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Drea Dominique Transitions From “Bad Girls Club” Member To Buzzing Multifaceted Artist

By: Shirley Ju Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 12:19pmCategory: Features

Drea Dominique is a whole vibe, and she’s here to spread that positive energy and love to the music industry and beyond. Most notably known for her role on Bad Girls Club Season 9, the rising star is a jack of all trades, from being a reality television star and modeling to starting her business and creating her own original music.

In describing herself, Drea states, “I’m bringing my music out. Most of you guys probably know me from Bad Girls Club, but now instead of fighting I’m knocking down the mic and I’m dropping music.”

Originally hailing from Long Island, New York, but now rising in sunny San Diego, Drea is excited as ever to have released her newest single and visual for “I Know You Want It,” tapping Safaree. The Caribbean-influenced record serves as the perfect soundtrack for the end of summer and beginning of fall, a certified banger that will have you instantly moving on the dance floor.

“I Know You Want It” sees Drea reminding audiences around the world of the importance of self-love and time, particularly how a man needs to put in the work to get the baddie he sees in front of him. Directed by Marcus Pualk (Moesha), the music video displays both the Puerto Rican Jamaican flag, for Drea and Safaree’s heritage respectfully.

AllHipHop: How long have you been in Hawaii?

Drea Dominique: First of all, let me show you my view. We are outside for real! I’ve been here for 4 days, I leave on Friday. It’s beautiful, I’d live here if I didn’t have to share a child. [laughs] I’m on vacation mode. I’m shooting some content, but I’m on vacation mode.

AllHipHop: How was your time on Bad Girls Club?

Drea Dominique: Toxic! [laughs] Super toxic, very very toxic. It was a good time, but you know what you’re signing up for when you’re going on Bad Girls Club. It is what it is. Recently, I’ve been presented with the offer to do Bad Girls Boxing, which we were doing when our season was airing. I’m going to be jumping in the ring with some bad girls coming up real soon.

AllHipHop: Actual boxing?

Drea Dominique: Actual boxing in the ring. I did it before and after my first boxing match, I got into a car accident. Broke my nose, it ended my boxing career. It’s all good, life struggles are a part of life. It’s been a while. Since then, it’s now coming back around. We’re looking at some networks so I might be back in the ring with some of these bad girls very shortly.

AllHipHop: What’s the concept behind Bad Girls Boxing?

Drea Dominique: Pretty much the drama of it all. They want to get “oh this one doesn’t like this one, let’s get them in the ring.” That’s what they’re doing. We’re going to see who I stir up with next but it’s coming.

AllHipHop: You’re from Long Island originally right?

Drea Dominique: I’m very bicoastal. I was born in Long Island, I’m from New York. Since 6, I’ve been back and forth between Cali and New York. I’m both sides, I got the beach girl and I’m rolling in the snow girl as well. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Who were you listening to?

Drea Dominique: This is the thing, I like older stuff. I’m listening to The Lox, Mobb Deep, Fabolous, 50 Cent. I like the girls too but I like the throwback stuff. The new stuff is ratchet, I’m a romantic at heart. I love the love songs. Aaliyah’s my all-time favorite, she’s an icon. I like East Coast, I like West Coast. I like Bay Area, some Mac Dre.

AllHipHop: “I Know You Want It” featuring Safaree, how are you feeling?

Drea Dominique: I’m super excited, it’s a blessing. The song’s doing pretty well, I’m excited about that. I performed “I Know You Want It” at Black Pride in Atlanta. I performed another song called “Toy Box,” then a new song that’s my single called “Blocked.” We’re dropping the video, all that. It’s my first time performing, doing my own solo thing. Every time I’ve performed in the past, it’s been singing hooks for other people. This time, it’s all about me. I get to be the star of the show, just ready for my next adventure.

AllHipHop: How did you and Safaree come together on the record?

Drea Dominique: Travis Kr8ts, we have mutual producers pretty much. We did the song, my producer said “we need to get somebody on the song.” He listed some people and said “I have Safaree.” I said “it’s Safaree then!” And here we are. Networking made that happen and it was a success.

AllHipHop: What was the energy in creating the song? I love the Caribbean vibe.

Drea Dominique: I’m Puerto Rican and black, and he’s Jamaican. We really played it off with that, embracing the island parts of us. The whole vibe was our whole Caribbean thing, so that’s what we did. I embraced my Puerto Rican, seen my girls wearing the Puerto Rican clothing with the symbols and everything. We had the Jamaican flag waving, we just embraced our heritage.

AllHipHop: Best memory from the video shoot?

Drea Dominique: Honestly, the whole process. Super dope, the video went smooth. There were hiccups there but just people being late or whatever. Other than that, everything went great. Good vibes. Safaree’s super chill, hella funny. His sense of humor is off the charts. Everything was real great, it went smooth. I’m happy with the outcome, it went good.

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?

Drea Dominique: Good lighting, a bottle of Veuve, and a vibe. I like champagne so I like to sip champagne and get into that vibe, then we can create. I like to light the candles, then we can vibe out.

AllHipHop: What’s one thing you want people to take away from your debut project, Toy Box?

Drea Dominique: It’s an introduction so they can get a feel for me, see that I’m trying to do this. My next project is going to be more in tune with my personal life, because everything else is for the crowd and to appeal to the people.

I have another song I’m about to drop after this called “Beautiful Disaster.” It expresses my most recent relationship, how he’s an a###### and he should stop lying to me and leave me peaceful. You’re getting more of a feel of what I’m going through, as opposed to something you can bop to.

AllHipHop: Does he know it’s about him?

Drea Dominique: No, we’re not talking! [laughs] I named it “Beautiful Disaster” for a reason.

AllHipHop: I heard you’re making music in Spanish too?

Drea Dominique: Oh yeah, I have a Spanish song coming out called “Rompe.” It’s bilingual Spanish and English. I have a Spanish song I’m going to drop, another little R&B joint I’m going to drop. The next single is “Blocked.” Long story short, please don’t make me block you. I ain’t trippin’, I ain’t reminiscing, but don’t make me block you. [laughs] We swear we love him so much, but the whole time I’m not even thinking about you. So fall back before I gotta block you. You can’t even watch me, now you gotta go on a fake page to see me.

AllHipHop: Talk about being an entrepreneur with your own lashes and makeup line.

Drea Dominique: DreaDominique.com. I have a lash line, I have 5 different styles of lashes. I have a lip line, 5 styles of lipstick. I have merchandise, t-shirts, hoodies and there’s more to come. I’m very into candles, sage, all that. I want to create candles that have crystals in them with a positive message in each one. That’ll be my next thing that I add to my line. There’s more to come, this is just the beginning.

AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?

Drea Dominique: Yes! I’m a mom so I’m trying to create that generational wealth, something my daughter can carry on after I’m done. I want to build a brand. Ultimately, I want to perform. I want to get my music out there, I want to inspire. This world is so negative. “Hate this about yourself, you need to be like this to be poppin’.” No, I want to get a different message across. You’re good right where you’re at, how you are and that’s it. It is what it is. That’s definitely what I’m going to deliver to the girls.

I know I have a lot of young fans, they see me on Bad Girls Club so it’s a lot of the young girls. They see the drama, they think “oh those aren’t red bottoms, you ain’t poppin’.” No. Whether you own your house or not, you were poppin’. Whether you’re single or wifed up, you’re poppin’. I want to inspire girls to feel good in their own skin honestly no matter what it looks like, that’s what I’m on. I want to get my message across and relate to people, down-to-earth type s###.

Machine Gun Kelly & Conor McGregor Allegedly Got Into It At The VMAs

By: Bernadette Giacomazzo Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 9:17amCategory: Rumors

Machine Gun Kelly, ~~Eminem’s crackhead cousin~~ rapper-turned-actor, needs to learn which fights are worth picking.

Yahoo is reporting that the man born Colson Baker thought it prudent to act like a total fool at last night’s VMAs. At one point, MMA fighter Conor McGregor asked for a photo (why?) with Megan Fox’s ~~latest piece of ass~~ boyfriend, and was denied. This, in turn, led to a scuffle between the two, and Machine Gun Kelly had to be physically restrained from McGregor.

McGregor then threw a drink in Machine Gun Kelly and Fox’s faces. (They got off easy.)

Check out the video of the skirmish below.

not MGK getting into a fight at the VMAs red carpet pic.twitter.com/KWQeRAbc6Y
— mari (@olsenspears) September 13, 2021

But McGregor has a very different story.

“I don’t know the guy[Machine Gun Kelly]. Nothing happened with me. I only fight real fighters, people that actually fight, you know what I mean? I certainly don’t fight little vanilla boy rappers. I don’t even know the guy. I don’t know anything about him, except that he’s with Megan Fox,” he said.

So, just so we understand each other: Megan Fox got a drink thrown in her face, and risked her physical safety, all so Machine Gun Kelly could get some attention in the press. God knows he can’t get it any other way: his acting sucks, Eminem repeatedly mops the floor with him, and the only reason other celebrities know him is that ~~he’s involved in a PR relationship to promote a crappy movie~~ he’s blowing Megan Fox’s back out.

Sheesh, Colson. Have you considered directing? Producing? Maybe doing some stunts? Anything else behind the scenes? Because this acting thing isn’t working out for ya, fam.

Freddie Gibbs Responds To Kendrick Lamar On “Vice Lord Poetry”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 8:07amCategory: News

Once again, Kendrick Lamar kicked a hornet’s nest with his lyrics on Baby Keem’s “Family Ties” single. The pgLang co-founder opened his verse on the song by saying, “Smoking on your top five tonight.”

Later on the track, Kendrick Lamar also told the world not to address him unless it is with four letters. Lamar was declaring himself as the G.O.A.T. [greatest of all time] when it comes to Hip Hop.

Like his highly-publicized verse on Big Sean’s “Control” eight years ago, Kendrick Lamar used “Family Ties” to inform his peers that he is at the top of the rap music food chain. However, Freddie Gibbs had something to say about that declaration.

Freddie Gibbs released “Vice Lord Poetry” over the weekend. The Indiana-raised emcee sent a subliminal shot at Kendrick Lamar in the freestyle recorded over Drake’s “Champagne Poetry” instrumental.

“I was big rabbit before the birth of my son. The Earth ain’t big enough for both of us, you gotta get done. They saying they smoking top fives. But you ain’t burned up the one. F### n##### talkin’ ’bout? Like every time I hit the booth I don’t leave that b#### with a body count,” raps Freddie Gibbs on “Vice Lord Poetry.”

This is not the first time Freddie Gibbs has expressed his thoughts about Kendrick Lamar being heralded as the leader of his Hip Hop generation. In 2016, the Grammy-nominated Alfredo album creator spoke about not being placed on the same level as Lamar and his “They Ready” collaborator J. Cole.

“I don’t feel like I get the recognition for being as innovative that I am musically, you know what I mean? I don’t think that I get put up there with the J. Coles and the Kendrick Lamars and guys of that nature when I definitely think that I’m rapping on their level and definitely higher,” said Gibbs.

Following the release of the Freddie studio LP in 2018, Freddie Gibbs is preparing to drop his next solo body of work which is tentatively titled Soul Sold Separately. He also teamed with Madlib for 2014’s Piñata and 2019’s Bandana as well as The Alchemist for 2020’s Alfredo.

Ja Rule Talks ‘Verzuz’ Battle Against Fat Joe & 50 Cent Possibly Showing Up At The Event

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:55amCategory: News

The next Verzuz faceoff is set to take place on Tuesday, September 14. Hip Hop veterans Ja Rule and Fat Joe will go head-to-head in a hits-for-hits live battle from The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Before the musical clash takes place in Manhattan tomorrow, Fat Joe posted a special service announcement on Instagram. Joey Crack’s PSA warned Ja Rule about his pending matchup with the Terror Squad leader.

“Everybody knows you’re King Kong. Everybody knows you got all the hits, but I’m gonna have to drag you. I’m about to bring you into the projects, Trinity Ave. Y’all must’ve forgot because I ain’t forget,” said Fat Joe in the IG clip.

Ja Rule clapped back at Fat Joe with his own Instagram video. The Pain Is Love album creator responded, “So, you gonna drag me through these streets? I like that. It’s cool. I’m comfortable there. But I’m gonna drag you on that stage.”

TMZ caught up with Ja Rule for a pre-battle interview. The entertainment news outlet questioned the 45-year-old rapper about Fat Joe’s “I’m gonna have to drag you” comments.

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A post shared by VERZUZ (@verzuztv)

“Crack’s talking about dragging me through the streets and breaking out street records. Listen, it’s like I told him. I’m comfortable there. I love it there. Like, where y’all think I’m from?” stated Ja Rule.

The Queens, New York native was also asked about a possible highly-anticipated Verzuz battle against 50 Cent, the fellow NYC rap star Ja Rule has had a deep-seated feud with for decades. Ja essentially shrugged off the G-Unit boss.

“I don’t want to bring [50 Cent] into this, because this ain’t his Verzuz… This is me and Crack. We’re doing this,” declared Ja Rule. “But I will say. He had his shot. I wanted him in the doghouse first. He didn’t want to come to the doghouse. And so, me and Crack gonna put on for the city.”

What would happen if 50 Cent decided to show up at The Hulu Theater on Tuesday night? Ja Rule warned Fiddy, “That would be the dumbest thing ever. You didn’t want to get in the gauntlet with me, but you want to make a guest appearance? Come on! Bring it on, baby! I ain’t fearing nothing! And if that happens, that just means I gotta give both them that work that night.”

Drake Ties Kanye West & Eminem For Second-Most No. 1 Albums By A Rapper

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 6:55amCategory: News

Another layer to the ongoing debate over longtime frenemies Kanye West and Drake just added another talking point. Drake’s Certified Lover Boy debuted atop the Billboard 200 by knocking West’s Donda down to #2.

Certified Lover Boy opened with 613,000 equivalent album units, the best first-week numbers of 2021. It is also the biggest sales week for any project since Taylor Swift’s Folklore collected 846,000 first-week units in 2020.

With 715 million on-demand streams, Certified Lover Boy only trails Drake’s Scorpion on the all-time list of best streaming weeks for an album. Scorpion pulled in 746 million streams in 2018.

CERTIFIED LOVER BOY
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE https://t.co/4nRngO8hDT
— Drizzy (@Drake) September 3, 2021

In addition, Drake now has ten career Number Ones on the Billboard 200. That puts the OVO Sound frontman in a tie for second-most No. 1s by a Hip Hop artist. Drizzy sits alongside Kanye West and Eminem. Billionaire emcee Jay-Z has 14 chart-toppers.

Drake became just the eighth act with at least ten #1 projects. The Beatles (19) lead the list, followed by Jay-Z (14). Bruce Springsteen (11) and Barbra Streisand (11) are right behind Hov. Elvis Presley, Eminem, Drake, and Kanye West round out the Top 8 with ten each.

Kanye West scored his tenth #1 album just last week when Donda launched in the top spot with 309,000 units. The G.O.O.D. Music founder slipped to #2 this week when his tenth studio LP recorded another 141,000 units in week two.

The rest of the current Top 10 of the Billboard 200 rankings includes Doja Cat’s Planet Her at #5, The Kid LAROI’s F*ck Love at #8, and Rod Wave’s SoulFly at #10. Trip At Knight by Trippie Redd and We Love You Tecca 2 by Lil Tecca dropped out of the Top 10 this week.

While Certified Lover Boy is an undeniable commercial success, Drake’s most recent body of work has received mixed reactions from listeners. Based on 986 ratings, CLB presently has a 3.5/10 user score on Metacritic. The album received a 62/100 Metacritic grade from professional music reviewers.

Normani Gives Teyana Taylor A Lap Dance During “Wild Side” Performance At 2021 VMAs

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 5:55amCategory: News

R&B singer Normani gave one of the standout performances of the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. The former Fifth Harmony member had a lot of people talking and tweeting following her set at the ceremony.

Normani took the stage inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday to run through her latest single “Wild Side.” The performance was capped off at the end by a surprise appearance.

Fellow R&B songstress Teyana Taylor showed up strapped to a bondage board. Normani then straddled the “Wake Up Love” vocalist and provided the audience with a girl-on-girl grinding session.

Normani’s name was a top trending topic on Twitter following her performance. She continued to be a major topic of conversation on the social media platform the following morning.

Surpriseeeeeee 👅 @Normani
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) September 13, 2021

Originally, Normani was not booked to perform at this year’s Video Music Awards. Organizers of the event later added the 25-year-old recording artist to the lineup after fans started the #LetNormaniPerform campaign online.

The DSP version of “Wild Side” features Hip Hop superstar Cardi B. Normani’s comeback single debuted and peaked at #14 on the Hot 100 chart. It currently sits at #71 after remaining in the Billboard rankings for seven weeks.

This year’s VMAs also featured performances by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Saint Jhn, Ed Sheeran, Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, Camila Cabello, Latto, Doja Cat, Chlöe, Alicia Keys and Swae Lee, Busta Rhymes, Machine Gun Kelly, and more acts.

Lil Nas X’s “Montero” Wins Video Of The Year At The 2021 MTV VMAs

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 5:06amCategory: News

MTV held its annual Video Music Awards last night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City. Lil Nas X was one of the night’s big winners.

The openly gay entertainer tied BTS and Olivia Rodrigo for the most wins at this year’s ceremony with three trophies each. Video Of The Year was awarded to Lil Nas X for his controversial “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” visuals.

“Montero” beat out Cardi B’s “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, DJ Khaled’s “Popstar” featuring Drake, Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits,” and The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” for the VOTY honor.

Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” also won Best Direction and Best Visual Effects. Justin Bieber won Artist of the Year, and Olivia Rodrigo won Best New Artist. Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” was named Song Of The Year.

Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open” won Best R&B. Doja Cat and SZA’s “Kiss Me More” took home Best Collaboration. Travis Scott received a surprising win in the Best Hip Hop category for “Franchise” featuring M.I.A. and Young Thug.

In addition to accepting his VMA for Video Of The Year, Lil Nas X also hit the stage on the show. The Georgia-bred rhymer performed “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).” He was also joined by Jack Harlow for a performance of “Industry Baby.”

Lil Baby Attacked By Crazed Fan

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 8:30pmCategory: News

One of Lil Baby’s crazed fans climbs on stage during one of his performances. However, the Quality Control rapper’s security detail was on point and stopped the individual by tackling him.

The concert was held in Charlotte, NC., and was one of the stops on the “Back Outside” tour. The fan wanted to give the “Woah” rapper a solid dap, but instead, he was knocked down.

This strange incident comes days after it was revealed that Lil Baby partnered with Jackboy to build a hospital in Haiti after the last earthquake ravished the island. The country that became not only the first Black-led republic, independent Caribbean state, and nation to ban slavery permanently, suffered a 7.2 temblor and Jackboy was one of the first voices to raise his voice in service.

“I just walked through a hospital in Haiti and all the patients sleeping outside,” he wrote. “I personally handed every single last one of them a(n) envelope full of money but fr fr (for real) I feel like that ain’t enough. Who want to go to Haiti with me and get a hospital built. It’s not really that much especially if we use U.S. dollars. #PrayForHaiti.”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Lil Baby responded via DM, “I’m in.”

Jackboy posted a screenshot of their exchange to his Instagram Story on Wednesday, with an additional caption that read: “Got my n#### on it with me we on God about to make something special @lilbaby.”

According to CNN, the earthquake killed at least 1,297 people and injured more than 5,700.

The Superstar From Danville, PRINCE VON

By: Brxton Lee Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 8:29pmCategory: Music

Devon Laubscher aka Prince Von, has had his foot on the gas in 2021. The young artist has not only released 4 great songs but has released a hit song titled “Time” that has over time, allotted him, 20k+ monthly listeners.
The time is now for Prince Von, willing and able to do whatever it takes to make his dreams come true, this kind of determination never falls short.

Prince Von is quickly becoming a familiar name in the music industry and has hinted to us that he is a part of Fellow Christian Rap star Xay Hill’s upcoming album. The young rapper says, “you guys haven’t seen anything yet, the music I’m cooking up is truly my best and I’m excited to roll it out.” Big words from the young artist, Follow him @princevonofficial to stay connected.

Famous Dex Released Prison ALREADY Due To Overcrowding

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 8:01pmCategory: News

Rapper Famous Dex has been convicted of domestic abuse and will supposed do time at the Men’s Central jail in Los Angeles for his crime.

A police report made public last week shares details about his sentencing made by a judge on Sept 1.

However, by September 12, he was released.

According to DJ Akademiks, a popular Hip-Hop influencer, Dex was not only arrested for domestic violence, but also for gun possession linked to incidents that transpired in March and June. Ak’s sourced the news from an official police report. This news comes right on the heels of his new album’s release around the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday.

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

However, after last year’s project Diana going double wood and the plethora of other legal woes related to his woman beating ways, he needs this new joint to make news.

In 2020 alone, the Chicago native was arrested for inflicting corporal injury domestic violence, threatening a domestic partner, exhibiting a firearm, inflicting bodily injury, dissuading a victim from reporting a crime, defacing property, illegal possession of a firearm, and violating a protection order.

The “Pick It Up” rapper, signed to Rich the Kidd and 300 Records, is not only plagued by his reputation of violence but also his history of drug abuse.

Akademiks’ also revealed that the “Japan” rapper was let out after a few days due to “overcrowding.”

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

This story is developing.

Celebrity Stylist Hair By Jay has Bhad Bhabie Slaying in Her Upcoming Music Video “Miss Understood” Dropping This Friday

By: Staff Writer Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 7:36pmCategory: Sponsored Posts

On Friday, September 17th Bhad Bhabie is dropping a new music video for her lead single “Miss Understood” off her forthcoming EP. Behind her, the look is Jesus “Jay” (Hair By Jay) who has worked his way from the bottom – from braiding napkins at McDonald’s in South Central LA to become one of the most adored hair braiders and wig installers in Hollywood. Jay has worked with Bhad Bhabie for the last 4 years installing her very first wig when she was 15 years old – on the upcoming music video Jay says “The looks we were giving are unapologetic.”

Jay’s fresh, experimental take in hair and lace wigs has earned him not only opportunities but support from a grand variety of artists and influencers. Thus, creating iconic memorable looks such as Nicki Minaj’s recent pink hair for Bia’s “Whole Lotta Money” Remix video, Kylie Jenner’s 2019 mermaid look with bright red waves as well as her Marilyn Monroe inspired cover for V Magazine.

This past year, he introduced Cardi B to bright red bangs and left Chrissy Teigen with lavender tresses. His signature rainbow wigs have been installed on beauty icons Jeffree Star and rapper Tekashi 69 and he has reimagined other styles on clients including Blac Chyna, Iggy Azalea, Kendall Jenner, Saweetie, Lil Kim, Yung Miami, Ashanti, and Nikita Dragun.

Jay says, “I feel that it’s rare to see a young Latino, young boy, with the understanding of different textures, laces, and colors. Normally, the specialization is in one thing like coloring and styling —not encapsulating all of the arts like braiding, making wigs, or installing wigs in. I learned how to do all of it.”

His personal relationships with his clients are largely due to the comfortability they feel upon getting their hair touched by Jay. Hairdressers and salons in Black and Brown communities don’t only symbolize a moment of self-care but also a moment of escape, hair appointments are therapeutic for women of color.

Thanks to this hair therapy and the respectful approach he has built an ever-building catalog of prestigious clients. Jay also sells his customized colorful wigs online through his website www.famewithjay.com

“My clients tend to love me because they struggled so much. Back in the day, there wasn’t a variety in hair and makeup. There was no such thing as lace wigs. So people had to dye their hair. Nowadays when people get laced wigs, they don’t want the pressure of the lace showing. They’re so happy when they find someone that gives them exactly what they want. And they don’t have to worry about walking on a red carpet and with their lace showing.”

Jay is hosting a virtual master wig install class on October 17th. Go to Eventbrite for tickets.

Instagram @hair_by_jay1

Website http://www.famewithjay.com/

Tickets to Master Class http://www.hairbyjay.eventbrite.com/

Hip-Hop Artist Famoe Shares His Inspirational Musical Journey

By: Brxton Lee Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 6:17pmCategory: Music

Fabiano Montesano, better known for his stage name Famoe, is an English rapper who started his musical career with the name Fantastical. He was born in 1987 to Italian parents, but he’s currently based in Stuttgart, Germany, where he produces most of his music. He has worked with numerous recording labels during his career before deciding to launch his own record company called Rap & Rhymes Records.

Famoe’s career in entertainment began in 2001 when he joined a music video clip contest by MTV Germany, where he reached the final round. He joined another talent competition shortly after, performing his own cover of a song by American hip-hop rapper and singer Nelly. Famoe considers Nelly’s 2000 album Country Grammar as his inspiration to start his ventures in rap, which became instrumental in his music career.

Despite being new to the industry, Famoe decided to establish his own music label, which is what the world now knows as Rap & Rhymes Records. Through this company, he met Nino who works with him to produce his music, including his first EP, “Dancing in my Block.” Nino is an experienced mixer, so his services came in handy for Famoe, as he released his first single entitled “This Life.”

In 2006, Famoe finally released his first-ever studio album, which he called “The Italian Stallion.” The album was released with a circulation of around 1,000 compact discs, which coincided with the changing of his stage name. Famoe traveled to Boston in 2009 to work with Surefire Music Group who produced his album Xplicit. That same year, he recorded his two music videos as well, “Actin Like This” and “On and On.”

Famoe split with his manager in 2010, which paved the way for his collaboration on a dance production with Stephan Endemann. The finished material was entitled “To The Top,” a smash hit that reached in the compilation charts a number one and was on many international compilation charts a top ten in other places. Famoe also worked with Sony Music and Universal Music and merged his Rap & Rhymes Records with Roksolid Entertainment in England in 2010.

As a sub-label for Roksolid Entertainment, Famoe founded Rap & Rhymes Records Ltd. in London after dissolving his old record company. This was an excellent decision as his career continued soaring, even reaching number one on the German music channel Yavido with On & On. The first release under Rap & Rhymes Records Ltd. is a compilation Album called “Past, Present, Future,” inspiring the release of his mobile app.

Famoe shares that in his success, he boldly did things differently instead of going with the flow and following others. He wanted to be that unique artist that the music industry is sorely missing these days. He always desired to do things he’s passionate about, and for him, it’s all about music. His fans can see more of his journey through his Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeaccounts.

Famoe wants to set his mark as the music artist who dared to be different. He continues working to improve his artistry despite having spent years in the business already. For Famoe, it’s not about becoming the best musician, but it’s about loving what you do.

How Artist Pearl Energyy Emerged from Behind the Camera to Center Stage

By: Brxton Lee Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 6:10pmCategory: Music

Quality music has the power to unite people across the globe regardless of geographic and cultural differences, and through her enchanting records, songstress Pearl Energyy is doing just that. She has found a way to successfully stir up feelings we didn’t know existed.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pearl moved to Los Angeles for professional reasons. Originally entering the entertainment industry as Jade DelValle, a music video director who was responsible for crafting the visual images of numerous Louisiana and southern regional artists, her behind-the-camera work wasn’t successful in satiating her artistic craving. In 2017, Jade decided to leverage her skill set in video production to creatively construct her own image— That’s when she turned to recording music, and she hasn’t looked back since.

The Rebrand – An Alter Ego

Since 2017, Jade DelValle independently released 2 EP’s, 1 album, a few singles, and several self-produced music videos.

In spite of this, in 2019 she decided to rebrand herself and relaunch her music career under the name Pearl Energyy.

The rebrand was not just limited to her name, but her entire approach to music as well as her image. She describes Pearl Energyy as an alter ego, a persona kids, women, and men can relate to and fall in love with. The Pearl Energyy brandwas devised with international reach in mind, and the young, determined, talented singer/songwriter is determined to make a name in the world by producing organically, inspirational, and magnetic music.

Pearl Energyy’s Music Connects with Music Lovers

Music is the only thing that people love without discrepancy. All that it needs to do is reach and touch their hearts.

Pearl Energyy’s music is a breath of fresh air in an industry that is stagnating with stale trends, sounds, and styles. She brings a brand new perspective to the table.

Pearl has successfully touched countless lives and has givenkids, teens, young adults and adults the ability to dream bigger and better.

Her latest music video, “The Lavish Birthday Song”, was independently produced and released on her birthday – June 17. The mesmerizing music video was shot across exotic locations in the Maldives. The song symbolizes the celebration of her musical journey, and gives a glimpse of her potential. The melodious notes with vivid imagery based lyrics force you to sway and sing along. This combination has made the song an instant hit.

Pearl Energyy is working to give the music industry a new era of soulful and inspiring music that will uplift the community of music lovers and enthusiasts, and motivate them to achieve new feats in life. Step into “Pearl World” and hear music that has the potential to transform lives. Her sonic and visualmagic is already evident in her current vast fan base.

What makes her unique is her dedication and passion for music. She isn’t preoccupied with fame or glory. All that she truly cares about is her art and its power to inspire and resonate with others. She certainly is one of the most promising singers with the potential to take the music industry to a whole new level.

Rooga Kind Of Confirms Kanye West And Offset Will Be On The “GD Anthem” Remix

By: Charlton Wallace Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 6:04pmCategory: News

During an interview with Clark Street Collective, Chicago-based rapper Rooga hinted that Kanye West and Offset will appear on the remix of his summer hit “ GD Anthem.”

On July 4th, 2021 Rooga dropped the street banger dedicated to Gangster Disciple gang members and reflects how the GDs broke down barriers to get into the music industry after being blackballed.

The song went viral and is currently sitting at 5.3 million views.

“GD Anthem” was reportedly played a lot during the DONDA studio sessions helmed by Kanye West.

Rooga is featured on “OK OK Part 1 & 2” off “DONDA which also featured Fivio Foreign, Lil Yachty, and Shenseea.

Lil Durk, who is also featured on “DONDA on the song “Jonah,” and Rooga come from known viral neighborhoods in Chicago’s southside. Fans were highly surprised Kayne West was able to get both to agree to be on the same album even though they appeared on separate tracks.

Rooga was the cousin of Chicago rapper, FBG Duck. FBG Duck died in 2020. Duck always expressed in interviews and songs that the GDs were blackballed from the music industry because members of rival neighborhoods made it in the rap business first.

Rooga seems to break that curse and “GD Anthem” reflects that.

Man Dies From Heart Attack After Being Turned Away From 43 Hospitals – Thanks To COVID Patients

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 4:02pmCategory: News

An Alabama man has lost his life due to the COVID-19 virus.

However, he wasn’t even infected. Here is how.

Ray DeMonia was suffering from heart complications and was immediately rushed to the local hospital in Meridian, Alabama. The hospital had no beds available because of the uptick in the coronavirus.

The hospital staff started calling around to find an opening but could not find a bed for the ailing man.

DeMonia, still in heart failure had to wait, as the medical professionals called 43 hospitals across three different states.

But amid the surging Delta variant crisis, all of the other hospitals were also filled to the brim with poor souls sick due to complications from COVID-19.

The 73-year-old man finally died while being transported 200 miles away to the only hospital with an open bed ready to provide medical attention.

DeMonia’s cause of death was cardiac failure, but clearly, the lack of attention from the hospitals added to why he transpired.

The antique business owner experienced the heart attack days before his birthday.

On the day of his death, the United States released the report which stated that 180,000 new persons were diagnosed with the coronavirus and the majority of those affected by the virus (and taking up the beds) were people who reside in the South.

In August, his native Alabama had a huge jump in diagnoses. It is no coincidence that the Alabama Health Department is reporting that despite the constant push from some Democratic politicians, only 50% of those eligible for the vaccine have even received at least half of the dose.

DeMonia’s family is encouraging people to go get vaccinated.

Please find his obituary here.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Arrested By Cops In The UK

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 1:58pmCategory: News

Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie was supposed to be one of the highlights of the wireless festival in the UK.
But he never made it to the stage – thanks to cops in the UK.
A Boogie was arrested on Saturday afternoon (September 11) shortly before his set at the Wireless Festival, which featured big-name artists like Meek Mill, Migos, Skepta, and others, including Drake, who made a surprise appearance.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMG4aPXSlP0
Although he didn’t go into details, A Boogie wit da Hoodie said an incident from his past came back to haunt him when he was in the United Kingdom.
In an all cap message A Boogie wrote:
“SMH SORRY TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SEE ME AT WIRELESS, LONDON POLICE LOCKED ME UP BEFORE I WENT ON STAGE FOR SOMETHING I WAS ACCUSED OF 2 YEARS AGO. I’M OK AND I’LL TRY MY BEST TO MAKE IT UP TO YOU GUYS” a Boogie said. According to reports, A Boogie wit da Hoodie was released on bail. He’s due back for a court date at some point later this year.
The rapper has managed to stay clear of the law for almost two years.
His last major dust-up was in December of 2020 when police in New Jersey raided a house he lived in and found high-powered weapons and ammunition.
In January, A Boogie was also sued for ruining a house he rented from a doctor and his wife in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Congrats! Biggie Smalls Daughter T’yanna Wallace Expecting A Baby Baby!

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 11:56amCategory: News

Baby, Baby!!!

T’yanna Wallace probably can hear her father’s voice, belly-busting with joy. Hip-Hop’s baby girl and daughter of Notorious B.I.G. is about to pass her crown down to a new little girl.

She shared her baby shower with the world, reminding us of what true rap royalty looks like. It looks like love.

The color scheme was gold, pink, and white and revealed Biggie’s new granddaughter’s name: Thailah.

In her father’s place, her uncle Damion “D-Roc” Butler attended in support of the almost new mother. Also, in attendance were other members of Junior Mafia, her dad’s crew. Lil Cease was all smiles as he hugged his niece.

T’yanna posted on her Instagram, “I heard another Princess is being born Thank you too everybody who showed love to me & Ty, & thank you @alyiv for always helping my vision come to life! We appreciate everybody.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTsYAm8PCdU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Another daughter of a Hip-Hop legend, Destiny Jones (her dad is the GRAMMY Award-winning Nasir “Nasty Nas” Jones), commented on the post with the love, understanding and support that only rap royalty can offer. She said, “Congrats Sis!!!!” followed by for pulsating pink hearts.

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At 27-years-old, Tyanna was about three, when her father was murdered in Los Angeles.

Born into notoriety, her father rapped on his single “Juicy” off of the Ready to Die album, “Livin’ life without fear. Puttin’ five karats in my baby girl’s ear.”

Her dad put those diamonds in her ear, but her Brooklyn hustle spirit keeps them on her neck, wrist, and fingers. The fashion designer and entrepreneur (she currently has a pizza business in LA with Jam Master Jay’s daughter Tyra Myricks called Juicy Pizza) is worth $20 million according to Celebrity Networth.

September 11: How We Lost Our Collective Souls

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Sep 12, 2021 at 12:00amCategory: Exclusives

I did not cry when September 11 happened.

I cried for the first time last Tuesday, 20 years later.

It was Spike Lee’s impressive, yet triggering “NYC Epicenters 9/11-> 2021½” that did it. The 4-part series is like a skeleton key to all the trauma one like myself may have experienced while living in New York City. I did not shed a tear when those rogue passenger planes struck the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or when United Airlines Flight 93 went down in Somerset County, PA. That does not mean I wasn’t emotional. I mean I was trying to conjure up courage from places I did not know existed. I have never known a fear so pure.

SEPT 11, 2001. The Morning.

I could’ve died or suffered irreparable damage to my body, mind, and soul on September 11, 2001. It all started so regularly. I worked at a very small independent marketing company in Manhattan next to the Empire State Building. I took the subway train, ready for anything or so I thought. As a new New Yorker, I knew to take everything I needed with me at all times. This included a digital camera, my 2-way pager, notebooks, computer, and other miscellaneous things. When the D-train came above ground, the North Tower was smoking, as American Airlines Flight 11 had already struck it. I snapped crappy pictures with my digital camera and began to respond to text messages on my pager. Initially, I was told a missile hit the tower. My first impulse was to hop off at the first stop, which was Grand Street, and head over to the mayhem.

So glad…so very glad I did not. From that day on, nothing, and I mean nothing would ever be the same.

X X X

Since 9/11, everything has felt like a lie, a half-truth, a piece of propaganda, a conspiracy theory, a puffy story to tear at the heartstrings, a living dystopian novel, and more. But I, after watching two planes fly into the buildings Biggie once rapped about, could never understand how these people – these terrorists – hijacked commercial planes, got past all protections and securities to perpetuate the ballsiest attack on America since Pearl Harbor. To this day, I have never gotten the answer. Then, we attacked Iraq, then under the rule of President Saddam Hussein even though it was presumably Bin Laden and Al Qaeda that orchestrated the dastardly act.

The rappers of the day saw things differently than what the mainstream media was pumping. Rappers like Immortal Technique later emerged as loud, unapologetically rebellious voices that not only challenged convention but aggressively postured themselves against the forces of tyranny as they saw it. Many questioned everything that was being propagated on the news and in the media. Even Jadakiss, the man of the hour in 2021, boldly asked, “Why did Bush knock down the towers?” in his 2004 single “Why.” Technique flipped the quote with an assist from Mos Def and Eminem, removed the “why,” making it a statement: “Bush knocked down the towers” on his underground shocker “Bin Laden.” It was not just rappers asking questions either. Eventually, dots were being connected all over.

There were movies like “Loose Change” (and all the subsequent re-edits) and “Fahrenheit 9/11” (still the highest-grossing documentary of all time) that went even farther than the rappers. The onion was slowly being peeled, layer by layer, and it continues to the present day. We have seen a loss of privacy rivaled by books like “1984.” A maniacal, irrational faux patriotism has arisen. Civil liberties were close to non-existent, all in the name of protecting us from another attack. War profiteers won. Domestic Terror was no longer just preying on Black people and Indigenous citizens anymore. Sweeping forms of xenophobia, particularly against Muslims, became acceptable. My business partner, who is bi-racial, was often mistaken for a “Middle Eastern” man – at parties, hotels, the airport – all because he wears a big beard and is fashionably challenged (Laugh, G). They were just scared. Over and over and over and over…they were just scared.

Hip-Hop took a different position. Here’ what some rappers told AllHipHop a year afterward:

“Nobody would care if planes hit the projects. I’m from the bottom so my feelings on 9/11 is: “sh#t happens.” – 50 Cent

“When I get on the plane I take two Sprite cans and two pillow cases. Now you can’t kill somebody who already wanna die, but you can adminster some immense pain.” – Scarface

“I feel like our country does a lot of dirt that’s kept from the awareness of the American people. It jeopardizes the lives of many citizens when the victims of our own government do things to retaliate.” – Kool G. Rap

“The United States as a whole has been oppressing people and killing innocent people for a long, long time and these are facts. You can only beat someone down before they stand up and say “‘hell no.'” – Mystic

“I truly felt like going to war.” – Canibus on his song “Draft Me”

X X X

September 11, 2001. The Evening.

It was not until about 7 pm in the evening until I decided to leave work. By that time, there was nobody else there. My co-workers left. For the duration of the day, I had watched the planes penetrate the magnificent structures of the Twin Towers over and over and over and over. I figured there was enough protection on the subways and the bridges too, even though there was a rumored plot to bomb the George Washington Bridge. I overcame the fear and went home.

There is one more thing worth mentioning.

Working so close to the Empire State building was weird too. I will never forget the dread of being next to the 102-story skyscraper on the scariest day ever. Downstairs people had evacuated but simply stood around as if they were waiting for something else to happen. Just about everybody thought that another plane could take down the Empire State Building. They just stood around waiting until they went home.

The first part of Spike Lee’s documentary series deals with the New York plight of Covid-19 and attempts to line up the parallels. Again, the fear. Again, the myriad of opposing positions. Again the mistrust. Again the media. Again the president(s). The xenophobia (this time with the Asian community) Again.

So where are we now?

SEPT 11, 2021. TODAY.

When 9/11 happened, there was a sense of closeness on the surface, as shared tragedy tends to bring unity and even intimacy. 20 years have passed and that feeling of a common enemy, or a Great Evil, that hit us. Since those terroristic attacks, which were not only in New York, our relationship to each other has deteriorated. The selfless sacrifices of those heroes at Ground Zero feel hollow now. Our communities are in shambles, in constant conflict and there has been a rise of a new Great Evil, one we refuse to acknowledge. Domestic terror. The Patriot Act. Donald Trump. Insurrectionists. TF.

We should never forget that 2,969 American people perished on Sept. 11 and others suffered in the aftermath. 1,690,903 Iraqi people died. 48,644 Afghan people died. 35,000 Pakistani people died. Over 660,000 Americans have died of Covid-19. More confusion and fear and a tighter holding pattern. Covid is the new terror, but people aren’t as scared. Many just don’t give a damn anymore.

And to this day, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten an answer to “Why?”

Polo G Bought His Grandmother An Amazing Gift

By: Mike Winslow Updated Sep 11, 2021 at 10:01pmCategory: News

Rap star Polo G may have run into some legal problems last week, but that is not stopping him from flexing his business muscles.

The rapper revealed he has just obtained one of his most important goals now that he is famous and wealthy.

Polo G, born Taurus Tremani Bartlett, recently paid a hefty sum to purchase his grandmother a mansion to move her out of the “hood.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpXeKLFbA8/

“I finally just closed on buyin my granny a house🤞🏾when I was a lil boy I used to tell ha I was gone get rich & make it happen when I grow up,” Polo G said. “I used to think I was gone do it from hoopin or sum😭Who woulda thought bad ass Lil man man was gone b a rapper lol….this s### hit different tho 🖤🖤🖤🖤.”

The Chicago rapper has come a long way since bursting on the scene in 2018 as a SoundCloud Drill rapper.

His 2019 debut album Die a Legend went platinum, as did his follow-up release The Goat.

But his biggest success so far is his 2021 album Hall of Fame, which debuted at # 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 charts upon its release last June and is also platinum.

Last week, Polo G ran afoul of the law in Los Angeles, California when police found a gun inside of a vehicle he was traveling in.

Pop Smoke Tomb Tore Up By Disrespectful Vandals

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Sep 11, 2021 at 9:54pmCategory: News

Rapper Pop Smoke can’t rest – not even in death.

The late rapper has seen more success since he transitioned in February of 2020 after he was shot and killed during a botched robbery in Los Angeles.

It seems pop still has his share of haters – and some of them have taken it to another, sick level.

According to TMZ, some weirdos targeted his Brooklyn gravesite and vandalized his final resting place in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Unknown perpetrators smashed pops marble plaque bearing the rapper’s real name Bashar Barakah Jackson.

The would-be grave robbers tried to get into Pop Smoke’s tomb, presumably to defile his body.

So far, it’s unclear if they were successful in accessing the late rapper’s body, or if his casket managed to remain intact.

The person who stumbled upon the vandalism notified security at Green-Wood Cemetery but they were clueless until the person brought the disrespect to their attention.

The police are currently investigating the matter.