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Travis Scott Kicked Off Coachella Lineup

More backlash from the October Astroworld tragedy is hitting rapper Travis Scott.

The chart-topper has been disinvited to 2022’s Coachella festival. He was supposed to headline the popular live-concert event.

According to KESQ, a Palms Spring news outlet, the Coachella Music and Arts Festival has taken the “Sicko Mode” artist out of the lineup for their upcoming event.

The final word came from the City of Indio and the Community Services Manager Jim Curtis.

But the backlash has been brewing since November when a change.org petition popped up on the internet, asking the festival decision-makers, AEG, Paul Tollet, and Goldenvoice, to cut their ties with him.

While neither Coachella nor Scott’s camp has come forward with a confirmation of this news, Variety says that an insider familiar with the situation revealed that Scott’s agent Cara Lewis of the Cara Lewis Group was contacted and told that he would receive a kill fee for his exclusion from the bill.

That source further alleges that Lewis worked really hard to keep him as a headliner, which could have been an epic return to the stage after the Astroworld tragedy that cost ten people their lives (including a young grammar school child).

This bad news comes as Scott manages hundreds of lawsuits coming his way totaling over $1 billion, as other deals fall away.

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Anheuser-Busch has deaded the hard seltzer water deal with Cacti that they started with the artist.

And in an interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Travis said that he was sad about what had happened but did not feel he was responsible for the deaths.

He said that he was “1000%” sure he did all that he could do to prevent the deaths of ten and the injury of hundreds more.

Tristan Thompson Allegedly Paid Adult Star To Abort Love Child

The NBA’s, Tristan Thompson, is snatching down headlines. It’s his alleged off-court antics that are arousing interest. Details pertaining to him cheating on Khloe Kardashian are everywhere. Recently, more salacious news broke. The professional baller allegedly paid a p### star “to get an abortion,” this according to the Jasmine Brand.

To begin with, Aereon Clark performs as adult actress Slim Danger. She shares a son with rapper Chief Keef. Therefore, to help financially provide for her family she works as an adult actress. The thotty thespian contends that “she met Tristan at a swinger’s party in Los Angeles.”

Furthermore, it’s the the professional finesser’s TikTok which is grabbing attention. There harrowing accusations arise. For instance, for an array of special services she insists that TT paid her thousands of dollars. This includes everything from an initial “consultation,” to sex and to pregnancy termination.

Consequently, Slim Danger, is the latest lady to blast Tristan’s trifling behavior. “This man right here, yes, I met him at an L.A. swingers party. He paid me over $15,000 in cash. And, yes yes, I was also paid to get rid of the baby. This right here is the check that I was received just to have consultation. Just to talk to him before the $15,000 was even established,” importantly alleges Slim.

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

More importantly, this comes as Tristan is battling womanizing claims. Recently, on December 2, Maralee Nichols gave birth to her son, as confirmed by Us Weekly. She alleges this is Tristan’s third child.

Similarly, she too contends that the Sac center, strongly suggested she end her pregnancy. Radar Online reports the supposed caustic text message. In it, the liberal baller pressures Maralee to get an abortion with “this 75k.”

So now, the friendly baller moves to silence Nichols nagging claims. In the paternity suit with Maralee, Tristan wants a gag order. To wrap up things, unlike Tristan, the big baller continues to live his best life. The more kids the merrier, right?

PART 3: Canibus Questions Rap Fans, His “Haters,” The Puppet Masters & Wonders If Hip-Hop Is Cursed

PART 2: Canibus Talks LL Cool J’s Historic Shoutout, Meeting With Jay-Z, Giving Up On Hip-Hop!

Part 1:Canibus Returns: Talks Tech, LL Cool J, New Music, Jay-Z, Battle Rap, DMX, Missteps, MF DOOM, and MORE

The last part of our interview series with Canibus is a revealing, somber reminder of how rigorous the rap industry can be. Not only that, but it is also a massive “monster” that still manages to have “puppet masters,” according to the Jamaican-born rhyme master. His views on rap fans are so pointed that he confesses to getting stage fright from their “thoughts” as materialized in social media comments sections. He even suggests that their efforts are to get him to “eat the gun” – suicide. “They hate my face…they hate my beats,” he says in jest, excluding his ardent loyal following. For these reasons and others, he considers Hip-Hop is in the midst of a spiritual war. “Rap music: either the people are cursed or the music is cursed,” he says. He discusses matter-of-factly why there is nothing he MUST do in Hip-Hop these days as well as why he is just an observer in the culture at this point. However, the conversation with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur does not end on a negative note. Check out this interview with one of the best to ever do it: Canibus.

Click here to buy Canibus’s new album Kaiju or merch.

Will Smith, ‘Verzuz’ & Jabbawockeez Win 2021 YouTube Streamy Awards

On December 11, MRC Live & Alternative and Tubefilter announced the winners of the 11th Annual YouTube Streamy Awards. YouTuber Larray served as master of ceremonies, along with Twaimz Channel owner Issa.

The YouTube Streamy Awards celebrate the year’s best online content and creators across various platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. MrBeast won the Creator of the Year honor. Show of the Year went to Bretman Rock’s 30 Days With: Bretman Rock.

Several Hip Hop-related acts and brands were among this year’s YouTube Streamy Award winners as well. Iconic musician/actor Will Smith was named the Crossover winner. He won over Bill Gates, Hailey Rhode Bieber, Nick Jonas, and Ryan Reynolds.

The popular Verzuz internet series triumphed in the Live Show category. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s groundbreaking hits-for-hits music celebration defeated FaZe Clan’s “FaZe5 Challenge,” MrBeast’s “$300,000 Influencer Trivia Tournament!,” and David Blane’s “David Blaine Ascension.”

Acclaimed Hip Hop dance crew Jabbawockeez took the prize in the Dance category. The winners of the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew beat out Cost n’ Mayor, Kelli Erdmann, Kyle Hanagami, and Matt Steffanina.

TikTok star Charli D’Amelio, YouTube personality Philip DeFranco, and WWE wrestler Xavier Woods were among the presenters for the 2021 YouTube Streamy Awards. In addition, R&B vocalist Ari Lennox was one of the musical performers. To see the full list of 2021 YouTube Streamy Awards winners visit streamys.org.

Recording Academy President Comments On Drake Pulling His Grammy Nominations

Television viewers should not expect to see Drake at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in January. The Canadian rapper/singer let the Recording Academy know he is not interested in being honored by the music industry organization.

Drake Blasted The Grammys In Recent Years

Drake took a pretty hard stance about the unimportance of winning a Grammy Award. After winning the trophy for Best Rap Song (“God’s Plan”) in 2019, the OVO Sound frontman essentially told his peers they should not care about winning a golden gramophone.

“My point is you’ve already won if you have people singing your songs word-for-word, if you’re a hero in your hometown. Look, if there are people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard-earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don’t need this right here. I promise you, you already won,” said Drake that night.

Drake’s “Crew Love” collaborator The Weeknd was completely shut out of nominations last year. In response, Drake posted on Instagram, “I think we should stop allowing ourselves to be shocked every year by the disconnect between impactful music and these awards and just accept that what once was the highest form of recognition may no longer matter to the artist that [exists] now and the ones that come after.”

With those recent takes about the Grammys, it came as a surprise to some people when Drake apparently submitted his recent work for nominations this year. He originally earned a Best Rap Performance nod for “Way 2 Sexy” featuring Future and Young Thug. Drake also picked up a Best Rap Album nomination for Certified Lover Boy.

Harvey Mason Jr. Is Asked About Drake’s Withdrawal

Reports of Drake withdrawing his Grammy nominations from the final-round ballots began circulating last week. Drake and his management team apparently made the decision. The Recording Academy accepted their request.

There were still a lot of questions about Drake’s latest actions. Hollywood Unlocked recently spoke to Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. about the Hip Hop megastar pulling his two lead-artist nominations.

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“Anytime an artist has a concern or comment about our process we take it very seriously, and I take it very seriously,” responded the founder of Harvey Mason Media. “I’m a producer and songwriter, as you know.”

Mason continued, “So when someone is unhappy or has an issue with something, we have to take a look at it. And our process is based on membership, and the members drive the process. So, anyone who says something, I have to listen to and as a team, we all take it very seriously.”

Drake is currently a 4-time Grammy winner. His 2011 project, Take Care, won Best Rap Album. “Hotline Bling” also won Grammys for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song in 2017. In total, he has scored 47 career nominations.

Iggy Azalea Calls Out Joe Biden Critics: That Orange Will Be Back Running For President

Over the weekend, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea decided to share her views about American politics. Azalea weighed in on the current state of United States President Joe Biden’s current unpopularity.

According to Real Clear Politics, an average of polling data has Joe Biden’s approval rating as president sitting around 42%. That is a significant drop from the 55% approval rating he had back in January.

Iggy Azalea apparently believes Joe Biden is getting an unfair assessment from the American people. She shared a tweet calling out some of Biden’s critics. Azalea also slammed the possibility of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House.

https://twitter.com/IGGYAZALEA/status/1469883449188052994?s=20

“I really hate to get political but can we shut the f### up with the ‘I regret voting Biden’ commentary cause ya gonna blink and that orange will be back running for [the] presidency. It’s so f##### disappointing to see y’all think it’s an edgy take,” posted Iggy Azalea.

The End Of An Era album creator later added, “I thought we all collectively agreed that ‘please just don’t make it any worse’ was worth a vote and in that regard, it’s been successful. Can we please not forget how terrifying & stressful the last 4 years were for so many people because of [Trump]?”

https://twitter.com/IGGYAZALEA/status/1469885564816003075?s=20

A Lot Of Hip Hop Stars Chose Sides During The 2020 Election

Donald Trump has not confirmed that he will run for president for the third time in 2024, but it is widely speculated that the polarizing figure is considering jumping into the Republican primary again. Trump lost to Biden in 2020 by 7 million popular votes and 74 Electoral College votes.

Numerous celebrities backed Joe Biden in 2020 over Donald Trump. The former Democratic senator and vice president secured public endorsements from Hip Hop stars such as Eminem, Cardi B, Offset, Common, 2 Chainz, Ludacris, and Jeezy.

In contrast, rappers like Waka Flocka Flame and Lil Pump expressed support for Donald Trump in 2020. Lil Wayne famously sent out a tweet about Trump’s Platinum Plan which included a photo of the Young Money leader and the MAGA leader smiling side-by-side. However, 50 Cent flip-flopped on his endorsement of Donald Trump.

Damson Idris Reacts To Denzel Washington Saying He Doesn’t Know Who The Actor Is

Many filmgoers consider Denzel Washington one of the greatest living actors on the planet. Damson Idris is a name that is often mentioned in conversations about the rising actors of the current generation.

Unfortunately, it seems like Denzel Washington is not aware of Damson Idris’s work. During a red carpet Q&A with Two Bees TV, Washington was asked what he feels about the 30-year-old Snowfall star.

“Who are you talking about?” responded Denzel Washington to the questioner. He continued, “I don’t know who that is… What show? Snowfall? No disrespect, Damson, no disrespect.”

Damson Idris obviously got wind of the two-time Academy Award winner’s response. The London native reacted to the interview and the online commotion over Denzel Washington admitting to not knowing the Outside the Wire cast member.

“Call me Dancin Address from now on. I won’t answer to anything else 😂,” joked Damson Idris on Twitter. As of press time, that tweet amassed over 1,300 retweets, over 300 quote-tweets, and over 8,000 likes.

Damson Idris even changed his Twitter name to “Dancin Address 😉.” While Denzel Washington was not familiar with the Hollywood neophyte, Idris has earned positive reviews for his performances in shows such as Snowfall and Black Mirror.

https://twitter.com/DamsonIdris/status/1470128068266119173?s=20

Dr. Dre & Eminem Collab Leaks & Dre Announces New Marsha Ambrosius Album

Dr. Dre has had an incredibly active 2021 after being discharged from hospital in January following treatment for a brain aneurysm.  

One of the projects that have kept him busy was leaked on Sunday (Dec. 12) or at least a snippet was! 16 seconds of a track featuring Dr. Dre and his long-time friend and collaborator, Eminem emerged online. While not yet confirmed, the song is expected to feature in the upcoming update to GTA: V’s Online mode.  

Listen To The Unnamed Dr. Dre & Eminem Snippet Below 

 

Earlier this week, Rockstar Games announced that Dr. Dre would feature heavily in the new downloadable content. The update is set to include “a ton of new and unreleased exclusive tracks.” 

As well as appearances from Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre also links with Anderson Paak on a song. Paak also took to Instagram to announce the update would be released on December 15.  

“Say @drdre where you get them shrooms with the chocolate!? 😭🤣 #GTAtheContract drops on Wednesday!” 

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A post shared by .Paaky-Bara (@anderson._paak)

A New Marsha Ambrosius Album Is On The Way 

Later on Sunday came the news that Dr. Dre has finished recording a new album with singer and songwriter Marsha Ambrosius. The legendary west-coast rapper took to Instagram to share the news “Casablanco” is complete.  

“I just finished recording an album with Marsha Ambrosius. ‘Casablanco’ I had a blast!!” Dre captioned the photo. “This is some of my best work!!” 

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A post shared by Dr. Dre (@drdre)

Dr. Dre previously worked with the English chanteuse on his 2015 album, “Compton.” The dulcet tones of Ambrosius feature on several tracks including “Darkside/Gone,” “Satisfiction,” and “Genocide.” 

Furthermore, Ambrosius posted a picture with Dr. Dre on her Instagram page with a similar caption.  

“I just finished recording an album with Dr. Dre ‘Casablanco,'” she revealed. “I had an amazing time!! This is some of my best work!!!”

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A post shared by Marsha Ambrosius (@marshaambrosius)

42 Dugg Apologizes To His Fans For Missing Rolling Loud California

Rolling Loud organizers held the California edition of the traveling festival over the weekend. The show’s lineup was expected to include Detroit rapper 42 Dugg.

However, 42 Dugg took to social media to apologize to his followers for not being able to perform on Sunday. He posted his message to Twitter around 1:14 pm local time.

“I wanna apologize to all my fans in LA who came to see me today but for reasons out of my control and Rolling Loud’s but I will not be performing today,” tweeted 42 Dugg.

The 26-year-old Free Dem Boyz mixtape creator continued, “Ima take this time to reflect on my bad decision making and hopefully I’ll see y’all soon!!!!!!”

42 Dugg did not clarify the “bad decision making” that apparently played a role in him missing the Rolling Loud California event. He later tweeted, “The minute I stop having fun with it.”

Back in August, 42 Dugg apologized for posting a homophobic diatribe on Instagram after footage of him licking and kissing his 3-year-old son’s neck went viral. Plus, there were reports in February that a shooting took place at a video shoot with Dugg and Roddy Ricch.

On the flip side, this year also saw 42 Dugg make it onto the 2021 XXL Freshman Class cover. The Interscope recording artist also scored multiple Hot 100 chart entries, such as “4 Da Gang” with Roddy Ricch and “Maybach” with Future, as well.

Doja Cat Tests Positive For COVID-19, Cancels All Jingle Ball Tour Shows

Doja Cat revealed she has tested positive for COVID-19 and has pulled out of all remaining stops on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.  

“As most of you probably heard earlier,” she wrote in the caption. “A few members on my production team tested positive for Covid 19 and I had to cancel a couple of my upcoming performances as a safety precaution.”

She continued: “Unfortunately, I’m sad to share that I just tested positive as well and will no longer be able to perform on the rest of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.” 

https://twitter.com/DojaCat/status/1469370656609509384?s=20

While Doja Cat had already performed at three of the shows on the tour in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago, she is unable to continue.  

“While my spirits are down since I can’t be there to celebrate the holiday with my fans in Philly, DC, Atlanta and Miami, I’m doing ok and look forward to recovering and getting back out there as soon as I can! The rest of the tour stops have some really great lineups, wish I could be there. Much love XO.”

Doja Cat is Getting Some Rest 

Shortly after making the announcement, Doja shared her new regimen with her Twitter followers. “Turmeric ginger water sleep repeat x500,” she Tweeted.  

https://twitter.com/DojaCat/status/1470124255383859206?s=20

However, this isn’t Doja Cat’s first bout of the virus. She initially contracted COVID-19 in July 2020 months after mocking the pandemic at the start of the spread.  

Meanwhile, Lil Nas X joined Doja Cat and also withdrew from his performance at “Jingle Bell Ball 2021 with Barclaycard” in London this weekend. The “Montero” rapper had to pull out of the show at the last minute after crew members tested positive for COVID-19.  

“Sadly we have to announce that Coldplay and Lil Nas X have had to pull out of performing at this weekend’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard,” Capital said in a statement. “Both acts have had members of their teams test positive for Covid-19 and therefore are not able to perform.” 

“We’d like to wish the very best and a speedy recovery to Coldplay, Lil Nas X and their teams,” the statement continued. “Of course, everyone at Capital is absolutely gutted, but the show must go on…” 

Young Dolph Rolling Loud Tribute Led By Key Glock

Young Dolph was honored by some of his closest friends in the industry with a tribute at Rolling Loud this weekend. 

Members of the Paper Route Empire joined O.T Genasis to perform a homage to the fallen rapper during the festival in Los Angeles on Saturday (Dec. 11). Paper Route Woo and Snupe Bandz kicked off the celebration by performing a few songs in honor of Dolph. His blood cousin, Key Glock then took to the stage with O.T Genasis and had the crowd singing along to every word of “Preach.” 

Rolling Loud also paid tribute to Young Dolph with a post on their official Instagram page. They posted a picture of the “Major” hitmaker with the simple caption, “LONG LIVE YOUNG DOLPH 🙏.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWY6Q1epS-d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Watch The Official Young Dolph Tribute Below

Young Dolph was a regular feature on the Rolling Loud stage performing there serval times in the past few years. Filmmaker Jordan Spencer shared a reel of Young Dolph from one of those sets. 

“I’ll Never will forget this day at Rolling Loud!” He wrote. “Dolph had a legendary set. I still can’t believe you gone bruh, we got so many memories mane fr 🕊@YoungDolph SparklesVideo camera #LLD #PRE” 

Young Dolph was shot and killed in his hometown of Memphis last month while visiting a cookie store. Last week (Dec. 7), Memphis City Council voted to have an honorary street named after the rapper whose real name is Adolph Robert Thornton. While the official name of the street will remain, signs will be erected designating it in Young Dolph’s honor.  

Though the designated street is yet to be announced, a public ceremony unveiling the honorary street name will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Dunn Ave. and Airways Blvd. Notably, Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, where Dolph was shot and killed, is situated on Airways Blvd.  

Additionally, a Celebration of Life event is slated to be held at the FedExForum in Memphis on the same day. The family of Young Dolph said they will honor his “life as a rapper, businessman, philanthropist, and family man.” The event is open to the public and will include performances, words from his family, and his Paper Route Empire team.  

Dennis Rodman & Culture Kings Join Forces For Bold Collaboration

Dennis Rodman is a legend in his own right, and his accolades extend far beyond the basketball court. The former professional basketball player is best known for his savage defense stance and undeniable rebounding abilities, which earned him the nickname “The Worm.”

Having played on NBA teams Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks, the 5x NBA Champion and Hall of Famer inspires young basketball players all around the world that if he can do it, they can too. Now, he’s back in the spotlight to unveil a new collaboration with global streetwear retailer, Culture Kings.

Rodman is excited about his newest venture with this exclusive collaboration with Culture Kings, the world famous streetwear destination that stands at the crossroads of music, fashion, and sports. Boasting an international presence, Culture Kings is now the premier destination for officially licensed Dennis Rodman apparel, showcasing his legacy through fashion and culture in the most iconic way.

Speaking on the new collab, Rodman states, “Guess what… this is cool as f###.”

Culture Kings teamed up with Dennis Rodman to create the campaign lookbook video that highlights the energetic, punk rock-inspired vibe of the collection.

The Culture Kings x Dennis Rodman collaboration features a range of premium dark-washed, vintage hoodie and t-shirt styles complete with bold graphics and retro lettering. Custom artwork captures iconic moments of Rodman’s life and reinvents them with high-quality cotton, stylized cracked graphics, neon accents, and a vintage wash. Key pieces from the collection include styles like the ‘Garage Premium’ tee, ‘Pinhead Vintage’ tee, and ‘Rodman Tattoo’ long sleeve.

Isaac Metekingi, Creative Director of Culture Kings, states, “Dennis Rodman’s unconventional ways and fearlessness have earned him a reputation as one of the most interesting people in the world, which aligns perfectly with the Culture Kings brand. With the design process, we really wanted to stay true to Rodman as a living icon and capture his out of this world persona and key iconic career moments through easy, wearable pieces that fans can incorporate into their everyday style.”

The collection is now available exclusively on CultureKings.com.

Kanye West & Drake “Free Larry Hoover” Merch Sales Reportedly Won’t Go To Charity

Kanye West and Drake have come under fire after reports that none of the profits from their “Free Larry Hoover” merch will be donated to charity.  

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According to GQ, a representative confirmed: “While proceeds from ticket sales for the concert will reportedly benefit a number of criminal justice reform groups, profits from merch sales are not being earmarked for charity.” 

Kanye West and Drake ended their long standing beef and reconciled last Thursday (Dec. 9) for the Amazon-sponsored “Free Larry Hoover” benefit concert. Proceeds from the ticket sales will aid legal reform and community advocacy groups, including Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, Hustle 2.0, and Uptown People’s Law Center. 

A limited-edition range of merchandise was released in collaboration with Balenciaga designer Demna and Amazon Fashion. Demna has been kitting out Kanye West for much of 2021. Ye was spotted wearing Balenciaga for much of his “DONDA” album cycle.  

Kanye West x Drake “Free Hoover” Merch

The #FreeHoover capsule “engineered by Balenciaga” went on sale on Friday (Dec. 10) for 72 hours. Fans can pre order items from the collection, including a $200 hoodie and $100 tee. Also on offer are a $160 baseball tee, $60 hat, $360 jumpsuit, and $400 jeans. 

Twitter Reacts

On December 10, GQ reporter Eileen Cartter linked her story in a Tweet that has seen Kanye West and Drake receive some backlash. Cartter wrote: 

“a scoop for today: a rep confirmed none of the proceeds from the Ye x Drake x Demna x Amazon Fashion merch for last night’s Larry Hoover benefit concert will go to criminal justice orgs.” 

One user pointed out that merch was on sale despite not providing any context as to who Larry Hoover is or the movement to free him. 

“i’ve bought a lot of s### merch at concerts but imagine seeing people walking around with “Free Hoover” on their back with no context” 

Additionally, another wrote: “No criminal justice, just Hoover denim and vibes”  

Elsewhere, another suggested Kanye West has “gone full megapastor now.” 

“If this is true, that’s so sad after Ye and Drake both said they’d used this concert to benefit Larry Hoover.” 

Another went as far as to accuse Kanye West of using the event as an attempt to reunite with Kim Kardashian.  

“Y’all surprised? It was giant simp event so Kanye could release Kim from the shackles of Pete Davidson. He doesn’t give a damn about Larry Hoover.” 

https://twitter.com/JustJoshinYaCam/status/1469511558040596480?s=20

Meanwhile, others questioned the backlash as the proceeds of tickets sales would be donated to charity.  

“Why is this important when the proceeds from the ticket sales are going to criminal justice orgs?” 

Another added, “Yall acting like like thousands of people spent money on $300 clothing from the merch. The money from the ticket sales is where the numbers count. People love reaching at hating smh” 

Marc 2Ray – “True Craft” Ft. MC Bravado x Allison Balanc

After releasing the audio, D.C. wordsmith, Marc 2Ray taps MC Bravado and Allison Balanc once again for a Shaquille Pariag and Ashley Littlese-directed accompanying visual.

Titled “True Craft,” the CPSL0CK-produced track from the trio strips down the standard semantics found in mainstream rap music and returns the basics.

MC Bravado follows Marc’s lead, showcasing his lyrical prowess with hard-hitting punchlines over the boom-bap inspired instrumentation which channels the golden era of 90’s Hip Hop.

Vocalist Allison Balanc provides the perfect amount of soul with her soothing voice on the chorus. 

“To be considered a Hip Hop artist, you must be true to the craft,” said the DMV native in a statement to the press.

Marc 2Ray is not only a Hip Hop artist, but an educator. With a background working as a therapist for children on the autism spectrum, Marc has gotten his music to be used in curricula at multiple schools such as St. Petersburg College.

Coming from a family of Armenian Genocide survivors and Holocaust rescuers, this inspired him to create songs such as “1915,” which led to worldwide renown and live performances in Times Square, outside The White House, and The March For Justice in front of thousands.

Marc has also opened for rap legends such as Inspectah Deck and Cappadonna of the Wu-Tang ClanScarface, and Smif-N-Wessun among others.

Check out the video for “True Craft” below!

Big Solo- “Who You Know” Ft. Teejayx6

Back in August, 3ohBlack collaborator and fellow DMV native Big Solo returned to the small screen in the music video for “Back At It,” which served as a celebratory cut following his release from jail.

Today, the Real Road Runners frontman unloads his first commercial release of the year with help from Motor City MVP Teejayx6.

Appropriately titled “Who You Know,” the colorful collaboration finds the pair trading verses about the lavish lifestyle they are able to live by working equally smarter and harder than most. 

Speaking on how the song came together, Solo states: 

“I was wearing a $30K Cartier watch and was feeling myself. When you are in that mood, this is the type of record you get. It’s literally an account of my day-to-day life. When I first heard the record it instantly reminded me of Detroit and who better than Teejayx6 to help take things to the next level.”

Take a listen to “Who You Know” below.

Cardi B Considers Going Vegan Following Health Scare

Cardi B is considering joining the millions of people in the U.S who have turned to a plant-based lifestyle in recent years. 

Unsure of whether to take the leap and remove meat from her diet, the “WAP” hitmaker took to Twitter to ask her 20 million followers for advice. 

“I want to go vegan but I love meat,” Cardi B wrote. “are vegan meat replacements similar to meat in taste or not really?” 

Fans were divided in their response and shared various opinions. One user was stunned that Cardi would consider giving up her beloved seafood boil. 

“You willing to let go of the seafood boil you LOVE??” She asked. “With all that lemon?? Girl….” 

https://twitter.com/EzzBalenci/status/1470142079493754880?s=20

However, Cardi B revealed that she has been suffering issues with her gut health and wants to make a change in her diet. 

“I had a stomach virus not so long ago and I feel like my digestive system haven’t been the same.I been drinking probiotics and I don’t see a change much,” She wrote. “I be lookin at raw food pages a lot but that will be a huge change for me to do that.” 

Is Cardi B Following Nicki Minaj Haters On Social Media?  

Meanwhile, Cardi B was a trending topic on Twitter Sunday night (Dec. 12) after being accused of following social media accounts said to harass Nicki Minaj.  

“So riddle me this , a fanbase that repeatedly declares they aren’t obsessed with Cardi , spent hours looking through the 3000 individuals that Cardi follows and took time out their day to whip up some delusion .” 

Cardi B did not respond directly but voiced her feelings on the matter with a couple of retweets. 

“y’all depth of delusion will never fail to amaze me. the fact that you guys will make a hundred conspiracies about OME of the 3301 pages she follows like she controls these people is LITERALLY CRAZY” 

https://twitter.com/cardisbirkin/status/1470126025535283204?s=20

“Lmao cardi follows over 3 thousand people on ig….how u don’t like her but you spending your free time going through every person she follows just looking for something to say…mfs is weird” 

https://twitter.com/shonny_773/status/1470131943786356739?s=20

A.CHAL – SELENA (LIVE) Video

A little over 2 weeks removed from the release of his third studio LP ‘Far From Gaz,’  A.CHAL delivers the live performance music video for “Selena.” 

Shot on location at Chadano Hills 5 Acre Open Studio in California, the Jayoh & Matt Zolly-directed clip captures the NYC native roaming around the low-lit peer space while reciting the song’s lyrics, facing a bottle of Don Julio 1942. 

Expressing all the emotions he experienced navigating an unequally yoked record deal, the latest project from the Peruvian Hip-Pop artist features standouts “Dirty Dancin,” “High Horse,” “TAPPD’N,” and “Nobody Like Me.”

Serving as the final installment in his “GAZI” series, which includes his debut ‘Welcome To Gazi’ (2016) and ‘On Gaz’ (2017), ‘Far From Gaz’ finds A.CHAL baring his soul again in what most would agree is his most vulnerable project yet. 

“The reasons I made music changed. I felt like I was chasing something, like I was making music to feed my ego. I had lost control. I was frustrated and the fans kept asking where the music was,” said A.CHAL in a statement to the press.

Born in Lima, Peru as a descendant of the Quechua people, A.CHAL was raised between the cities of Trujillo, Peru and Queens, New York.

Because of his multiculturalism, A.CHAL developed a unique sound punctuated with a fusion of indigenous Peruvian sounds, modern trap-soul sonics, and the sounds he consumed growing up on the east coast of the U.S., where he admired icons such as DMXThe DiplomatsLil Wayne, and Pharrell

Stay connected with A.CHAL:

Twitter: @AlejandroChal 

Check out the live performance of Selena below!

Canon & PoetiCS – ‘We Made It’

RMG / EMPIRE recording artist Canon enlists instrumentalist PoetiCS for their joint EP ‘We Made It.’

Comprised of the duo’s Kmo Shamaal-assisted collaboration “Narcoleptik” as well as “I Made It” featuring Xay Hill, the 7-track body of work also includes intro “Bricks,” “Salt,” “Wrist,” “Magic,” and “Loco.” 

Canon’s newest album is the perfect reflection of the growth that he has seen in himself as an artist.

Taking the lessons from his trials and tribulations, Canon has put those experiences into this project and is sharing with the world what he has learned.

Stay Connected with Canon and PoetiCS!

Twitter: @getthecanon| @prodbypoetics 

Take a listen to ‘We Made It’ below!

Megan Thee Stallion Graduates, Celebs Congratulate Rapper

Megan Thee Stallion is a college graduate.

On Saturday, the “Hot Girl Summer” star – real name Megan Pete – took to Instagram to share a slideshow of photos showing herself in the lead-up to the ceremony at Texas Southern University.

She also posted a sweet video of her excitedly receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in health administration from university officials.

“Meg Thee Graduate. I know my parents are looking down on me so proud. Thank you everyone for all the love today,” the 26-year-old wrote in the caption.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXW9zQIPtVT/

In response, a number of Megan’s celebrity friends sent her congratulatory messages.

Ayeeeee congratulations,” wrote Lizzo, while Jasmine Sanders commented, “Congratulations!! Love seeing you shine!!”

And La La Anthony added: “Congrats my love!!!! So proud of u!! Love u!!!”

Last year, Megan opened up about she was inspired to complete her degree by her mother Holly Thomas, who died in 2019, as well as her late grandmother.

“I want my big mama to be proud. She saw me going to school before she passed,” she told People. “My grandmother that’s still alive used to be a teacher, so she’s on my butt about finishing school. I’m doing it for me, but I’m also doing it for the women in my family who made me who I am today.”

Machine Gun Kelly Aims To Make A Statement When He Does His Nails

Machine Gun Kelly recently explained how his very own nail polish brand serves as a “true vessel of expression.”

The musician/actor, real name Colson Baker, has partnered with the team at Unlisted Brand Lab to launch UN/DN LAQR.

Described as a “genderless” nail polish collection, the range includes an assortment of 10 colors and five topcoats.

“I don’t like to just stop at clothes when it comes to expressing who I am. Nail polish serves as a true vessel of self-expression – I can express myself one way today and do it all again tomorrow with something different,” Machine Gun Kelly explained. “When I do my nails, that’s me wearing my own thoughts and making a statement. To me, polish is not just a color, it’s an intention. Every color has a purpose.”

In addition to the individual shades, the UN/DN LAQR collection includes eight curated trio sets and three polish kits.

And Unlisted Brand Lab Founder and chief executive officer Candy Harris said Machine Gun Kelly was way ahead of the curve on a new fashion trend for men. She appears to be correct, since the rapper’s nail polish line has already sold out.

“It’s been an honor to work with Machine Gun Kelly to transcend the nail polish category and foster a cultural shift that has been a long time coming,” she praised. “This is just the beginning, we are setting out to bring a new voice to beauty with a lifestyle brand that will spark a conversation well beyond the color drops.”