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9-Year-Old Boy Injured At Astroworld Tragedy Dies Family Attorney Says

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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A nine-year-old boy is reportedly the tenth victim to have died after sustaining injuries at the Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston, Texas on November 5. 

Ezra Blount attended the festival with his father but they were separated during the panic caused by the crowd rushing the stage. Little Ezra had been standing on his father’s shoulders but was knocked to the ground. He got trampled in the chaos before being pulled out by another festival-goer.  

Ezra received medical assistance and was placed in an induced coma. It was determined he had suffered organ damage and was suffering from brain swelling due to cardiac arrest.  

On Sunday (Nov. 14), a lawyer representing Ezra’s family confirmed his death, making him the youngest victim of the tragedy.  

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump representing the family said in a statement: “The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration.” 

He added: “Ezra’s death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer.” 

Lawsuits Pile Up Against Astroworld Organizers

Numerous lawsuits have already been filed against Travis Scott, guest performer Drake, and Live Nation. On Friday attorneys representing the Blount family (and another 200 people who claim they were injured in the stampede) announced they are filing an additional 90 lawsuits against the event’s promoters.  

“Nobody should ever die from going to a concert,” Crump said. 

“So this lawsuit is not just about getting justice for them, but it’s about making sure that the promoters and the organisers know that you cannot allow this to ever happen in the future.” 

Last week (Nov. 8) Harris County officials released the names of the initial eight victims: 

Monday (November 8): Mirza Baig, 27, Rodolfo Peña, 23, Madison Dubiski, 23, Franco Patiño, 21, Jacob Jurinke, 20, John Hilgert, 14, Axel Acosta Avila, 21, and Brianna Rodriguez, 16. 

The ninth victim, 22-year-old Texas A&M senior Bhari Shahani died on Thursday (Nov. 11). She had been declared brain dead and was on life support before her family was forced to let her go.  

Travis Scott recently hired the former mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to be his spokesperson on the Astroworld tragedy.  

Kanye West Drops “DONDA” Deluxe Edition Including Leaked André 3000 Collab

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Kanye West released his 10th studio album, back in August – the highly-anticipated, 27-track “DONDA” and has hinted at a deluxe version for some time. Now, the “Flashing Lights” rapper has ended the speculation and dropped an extended version with five additional tracks. One garnering attention is Kanye’s much-hyped collaboration with André 3000, “Life Of The Party.”  

The track was first heard at one of Yeezy’s many listening parties. Then, Drake leaked it the day after dropping his Certified Lover Boy” album. The version ChampagnePapi leaked on his SiriusXM show included a Drake diss, something 3 Stacks was unaware of.   

The OutKast star will be pleased to know the shot at Drake is left out of the deluxe edition.

“’Life of the Party’ is the best rap song I’ve heard this year,” wrote a user on Twitter. “I’m glad Kanye didn’t use the Drake diss version and respected André 3000’s wish of keeping that verse out of the song.”  

Andre 3000 revealed he was unaware of the diss after Drake leaked the song. He was hoping to be part of a project centred around Kanye’s mother, Donda West.

Kanye Adds 5 Extra Songs to “DONDA”

Furthermore, the tracklist is completely re-sequenced and adds a couple of sequels with additional guest appearances. Yeezy’s Young Thug collab “Remote Control” now also features Kid Cudi. KayCyy features on “Keep My Spirit Alive” with Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn.  

“Never Abandon Your Family” and “Up From The Ashes” make up the final two new songs. Kanye West added a few more extras for his fans on the deluxe version.

The Masks Return For The Rollout

This weekend, Kanye teased the project ahead of its release with promotional campaigns on both the east and west coasts. On Saturday, in New York an army of Kanye West clones took to the streets, identically dressed in a very particular Ye look. They were all wearing the black Gap Round jacket and cap Kanye wore himself a few weeks ago. They also donned the same bizarre white skin-toned mask as the Rap superstar.  

According to reports, the group of about a dozen Kanye clones gathered around Union Square, milled about for a time before marching off in unison.  

Additionally, “Kanye West Presents Donda Deluxe” billboards began appearing in New York and L.A.

Listen to Kanye West’s “DONDA” Deluxe Edition Below

KNOW YA HIP HOP: Panmela Castro and DJ Cash Money

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: Exclusives
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On November 14, 2021, the Universal Hip Hop Museum and AllHipHop.com are set to celebrate Hip Hop History Month by highlighting the iconic graffiti activist Panmela Castro and DJ Cash Money, and the DMC World DJ Championships.

PANMELA CASTRO

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Panmela Castro is considered Brazil’s Queen of graffiti and uses her graffiti to spread awareness of women’s rights in Brazil, specifically domestic violence. A feminist by action, she inspires women of color all over the globe to take action against injustice.

For her advocacy, in 2013, she was listed as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders.

NOVEMBER 14

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 On Friday, November 14, 1986, The Flemingdon Park Community Centre in Toronto hosted “The Best DJ In the Universe,” DJ Cash Money, alongside MC Kool Breeze.

Two years later in 1988, DJ Cash Money would go on to win the DMC World DJ Championships.

The event was co-produced by Ron Nelson, commonly known as the godfather of Toronto Hip Hop. Nelson was responsible for creating one of Canada’s first Hip Hop radio shows in 1983 called “Fantastic Voyage” which aired until 1988.

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Afrika Bambaataa Handed His First Loss In Sex Assault Lawsuit

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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The sexual assault case against Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa appears to be stalled – for now.

Back in September, it was revealed that a John Doe accuser had filed a civil lawsuit against Afrika Bambaataa.

John Doe claimed Bambaataa molested him for four years in the early 1990s, starting when he was 12-years-old.

The man filed his lawsuit just before the ex statute ran out, allowing him to pursue the civil case against Bam, born Lance Taylor.

Documents obtained by AllHipHop reveal John Doe’s lawyers have been attempting to serve Bambaataa with the lawsuit, but he cannot be found.

A process server went to Afrika Bambaataa’s last known address in The Bronx, where a woman answered the door.

The unidentified woman who lives at the address said she never heard of Afrika Bambaataa and that he never lived at the address John Doe’s attorney had on file.

“A woman answered the door (brown skin-head scarf-58+-5’5-125lbs) said she lived at this address for 15 years and never heard of Lance Taylor -Afrika Bambaataa or the Zulu Nation,” process server Calvin Nelson said.

So far, no one has responded to the civil lawsuit on behalf of Bambaataa or The Zulu Nation as of press time.

Afrika Bambaataa’s lack of action in replying to the lawsuit could end up costing him dearly.

The Hip-Hop pioneer was already handed a significant loss in the case.

John Doe needed the court’s permission to proceed anonymously with the civil suit, which is seeking an undetermined amount of damages for “assault and gross negligence, physical injury, severe and permanent emotional distress, mental anguish, depression, and embarrassment.”

Because Bambaataa nor his legal representation have replied to the civil suit, John Doe’s request was granted by Judge Deborah A. Kaplan.

John Doe is one of several men who claim Afrika Bambaataa took advantage of his position as the leader of the Zulu Nation to sexually assault them.

In 2014, Ronald “Stinger Bee” Savage went public with his allegations in his book “Impulse Urges And Fantasies: Life Is a Bag of Mixed Emotions, Vol. 1,” although he did not call out Bambaataa by name.

However, in 2016, Savage, a former member of the New York State Democratic Committee, publicly accused Bam during an interview with Shot 97’s host Star.

Afrika Bambaataa denied the allegations via an exclusive statement to AllHipHop.com, issued by his lawyer at the time, Vivian K. Tozaki. 

“Recently, defamatory statements were published seeking to harm my client’s reputation so as to lower him in the estimation of the community while deterring others from associating or dealing with him. The statements show a reckless disregard for the truth, were published with knowledge of their falsity, and are being made by a lesser-known person seeking publicity. Valuable cultural resources, such as Afrika Bambaataa’s good name and time, should never be used to assist a mediocre person’s asinine quest for social media popularity and superficial gain,” said Tozaki, who was representing Bambaataa at the time.

John Doe filed his lawsuit under the New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA), passed in 2019. The law opened a one-time, one-year lookback window for survivors to file civil lawsuits seeking compensation for the sexual abuse they suffered as children.

Funerals Underway For Victims At Travis Scott’s Astroworld Tragedy

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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The funerals for the nine victims of the Astroworld Festival have started.

The first person to be laid to rest was for a 27-year-old named Danish Baig. Baig, who died trying to save his fiancée, was laid to rest on November 7th in Colleyville, Texas.

On Friday (November 12th), a funeral for a victim named Rodolfo Peña, 23, was held in Laredo, Texas.

Yesterday (November 14th), 16-year-old Travis Scott named Brianna Rodriguez, who died during the deadly surge on November 5th at NRG Park.

Family, and friends who attended Heights High School with Rodriguez spokenof her outgoing nature in the limitless possibilities for the young life that was suddenly cut short.

“We don’t know what her career, her future, would have been, but her dancing just got everyone’s attention,” Jackson Lee, who attended the service, told reporters outside afterward. “It was natural, of course, but also you were touched by this warm and loving family,” U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee told reporters outside of Rodriguez’s funeral services.

More funerals are expected to take place over the coming weeks.

[Shortly after the AstroWorld tragedy, Travis Scott vowed to pay for the funeral costs for all of the victims.

And, more disturbing news is coming out about the events that unfolded on November 5th.

According to reports, over 5,000 extra people had managed to get inside of NRG Park, which had already sold about 50,000 tickets to the Astroworld Festival.

So far, Travis Scott and the concerts promoter Live Nation have been sued by at least 200 people.

And, there is growing speculation that shareholders may sue the publicly traded company for their negligence, which caused the stock to tumble, passing financial losses to Live Nation’s investors.

Dave Chappelle Angers Students At His Old High School, Fundraiser Postponed

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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The controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s Netflix show the closer continues to ensnare the comedian in drama.

Dave was supposed to host a fundraiser for his high school alma mater The Duke Ellington School of The Arts.

The legendary comedian is attempting to raise money for a new theater run by the school, which would be named after Dave Chappelle.

However, the event, which was scheduled for November 23rd has been canceled over student protests.

According to Politico, a group of students threatened to organize a walkout over Dave’s controversial jokes about the Transgender community.

The students were angry that an exhibition honoring Dave, who has donated over $100,000 to his former school, would have been unveiled the same day as the fundraiser.

“We recognize that not everyone will accept or welcome a particular artist’s point of view, product, or craft, but reject the notion that a ‘cancel culture’ is a healthy or constructive means to teach our students how society should balance creative freedom with protecting the right and dignity of all of its members,” a representative for the Duke Ellington School of The Arts told Politico in a statement.

Plans for the fundraiser or originally canceled, but students and faculty managed to come to a compromise to reschedule the event.

Now, the fundraiser with Dave Chappelle is supposed to take place on April 22nd.

Dave Chappelle has been embroiled in the controversy surrounding the closer since the special dropped on Netflix on October 5th, 2021.

Initially, Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos supported Chappelle in a statement sent to employees, which only inflamed matters more.

“With ‘The Closer,’ we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm (such as further marginalizing already marginalized groups, hate, violence etc.) While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm,” Sarandos said.

Many people, including Netflix’s employees felt Chappelle’s anti-trans content crossed the line, and would eventually lead to violence against members of the community.

On October 25th, Netflix employees organized a walkout 2 boycott the special, which is still available on Netflix.

Dave Chappelle jokingly apologized when he inducted Jay-Z into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on October 30th.

“I would like to apologize. Nah, I’m just f###### with y’all,” he joked.

Beanie Sigel Refuses To Take Kanye’s $50 Million Says Billionaire Owes Him Nothing But Love

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Beanie Sigel will not be getting $50 million from Kanye West for giving him the name Yeezy.

During the first part of Kanye’s interview with the Drink Champs podcast, Kanye admitted he owed Beanie Sigel money for coming up with the name Yeezy.

“I still owe any money, and I’ve been trying to give him this money for a minute. I’ve been trying to give it to him. This man made up the name. It’s like, you know, the lady who made the Nike Swoosh. Phil Knight went back and made sure she was straight,” Kanye told Drink Champ hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN.

During an appearance at a club in Philadelphia, Beanie Sigel said Kanye West was planning to give him $50 million, along with 5% stock in the Yeezy brand.

But, according to Beanie himself, he was joking.

During an interview with TMZ, Beanie said Kanye was the one who grew the Yeezy brand to a billion-dollar franchise and that he didn’t want the $50 million!

“I did name him that [Yeezy], but as far as his business mind and where he took it, Kanye worked hard for this. Kanye don’t owe me nothing,” Beanie Sigel told TMZ. “I don’t know if I took an I would take a number. Because you give somebody a fish today he gonna eat for the day. If you teach somebody how of fish he going to eat forever. He [is] going to teach his family out of fish.”

Although Beanie said he would not take $50 million from Ye, he would love to do some business with his former Roc-A-Fella Records brethren.

Beanie said he was not interested in any handouts, but he would love to present more business opportunities to Kanye.

“Let’s sit down, let’s talk. It ain’t a dollar amount that’s on our relationship, ain’t nothing that I’ve done that I wouldn’t do it again, bro. You don’t owe me nothing but love, bro,” Beanie Sigel said. “But let’s get to some money, let’s get to some music, let’s get to some fashion, let’s get to some movies. We can do all that, and the rest will fall in place.”

Judging by Kanye’s massive success with the Yeezy brand – which is worth a reported $6.6 billion, it might be worth a sit down for all parties involved.

Kendrick Lamar Returns To The Stage With A New Look And A Flawless Set

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Kendrick Lamar returned to the stage for the first time in two years during his set at the Day N Vegas Festival last night (November 12th).

The revered rapper appeared in a sheer, flowing white outfit with a matching white cap to complement his long dreadlocks.

Kendrick Lamar started his set by celebrating the 10th anniversary of his critically acclaimed breakthrough release, Section 80., flanked by 16 men in red suits put their faces painted white. Even some ballerinas appeared on stage behind the rapper during the artsy performance.

The Compton native went through his vast discography sequentially. He performed songs like “F### Your Ethnicity” and “Hiipower” from Section 80before moving on to selections from his album good kid m.A.Ad city including favorites like “Swimming Pools (Drank) and B####, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” amongst others.

From there, Kendrick performed selections from To Pimp A Butterfly, which included a rare performance of the song “Institutionalized.”

Next were more songs like DNA, LOYALTY, LUST, and HUMBLE from his 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN.

To close out the set, Kendrick brought out his cousin Baby Keem, and the pair performed their songs “Family Ties” and “Range Brothers.”

Kendrick Lamar closed out his unique come-back performance with “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” and teased the audience by saying: “Vegas till next time. And when I say next time, I mean very soon.”

The cryptic message had fans in a frenzy, mostly because people have been anticipating Kendrick’s first album since announcing his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment in August of 2021.

Kendrick Lamar’s new look and his rare performance, which featured over two dozen songs, had him trending on social media.

Take a look at some of the reactions.

https://twitter.com/therealcartfart/status/1459652072090091526?s=20

KNOW YA HIP HOP: Jay-Z, The Fearless Four And Upper Manhattan’s Spin Easy Roller Rink

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: Exclusives
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On November 13, 2021, the Universal Hip Hop Museum and AllHipHop.com are set to celebrate Hip Hop History Month by highlighting Jay-Z and a B-Boy competition held at the roller skating rink.

JAY-Z

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What can be said about the Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z? He is not just a businessman, but a “business” man. He began his career as a part-time partner of rapper Jaz-O and as a hype-man for Big Daddy Kane.

He has won 23 Grammys (most ever by a rapper); is like his two protégés, Rihanna and Kanye West, in the billionaire club and has the hottest chick in the game wearing his chain.

Jay-Z and his Marcy Ventures Partners have their hands in almost any industry or endeavor imaginable. Not bad for a kid from the projects, huh?

NOVEMBER 13

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On Saturday, November 13, 1982, Upper Manhattan’s Spin Easy Roller Rink hosted a B-Boy competition where dancers of all styles were pitted against each other to see “who is the real master of motion!!!”

The Fearless Four, the first Hip Hop group to sign with a major label (Elektra), was among the performers on the night. The previous year, they released their most successful track, the classic “Rockin’ It” in 1981.
This “Know Ya Hip Hop” Moment has been brought to you by @uhhmuseum X @allhiphopcom

To support YOUR museum, text UHHM2024 to 707070 or go to www.uhhm.org/donate 🙏🏾

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#time2build #REvolutionofhiphop #jayz #hiphopculture #dance #rocnation #hiphop #beyonce #music #bgirl #museum #tourist #newyork #uhhm2024

Former Mayor of Baltimore To Be The Spokesperson For Travis Scott After The Astroworld Tragedy

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Rapper Travis Scott is under serious fire after the tragedy at Astroworld. Now, his team is bringing in big guns to represent him in public.

According to WBAL News Radio, the former mayor of Baltimore has been hired to be his spokesperson.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who served the Maryland city from 2010 to 2016, has been brought in the given structure to the rapper’s chaotic public relations and strategy to his statements regarding the unfortunate happenings. She has said that she noticed that there was a “breakdown in communication.”  

This is why Rawlings-Blake said to CBS News it was important to her “to work to try to help them out.” It seems that Travis Scott and his team could use the help. Nine people have died and hundreds are injured. There is a 9-year-old boy currently hospitalized struggling for his life after being caught up in the surge.

She stated in a CBS Morning story with Gayle King, “Nine people have lost their lives and nine families are grieving and Gayle, I’m a mom.”

“This notion that Travis had the ability to stop the concert is ludicrous,” she continued. “They have a 59-page operations plan, and it clearly says the only two people that have the authority to stop the concert were the executive producer and the concert producer. He was not responsible for this, but he wants to be responsible for the solution.”

Rawlings-Blake does know something about the importance of crisis management. During her tenure as mayor, the city erupted over the death of a young man named Freddie Gray. Gray died in April of 2015 while being transported by the police to the hospital. After criticism of how she handled the Gray incident, she declined to run for re-election.

Despite that, perhaps, this is a good move for Travis Scott.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony And Three 6 Mafia To Battle Next Verzuz

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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The team over at Verzuz and Triller has announced the next mega match-up. On Saturday, November 13th, they revealed that the upcoming back and forth will be between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia, in what will be the battle of the “Triplet Originators.”

In a post on Instagram, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s pandemic-made brand said, “T’S THAT TIME 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (@btnhlive) vs Three 6 Mafia (@three6mafia) LIVE from Los Angeles!!  Thursday, DECEMBER 2ND. Y’all ready!? #VERZUZ MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!”

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Both groups are worthy of celebration and have been on deck to compete.

According to Billboard, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia was originally scheduled for April 30th. 

The Cleveland-based group, brought to the world by Eazy-E in the mid-90s can boast 14 hits on the Billboard charts including their 1994 breakout single, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” and the 1996 memorial to their aforementioned mentor, “Tha Crossroads.”

Billboard noted:

Song, Artist, Peak Position, Peak Date
1. “Tha Crossroads,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 1 (seven weeks), May 11, 1996
2. “Ridin’,” Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone, No. 7, June 17, 2006
3. “Look Into My Eyes,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 4, June 21, 1997
4. “Ghetto Cowboy,” Mo Thugs Family featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 14, Jan. 2, 1999
5. “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 17, Oct. 29, 1994
6. “1st of Tha Month,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 12, Sept. 2, 1995
7. “If I Could Teach The World,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 20, Nov. 15, 1997
8. “Foe Tha Love of $,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony featuring Eazy-E, No. 33, Feb. 25, 1995
9. “East 1999,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, No. 39, Jan. 13, 1996
10. “I Tried,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony featuring Akon, No. 45, June 2, 2007

Team Bone posted the flyer with the following cryptic message of five bones: “🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴”

Could this mean that all of the original group, Bizzy Bone; Krayzie Bone, Layzie; Flesh-n-Bone, and Wish Bone will all be in attendance for the bout?

Three 6 Mafia, the Memphis-based group, which was the first Hip-Hop group to win an Oscar for their music, has also had their fair share of hits on Billboard.

Billboard noted:

Song, Artist, Peak Position, Peak Date
1. “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” Juicy J featuring Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz, No. 6, Nov. 24, 2012
2. “Stay Fly,” Three 6 Mafia featuring Young Buck, Eightball & MJG, No. 9, Nov. 26, 2005
3. “Poppin’ My Collar,” Three 6 Mafia, No. 10, April 8, 2006
4. “Powerglide,” Rae Sremmurd & Juicy J, No. 17, April 7, 2018
5. “Bounce It,” Juicy J featuring Wale & Trey Songz, No. 25, Nov. 2, 2013
6. “Shell Shocked,” Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa & Ty Dolla $ign featuring Kill The Noise & Madsonik, No. 26, Aug. 30, 2014
7. “Show Out,” Juicy J featuring Big Sean & Young Jeezy, No. 23, March 30, 2013
8. “Sippin’ on Da Syrup,” Three 6 Mafia featuring UGK, No. 30, Aug. 5, 2000
9. “Low,” Juicy J featuring Nicki Minaj, Lil Bibby & Young Thug, No. 44, Nov. 1, 2014
10. “Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body),” Three 6 Mafia featuring Project Pat, Young D & Superpower, No. 48, Aug. 16, 2008

Despite the multiple member changes, the most accepted roster consists of the following: Crunchy Black, DJ Paul, Gangsta Boo, Juicy J, Project Pat, LaChat, Koopsta Knicca, and Lord Infamous.

They promoted the battle by captioning the date and asking the one question everyone wants to know, “YOU READY MANE!!!”

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Mixing the Midwest and the Dirty South, this is surely one Verzuz that will be turned all the way up.

Rapper Raekwon Launches New Wine Business Licataa

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Raekwon has a few titles under his belt.

He is a proud founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He is one the most skilled emcees on the planet, even standing apart from his Staten Island brethren.

And now he can add that he is an owner of a premium wine company, an adult beverage that can now boast of being sold through Kentucky’s first Black-owned wine and spirit distributors.

According to his team, the man behind the “Purple Tape” and one of his childhood friends are about to get fans all the way lit with this new partnership.

The multi-platinum artist’s sparkling wine is called Licataa and was inspired by his love for Italian culture and cuisine. Licataa is produced on the Cantine Ceci farm in Parma, Italy, and is a family-owned winery.

Thus it makes sense for him to pair the product with a distribution model that is “in the family,” sort to speak.

The owner of the Louisville company called Legacy Wine & Spirits first met Raekwon when they were both 7th graders. Now, that childhood friendship has sparked into a profitable venture — first starting as a brand ambassadorship and now with Licataa being one of the premiere titles in Legacy’s portfolio.

Other bottles in the portfolio are the Black-owned whiskey brand Guidance, Black-owned bourbon Majesty, Local Choice, and rapper E-40’s line of Earl Stevens wines and spirits.

This announcement comes right as The Chef is ripping the nation on tour with GZA and Ghostface Killah.

“That ghostface, Raekwon, GZA show last week was crazy. Performed so many songs that I never thought I would see. Highlight was Ghost & Rae doing each other’s verses on Black Jesus + seeing all verses of Guillotine Swordz performed.”

https://twitter.com/Sohi23/status/1459352109632016386?s=20

“Oh s### I gotta buy my Raekwon and Ghost ticket”

https://twitter.com/JKostellano/status/1459349677636206595?s=20

“I have seen a lot of good performers, @Raekwon might be the best live performer I have ever seen. You could understand every word he said, never stumbled a single word, and he was on stage with two other greats, but still shined different.”

Surpaul Cottrell Recalls Prison Transformation In New Book Series

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Lifestyle
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Check out the story of Surpaul Cottrell wherecChildren and family are the driving force behind an ex-con who went from handcuffs to cufflinks.

Surpaul Cottrell released his life experience behind bars in seven books that captured his journey from the streets to falling in and out of love.

He self-published: “Surviving the Dating Game;” “The Cottrell Method: Implementing Healthy Habits into Your Life;” “Jaws of Death;” “State of Addiction: Restorative Justice from the Mind of an Ex-Drug Dealer;” “I Love You Doesn’t Mean S###;” “Beaver Fever;” and “Lessons: The Tools to a Healthier Life, Business and Future.”

“I grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I played on both sides of the fence and started selling drugs when I was 12. I destroyed my community. I didn’t have to hustle, that was a choice that I made. I have loving parents that would give me the world if I asked. Living on both sides of the fence landed me in prison for over a decade, starting in 2007 for drug trafficking. Prison transformed my life. I took a negative and turned it into something positive. I started a publishing company behind the prison walls and have since become a motivator and a mentor to many prisoners, friends, family and clients.”

All books are now available for purchase on Amazon with eBooks available on his website, www.cottrellvision.com.

Joey B Returns With New Single “Untitled”

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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‘Untitled’ (P###. By @LegenDery2k) is the first single we’ve gotten from Joey B in over four year but with that said, the Boston based lyricist picks up exactly where he left off.

‘Untitled’ isn’t just a lazy song name, it’s an actual nod to the song’s topic; a complicated relationship with a significant other. The extremely catchy hook is matched with verses that tell the tale of a man who recognizes his wrongs and is doing everything he can to not only improve himself, but also to get his best friend back. She is the woman he loves more than anything in the world, and he wants her fully back into his life. Listeners should be on the lookout for the follow up single, “Part 2”, in the coming weeks.

Sean Kingston Accused Of Pulling Gun On Director And Beating Him Up

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Sean Kingston has avoided negative headlines for quite some time, but his run has come to a screeching halt.

According to reports, the “Beautiful Girls” singer beat the living daylights out of a video producer staying at his home, and now he could face criminal assault charges.

The director, who goes by GXDLIKE, said he had been staying at Sean Kingston’s Los Angeles area home for the past three months, with no major issues.

GXDLIKE collaborated with Kingston to direct a few episodes of Kingston’s vlog, “Deliverance.”

The relationship came to a violent end on November 5th.

GXDLIKE told TMZ that Kingston wanted him to shoot some footage from his phone, which was dead. Kingston allegedly flew into a rage and punched GXDLIKE in the face.

Then, the singer allegedly dragged the director into a hallway, pulled out a gun, and threatened his life before kicking him out of his house for good.

GXDLIKE suffered some scrapes and bruises, so he filed a police report accusing Sean Kingston of assault. So far, Kingston has not been charged with any crime.

Sean Kingston does not seem to be concerned in the least bit. He is currently in Texas, where he has gigs in Austin and Houston.

Last year, Kingston linked up with hip-hop agent Triple The Mogul to create the Professional Rapper Boxing League (PRBL) after staging bouts in his Hollywood Hills mansion.

Will Smith Almost “Dislocated His Jaw” When He Saw Willow’s Bald Head

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Will Smith was stunned when his daughter Willow shaved her head when she was nine.

Will, who shares Willow and son Jaden with wife Jada Pinkett Smith – admitted his jaw “nearly dislocated” when he saw his girl’s new hairstyle.

“Willow came skipping into the kitchen for breakfast. ‘Good morning, daddy,’ she said joyfully, as she bounced to the refrigerator,” he wrote in his new memoir “Will.”

“My jaw nearly dislocated, dislodged, and shattered on the kitchen floor: My world-dominating, hair-whipping, future global superstar was totally bald.”

The now-21 year old was promoting her hit “Whip My Hair” at the time.

“My mind raced and scrambled – how was she going to whip her hair if she didn’t have any? Who the hell wants to pay to watch some kid whip their head back and forth?” her father continued.

“But before I could respond, I felt something slowly turning, shifting, until it clicked into place: In a moment of divine connection and revelation, she had reached me. I leaned down, peered deeply into her eyes, and said, ‘I got it. I am sorry. I see you.'”

Kanye West’s Yeezy Company To Pay $950,000 To Settle Lawsuit

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Kanye West’s Yeezy company is forking over $950,000 to settle a consumer protection lawsuit.

Yeezy will pay nearly $1 million over alleged false advertising regarding its shipping practices. However, it won’t admit any wrongdoing.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the settlement on Monday.

“Online consumers are entitled to protection against unwarranted fees and unreasonably long waits for purchases to arrive on their doorsteps,” Gascón said in a press release. “We will enforce state and federal laws governing online shopping in Los Angeles County.”

Kanye West’s company was accused of unlawful business practices in the civil lawsuit. Yeezy allegedly made “untrue or misleading” statements about shipping products in a specific timeframe, including situations where customers paid extra for expedited shipping.

According to the suit, Yeezy repeatedly violated a California business code requiring online orders to be shipped within 30 days. If that deadline can’t be met, buyers are supposed to receive consumer equivalent or superior replacement goods. Sellers can also explain the delay and offer a refund.

Kanye West’s Adidas brand now owes $200,000 in civil penalties and $25,000 in investigative costs to each of the four district attorney offices involved in the case. It will also pay $50,000 in restitution to the Consumer Protection Prosecution Trust Fund.

Bill Cosby Supports Kanye West’s Efforts To Free Larry Hoover

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Bill Cosby continues to find unexpected bedfellows in his post-prison life.

According to Radar Online, the disgraced comedian is now supporting Kanye West’s efforts to free Gangster Disciples co-founder Larry Hoover. Bill Cosby gave his stamp of approval despite having “no knowledge of Mr. Hoover.”

“I stand with Ye and Mr. Hoover,” Bill Cosby’s rep Andrew Wyatt said. “I also would like to say thank you to Ye on behalf of Mr. Cosby and the Cosby family for his support of Mr. Cosby. Thank you very much.”

Kanye West hired Bill Cosby’s lawyer Jennifer Bonjean to help get Larry Hoover out of prison. The gang leader is currently serving a life sentence for murder and running a criminal enterprise.

“We are thrilled to be working with a great team and grateful for the support of Mr. Hoover’s incredible wife Winndye and his son Larry, Jr.,” the Bonjean Law Group told Radar. “We are eager to work with Mr. West and Mr. J Prince who have long recognized the grave injustice that is being perpetrated against Mr. Hoover.”

The Bonjean Law Group added, “This is a human rights issue. No one should be sent to prison to die if they are not a continued threat to society. Mr. Hoover who is now in his 70s deserves to come home and live out the remainder of his life with his beloved family. If that happens, we have no doubt that he will use whatever influence he has in the world for good, just, and righteous purposes.”

Bill Cosby’s lawyer was also hired by R. Kelly in October. Jennifer Bonjean joined R. Kelly’s legal team as they try to challenge his sex trafficking and racketeering conviction.

Travis Scott Emote Removed From Fortnite Following Astroworld Tragedy

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Travis Scott is facing more blowback from the tragedy at his Astroworld Festival.

According to multiple reports, Epic Games pulled Travis Scott’s “Out West” dancing emote from the popular video game Fortnite. The item was supposed to go on sale on Monday, but it was removed following the deadly event.

Epic Games denied several outlets’ requests for comment, yet it acknowledged a part of its Item Shop was temporarily disabled on Monday. The makers of Fortnite didn’t publicly mention Travis Scott’s name or provide a reason why the emote was taken down.

“It’s known that the ‘Daily’ section of the Item Shop has been disabled,” Fortnite wrote via Twitter. “This is intentional and the ‘Daily’ section will return with the next Item Shop refresh.”

Eight people died and hundreds were injured at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival in Houston on November 5. Officials have launched a criminal investigation into the deadly event, and lawsuits have already been filed against the Texas-bred rapper.

In a statement posted on social media, Travis Scott said he was “absolutely devastated” by what happened at his festival. He also noted the Houston police had his total support.

“I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need,” he wrote. “Thank you Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support.”

Kanye West Fires Back At People Calling Him Crazy “I’m 9 Billi Crazy”

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Kanye West dismissed people who call him crazy in a new Drink Champs interview.

Part two of Kanye West’s conversation with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN was released on Thursday. During the discussion, the G.O.O.D. Music founder lashed out at concerns about his mental health and suggested he’s worth $9 billion.

“OK, I’m crazy, but what y’all gon’ do about it?” he said. “Oh, this s### over with now. I’m 9 billi crazy up out here. See, y’all can save that crazy talk for somebody else.”

He continued, “Y’all not gonna diminish what I’m doing and what God is doing with me in the future by trying to cut my legs off or cut my influence off by calling me crazy. That don’t work.”

Kanye West insisted he isn’t crazy and downplayed the idea that he needs to be medicated. Although he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Ye claimed he’s in a good mental state.

“I know what’s going on and I’m not having it,” he told N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. “I’m Buffalo Bill. I’m one of them characters from the movie back in the days … I’m not having none of it from nobody, ever, period, on my life.”

During the Drink Champs convo, Kanye West also spoke about how he only used backpack rap to benefit his career. He threw more shots at Talib Kweli, saying he never liked the Black Star member’s raps.

Watch the full interview below.