Rapper Nas has an early Christmas gift for his fans.
The GRAMMY Award-winner just announced that he will be dropping his next album on Christmas Eve, December 24th.
The Queensbridge hero has been in the lab just cranking out fire.
This will be the third project he’s released in the last 24 months. It will also be the third project with producer, Hit-Boy — proving to be the best producer pairing for him since the Trackmasters in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The new album was announced on the artist’s Instagram and will be called Magic.
“MAGIC is in the air. Midnight et brand new music to vibe to.”
He also listed the name for nine tracks, sharing that the only one with a feature is called “Wave Gods” featuring A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier.
‘Speechless’
‘Meet Joe Black’
‘Ugly’
’40-16 Building’
‘Hollywood Gangsta’
‘Wu For The Children’
‘Wave Gods ft. A$AP Rocky & DJ Premier’
‘The Truth’
‘Dedicated’
In another post, he shares with fans some behind-the-scenes footage paired with Stevie Wonder’s classic song, “If It’s Magic” from the Songs from the Key of Life album.
All three were released on Mass Appeal, his entertainment brand that recently produced Ralph McDaniel’s documentary, “You’re Now Watching Video Music Box.”
You know you’re doing something right when Drake f#### with you.
Already with the cosign from one of the biggest artists in the world, CEO Trayle is here to shake up the rap game with his unique and distinct sound, relentless bars, and effortless swag. Hailing from the Bronx, New York but relocating to Atlanta, the rising star has been steadily building his fanbase, originally discovered by Gucci Mane and asked to sign with him, but then politely declined.
CEO Trayle calls himself “Big Boss C4,” just one of his 3 alter egos. Reppin’ the boss title to the fullest, he states, “C4 doesn’t like to be played with. CEO Trayle understands that this is a business, but C4 don’t care about none of that. He just likes rapping.”
Riding the momentum of his viral smash “OK Cool,” which garnered over 30 million streams and quickly became a TikTok sensation BEFORE Gunna hopped on the remix, CEO Trayle currently boasts over 1.3 monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
His newest body of work, Happy Halloween C4, clocks in at 16 tracks, with additional features from Babyface Ray and Doe Boy.
Most recently, Trayle unleashed his newest single and visual titled “Monsters.”
AllHipHop: How was it growing up in the Bronx?
That’s where I really got turnt on to rap, listening to 50 Cent. Then I moved to Alabama and that put me on to people like Gucci, Rocko, other people. When I moved to Atlanta I started listening to people like Thug. It just all mixed. I was always in Chicago though. They took a liking to me so I started going back often.
AllHipHop: Speaking of, talk about G Herbo bringing you out.
CEO Trayle: Ain’t going to lie, that s### was turnt! As soon as I walked on stage, everybody had their flashes on. I was turnt, I’m like “damn!” That’s how I know I’m turnt in the A. That was Atlanta. I was supposed to go to Chicago but some s### had come up. I came, I pulled up on him at his show out here in Atlanta. He said, “S###, you wanna come out?” I’m like, “Hell yeah, let’s do it!” That s### was turnt. Appreciate Swerve for that.
AllHipHop: How did y’all tap in?
CEO Trayle: Just from me being in and out of Chicago for a while. Molly and DooWop, they all was listening to me. DooWop, I be calling him my CEO. That’s my brother. He was listening to me a long time ago before a lot of n*ggas. He used to always tell me, “Man, we gon’ work something out. Get get something going.” It didn’t work out the way we planned it, but we still maintain a relationship. Anytime when Herb be out here in the A, or I be in LA, wherever, I can link up with him and we can kick it. That’s how it goes. Ever since then, I’ve been locked in with them.
AllHipHop: Happy Halloween C4 out now! How are you feeling?
CEO Trayle: This is my favorite tape I put out. Me, Turbo, and the other producers that’s on it — but it’s really on some s### where me and Turbo locked in and did a bunch of songs. When he heard my idea, he said “I’m with it, let’s lock in and get some beats going.” It started from us being in the studio every night, and now we got 50 songs. I said “We might as well just do this Happy Halloween together.” He said, “S###, let’s do it!” It went from there and we put it out.
AllHipHop: What does Halloween mean to you?
CEO Trayle: Halloween to me means this s### ain’t sweet. Don’t think it’s candy. Ain’t no tricks no treats.
AllHipHop: What’d you dress up as for Halloween this year?
CEO Trayle: I was one of the dead presidents. Me and Gunna, we was in LA. We went to hella Halloween parties, 4 Halloween parties. We were the dead presidents. I was high as f###! I was high as a m########### that whole night. Man, I was high as hell. I had dropped the tape and on Halloween, everyone knew who I was in LA. LA be showing that love now, and New York.
AllHipHop: How did you tap in with Gunna and all the YSL crew?
CEO Trayle: Just building relationships. People I done known from a while ago and how the dots always connect. From being in the streets to being in the studio with certain people, to being around and being somebody that’s respected outside, it’s not gonna be hard for the dots to connect for certain people. With me knowing the people that I knew and building the relationships that I had built, with Taurus and Booka and other people that be around him, it was inevitable.
Gunna a real n*gga, he’s always looking out for people on the come up. You see the way Slime looks at him? Slime looks at him like the Golden Child. Slime basically put in his head that you get rich, then you make other people rich. That’s the plan, that’s why I f### with YSL. That’s what they focus on: getting the whole family rich. Everybody’s doing their own thing. We locked in and it’s been like that ever since.
AllHipHop: When did you know you wanted Gunna on the remix?
CEO Trayle: I didn’t even think it was gon’ be that. But when he heard it, he’s like, “S###, I gotta put something on it. I gotta put a verse on it.” I’m like “s###, go ahead!” I’m thinking he just f##### with the song. Nah. A couple days later his engineer texted me and said, “Send me the open verse for the song.” I said “Alright, bet!” And he did that s###.
AllHipHop: What was your reaction when you heard it back?
CEO Trayle: That’s the only one I listened to. I already didn’t like the first one. I appreciate it like a m##########, but that’s not the one I thought. Not the one I expected.
AllHipHop: The original music video has almost 8 million views on Youtube!
CEO Trayle: I love it, but I didn’t think that was gonna be the one.
AllHipHop: How does it feel to get these numbers and be independent?
CEO Trayle: That s###’s crazy to even see! I just put a video out last night at 1am called “Monsters,” that s###’s at 20K views now. I’m like damn. I called Val-Manager (https://www.instagram.com/valperre_/?hl=en) and he’s like, “You surprised? You shouldn’t be.” [laughs]
AllHipHop: How was Rolling Loud in New York?
CEO Trayle: It was straight. New York was cool, it was just cold as f###.
AllHipHop: How does it feel to be performing and having your fans sing the lyrics back?
CEO Trayle: That s### is heartwarming. An old lady DM’d me the other day, she said, “Me and my husband love your song, but what’s an eight of woc?” I’m like “It’s Wockhardt, it’s a drug.” She said, “Oh, my husband told me that’s what it was. But we love you! Keep going.” I looked at her page, she’s old as hell. I’m like damn. You know, the cougars always loved me anyways. But when she hit me up, damn she’s old as hell listening to me.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR0I_uJj7q_/
AllHipHop: What was your reaction when Drake DM’d you?
CEO Trayle: That was a turnt DM! I was on the jet when Drake DM’d me, so I was already turnt. Then when I got to Houston, he seen me in Houston. I seen him in the club and he dapped me up. I didn’t really think nothing of it right? He had rented out this Dave and Buster’s that night, then I seen him again. He showed hella love. He showed so much love that everybody in Dave & Buster’s was looking at me like, “Who the f### is this n*gga? Who the f### is Drake talking to?” He showed me hella love, that s### was crazy.
AllHipHop: The fact that he saw your performance at Rolling Loud..
CEO Trayle: He saw my s###. Saw the stream and watched my stream, then DM’d me and followed me.
AllHipHop: What do you make of that?
CEO Trayle: I’m a young turnt ngga. I’m youngest turnest ngga out here right now. A lot of nggas turnt, but Drake didn’t DM them after Rolling Loud. I always got that over nggas.
AllHipHop: You gotta get that Drake feature!
CEO Trayle: You already know where my mind’s at. My mind’s on them Blocboy JB m############. I gotta get a solo Drake feature. I’ma be over turnt.
AllHipHop: I saw you were with Doe Boy too. What’s your guys’ friendship?
CEO Trayle: Shoutout to Doe Boy, he one of the realest nggas out here. Because the rap industry is gay. Doe Boy if you’re watching this, you a real ngga boy. The whole FreeBandz camp, everybody over there I f### with. Them nggas real nggas. He pulled up to my video shoot and everything.
And we had crazy s### at the video, nggas felt like they were being followed. They still pulled up! He ended up being followed by my brother, they were both coming to the video shoot. It looked like they were following each other. They’re street nggas, on some street n*gga s###.
AllHipHop: Was the video shoot in Atlanta?
CEO Trayle: Yup.
AllHipHop: Do you like Atlanta?
CEO Trayle: Atlanta is cool, you gotta be tough to be out here. It’s not like LA. Atlanta isn’t like anywhere, you gotta really be somebody out here because everybody feels like their somebody. If you got something going on in Atlanta, that’s good because everybody from Atlanta feels like they’re somebody. So you gotta be somebody to move around.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your drip?
CEO Trayle: I like Rick Owens. I really like Prada. I f### with Amiri. I really like s### I look good in, that’s it. If I look good in that s###, I’m putting that s### on. I don’t care what anybody says. I just had on a trench coat, that m########### was raw as hell. That s### was burning me, but that s###’s raw. I’m tall.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
CEO Trayle: When I’m not working, I be with my son. He’s 4. That’s what I’m doing when I’m not rapping. He be with me sometimes in the studio so he already knows what I’m finna do. He goes, “Can I go to the studio with you? Are you about to go to the office?” I’m like “yeah.” We call it the office.
AllHipHop: How’s fatherhood?
CEO Trayle: That’s why y’all know me now, because I became a daddy.
AllHipHop: What’s your son’s favorite CEO Trayle song?
CEO Trayle: He likes all my songs. He called me earlier saying he was listening to my new song, “Monsters.” He got a tablet, I bought him an iPad so he can call me any given time. He be listening to my music when I go pick him up. He’s like, “Daddy look! Daddy look!” But I can’t really look because I’m driving. He knows all my songs, he be watching and listening to everything.
AllHipHop: You ever worry about your lyrical content?
CEO Trayle: Nah, because he be telling me “Daddy you’re cursing too much!” Or he says, “Daddy you’re using bad words. You can’t use bad words Daddy.” He’s crazy.
AllHipHop: You need to get him on a song!
CEO Trayle: I got him on a song, it’s not out yet. He’s raw, he ain’t say nothing but ngga a bunch of times. He said ngga 10 times. He’s funny as a m###########. He jumped on the mic like, “I wanna rap!” I said “alright.” He rapped like, “N*gga!!” Man, he crazy. [laughs]
AllHipHop: You were shot before, do you suffer from any type of trauma?
CEO Trayle: Yup, I got PTSD. That s### bad too. I was a victim of a home invasion, somebody tried to rob me. I was 19, but how I got through it was knowing what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to rap. You gotta find a way to remain calm and push through the situation. Even if you got people around, you still gotta treat it as if you’re by yourself. You gotta still push like always, consistency is key.
AllHipHop: Talk about your decision to stay independent.
CEO Trayle: It’s not really a decision. Labels call, they’ll offer a lot of money but bad terms. I’m not really rapping for me, I’m rapping for my son, my niece and my nephew. They gotta be straight so that means I have to owe more than… you know? It has to be right for me to sign, I can’t really jump out there and sign no deal. It’d be cool for right now, the first 6 months, then on the 8th month I’m upset about s###.
AllHipHop: I interviewed PnB Rock last night, he was saying he didn’t drop an album in 2.5 years because of “label s###.” That’s crazy!
CEO Trayle: It be like that. Certain s###, and that’s my biggest concern. My biggest concern was always wanting to drop music when I want to. Because I’ll wake up and listen to an unreleased song I got, be like “oh yeah, that s### needs to go out right now.” That’s how I think, so I can’t have nobody in control of me dropping music. I need to be able to drop music when I want to. Because I drop a lot of music, I record a lot. I be wanting to drop it so everybody can hear it. I don’t want nobody stopping that s###. That’s another thing I think about, why I don’t sign a deal.
AllHipHop: How’s TikTok going?
CEO Trayle: I really did know nothing about TikTok. “Ok Cool” was already at 4 million before TikTok got a hold of it. Really, my momma told me. She said my baby sister told her that she keep hearing my song on TikTok. When I finally looked at it, it had 100K TikToks on it. Damn, this s###’s going viral! That’s when I did my No Jumper interview, he asked, “You gonna drop the remix?” I’m like, “Hell nah, I’m going viral on TikTok right now. Why would I do that?!” TikTok played a part, but “Ok Cool” already had millions of streams before it blew up on TikTok.
AllHipHop: Is your son on TikTok?
CEO Trayle: Nah, he’s a kid kid. He’s on YouTube watching videos, ABCs and all that. He doing kid s###.
AllHipHop: What’re you most excited for?
CEO Trayle: I’m most excited for what’s next. Because every time I think I know what’s going on, it happens 10 times bigger and better. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, I’m just gonna keep dropping songs and keep dropping. I just dropped a video last night. Go watch that s###, turn that up. I’ma keep dropping songs every few days.
AllHipHop: Any collabs we can expect?
CEO Trayle: I got hella collabs. I got some s### with Meek. I got some s### with Gunna. I got some s### with hella people, I don’t even know how I be poppin’ up in these studios. Me and Vory got a bunch of s###, he’s the one. I got hella songs with Baby Smoove.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?
CEO Trayle: That goal is to go as crazy as I can until I can’t no more. Just keep going.
Still, doing that last-minute Christmas shopping for your little ones? Well, two new children’s books, straight out of the culture, are available for parents, aunties, and uncles to pick up for the stuff into your kids’ stockings.
“Hip Hop ABC’s” Children’s Book Courtesy of Folayan Knight, Author
The first book that should be on your radar is an early reader called “Hip Hop ABC’s: Baby & The Beat with Ali Graham.” Who would ever think that a book that has the Wu-Tang Clan, the Ying Yang Twins, Ice Cube, Missy Elliott, and Nas would be such a gem for the babes? But this hardback book is perfect. Written by former Def Jam executive Folayan Knight and Candice Nelson, each letter is punctuated by a rap artist of note.
“A is for A Tribe Called Quest, four friends from Queens, NYC.
B is for Biggie also known as the Notorious B.I.G.
C is for Common who hails from Chicago, the Windy City.
D is for DMX, whose gruff voice and growls made his music sound gritty.”
“Hip Hop ABC’s” Children’s Book (B is for Biggie and C is for Common) Courtesy of Folayan Knight, Author
The art was done by illustrator Ali Graham. You can cop this book at www.babyandthebeat.com.
The second book that is a perfect gem for the children in your life is called, “Hip Hop Don’t Stop” by Lori Nelson Lee.
“Hip Hop Don’t Stop” Children’s Book Courtesy of Lori Nelson Lee, Author
The book is from the perspective of two children (a boy and a girl) talking about the lessons their father gave them about the essence of Hip-Hop. Nelson Lee, who happens to be married to the rap star Tracey Lee, weaves a beautiful story in with her poetry. She shows that the message of the art form is pure, allowing the virtues of Hip-Hop to be shared in an honest and digestible way.
“Hip Hop Don’t Stop” Children’s Book Courtesy of Lori Nelson Lee, Author“Hip Hop Don’t Stop” Children’s Book Courtesy of Lori Nelson Lee, Author
Other verses that touched our heart are as follows:
“My daddy says lyrics should flow like the sea. Words that twirl, bounce, and intertwine with ease. From the top to the bottom, bottom to the top, just remember baby girl that hip hop don’t stop.”
“My daddy says hip hop is a heat wave of hues blended and spun. Like crayons bright and bold melting in the hot sun. From the top to the bottom, bottom to the top, just remember my son that hip hop don’t stop.”
The illustrations for this book are done by Audeva Joseph. This book is only available at Amazon.com.
Both books are “must-have” and are great additions to a young reader’s early library.
Often, NBA YoungBoy organically elicits a visceral reaction. Indeed, his actions prove noteworthy. Recently, images of the Louisiana lyrist sporting a full face of makeup left many speechless. So now, the Baton Rouge rhymer blasts critics who condemn him for sporting makeup.
Indeed, makeup and face-painting is entrenched within the Arts. Truly, expression is artistic. For example, Tech N9ne is an iconic MC who utilizes face paint. However, Top does not possess the patience to play nice with disrespectful folks.
In fact, a text message perfectly demonstrates his disdain. So, the Grammy-nominated musician definitely mentions how he feels. Accordingly, the “Life Support” spitter does not hold back.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXxXKJytU_m/
To illustrate his perspective towards the hate he does not hold back. Again, the “Nevada” narrator shares his truth. “Tell them stop liking me I don’t give a f*** I got what I came in for. And if you never liked me why it matter.”
Previously, in a Clubhouse interview with DJ Akademiks, Kentrell contends the following. Of course, candor is at the forefront, “I like doing my face,” he states. Moreover, he adds, “I like painting my face, putting makeup on.”
Next, he matter-of-factly states, “I like to look in the mirror and see everything black. Like my eyes and s###. That’s 100 percent real. That’s me being myself. I feel comfortable that way.”
In the end, as long as folks are invested into NBA YoungBoy, he may be rewarded with longevity.
Although, Jay Z is out here granting folks clemency, people are still playing games. Initially, it was Lil Mama. Then, Future wants to claim he’s “bigger in the streets.” So now, Lil Duval offers his opinion on Jay Z’s relevancy. The ludicrous comedian tweets, “Jay z don’t want no smoke with nba youngboy tho.” Thus, he effectively breaks twitter with this divisive Jay Z / NBA YoungBoy tweet.”
Jay z don’t want no smoke with nba youngboy tho 😂😂😂😂😂😂
On the contrary, the funny man does include six emojis. Next, the question is what do these emojis truly signify? Perhaps, his comment has people swimming in puddles of their angst. However, it could actually mean that he is telling a dry joke.
Moreover, the best comedians provoke an honest reaction. Thus, Twitter follows suit. Legions of loyalTop supporters vehemently agree with Lil Drôle’s assessment. Similarly, they passionately pen their approval.
Consequently, these visceral debates that challenge the Hip-Hop culture are necessary. So, how could such a candid and concise thought provoke so much commotion? On the other hand, an eager array of people disagree with the LD comment. In summation, here are some of their thoughts.
I was going to comment on the Jay-Z Lil Wayne tweet which was obvious BS, but this s###?! YoungBoy can't rap and you really think he can hang with Jigga? Please that clown don't even belong in the same damn sentence as Hov 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HiSpQVdoTp
Overall, is this a conversation that serves to challenge Hip-Hop? In fact, if it is it just plain malarkey it should be ignored. For example, does Lil Duval recognize that each artist’s creativity is subjective? Again, then this online dispute may possess some validity.
Regardless, the emerging entertainer does manage to spark a lively broadband beef. Accordingly, do not hesitate to stand upon your opinion. Above all, be sure to sound off in the comment section.
The rapper and Boosie interacted on Twitter. Boosie formulated the question to see who was “smart” and posed the question should someone pick “a dinner with him or $20,000?” I don’t know what the consensus was, but I am pretty sure a lot of people would just take the money. I definitely would!
However, one lone man decided he would choose the dinner over the money. In fact, it’s highly possible he paid. But that’s another story. As it played out on the Internet, he said “OMW, what’s for dinner” and that he is on the way! Boosie had his manager contact the man and then it was on!
After a few moments, they posted a picture of them sitting at a table. I don’t see much of a dinner going on there but they definitely had a computer and some hookah. And that is where the rumor goes next.
And this is where the question comes, as to the worth of the sit down. It appears that the man is a rapper and he ended up doing a song with Boosie. Did he pay? Or did Boosie just bless him?
And now, the question is: was it worth it? I am not a rapper and so I am not going to place judgment on it! But I think it could be worth it for this guy. How else was he going to get a feature by one of the biggest names and Hip-Hop? He probably wasn’t! And it certainly would be more than $20,000!
The state of North Carolina has produced numerous rap stars. For example, Salisbury’s Stunna 4 Vegas (born Khalick Caldwell) made it onto the Billboard charts with 2019’s Big 4x and 2020’s Rich Youngin.
Stunna 4 Vegas sat down with Power 106 at this year’s Rolling Loud California festival earlier this month. Teddy Mora asked the “BIG 4 Flow” rhymer to name his Top 5 North Carolina rappers in no particular order.
“Me, DaBaby, YRB Tezz, notorious Wisdom, and GetRichZay,” responded Stunna 4 Vegas. The 25-year-old “Up the Smoke” performer listed fellow North Carolinians he has worked closely with on music.
Charlotte native Wisdom is also signed to Billion Dollar Baby. This week saw Stunna 4 Vegas release the new “No Diss” and “BLATT” music videos featuring YRB Tezz. GetRichZay teamed up with Stunna for recent collaborations such as “Chinese” and “Go NUTZ.”
North Carolina is also the stomping grounds for other Hip Hop acts such as Petey Pablo, J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Edgar Allen Floe, Toosii, Lute, Morray, Mez, and Deniro Farrar. Dreamville Records leader J. Cole headlined Night 2 of Rolling Loud California 2021.
So much of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s personal life became public information over the last year. Between Jada’s Red Table Talk show and Will’s new memoir, the famous family shared many of their previously unknown secrets with the world.
Will more dirty laundry make headlines in the new year thanks to a long-running reality show? E! News confirmed Will Smith’s ex-wife, Whoop Ash skincare founder Sheree Zampino, officially joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for the program’s 12th season.
Sheree Zampino is the mother of Will Smith’s oldest son, 29-year-old Willard “Trey” Smith III. According to reports, Zampino still has a cordial relationship with both Will and Jada.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will present Sheree Zampino as a “friend of” cast member for the upcoming season. Neuro Brands CEO Diana Jenkins is also joining the show as a full-time Housewife.
While Sheree Zampino’s inclusion on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills does not guarantee any of the Smiths will appear on the program, Bravo producers will surely want to tap into that connection in some way.
Will Smith and Sheree Zampino were married from 1992 to 1995. Following their divorce, Smith married Jada Pinkett in 1997. The Pinkett-Smiths have two kids – Jaden Smith and Willow Smith – who are also involved in the entertainment industry.
Jada Pinkett Smith actually invited Sheree Zampino on Red Table Talk to discuss motherhood. That 2018 episode of the Facebook Watch show focused on Jada and Sheree talking about their blended family situation.
What do you give a famous, wealthy entertainer for his birthday? Apparently, the answer is a lot of money. That’s exactly what Belcalis “Cardi B” Almánzar did for her husband Kiari “Offset” Cephus.
The celebrity couple celebrated Offset’s 30th birthday at a party held on December 21. The “Sneaker Ball” event in Los Angeles culminated with Cardi giving her spouse a giant $2 million check.
The seven-figure birthday presentgarnered a lot of attention online. Even controversial Lousiana-bred rhymer Boosie Badazz praised Cardi B for her expensive gesture of love.
“2 MILLION🔥 @OffsetYRN U GOTTA STRAIGHT BOSS B” 🙌🏾 WHAT N#### GETTIN 2MILL FROM HIS GIRL ON HIS BDAY …. I’ll wait …YOU A KING YOUNG N#### ‼️WITH A QUEEN @iamcardib,” tweeted Boosie on Wednesday.
2 MILLION🔥 @OffsetYRN U GOTTA STRAIGHT BOSS B” 🙌🏾 WHAT N#### GETTIN 2MILL FROM HIS GIRL ON HIS BDAY …. I’ll wait …YOU A KING YOUNG N#### ‼️WITH A QUEEN @iamcardib
Cardi B and Offset began dating in 2017 before they secretly got married in September of that year. The Grammy winner and the Migos member now have two children together – Kulture Kiari Cephus, 3, and a newborn son.
The “Clout” collaborators also had rocking moments in their marriage. Offset and Cardi B briefly separated in December 2018. There were also reports that Cardi filed for divorce in September 2020 before they reconciled later that year.
The lively track features the nine-time Grammy Award winner rapping as well as singing getting lit with a clique of celebrity friends including Diddy, Trina, Angie Martinez, and Misa Hylton. Dawn Penn’s version of “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)” is sampled in the intro.
Mary J. Blige took to Instagram Wednesday (Dec. 22) to announce the video with a photograph of herself and some of her co-stars.
“I had too much fun making this video with all my friends and family!! “Amazing” feat @djkhaled is out NOW!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 on @youtubemusic”
Watch Mary J. Blige – Amazing (feat. DJ Khaled) Below
The Yonkers native took a hiatus away from music while focusing on her acting career. Throughout the past few years, Blige has appeared in movies and television most recently starring in “50 Cent’s Power Book II: Ghost.”
Her last full-length project was 2017’s “Strength Of A Woman,” however, the wait will soon be over. Earlier this month, Mary J. Blige revealed that her 15th studio album, “Good Morning Gorgeous,” due on Feb. 11, 2022, will surprise listeners.
“Wait till you hear it, it’s gonna blow everybody’s mind,” she said during an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show. “And it’s because it’s something I had to do, and something I had to say when I was in my darkest, darkest moments in that life, to build myself up to this person that I can see and accept my nose, accept my eyes, accept my cheeks, accept all the things that I used to hate. When I wake up with no hair and makeup, I’m accepting that chick that goes to the bathroom and I like her. I hang out with myself a lot. I’m my own best friend.”
Fans of Atlanta have been waiting for the comedy-drama series to return since 2018. Donald “Childish Gambino” Glover’s award-winning program will be back in 2022.
“We are thrilled to have Atlanta back with a new season on March 24,” said Eric Schrier, FX Entertainment president. “Once again, Donald Glover, the producers, and stellar cast have delivered another signature season synonymous with the excellence that makes Atlanta so great.”
The cast of Atlanta includes Donald Glover as Earnest “Earn” Marks, Brian Tyree Henry as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles, Lakeith Stanfield as Darius Epps, and Zazie Beetz as Vanessa Keefer. The show also featured Migos, Katt Williams, and others as guest stars.
Atlanta‘s Donald Glover won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series in 2017. A year later, Katt Williams won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series.
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards is one of the most memorable VMAs of all time. Not only did the event include Kanye West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift, but the show also saw Lil Mama jump on stage during Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” performance.
Twelve years later, Jay-Z spoke about the incident while taking part in a Twitter Spaces session. The Roc Nation founder said, “Of course [we forgive her]. C’mon. Don’t do that. That’s our sister. Man, we love her. I wouldn’t recommend people just jumping on other artists’ stage, but we don’t wish her no harm.”
Niatia “Lil Mama” Kirkland got wind of what Jay-Z had to say on the social media platform. The 32-year-old “Lip Gloss” hitmaker took to her Instagram account to thank the billionaire rapper and Alicia Keys.
Lil Mama wrote:
I appreciate hearing this portion of last [night’s] conversation. This has always been my stance, Love. Love for both my big brother, big sister, and my city. It brings clarity to all of us as a community to actually hear these words from our legendary leaders. Hip Hop has always been a culture to me, not just music.. with that, I believe fellowship is very important to cultural growth. Reaching out to say you can do better or even to say [you’re] doing great can make the world of difference. Thanks, JayZ and @aliciakeysfor using your voices in this conversation. Hopefully, we can have one together soon. 💖✨
Big Meech’s family friends and lawyers are not the only ones pulling for his freedom – so is “the son” of Huey P. Newton!
Last week, a man named Rico Dukes chose to file a motion to dismiss Big Meech’s conviction on behalf of the Black Mafia Family founder.
Dukes maintains he is the only biological son of The Black Panther Party founder.
He is also the founder of a Dallas, Texas-based organization called THEYFEARTHETRUTH Federal Government Of America.
In 2007, Big Meech, born Demetrius Flenory Jr., and his brother Terry “Southwest T” Flenory pleaded guilty to running a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Dukes filed his rambling motion claiming Big Meech’s conviction violates the international laws of the Hague Convention.
“The court must prove it as [sic] subject matter jurisdiction over all parties, and if the court cannot prove it has subject matter jurisdiction, then the trial judge must dismiss the case and any sentence that was imposed,” Rico Dukes wrote.
According to Rico Dukes, the United States government lacked the legal authority to convict Meech for running a $275 million coast-to-coast drug operation.
Dukes’ motion was filed on Big Meech’s behalf without his attorney’s knowledge or permission.
Big Meech blasted Dukes in a letter to the court, obtained exclusively by AllHipHop.com.
“The above mentioned motion was filed by a third party unknown to both Mr. Flenory and his undersigned counsel. Mr. Flenory and his counsel had no knowledge such a motion would be filed, and neither Mr. Flenory nor his counsel endorse the frivolous motion.”
Big Meech is asking the judge to allow him to withdraw the motion.
For the record, Big Meech’s official attorney is Brittany K. Barnett of the Buried Alive Project.
Quality Control Boss Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Republic Records executive Mel Carter turned their dream into a reality after purchasing 18 Bojangles restaurants. Furthermore, the music executives are now the 5th largest Bojangles franchisee ever.
Senior Vice President of A&R at Republic Records, Mel Carter announced the news Wednesday (Dec. 22). He shared a photograph of himself and Coach K outside one of their eateries.
“Man, what a journey this has been,” he wrote in the caption. “Over a year ago, @coachk44, myself, and @theprepper started working on making a dream of ours a reality. A lot of hard work from everyone involved. As of today, we officially purchased 18 Bojangles restaurants across three states, and became the 5th largest Bojangles franchisee in history.”
Carter continued, “With the support and guidance of my friends and brothers @mikenovo @dbqonthego @donalbane @matthewbradshaw75 and a group of black music executives we finally made this deal happen. Congrats to everyone who is a part of this, thank you for believing in me and my partners. Official press release coming soon, but was a little over excited to share the news.”
He signed off with a motivational message going into the New Year and a friendly warning to a competitor. “2022 is going to be a big year,” he wrote. “Take this as a reminder to follow your dreams and bet on yourself, #itsbotime @bojangles 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 we bout to up it on Popeyes lol”
Mel Carter has experience in the restaurant industry as an investor in John Seymour and Nas’ restaurant Sweet Chick.
Coach K Details New “Storytelling” Venture
Meanwhile, QC shared the news last week of Quality Films’ partnership with Critical Content, the studio behind MTV’s Catfish and E!’s Celebrity Game Face with Kevin Hart. Coach K posted the news on Instagram with a simple caption. “@qualityfilms x @criticalcontent StoryTelling,” he wrote.
Drake has added to his body art with a micro realistic tattoo tribute to his friend, Virgil Abloh.
The Canadian superstar proudly displayed the fresh ink, an image of Virgil flying a paper plane down the runway at his debut show for Louis Vuitton.
Tattoo artist Joaquin Ganga posted the pic on Instagram with the caption: “A remembrance of the great Virgil Abloh done on Drake” @champagnepapi @virgilabloh Microrealism”
The paper plane is also significant as Virgil used his civil engineering degree to play a role in designing Drake’s $200 million jet.
Drake paid homage to the iconic fashion designer hours after his passing with a series of photos of himself and Abloh. My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…” He wrote. “Love you eternally brother 🕊thank you for everything.”
Drake was a long-time friend of Abloh and often shouted him out in his music. He designed Drizzy’s $185 Million Patek watch referenced in the track “Life Is Good.”
Drake famously uses his ink to honor the artists he respects and admires. A portrait of Lil Wayne is displayed on his upper arm while British singer Sade features twice on his torso. Aaliyah’s stunning visage and a young Michael Jackson are included among the faces tattooed on his back. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant’s jersey numbers and Denzel Washington’s character Bleek from Spike Lee’s 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues also take up space on his arms.
Baby Blue, one of the founding members of 2000’s R&B group Pretty Ricky, was sentenced last week to 20 months behind bars for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay over $2 million in forfeiture and restitution.
According to “Baller Alert,” Baby Blue found himself in trouble with the law after fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program loans. The South Florida rapper admitted to using falsified documents and false information to obtain a PPP loan of $426,717. He then secured another for $708,065 using falsified documents and false information to do so. He claimed the loans were for his companies, Throwbackjersey.com LLC and Blue Star Records LLC.
However, according to the Department of Justice, Diamond “Baby Blue” Smith admitted to using the loans to live the high life. He spent the money at places like Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in South Florida and made extravagant purchases. These include the Ferrari which was seized once he was arrested.
Furthermore, two of Baby Blue’s associates pleaded guilty last week to masterminding a nationwide PPP scam. The “Grind with Me” hitmaker paid more than $250,000 to James R. State and Phillip J. Augustin for assisting him with the loan applications.
“Baller Alert” report Baby Blue said “the judge was fair” in sentencing him.
Baby Blue Sues For Unspecified Damages
Meanwhile, Blue is suing the bowling alley where he was shot on April 18. He claims the company, which invited him to appear, failed to provide adequate security which could have prevented him from being shot.
“South Florida Sun Sentinel” reports the legal documents reveal few details about the shooting. Baby Blue claims to have suffered “permanent and personal injury including significant scarring and loss of his ability to walk.”
A few days after the incident, the rapper took to social media to thank his supporters and share details of his injuries.
Baby Blue wrote: “Thank you [to] everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I’m still in ICU but I’m on the road to recovery. The bullet traveled throgh (sic) my lounges (sic) is in stuck in my back. I have to learn to breathe & walk again. I have a great medical team here at the hospital. God Got Me (prayer hands) Love, Blue.”
Thankyou everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I’m still in ICU but I’m on the road to recovery. The bullet traveled throgh my lounges is in stuck in my back. I have to learn to breathe & walk again. I have a great medical team here at the hospital. God Got Me🙏🏽 Love, Blue
Lil Baby was put on blast by a woman claiming he’s the father of her son.
Shi Anderson accused Lil Baby of fathering her son in a series of Instagram posts. She shared photos and videos of the child, who bears a striking resemblance to his alleged father.
“I can’t keep this a Secret any Longer!!” Anderson wrote. “@lilbaby Needs to come take care of his responsibilities! I’m not Bitter, my son deserves to know who his FATHER is! #Firstborn.”
Anderson’s Instagram account is currently private, but she tagged two gossip outlets in her initial post. After receiving criticism in her comments, Anderson insisted she wasn’t looking for clout or money from Lil Baby.
“We Not Hurting for No Paper… If I was Clout Chasing I would’ve been came out with the Truth!” she wrote. “Mfas need to simply mind they business… n stay tf out Mine.! Dominique know [what’s] up [that’s] y he ain’t tapped in.”
Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, hasn’t publicly addressed the allegations at the time of publishing. But Anderson appears determined to get him to acknowledge her.
“Stop ignoring us Dominique!!” she wrote in another post.
View the photos and videos of Lil Baby’s alleged son below.
A Texas concert promoter is suing Tekashi 6ix9ine for allegedly pocketing money for a show without performing.
According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, JJD Entertainment booked Tekashi 6ix9ine for a gig at the Humble Civic Center on June 27, 2021. But the promoter claims the controversial artist flew from Boca Raton to Houston to collect $75,000 in cash then bailed.
As a result, JJD Entertainment had to issue refunds to the concert’s attendees.
JJD Entertainment says Tekashi 6ix9ine agreed to a deal where he’d get $45,000 upon the execution of the paperwork then receive $75,000 in cash on the day of the show. The promoter also paid over $28,000 for a private jet to get the convicted felon from Florida to Texas.
Jamie Dominquez, the owner of JJD Entertainment, initially met with Tekashi 6ix9ine’s representative Will Cornish to secure the deal. Dominguez accused the polarizing rapper’s team of continually renegotiating the deal in the lead-up to the event.
JJD Entertainment claims to have spent $178,649.70 on a deal that was supposed to be for $178,000. The promoter also paid well over $100,000 for the venue rental, production costs, security and insurance.
In addition to recouping the losses from the concert, JJD Entertainment is suing Tekashi 6ix9ine for defamation. Dominguez contends the disgraced rhymer knowingly lied to TMZ in a story about ditching the event.
Tekashi 6ix9ine proclaimed he was owed $250,000 and only received $70,000. JJD Entertainment argues these false statements caused financial harm and a loss of business opportunities with other artists.
Playboi Carti is known for being an enigmatic figure in rap – erratic, wild and has amassed a loyal following to match. He’s dope though and has one of the best albums of the year even if it hit last Christmas day. So, Playboi Carti is not really in the news too much and that’s good. Iggy Azalea pretty much has dragged him and, more recently, my girl Rico Nasty said that his fans have damn near driven her to suicide. His tour is called Narcissist Tour. ANYWAY…I have some rumors, but the source made me blot out some of the details. I cannot blow up my sources!
So, we all know about the Travis Scott situation that happened back in November, where numerous people were killed. Travis was blamed, but there are numerous others on the hook. (Read about that here!) Congress is getting involved! Crazy. So, Travis’s situation is so bad that it overshadowed something that happened at a spot date on the Narcissist Tour.
I was told that a certain LOCATION was totally torn up by Carti and the crew. One of my kinfolks told me that it was a “mob scene.” The “green room” that reportedly housed the rapper was allegedly razed up so bad that they had to remodel the whole thing. This venue, like most venues, have multiple uses. My source tells me that they demolished it like they were the only ones that would ever use it again.
Maybe Playboi Carti and his people were upset because the older workers at said venue refused to help in the room. They said he was “the devil.” Now, I have never referred to homie Carti as such, but they may be church ladies or something. Long story short: They had to import some other workers, mostly younger and cooler, to help out in the room. That did not result in a better outcome, according to who I spoke to.
Carti reportedly told the handlers to color co-ordinate his Skittles. WHAT!!!
Well, even the younger ones that felt like they were built to handle Cardi refused to do that. He also reportedly asked the specific religious beliefs of a certain person helping out. And, those in attendance said that Carti’s crew all had upside down crosses on them in some form or fashion.
At any rate, the room was destroyed. And that was not the end of it.
At the end of the NIGHT, arms and elbows were broken. A face was slashed and a girl’s nose was broken!!! All of this happened, but the venue refused to shine any light on it, because they did not want the madness and insanity to reflect poorly on THEM.
I clearly was not there, but I would imagine…it was something like the “Sky” video.
McNair was the school that the platinum-selling artist attended.
The school was not their only effort.
The two have done several free Pop-up Grocery Markets throughout their community and have curated a couple of coat giveaways this fall/winter season.
Goodr CEO Jasmine Crowe shared, “Gunna continually finds ways to give back to the community that raised him.”
“We at Goodr value this partnership and look forward to helping Gunna’s efforts whenever we are called upon,” she said.
Gunna posted the event on his Instagram with the flyer in the profile that firmly states that families wanting to qualify for the gift card must pre-register at gunnagreatchristmas.spalashthat.com.
He captioned, “GunnaGreatGiveAway this THURSDAY ! SOUTHSIDE 4 ANNUAL ! PLZ REGISTER.”
