Charlamagne Tha God and Nicki Minaj were once good friends but had a very public falling out after he said her hit song “Anaconda,” was “trash.”
Unsurprisingly, Nicki didn’t take too kindly to Charlemagne using his huge and influential platform to lead a “hate train” against her and even suggested he banned her from appearing on “The Breakfast Club.”
Charlemagne denied Nicki’s claims, said she’s welcome on the show, and told her “Nicki, we love you,” during a “Rumor Report” segment back in 2019.
However, it appears the damage is done, and their relationship may never be the same again. Charlemagne revealed during a recent interview, Nicki is the one person he’d like to build bridges with.
“What celebrity would I like to make amends with…probably Nicki Minaj,” said Charlamagne. “Me and Nicki used to be super, we used to be really cool. Yeah, I was very vocal about not liking the ‘Anaconda’ record back in the day and, yeah, definitely, probably Nicki. I got a lotta respect for Nicki. What Nicki has done is unprecedented. She revitalized female Hip Hop over the past decade.”
“All of these new artists, every single one of ’em from [Cardi B] to [Megan Thee Stallion], it’s because of Nicki,” he added. “Nicki opened that lane again. Yeah, probably Nicki.” The “Barbie Dreams” hitmaker is yet to respond.
Ever since Ciara revealed that prayer helped her find now-husband Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, “Ciara’s Prayer” became a thing of legend.
Ciara and Russell with their family this Thanksgiving
Now, the “Level Up” singer has revealed how her prayer made it onto Summer Walker’s album. During a recent appearance on “Level Up Radio with Ciara” on Apple Music the chanteuse let it be known, it’s not just about what you pray for, it’s the intention behind it.
Ciara slowed down the pace to play “Ciara’s Prayer” and explained, “It’s crazy because it’s not even an actual song, but there’s so much intentionality and it is a prayer. Yes, of course my fans have been asking me for forever for this.”
The decision was an easy one for Ciara to make once she got the call from Summer Walker asking her to be a part of the project. “I thought it would be amazing to join her,” she said. “She’s going on this incredible journey, one that I think a lot of us women can relate to.”
As a woman and a mother on a similar path, Summer’s story resonated with Ciara. “When she called me, I said, ‘Absolutely, I’ll do this.’ And it was just so much fun, being able to allow myself to be vulnerable in that moment. I’ve had many invulnerable moments in my life and as my fans always would say, “The prayer, the prayer, the prayer.”
Ciara Says “Praying With Intentionality Works.”
Ciara turned to prayer to overcome the struggles she was facing as a single mother trying to find balance in the various aspects of her life.
“Yes, I did pray when I was in a very challenging place in my life,” she said. “I was a single mom and figuring out that part of my life and what that was feeling like to me, and it was just a completely surreal situation for me.”
Ultimately, Ciara says prayer worked for her once she was intentional with it. “And I’ve always been a believer in praying, and so that’s just who I am. And yes, I did pray with intentionality when I was at that time of my life, and I will tell you guys that praying with intentionality works.”
Elsewhere, Ciara celebrated her husband’s birthday earlier this week with a moving tribute posted on Instagram.
“On this day, a Leader was born. My King,” she wrote. “On this day, a Compassionate Man was born. An incredible Husband and Father. On this day a Champion was born. An inspiration to so many! My Greatest Inspiration.”
The Verzuz battles have been completely peaceful, albeit tense, since the beginning. That changed with the competition between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia.
The harmonizers from Cleveland were singing, as members of Three Six Mafia mocked them.” This did not go over too well with Bizzy Bone. He began to chide his Memphis counterparts for mocking Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Suddenly, water bottles were being thrown and a small scuffle broke out Thankfully, the security was proper and it did not escalate! “Due to technical difficulties, this event will return momentarily,” the screen said after a brief intermission.
“Bizzy Bone gotta take his medicine,” said Gangsta Boo. “People paid money to see a legendary show.” And she was right! “We can’t let the devil get in the details,” Layzie would go on to say.
This is still in progress as I type this, but it looks like Bizzy was either ejected or left. He is no longer on the stage with the team! Many people were speculating, but it seems like he may have gotten KICKED OUT completely. Numerous people were like, “You messing up the money!” Who knows? Either way, its best that he’s not on the stage if you cannot maintain your composure! Anyway, the rest of the players made up and peaced it out! They made it CLEAR: WE COOL!!!!
As I type this – BIZZY CAME BACK AND APOLOGIZED!
Can we talk about how hot Gangsta Boo is? She WAS ON FIRE!
I am so glad Bizzy was let back on or got himself together! The culture does not need that! I am happy for these two groups! They are both very dope and have had numerous internal issues. But – lookie here – they all there. Even Lil Flip! Lil Eazy-E did his dad’s part! Ha! Hip-Hop is crazy af!
Despite rumors circulating on the internet, Wendy Williams seems just fine. The talk show host was spotted leaving a Miami wellness center looking happy and healthy.
Footage of Williams was posted on various social media outlets, and she does not sound incoherent, or like she is in the early stages of dementia, as many have said.
When the paparazzi inquired about the show, and later apologized for being intrusive, she replied, “It’s ok.”
The photographer told her that “everyone” is concerned about how she is doing and “hopes she is feeling better.” The media maven, dressed in a red Versace robe as she entered an SUV, robustly replied, “Wendy is doing FABULOUS!”
Pushing for even more exclusive content, the man filming her asked if she had anything else she wanted to share. The marketing queen of salacious cliffhangers said, “Lot’s more Wendy stuff!”
During the last few seasons (11th, 12th, and 13th), Williams has struggled with many health challenges. This season, wellness has been so paramount to her ability to host her show that drastic measures have had to be taken for its continued success.
Wendy took to social media earlier this month to update fans on her recovery.
“HOW YOU DOIN’? I MISS YOU ALL! As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic. I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that’s taking longer than we expected,” she shared.
“I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready,” the 57-year-old shared. “I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there.”
LL Cool J is hosting the 99th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The legendary rapper will host the festivities at The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night. The event won’t air live on television, but it is scheduled to broadcast on CBS on Sunday (December 5).
“It’s gonna be a lot of fun,” LL Cool J told CBS. “A lot of holiday classics, a lot of good, good music. It’s gonna be a good, warm time. And I think right now, the country needs that. It’s been almost a year and a half or two of us being kind of stuck inside and people not really being able to feel close to one another. I think it’s nice to bring that joy to the country. That’s why I wanted to do it.”
LL Cool J is one of the many stars involved in the 2021 National Christmas Tree Lighting. Patti LaBelle, Billy Porter, Chris Stapleton, Kristin Chenoweth and H.E.R. are just a few of the notable names who will perform holiday songs at the ceremony.
The National Christmas Tree will be open to the public through New Year’s Day.
Listen to what LL Cool J had to say about the lighting ceremony and his recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame below.
The Memphis community is planning a public memorial for the slain rapper Young Dolph.
While his friends, family, and fans mourn, some ask what is going on with the development of his murder case. According to ABC News, the ceremony will be held at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee on December 16th.
Local police seemed to have been moving swiftly to find the culprits. They initially released surveillance stills from surrounding store cameras.
So far, the suspects have not been captured. It is assumed that the two men in the images who drove away in a white two-door Mercedes are still on the run.
The “Preach It” rapper’s private funeral was on Tuesday, November 30th, at the First Baptist Church on Broad Ave.
Community activist and clergy member Pastor Earle Fisher spoke at the funeral and said, according to the news outlet, “It was good to see his family, his friends, people who have cared for him come together and remember his life.”
“With all of the pomp and circumstance that elected officials and civic leaders have put around this heinous murder, we could do something to bring the people who have been involved in this to accountability and justice a whole lot sooner,” said Fisher.
“The reality is there is a body being buried just about every day in Shelby County,” he continued to share to the captivated audience. “Often, we have people who are in powerful positions that have created policies that make these bodies pile up.”
Young Dolph, a father of two, was laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery.
Death Row Records will go down in history as one of the most iconic labels to grace the rap game, and the company is still going strong.
The label, founded in 1992, is the brainchild of Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey. Death Row jumpstarted the fruitful careers of Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, Tupac Shakur, and more.
Three decades later, the name Death Row Records itself continues to hold weight, as we remember the most iconic albums, from Snoop’s Doggystyle and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic to Tupac’s All Eyez On Me and Tha Dogg Pound’s Dog Food.
Tha Dogg Pound is a musical duo composed of Kurupt and Daz Dillinger, who share an undeniable bond beyond just the music.
In commemoration of Death Row’s 30th anniversary, Shoe Palace unveiled their exclusive collection with the imprint, featuring hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, joggers, and a reversible Electric Chair Coaches Jacket.
Kurupt was sighted wearing this jacket every day for the past week, with one side depicting a collage of many of the iconic album covers to date.
AllHipHop was in attendance at Shoe Palace in Compton, where Nate Dogg’s son Nhale and other family members were presented with the 30th anniversary Death Row Records plaques.
Death Row Records Collection With Shoe Palace
Death Row Records Collection With Shoe Palace
Death Row Records Collection With Shoe Palace
Presented by John Payne and K Dubb, the evening showcased the launch of the new collection as friends and family came out to the city in a show of support.
K Dubb, an original member of Death Row, stated, “It means a lot to me, being that I was originally Death Row. I’ve been here from day one. Before we had the deal when we was a real independent label with no distribution. We was on these streets of Compton, grinding. For me to have a big shoe store in Compton, supporting and really embracing something that I know I was a part of — the co-founder in creating and building — then coming back to the city where I’m still here, and they’re still showing love, it’s amazing. It’s amazing man, it’s the full circle.”
He adds, “The legacy continues. Be looking out, 2022. Death Row!”
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg continues his push to take over Death Row Records. During an interview told Apple Music that he was ready to helm the legendary imprint.
“Death Row should be ran by me, and it should be in my hands. I’m having some great conversations right now about moving forward with it…If I can do what I’m doing for Def Jam, imagine what the f### I can do with Death Row.
Atlanta City Council President and defeated mayoral candidate Felicia Moore says that rappers and Hip-Hop influencers are part of why she did not win the election.
Moore believes Mayor-Elect Andre Dickens bested her in this week’s run-off because big names were on social media spreading “fake news” about her shutting down Magic City.
Moore did an exclusive interview with TMZ, where she specifically called out rapper T.I. and tech-giant/soul music heir Isaac Hayes III for lying on her.
Moore first implied that Hayes was obsessed with her. She told TMZ that she never once said she wanted to close the strip clubs but wanted to limit new recording studios going up in the city.
The problem is…T.I. and Hayes were reposting an erroneous headline that they saw from other outlets. They did not originate the misinformation.
On Monday, T.I. posted a screenshot from a gossip blog that said, “Woman Running For Atlanta Mayor Promises To CLOSE ALL STRIP CLUBS!!!”
“If you’re a club owner, a bartender, a dancer, promoter, valet driver, or just a visitor who subscribes to the culture of this city… understand that OUR LIVELIHOODS & WAYS OF LIFE is being threatened. I’d hate for you to wake up tomorrow and your destiny now rests in the hands of people who could care less about your concerns or best interests,” he captioned his Instagram post.
After the Grand Hustle boss watched Moore’s TMZ interview, he took to social media to remind her that she lost the race and send her one important message that many already know about Atlanta, “Creatives run this town.”
Months after the news surfaced, NBA YoungBoy felt the need to address a story about him allegedly ghosting a J. Cole studio session.
In a Clubhouse conversation with DJ Akademiks, NBA YoungBoy clarified what happened when J. Cole’s name was mentioned. The Atlantic Records rapper said he wasn’t in a good state of the mind at the time, which is why he didn’t show up to the studio.
“They lied and said I stood J. Cole up, man,” NBA YoungBoy said. “They lied and said I wouldn’t go to the studio with him. I know who told somebody that too though. ‘Cause it was only a few people who knew about that and that wasn’t even the case. I was mad at that moment.”
He explained, “I was going through something, so what the f### I’m gonna go in this man’s studio session for a meet-up with him knowing that I ain’t in the mode to talk or just to be in the mode to f### around. So, I’d get ‘round this man and this man [would think] YB acting like a b#### or something … What the f### I’m gonna go around this man for if I know I ain’t in the mood to talk to nobody or sit there and even be around somebody.”
In March, DJ Akademiks was the person who originally publicized the story about NBA YoungBoy no-showing J. Cole’s studio session. During a Twitch stream, Akademiks claimed Cole waited around for YoungBoy for eight hours.
According to Bloomberg, GBG is a bankrupt brand management firm with a lopsided joint venture deal with the Bad Boy Enterprise executive. GBG owns 90% of the clothing line started in 1998 after a sale in November of 2016.
The company has been vetting potential buyers since the Spring.
It is rumored that a Puff Daddy affiliate company has put the money up, leading the offers. However, others interested in acquiring the brand have until Dec. 15th to get their paper up.
If another buyer beats the current $3.3 million offer, some random company might end up with the controlling share of the brand— leaving the multi-millionaire with no say over the brand that he gave his first and middle name to.
At its height, Sean John was a historic brand for urban fashion. It was one of the first urban celebrity-driven fashion brands to find prime placement in Macy’s department stores in the early 2000s.
Diddy, whose real name is Sean Jean Combs, has not publicly spoken about the deal.
Playboy announced the hiring of Cardi B as its first-ever Creative Director in Residence on Thursday. She will also serve as a founding member and Creative Director of CENTERFOLD, the brand’s upcoming creator-led platform.
“It is a dream come true to officially join the Playboy family,” Cardi B said in a press release. “I can’t believe this is real. For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt connected to Playboy. It’s truly the original platform for uncensored creativity and I’m inspired by its incredible legacy of fighting for personal freedoms. I have so many ideas already – I can’t wait!”
She added, “I’m also excited to launch our new creator-led platform, CENTERFOLD. Creators today deserve to express themselves freely and unfiltered. They deserve to feel safe in their creativity and sexuality. And they deserve to own their future. This is what CENTERFOLD is all about. For all those creators out there doing bold, revolutionary, truly culture-shifting things, come join me.”
As the Creative Director in Residence, Cardi B will provide artistic direction for Playboy. Her other duties include collaborating on co-branded fashion and sexual wellness merchandise collections.
“Cardi B is a creative genius and we are absolutely thrilled and honored to bring her immense talent and creative vision to Playboy,” PLBY Group’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Kohn said. “Through her unapologetic commitment to free expression, her dedication to lifting up artistic voices and her celebration of sex and body positivity, Cardi is the embodiment of the Playboy brand.”
Kohn continued, “I can’t wait to see what Cardi and our team develop together with our merchandise design, development and distribution capabilities and our best-in-class content production. I also can’t think of a better creative visionary to partner with us on the launch of CENTERFOLD. CENTERFOLD will revolutionize the creator economy just as PLAYBOY magazine shook up the publishing industry nearly 70 years ago – and Cardi is the perfect shepherd into this new era.”
We all know that the real world isn’t always rainbows and unicorns, but if we stop at times and breathe, we can find the beauty in the chaos. It’s probably no surprise Franki Amour’s debut EP is titled just that, ‘Beautiful Chaos’.
Built like a runway model statuesquely at almost 6 feet, her brand of chaos is particularly hard to miss, especially with her signature bright green hair. The born and raised Miami singer-songwriter is clearly on the verge of a musical breakthrough-one that she has spent countless hours recording and preparing for.
Straddling the lines of pop and R&B, Franki’s trailblazing artistry draws influence from all over, with lyrics that are inspired by real-life joys, events and struggles of life.
Nicknamed the “Green Haired Monsta,” Franki Amour describes herself as “very bold, very outspoken, very in your face, authentic, and just fun. Very fun.”
That spontaneity shines through in her personality, her music, and her fashion, which all play a hand in Franki’s art.
Now, Franki delivers her newest single titled “LOVE SCARS,” the lead single from her forthcoming debut EP, Beautiful Chaos, produced by Sean Kingston himself, the song serves as an introduction for fans to enter Franki’s world, with an Island-inspired beat that will have you effortlessly moving on the dance floor.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name?
Franki Amour: My name is Francesca. Growing up, they always called me Franki. I was a bit of a tomboy, so that’s how. [laughs] Then Love is my real actual last name but I switched it, got a little creative and switched it into Amour.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Franki Amour: My sound is very new, it’s definitely new. It’s what the people need to keep the crowd going. [laughs] It’s definitely a sound that’s vibrant and bold, I am the voice for voiceless. Let’s say for the shy people, I’m not shy. I’m gonna let you know what it is.
AllHipHop: What was a young Franki like growing up in Miami?
Franki Amour: The young Franki was very… I’m not going to say I was a troublemaker. [laughs] I was very hyper. I couldn’t keep myself still because I get bored very easily. Even till now, I get bored very easily so I like to keep myself going. I like adventure, I like excitement. Growing up in Miami, my childhood was good. We were able to go outside and play, not be on the internet all day. It was active, very active.
Growing up in Miami is very fun, very influential. We have a lot of artists that came out of Miami, a lot of urban artists. You have people like Uncle Luke. Even to be on the Latin side: Gloria Estefan. You have Flo Rida, you have Pitbull, so many influential artists came out of Miami. Even now with the new age, you have the City Girls. You have Trina and Trick Daddy, so it’s definitely a feel. You have so many different varieties of music, it’s very tropical and you can’t help but take that in, the culture and the beauty in it all.[laughs]
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize this music thing was for real?
Franki Amour: I always loved music. Growing up, that was my go-to. I loved listening to music and I love singing. Everybody knew that I could sing. We realized I could sing when I was 6 years old, that’s when everything started going. “Hey, you want me to sing? Give me a dollar.” [laughs] That was that, I was getting my frozen cups. “I gotta sing, you gon’ pay me.”
AllHipHop: When did the green hair come in?
Franki Amour: I started sporting the green hair a while ago, it’s been a long time. I felt the need to funk it up, I needed to get funky. I had to spruce it up just a little bit because I love changing my hairstyles. I love different styles. I went from every color in the rainbow literally, and the green stuck with me. The neon green stuck with me, I felt it was so different. I knew it was a go when I went viral 2 years ago on The Shade Room. I decided one day, I’m gonna go get some braids. I had the braids going back, the cornrows. I said “you know what, this is boring. I’m going to put some safety pins in it.” I put the safety pins in it and it went viral. People said “oh my gosh, she wants to be a watermelon so bad. I said “yesss, a watermelon! Okay.” [laughs] You know what, this is it. This is the look, this is me.
AllHipHop: How was it collaborating with Sean Kingston on “LOVE SCARS”?
Franki Amour: Sean is amazing, so musical talented and gifted. He’s a genius. We all got together, we came up with this record. We were feeling a vibe, it was very tropical. It just came, it was very natural. The beat came and everybody started flowing, so it was definitely one of one.
AllHipHop: Was it done in LA?
Franki Amour: Absolutely. We did the “LOVE SCARS” at Sean Kingston’s house, we did it at his studio. That was definitely an experience, I really appreciate that moment. Not a lot of artists get to experience those kinds of situations and moments, I’m so grateful for that.
AllHipHop: How did you guys tap in?
Franki Amour: We have the same acquaintances. It goes way back when, so it was bound to happen eventually.
AllHipHop: Is there a video coming?
Franki Amour: Absolutely, we’re gearing up to release the single “LOVE SCARS” right now. I’m working on an album called Beautiful Chaos. “LOVE SCARS” is the first single off that album, which I’m so excited because I know people are going to definitely love it. It’s a new sound, it’s what we need right now in the industry. It’s authentic. Beautiful Chaos is basically a whirlwind: you got the chaotic and disastrous, then you have the beautiful in it all. There’s beauty in disaster. There’s always something good you can find.
Even in situations, relationships, even “LOVE SCARS.” You could love somebody so much but yet, there’s always that red flag. It’s a red flag we all seem to ignore within the relationships. [laughs] We don’t care about that red flag, the flag is green. We tend to ignore the red flags and we go on with it. Situations happen, miscommunication, lies and deceit, just everything. But you’re so intune with this person, you don’t want to give that up so soon.
AllHipHop: Was it inspired by someone?
Franki Amour: Girl, you in my business! Don’t do that. [laughs] I’m playing. It’s very relatable, we all go through our situations. I’ve had previous situations like that. I’ve had my situations. I wanted to do something relatable that everybody could relate to, be realistic, be honest, and be open. Let people really get to know that I’m not an artist that sings bubblegum, I’m singing real life things that we go to as women and men. It’s just done on a good beat.
AllHipHop: What do you do for self-care?
Franki Amour: I meditate, I give my affirmations. I’ve been doing my meditation for a few years now. I do my detoxes because whatever you feed your body, that’s exactly what you’re going to get. If you’re constantly putting junk in your body, your attitude is going to be trash. You have to nurture your insides in order to build that vibration and frequency of positivity. For my self-care, I like to meditate. I pray very often that people think I’m talking to myself. I’m really into the whole spirituality thing.
Franki Amour
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Franki Amour: Water, that’s one. I need my water. I need candles, I love my candles. I’m a Fire sign so I have such passion, fire is passion to me. I have to have my candles, and some gummies. Some snacks, that’s it. It’s not much to please me. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Talk about your love for fashion and how that influences your music.
Franki Amour: You have the Holy Grail: you have music, fashion, and art. I always felt like those 3 things come together, combined. I stood strong on one of those 3 specifics because one, I love singing. In order to create your image you have to have some type of fashion sense. That fashion sense that’s going to allow people to want to know who you are. You have to intrigue these people so fashion definitely became a big deal in my life.
I love fashion, I love modeling. I wanted to be a model before singing. I was so infatuated with Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, all of those women. I love those women, I love them so much. They’ve been a big inspiration when it comes to fashion, I always look at those women and get inspiration from them as well.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your fashion sense?
Franki Amour: Ooh girl, you see it now! It’s not safe, put it like that. If you gotta be safe, it’s not right. Fashion doesn’t have rules. As long as your attitude fits the wardrobe and the scene, you’re good. It doesn’t matter what you have on. As long as you feel good wearing it, that’s it.
AllHipHop: One thing you want fans to get from Beautiful Chaos?
Franki Amour: I definitely want them to be able to understand that we’re all human at the end of the day. It’s okay to go through withdrawals from relationships. It’s okay to take time for yourself. It’s okay if we make mistakes, we’re not perfect. A lot of people tend to think “oh, you just got out of a relationship with this person. You say you don’t want this and you don’t want that, but yet you’re going back to this person.”
It takes time, and I don’t need you in my business. [laughs] I want them to be inspired and know that there’s no wrong move when it comes to emotions, because nobody can tell you how to feel. No one can tell you how to feel and you should never let anyone control your emotions. It’s definitely one of those albums that is going to get you to the feeling of okay, she understands. She gets me. She gets it, I’m not out here by myself.
AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
Franki Amour: Listen, my goal is to get to the highest of the highest with my team. I know I cannot do it without my team. My goal is to continue to stay focused, stay positive and grounded so we could get that Grammy. We need that Grammy! We need those #1’s. I want to be able to travel across the world and send that message out to everyone. To every little girl who’s trying to become an artist in the industry, for anyone that’s trying to become an entertainer or artist, know to stay focused. If you remain focused, you can definitely get whatever you need to get done. Don’t listen to the naysayers because they’re going to come. If you’re doing something right, you’re going to have haters. I need them to definitely understand that you know you can do it, you just gotta stay focused. Remain focused.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
Franki Amour: “LOVE SCARS” is out. Beautiful Chaos will release in early 2022. I’m coming in hot, I’m ready to dominate the industry with the music and the fashion. I’m just ready to elevate.
Police apprehended a suspect in the shooting death of Clarence Avant’s wife Jacqueline.
The Beverly Hills Police Department identified the suspect as 29-year-old Aariel Maynor at a press conference on Thursday. Authorities said Maynor was on parole and has an extensive criminal record.
Jacqueline Avant was shot and killed during an apparent home invasion on Wednesday. She was 81 years old.
Legendary music executive Clarence Avant and a security guard were present at the Beverly Hils home when the shooting occurred. Both were unharmed.
Jacqueline Avant married her Rock & Roll Hall of Famer husband Clarence in 1967. The couple had two children together.
Avant, a noted philanthropist, was also the mother-in-law of Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. The Avant and Sarandos families issued a joint statement to the press following her death.
“The entire Avant and Sarandos families wish to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and heartfelt condolences for Jacqueline Avant,” the Avant and Sarandos families said. “Jacqueline was an amazing woman, wife, mother and philanthropist and a 55-year resident of Beverly Hills who has made an immeasurable positive impact on the arts community. She will be missed by her family, friends and all of the people she has helped throughout her amazing life.”
Chicago’s Hugh Lee is an on the rise recording artist showing a lot of promise and natural potential with his unique sound and lyrics. On the rise, the new star delivers his latest project, a Childish Gambino-inspired release, titled The Younger I Get. In the new mixtape, Lee displays growth and comfort in every one of the eight-track collections. Stream it here.
The Younger I Get provides us with breakout tracks “Face Off,” “West Side Story” and “Return of the Dragon.” Hugh’s uniquely crafted story, in album form, is created for followers and fans to have a better understanding of this particular way of life and how he came to overcome it. Hugh strives to make clear that there is an inevitable struggle in life, but long gone are the days when one should feel stuck in their predicaments. Lee says in a press release, “We can change our circumstances dramatically. You just have to jump in order to fly.”
The Younger I Get is inspired by Gambino’s first mixtape — released in 2005. The project reached #25 on Apple Music. The project featured vintage tracks “A Runaway,” “My Baby” and “2 Brains.” The popularity behind this debut led to breakout projects Sick Boi, I’m Just a Rapper 1 & 2, and R O Y A L T Y.
Lee’s latest effort creates anticipation for the rising star’s forthcoming album, which is slated to be Hugh Lee’s full-length debut. The mixtape follows Lee’s Carbini that dropped last year. The Younger I Get is the perfect jump-on point for any newfound fan. After the stream, for more on Hugh Lee, follow him on social media for daily updates and new music.
Lokolil is a 21-year-old East Coast recording artist hailing from the Bronx, New York. For the fast-rising star, music has always piqued his interest. Growing up the artist was influenced by a few amazing artists like Tupac and DMX, and you can definitely see their impact in Lokolil’s style and flow. Lokolil, whose real name is Khalil Durden, has been highly motivated and supported by his father in his passion for music. Unfortunately, Lokolil’s father, who was a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, has recently been found dead and this has motivated Lokolil to fulfill his father’s and his own dream of becoming one of the leading artists from the Bronx.
Lokolil has made it his mission to turn his life events and early childhood memories, such as street violence and hardships, into impactful stories that he can share it with the world through his music.
“As a veteran in the streets, I’ve seen and heard it all – most of which would terrify the average person,” Lokolil says. “While my life experiences have had a dramatic impact on me, I refuse to let them define who I am and want to rise above society’s expectations. The easiest way for me to do this was by picking up a mic and learning Bronx Drill, which is one of the top breakout eras of the industry.”
Lokolil’s first and only music video “You Are My High” has already racked up over 300k views on YouTube
“I released this song because I love that sample I kept hearing it and I’m like I need a beat to this sample. Came across it on YouTube & it was lit from there.” The artist tells us.
His music is powerful and it is exactly what he needed to share his stories and make a name for himself and his family. Lokolil has two young kids and is committed to creating a wonderful life for them and his entire family through his music. Lokolil and his song have already been featured on many major hip-hop outlets and his Spotify and YouTube are quickly growing too!
While many upcoming artists struggle to make it to the top, Lokolil is proving to be an enigma in the music scene, and just after releasing one song is being seen as the next big star in the industry.
Check him out on Instagram @officiallokolil for the latest updates and new releases.
Now is the time to prepare for the Boss. It has been two years since Rick Ross has dropped an album. The public is anxious. Richer Than I Ever Been is set to be released on December 10.
This is the 11th artistic account from Ross. With time, his kaleidoscope of creativity only improves. The cover art, courtesy of Jonathan Mannion’s refined eye, gently asserts innate opulence. Adding to the intrigue, these listed artists and producers are amongst Hip-Hop’s elite.
Nostalgia enhanced by realized dreams, Ricky writes, “These are the posters I wanted on my walls as a kid. These are the cars I wanted as a kid. This is the music I loved since a kid. December 10th I get to live it all again. Richer than I ever been.”
The countdown for Richer Than I Ever Been has officially begun. Rick Ross’ pen is proven. Here is the question.
With which other, MCs and producers could Rick Ross make an epic collab? Think about it. If Rapsody were to hop on a Michael “Seven” Summers beat with the Biggest Boss, that would be crazy.
Rap star Cardi B and her tattooed nemesis Kevin Michael Brophy took another shot at settling a $5 million lawsuit over claims she stole his back tattoo yesterday (December 1st).
A settlement conference was held via Zoom between their lawyers, with Magistrate Judge Rosenbluth, overseeing the settlement talks.
Brophy’s lawyer A. Barry Cappello and Lawrence J. Conlan took on Cardi’s legal team. The rapper had four lawyers present: Alan G. Dowling, Jonathan Davis, Dina LaPolt and Mariah Comer. Cardi and Brophy were not present.
Unfortunately, after five long hours of discussions and numerous lawyers present, the talks failed. An agreement could not be reached by either side.
Brophy sued Cardi B in 2017 for $5 million. He claims Cardi used his back tattoo of a tiger and a snake and superimposed it on another model.
Then, a graphic designer created a racy cover featuring a model in snuggling in between Cardi’s legs, as she chugged down a 40 oz of beer on the cover of her debut mixtape “Gangsta B#### Music Vol. 1.”
According to Brophy, he deserves a piece of everything Cardi B has received since the 2016 release of the mixtape, claiming it propelled her to her current status as one of the world’s most famous rappers.
During a deposition, Cardi B blasted Brophy’s lawsuit as nothing but a money grab from a disgruntled man who “works in a damn f##king surf shop.”
“It’s wasting my time. It’s wasting my money…all because of some bulls##t, trying to get money, and then $5,000,000. Are you f##king kidding me?” Cardi B snapped during a deposition.
The settlement talks on December 1st is the fourth time the pair have attempted to reach a settlement over the dispute.
The world’s largest HIV/AIDS care provider, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), held a special free concert event to commemorate World AIDS Day. Observed on December 1, artists like multiple award-winning Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and iconic Debbie Allen joined together to raise money and awareness for this dreaded disease, one of the first pandemics in the Hip-Hop generation’s lifetime.
Debbie Allen, leading up to the event, shared that AIDS advocacy is very personal for her. She said, “I had many friends and loved ones who passed away from this deadly virus.”
“World AIDS Day allows me to celebrate those lives lost and commemorate their various contributions not only to our personal relationships but also to film, television, dance, and more,” she continued. “Having a longstanding partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a prime example of how community should support and uplift one another. It is crucial for us to understand that this fight is far from over. Forty years ago, AIDS was first recognized by the CDC, and 40 years later we have lost millions of lives.”
She concluded, “I’m committed to continue to do my part in bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS, and I encourage you to do the same.”
The Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson tour the concert down, singing some of the songs that made her one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2020.
The money raised from this concert helps to fight the spread of AIDS in American and educate the masses on how to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS. According to HIV.gov, 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV and 13% of them don’t know it because they have not been tested.
Since 1981, there have been more than 700,000 AIDS-related deaths. Shockingly, according to the Scientific American website, that number is not as large as the number of people who have died from COVID-19. In less than two years, 800,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus.
This means two things: 1) The work of organizations like the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Lifebeat have worked hard to works so that an HIV/ AIDS diagnosis is not a death sentence and 2) COVID-19 ain’t no joke.
Word on the street is DMX is going to have a full feature movie on the way. That’s right, true believers. It looks like the dog is going to have a full movie about his life and times. As you know, this comes when we are all feeling profound sadness with the recent HBO documentary about DMX in his last year, “DMX: Don’t Try to Understand.” It was a good look into the life of one of the realest dudes ever. So, just when you thought we knew it all, this rumor hits.
This should come as no shocker and we have discussed it in the past. If you recall, we did an interview with Smokey D. Fontaine, the author of DMX’s book E.A.R.L., and the movie was mentioned. Also, the sources we have say that the movie will be rooted in this book. The book is a real page turner and it is now in reprint so if you want it, you can get it. But, the book travels through the first half or so of Earl Simmons’s life and times, basically stops in the early 2000s. As we all know, so much more happened after that. But my sources tell me this is the basis for the book, the early life up til the massive success.
I hope they don’t try to do what they did in the Tupac movie, which was cover too much ground. I think the movie “Ray” did an amazing job of laying down the blueprint with the early life, but also covered his adult life extensively. They need to get the right director and the the write writing team and this will be dope. Of course, we MUST ask: “Who Could Play DMX?” That part is hard. Like so many other people we know well…we KNOW DMX! We would want him to play himself.
DAMN! Remember when Flex tried to do MJ?
We have never forgotten this!
We must remember that DMX’s family is now heading up his estate and I know they have his best interests at heart. Tashera Simmons (his ex wife and immortal ride or die queen), sons Xavier Simmons & Sean Simmons and Tacoma Simmons are the co-administrators of the estate of Earl “DMX” Simmons. They will make this thing rock.
Anyway, check out our interview with Smokey and get to know DMX a bit more thank you did. This was a serious book!
By the way, our own Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur had a few words to say about the new DMX doc. Super sad,
This year has seen Lil Nas X continue his successful run as a recording artist. LNX scored two more #1 singles on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow.
“Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” was also a huge hit outside of America. According to Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped Results, Lil Nas X’s controversial record was the second-most streamed song on the platform over the last twelve months.
As of press time, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” racked up 1.14 billion Spotify plays since its release on March 26. “Industry Baby” currently sits at 769 million streams on the platform.
Pop singer Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” collected over 1.18 billion streams in 2021, giving the Sour track the pole position on the year-end Spotify global chart for 2021. The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” took third place.
Rodrigo also captured the fourth place position on the 2021 Spotify Wrapped tally with “Good 4 U.” Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” featuring North Carolina rapper DaBaby rounded out the Top 5 at #5.
Over on Spotify’s Most Streamed Albums Globally list, Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour came in at #1. The rest of the Top 5 includes Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa, Justice by Justin Bieber, = by Ed Sheeran, and Planet Her by Doja Cat.