Little Brother asked their fans to not support a repressing of their critically acclaimed album The Minstrel Show.
After Fat Beats announced more vinyl copies of the LP would be available on its online store, Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh spoke out against the reissue. Both Little Brother members told fans to avoid buying The Minstrel Show vinyl because the two aren’t getting paid from it.
“I see ABB Records has decided to put up a repress of The Minstrel Show on vinyl instead of answering for 16 years of non payment on TMS or answering for 18 years of non payment for The Listening,” Big Pooh tweeted. “Humbly asking that you not support bad business practices. Thank you for listening.”
I see ABB Records has decided to put up a repress of The Minstrel Show on vinyl instead of answering for 16 years of non payment on TMS or answering for 18 years of non payment for The Listening. Humbly asking that you not support bad business practices. Thank you for listening.
Although The Minstrel Show was released by Atlantic Records in 2005, Big Pooh noted ABB Records maintained the vinyl rights. Little Brother dropped their debut album The Listening via ABB in 2003.
“Atlantic Records own all platforms except vinyl, ABB retained vinyl rights when we initially signed to Atlantic,” Big Pooh mentioned on Twitter.
Phonte also addressed the situation, clarifying that he had no problem with Fat Beats. But like Big Pooh, he wanted fans to avoid buying The Minstrel Show vinyl – and not stream The Listening – due to Little Brother’s ongoing money issues with ABB.
“I have no smoke with @fatbeats, but @abbrecords can get the entire f### outta here,” he wrote on Instagram. “Either way, my brother @rapperbigpooh and I are asking that you don’t support any LB vinyl represses and stop running The Listening on all streaming platforms until Ben Nickleberry Jr. aka Beni B. of @abbrecords honors his f###### word and pays us what we’re owed. Thank you for listening. #LBbizness.”
Following Phonte and Big Pooh’s comments, Fat Beats deleted its Instagram post announcing the vinyl repressing of The Minstrel Show. The longtime Hip-Hop shop and distributor also took down the listing on its online store.
Michael B. Jordan’s relationship has the seal of approval from his girlfriend’s dad.
The “Black Panther” star confirmed he was dating Lori Harvey on Instagram in January and now her father, comedian Steve Harvey has heaped praise on the actor, saying it’s the first time she’s been happy in a relationship.
Speaking to People, the 64-year-old “Family Feud” host said: “I don’t speak publicly about this type of stuff, but I’m happy for my daughter right now.
“I really am. It’s the first time I’ve been happy for her (in a relationship). And it’s the first time she’s been happy.”
He added of Michael: “He’s just a good guy. If he wasn’t, get him out of here, ’cause I have ways. But I can’t say nothing bad, man. He’s just got a great family, man. He’s a spiritual guy.”
And after Michael was previously named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Steve joked that doesn’t really carry any clout as far as he’s concerned.
“He’s not the sexiest man alive to me, at all,” he laughed. “I haven’t seen it. I haven’t seen anything sexy yet. But I’m a father. I don’t give a damn if you (are) cute. I just want somebody to treat my princess the way I treat her.”
And Lori has no complaints in that department, after dating Trey Songz, and Future, who dissed her publicly.
She opened up on U.S. TV talk show “The Real” about what an attentive boyfriend her other half is.
“Even the other day, I had just been saying I really just wanted to go to a farmer’s market, so he called me one Sunday morning and was like, ‘What are you doing? I’m going to come pick you up.’ And he took me an hour away to this really cute farmer’s market and we had the best day. So, it’s things like that,” she smiled.
“I really do believe in the statement when they say, ‘when you know you know.’ And I think that really applies to our situation and we just have a really good time together. He’s so sweet, very attentive. He listens to me and the things that I say that I want and he really makes an effort.”
Stormzy helped a musician get signed after meeting him in a supermarket.
The rapper was approached by Dylan Walker at a Sainsbury’s store in south west London earlier this year, when the man explained that he had quit his job in banking for a career in music.
He played one of his tracks for Stormzy, who was so impressed he took his email address and started helping him out.
This led to Dylan landing a management deal and receiving interest from many record labels – and Stormzy also shared the track with his pal Ed Sheeran.
Dylan was shocked to later receive a video from the pair, where Stormzy said: “Yo Dylan, that song is so sick. Someone else wanted to let you know how sick they think it is as well.”
Ed added: “Man, fantastic. Keep writing songs every single day and just enjoy every second of it.”
Meanwhile, Stormzy recently revealed he is determined to spread “love and positivity” and, although he doesn’t like to boast about the things he’s done to help people, he’s determined to make a positive difference.
He told i-D magazine: “I say I’m just trying to spread love and positivity.
“I don’t even want to reel off the good things we’re doing… We’ve got a platform, we’ve got resources, and in whatever way we can spread that love and positivity we do.”
Suddenly, Reverse went in for the kill. He had everyone in the audience throw various items on the floor, ranging from cell phones to sneakers to backpacks. The Cuban rapper then proceeded to freestyle about the objects, hurling bar after bar towards his fellow finalist Mobetho. It was a stunning climax to the brackets-style rap competition. “I think Reverse really shined through with some of his punchlines, lines that make the crowd react and definitely made me react,” famed rapper Snow Tha Product admitted after the battle.
The U.S. finals of Red Bull Batalla took place over the weekend with 16 ferocious emcees representing numerous aspects of the Latino Hip-Hop diaspora. We know battle rap well here in the States, but Batalla is unique and different. Reverse ( @reverse_tcr ), an Orlando, Floridian of Cuban descent, will travel to Chilé for the international finals, where he’ll face off with emcees from all over the world. There are whispers that the caliber of emcee there will be far more daunting and intense. Red Bull Batalla – the world’s largest Spanish freestyle rap competition – was nothing less than lit.
Lit, but tense. Snow, who acted as a Batalla judge, admitted that she did not want to mess up.
“It was difficult (judging the battle). I was nervous. If I f##k this up, somebody’s fans are about to crucify me,” Snow said. “I just wanted to be fair and pay attention, which is why I looked so concentrated.” Each contestant had a different accent, dialect, and slang, which made it hard to pick the winner. Snow said she looked at all things, then decided who advanced in the U.S. finals along with her other four judges EEl B, Cacha, Jony Beltran, and Cabra.
Snow Tha Product – Red Bull Batalla Judge
All of the rhymes are stated in Spanish so there may be a language barrier for some audience members, but energy and vibrations translate rather easily. The flows do as well. The beats were ridiculously dope at the live taping of U.S. finals of Red Bull Batalla as commandeered by DJ Del’Alma, the unspoken hero of the competition. In each lyrical bout, the artists are forced to rap over unique tracks, changing their flows and approach during the Saturday evening at a Hollywood, California studio. The range of the diaspora is on full display.
Cabra, a music producer who acted as a judge said this competition is not as simple as besting the competition through brute force.
“I am looking at continuity of ideas, logic in the ideas, and flow also. Rhythm.” Cabra said. “A lot of rappers [default to] ‘I’m the best,’ but there are several ways to say you are the best. You don’t have to say you are the best to be the best. So, if you can do it in a clever way or a humorous way, I think that’s more powerful.”
The United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world, and Hip-Hop is indigenous to the land so, the strength is more than implied. Red Bull Batalla started as a small, underground movement to one of the largest events in music in 15 years. It is burgeoning into a full-blown culture within another full-blown culture, that celebrates lyrically gifted Hispanic individuals.
Adonys and Jordi talk to Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur in Hollywood
Energy aside, the core elements of Hip-Hop are here, which includes hunger, drive, passion and purpose.
Jordi, also known as The Texas Champ, does not mince words with the importance of Red Bull Batalla.
“It’s like a dream,” he said. “This is the top…(as far as) you can go as far as freestyle. I love the freestyle. Some people try to separate freestyle from Hip-Hop, but I love rap.”
Adonys, a Dominican by way of New York, echoed Jordi’s sentiments.
“For us to be here, I don’t think people understand how big this is. We are the top 16 best freestylers in the United States,” he says. “I have been watching Red Bull Batalla since I was 10-years old. It’s crazy. And then in Hip-Hop, people don’t understand there’s Hip-Hop, Rap, and a branch of rap called Freestyle. People that know Hip-Hop, know this.
Make no mistake, Reverse was a classic upset. At 19, he’s been freestyling for a relatively short period of time. However, like so many young people he’s ambitious and unrelenting in his push forward. These balls of energy are from the bottom or the beginning. Most do not yet have a career rapping. They are here for the love and the undying spirit of competition that lives within the culture. Pure instinct propels them forward. Even though Jordi was eventually bested by Eckonn of Venezuela in the quarterfinals, it is almost certain that he’ll be back.
There are five more battles that lead up to the global finals in December: Perú, España, Dominica, Argentina, and Ecuador. Reverse was the toast of the after-party, with many of the combatants flocking to him.
Jada Pinkett Smith celebrated her 50th birthday with a 70s-themed skating party.
Jada and her husband Will Smith built the skating rink at their Los Angeles home for the bash and they were joined by some of her showbiz pals, including MC Lyte, Toni Braxton and Charlie Mack.
A source told the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column: “It was the happiest I’ve ever seen them.”
Guests were all asked to provide shoe and sock sizes before arriving for the party.
Jada Pinkett Smith – who has been married to Will since 1997 – and her pals all enjoyed a night to remember on the rink.
The insider shared: “It was probably the best time anyone has ever had, and the DJ played the best music. It was mostly ’70s … it was like a ’70s party.”
Will, 52, didn’t take to the rink because he’s currently in the middle of shooting a film.
However, Jada “skated the whole entire time, and her mom was out there skating the whole time too”.
And although guests were required to undertake a COVID test before attending the bash, the event was staged in typical “Smith family style.”
The source said: “There was no product placement. It was in Smith family style. They paid for everything.”
Beyoncé wished Wale a happy birthday in her own unique way on Tuesday.
In honor of Wale turning 37 years old, Beyoncé put up a special banner for him on her official website. Right under her site’s header, the home page featured a giant “Happy birthday Wale” message alongside a photo of him as a child.
A day prior to his birthday, Wale mentioned Beyoncé in a list of famous Virgos – including himself.
“Tmrw is the ultimate Virgo day,” he wrote on Twitter. “MJ Virgo BEYONCÉ Virgo . NAS. Virgo . OLUBOWALE FOLARIN. Virgo . Please respect our tribe.”
Wale spent much of his birthday replying to the many well wishes on Twitter. Fellow rappers such as DeJ Loaf and Casey Veggies, actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. and NBA guard Isaiah Thomas were among the notable names celebrating him on social media.
Even Wale’s hometown Washington Football Team joined in to show love to the veteran rapper.
Wale expressed his appreciation for the kind words and shared an update on his next album. While he intended to announce the release date on his birthday, sample clearances got in the way of his plans.
“Thank everybody for the Bday love,” he wrote. “I was gonna announce my release date today but once again we have another sample issue that could have/should have been rectified.I guess everything happens for a reason . I’m super grateful for all the love and always #heavyonthegratitude.”
Wale’s last album, Wow… That’s Crazy, dropped in October 2019. His latest single, “Down South” featuring Maxo Kream and Yella Beezy, can currently be heard in the television intro for WWE’s NXT brand.
Quality Control Music, EMPIRE and Top Dawg Entertainment have become investors in a new social media platform called Riff.
The app features room-based interactions that combine voice and video chat with music. Riff includes a revenue model that allows creators to monetize everything from mobile concerts and listening parties to sponsorships and merch drops within the app.
“We’re always looking for opportunities for our artist,” Quality Control’s CEO Pierre Thomas said. “Riff gives them a new way to connect with their fans and monetize the work they put in daily. We’re honored to be part of the Riff team.”
In addition to Quality Control’s investment, its COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee will serve on Riff’s board of directors.
Lee stated, “Riff created an entirely new category – culture media. It combines the best of everything we do on social media. It was a no-brainer investment for QC.”
Riff licenses music from major and independent labels to deliver high fidelity audio. EMPIRE’s involvement provides access to an extensive roster of indie artists.
“The Riff tech is world-class,” EMPIRE’s founder Ghazi Shami said. “Riff’s ability to integrate the best facets of social media is next level. EMPIRE is all in to leverage Riff on behalf of our global artist roster.”
Riff allows artists to generate streams when their music is played in the app. Rooms can hold up to a million users, providing labels like TDE with a new way to leverage its dedicated fanbase.
“Tech innovation and music go hand in hand and Riff is leading the new wave for apps,” TDE’s CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith said. “I’ve always been about reaching for the next level challenge, so I’m excited for TDE to invest in this breakthrough.”
Riff’s EVP Brandon “BL” Lewis wants to bridge the gap between culture and tech. Lewis thinks bringing in Quality Control, EMPIRE and TDE as investors will help Riff accomplish that.
“For too long the culture has constantly driven advancements in technology but has never played a part in the ownership,” he said. “Based on the culture’s influence, these companies are being acquired for billions, and we are not a part of that conversation – the buck stops here.”
Riff is available to download on Apple’s app store. Check out its official website here.
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.
