She said, “I’m so excited to join Starco Brands with this incredible opportunity. Whipshots matches my style—over the top, sexy, unique. Together we’re completely innovating whipped cream and giving it an extra pop.”
The wife and mother of two exclaimed that “Whipshots is Cardi in a can.”
Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands, said, “Whipshots is poised to change the market and give consumers something new, exciting, and delicious in the alcohol sector.”
“By partnering with Cardi, we are creating a party in a can – bringing to life a juxtaposition of luxury and fun in a groundbreaking product with unmatched taste. This is a huge moment for Starco Brands, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience Whipshots.”
Whipshots will be available in stores and online later this year.
Follow @whip_shots and visit Whipshots.com for more information.
R. Kelly’s legal team began its defense of the disgraced singer by calling two allies as witnesses on Monday.
Both men denied ever seeing R. Kelly do anything inappropriate with underage girls. The defense came after weeks of testimony by alleged victims, who accused the singer of sexual abuse and illicit activity with minors.
Dhanai Ramnanan, one of the defense’s witnesses, described R. Kelly as a mentor. He claimed he’d never seen any abuse, noting Kelly always acted politely around women. He even characterized the defendant’s behavior as chivalrous.
Prosecutors pushed back on Ramnanan’s testimony in cross-examination. According to Rolling Stone, Ramnanan couldn’t remember what year he met Kelly or the names of any tours where they were together. The witness also said he worked on music with Kelly, but prosecutors pointed out that no collaboration between the two was ever released.
The prosecution contended Ramnanan wasn’t close to Kelly and was trying to advance his career as an aspiring artist. They repeatedly asked him about wanting to stay on Kelly’s “good side.”
Larry Hood, a former cop, was the other witness for the defense. Hood noted he was a childhood friend of Kelly and later served as a bodyguard for the singer.
Hood initially stated he never saw Kelly around underage girls. He also argued his police background would’ve prompted him to stop any abuse or unseemly behavior.
“As a police officer, I would have had to take action against that,” he testified. “I never had to take any action. I was never made aware of any wrongdoing.”
But during cross-examination, Hood admitted he saw “little Aaliyah” around Kelly in the early 1990s. He confirmed she was around 12 or 13 years old at the time. He said he was unaware of Kelly’s illegal marriage to a 15-year-old Aaliyah until later in his life.
Prosecutors also brought up Hood’s felony conviction for forgery during questioning. Hood said he left the Chicago Police Department “in good standing” in 2007, but the prosecution pointed out how he left the force after pleading guilty to using fake $100 bills.
R. Kelly’s trial is in its final stages with the jury’s deliberations expected to begin by the end of the week. Kelly is facing charges of racketeering, kidnapping, forced labor, sex trafficking and violating the Mann Act, which prohibits sex trafficking across state lines.
The Feds continue to take down the gang Casanova is accused of running with, The Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation.
Brandon “Untouchable Dot” Nieves – one of the highest-ranking members – decided to plead guilty to charges prosecutors filed against him.
Nieves is one of Casanova’s 18 co-defendants in a RICO case the government filed against Gorilla Stone in December of 2020.
Prosecutor accused Nieves of being the co-Godfather of Gorilla Stone Reign, one of the Eight “Caves” or subsets that comprise Gorilla Stone.
Nieves was caught on a wiretap with two other Gorillas Stone members, who were plotting to stab those who violated the rules while they were locked up in prison.
He was also exposed on another wiretap with alleged Gorilla Stone member Ahmed “Ammo” Walker.
The trio of alleged gangsters was busted talking about selling drugs and other Gorilla Stone activity.
The evidence is especially damning for Nieves. He was already on probation for ordering a prison stabbing on behalf of Gorilla Stone in 2015.
Nieves faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
He is charged with Racketeering Conspiracy, Narcotics Conspiracy, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Narcotics Conspiracy, and Aiding and Abetting.
Nieves will plead guilty on November 18, 2021, at 2:30 pm in Courtroom 520 at the White Plains Courthouse.
Casanova was one of the hottest rappers in the business before he became jammed up in the government’s RICO case against The Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation.
The Feds claim the rapper was also a large-scale drug dealer who committed acts on behalf of the gang.
Casanova has pleaded not guilty to charges that include racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy (crack cocaine and marijuana), possession of a firearm and furtherance of narcotics conspiracy, and aiding and abetting.
If he is convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
The legendary rapper accused the stock-trading app of misusing his likeness and lyrics in an email marketing campaign.
The “Friday” actor thought that using his image and a catchphrase from his 1992 hit song, “Check Yo Self,” featuring Das EFX, violated his publicity rights under California law.
But a San Francisco federal court dismissed his claim.
Reuters reports that the U.S. Magistrate, the Honorable Judge Laurel Beeler, said that the popular digital stock-exchange did not “jack” Ice Cube.
She noted that the N.W.A. founding member, whose real name is O’Shea Jackson, did not prove that the company tried to misrepresent their relationship with the artist by including the hook from “Check Yo Self” and a picture of him in its newsletter.
Beeler noted that to prove the “false-endorsement” claim, his team would have to do “more than alleged unauthorized use.”
In March, the company tried to spruce up their newsletter by including a picture of Cube and his lyrics from his legendary song.
Robinhood flipped the lyrics from “check yo self before you wreck yo self” to “correct yourself, before you wreck yourself” to convey financial literacy about stock corrections to their subscribers.
The rap star had an issue with the image that was used as well, which was a picture of Cube taken from the movie “Are We There Yet?”
According to Reuters, Jacqueline Ortiz Ramsay, a Robinhood spokesperson, said that her company believes that the judge made the correct decision.
The news outlet shared that the business will “always vigorously defend its reputation against false accusations of wrongdoing.”
Ice Cube’s attorney Michael Taitelman of Freedman + Taitelman said in an email, “The judge is wrong!”
“You cannot take people’s lyrics and likeness as an endorsement without permission.”
Mickey Factz has seen an dramatic uptick that defies most rappers, especially in a Covid-19 environment. The Bronx native found himself embroiled in a conundrum with friend Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5 9, RJ Payne, and Ransom. The situation caused shockwaves in the underground after he released the stunning diss track “Wraith,” following Lupe’s “Steve Jobs.” The catalyst was Royce’s “Silence Of The Lambda (Lupe Fiasco diss),” a beautifully surgical presentation that lit an inferno.
The songs effectively ruined a blossoming relationship between genius-level emcees, something the fans will ultimately lose out on. For Mickey, his boulder start rolling downward and then came to Drink Champs interview, which resulted in a conflict with Wu-Tang of Affiliates like Shyheim and Sunz of Man. With both situations in the rearview, Mickey Factz is left with his current reality and some questions.
First of all, he’s peaced-up with all figures all folks affiliated with Wu-Tang and Royce has recently declared he’s not responding to “Wraith” or “Steve Jobs” for that matter. He dropped a new EP called The Narrative with Blu and Nottz and is working on a new project slated for later in the year. While there’s no “beef” per se, is there the possibility of fixing things with Royce? What is the present relationship with Lupe Fiasco? How did RJ Payne and Ransom feel about being weaponized in the rap battle with their comrade Royce? On top of that, Mickey – a veteran rapper – is now a family man with a son. How does he manage to balance the rough-n-tumble worlds of rap with his familial efforts?
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur speaks to Mickey Factz about everything in his orbit in this exclusive conversation, which marks the last time he will talk about the Royce Da 5’ 9” conflict. However, this interview is more than “beef,” as Mickey discusses his life as an emcee, creative and the stunning process he employs to create the lyrical magic. The recent past has been a roller coaster, but Hip-Hop is better with Mickey Factz in it.
Two producers claim The Weeknd ripped them off and stole one of their songs to make his single “Call Out My Name.”
Suniel Fox and Henry Strange are seasoned producers who have worked with prominent artists like Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Drake, A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, Logic, and Mike Posner.
The pair claim they made the instrumental song “VIBEKING” in April of 2015. They released the single around April of 2017.
According to their complaint, Suniel Fox and Henry Strange linked up with The Weeknd’s DJ, PNDA, in 2015. He urged the producers to send him the “VIBEKING” track, so he could let The Weeknd hear it.
The superstar singer heard the track and loved it. In fact, in 2015, The Weeknd replied to PNDA and said the “s#### fiiiire.” In 2016, PNDA said that although The Weeknd loved the track, nothing ever happened.
A short time later, PNDA told Henry Strange, “Just gonna tell [The Weeknd] that our production team wrote the track. Cool? Or u have another idea? Just don’t wanna say ‘hey, [Strange] wrote this’ when he doesn’t know u.” Strange responded to PNDA that “[The Weeknd] knows me. Say both. [Strange] with Ponytail you met on Drake tour. Who is part of our production team.”
The first song on the EP is the track “Call Out My Name,” which Suniel Fox and Henry Strange claim is derived directly from their song, “VIBEKING.”
The producers and writers listed on the song are The Weeknd, Frank Duke’s, and JAAR, while Suniel Fox and Henry Strange are left out. “Call Out My Name” was released as a single, went platinum, and has since garnered over 700 million views on YouTube.
Suniel Fox and Henry Strange claim they never received or sent a licensing agreement to let The Weeknd use “VIBEKING.”
They are suing The Weeknd, Frank Duke’s, JAAR, Nico, XO, and Universal Music Group for an undisclosed amount.
The pair want a judge to prevent The Weeknd from publicly performing, publishing, distributing, and exploiting “Call Out My Name” until an agreement or verdict is reached.
Suniel Fox and Henry Strange are also seeking all of the profits from “Call Out My Name” as well as legal fees.
Snoop Dogg has just revealed that he’s behind one of the most popular Twitter accounts in the NFT world.
Crypto-thusiasts were already expecting something major to go down yesterday when @CozomoMedici — an account adopting the persona of a mid-Renaissance patron of the arts with an Italian-American-from-Jersey-Shore flair — announced that he would be doxxing himself.
“My frens VVD & @KeyboardMonkey3 I was afraid you’d forgotten!” he wrote. “Tomorrow’s dox will be historic. Even more so if it turns out we are frens IRL & did not know 🙂 I cannot do noon ET however as that’s 6pm here & Nonna is making Lampredotto. 2-3pm ET could suffice.”
(For those unaware, Lampredotto is a sandwich that originated in Florence, Italy, that’s made from parts of cow stomach. Bravo to Snoop Dogg for referencing a true regional Italian dish and not some wannabe Sopranos-style “MOOTZ AND GABBAGOOL” bullsh*t that literally makes my a** itch. Couldn’t be me eating cow stomach, but if you like it, Mr. Broadus, I love it.)
Anyway, around 3:00 p.m. ET, Snoop Dogg dropped the bombshell in the most Snoop Dogg way imaginable.
For those who are unfamiliar with this yee-haw yahoo, he writes subpar country music — though really, there’s no other kind — best enjoyed when one’s liver is soaked in basement-cured moonshine. And back in February 2021, he decided to stand outside his home in Nashville screaming the N-word.
Let’s go to the videotape!
In a rare move of accountability, Morgan Wallen started getting blacklisted from country music stations after this video dropped. Apparently, the pickup trucks & Cheeto pie Real Murka crowd only likes it when their superstars scream the N-word behind closed doors because they have “Southern hospitality” and all that.
So, you can guess what happened next. That’s right: the whole mea culpa, this-is-not-who-I-am-as-a-racist-person apology tour featuring Boomhauer crying to Michael Strahan, of all people, about joining hands with his fellow man & singing the chorus of “Abraham, Martin, & John.“
“I’m embarrassed and sorry. I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever,” Morgan Wallen said in a statement. “I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
This is not his first time using that “unacceptable” racial slur and we all known that. So what exactly are y’all going to do about it. Crickets won’t work this time.
He then pledged $500,000 to “Black-led causes,” whatever that means. For all we know, he could have been talking about Jay-Z’s Monogram brand of weed.
Well, guess how much Morgan Wallen has donated to Black-led causes since screaming the N-word all the way back in February 2021?
C’mon. You already know.
“The group of charities includes longtime national groups (United Negro College Fund, NAACP, Thurgood Marshall College Fund), regional popular organizations (Black Lives Matter Nashville, Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, Gideon’s Army), and arts- and music-focused groups (National Museum of African American Music, Memphis Music Initiative, Memphis Jazz Workshop); ones that would seemingly be the likeliest subjects of Wallen’s largesse. Of the 56 charities contacted by Rolling Stone, not one said they’d been in contact with Wallen or his team or received any donation,” reports Rolling Stone.
Oh, and in case you were wondering: he’s already back on country music stations. Rolling Stone reported that “Big Loud delivered “Sand in My Boots,” the third single from Dangerous and Wallen’s first in more than a year, to radio, ostensibly kick-starting Wallen’s full-throated comeback. (Several country radio stations started to add Wallen’s music back in June.)”
But nah, country music isn’t racist. Not. At. All. No idea where that idea came from.
“We used to be number 10, now we are permanently 1!” — Wyclef Jean
Maybe not number #1 but, the Fugees are pretty close to that.
One of Hip-Hop’s most successful and beloved groups, The Fugees, are returning to the big stage in celebration of their 25th anniversary of their landmark album, The Score. In 1996, the group scorched the charts (becoming one of the best-selling albums of all times) with songs like “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and the now-classic remake of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.” But after the group split, fans thought there would never be a reconciliation.
But thanks to Diaspora Calling and Live Nation, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel will link for a 12-city international tour, celebrating the album that Rolling Stones said was one of the “The 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time,” The Source’s “100 Best Rap Albums,” Spin’s “Top 90 Albums of the 90s,” and that Vibe ranked as one of the “100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century.”
The Score album cover (Ruffhouse/Columbia)
The first stop is a pop-up show in New York City on Wednesday, September 22. The performance will be at an undisclosed location. The official tour begins in November at the United Center in Chicago (11/2) and culminates in Nigeria and Ghana, West Africa. Other cities that will be blessed by the group’s tremendous show and chemistry will be Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, London, and of course their hometown of Newark.
FUGEES TOUR 2021 DATES:
The Fugees reunion tour dates
While many are excited to see all of the members, there are far more anxious to see Ms. Lauryn Hill. Considered one of the best rappers of all time (regardless of gender), her insistence on keeping her life private has kept her out of the public spotlight for years. However, she will emerge for this momentous event.
Hill shares, “The Fugees have a complex but impactful history. I wasn’t even aware the 25th anniversary had arrived until someone brought it to my attention.”
“I decided to honor this significant project, its anniversary,” she continued. “And the fans who appreciated the music by creating a peaceful platform where we could unite, perform the music we loved, and set an example of reconciliation for the world.”
While the project’s silver anniversary popped up on the mother of six and grandmother of three, it was definitely in the eyesight of her partner. For him, this is a continuation of a promise they made when they were kids.
Wyclef stated, “As I celebrate 25 years with the Fugees, my first memory was that we vowed, from the gate, we would not just do music we would be a movement. We would be a voice for the unheard, and in these challenging times, I am grateful once again, that God has brought us together.”
The Score was significant.
It went seven-time platinum album and has sold over 22 million copies worldwide. It is also THE best-selling album by a Hip-Hop/ Rap group ever to be made in the history of recorded sound. Further, it is the fifth most-streamed rap album released in the 1990s on Spotify.
In addition to a great show, the group will use the tour to give back. The Fugees charitable fund will partner with Global Citizen and they will execute the philanthropic initiatives for the tour.
You don’t want to miss it. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, Sept 24 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.
Kansas City-born singer/actress Janelle Monáe is an official partner for Martell’s new brand campaign. “Soar Beyond the Expected” features the cognac brand’s Martell Blue Swift.
“It’s impossible not to be inspired by Janelle Monáe. She’s a boundary breaker, a risk-taker, a truth-teller, and a person who truly lives life on her own terms. We couldn’t have found a better protagonist for the next chapter of Martell’s story than Janelle,” says Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America.
Ann Mukherjee adds, “Consumers today want to support brands that share their values and are bold enough to believe that they can make a positive change in the world. With Janelle as our voice and our guide, Martell’s new campaign celebrates those who inspire others to live audaciously.”
The director/artist known as child. produced Martell’s “Soar Beyond the Expected” content. Jheyda McGarrell served as the photographer for the campaign.
“I have never been one who lives life trying to fit in. It isn’t always easy and can be lonely at times, but the reward of moving through life on your own terms is worth it. I have tried to use my platform to make a change in areas that I can be of service to while supporting those who are underrepresented,” states Janelle Monáe.
The Dirty Computer album creator continues, “It is incredibly important that my partners not only support this line of thinking, but they mirror these values and give back to these communities that I care deeply about. In working with Martell and its ‘Soar Beyond the Expected’ campaign, I’m looking forward to opening new doors that will push our communities forward to soar even higher.”
Janelle Monáe and Martell will work together to highlight and support philanthropic efforts that will further what they referred to as the “Standout Swift” mentality. The goal of “Standout Swift” is to inspire other people to be unapologetically themselves and create their own path.
“Martell’s ‘Soar Beyond the Expected’ campaign marks an exciting new chapter for Martell and comes at a time when the cognac category is experiencing explosive growth,” said Pamela Forbus, CMO of Pernod Ricard North America.
Pamela Forbus also offered, “Cognac is the second-fastest-growing spirits category in the U.S. and we’re confident Martell’s portfolio is perfectly poised to meet consumer demand.”
Lil Nas X is once again the creator of the all-time best-selling single in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. His massive hit “Old Town Road” is certified 15x-Platinum.
The Country-Rap song currently owns the highest certification in RIAA history. Lil Nas X’s breakout track is slightly ahead of the 14x-Platinum status for Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” and Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
Prior to gaining its 15x-Platinum designation, “Old Town Road” was a Billboard Hot 100 juggernaut. The original version and the remix version featuring Billy Ray Cyrus spent a combined, record-breaking 19 weeks atop the chart.
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” won the Georgia-raised artist two Grammy Awards at the Recording Academy’s 62nd annual ceremony in 2020. He took home the trophies for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video.
Montero includes contributions by Jack Harlow, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Elton John, and Miley Cyrus. The project hosts the Hot 100 #1 single “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” as well as the Top 5 single “Industry Baby” with Harlow.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is set to present its second annual HBCU concert and fundraiser. RISE (Recognizing and Investing in Student Excellence) Homecoming 2k21 will simulcast on AspireTV and TMCF’s YouTube channel.
“RISE HC2k21 is an opportunity for TMCF to tell the important story of our HBCUs and the students who attend them, while making a greater commitment to ensuring that others will be able to take advantage of an HBCU education in the future,” says Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Williams adds, “Through the generous support from corporations and individual donors, we raised more than $3 million through RISE last year. We would love to surpass that number in 2021. Strong fundraising allows us to help more students finish college and prepare for successful careers after graduation.”
Migos, Moneybagg Yo, Jazze Pha, Justine Skye, and Sevyn Streeter are part of the performance lineup. Additionally, the NC A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine and the NCCU Sound Machine and Choir will be on hand as well.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund national ambassador Terrence J was tapped to host RISE Homecoming 2k21. TMCF’s RISE HC2k21 is scheduled for Saturday, October 9 at 8 pm ET.
“There is nothing more important than RISE,” states Terrence J. “We need a strong and diverse future workforce – people who are ready to tackle the problems of tomorrow. That all begins with education. We need to invest in RISE to make sure our students get the resources they need to take our future to greater heights.”
Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a national organization that provides support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). All proceeds from RISE HC2k21 will support the development of HBCU students through a variety of scholarships, programs, and services.
“In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, AspireTV is honored to serve as the exclusive cable distributor of RISE HC2k21 in support of the Black College community,” said Melissa Ingram, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Networks + Strategy, UP Entertainment.
Ingram adds, “As an HBCU alum, I’m very proud that AspireTV continually elevates and celebrates the legacy and pride of HBCUs through our culture and content. We’re looking forward to sharing with our audience the critical work TMCF is doing to transform the lives of students at HBCUs.”
Hip Hop recording artist Reminisce “Remy Ma” Mackie will star in an upcoming BET+ original film. American Gangster Presents: Big Fifty – The Delrhonda Hood Story is scheduled to premiere on September 30.
Remy Ma is starring in her first lead acting role as Delrhonda “Big Fifty” Hood. The cast also includes Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Pretty Vee, Michael Anthony, and Mike Merrill.
The real Delrhonda Hood narrates Big Fifty. She will help tell the story of her past life as one of Detroit’s most notable queenpins and her road to finding redemption.
Award-winning radio broadcaster Russ Parr directed the movie. Gabrielle Collins wrote the screenplay. In addition, Remy Ma created the Big Fifty title track “The Godmother.”
(Credit: BET+)
While Big Fifty represents Remy Ma’s first time playing the main character, the Bronx native previously appeared on the USA Network series Queen of the South. Her television experience also includes the reality shows Love & Hip Hop: New York and Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies.
In July, another ViacomCBS-owned property announced Remy Ma as the host of an eight-episode, reality-based program. VH1’s My True Crime Story began airing on the cable channel in August.
BET+ released an official trailer for American Gangster Presents: Big Fifty – The Delrhonda Hood Story starring Remy Ma and Tank. Watch the video below.
A Twitter user suggested “there really isn’t a single suitable matchup” for The Roots. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the drummer for the Philadelphia-bred band, responded to the fan.
“Actually: we got a nice offer—and a somewhat nice unexpected ‘not capn obvious’ matchup that even I didn’t think about (so obvious) time didn’t allow & I want this album out & see what the temperature is first,” tweeted Questlove.
Actually: we got a nice offer—and a somewhat nice unexpected “not capn obvious” matchup that even I didn’t think about (so obvious) time didn’t allow & I want this album out & see what the temperature is first.
It has been seven years since The Roots dropped the …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin studio LP. A deluxe version of their classic second album, Do You Want More?!!!??!, was re-released earlier this year.
So far, Verzuz organizers have put together 2021 battles such as Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole, Raekwon vs Ghostface, Redman vs Method Man, Eve vs Trina, Bow Wow vs Soulja Boy, The Lox vs Dipset, and Fat Joe vs Ja Rule.
“The Advocate” is reporting that JayDaYoungan has been arrested for accessory to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection to a deadly altercation at a trail ride last year.
They report that the rapper sheriff deputies booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail last Thursday (September 16).
In an email to “The Advocate” sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Travis confirmed that the warrant stemmed from a deadly altercation at a trail ride in northern Tangipahoa Parish more than a year ago that left one person dead and two more injured. It is not yet known what role JaDaYoungan played in the incident, authorities have yet to confirm this.
Scott’s bond was set at $175,000, which he posted Monday, Travis said.
It was reported earlier this year in April that the August 2020 shooting stemmed from an altercation between two rival gangs and resulted in the arrest of seven people law enforcement say were involved in the incident.
The shooting happened Aug. 8, 2020, around 7:30 p.m. in Roseland, where a crowd of around 100 people gathered and multiple gunmen opened fire, officials said at the time.
Zion Hutcherson, 21, was killed in the shooting although officials do not believe she was the intended target.
The rapper was arrested twice in 2020 on unrelated domestic violence charges. He was arrested in February on charges of hitting a pregnant woman and again in October on charges that he punched and grabbed a different woman.
In March of this year, JayDaYoungan’s ex-girlfriend also accused him of assaulting her while she was heavily pregnant.
Nelly is being given his flowers while he can still smell them, picking up the most prestigious award of the night at the upcoming “BET Hip-Hop Awards.” The rapper and country music star will receive BET’s 2021 “I Am Hip Hop” Award in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions going back to the early 2000s.
“I am honored to receive this award and humbled to be in such great company of past artists who have received this award,” said Nelly in a statement. “I have been blessed to work with some incredible people in my career, making twenty-two years go by in the blink of an eye. This award isn’t just about Nelly; it is about my fans, BET, and the people that continue to support me and allow me to do what I love to do.”
The award comes 22 years into Nelly’s career and will celebrate all his career accomplishments. Nelly hasn’t actually won a BET award in all his time in the game, one of the few accolades he was missing out on. Nelly joins an exclusive club of previous award winners including KRS-One, Ice Cube, Salt-n-Pepa, Rakim, MC Lyte, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, and Lil Wayne. Last year’s recipient of the award was rapper, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur, Master P.
Also up for awards on the night are Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion who are in the lead for most nominations with an incredible 9 each followed by Drake who has to settle for 8. Tyler the Creator and Metro Boomin are almost among some of the most nominated acts.
The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards go down on October 5. Have a look at some of the event’s best cyphers over the years.
Drake, Fat Joe, and DJ Khaled linked up together on Monday night (September 20) for a dinner feast fit for a king, or three!
In footage that is being widely circulated on social media, the three hitmakers can be seen sitting down at a banquet hall-sized table covered with food.
Standing at the head of the table addressing his chef, Khaled asks “Melissa what do we have for dinner tonight?” Amid laughter from the guests, Chef Melissa goes on to list off a menu of food from around the world including lobster, king crab, curry goat, homemade beef patties, calamari, mascarpone roasted cherries, a leg of lamb, and various other delicious sounding dishes!
Fat Joe, looking and sounding a little tipsy interrupts Chef Melissa’s description of her charred Chinese long beans as the table once again descends into laughter.
Among the images being shared from the get-together is one of Khaled showing something on his phone to Drake and Fat Joe. Whatever it is, the three are staring intently.
Fat Joe recently sparked a debate following his comments likening his “Verzuz” opponent, Ja Rule to Canadian rapper, Drake.
“No disrespect to your Hip Hop roots, you’re a pop star,” Joe told Ja Rule. “I always tell everybody you was the Drake before Drake. You had hit after hit after hit after hit.”
The success of Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” album has led to comparisons with The King of Pop himself, the late, great Michael Jackson. Billboard sparked the debate by posting a Tweet on Saturday (September 18) asking, “Is Drake in 2021 now as big as Michael Jackson or The Beatles at their peaks?”
Is Drake in 2021 is now as big as Michael Jackson or The Beatles at their peaks? Let's look at some of the factors behind Drake's incredible chart bow.https://t.co/CE6oM8pN5D
50 Cent has spoken out following this year’s Emmys after white actors took home all the major acting awards despite a record number of nominations this year for people of color.
All 12 awards for the lead and supporting actor in the comedy, drama, and limited series categories went to white actors. 49 people were nominated across the acting and reality categories, a record high for the awards show. Notable nominees included the late Michael K. Williams and “Pose” star Mj Rodriguez. Soon after the show the hashtag #EmmySoWhite was revived and quickly became a trending topic.
50 wasn’t at all happy about this and took to his Instagram to share a screenshot of a “Variety” article titled “No actors of color win at Emmys despite record nominee lineup.” He captioned the since-deleted post with: “Listen the Emmys still has a separate bathroom for colored folks. I’m gonna put the NAACP Awards on the air at the same time and f### up there numbers. No, they really should be afraid of me. I’m different.”
50 has been a vocal critic of the Emmys in recent years blasting them back in 20019 for the lack of recognition for his crime drama series, “Power.” “The EMMY’S can kiss my Black ass in slow motion. F### em I’m #1 they a bunch of Bengay my back hurt smelling ass old people anyway.”
He clearly felt the same way a year later saying, “Ok here it is Emmy’s. My Black ass for your consideration to kiss. F### your organization I only care about NAACP awards.”
At the same time a man who says “Power” is the story of his life is suing 50 Cent. According to him, Fiddy is now bullying him and is asking the court to intervene before he takes matters in his own hands!
Continuing his mission for police reform, Jay-Z’s team Roc sued the Kansas City Police Department for allegedly covering up instances of police misconduct.
ABC News report that the lawsuit was filed in Wyandotte County, Kansas’s district court on Monday (September 20) with Team Roc suing for access to records including those related to the training and supervision of KCKPD officers.
Team Roc’s attorney, Alex Spiro says that the documents previously provided by the KCKPD were “not sufficient,” and that “the government has attempted to block our access to those files, and so we’re suing to see what they don’t want us to see.”
Nancy Chartrand, public information officer of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, told ABC News in a statement that The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City have provided some but not all of the records previously requested. “Once the petition has been thoroughly reviewed, the Unified Government will follow-up by filing a response.”
Team Roc, the philanthropic arm of the hip-hop mogul’s record label, Roc Nation allege that although KCKPD has agreed to provide documents “pertaining to the complaints made against members of the Investigative Division,” they “refused to produce documents pertaining to any steps that the City has taken in response to those Complaints, including any investigations or disciplinary proceedings initiated as a result of the complaints.”
The lawsuit comes amid requests from local activists for a probe of the KCKPD by the U.S Department of Justice following a spate of recent incidents accusing the Kansas City, Kansas police of alleged misconduct and discrimination.
According to ABC News, the lawsuit details several of these incidents including an officer who is charged with committing sex crimes involving a minor, two officers charged with a felony and misdemeanor assault over the mistreatment of an inmate, officers indicted on charges of stealing from homes where they were serving search warrants as well as a federal lawsuit in which a Black female KCKPD officer sued the department for alleged race and gender discrimination.”
Team Roc says “These documents will help identify the scope of the problem, any potential evidence of a cover-up, and also the potential causes.”
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says that the exceptions include ‘most personnel records’ as well as records of criminal probes and intelligence information. Team Roc says they want to see whether “complaints are being seriously addressed and whether there is sufficient oversight and supervision over the KCKPD.”
The trapper turned rapper/CEO delivers a harsh reminder, ‘’Sometimes you gotta remind these n#####!’’ Gasman raps and then adlibs in agreement with the popular cultural and social media catchphrase ‘’ON GOD’’. Anyone who has endured the environment and adversity of the streets and risen to success to provide, make money, and a name for themselves can relate ‘’ON GOD‘’.
