Two New York giants have revealed a collaboration.
Havoc of Mobb Deep and Styles P of The Lox are set to release a new album this December, totally produced by Havoc.
The first single of the album, “Nightmares 2 Dreams,” will hit next week on all streaming services via MNRK Music Group.
The iconic pair were excited to release this musical opus.
In a press statement, Styles P said, “Authentic, vibrant, quote-worthy, raw uncut hip hop !!!!!! Get ready for the ride!!!”
Havoc added, “Making this piece of work reminded me of working with P (the late, great Prodigy of Mobb Deep). Styles is an artist that I was a fan of over the years, so making this project was truly a pleasure.”
Alan Grunblatt, MNRK’s President of Urban Music, said, “Styles and Havoc from The Lox and Mobb Deep. ‘nuff said. They are two of the greatest rappers and producers of all time. This is sure to be an instant hip hop classic.”
The Lox have seem a remarkable return to form since a highly-touted Verzuz battle against The Diplomats in August. Havoc has also been active producing for other rappers like RJ Payne.
Post Malone is heading to Las Vegas for the 2021 Day N Vegas Festival.
The three-day extravaganza announced Post Malone as its new headliner for Saturday’s event. Travis Scott was supposed to headline before the tragedy at his Astroworld Festival, where eight people died and hundreds were injured.
“We are excited that @PostMalone has been added to close out Saturday night!” Day N Vegas announced via Twitter. “Download the Day N Vegas app to view set times, register your wristband and receive real time updates and info.”
We are excited that @PostMalone has been added to close out Saturday night! 🌻 ♠️ Download the Day N Vegas app to view set times, register your wristband and receive real time updates and info 📲 pic.twitter.com/lrO6LfvJ78
On Monday, festival organizers confirmed Travis Scott wouldn’t perform at the event in Las Vegas. A social media statement made no mention of Astroworld or why Post Malone was selected, but it emphasized safety for Day N Vegas attendees.
“Travis Scott will no longer be performing at Day N Vegas,” the message read. “The security and safety of all attending Day N Vegas has been and is always top priority in our festival planning. We continue to work hand in hand with law enforcement, medical personnel and public safety agencies on our protocols for the weekend. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Look forward to seeing you in a few days.”
Post Malone joins Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator as the festival’s headliners. Other notable acts booked for the event include Lil Baby, SZA, Doja Cat, Freddie Gibbs, Roddy Ricch, Madlib, Polo G and Lil Uzi Vert.
The 2021 Day N Vegas Festival will be held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on November 12-14. Tickets are available here.
On November 9, 2021, the Universal Hip Hop Museum and AllHipHop.com are set to celebrate Hip Hop History Month by highlighting Lady Pink, the Mercedes Ladies, Captain Rock, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (a.k.a Andre Harrell and Alonzo Brown), and Baby D.
Photos of Lady Pink taken by Martha Cooperand lent as a courtesy of UHHM.
Graffiti is often viewed as a guy’s sport. Many think that ladies don’t (or shouldn’t) bother themselves with the grit and grind that is usually associated with tagging, throwing up burners, or bombing trains.
That’s what they thought. Until they got a chance to meet Lady Pink, the fly girl that played the lead in the 80s hit film, ‘Wild Style.’ Lady Pink, nicknamed the “First Lady of Graffiti,” has dedicated her life to erasing stereotypes and proving people wrong. She is also a heck of a visual artist with paintings and murals all over the.
In 2013, some of her iconic work muraled in 5Pointz, a location considered the graffiti art mecca in New York, was destroyed by a Queens real estate developer to make condos. A US Appeals Court affirmed that she and other graffiti artists actually deserved to receive monetary damages for this violation. She proves that Hip Hop, in all mediums, matters. She also proves that Hip-Hop, no matter the gender, can fight the power.
On Friday, November 9, 1979, DJ Ronnie Green a.k.a Captain Rock was one of the massively influential Hip Hop influencers performing at Harlem’s West 123 Street.
Captain Rock used to DJ for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (a.k.a Andre Harrell and Alonzo Brown) who were also making an appearance.
The Mercedes Ladies, the first all-women rap group, supplied the feminine energy on the night
The crew’s Baby D was taught to scratch by none other than DJ Grandwizzard Theodore himself.
When it comes down to the Travis Scott Astroworld tragedy, the Houston fire department seems to be saying something different than the police department.
The two public safety departments seem to be giving conflicting messages as the city’s fire chief says that the artist should not have finished the show.
This is the complete opposite of what the chief of police said on Monday.
According to Variety, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner believed that letting the show continue was the right strategy. He said that if they had stopped the show, a riot might have ensued.
Fire Chief Samuel Pena tells the Today show that he thinks that it was irresponsible.
Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña tells @SavannahGuthrie artist Travis Scott “absolutely” should have called an end to the concert once he saw what was taking place. pic.twitter.com/sLq6bnFXXt
“Everybody at that event has a responsibility, starting from the artist on down,” Chief Pena shared. “The artist has command of that crowd … if he notices something going on, he can certainly pause that performance, turn on the lights and say, ‘Hey, we’re not going to continue until this thing is resolved.'”
Pena continued, “There was evidence that the crowd itself was trying to approach some of their private security, security that was closer to that stage … At one point, there was an ambulance that was trying to make its way through the crowd.”
The Chief also noted that he was “not prepared to say” that the Scott “was fully aware of what was going on,” giving space for the artist to admit that he didn’t know how bad the chaos in the audience had gotten.
“All I’m saying is that everybody at that event, from the artist on down — security and everybody that’s there to provide public safety, including the crowds — we all have a responsibility,” Pena surmised. “We really need to take a critical look at everything that went on there because we cannot have this happen again, here in the city or anywhere.”
Black Prez is a whole vibe, and he lets his music speak for itself. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and Berlin, the rising star is a true creative, expressing himself through his rhymes and raps while speaking on meaningful topics such as police brutality and life struggles. Spending his waking hours in the studio, his sound straddles the genres of rap, R&B, lo-fi, soul, and funk.
In describing himself, Prez states he’s “an artist, a jokester, a rapper, a good person. I have some friends that have this brand, it’s called Be a Good Person. I try to live my life around that phrase.”
Most recently, Black Prez unleashed his critically-acclaimed new album titled BERLA. Clocking in at 11 tracks, the project maintains a level of “hip hop authenticity,” something he prides himself in with each release. Songs “Häagen Dazs,” “Riding The Wave,” “What It Is,” and “Real Me” all have received visual treatments, and can be found on his Youtube page.
Black Prez: Yeah, I lived in Germany as a kid. I lived there until I was 6, then we moved to Colorado. I grew up between Germany and Colorado, then I was living in LA for a while. Now I’m living in Germany again, so a little mix of both.
AllHipHop: How has Germany influenced you personally and professionally?
Black Prez: I love Germany, I always liked it a lot more than the United States as a child. Every time we’d visit, I was always feeling it and vibing. All my family lives in Germany as well. I was in LA for a little bit, then one day I decided “you know what, I’m going to try living there.” Because I never lived in Germany as an adult, so I wanted to try it out for a little bit. I’ve been here for a while. I’m also considering trying to rap more in German. The last album I released I rapped a little bit in German, but I’ve considered doing a full-on — maybe not a whole album, but an EP. 4 or 5 songs that are completely in German.
AllHipHop: Are you fluent?
Black Prez: Yeah, technically. I don’t want to say it’s my first language, but as a kid I spoke a lot more German than English as a child. Until we moved to the United States, then it switched. I was speaking more English and less German, but at home with my family it was always 100% German. My mom was always saying, “English is not allowed in this home.” [laughs] We only were allowed to speak in German, so I still speak it fluently.
AllHipHop: Biggest influences coming up?
Black Prez: Damn! I like a lot of rappers, but the first rapper I ever really became borderline obsessed with was Eminem. I was young listening to his music. The way this dude is rapping and flowing is something I never witnessed before, something I’ve never heard before. I really liked that. When I was getting older, I really liked listening to Ludacris, only because I always respected his punchlines and the way he’d really enunciate everything he says.
A lot of times when people rap you might not understand what’s being said immediately. It’s a bunch of s### going together, but Luda? Every little word was… [laughs] Some people would say “shake that ass,” but he’d be like “SHAKE. THAT. ASS!” The way he enunciates everything was always funny to me.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your own sound?
Black Prez: My own sound reflects on my personality a lot. Most of the time, I do a lot of light-hearted, funny, good-feeling kind of music. I do venture off into other things as well, but the stuff I feel most comfortable with and what I like doing is “hey, I’m just a dude. I’m optimistic about life.” I’m trying to be positive and bring good energy. Whenever I see friends that are sad, I try to cheer them up and be helpful. I try to reflect that in my music as well.
AllHipHop: How did you get your name?
Black Prez: I was in 8th grade, I was in this speech and debate class and I hated it. I didn’t like the class, it was wack. I had some friends that were in this aeronautics class, they were building airplanes. I said “Oh, this is cool.” I asked my teacher if I could switch and she was telling me “nah, you can’t switch.” I passed the deadline to switch classes. I basically begged her like “aw come on please.” She said “okay if you give one more speech and try to convince the class why you can leave, then I’ll let you leave.” I said “alright, cool.”
I go in there, gave this crazy speech apparently. Everyone starts clapping, getting all excited. People said “Yo, you remind me of a president.” This one kid goes “Yeah, like a Black president!” For a week, everyone at school was calling me the black president. A couple years later when I started rapping, I needed a name. I thought back to that time: oh s###, I remember when people called me the Black President. I’ll shorten it to Black Prez.
AllHipHop: When did you realize you could do music for a living?
Black Prez: I never really realized it to be honest. One thing led to the next, then I’m like “oh s###, I guess this is a thing.” I never really… I don’t want to say I wasn’t pursuing it, I was definitely pursuing it. I realized oh s###, I could make money doing this. I could do this, getting the right connections. Maybe 8 or 9 years ago it really took off.
AllHipHop: You just released your album, BERLA. Why BERLA?
Black Prez: It’s BERLA because I recorded half of it in Berlin, and the other half in LA. I put the words together and it became BERLA.
AllHipHop: What are you most excited for in this project?
Black Prez: It really is something new. I’ve released music before that obviously, but this was the first time that I released a project I was 100% in control of. This is really me. I’m rapping in German on it a little bit. It really reflects my personality a lot. I get into some deeper subjects as well, which some people aren’t really used to with my music. I rapped a little about social injustice, that was important to me. I never really put it to words or put it out there in a music sense. In my personal life I’ll talk about it, but not through my words. For me, it was really important to release it.
AllHipHop: What inspired your song “Riding the Wave”?
Black Prez: “Riding the Wave” is one of those songs for me where I don’t even really remember writing it. It just came out, I didn’t spend much time at all. The guy Barbasauce, who produced the album, he sent me the beat. I said “damn, this is sick!” That’s when I started rapping in German as well. I got really deep and personal, was telling my story. I think that’s why it came so easy to me. It didn’t really take much thought, it just came out. It reminded me of being in a bar, meeting some random person and they’re like “hey, tell me about your life.” I started telling them about my life and that’s exactly what “Riding the Wave” is.
AllHipHop: How was it shooting “Real Me” in Croatia?
Black Prez: That’s a funny story actually. [laughs] I flew to Croatia for some vacation, not even really doing business. On my cab ride on the way from the airport to the hotel, I’m small-talking with the cab driver. She’s like “Yeah, what do you do?” I said “I rap.” She says “Oh, well my cousin shoots music videos.” I said “Oh s###, forreal? Let me see his stuff.” She sent me a link to some of his work and I said “S###, give me his number.” I linked up randomly with this dude in Croatia. The song wasn’t even done yet, but I said “Hey man, what do you think of this?” He’s like “Yeah man, let’s do it.” I linked up with this dude for 2 days and we shot the video in Croatia. The people in the video are random people I met off the street.
AllHipHop: You go from hip-hop to trap to touching on topics like police brutality. Talk about your diversity on the project too.
Black Prez: Barbasuce was sending me a bunch of stuff. This was all throughout 2020: Covid time, lockdown. I could feel myself going through many different emotions and many different things. One part of me was, I’m just trying to have fun. Then the other part of me is damn, I’m really sad that I’m sitting in my house all the time. The other part of me is there’s so much f##### up s### going on in the world right now that I should talk about it. All these emotions going through 2020 shaped the album.
AllHipHop: What songs mean the most to you and why?
Black Prez: They all mean a lot to me. My favorite song is “What It Is” because that really encompasses my personality. It’s really colorful, it’s a fun song to listen to. At the same time, I really like “Riding the Wave” because I talk about my personal stuff. I also like “Haagen Dazs” because of the way it came out, the video is dope for me. It’s a little bit different. I’m rapping in this deep, lower voice and I like that flow. Those are my top 3 favorites.
AllHipHop: What is it that you want fans to get from your story?
Black Prez: A little bit of everything. On the album, you have the fun stuff. What I like the most, especially for the younger fans, is to realize you can be you. Be yourself. That’s another thing I really like about living in Berlin, it’s very liberal and everybody’s themselves. There’s not a lot of judgment. There’s not a lot of pressure of having to fit in and that’s cool. Sometimes growing up, I never really knew where I belonged. Damn, am I German? Am I American? Am I Black? Am I White? I don’t know. BERLA encompasses that: trying to tell people hey, be you. You can be on both sides of the world, you can be on both sides of the spectrum, just feel comfortable in your own skin.
AllHipHop: How’s the independent grind?
Black Prez: It’s tough, but it’s great at the same time because you’re free. At the same time, you have to do a lot more for yourself. If you stick to it and you can get a cool team around you, there’s a lot of possibilities. You have to be persistent. Always hustling, trying to do your own thing.
AllHipHop: How’d it feel to have your music on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater? That’s super dope.
Black Prez: That was random, I wrote that song for another project. It was supposed to be on something else, that didn’t get placed. About 2 or 3 months later, I get an email like “hey, you’re about to be on Tony Hawk.” I thought “oh s###, this is really, really cool,” because I played Tony Hawk as a kid. I said “okay cool,” but then you’ve got the whole NDAs. I’ve known about it for months, but I wasn’t allowed to talk about it, which was probably the hardest part. I literally didn’t mention it to anybody. I didn’t even realize it was announced. Some people hit me up like “Yo man, I heard you’re on Tony Hawk!” I’m like “What, forreal?” I knew I was going to be on it, but I didn’t know I was allowed to talk about it yet. Once people started hitting me up, okay cool I guess it’s been officially announced. So I started talking about it too. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What about having your music in Call of Duty as well?
Black Prez: Yeah, similar story. That was another one that I made the song and randomly got hit up “Yo, you’re about to be on Call of Duty. I’m like “Oh s###, hell yeah. That’s sick.” It’s obviously cool, but it’s funny sometimes when people reach out to me and say “Yo, I know you from Call of Duty!”
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Black Prez: Some water, for sure. I need something to help me take a break for a little while. A video game or I like to play chess a lot, so maybe a chess board. If other people would like to play chess, or sometimes I play it on my phone. Water, a distraction to give me a break, then a dope ass atmosphere. I need something cool. Whether it’s people, whether it’s the studio, I gotta feel comfortable. Sometimes you get into a session and you feel not comfortable, it sucks. You’re sitting there for hours not getting s### done because it’s not the ideal work environment right now. Comfortable, a distraction, and water because I’m thirsty. I need to drink some water.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself as an artist at this point in your career?
Black Prez: Yeah, developing myself but I’m always down to help other people too. What really inspires me is when younger, or even older artists reach out to me and they ask me for insights. I like paying it forward. I like showing people, giving insight like “Hey man, how did you get on Call of Duty?” “Bro, this is how you do it.” Just helping people out, I’m not trying to hold any secrets or anything.
I want to keep developing. I want to keep doing my thing. At one point when I’m done rapping, I want to either be a manager or start my own label. Something more behind-the-scenes, but still in the scenes to help develop other artists. That’s a goal of mine down the road.
AllHipHop: What’re you most excited for next?
Black Prez: That’s actually why I’m in London right now. I did an EP with a guy named Shaun Reynolds a few years ago, he’s based out here in London. We’re getting some tracks done for that. I’m also ready to try and get some more placements on my latest album and future projects I have going on. Just trying to keep making music, for sure.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let the people know?
Black Prez: You can let them know to be a good person. You should really check out their instagram, it’s literally called @beagoodperson on Instagram. They do dope things.
Last week, reports emerged about Lionsgate possibly selling the network. 50 Cent, who has produced multiple hit shows for Starz, threw his hat into the ring as a potential buyer via social media.
“I’m gonna look into buying the STARZ network,” he wrote in a comment on Instagram.
50 Cent made the remark after reacting to a story about Lionsgate’s stock gains. He questioned the company’s desire to sell Starz and took credit for its success.
“WTF is this,” he captioned a screenshot of the article. “No Raising Kanan, No BMF, what do you think made their stock jump ? I gave them two hits back to back Smh these people be crazy, smart as hell but no common sense.”
Lionsgate acquired Starz for $4.4 billion in 2016. The network is available as both a premium television channel – similar to HBO and Showtime – and a streaming service.
According to a regulatory filing, Lionsgate officially began exploring the possibility of selling Starz on November 2.
“The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company’s management team to explore potential capital markets alternatives for its Media Networks business (STARZ) including, but not limited to, a full or partial spin-off, split-off, issuance of a tracking stock or other transactions,” the filing read.
50 Cent began working with Starz as a producer of the crime drama Power. The show premiered in 2014 and spawned two spin-offs with a third due out in 2022.
But, if you follow the two on social media, you might think all was groovy in their world. Check out how they spent Halloween. Faith captioned a post showing their decorated backyard, shouting out her hubby.
“Hibachi Halloween with @rydersroominc was so much fun! Thanks @hitmansteviej_1 @tahjereofficial @daddyrichbaby for the decorations, @hibachiqueens for the good food & service @allofmypurplelife for the delicious cupcakes @kaingcookies @thefamousunkwn & @tksgokarts for the party train! #Halloween2021 #inclusionmatters.”
The two were married in July 2018 in a private ceremony in a Las Vegas room. Many were shocked as Faith was married to The Notorious B.I.G. and Stevie also worked with Biggie before his death.
This will be the end of the first marriage for the “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” star.
The “Soon As I Get Home” singer has been married a few times. She was married Christopher “Biggie Smalls” Wallace from 1994 to 1997 (when he died).
A year later, she married Todd Russaw and stayed married to him until 2011. After Russaw’s marriage ended in 2011, the singer waited eight years to marry the Buffalo native.
The GRAMMY-winning Stevie J, born Steven Aaron Jordan, was a member of the famed Hitmen of Bad Boy, the production arm of Diddy’s Hip-Hop empire.
While Faith was his first wife, he and his daughter Bonnie Bella’s mother Joseline Hernandez, had a storyline of reality T.V. claiming they were married.
Brooklyn Pop singer-songwriter Miles Hardamon sits in with AllHipHop Correspondent Slops to talk about his signing with legendary singer-songwriter Ne-Yo’s production company, Compound Entertainment. Miles was first introduced to the world with his appearance on rapper Tory Lanez’s Quarantine Radio’s ‘The Wow Challenge’ earlier this year. Miles blew Tory Lanez and his audience away with his live performance of the late legend, Michael Jackson hit “Dirty Diana.” Miles’ undeniable talent quickly gained the attention of many celebrities. Miles is bringing back the timeless essence to music. Since his debut Miles released the first single off his forthcoming EP Spectrum, “GONE” along with the visuals that were directed by renowned film and music video director Benny Boom.
Today, rapper Cardi B walked away with another victory over vlogger Tasha K, who was looking to immediately proceed with a trial between the two of them. Once again, the judge sided with the rapper and pushed back the courtroom clash.
The new trial date is now January 5, AllHipHop has learned exclusively.
Cardi was able to convince the judge because of a “family emergency,” the nature of which was not specified.
The conflict between the pair has relatively long legs at this point. Cardi alleged Tasha K harassed by publically claiming the rapper had herpes and was a prostitute in her YouTube series “unWinewithTashaK.” Back in March of In March of 2019, Cardi filed a $75,000 defamation of character/slander lawsuit against the vlogger.
This year’s American Music Awards will include a live joint performance by a Houston Hottie and a South Korean boy band. Megan Thee Stallion is set to take the stage with BTS on November 21.
The American Music Awards will present the televised world premiere performance of BTS’s “Butter (Remix)” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The collaboration originally arrived on August 27.
Additionally, the AMAs tapped Pop singer/songwriterOlivia Rodrigo and Latin Trap artist Bad Bunny as performers for the show. Hip Hop superstar Cardi B will serve as the host for the ceremony airing on ABC.
Megan Thee Stallion goes into the 49th Annual American Music Awards with three nominations, including Favorite Trending Song (“Body”) and Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Álbum (Good News). She is also up for Favorite Female Rap/Hip-Hop Artist.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Good News is competing for Favorite Hip-Hop Album against Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die, Pop Smoke’s Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon, and Rod Wave’s SoulFly.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presented Hip Hop icon Missy Elliott with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Elliott took part in a ceremony held in Los Angeles on Monday.
Fellow musicians Ciara and Lizzo were on hand to introduce Missy Elliott at the event. A tearful Elliott also delivered an acceptance speech outside the Amoeba Music store on Hollywood Boulevard.
The 4-time Grammy winner thanked her family, friends, supporters, collaborators, and the Walk of Fame selection committee. In addition, she posted a message to her 4.4 million Instagram followers.
Missy Elliott wrote:
Slide Left👈🏾VA all Day I love you #757🙌🏾 We here baby! And I know a lot of people say (Missy it’s bout Time) but this was the right time (God’s Timing)& I am Grateful! This is a moment that I shall never forget & all the people who have been on this journey with me through my ups and downs & sickness I want you all to know how much you mean to me💜💜💜 I am still filled by seeing I have a star amongst so many other great Stars my heart is Smiling and I thank all my SuperFriends and all the female EMCEES before me thank you for being the foundation for me Queens👑 I am HUMBLED! #hollywoodwalkoffame
@missymisdemeanorelliott Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWCXVKgpE1K/
Missy Elliott Built A Legendary Entertainment Career
Before becoming an international recording artist, Missy Elliott penned countless songs for other singers. The Virginia-bred entertainer then broke out as a superstar in her own right with the classic 1997 studio LP Supa Dupa Fly.
Elliott’s album catalog also includes Da Real World (1999), Miss E… So Addictive (2001), Under Construction (2002), This Is Not a Test! (2003), and The Cookbook (2005). Her production discography features tracks by Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Monica, Jazmine Sullivan, and other high-profile acts.
Throughout her four-decade career, Missy Elliott established herself as an innovator whose groundbreaking songs and music videos helped shape the direction of Hip Hop and R&B. Elliott became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first female rapper to receive MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
The filmed killing of unarmed Black Georgia resident Ahmaud Arbery rocked the nation. Prosecutors eventually charged three white men – Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan – with felony murder.
There were already concerns about the fairness of the case because it took a viral video and international news coverage before the three suspects were finally arrested 74 days after Arbery was shot dead on February 23, 2020. The fact that the defendants are facing a jury of 11 Caucasians and 1 African-American sparked controversy as well.
A TMZ cameraman asked Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas about the jury’s racial makeup in the closely-watched trial taking place in Glynn County, Georgia – a locale with a 25% Black population. The TLC member suggested the jurors’ race hopefully will not play a factor in the final verdict.
“We have to believe that there are kind, good-hearted people out there no matter what color they are, so I would say let’s look at it like that,” stated Chili. “Just because it’s not the same skin color doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be fair, because to me it’s pretty obvious what happened.”
The Atlanta-based singer added, “I’m a Christian, and honestly I have to hope and believe that maybe some of those guys are too. We just have to hope that, again, they’re gonna be truthful about this… And if it’s not right, it’s gonna be an outrage for sure and one that is understandable. Let’s just all hope and pray.”
Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael are accused of harassing and shooting Ahmaud Arbery while the 25-year-old former high school football player was jogging in Brunswick. William Bryan, the man who allegedly assisted the McMichaels in their pursuit of Arbery, recorded the incident from his vehicle.
Lawyers for Ahmaud Arbery’s family have referred to his death as a “modern-day lynching.” Travis McMichael allegedly called Arbery a “f###### n#####” after shooting him three times. The truck used by the McMicheals reportedly had a vanity license plate that included a Confederate emblem, which is often viewed as a symbol of white supremacy.
Last week, articles circulated online allegedly exposing Summer Walker’s 2017 music contract with Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Interscope Records. The leaked documents hit the internet around the same time Summer dropped her Still Over It album.
According to Rolling Stone, Summer Walker agreed to give up the rights to her master recordings. The “Ex for a Reason” performer allegedly earned a 15% royalty rate for her music and an $85,000 advance.
Summer Walker took to social media to address the discussion about her supposed contract situation. The Atlanta-raised R&B singer pushed back on the narrative that the LVRN record label is taking advantage of her.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of chatter online. I didn’t say anything because I wanted to say focused on releasing my album. Now let me clear the air,” wrote Summer Walker on her Instagram Story.
She continued, “What that article said is not my current record deal. Over the years my deal has changed many times. I’ve always had my own representation and full support from LVRN. Thank you to my fans for always having my back and for all of the love [y’all] keep showing my new album. Appreciate y’all!!”
The fallout from the fatal Astroworld Festival continues to play out. Eight people were killed and hundreds of people were injured during the Travis Scott-organized event in Houston last week.
9-year-old Ezra Blount is one of the young attendees who was harmed that night. According to reports, the child is currently hospitalized after being crushed by the Astroworld Festival crowd.
ABC13 Houston journalist Stefania Okolie tweeted:
We have learned a 9 YO boy is fighting for his life at Texas Children’s Hospital after his family says he was trampled at #AstroWorld – [the] child was on his [dad’s] shoulders during the crowd surge, his dad passed out from [the] pressure, his son fell and [concertgoers] trampled him. The child’s family tells me all of his organs are damaged, and he has severe swelling in his brain. They praying for a full recovery, which would be a miracle. The 9 YO boy is in [a] coma right now & brain swelling has gotten progressively worse today after he was trampled at #Astroworld .family does not want his name shared right now, but please lift this child in prayer. He didn’t deserve this.
@StefaniaOnABC13 Twitter
Travis Scott Reacts To The Deadly Tragedy
Widespread criticism has been directed at Travis Scott, Astroworld Festival organizers, the city of Houston, and local law enforcement for not responding effectively to what is being described as a mass casualty event. Scott issued multiple statements about the catastrophe.
BREAKING: We have learned a 9 YO boy is fighting for his life at Texas Children’s Hospital after his family says he was trampled at #AstroWorld -child was on his dads shoulders during the crowd surge, his dad passed out from pressure, his son fell and concert goers trampled him.
The child’s family tells me all of his organs are damaged, and he has severe swelling in his brain. They praying for a full recovery, which would be a miracle.
The 9 YO boy is in coma right now & brain swelling has gotten progressively worse today after he was trampled at #Astroworld .family does not want his name shared right now, but please lift this child in prayer. He didn’t deserve this. We hear from Grandfather at 5 @abc13houston
Casanova shared a message via his manager from behind bars after turning himself into authorities nearly a year ago. The Brooklyn rapper is accused of being a member of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation gang. Casanova denies this and maintains his innocence.
At the weekend, his manager shared a video of Casanova on a prior trip to Nigeria, Africa. At the time, he was on parole and he spoke about turning his life around and what exactly is “Gangsta.”
According to the caption, Casanova’s manager posted the message on his behalf. “MIGHT DIE IN HERE BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER WHATS “GANGSTA” CAUSE THIS JAIL S### AINT “GANGSTA” AT ALL ‼” He wrote. “HOPE YOU YOUNG N##### BEAT THE ODDS‼️”
Last month, Casanova’s manager shared a plea from Casanova to his “fans and very important friends.”
“This is a public service announcement to all my fans and very important friends,” he wrote. “I’ve been incarcerated for almost one year now, exhausted all remedies and spent a significant amount of money on legal fees to prove my innocence. The charges against me are false, they don’t represent or reflect the person that I am. They are simply using my past criminal history to crucify me in court.”
Casanova continued and explained how he has made attempts to turn his life around including reaching out to the youth to prevent gun violence.
He concluded, “Any help provided will be a blessing, because I feel defeated one’s past shouldn’t be the reason why you can’t be afforded a successful future. No one should be held accountable for the crimes they have already served their time for, in legal terms that’s considered double jeopardy. Last but not least Happy Birthday to me, Free Me Until They Free Me, Y’all Know Outside Ain’t The Same Without Me. ‘LOL.’”
In October, Trap Smoke, an associate of Casanova and member of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation took a plea deal in the ongoing fed case. Jamal “Trap Smoke” Austin was one of the 18 members of the gang facing charges in a RICO indictment in December of 2020.
Drake has broken his silence to give a statement on the tragic events at Astroworld this weekend. The OVO boss joined Travis Scott onstage as a surprise guest and is now named in at least one lawsuit relating to the festival.
Travis has made two statements addressing the tragedy and now Drake has also come forward and shared his thoughts.
“I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy,” wrote Drake. “I hate resorting to this platform to express an emotion as delicate as grief but this is where I find myself. My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and for anyone who is suffering.”
He concluded, “I will continue to pray for all of them, and will be of service in any way I can. May God be with you all.”
Eight people lost their lives and hundreds were injured during the festival in Houston at the weekend. TMZ report: “Sources close to both Drake and Travis tell us neither had any idea to the severity of what was happening in the crowd.”
Drake is named as a defendant in a lawsuit alongside Travis and the event’s organizers by a festival-goer who claims they were left with physical and emotional injuries.
Kanye West and Drake may be one step closer to ending their longstanding feud, joining forces in the fight for Larry Hoover’s freedom.
J Prince took to Twitter to share a video statement recorded by Kanye. “I met with @kanyewest night in Htown at the Rothko Chapel,” he tweeted. “It wasn’t in my plans to meet him there but I must say I’m glad I didn’t allow a worship place for God to detour our meeting.”
Standing next to J Prince, Kanye says, “This is Ye and J. Prince. I’m making this video to address an ongoing back-and-forth between myself and Drake. Both me and Drake have taken shots at each other and it’s time to put it to rest.
Kanye West Asks Drake To Join Him Onstage
He then called for Drake to join him in a performance of their albums, “DONDA” and “Certified Lover Boy”. “I’m asking Drake on Dec. 7 to join me onstage as a special guest to share the two biggest albums of the year live in Los Angeles with the ultimate purpose being to free Larry Hoover.”
Kanye West concluded by saying, “I believe this event will not only bring awareness to our cause, but prove to people everywhere how much more we can accomplish when we lay our pride to the side and come together.”
I met with @kanyewest night in Htown at the Rothko Chapel. It wasn’t in my plans to meet him there but I must say I’m glad I didn’t allow a worship place for God to detour our meeting. pic.twitter.com/GM9FIN80Uj
J Prince further explains in the Twitter thread that he wants to promote ‘movement thinking” over “moment thinking.” He also shared that Larry Hoover personally wants the pair to end their differences:
“So I met with @kanyewest to pass on the message from my brother Larry Hoover who said he would like to see peace between the two of them. Ye received this well and said thanks because he never had anyone that sat him down and explained things to him the way I did.”
So I met with @kanyewest to pass on the message from my brother Larry Hoover who said he would like to see peace between the two of them. Ye received this well and said thanks because he never had anyone that sat him down and explained things to him the way I did.
Kanye West mentioned a reconciliation with Drake in his much-talked-about Drink Champs interview. Ye has previously said the Canadian rapper is part of his ongoing mission to help free the co-founder of Chicago’s Gangsta Disciples, Larry Hoover, from federal prison.
Travis Scott is coming under fire following the tragic deaths at his Astroworld Festival.
A Change.org petition has requested his removal from the 2022 Coachella Festival lineup. The online campaign has already received thousands of signatures.
The petition is addressed to Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett, Goldenvoice and AEG. Goldenvoice, which promotes the festival, is a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).
“With the recent tragic and unnecessary death at Travis Scott’s Astroworld concert, due to Scott’s own gross negligence and sheer lack of compassion for human life, we ask AEG, Paul Tollet, and Goldenvoice to remove [him] as [a] performer at all of their festivals,” the campaign’s organizer Sendero Secreto wrote.
Eight people died and hundreds more were injured at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival on November 5. The two-day event was canceled following the disastrous first night.
Investigators are still trying to determine what went wrong at the festival. Travis Scott addressed the tragedy in a social media video, but the creator of the Coachella petition – like many social media observers – deemed it to be insincere.
“After watching Travis Scott’s apology video it’s very clear that he’s trying to avoid blame in the unnecessary deaths of his fans,” Sendero Secreto wrote in an update. “At no point in his video ‘apology’ did we think [he] was genuinely sorry for the loss of lives at his concert.”
Dopeboy Trouble is a rap artist from Columbus, GA whose Southern roots sowed someone who prides himself on loyalty, family, and the hustle. It’s his grind that’s most impressive, but what’s most exciting about Dopeboy is that he’s just getting started.
Born Chris Upshaw, Jr., the rapper first began making music while in YDC and quickly found it as a way to express his own ambitions despite having a troubled past. One word to describe his music? Dope. His sound is unlike any other rapper out there and his fans can attest to that. Boasting over 36,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 600,000 views on one of his first released visuals, Dopeboy has proven to himself that he belongs in the trap rap space currently held by the likes of Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and Gucci Mane. His music is centered around hard-hitting, drill beats that he shares on his recent single, “Dope FR”.
Up next for the rapper is prepping to release a series of new visuals following the video for “Think I’m the Sh*t” which was dropped at the top of 2021. His intent is to keep the streets laced with his music while he builds up his bubbly fan base and puts Columbus on the map.
Jaden, now 23, asked to be emancipated after he received “vicious” remarks online following the release of After Earth – which he starred in with his dad – in 2013.
Writing in excerpts from his upcoming memoir Will published by People magazine, Will said: “After Earth was an abysmal box office and critical failure.
“And what was worse was that Jaden took the hit. Fans and the press were absolutely vicious; they said and printed things about Jaden that I refuse to repeat.
“Jaden had faithfully done everything that I’d instructed him to do, and I had coached him into the worst public mauling he’d ever experienced.”
Will – who has Jaden and 21-year-old daughter Willow with wife Jada Pinkett Smith – never “discussed” the backlash with Jaden, but he knew the youngster had “lost trust” in his dad’s ability to lead.
“We never discussed it, but I know he felt betrayed,” he added. “He felt misled, and he lost his trust in my leadership. At 15-years-old, when Jaden asked about being an emancipated minor, my heart shattered. He ultimately decided against it, but it sucks to feel like you’ve hurt your kids.”
The news comes after Will – who also has son Trey, 28, with his first wife Sheree Zampino – recently said he feels as though he’s “failed every woman” he’s interacted with.
Speaking in a teaser for his upcoming appearance on “The Oprah Conversation,” he said: “I want to tell the truth. I want to let people have it. I’ve carried, most of life, the sense of failing every woman I interact with. I haven’t talked about that publicly.”
