The suspects in the Young Dolph murder case have received an additional week to find legal representation for their defense.
After making their second court appearance on Friday, Jan. 28, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith stood before the bench without lawyers for their case regarding the murder of rapper Young Dolph.
Johnson, 23, and Smith, 32, were identified by the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office as the shooters of the 36-year-old rapper last November outside of the Makeda’s Cookie Shop on Airways Blvd.
Both men, according to ABC 24, were indicted on counts of first-degree premeditated murder, attempted first-degree murder, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000.
They also declined public defenders during their initial court appearance to address the charges.
“If you have a lawyer hired, that’s fine, but as I told you 10 days ago, I cannot allow you to sit in jail week after week, month after month, without a lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer hired on February 4th, I’m going to hire a private attorney to represent both of you all,” Judge Lee Coffee said.
Smith was caught in DeSoto County, Mississippi on a theft charge on Dec. 9 and brought to Memphis.
The friend was 26-year-old Shundale Barnett. Barnett, now, faces charges including accessory after the fact to first-degree murder for allegedly helping Johnson not get caught.
More weekend cleaning the house vibes with “About You” by Blxst. This visual is starring Blxst and Paige Hurd as the two play house while Blxst croons her in their morning robes. It’s a simple visual but that’s what love is ABOUT right? Check out the Alfredo Flores directed visual below:
Gunna is one of the hottest rappers in Hip-Hop in 2022 so we had to run this one back from early January. From his catch phrases like Pushin P to his lavish lifestyle there’s no question Gunna has a grip on the culture. True to his word Gunna has delivered a host of hits with Young Thug and the rest of YSL crew making every release a must listen.
Rapper and television titan 50 Cent is back with another offering from his Powerfranchise. Celebs and influencers gathered at the rooftop of Pier 17 on Friday, Jan. 28 to celebrate the world premiere of Power Book IV: Force aka Tommy’s story with two screenings.
People watched a screening of Power Book IV: Force with the show’s star Joseph Sikora his GRAMMY-winning boss. In attendance at the screening were Oscar winner Adrien Brody, David Schwimmer (from Friends”, Fat Joe, La La Anthony, Lucy Walters (Tommy’s old girlfriend from Power), Ice-T and Coco, June Ambrose, Mack Wilds, Aldis Hodge, Slick Rick, Eric West, Achieng Agutu, Dave East and Kranium, Evan Mock, J.R. Ramirez, Eli Brown, model, and Pritika Swarup watched the premiere episode from their individual cabins overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge.
When people hopped into their cabins they were able to watch the official music video for the show called, “Power Powder Respect,” by 50 Cent, Jeremih, and Lil Durk, and directed by Eif Rivera. They were also able to watch the show eating hot dogs and Garrett’s popcorn and drinking signature cocktails, including Jackson’s Branson VSOP.
People were also able to snap a flick in front of Tommy Egan’s trademark blue mustang, a show prop shipped in from Chicago.
Joseph Sikora at the STARZ New York premiere event for “Power Book IV: Force at Pier 17 on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for STARZ
That night, at the second screening, the cast came out. Those who are sure to make the spin-off special are Isaac Keys, Gabrielle Ryan, Shane Harper, Kris D. Lofton, Anthony Fleming, Lucien Cambric, Jeremih, Ahmad Ferguson, Phil Donlon, Guy Van Swearingen, and Barton Fitzpatrick.
Power Book IV: Force premieres Sunday, February 6 across all STARZ platforms.
Pink Sweat$ and Blxst give fans a live performance of their song “For Me” featured on Pink Sweat$’ album Pink Moon. It’s a pastel laden visual and it definitely has some gospel vibes, so this might be one to run back on Sundays. Tune in below:
“This is the first time I played my new music for my momma – I was nervous to post this!” the Grammy winner wrote in the caption. “But just know: if the ones you love support you – THATS ALL U NEED. It’s been a long journey YALL… but I think it’s about that time.”
In the clip, the two sing along to the song and bob their heads while sitting in the parked car. Over on her Instagram Stories, the “Juice” star expressed how much it means to her for her mum to like her music.
“I’ve always wanted to make my momma proud,” Lizzo continued. “Today was her first time hearing my new music. She told me she has ALWAYS been proud of me (even in my crazy rock star sleeping in my car days). She always made me feel special. In case nobody told you yet… you’re special. Keep going. I’m proud of you.”
Lizzo first teased the new hit in a commercial for Logitech’s DEFY LOGIC campaign earlier this week.
What more can a purist ask for? OK, certainly people would love to see Nas an AZ together again, but Rozay and Sosa is pretty damn good. Rick Ross and AZ connect on “Vacheron,” which is the lead song from the deluxe version of Richer Than I Ever Been. The song has the two legends basking in their well-deserved glory. Check it out and the whole deluxe project below.
There is a new generation of politicians in New York City and they are not afraid to battle it out Hip-Hop style with a little borough slick talk.
This was on full blast last week after the Gen Xers in the office of borough presidents got mixy about whose borough has the more popping Hip-Hop lineage.
It started after the Department of Transportation aimed to change the name of past BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. to the new one and got it wrong. Instead of putting Vanessa Gibson, the actual borough president, under Mayor Eric Adams’ name on the “Welcome to the Bronx” sign on Hutchinson River Parkway, they put the Queens BP, Donovan Richards.
Dean Meminger from Spectrum News’ NY1 first pointed it out.
“Battle of the Boroughs. Oh No! #NYC@nyc_dot gets boro president wrong on Welcome to The #Bronx sign on the BX side of Whitestone Bridge. Vanessa Gibson is the BXBP, Donovan Richards is the QueensBP. Oops! @QnsBPRichards@Vanessalgibson now claim their respective boro is the best.”
Then the swift Queens native hopped in like 50 Cent, a hip-hop hero from his borough, and started to troll.
“Being the president of by far the best borough in New York City comes with an understanding that everyone always has Queens on their mind,” Richards joked. “The Bronx and Borough President Gibson deserve their due as well, so I will happily cede this space and work with DOT to ensure that happens.”
Being the BP of by far the best borough in NYC comes with an understanding that everyone always has #Queens on their mind. It’s natural.
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
Gibson, he repped for the womanists, said, “Sorry I’m late to the chat. I was too busy being the BP that represents the best borough and the REAL birthplace of Hip-Hop. What did I miss?”
And Richards replied, “The Bronx might be the birthplace of hip-hop, @bronxbp, but we all know #Queens perfected it. Nas, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, shall we go on?”
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) January 26, 2022
“Hm… @fatjoe and @RealRemyMa might have to disagree. Also, last time I checked the @uhhmuseum was going to be where? #JustSaying All love to all of our hip-hop legends though”
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
“The Bronx has big stars, no doubt, but #Queens is home to hip-hop legends, pioneers and trailblazers. All love is right, though! Plus, I think we can both agree that the outerboroughs are the best boroughs”
The Bronx has big stars, no doubt, but #Queens is home to hip-hop legends, pioneers and trailblazers.
All love is right, though! Plus, I think we can both agree that the outerboroughs are the best boroughs… https://t.co/A4XiscjgZ2
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) January 26, 2022
“I could not agree more, and I look forward to working with you colleague in bringing much needed attention and recognition to our boroughs. All love always! #Bronx#Queens#Outerboroughs”
I could not agree more, and I look forward to working with you colleague in bringing much needed attention and recognition to our boroughs. All love always! 🙏🏾🙏🏾 #Bronx#Queens#Outerboroughshttps://t.co/UuuITBR0mw
— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) January 26, 2022
And just as you thought it was over … here comes Brooklyn! Antonio Reynoso, the new Brooklyn BP replacing Eric Adams, the new mayor, came through with his shut down.
“Biggie Big Daddy Kane Hov Need I say more? Brooklyn keeps on taking it,” he tweeted.
Did we forget, @ReynosoBrooklyn, who really came out on top the last time #Queens and Brooklyn rap legends went back and forth?
All we know in Queens is that @Nas is the truest. Name a rapper that he ain't influenced? https://t.co/CuFoajirqn
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) January 26, 2022
Queens might have the edge on cool though. Hip-Hop is not just about being put in place, but by people who put in work and it seems like Richards might have an edge on them — getting as close to rap culture as Diaz did for years.
Back in the day, before getting into public service, Richards was an intern for Chris Lighty and Mona Scott-Young at Violator Records, a label that had the best rappers from both boroughs (LL Cool J, Fat Joe, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest and more). Check him out saluting his mentor at a recent event at the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. Perhaps it is an #OutboroughThing
EST Gee keeps running it up with his new song “Who Hotter Than Gee” a flip of Plies track, “Who Hotter Than Me.” We will include that below for your listening pleasure, but at the end of the day EST Gee did that. This song is a heater for the traps, the clubs and the whips… If anything it speaks to how HOT the beat was on this song. Shout out producer Midnight Black to hooking this up.
H.E.R. has been named as the new global spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris.
Executives at the French cosmetics giant announced that H.E.R., real name Gabriella Wilson, is joining the company as a brand ambassador.
H.E.R.’s debut campaign, for Elvive Dream Lengths Curls, will be released next month.
“When I use my voice, I need to stand 100 percent with what I represent,” she said in a statement. “So, I’m beyond happy to join L’Oréal Paris, and to add my voice to this sisterhood representing the diversity of beauty on this planet, with the message for every girl to know her worth deep in her heart.”
H.E.R. joins a roster of diverse spokespeople, including Kate Winslet, Viola Davis, Celine Dion, Helen Mirren, Eva Longoria, Elle Fanning, Aja Naomi King, and Camila Cabello, among others.
And Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, global brand president of L’Oréal Paris, is excited to have the 24-year-old on board.
“H.E.R. is one of the music world’s new superstars, and she’s only 24! We’re thrilled to welcome one of Gen Z’s most resonant young voices to L’Oréal Paris,” she commented. “Her talent and her confidence make her an inspirational L’Oréal Paris spokesperson, speaking to not only young women but to all women, to trust in the power of their worth.”
The Australian government wants Kanye West to know that he is not welcomed unless he gets vaccinated. The mega-star rapper is set to tour the “Land Down Under” in March 2022 but might be deterred based on the country’s health regulations.
According to the Independent, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the nation’s stance clear on Saturday, Jan. 29 — if the chart-topper doesn’t get his shots, the tour will be stopped.
Morrison said, “It doesn’t matter who you are, they are the rules. Follow the rules – you can come. You don’t follow the rules, you can’t.”
Australians are serious about the COVID-19 rules and like other countries are trying to take control of the virus that caused a global shutdown, hospitalized millions, and claimed the lives of 5.67 million since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, according to the Worldometer tracking model. Aussies have one of the lowest death rates in the world. Since 2020, only 3,632 people have died from the virus. Compare that to the 881,584 people that have died in the United States, the 79,934 that have died in California (where the artist lives), 63,910 that have died in New York (where he frequently visits), and the 34,439 that have died in Illinois (where the artist was raised).
So, committed to their health policy against letting unvaccinated people into the country, they canceled the visa of famed tennis star Novak Djokovic for not getting the shots.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan previously commented on this. He said the decision to grant West a visa would depend on what Immigration Minister Alex Hawke suggested.
He said that Hawke will view Yeezy’s “application like he does for other visa applications”.
“I can assure everyone, all Australians, that it will be looked at in a diligent manner and like all of these applications, the applicant would have to adhere to Australian rules and application protocols for that to be approved,” he confirmed. “The Minister for Immigration will make a decision on this like he does on all visas and it will be very much done with the proper diligence and a decision taken which shows that he needs to apply in accordance to the rules, as it is for everyone. But I wouldn’t like to say anything more on this that in any way might prejudice his decision.”
While the politicians have spoken out, producers for this leg of Ye’s tour could have just gone to the Home Affairs Department’s website, a site created for those traveling to the country. It says, “If your vaccination certificate does not prove that you meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated, you cannot use it for leaving or entering Australia.”
You have to love Cam’ron! Cam and the Dipset crew are New York pillars. They really are staples of the culture and we love them. At one point, they had a movement that white people dressing extremely goofy and Black people wanting to smack off kufis. If you know you know!
That said, Jim Jones has been leading the charge as of late with the excellence traditionally known from Dipset, but we are now seeing that Cam’ron is making his mark yet again. The leader of the crew has stepped up and done a Funkmaster Flex freestyle in 2022. From the Hot97 compound, he manages to dazzle lyrically in a way only came does.
Brimming with swagger, he addresses “that” Verzuz with The Lox, his money and also talks to the media. “If it ain’t Gillie or N.O.R.E., I ain’t friends with you/Everybody else one hundred thousand for the interview,” he raps. This one has two beats for the fans and hopefully leads to an album or, at least, some songs. Check it out, y’all.
Reflecting on the tough time during an interview for the February 2022 issue of ELLE magazine, Blige recalled the technique she used to rebuild her self-esteem.
“When I shot Mudbound, I was at my point of no real confidence. (Every morning, I’d say), ‘This chick is beautiful.’ So I started to believe it and started to pay myself high compliments to get past that feeling and that fear.”
Blige went on to explain that ditching her signature designer outfits and weaves to portray the character of Florence Jackson also forced her to reflect on various aspects of her life.
“I didn’t feel beautiful – like for real for real, not just, ‘Hey, I’m pretty’ but actually believing it – until about 2016,” the Grammy Award-winner explained. “If you’ve been beat down mentally by someone, you’re never pretty enough. You’re never smart enough. Nothing’s ever good enough.”
Without question, AZ is one of the big homies of the Golden Era that has matured right before our eyes. Last year, he released the sequel to Doe Or Die, after 25+ years. And, in 2022, he drops The deluxe version of the album.” AZ said, “Salute to everyone anticipating the Doe Or Die II Deluxe, I feel the love and I won’t let you down. It’s packed with lyrical braggadocious punchlines and designed to take you on a journey” AZ says about the project. “This is true poetry from a true dart thrower.”
Remy Ma and Don Q were among the judges presiding over the most talked about battle rap event of the year so far, Midnight Madness.
Midnight Madness threw its first event in the early hours of Friday night (Jan. 29). The exclusive event was invite-only and was the most sought-after ticket in town. Battle rap’s elite joined a selective guest list, said to number a total of 75 people, for a night of highly anticipated clashes that would see Midnight Madness trending No. 7 on Twitter.
Midnight Madness Started With A Bang!
There was no live footage from the event – updates came from the media platforms in the building.
The first battle on the night was from rising talents, JUSCUZ and Hustle. The match embodied the spirit of the underground flight club. Come and make a name for yourself in front of the most respected names in the culture. Fight to prove you’ve got what it takes to walk away with the money on the floor, the championship belt, and the respect of your most esteemed peers.
One of veteran Shooney’s bars flooded the timeline, with many hailing it bar of the night. “I would show her what to do with money/ I would give Fen a key (finicky) but she be moving funny.”
I would show her what to do with money/ I would give Fen a key (finicky) but she be moving funny/- Shooney Da Rapper. #MidnightMadness
2021 Champion of The Year, Geechi Gotti would judge the third battle of the night alongside Champion’s very own Jay Blac. He flew in for Midnight Madness to hand the champ his title and prize money.
Jayblac pulls up to Give GEECHI GOTTI his bread for champion of the year then sits down to judge J2 vs. Bad Newz.
The timeline quoted bars back and forth and reported a close battle, however, there could only be one winner. Bad Newz took the money and the first-ever Midnight Madness Underdog title.
Drugz vs. Tru Foe was a real grudge match, with the two going back and forth all week. They argued in Twitter Spaces and ranted at one another on Instagram Lives. Nu Jersey Twork upped the steaks and put a last-minute $1,000 bet on the battle.
Nunn Nunn vs. Snake Eyez was debated back and forth in the Twitter Spaces for weeks, fans intensely supported one or the other. Both went into the battle with something to prove and knew all eyes were on them. This was always gonna be one of them ones!
Reports suggested Snake Eyez had a strong start with Nunn Nunn fighting back.
Snake Eyez has all the momentum in the first round.
The last battle of Midnight Madness was the main event between the veteran Big T against one of the brightest talents of the “new era”, Lu Castro. Lu went into the battle a clear underdog. Many said he could not win against the experienced small room pro, Big Tuna.
Remy Ma judged one final time alongside a panel of battle rappers.
Last Battle: Big T vs Lu Castro
Judges: Drect, Eazy Da Block Captain, Swave Sevah, Remy Ma, Don Q, Geechi Gotti & Quest MCODY#MidnightMadness
Finally, after a night of intense battles where belts were lost, and money won, Lu Castro took home the last win. He left as the highest-ranked Midnight Madness belt holder and Undisputed Champion.
BREAKING: Lu Castro is now the belt holder of the Undisputed Championship belt.
All reports indicated the first-ever Midnight Madness was a success. A remarkable achievement considering the idea was conceived a little over a month ago. The battle rap and wider Hip-Hop community united organically and put on something with the potential to shift the culture. Fans will have to wait until the footage drops on the Midnight Madness YouTube channel. However, word on the street is they will be out within the next week…
Elsewhere,Tsu Surf breaks down the guest list and discusses those Midnight Madness tattoos.
Special mention has to go to everyone who worked tirelessly to organize round the clock for a month curating the Midnight Madness concept. Tsu Surf, Bill Collector, and JakkBoy Maine oversaw the charge for what could be the best thing to emerge from the scene in years.
Earlier on Friday, the New York rapper dropped the exciting trailer for “Queens Get The Money.” She also announced the card for the first Chrome 23 event.
January 2022 kicked off an already tremendous year for hip-hop music. The number of singles and songs released in the first month of the year is unprecedented.
Already we have songs from the likes of Gunna, NLE Choppa, Roddy Ricch, NBA YoungBoy. And then even some veterans have come out with new joints. Gucci Mane, Big K.R.I.T., The Game & Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Earl Sweatshirt, and others have also dropped songs recently rounding out an impressive start to a new year.
Only time will tell if the kind of diversity we’ve seen in the past will continue to manifest in the new year.
She’s a woman and she’s black. Marlo Richardson already had two strikes, but it didn’t stop her from diving into the cannabis industry. And considering her string of successes in real estate, insurance, crypto, and production, no one’s surprised she’s taking Cali by storm.
Like many entrepreneurs, Richardson’s interests in the cannabis industry were borne out of the personal experience. Her mother suffered extreme hip pain that required surgery. To manage the worsening pain, Richardson’s mother was prescribed a heavy narcotic. The treatment was effective. Only it left her mother heavily sedated.
“It wasn’t until a friend gave me some CBD ointments and creams that she would have relief from the pain without the heavy sedating effects of the pain meds,” Richardson says. “From there, I started learning more about the cannabis industry and the true potential of cannabis.”
With that knowledge and a need to help others in similar circumstances, Richardson grew several cannabis and cannabis licensing brands. The first, a CBD and cannabis delivery spot out of the San Fernando Valley, is Just Mary. Richardson eventually teamed with legendary rapper Xzibit. He, of course, had already built Brass Knuckles, currently valued at $170 million. The rapper also has Xzibit Napalm Brands on the table. The company developed products for Just Mary. In 2022, Just Mary will be ready to offer its own line of CBD products.
Keeping it busy, Richardson has Tremendo. That’s a luxury brand inspired by the cannabis lifestyle. The brand incorporates a high-end journey in every element of its branding, from packaging and presentation to quality. Richardson promises a superior product cultivated in a state-of-the-art facility owned by her company. She expects Tremendo to be on dispensary shelves all over Cali.
Speaking with a community of BIPOC aspiring entrepreneurs, Richardson talks of the keys to success, regardless of if it’s the cannabis industry or real estate. First, be mindful of whom you partner with. That’s crucial in the cannabis industry with manipulators everywhere. Do your research and align your interests with candidates that demonstrate a proven track record, devoting themselves to producing quality products and services in and out of the world of cannabis. BlaqHaus restaurant owner Takela Corbitt, and Marcus and Brandon Watson of the professional boxing world.
While we wait for the full album Melt My Eyez See Your Future, we have been blessed with”Walkin’,” the first single in the
He explained to Zane Lowe:
“‘Keep walking’ means you got to keep moving forward with whatever is going on in your life. So when I wrote this record, it was about just moving forward and keep going no matter what’s happening in your life. Good things, bad things, they all just going to come to pass and you just got to keep walking. There’s a difference between walking away from something and running away from something.”
The glossy cinematic visuals also announced the ladies battling on the debut card for Remy Ma’s new all-female battle league, Chrome 23, on February 27. Another exciting update revealed the event will be live-streamed via Hot 97.
“Female Battle Rap Will Never Be The Same”
Remy took to Instagram to drop the trailer and share the line-up, something fans have long been waiting for.
“Female Rap will never be the same!” Remy declared in the caption.”@ChromeTwenty3 my all-female Battle Rap League 🔥The first card event will be on Sunday, February 27th- invite only- but available for Live Stream viewing -it’s only right I take it back to where I started at!!! You don’t wanna miss this!”
She added, “Sidebar: I’m sooooo hyped!! Double Sidebar: This trailer look like a 🔥 movie!!!!! #Reminisce #RemyMa #Chrome23 #QueensGetTheMoney MidnightMadness”
The trailer features the rappers clad in boilersuits and ski masks standing in front of a vault. They slowly unmask one by one to reveal the “Queens Get The Money” lineup. New fan favorite Pristavia takes on the bad girl of battle rap, Yoshi G in a match that was supposed to go down on another card. However, Remy Ma saw the potential and negotiated to have it as part of Chrome 23’s first event.
@Tsu_Surf I was booking my flight to pop out for Midnight Madness on the 28th and it hit me… I need that @_YoshiG and @PristaviaD battle on the Queens Get The Money card 😈 Call me💋💰 #RemyCard
The return of veteran QB Black Diamond after a long absence was a welcome surprise, she faces top lyricist Queen 40 BARRS. The “Face of Female Battle Rap,” Casey Jay goes up against her fellow “Bardashians” squad member, “Gun Bar Queen” O’fficial, in an unexpected clash. Veteran favorite Couture and the “First Lady of URL” Ms. Hustle, finally get the chance to settle an old score, completing the elite lineup.
“It has always been a male dominated industry,” she began. “Not anymore. In 2022 women practically run Hip-Hop, both in front and behind the scenes…”
She continued, describing what separates these women from the industry standard. “But there’s a different breed of female rapper that’s about to take over the world. This type of emcee…she pushes her own pen. She uses lyricism, punches double and triple entendres, metaphors, similes, angles, schemes. It can also get very personal. There’s no fancy production or no sexy choreography to hide behind…just pure talent and skill. “
Remy Ma concluded with: “This is rap in its purest form. I present to you, Chrome 23. A new female battle rap league, for women supporting women and run by women pushing the culture forward equally.”
Meanwhile, Remy Ma was rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of the battle rap community in Atlanta on Thursday night. She attended her first public outing as a league owner, the Midnight Madness bowling tournament, ahead of the elite underground battle rap collective’s first event.
Remy is one of the celebrity guests expected to attend the exclusive battle rap event on Friday (Jan. 28). She joined a team of battle rap queens, including 40 BARRS Ms. Hustle, Shooney Da Rapper, and Young Gattas, and gifted the ladies matching bowling jerseys.
CeoGamble is heating up in Tampa, and it’s confirmed a new untitled project will be released later this year. 2SC will be the lead producer from Five 5 Studios located in Ybor city for this release. Gamble, who is well known out of Georgia for his music, has seen success in many industries. He’s an extremely versatile artist, we are excited to hear new content from him and see what he has to offer. With a third child on the way, CeoGamble says this project is inspired to motivate young fathers and push positive messages to the youth. Singles; “All I know” and “Pave Da Way” are bangers to look out for.
Be ready for the drop on Spotify and all other major platforms!
Stay tuned for more updates follow him on Instagram.
