While still gearing up for the release of his 2021 album “Game Over,” Moosei Moo is set to drop a brand new hip-hop/rap single which he titles “Mac Attack” on September 1st, 2021. Moosei who is known for unrivaled delivery and extraordinary artistry hints that “Mac Attack” will be just another banging hip-hop/song in 2021. Moosei promises to incorporate authentic hip-hop elements from both the contemporary and old-school/hardcore front. For Moosei, authenticity and originality remain the bedrock of his artistry. “Mac Attack” will be just another testament to this. “Mac Attack” will be available on all digital platforms for streaming and downloads from September 1st, 2021.
Roderick Parnell, professionally known as Moosei Moo, was born in the city of Mobile, Alabama. Although born in Mobile, Moosei is originally from South Central Los Angeles. For Moosei, music started at quite a young age as he recalls listening to Aretha Franklin with his mom while growing up as a kid. A major influence in Mossei’s musical life was his brother KK. Moosei’s brother KK belonged to a West Coast musical duo known as “Second To None.” This, to a great extent, influenced Moosei’s earliest decision to become a musician.
Apart from his brother’s influence on him as a kid, Moosei would also watch his friend DJ Quick ‘get busy’ in the studio. This fascinated and inspired Moosei to choose music as his path. These experiences became part of his major influences in the formative years of his music. At the age of five, Moosei started playing the guitar in church; he felt a deep love and passion for music and according to him, he knew he was ready and that music had chosen him.
Being an artist that tilts more towards the use of live sounds, Moosei listens to musicians like DJ Quik, Bone Thugs N Harmony, and Drake for artistic inspiration. According to him, he listens to them for ‘real music content.’ Moosei’s earliest musical influences include musicians like Kenny McCloud, Suga Free, Aretha Franklin, Curtis, Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, and BB King. Explaining his love for ‘real music,’ Moosei had this to say – “… its real music using real instruments, and it just isn’t like that anymore.” He describes his music and mission as “truth; the real street gospel.”
Moosei’s new album “Game Over” executively produced by himself [Moosei Moo] and Teddy Ballgame Theus, is set to drop this year. Also, he is planning for a world tour which will happen sometime in January next year. Sonically, it is fair to compare Moosei to artists like Ice Cube, E40, and Suga Free. According to Moosei, his greatest inspiration comes from his kids, parents, and music.
His death is being investigated by homicide detectives in the city.
“We are in a deep state of grief and processing this loss,” a family statement to the San Francisco Chronicle reads. “We are awaiting further details from the hospital at this time so we can understand exactly what happened and determine our next steps.”
Reports suggest police responded to calls from patients and staff at the hospital “about a male involved in a physical altercation with nurses and hospital security officers.”
The man died as police determined he needed immediate medical assistance.
Leading the tributes to Gaines, Zion I co-founder Amp Live, wrote: “I have no way of really letting you know the sadness that I am feeling right now.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSmhvRmFRV2/
“We built something special together. Zion I was organic and was real with no barriers. We built this group from ground zero. Built something up that enabled us to travel the world, many times. My heart right now is just shattered. I would not be who I am today without my brother.”
Baba Zumbi, K-Genius, and Amp Live founded Zion I in Oakland, California in the late 1990s.
They released their debut studio album, Mind over Matter, in 2000. The band’s other hit albums included Deep Water Slang and 2005’s True & Livin’, which featured appearances from Talib Kweli and Aesop Rock.
Ludacris has got yet another gig. This time, he is stamping Jif peanut butter with his incredibly strong brand.
The Chicago-born but ATL-repping rapper is the central character for J.M. Smucker’s new marketing campaign for the peanut butter.
The unique campaign actually has a rollout that is far greater than a commercial. Ludacris, an artist known to interject creativity and humor into his work, is dropping a full song called “Butter ATL.”
The song was released the second week of August and is available on all DPS platforms.
The campaign is called “The Lil Jif Project” and the commercial “The Return” was directed by GRAMMY award-winning director Dave Meyers. While Meyers was able to capture the old school vs. new school contrast that happens in the commercial, only the “Throw Them Bows” rapper could make it hot.
Essentially, the commercial implies Luda’s flow can’t hit with the current era of rap. But once he takes one scoop of the Jif peanut butter, he starts to rhyme in what most people call “mumble” rap fashion, which gets the attention of fellow ATL rapper Gunna.
That’s when the producers in the room all went crazy, claiming his rap is a hit.
Shout out to Meyers for some cool conceptual moves.
Luda starts the commercial with braids (like he rocked on the cover of his Def Jam debut album Back for the First Time). Then when his mouth is filled with Jif peanut butter and he is rapping like he is a member of Migos, he has the full afro!
The commercial is part comedy, part cultural critique, and the other part endorsement deal.
The estate of founding Gang Starr member/legendary rapper Guru has filed a lawsuit against his former business partner, John “Solar” Mosher.
The Executors of Guru’s estate are his sister Patricia Elam and former Guru Productions employee, Lana Veyda.
They are suing Solar over claims he plundered the rapper’s estate, lied under oath, concealed assets, and even cashed out Guru’s life insurance policy while looting his retirement fund.
Guru’s estate originally took Solar to court in February of 2015, and following a bench trial, Solar was ordered to turn over to the estate property that he stole from Guru.
According to the lawsuit, a court thoroughly discredited Solar’s testimony that the rapper had gifted Solar shares of his corporations, tens of thousands of dollars in cash, and ownership of lucrative trademarks in the months before his death from cancer on April 19, 2010.
Disgracefully, the court also found that he never authorized Solar to sign his name to legal papers, which ultimately diverted the payment of royalty streams from Guru and into Solar’s pockets.
According to a judgment, no shares, ownership interest, or rights in three of Guru’s corporations are, or were ever legitimately owned by or transferred to Solar.
The court also permanently restrained and enjoined Solar from any involvement with, or directly or indirectly, utilizing licensing, or any of Guru’s Gang Starr or “Jazzmatazz” trademarks and logos.
In March, and again in June of 2021, the late rapper’s estate attempted to question Solar, who invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions.
Guru’s estate insists Solar has been lying about numerous assets he is holding on to, which have a significant value that could help settle the $114,000 debt he owes to Guru’s estate.
For instance, Solar failed to disclose his 50% ownership in a real estate property in Jamaica, and he also lied about his ownership stake in a variety of corporations.
Solar was also caught selling 30 unreleased songs made by Guru for $150,000, 6 months after he filed for bankruptcy.
Patricia Elam says Solar is holding dozens of unreleased songs by Guru hostage, which he also failed to disclose to the court.
Guru’s estate also asserted that Solar has falsely presented himself to the public as the owner of numerous copyrights related to an album by Gang Starr, and he also had the nerve to send cease and desist notices, and copyright takedowns to a variety of platforms.
Solar’s despicable trickery did not end there.
In June of 2018, he had Denise Sandoval, the mother of his children, file for a trademark in an attempt to get the rights to the Gang Starr name.
The estate is also seeking $30,000 Solar received from Guru’s AFTRA Health Fund Group life insurance policy, which they say was illegally diverted and another $25,000 the rapper had stashed in a retirement fund.
Fellon Phelps aka Jonel Farmer is a respected community leader born and raised in the Glenville neighborhood who loves his city and says radio stations don’t support him and the local rappers and they must be heard. African American male Hip-Hop recording artist Fellon Phelps is from Cleveland Ohio and since his professional music career started in 2016 he has dropped Snapchat, Lebron James, and King of Ohio PT 1 in 2017, Hollywood, and 36 in 2018, We Not Cool, Whatever, and Gmail in 2019, and already in 2020.
Fellon Phelps released King of Ohio PT 2, Another Dead Opp, Downfall Mixtape, A Party, I Lick It, Ghetto Stallions, Bodies, African American Breed, Green Cross, Got Doe Live, The Legend of F.P, Cop killer, and Dead Homies, on May-19-2020 Malcolm X birthday Last Reigning Kingdom E.P on May 31, 2020, which is Fellon Phelps actual birthday and most of these projects came out all within the first 6 months of 2020 alone making his Portfolio strong. All his songs are available on all major music platforms, like his latest 4 singles D.G.A.F and I Did It produced by talented beat producer Corleone out of Cleveland Ohio America, and On The West, Amerikkka, and Blow produced by The Thrillz out of London, England which makes it a total of 31 different Projects made by Fellon Phelps.
So that’s 14 singles and 8 full albums over 62 new songs, now he is back stronger than ever. January-1-2021, Fellon Phelps is releasing 3 new singles with that Traditional/Gangster/Drill/Trap Hip-Hop called “Comfortable” and “Its Your Life”, and “The Ohio Show” both New Age Electronic Dance Music songs. Fellon Phelps wants to cross over to expand his career, and reach more fans in the White, Latino, Asian, Indian, and Black demographics and worldwide. He also has an unreleased song “Hangover” coming 1-1-2022.
Around NBA All-Stars weekend in Cleveland Ohio where Fellon Phelps will be performing over 25 times, Fellon released a bonus song for fans in March called the “Only Boss Move”s, the actual name of a record label Keedoe and him own and started together an idea Wild Child recording artist Keedoe created before they linked up. Phelps writes his own song lyrics and has bought exclusive rights to every beat he has ever recorded on. Fellon Phelps has proved he is the most consistent hardest working songwriter and performer of all time and we don’t see any competition for him he is the new savior of Rap music something the culture desperately needed and when asked he stated it’s about telling his story.
The Weeknd has made chart history in America by landing 88 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 with the same song.
His former number one hit, “Blinding Lights,” has now spent one more week on the countdown than Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive,” which spent 87 weeks in the Hot 100 in 2012 and 2014.
The Weeknd’s song debuted at number 11 in December, 2019 – and it’s still in the top 20, at 18. It spent 57 weeks in the top 10.
His latest hit, “Take My Breath,” is the Canadian pop star’s 13th top 10.
Meanwhile, The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” lands a second week at number one on the Hot 100, keeping Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” off the top of the chart. That track now spends a record-tying 11th week at number two.
Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” rises to three, as does Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” featuring SZA, at four.
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby, rounds out the new top five.
50 Cent has placed Eminem in his new “BMF” series and Hip-Hop’s best-selling rapper will be playing the notorious snitch, White Boy Rick.
The show, that will be semi-fiction but based on the real life drug-dealing Black Mafia Family conglomerate, will air on the subscription-based streaming service STARZ.
The Rap God’s scene will be short.
White Boy Rick has been one of the most despised FBI Informants in urban history.
The “rat’s” real name was Rick Wershe, and he was originally a young kid when start hustling drugs and guns. The Feds nabbed for cocaine possession.
After his arrest and conviction, he was sentenced to life in prison.
He was paroled and released at the age of 50 in June 2020. His story was captured in 2017 is a documentary called White Boyand a scripted film in 2018, White Boy Rick.
Rick claims he was duped into working for the FBI as an undercover agent when he was as young as 14, and then after serving his purpose for the bureau, left out to dry.
“I’m honored and appreciative of my good friend Em for supporting my new show BMF. We couldn’t do a show based in Detroit without incorporating the legend that is Eminem.”
This story of “love, kinship and capitalism in the pursuit of the American dream,” will be produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television in association with Lionsgate Television. Filmed in Atlanta,* BMF* will premiere Sept. 26 on Starz.
Terry Crews has spoken out on his stance on bathing after a journalist “misrepresented” his comments.
The 53-year-old “America’s Got” Talent host recently revealed he showers up to three times a day because he sweats so much, but added, “if you ain’t been sweating, you don’t need to shower.”
Journalist Richard Newby tweeted an article with Terry‘s comments and said, “I am 110% not surprised that every celebrity to come out as anti-bathing has been either white or Terry Crews,” prompting a Twitter exchange between the pair.
“But I am 110% surprised that you’re a ‘writer’ who actually never read the article…” said the “White Chicks” star, prompting Richard to reply: “But the thing is, I did, Terry.
“I’m glad you shower, man. That’s great. But the whole ‘First of all, if you ain’t been sweating, you don’t need to shower,’ fits under anti-bathing.”
Terry responded, “Ok Mr. Writer… who alive doesn’t sweat?”
Things got even more heated after a fan asked Richard, “Why do celebs come after you like that?,” who chimed: “Lol. I don’t care at all. If he wants to get defensive about the dumb thing he said about showering that’s on him.”
“I’m not defensive at all. You’re the award winning writer for @THR. I’m just an actor,” insisted Terry. “I clearly stated I am not anti-bathing yet you contend that’s what I meant. So you have no responsibility to be correct when you tweet?”
I'm not defensive at all. You're the award winning writer for @THR. I'm just an actor. I clearly stated I am not anti-bathing yet you contend that's what I meant. So you have no responsibility to be correct when you tweet? https://t.co/3cYnJEVKoD
The actor went on to say he doesn’t mind having a disagreement, “but it’s quite another thing to be misrepresented. Especially by a respected member of the media.”
At 60-years-old, pioneering emcee Melle Mel is in better shape than a millennial.
Nah, son! This is not hyperbole. The Hip-Hop statue, so chiseled like a bodybuilder that he goes by the nickname Muscle Simmons, actually beats the national obesity stat on American adults.
According to the CDC, 73.6% of adults 20-years-old and over are considered overweight/ obese.
But not the Bronx native… And he is now working with a local network to make sure that the Hip-Hop community is healthy.
Starting Wednesday, residents of the Boogie Down will get to watch his new show Grandmaster Fitness on BX OMNI Channels 67 Optimum/2133 FiOS in the Bronx and online at bronxnet.tv.
“You want to be strong, but you want to have that strength last,” says the lead vocalist and songwriter of the legendary Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. “The way that you get in the game and stay on top of your game is to be consistent with your workout…The workout is never over. You’re training today, to be able to come back into the gym tomorrow. We’re making a positive impact one rep and rhyme at a time.”
Grandmaster Fitness first launched in 2011 but has been on hiatus. Now that it’s back, fans have an opportunity to incorporate not just his exercise routine, but also pearls of wisdom.
The latest episode features Grandmaster Melle Mel and his guest BIG KD at Sessions Gym, and Certified Trainer/Gym Owner Leon Love at Lionheart Gym.
The re-broadcast on Thursday 8/19 at 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm, Friday 8/20 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturday 8/21 at 9:30 am and 6 pm, Sunday 8/22 at 8 am and 2 pm, Monday 8/23 at 6 am, 4:30 pm and 11 pm, Tuesday 8/24 at 1 pm and 9:30 pm, and Wednesday 8/25 at 3 pm, on BronxNet CH 67 Optimum / 2133 Fios in the Bronx and at www.bronxnet.tv.
R. Kelly’s lawyers claim all allegations related to him spreading herpes on purpose should be dismissed before his trial starts tomorrow (August 18) should be dismissed.
Several Jane Doe witnesses could take the stand against R. Kelly to testify that he knowingly infected them with herpes.
But R. Kelly’s legal team has been arguing his herpes, which he has supposedly had since 2003, should not be brought up during his trial.
R. Kelly’s defense team claims that under Section 2307 of the New York Public Health Law from 1943, herpes is a virus and not an “infectious venereal disease.”
Now, his legal team is using another defense: HIV.
R. Kelly’s lawyer Thomas A. Farinella said that “other case law indicates that infection with HIV is not a serious injury, since medical advances in recent years mean that HIV no longer poses a grave risk of death.”
R. Kelly Says HIV Is Not A Serious Injury
“If this [is] the case for HIV than herpes should not be judge differently,” Farinella added.
Opening statements for R.Kelly’s sex trafficking trial will be heard tomorrow (August 18).
An anonymous panel of seven men and five women will hear the case and weigh the facts. If R. Kelly is convicted, he is facing hundreds of years in prison.
R. Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he ran an “enterprise” with his bodyguards, managers, and other enablers, who recruited young women for the singer.
EKOH is not your average artist, he’s here to stand out amongst the rest.
Hailing from Las Vegas, the rising star prides himself in his unique, distinct, sound, blending the realms of alternative and hip-hop into one melting pot. With his versatility to switch between singing, songwriting, and rapping, EKOH is best known for his captivating hooks, comic book references, and undeniable flow.
Speaking on his sound, EKOH states it’s “a little outside the normal realm. We do a thing called Heart Hop, it’s what I branded. It’s a more genuine, heartfelt take on a lot of the more mainstream-sounding music. I keep everything very close to heart and very truthful to my own life, my experiences, things like that.”
And not for nothing, EKOH has been through hell in back, from struggles with substance abuse to issues within the family… but thankfully music would be his saving grace. Since 2017, EKOH has been building his fanbase independently, creating endearing bodies of work that evoke emotion and feelings from anyone who listens. Most recently, he unleashed his new project titled The D3tour, the latest installment of the album series (The Detour in 2018 and The De2our in 2020).
AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in Vegas?
EKOH: Vegas is a weird place to grow up in. Most people that grow up there, drugs are really big. Opiates are really big in Vegas, a lot of people got locked up in that. I was caught up in that for a little while, but the music scene in Vegas has always been tough. We don’t really have community in Vegas, like a lot of other cities have. If you go to LA, it has a big community, especially in music. Places like Denver, New York, spots like that, but Vegas never really had never had a professional sports team. We’re not used to rallying around one thing. We’re not used to having community, especially in music. It’s been building up in the last decade especially, but for a long time it was difficult.
AllHipHop: Biggest influences coming up?
EKOH: Growing up, Tupac was my #1. I was really into more underground s###, so a lot of Jedi Mind Tricks, Atmosphere, Murs, people like that.
AllHipHop: What’s your journey with substance abuse? How did music help?
EKOH: I went to rehab when I was 18. I got into drugs real early. It took a lot to get me into rehab, but once I finally got in there, I was lucky enough where I stayed sober since going in. The music was always a big deal therapeutic-wise, to express yourself and find a place to put all that energy into. Those feelings you have, or give back to other people that are in the same position as you were. Self-expression is incredibly important period. When it comes to addiction, it’s a lifelong thing and the recovery has to match that. I try and fit as much of that in my music as I can. Even if it’s not on the nose, it’s at least somewhere I can put my energy and my time, instead of into something that’s going to take me back.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name, EKOH?
EKOH: The definition of an echo is evidence of sound traveling. I always wanted whatever I did, my sound, my music to travel as far as possible. Reach as many people as possible.
AllHipHop: The D3tour album out now, how are you feeling?
EKOH: I’m feeling good. I’m feeling relieved. It’s always a relief to put out an album. Once it’s out and your fans receive it well, there’s a huge weight off the shoulders. I’m glad it’s finally out, I’m glad people are enjoying it as much as they have been. With the pandemic and everything, it’s been creating as much as possible. To be able to continue putting out music and put out an album, it’s been great. This one in particular has shown the most growth for me as an artist. Even when I listen back — the sounds we’re doing, the type of music that I’m making, the type of production, the features — all that stuff is for me the most mature project I’ve put out. The closest to where I’ve always wanted to be as an artist.
AllHipHop: Why the name, The D3tour, with the 3?
EKOH: It’s the third installment of this Detour series/ trilogy. The first one started really as a way for me to try new sounds, try doing different stuff with my music either lyrically or production-wise. It was a scapegoat for me to say “Alright if people don’t like this, I can tell them it was a detour from the norm. I can go back to what I was originally doing.” But I fell in love with what I was doing and the reaction was so well, I said “I’ma stay doing this for a little while and keep doing more of that.” That turned into The De2our, which was the album that came out last year, just continue more into The D3tour. This will be the last Detour at least for now, I ended on a trilogy. I didn’t want to go to 4, 5, 6. I wanted to end it on a third one. What started off as a sidetrack, a little side mission, ended up being what the main mission is all about.
EKOH: Each album cover was more of the journey. The first one started off going down a path of a nice road or a dark one. I tend to go down the harder road most times, the second album cover is more of that. The third album cover is really where it gets to the most difficult. You can tell in the artwork that it’s the most f##### up, the most destructed and torn apart. But on the horizon, there’s finally a destination.
AllHipHop: Why are you the “Martian”?
EKOH: Every once in awhile you get songs I feel like are bonus songs, that I didn’t intend on making or writing. I just got the beat. That song was a freebie because I was waiting for a session, and my session got pushed back for a day. I was in Atlanta, so I started writing to this beat. I like beats that make me feel a different way from my norm. That one was more of a confident, swaggy, more laid back vibe that I hadn’t been doing before. I wanted to play more with the delivery and the lyrics. I’ve always felt I’m outside of the norm: a little bit different, a little more weird than most people. I’m not going to fit in most places. People gotta come to me because I don’t necessarily get accepted into a lot of places. I have to really show my worth before people start letting me into a circle.
AllHipHop: Why do you feel like that?
EKOH: It’s paying my dues. I don’t even know if it’s necessarily true or if it’s the way I’ve always felt, and I project that out. I’ve always wanted to earn my spot. I’ve never wanted to be given respect, I want to earn it. I want to earn my spot in music, and I’ve finally done that. Even in the local scene, I was never really totally accepted or accepted by local publications. I was written off like “he doesn’t matter.” I went to the side and did my own thing, completely outside of the scene or what everybody else is doing, and built my own s###. I don’t need anybody else to cosign me or do anything to be successful, to do what I want to do or to make a living. To me, that’s where it’s all at.
AllHipHop: Talk about the independent grind. What’s the reality of it?
EKOH: It’s definitely a grind, for sure. If you want to be an independent artist and you don’t think you’re 100% a business owner, you’re totally wrong. If you get into music just to make music, that’s probably not going to be what you’re doing. I got into this to make music. I ended up having to learn Photoshop, Premier, how to edit videos, how to direct videos, how to mix my own music, how to engineer my own music, how to make merch, how to buy garments, all this different stuff. How to market, how to advertise, how to make content, how to be unique, all this different stuff I never got into music to do. I got into this to make songs and play shows. If you’re doing it independently, you need to learn how to do everything. You need to at least have an idea of it. I finally got to a point where I’ve had to grow the team.
AllHipHop: How big is your team now?
EKOH: Oh, it’s like one person. [laughs] It was always essentially me doing everything. Now having management, having a booking agent, it’s still completely independent but growing a team is nice to do. To have people that are in your corner that you don’t have to do everything by yourself, is nice.
AllHipHop: What songs mean the most to you on the project and why?
EKOH: “Firefly” is a song that hits home with me. That song’s about when you grew up listening to music, you’re so enamored by the magic of music and it means so much to you. You start doing it for a living, and the magic starts to go away. It’s more stressful than it is fun. You don’t listen to music the same way you used to. You’re comparing yourself. You’re feeling anxiety because “Oh, I should be making music right now. I can’t really sit here and listen to it.” You forget that you started it because you’re a fan. That song for me was a reminder that I started off this sh-t as a fan. No matter how much the numbers matter or the monthly listeners, I have to remind myself I started this because I’m a fan.
AllHipHop: I hear you spitting on “Villain,” talk about being a lyricist. Do you feel they’re not as seen nowadays?
EKOH: Honestly, everything comes full circle. Everything comes in phases. Everything’s a cycle, it’ll be back around. If you look at the way music works, it always goes in a cycle. A year and a half ago, pop punk and rock music: nobody would be caught dead with a guitar on their f-cking song. Pop punk was big a decade ago, now it’s back. Everything eventually cycles back, there’s always going to be an audience for lyricism. Then again, I try and make stuff that everybody can vibe with. I don’t hate on the other side of the music that’s not lyric-driven, there’s a way to blend the two.
AllHipHop: Talk about your love for comics and wanting to be part of the Comic-Con world.
EKOH: Growing up for me was rap, comics and skating. That’s what I grew up doing to escape. Everybody finds their own thing they use to escape from the world when they’re younger. For me, a big thing I was into was comics. When I was younger, it was not cool to be into it. Nobody f##### with it at all. It was more some s### you’d get made fun of for being into. Same thing as being a cycle, eventually it all came around and now that s###’s cool. I got lucky I was always into it anyways, so that always had a place in my music. Because my music is all me talking about the s### that I like, that’s really all it comes down to. That just so happens to be stuff I was super into. I always wanted to be more involved in that world if I could be, because it’s the world I was always a part of even before music.
AllHipHop: What’re you most excited for, going on tour?
EKOH: I don’t even have a particular city, I’m just excited to get out and meet my fans again. See them in person, be able to talk to them. It becomes this whole weird separation of are there actually people listening? Or is it just a name on a screen? There’s this disconnect. I run off the human connection. Being able to get back into a venue, see people in person, and connect with the people you know are listening, that’s the s###. That’s what I’m most excited to get back to but other than that, more music’s coming. More videos. There’s no letting up on the gas. We’re gonna continue pushing, dropping music and content as much as possible.
Jada Pinkett Smith is realizing her dream of boasting a tattoo sleeve on her arm, revealing she’s planning to complete the skin art by the time she’s 60.
The actress unveiled her latest ink – the Hindu goddess Mata Sita, a heroine of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, who is the goddess of sacrifice, purity, love and simplicity – via Instagram.
Alongside a picture of her new tattoo, Jada, who turns 50 next month (Sep21), wrote: “I always said I would get a sleeve at 60 but tomorrow is not promised. Soooo… I’m starting to build my sleeve now! Repp’n the Divine Feminine journey within and without. Jai Ma #MataSita #Allat #Oshun #QuanYin.”
The other goddesses referenced in her caption include Arabian goddess Allat, African goddess Oshun, and Quan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion.
Jada’s latest ink is placed just above the tattoo of three blooming lotuses, which she unveiled in May. Her daughter, Willow Smith, and mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, signed up for matching tattoos.
The process was documented on the trio’s#### Facebook Watch series “Red Table Talk.”
EPIC FAM is a record label and media company based in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
Led by recording artist, songwriter, and producer Eze Jackson, EPIC FAM is here to remind the world of Charm City’s rich history of music and eclectic culture. With the hopes of shedding light on Baltimore’s array of talent, Jackson is curating a 22-song compilation album set to be released this Fall.
Today, we receive the first preview of the project to come, with the release of EPIC FAM’s debut Baltimore Club-infused single, “GETCHO!” Recruiting Starrz, the esteemed, self-proclaimed “backpack hippie lyricist,” Wifty Bangura, a multifaceted songstress with Sierra Leonean roots, and vibrant, trailblazing rapper Kotic Couture, veteran Hip-Hop artist Eze Jackson spearheads the charge on this energetic anthem.
Whether it’s dropping boastful rhymes about their lifestyle or trying to woo that special someone across the dance floor, every artist gets a chance to flex their unique flow over the feel-good EPIC FAM Music and James Nasty-produced Summer jam.
Stream “GETCHO!” and be sure to save the single on your preferred streaming platform here.
The City of New York and the Universal Hip Hop Museum hosted their first homecoming event in the Bronx on Monday, August 16.
The jam, located on Orchard Beach, was a sure-shot old-school jam with many pioneers to boot.
Acts like the Furious 5 Featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio, Kool Mo Dee, DJ Hollywood, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Soul Sonic Force, T La Rock, Busy Bee, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Jazzy Joyce, Fantastic Five, Joeski Love, CL Smooth, The Ultramagnetic MCs, Ras Kass, Pop Master Fabel, and Nice & Smooth performed. Singer Monifah was in the crowd.
Hosted by Uncle Ralph from Music Video Box, a few politicians graced the stage like Mayor Bill De Blasio (whose office co-produced the series with the UHHM), Senator Chuck Schumer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Political Strategist Larry Scott Blackmon and others.
Mayor Bill De Blasio aka MC De Blazay O’Yeah! (pic by NDS)Mayor de Blasio, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Political Strategist Larry Scott Blackmon/ The Blackmon Organization, and State Senator Jamaal Bailey (pic by LSB)
One of the two headliners was The Ruler aka Slick Rick.
His set was rocking as he blinded us with his platinum and diamonds — there is not one with trunk more exquisite than the 56-year-old, MC Ricky D. As he ran through a medley of his hits, it is clear to see why he is such a sought after artist. His showmanship is classy and representative of the crown in the culture that he dons.
KRS-One ended the show, proving he is still #1. He did a few of his classics like “My Philosophy,” “Criminal Minded” and “Loves Gonna Getcha,” but most of the show was meaningful & empowering freestyles and new material.
The Teacher’s class was in session, schooling the thousands of attendees on their responsibility to hold each other up. As he spoke about organization, he said that the first step is not about money or corporations, but it is about community and relationship. He instructed to crowd to “forgive at least two people” tonight when you leave. That is the first step in having an organization becoming each other’s sibling — and truly understanding what Hip-Hop is! He denounced derogatory rap, a theme that has lasted over his 30+ professional career. He punctuated this sentiment by saying “F##k Hot 97” and “F##k XM Sirius” radio.
His stance is that they monetize off of the degradation of Black and Brown culture, and by supporting them with our attention and money (Sirius is subscription-based), we participate in our own demise and the destruction of communal unity.
One way to express this community was by ending his show, sharing the light with the emcees that paved the way for him and those who were inspired by him.
AllHopHop.com was there and check out this iconic cypher featuring: Coke La Rock (the decorated first emcee of all time), Hakim Green from Channel Live, Kool Mo Dee, Ras Kass, Kid Capri (yes, he rapped), and the Blaster Master, himself.
Hip-Hop lives on. The next concert is Tuesday, August 17 at Midland Beach on Staten Island and will feature Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, Rob Base, Crystal Waters, DJ Chuck Chillout, EPMD, Force MDs, Hakim Green, Kool Keith, Pharoahe Monch, Rikki, HeeSun Lee, and Lizzy Ashleigh.
Since his release from prison back in February after serving nearly seven years, things have been fairly quiet for Bobby Shmurda. He hasn’t released any new music and has kept a relatively low profile. However, news of his recent management deal with Roc Nation along with a spruced-up record deal confirms that new music is definitely on the way!
The Brooklyn-bred rapper reflected on his time since leaving prison in a detailed interview with the New York Times recently.
In the piece titled “Bobby Shmurda’s New Lust for Life,” the artist explains why he didn’t rush out the gate with a typical “First Day out” type track. “Instead of saying, boom, ‘I want to go in the streets and cause hell,’ I’m saying, ‘I want to go in the streets and give back,’” Shmurda said. “I feel like that’s gangster.”
True to his word, Bobby organized a day to give back in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York, earlier this year. On Father’s Day, he treated 200 underprivileged families to a day of food and drinks and fun and games. He also gifted toys and clothes to the families in attendance and provided free haircuts to the dads and their kids.
Having already appeared on a track with J Balvin and Daddy Yankee, Shmurda confirmed he’s also been working on his own music. Singles and videos are on the way as well as performances at Summer Jam in New York and the Made in America Festival in Philadelphia.
Shmurda only released a handful of singles and features on a few projects before being locked up and is now coming out with a whole new sound-based around rhythm and movement.
If you have seen social media clips of Shmurda since his release, then you’ve seen him dancing. Whether at exclusive parties, dance battles in New York studios, or on stage at Rolling Loud, the Brooklynite has barely kept still for a moment, and his new music will reflect this.
“We’re going to be dancing 24/7,” Shmurda said. “When I dance, it’s to show you that I came through the struggle, but I overcame it and we’re still overcoming it.”
Of his time in prison, Shmurda says, “I ain’t mad about going to jail, because my mind-state now versus my mind-state before — I probably would’ve been in jail for life before. The stuff that’s going to get you in trouble or put you in that situation, you can see that from miles away.
Contrary to opinions like those of Wendy Williams, who said that Shmurda would be back in prison before the end of the summer because of his parole conditions, he sees them as a benefit to his freedom. The current restrictions on his life, Shmurda said, are “not holding me back from nothing — they’re keeping me out of jail.”
The rapper seems like he’s enjoying life since his release and has no shortage of projects to keep him busy. He’s recently been “TikToking” with his godchildren and is even teaching himself how to produce beats. Roc Nation is also fielding offers for a film about his life.
Over the last 17 months, Verzuz has presented numerous head-to-head song clashes featuring musicians like Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Babyface, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, The Lox, Dipset, and many more.
Are audiences interested in seeing two stand-up comedians step into the Verzuz ring for a faceoff? Entertainment industry legend Damon Wayans suggested he wants a live battle with another comedy icon.
During a conversation with KBXX 97.9 The Box, Damon Wayans was asked if he had been watching the Verzuz events. The In Living Color star replied, “No, I have not… Do they do it with comedians?”
Wayans was then questioned about which other comic he would like to go against in a Verzuz. The 60-year-old actor quickly answered, “Chappelle… I’m calling him out.” That response earned “oohs” from the KBXX 97.9 hosts.
Both Damon Wayans and Dave Chappelle have been working in show business for decades. Wayans starred in films such as I’m Gonna G## You Sucka, Mo’ Money, and Major Payne. He was also the lead actor of the My Wife and Kids sitcom.
Dave Chappelle was the creator of the classic Comedy Central sketch comedy series Chappelle’s Show. His filmography contains motion pictures such as The Nutty Professor, Half Baked, and Undercover Brother.
In addition to his acting roles, Chappelle took the stage for comedy specials like HBO’s Killin’ Them Softly as well as Netflix’s The Age of Spin, Deep In The Heart of Texas, Equanimity, The Bird Revelation, and Sticks & Stones. Wayans has his own stand-up specials like One Night Stand, The Last Stand?, and Still Standing.
Trippie Redd (born Michael Lamar White) appears to have survived a three-year-long police investigation without having to serve time. The 22-year-old rapper/singer was facing a criminal case in Fulton County, Georgia.
Local police arrested Trippie Redd in June 2018 for aggravated assault and battery. Redd was accused of hitting a woman in the head with a firearm in northwest Atlanta.
The Atlanta Police Department claimed a bump on the woman’s head was probable cause to detain the Ohio native at the time. However, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office decided not to prosecute Trippie Redd, according to TMZ.
The alleged pistol-whipping incident took place just two weeks after Trippie Redd and Lil Wop were arrested in Cobb County, Georgia following an altercation involving FDM Grady. Redd was charged with public fighting, criminal trespass, and simple battery in that case.
FDM Grady claimed he was jumped by Redd, Lil Wop, and two other men. The Atlanta-based rapper stated, “Yeah, I got my lip split, scratches on my hand. Four n#####. B#### ass n####, Trippie Redd. B#### ass n####, Lil Wop. Bruh, I’m telling you, y’all n##### got no pass in the city.”
Trippie Redd is now said to be focused on releasing his next body of work titled Trip at Knight which is expected to drop on Friday, August 20. His studio LP catalog already includes 2018’s Life’s a Trip, 2019’s !, and 2020’s Pegasus.
Life’s A Tripp featured Trippie Redd taking part in a ride-along with Los Angeles Police Department officers. The 10 Projects recording artist’s show also covered issues such as police reform, drug addiction, mental health, and climate change.
Earbuds seem great in theory, but when push comes to shove, they just don’t work in sports situations. Whether falling out due to sweat or just being plain uncomfortable, they can end up a distraction that pulls you out of your workout and what you’re listening to. Thankfully, Versafit’s Wireless Sport Headphones solve all these problems. And right now they’re on sale for $84.99 — over 40% off their usual $149 price tag — when you key in the code ANNUAL15 at checkout.
Whether you’re running, biking, or exercising at the gym, nothing enhances the experience quite like a solid workout playlist. Versafit’s headphones were designed specifically for these purposes, with earhooks that wrap directly over the top of the ear to keep the speakers securely attached to your head, no matter what sort of dynamic movements you put them through. The thin, lightweight memory wire in the earhooks fits beneath hats and helmets and can be adjusted repeatedly so you’re always comfortable. Their rugged silicone cover also keeps sweat and water out, so you won’t be able to use them as an excuse for holding back in the gym.
Available in both intrepid green and covert gray, these headphones, compatible with both Apple and Android devices, deliver on the technical side too. Designed with cyclist and runner safety in mind, these headphones are non-noise blocking, so you can be aware of your surroundings while listening to your tunes. Their CSR chip nonetheless delivers premium sound quality. And with a massive 13-hour battery life, these bad boys could handle a full marathon (or at least a few workouts between charges). The attached inline microphone and three-button remote allows you to answer calls and skip, pause, and adjust volume on the fly. And when you’re all done sweating, the headphones tuck away neatly in the included travel pouch.
Though you missed the boat on being one of the early adopters who got these headphones funded on Kickstarter, you can still get them at an amazing discount by taking advantage of this limited-time sale. Just enter the code ANNUAL15 at checkout and knock the $149 price tag down to just $84.99.
Versafit Wireless Sport Headphones – $84.99 with code ANNUAL15
Many Hip Hop fans and Chicago residents are in mourning right now. Reports came out overnight that Pivot Gang’s squeakPivot has died.
According to The Tribe, close friends of Squeak confirmed the deejay was killed in a shooting on Monday. Pitchfork also ran an article corroborating the news of the Pivot Gang in-house producer passing away.
Chicago-bred recording artist Chance The Rapper took to Twitter to offer his condolences. Chance tweeted, “God bless Squeak and [everyone] that loves him, Great man. 🕊️ .”
Chance The Rapper’s The Social Experiment groupmate, Nico “Donnie Trumpet” Segal, posted, “Ugh….Squeak…this is so f##### sad 😞. Sending love to the pivot crew and his whole fam. Devastated 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔.”
Fellow Chicago native Taylor Bennett wrote, “Wow RIP Squeak.” Maryland-raised musician IDK shared, “Prayers to Saba and the Pivot family. ❤️🙏🏾.”
Plus, Fake Shore Drive founder/Editor-In-Chief Andrew Barber tweeted, “Rest In Peace Squeak. Truly a great person. My love goes out to Pivot Gang, his friends, and family. 🙏🏻💔.”
Squeak, 26, was aligned with Chicago-based emcee Saba’s Pivot Gang. He was part of the Hip Hop collective’s production team which also consisted of daedaePIVOT and Daoud. Squeak’s older brother, Frsh Waters, is also a member of the crew.
Pivot Gang’s MFnMelo teamed up with Squeak to drop the 8-track collaborative EP En Route in June. Frsh Waters, Kobe Jxrdan, Rexx Life Raj, and the late DinnerWithJohn were listed as guest features on the project.
Saba’s cousin, John “DinnerWithJohn” Walt, was also a member of the Pivot Gang. Walt was fatally stabbed in 2017 at the age of 24.
Pivot Gang and The John Walt Foundation began hosting a yearly “John Walt Day” tribute concert in order to raise funds for mentorships and scholarships dedicated to young artists in Chicago.
AllHipHop.com has not independently confirmed squeakPivot’s passing. Updates will be provided as more details about his reported death emerge.
God bless squeak and every one that loves him Great man 🕊
Squeak was one of the kindest people I ever met. Welcomed me with open arms to a city I didn’t belong to. Always so respectful. Much love to PIVOT, my heart is with each of you.
Damn. So its true. RIP Squeak. Was cool since day one when I intvd Pivot. Can just tell he’s a good, genuine person….We’d just just judged the talent show for AHH Fest together. Deepest condolences to his family and all of the good brothas at Pivot Gang. 😓
As debates over vaccines and mask mandates take place across the country, another music industry figure revealed he tested positive for COVID-19. Jim Jones made the announcement on Instagram.
“I was contemplating whether I should do this or keep my business to myself but I think it’s more important for me to do this,” said Jim Jones. “I urge everybody to stay safe out there. COVID is real. I was running around here thinking I was Superman and COVID knocked the socks off Superman.”
The Dipset member continued, “So I urge and encourage everybody to please continue to mask up, please continue with hand sanitizer, social distance as much as you can, try to stay away from a lot of packed and crowded places. This s### is no joke. I really felt it, and I don’t want nobody to feel like how I felt.”
Jim Jones went on to say he would not tell other people to get the COVID-19 vaccination, but he wants his followers to take care of themselves. Capo’s Instagram video has been viewed more than 620,000 times, and it was reposted on several social media Hip Hop blogs.
The 45-year-old rap star also wrote in the IG caption, “Superman is no match for COVID please take care of [yourself] out here, mask up, hand sanitizer, keep [that with you], and say a prayer cause this s### is like a stray bullet, it don’t care who it hits. I’m grateful for all those who called to check up on me. I’m negative and it’s time to get back Healthy. God is good.”
Jim Jones joined a long list of celebrities to divulge a positive coronavirus diagnosis. Tom Hanks, Ashanti, Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Hamilton, Khloé Kardashian, Tiffany Haddish, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kanye West, Jeremih, Joe Budden, Dave Chappelle, Donald Trump, and others contracted COVID-19 too.
Florida has become the main battleground for the fight over mask-wearing. Governor Ron DeSantis made national news when he claimed the state’s Board of Education could withhold pay from school administrators who implement mask mandates for students.
Over the last month, Florida saw a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The state hit a new record number of positive COVID tests back-to-back weeks in August.
Three unvaccinated Broward County, Florida educators died from COVID-19 complications in a 24 hour period. In addition, more than 400 students in Palm Beach County were sent home to quarantine following just two days of in-classroom instruction.
