “Word Gets Around, the second track off the project. But the point of time that I was at: once we got to early January, I was starting to feel “Kiss and Leave” more. The vibe wise with winter and seasonal depression, it’s cuffing season obviously. I started to feel that song a little more than the other one. I’m still about to shoot a video to “Word Gets Around.” I’m trying to shoot as many videos as possible.

AllHipHop: What inspired the visual for “Kiss and Leave”? What was your vision?

Prince Carter: Before I hit the director, I knew I wanted it to be intense, but not at the same time. You could feel the tension between me and the girl, and let it go from there. The director sent me a crazy treatment for it, AJ Spitz. From there, we built on it. He had found a location, the double split room. It was the red side, the blue side. Once he got the location, we ran with ideas. The candle scene is my favorite scene. We had 800 candles to light, and it was all the small ones. It was literally the most tedious process because it’s about 11:30pm to midnight. Nobody’s in the parking lot, the winds blowing and we’re trying to set up these little candles in front of this car. We got 400, then half of them started blowing out. We had to keep grinding. We probably got 500, 600 of them actually lit.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from the project?

Prince Carter: I want them to live, connect themselves to it. Everybody’s gone through a point in their life where they’re trying to figure out what they like. Fans can listen to me in my journey, figuring that out for myself. That’s really what I want, I want them to connect with me through that.

AllHipHop: How’s the independent grind?

Prince Carter: It’s a grind for sure. Literally every single day is a workday. I normally wake up around 9am, fall asleep anywhere from 2am to 8am.

AllHipHop: Late night sessions?

Prince Carter: Literally. When I be in sessions, I be trying to book 12-hour sessions so I can sit there and kick it.

AllHipHop: Where do you usually record at?

Prince Carter: My main location, if it’s not at the crib, is this one place… well, the whole studio service itself is called Neighborhood Watche. They have a bunch of different studios all around Los Angeles, I be booking through them. Then my mans be plugging me in with a bunch of others.

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?

Prince Carter: I need some weed. I’ma package the weed and everything that comes with that as one. I need my laptop, and just a vibe. The vibe can really be anything. My friends be creating different vibes with me in the studio, but sometimes it’s really cool to be alone in a really big studio. Any size studio for real, just to be alone and kick it. Be intimate with the mic and yourself.

AllHipHop: Talk about working with the production group Narcowave.

Prince Carter: Narcowave is some of the most talented people I know, as well as good friends forreal. Ever since I met Dro, they’ve been a major part in my music. It’s really cool to see. I love relationships like that. I love how the music industry can create relationships you’ll have for the rest of your life. It’s a whole journey.

AllHipHop: What can we expect next from you, music-wise?

Prince Carter: Next, I’m about to drop a few SoundCloud projects. I’m trying to get into dropping more on SoundCloud, that’s a more organic platform than most. Most people are ruling out SoundCloud at this point just because SoundCloud artists’ generation isn’t necessarily everything right now, but people forget how major that platform is when it comes to breaking new artists. I like when it’s organic.

AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?

IPrince Carter: want my fans to realize that what everybody tells you isn’t necessarily as concrete. People expect that you have to do one thing for your life to go a certain way, or act a certain way for people like you. But if you’re yourself, people will like that version of you way more than they’ll like any other versions of you forreal. And if they don’t care, who cares. That’s what I had to figure out in my life, as a kid growing up.

AllHipHop: Who’s your dream collab?

Prince Carter: [whistles] That’s so hard right now. A dream collab for me right now might be Queen Badu. That’s one of them. I want to say somebody you can see me with. There are so many artists I want to collab with.

AllHipHop: Badu was before your time, no?

Prince Carter: For sure before my time, but before my time resonates more with my soul. I don’t really relate to most people [in] my exact age range.

AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?

Prince Carter: My main goal is to really, for this year especially, is to put out music as much as possible. If I put a number to it, every two weeks I want to be dropping something. Just so people can feel me forreal.

AllHipHop: What are you most excited for next?

Prince Carter: I’m most excited for my next all platforms project. With this project, I was really proud of the step I took from my last project. The last project I had released was just under the name Carter. It was a lot more independent than this project. This project feels more professional, looks more professional, sounds more professional. I was excited for that jump. But my next project, I know it’s going to be insane. Period.

AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?

Prince Carter: Y’all going to be hearing from me a lot more. I’m about to be on one.

Universal Music Group Shuts Down Its Russian Offices

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Universal Music Group, home to Def Jam, Motown, Interscope Records, and the world’s leading music company, has suspended all of its Russian operations in light of the Eurasian nation’s military invasion of Ukraine.

The company that puts out music for artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, DaBaby, Lil’ Wayne, Will Smith, and more confirmed that the business would be “adhering to international sanctions” and stop working with its Russian affiliates.

“Effective immediately, we are suspending all operations in Russia and closing our offices there. We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible. We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries (including the U.S., U.K., Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary) to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region.”

Variety magazine reports that a source told them that this freeze would impact artists in the country, presumably halting recording budgets and sessions. It is also alleged that staffers will continue to get paid for “an undetermined time.”

UMG is not the only major music entertainment jumping out with a clear statement against Russia’s violence and violation of humanitarian treaties. 

So has the publishing house, BMI.

BMI stated, “BMI has suspended its copyright representation payments to RAO, the Russian collection society for musical works. Additionally, we are working with CISAC on a broader effort that will help benefit creators in Ukraine and surrounding areas while also providing humanitarian aid to those who are so desperately in need.”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, several artists signed to UMG have spoken out in outrage or in horror about the atrocities in Ukraine.

Nicki Minaj tweeted this regarding “children screaming” as they maneuver through their war-torn company with their parents.

“Saw footage of bombs dropping & in the background u could hear children screaming. When I tell u it broke my heart into pieces? …To every mother fleeing w|your children, saying goodbye 2 your husband,” she wrote. “I can’t imagine how afraid & alone you must feel.”

Young Thug has started to rally other artists to help Africans being discriminated against by law enforcement, stopping them from reaching safe shelter in neighboring countries like Poland.

After seeing the above video of Black people being stopped from boarding trains, he posted on his Instagram story last week, “If some of my rap brothers are in, I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine. However, I can sense [they’re] not letting us pass. Whoever holds the info for these movements, please contact me ASAP. I’m ready.”

President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, ordered troops to storm into Ukraine on February 24th.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified that since the top of the year and as late as Tuesday, March 8th, a total of 516 civilians have been killed during Russia’s military attack. 

Thirty-seven children are dead, and 908 civilians have been injured, including 50 minors.

#Praying

Fat Yunginn ft. NoCap – “Go Harder”

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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When you get money in the streets and jealousy takes shape with your rivals, life can become dangerous for anyone. Such was the case for Fat Yunginn who faced tragedy when his friend  and team member Den Wayne was murdered in a drive-by after his entourage was followed home after a night out.

In honor of his friend today rapper Fat Yungin delivers his newest video for the song, “Go Harder” ft. NoCap.  Murdered in 2019, “Go Harder” is a song about living out your dreams and aspirations for those in your life that are no longer here in the physical form. 

Akon’s Former Biz Partner Calls His Akon City Project A Con

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Rapper Akon’s legal troubles with his former business partner Devyne Stephens continue to rumble.

Devyne Stephens claims that he is owed millions from the “Locked Up” singer and believes that a court should freeze the artist’s bank accounts for him to be paid.

Stephens helped launch Akon’s career and the successful Konvict Music label. Stephens claims he is owed 40% of everything Akon’s has made since 2006, including touring income, record sales, and royalties. 

According to Page Six, Stephens filed his petition with a Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, March 7th, hoping a judge would freeze Akon’s assets in New York. 

The rationale is that by doing so, it would force Akon to pay out the $4 million from the debt the artist owes to the producer.

In the paperwork, Stephens’ lawyer Jeffrey Movit alleges that the multi-platinum international sensation has engaged in shady business practices and even called his Senegalese municipal project “Akon City” a “Ponzi scheme.” 

Movit and Stephens have based this assessment on testimony from retired federal Special Agent Scot Thomasson, who investigated the $6 billion project.

The agent stated that the rollout of Akon City and Akoin has “many of the trademark characteristics (known as ‘red flags’) of fraudulent business ventures such as Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes.”

Movit, working on behalf of Stephens, cited Thomasson saying, “Akon has provided almost no transparency about who is investing in Akon City or how it will be purportedly built. Therefore, Akon City is likely a scam,” he said of the high-tech Wakanda-like city.

The court documents claim that Akon is also cash strapped and owes the IRS more than $6 million in unpaid taxes in addition to being an unscrupulous businessman.

Akon’s team has responded to the allegations saying, “Mr. Stephens’ allegations about Akon City and Akon’s business ventures are not based on any evidence. They are nothing but innuendo and speculation, made by someone who had a claim against Akon dismissed.”

The spokesperson for the “Lonely” artist referred to an earlier version of Stephen’s lawsuit that a judge tossed out.

The statement concluded, “Akon is proud of the efforts he is undertaking to create opportunities for his homeland in Senegal.”

The development of the city, located on the coastal part of Senegal, used to be an oceanside village in Mbodiene in the region ofThiès. 

Construction on Akon City started on August 30th, 2021. When completed, the plan is to run the city totally on a cryptocurrency called “Akoin,” which will become the home to an estimated 300,000 people.

The city’s website states that the city will be developed into districts: African village culture; Offices and Residential; Entertainment; Health and Safety; Education; Technology; and Senwood.

The developers hope to be on the cutting edge of economic development, technological advancement, and personal investment in people. 

AllHipHop.com reported that Akon hopes that the city will be a haven for those in the African diaspora, especially those in his native country, the United States of America, who have been discriminated against.

“The system back home treats them unfairly in so many different ways that you can never imagine,” he said in 2020. “And they only go through it because they feel that there is no other way.”

“So, if you’re coming from America or Europe or elsewhere in the diaspora and you feel that you want to visit Africa, we want Senegal to be your first stop,” Akon said.

Teller Accuses ‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler Of Trying to Rob The Bank

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Director Ryan Coogler was mistaken for a bank robber in Atlanta after asking for $12,000 in cash from a branch of Bank of America (BoA).

According to TMZ, in January, a BoA teller at an Atlanta branch believed that Coogler was trying to stick up and bank and had law enforcement handcuff the Academy Award nominee as a suspect.

The moviemaker has been spending time in Georgia over the last year filming the sequel to his blockbuster Marvel film, “Black Panther.”

He went into a branch and asked to withdraw $12,000 from his checking account. The man behind “Judas and the Black Messiah” came into the bank with dark shades, wool skully, and COVID mask and slipped a discreet note to the teller to ask for the money.

The alleged note read, “I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet.”

The teller, who is described as a Black pregnant woman, tried to complete the transaction on her computer, but instead of it being processed, an alert went off and prompted her to tell her supervisor that Coogler was trying to rob them.

That is when law enforcement was called.

The officers arrived and detained two individuals waiting for Ryan at his SUV. All three men were placed in handcuffs and arrested. However, the officers recognized that Ryan did nothing wrong.

Because of the mix-up, he took down the badge numbers of the arresting officers.

Ryan Coogler recently talked about the mistake, saying, “This situation should never have happened. Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction. And we have moved on.”

Tekashi 69 Robbery Victims Say He Ruined Their Lives And Fear His Goons Want To Finish The Job

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Two people robbed by Tekashi 69 and his affiliates claim the Brooklyn rapper ruined their careers and lives.

Seketha “Skyy L. Daniels” Wonzer and Kevin Dozier have revealed the devastation 6ix9ine and members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods caused after the 2018 broad daylight attack in downtown Manhattan.

The pair were unfortunate victims of mistaken identity. Half-a-dozen gang members thought Wonzer and Dozier were affiliated with J. Prince’s Rap-a-Lot Records imprint.

Tekashi 69 did not take part in the robbery, but he filmed the attack as Denard “Drama” Butler and other Nine Trey members stole jewelry, cash, cameras, and a hard drive with over a decade’s worth of footage from Wonzer and Dozier.

“As a result of this entire ordeal, I have suffered greatly from mental anguish and emotional distress. So traumatized by this aftermath, that over a year later, I have had a difficult time getting past the incident suffering from what we believe is post-traumatic stress disorder,” Wonzer revealed.

According to Wonzer, who is a mother and grandmother, she has emotional and financial problems because she can no longer work due to the mental problems the robbery caused.

Wonzer claims she fled her state of residence to avoid the “watchful eyes” of Tekashi 6ix9ine’s “network.”

“I had terrible nightmares for a long, long time. I would wake up sweating and crying and go to children for comfort. I still get flashbacks sometimes,” Wonzer explained.

“Because I’ve had so many bad dreams, I find it hard to sleep when it’s dark. I like to keep the lights on, thinking that will protect me from bad dreams. I hate scary movies and sometimes have nightmares for days,” Wonzer added.

She is currently taking various anxiety medications and sleep aids and has also suffered from depression.

Kevin Dozier also says he has post-traumatic stress disorder, which the April 3rd, 2018 robbery caused.

Dozier says he ended up quitting his job as a publicist because he was terrified for his life. He says he went to the police, but they refused to take a report.

Dozier said he has been forced to suffer in silence, which has taken an extreme toll on his psychological well-being.

“Sometimes I just go into staring spells when I am caught thinking about what happened and not paying any attention to my surroundings,” Dozier explained. “Every day of my life I live in constant fear that someone (his goons/supporters/constituents) will be sent to finish the job.”

Kevin Dozier says he continues to be humiliated daily because Tekashi 6ix9ine shared the robbery video, which went viral on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

“I myself am there forever on camera. I felt powerless to stop it, and being someone so small on the totem pole, assisting that day, I still feel powerless and am trying to pick up the pieces,” Dozier revealed.

Tekashi 69 and his lawyers are sparring over whether or not his defense lawyers should be able to grill the pear about their mental state.

Seketha Wonzer and Kevin Dozier want a default judgment against the rapper. Their trauma is at the center of the civil suit, which could end up costing Tekashi 69 millions in damages.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Is Seen Freely Driving Around Sans Security!

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Category: Rumors
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Tekashi 6ix9ine is pushing the line. In fact, Mr. TattleTales is in the free world appearing to live his best life. That is right, 6ix9ine is seen driving around sans his security.

Back in April of 2020, the Infamous Informant received his walking papers. However, this came at the expense of many. To date, due to his assistance, several Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods were convicted. Currently, they are still incarcerated.

Regardless of the ramifications, it appears as though the Rap Game is more forgiving than Treyway. In fact, following his release, the “Gooba” entertainer has gone on to make online history. In only one day, his track of the same name, went on to earn nearly 40 million views on YouTube.

Generally speaking, being able to afford a robust security detail is a blessing. Especially, in the case of the Civilian spitter. After, dealing with the Federal government, Tekashi has effectively compromised his credibility.

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Naturally, it looks as though his favor may be fading away. Recently, the Rainbow rapper was seen rolling around without the services of a dedicated security detail. Needless to say, in March of 2021, TMZ breaks a story about the Brooklyn artist not paying for security services.

So, are financial issues stalking 6ix9ine? As it stands, demand for him is waning. Be that as it may, the notorious narrator has adopted a Me Versus Everybody attitude. In fact, the “Trollz” spitter seems to embrace a provocative stance.

Above all, Tekashi 6ix9ine faces an uncertain future. Given his previous actions, it may be best for him to remain in prayer and accompanied by a bevvy of bodyguards.

Run The Jewels & Brooklyn Brewery Team Up For 36” Chain Beer Collaboration

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Fans of the Hip Hop duo known as Run The Jewels will soon be able to purchase another beer associated with the emcees. Killer Mike and El-P partnered with Brooklyn Brewery for the 36” Chain collaborative brew set.

Artists can also take part in a label design contest for 36” Chain. Prize packages for the winning design and runner-ups include cash, gift cards, a VIP brewery tour, Run The Jewels merch, Brooklyn Brewery merch, and tickets for an upcoming RTJ show.

“It’s been a great experience cooking up this beer concept with Killer Mike and El-P,” states Brooklyn Brewery’s Garrett Oliver. “These guys think about their music exactly the same way that I think about beer. Sure, it should be fun, but it should also carry real meaning and an almost talismanic power. We mean to conjure some straight-up magic.”

36” Chain will be on sale throughout New York City beginning this August. Run The Jewels will also make the alcoholic beverages available during their five concert dates in NYC’s Madison Square Garden that same month. Rage Against The Machine tapped the RTJ4 album creators for the multi-city “Public Service Announcement” tour.

Run The Jewels Emcee El-P Promises A Special Brew

“On our unexpected journey into the craft of brewing, we’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing community of artists & enthusiasts from all over the world, and we couldn’t be more excited about our new collaboration with the good people at Brooklyn Brewery,” says El-P.

The Brooklyn-bred rapper/producer added, “From the moment we talked to them, it was clear that they truly care about what they are doing and they really get where we are coming from. This one is going to be special.”

36” Chain is the latest extension of El-P and Killer Mike’s growing beverage empire. Previously, Run The Jewels launched their direct-to-consumer ordering service BaRTJ. The award-winning recording artists’ line of drinks has included the Ooh La La hard seltzer, the Run The Yules stout, and the Oh Mama! IPA.

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Nicki Minaj Talks Partnering With Amazon For ‘Queen Radio’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Nicki Minaj is taking her talents to the live radio Amp platform. The Amazon property will be the new home of Minaj’s popular Queen Radio show.

The move to Amazon follows Queen Radio‘s original run on Apple Music. Amp will also host upcoming programs by Pusha T, Lil Yachty, Big Boi, Tinashe, Travis Barker, and other musicians.

Nicki Minaj addressed her decision to switch streaming services during an Instagram Live session on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Queen album creator also brought DJ Boof and Joe Budden onto the stream.

“I am very excited to be partners with Amazon on bringing back Queen Radio,” stated Minaj. “Queen Radio is just something that is so dear to my heart. Of course, there have been times where I’ve thought about, ‘I don’t necessarily want to do Queen Radio, or any radio for that matter.’ But, why not?”

She continued, “I want to say to Amazon, thank you guys so much for already being a really amazing partner with me on Queen Radio. We actually have so many things in store for you that I will be rolling out with Amazon.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3DGDypnM4/

Nicki Minaj went on to announce the first official new episode of Queen Radio is likely to arrive on April 8. After saying she loved working with Apple Music in the past, the 10-time Grammy nominee explained her followers will get access to more fan-friendly features on the Amp app.

“Radio has always been about music and culture,” said John Ciancutti, Vice President of Amp, in a press release. “But imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio – spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming – with all that’s made possible by today’s technology.”

Ciancutti added, “You’d make it so anybody with a phone, a voice, and a love for music could make their own show. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Amp makes it possible for you to grab the mic and run the airwaves. We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.” 

The limited-access beta version of Amp is available for download in the U.S. iOS App Store. Amp users will need a free Amazon account as their login credentials. Amazon also offers an Amp Newsletter for more information about the app.

Latto Scores First Career Top 20 Hit With ‘Big Energy’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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It looks like America is starting to enter Big Latto season. The Atlanta-raised rapper continues to climb up the Hot 100 chart with her “Big Energy” single.

Latto’s Gold-certified song rose four spots on the latest Hot 100, landing at #17 on this week’s chart. “Big Energy” is the RCA recording artist’s first Top 20 hit.

The Dr. Luke-produced track already made it to #1 at Rhythmic Radio. Latto premiered “Big Energy” at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. The show featured performances of Latto’s “B*tch from da Souf” and “Muwop” as well.

MTV also named Latto a Global Push Artist in February 2021. She said at the time, “I’m such a creative, my songs can start from anywhere. I might be in the shower and just come up with some lines and then I just put it in my notes on my iPhone.”

A year ago, Latto hopped on the remix of Chris Brown and Young Thug’s Top 10 collaboration “Go Crazy” along with Future and Lil Durk. Big Latto ended 2021 by dropping her “Super Gremlin Freestyle” which trended on YouTube.

The Rap Game reality show winner is now focused on releasing her next single on Friday, March 11. “Wheelie” will include a guest appearance by fellow Atlanta-bred rhymer 21 Savage.

Latto teased the upcoming song with specific clues about the then-unknown featured artist. Some Nicki Minaj and Cardi B fans felt the teaser purposely misled them to think either star would be on the track.

“Wheelie Friday. Y’all really suck the fun out of s###. I BEEN teasing my features with my fans & making them guess… Ima post a video snippet tomorrow & I’m done with the whole thing!” tweeted Latto on Wednesday morning in response to the backlash.

50 Cent Responds To YK Osiris Wanting To Appear On ‘Power’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Apparently, YK Osiris is ready to try his hand at acting on television. The “Worth It” singer let his followers know he wants a shot at a role in Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Power franchise.

“I think it’s time to put your boy in Power,” said YK Osiris on Instagram. “Put your boy in Power, dog. I’m telling you. That s###’s gonna be crazy! I’m getting Power this year. Watch this.”

The 23-year-old Jacksonville-born performer tagged 50 Cent in his IG video. Fiddy got wind of The Golden Child album creator’s Power request and responded on his own Instagram page.

“The youngn say he ready, I think if he [works] on acting he can do something. What y’all think?” wrote 50 Cent on Tuesday night. The 46-year-old Hip Hop mogul also reposted YK Osiris’s social media clip.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3WyTLDhaI/?utm_medium=share_sheet

The Power Universe Keeps Expanding

50 Cent serves as an executive producer for Power. The original Starz crime drama ran for six seasons. The show’s cast included Omari Hardwick, Lela Loren, Naturi Naughton, Joseph Sikora, Michael Rainey Jr., and La La Anthony.

After the conclusion of Power in 2020, Starz began airing multiple spin-off series. Power Book II: Ghost premiered that same year. The Power Book III: Raising Kanan prequel premiered in 2021. Power Book IV: Force premiered in February 2022.

The Power Franchise Brings In Big Numbers For Starz

According to Starz, the season two finale of Power Book II: Ghost produced the most-watched day on the Star app. Additionally, Power Book IV: Force reportedly debuted as the most-watched premiere in the network’s history with 3.3 million multiplatform views in the United States.

“The Power Universe continues to deliver worldwide hit series with incredible performance that compares favorably with many other high-profile streaming series,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President/CEO at Starz.

Hirsch continued, “We’re excited to see these strong early numbers for the premiere of Power Book IV: Force, which is poised to join our growing lineup of tentpole series at Starz that have global multiplatform season average views in the nine to ten million range.”