Rap star Jay-Z is serious about his takeover of the marijuana business in California because he just bought another dispensary.
The Parent Company, which is backed by Jay, just closed a deal worth $11.5 million to acquire Calma West Hollywood.
The rap mogul, who also serves as Chief Visionary Officer of The Parent Company, shelled out $8.5 million in cash and $3.0 million in shares of his business to Calma’s founders.
The strategic acquisition of the 3,250 square foot dispensary gives The Parent Company control of one of only ten stores in the West Hollywood area that is licensed for both delivery and storefront retail.
Calma’s prime location in West Hollywood also gives The Parent Company access to over 18 million residents and tourists who live in and frequent the area.
“The Calma team is thrilled for the next phase of its growth as part of The Parent Company,” said Cobby Pourtavosi, Founder of Calma. “The Parent Company shares our relentless belief in prioritizing consumer experience and will be a contributing member of the West Hollywood community for years to come.”
The acquisition of Calma gives the Parent Company ownership of four marijuana dispensaries, and they are going to need those outlets to sell their products.
The business bought a huge stake in a company called Mercer Park Brand Acquisition Corp., which is in the process of merging with a business called Glass House Group in a deal worth over $500 million.
After the acquisition is completed, The Parent Company is planning to produce 900,000 pounds of marijuana for their growing portfolio of businesses, which include the dispensaries, as well as the retail brand, Monogram.
Rounding out National Pride Month, it has been announced that So So Def recording artist and radio personality, Da Brat will be launching her own reality show titled, Brat Loves Judy.
The show will follow the everyday life of the “Funkdafied” rapper and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart (her girlfriend), documenting their love for all of their fans to see.
She revealed this news to her fans even before she told her sister, LisaRaye McCoy, an act that further strained their relationship.
However, this show, will not only explore the dynamic between the couple but share the progress with that relationship — yes, McCoy will appear on the show.
Other family and friends who will fill out the cast throughout the series are Judy’s adult daughter, Deja and Deja’s infant daughter Kenzie; Bella, Brat’s manager and confidante; Brat’s friend Montana and his wife Rhonda; and all of the couple’s six dogs – Staxx, Rockie, Fat Boy, Loyal, Fendi, and Rebel.
Lauren Gellert, EVP of Development and Original Programming for WE tv says, “These two powerful and successful women are sharing their brand-new relationship with audiences for the first time ever, bravely inviting viewers to experience all their emotional ‘firsts’ alongside them.”
Brat Loves Judy will premiere on August 5th at 9pm ET on WE tv and will round out their Thursday night schedule including the popular Hip-Hop shows like the Growing Up Hip Hop franchise, Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition, and Waka & Tammy: What the Flocka.
Lil Nas X gave the world a little sum-sum to kiss goodbye National Pride Month and it seems that a lot of people on social media (and probably in their homes) had something to say about it.
Well, he also had something to say, taking to his profiles and gathering up a few people’s edges.
After kissing one of his backup dancers during his performance of his single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” at Sunday night’s BET Awards, it seems that the few homophobes and other uptight types had issues.
But when one person tried to come for him wearing an Egyptian costume and displaying same-gender-loving PDA, he had to set the record straight.
“It took me a lot of time to mentally prepare for this performance. while on stage i was trembling knowing that i was performing something like that in front of my straight peers,” Lil Nas X revealed. “Even during the performance i was having a hard time calming my nerves. thank you guys for the love.”
But the rapper still had to respond to a massive wave of homophobes after the performance.
Kudz (@ghettogod9) tweeted, “DONT USE AFRICAN CULTURE FOR S#### LIKE THIS!!!!!!! RESPECT OUR ANCESTORS” and he responded, “y’all really like to pretend homosexuality didn’t exist in African culture.”
y’all really like to pretend homosexuality didn’t exist in african culture https://t.co/mGmah0CbP9
People had his back on that … cause of course people are and have always been gay in the Motherland.
“Homosexual stigma in African culture was almost entirely due to Christian missionaries. African culture has a rich history of sexually fluid practices”
Homosexual stigma in African culture was almost entirely due to Christian missionaries. African culture has a rich history of sexually fluid practices pic.twitter.com/FUwtf7JcyF
While Lil Nas X has the luxury to celebrate being of African descent and gay, pointing to the existence of the LGBTQIA+ community on the continent, people are actually being killed for living a truth that he sometimes takes for granted.
The HBO film, The Legend of The Underground, explores the challenges and discrimination that people face in Nigeria when they chose to express their true selves as gay people.
The documentary, produced by John Legend, also explains that in 2013 Nigeria enacted the anti-LGBTQ law- the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill (SSMPA).
Since then, the law has been used to “harass, imprison, extort and commit violence against anyone seen as not conforming to Nigerian societal and cultural norms.”
The Legend of The Underground will be debuting on Tuesday, June 29 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBOMax.
Hopefully, people will watch and change their feelings about same gender loving in Africa, and join in the fight to ensure cultural freedom for everyone.
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Tyler, The Creator has apologized to Selena Gomez for comments he made about the star 10 years ago.
In a string of since-deleted posts, the rapper, real name Tyler Gregory Okonma, sent explicit messages to the singer/actress, including, “@selenagomez is now 18. so she can now legally take my dick in her f###### ass,” “I Just Want To F### Selena Gomez In Her f###### Mouth,” and “@selenagomez Wanna Lick My G####?”.
The posts reportedly saw the star banned from the site for some time and, 10 years on, he’s reached out to the Wolves star to apologize for his behavior.
In his song “Manifesto,” lifted from the star’s latest album Call Me If You Get Lost, he says: “I was a teener, tweetin’ Selena crazy s###/Didn’t wanna offend her, apologize when I seen her/Back when I was tryna f### Bieber, Just-in.”
The apology references pop star Justin Bieber, whom Selena dated at the time, and with whom Tyler is pals. And back in 2013, he publicly admitted to disliking his friend’s girlfriend.
“No, we don’t like each other,” he admitted. “Cause, you know like kicking it with Justin, that’s my homeboy—she always be mean mugging me. Like why are you hating on me?”
The singer, songwriter and actress has no plans to take part in the webcast series, which sees two entertainers going head-to-head with their discographies, as she doesn’t think it would be beneficial for her career.
“I don’t know what a Verzuz would do for me. Right now it’s not something that’s on the top of my list,” she said during an interview on The Breakfast Club.
Mary’s comments come after recent speculation that she and Toni Braxton would go head-to-head in a Verzuz battle.
A message on the official Verzuz Twitter page stated: “Us having to tell people that the Mary J. Blige vs Toni Braxton VERZUZ isn’t real.”
The latest installment in the Fast & Furious film franchise is the #1 movie in the country this week. F9 brought in an estimated $70 million in domestic gross since arriving in cinemas on June 25.
That $70 million total is the largest first-weekend box office number since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In addition, F9 scored the best opening since 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ($176 million).
With an additional $334 million from international markets, F9 has already crossed the $400 million mark worldwide. The initial 2020 release date for the Justin Lin-directed motion picture was delayed after the coronavirus crisis shut down movie theaters around the globe.
F9 stars musicians/actors Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. The cast also includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Michael Rooker, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron.
Hip Hop artist Belcalis “Cardi B” Almánzar made her second feature film appearance in F9, following her debut in the 2019 crime drama Hustlers. The Grammy-winning Invasion of Privacy album creator is expected to return for future Fast & Furious movies.
“I was a little over doing short appearances in films, but I’m like, ‘It’s freaking Fast & Furious.’ So I was like, ‘Get me there. Put me on a plane,’” said Cardi B in a featurette presented prior to the release of F9. Vin Diesel is quoted saying, “We are very much excited to evolve her character and to expand it to the finale.”
Cardi B, Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth, and Ozuna performed at the “Road To F9” concert in January 2020. The two-hour trailer drop event was scheduled before the COVID-19 caused states and cities to issue lockdown orders to prevent the spread of the virus.
Fast & Furious is one of the most commercially successful series in film history. Universal Pictures’ action flicks have made over $6 billion at the worldwide box office. According to CNBC, Fast & Furious is the seventh highest-grossing film franchise of all time.
BET Awards Lifetime Achievement honoree Queen Latifah was overcome with emotion as she collected her latest accolade in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Holding back tears, the rap pioneer and actress took the stage after Lil’ Kim, Rapsody, MC Lyte and Monie Love delivered a stirring tribute, and had to compose herself before accepting the honor.
“I’m so extremely moved I don’t even know what to…,” she said. “I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. When we couldn’t get played on the radio and other places, we couldn’t get our videos played in other places, there was BET that allowed us to be in our fullness.”
Latifah also thanked God, her father, who joined her onstage, and her late mother, stating, “I’ve always celebrated the woman because I was raised by a strong Black woman, and raised by a father who loves women.”
She also gave longtime business partner Shakim Compere a big shout-out, adding, “Thank you for always protecting me and loving me… You and your family are my family.”
Two of the hottest modern-day rap stars are set to close out special live stream presentations. After both women earned a nomination for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2021 BET Awards, Georgia-raised Latto and California-bred Saweetie were selected to headline Sprite’s Live From The Label concerts.
TheLive From The Label series kicks off with Latto on July 29 for Stage 1. She will be followed by her “B*tch From Da Souf (Remix)” collaborator Saweetie on August 12 for Stage 2. Another headlining act will be announced later this summer for Stage 3.
“I’m so excited to be kicking off Sprite’s Live From The Label concert series with the first performance on Thursday, July 29, and representing Clayton County live from SpaceCondo Live. THE BIGGEST! For years, Sprite has been committed to supporting young creators and helping them realize their dreams, and Live From The Label is no different,” states Latto.
The Rap Game reality show winner continues, “I’m proud to work with Sprite to put on talented young artists like Chlo the God and Jazmin Rodriguez, and give them a platform to share their talent, and support them in their hustle to make it in this industry. Now I want all of my fans to pick up the Stage 1 20 oz. Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar bottles and scan the label to catch my show this summer.”
Each Live From The Label show will feature up-and-coming musicians from the Sprite Way community of fans and artists. The openers will be mentored by Latto, Saweetie, and the additional headliner.
“I am so excited to finally be able to tell my fans that I am teaming up with Sprite to put on for the West Coast!” says Saweetie. “Sprite has been a long-time favorite drink of mine growing up and love how it’s been giving young artists and emerging creators a spotlight – something that is super important to me as many of those artists were my inspiration when I was first coming up.
By scanning the Live From The Label QR code on 20 oz. bottles of Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar, consumers can get access to the live-streamed events, clips from previous shows, exclusive merchandise giveaways, and more. There are three unique QR codes (Stage 1 labeled bottle, Stage 2 labeled bottle , Stage 3 labeled bottle).
Saweetie adds, “I’m doing a special performance for fans as part of Sprite’s Live From The Label concert series on Thursday, August 12 at none other than Roosevelt Hotel. Also, joining ya ICY girl will be some very gifted young creators including Summer Valentine and Michelle Alfonso. To stream my show, go pick up the Stage 2, 20 oz. Sprite or Sprite Zero Sugar bottles, scan the label, and check me out!”
Kanye West and Walmart have been taking aim at each other over intellectual property. Recently, West filed a lawsuit in the state of California against the retail giant over the sale of an “imitation version” of West’s Yeezy Foam Runner.
According to TMZ, Walmart has decided to remove the Yeezy-esque shoes from the company’s web store. Walmart offered a defense of the alleged counterfeits by insisting the reproduced Foam Runners were listed by third-party merchants.
“The product referenced in the complaint is not sold by Walmart, but rather by third-party Marketplace sellers,” stated a Walmart representative about West’s lawsuit. “We take allegations like this seriously and are reviewing the claim.”
Walmart claimed West’s Yeezy LLC logo was too similar to its 13-year-old sun rays logo. The multinational corporation argued the Yeezy image could cause the “dilution of the distinctive value” of the Walmart symbol and could cause consumers to mistakenly believe the two brands are associated in some way.
“As we referenced in our correspondence in July and August of 2020, January and February of 2021 and our telephone conference in March of 2021, Walmart has repeatedly sought to understand Yeezy’s planned use of the Yeezy Application, with the goal of finding ways in which the Walmart Spark Design and the Yeezy Application can co-exist with one another,” read a portion of a letter Walmart reportedly sent to lawyers representing Yeezy.
Consumers should be able to trust that what they see and purchase online is what they’ll get, but counterfeiters continue to join platforms with ease and masquerade as reliable sellers. That’s why I introduced the Shop Safe Act.https://t.co/vBLGKz1IJy
While the knockoff Yeezys are no longer available at walmart.com, a similar style of footwear is on sale via various other online retailers. In 2020, U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler sponsored the Shop Safe Act which provides liability for certain electronic commerce outlets that offer counterfeit items sold by third parties on those platforms.
That same week saw fellow Atlanta-area native 21 Savage also blast Walmart on social media. The Grammy-winning performer took issue with the online store offering phony Savage Gang necklaces to its customers.
Will the decade-old feud between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj finally come to an end? Kim admitted that she is ready to take part in a Verzuz event with her longtime nemesis.
The topic of a potential Verzuz battle came up during the 2021 BET Awards red carpet. The Breakfast Club co-host DJ Envy questioned if Lil Kim was interested in going hit-for-hit with another artist.
“Yes,” replied Kim. When asked if there was anyone she would like to go against, the Hard Core album creator answered, “Nicki.” She was clearly referring to Nicki Minaj.
Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj’s conflict goes back over ten years. When Minaj first broke out as a mainstream act in 2010, many fans and pundits accused her of copying Lil Kim’s image which created an online war between the two rhymers’ respective fan bases.
Lil Kim also accused the Cash Money record label of using her to promote Nicki Minaj by secretly adding the Queens native to a Kim and Birdman collaboration titled “Grindin Makin Money.” Kim claimed Birdman pulled the 2009 song from the iTunes store because she was outshining his up-and-coming star.
There were also allegations of Nicki Minaj subliminally dissing Lil Kim on songs such as Diddy’s “Hello Good Morning” featuring Rick Ross as well as Minaj’s “Roman’s Revenge” featuring Eminem. The beef went from subs to direct bars when Kim dropped the “Black Friday” diss track the same week Minaj’s Pink Friday album was released in 2010.
More diss tracks from Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj emerged over the next few years. During a 2010 interview with Angie Martinez, Lil Kim insisted she would only make amends with Minaj if the Young Money representative paid her at least $7 million for a collaboration.
Verzuz held its first female rap event on June 16, 2001. Philadelphia’s Eve and Miami’s Trina presented some of their biggest hits. Bow Wow vs Soulja Boy was the most recent Verzuz which streamed on June 26.
Onetime public rivals like Nelly and Ludacris, Brandy and Monica, and Jeezy and Gucci Mane faced off in previous Verzuz events. The brand has become known as a platform for former adversaries to settle their beef and celebrate their respective careers.
On Sunday night, Lil Kim joined Rapsody, Monie Love, and MC Lyte at this year’s BET Awards to perform a tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Queen Latifah. Kim rapped the first verse from Latifah’s classic single “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Cardi B is one of the most-talked-about artists to attend the 2021 BET Awards. The Bronx-raised rapper revealed her second pregnancy during the live televised show which instantly made international news.
Atlanta-based trio Migos came out to perform theirCulture IIIsongs “Straightenin” and “Type S###.” Cardi B joined her husband Offset and his comrades for the latter track. During the set, she showed off her new baby bump.
Lil Nas X also made headlines over the last 10 hours. The 22-year-old Columbia recording artist ran through his former #1 hit record “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” on the 2021 BET Awards stage. Lil Nas ended the performance by kissing one of his male dancers on the lips.
Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby opened the night by performing “We Win” from the upcomingSpace Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack. Tyler, The Creator provided a show-stopping performance of “Lumberjack.”
Rapsody, Monie Love, Lil Kim, and MC Lyte honored Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Queen Latifah by covering “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.” Method Man, Griselda, Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Busta Rhymes, and Michael K. Williams took part in a special tribute to the late DMX.
Other 2021 BET Awards performers include H.E.R., Moneybagg Yo, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, City Girls, Silk Sonic, DJ Khaled, Lil Durk, and Andra Day. Album Of The Year winner Jazmine Sullivan (Heaux Tales) was joined by Ari Lennox and U.S. Representative Maxine Waters.
The BET Amplified Stage featured Tone Stith performing “FWM” and Mereba performing “Rider.” Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson served as the host of the star-studded ceremony which was themed “Year of the Black Woman.”
Megan Thee Stallion was the big winner of the night. The Roc Nation representative won the Viewer’s Choice Award (“Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé), Best Collaboration (“WAP” with Cardi B), Video Of The Year (“WAP”), and Best Female Hip Hop Artist.
The 2021 BET Awards were held last night in Los Angeles in front of a vaccinated live crowd. Hip Hop star Megan Thee Stallion went into the night with the most nominations (7), and she left the Microsoft Theater with the most trophies.
Megan Thee Stallion was the winner in the Viewer’s Choice (“Savage” featuring Beyoncé) and Best Hip Hop Female Artist categories. The Houston native and Cardi B’s “WAP” took home Best Collaboration and Video Of The Year.
R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales was named Album Of The Year. H.E.R. won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Chris Brown won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Burna Boy won Best International Act.
Lil Baby won Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Silk Sonic won Best Group. Giveon won Best New Artist. Rapper/actress/mogul Queen Latifah was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The BET Awards have yet again proven to be culture’s biggest night,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET.
Orlando added, “From the amazing talent, extraordinary creativity, and performances, and our incredible live vaccinated audience, the energy of the night was unmatched and delivered some of the most buzzworthy moments of 2021! Throughout any circumstance, whether it be virtual, live, or whatever comes next, BET will continue to elevate the standard of awards shows.”
Reports state that Baby Joe, who has over 1 million followers on Instagram, was involved in gunplay near an entrance to I-10.
That is where two vehicles opened fire on each other.
One of the cars became disabled due to the gunfire, while the other vehicle fled onto the highway to make a getaway.
Three people inside of the disabled vehicle were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police have yet to identify the victims or the shooting suspects in the brazen shooting.
However, It is being reported that Baby Joe, who is a member of the Bottom Boy Gorilla gang, was one of the victims.
Investigators believe the Never Broke Again (NBA) gang and members of BBG have been involved in a deadly feud with TBG.
Some of the altercations between the gangs include a shootout at the Trump International Hotel in Miami on Mother’s Day in 2019.
NBA YoungBoy’s girlfriend was shot in the shoulder, and an innocent bystander was killed in that shooting.
In December of that same year, rapper Lit Yoshi, who is an alleged member of TBG, was charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder for an April shooting targeting BBG members.
In January of 2021, NBA YoungBoy’s associate Deandre Fields was hit with second-degree murder charges for allegedly killing TBG member Garrett “Gee Money” Burton outside of a recording studio in 2017.
In another high-profile incident, the police claim 16 members of the NBA and BBG gang were gathered in a house, which was raided during a video shoot on September 28, 2020.
NBA YoungBoy was charged with possession of Oxycodone, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances.
Cardi B made the big reveal on television again – she’s pregnant.
The Bronx bomber made the grand revelation at the 2021 Bet Awards Sunday night, while performing with Migos.
The performance took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and it was a familiar scene.
In the past, Cardi has made similar maneuvers when she was preparing to have her first born Kulture.
She made that announcement on Saturday Night Live and months later, on July 10, 2018, Kulture was born.
Not much else is known about the pregnancy, other than it is her second with Offset of The Migos. Presently, Cardi is nominated for five BET Awards and the Migos are nominated for best group.
It is not often to meet a multi-talented millennial who is a force in an established industry. However, that is not the narrative for this one Hannah Brooke. Though single, Hannah is a social media influencer and an authority in the music industry. She is a folk singer who has made headlines on TikTok and Instagram platforms. She commands hundreds of thousands of followers, yet she is just 23 years old.
Additionally, Hannah loves photographing and cares so much about her hairstyle and health. Her beautiful looks make her position herself as a model and a celebrity to her fans.
The “Pull Up” Hit
Hannah started singing on reality TV shows as X-Factor at the age of 14. Since then, she has been growing in her craft and perfecting her songs. Her career narrative changed when she began working on releasing her music dubbed “Pull Up.” This release is to take place this month and will be available on Spotify and Apple. The new hit will rock the industry, and her fans are already waiting with bated breath.
Hannah gets her motivation from artists such as SZA, Summer Walker, and Polo G.
What Inspires Hannah?
Hannah Brooke loves creating music that follows the genre that she listens to. She loves to apply her talent to express her stories and emotions through music. Her success in the music industry also motivates her to keep working harder every day to achieve new goals. Her net worth is currently at $5million and continues to climb the ladder of success.
Fitness Modelling
Hannah’s fitness modeling marries well with her singing career. She loves to incorporate her dancing into her workout routines. Hannah maintains a strict diet to keep herself always in shape and maintain her physique.
These aspects are essential for anyone wishing to scale in any industry. Hannah believes that success doesn’t just happen; you create it. And in creating it, you need to develop habits that you will do habitually to help you perfect your craft. Additionally, Hannah emphasizes the need to always be patient and wait for the results. When she sings, she does not do it for fame or money. However, she aims to meet the fans’ needs. And In doing so, money and fame follow. She waits patiently for what she has sown to grow. Hannah has also developed her passion since she was 14. Being passionate about music has always helped her to improve from one level to another.
Therefore, if you are a startup stepping foot in the industry, it is essential to be patient, passionate, and persistent in your craft.
For more information on scaling in the music industry, you can connect to Hannah on Instagram at @hannahbrookesanders or visit her website here.
The leader of the “Tank Gang” has officially joined The Roc.
According to reports, legendary No Limit founder Percy “Master P” Miller has signed with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s Roc Nation.
The alignment between two of hip-hop’s biggest bosses is the first step in a strategic plan targeting the New Orleans Pelicans. The franchise is currently looking for a new head coach after Stan Van Gundy stepped down from the gig a few weeks ago.
The rapper gained invaluable knowledge when he played professional ball for the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors in the 1990s. And, he’s successfully coached his sons Hercy and Mercy Miller to become the top High School hoopers in the U.S. at Minnehaha Academy in Minnesota.
To prove how serious and determined he is, Master P has hired Roc Nation Sports’ Raymond Brothers to represent him in his quest to solve The Pelicans’ problems. Brothers has repped superstars like Caron Butler, Zach Randolph and the Ball Brothers.
“So, you know, to be an NBA coach, you have to have a sports agent. He’s (Brothers) a good friend of mine and he knows what he’s doing,” Master P told TMZ.
Master P is going to need all of the support he can get.
According to sources, Brooklyn Nets’ assistant coach Jacque Vaughn and Milwaukee Bucks’ assistant coach Charles Lee are already on the shortlist and seriously being considered for the job of leading The Pelicans.
The Ultimate Rap League presented the Queen of the Ring’s “Heir to the Throne” card this past Saturday, an all-female battle rap series similar to the brand’s “Rookies vs. Vets” card.
While truly the June 26 card, which competed with the Bow Wow and Soulja Boy Verzuz contest and the various parties lined up during the BET Awards and Experience weekend, it still managed to trend all evening. As it should have, the night was in a word “FUEGO.”
It was on fire, despite all of the battles originally scheduled not taking place.
When announced, the two battles that set the culture ablaze were 40 B.A.R.R.S. vs. Casey Jay and Ms. Hustle vs. Coffee Brown. The ladies did not lack on the promo and each of these battles had storylines that made for salacious intrigue.
After being called by battle rap’s god-father, Smack White, “The Face of Female Battle Rap,” the Twittersphere erupted with mob rage. For those outside of the culture, they have no idea who “Team 40” is, but it is a massive group of fans that flock to their queen 40 B.A.R.R.S. like the Beyhive to Beyoncé or the Navy to Rihanna. They were not here for it at all. For them, “The Face” is the woman that had been their queen for years— the woman that has the most viewed battles and fans, and who brings the most money to the culture. It is that simple for them.
Baby girl you’ve held female battle rap on your back all year 💪🏽 heal up https://t.co/kTpSaZa6xr
But remember … This is “Heir to the Throne.” This ain’t “Who sitting up there?” RESPECTFULLY.
And so, Casey’s people believed that her hard-fought battles, that have sprinkled the last two years with victories, have edged her the spotlight. That battle was for those bragging rights and unfortunately did not happen because the cat-eyed Texas beauty was rushed to the hospital the day before the event for a priority surgery— one that could have cost her her life.
Understandably, the culture was disappointed but still acquiesced to the seriousness of the situation. May have sent their warm wishes (and so does ALLHIPHOP.com). Feel better Casey.
The Hustle and Coffee battle was also canceled because of medical reasons. A couple of weeks before the card, Hustle and her child were in an accident. While they walked away from the crash, there are some minor injuries sustained by the mother and daughter (physical and emotional) that are being tended to. Many believed did not extend the same grace to the Harlem rapper as they did to the UM3 Semifinalist.
Because of her activity on social media and alleged past shenanigans, folk just thought she was scared, and that the accident was an answered prayer to give her more time.
Those battles didn’t happen but 40 was there looking good. Coffee was there too and had an all-white after party which featured a cornucopia of tacos and strippers. And Ms. Hustle, who wasn’t there, was featured in the recently released Kay Slay track “Rolling 110 Deep.” Casey is also recuperating and successfully came through her operation.
The first battle of the night was E-Hart vs. First Lady Flamez. While some people called it a mirror-match, stylistically it was not. E-Hart’s attention to detail in her rhymes is measured and crockpot cooked. Flamez’s lyrics are equally meticulous but executed in like a fury of bullets from an automatic firearm. Hart is appropriately Bronx cool and Flamez is Blood hot. Hart understands the Art of War, and while Flamez is brilliant she is a scrapper … that moves from a space of immediate but calculated survival. What was similar maybe is the slender builds, complexions, glasses and that they don’t get dolled up like many of the other women. How they walk upon the scene and intimidate the greatest of emcees, but that is it.
Hart is who she is — a solidified legend with more classics, wins, and debatables than loses— there is no one who can compare to this unicorn.
Flamez is in her own right extraordinary, a breath of fresh air, and a talent that has the potential to change the landscape of battle rap with her sharp mind and focused curation of her career. She is one of the best to ever do it … even though she did not win (on the first watch) this battle. Which is hard to say because this was such a great showing for both of them. The deference goes to Hart.
“Listen, watchin E Hart /Flamez back, so proud of these ladies…. SO PROUD. Also, how Flamez have two mirror matches against Ehart and JC, and E Hart and JC are nothing alike? Lmao. Flamez is here to stay.”
Listen, watchin E Hart /Flamez back, so proud of these ladies…. SO PROUD.
Also, how Flamez have two mirror matches against Ehart and JC, and E Hart and JC are nothing alike? Lmao. Flamez is here to stay.
The second battle of the night was between Shooney da Rapper and Viixen the Assassin.
Viixen the Assassin came into the battle as the fan-favorite. Having one the Champion Woman of the Year (WOTY) title, few see her as anything other than the top girl in the culture. Her record during the pandemic has been solid: she beat DNA, had a debatable with Flamez, and lost to a really great Loso. However, those who have been fans of the culture for a minute understood that she could not take Shooney lightly. After all, the two had tangled before and she forfeited the battle by leaving the stage in the middle of her round and Shooney is a beast.
In 2017, she was listed as one of the top rappers (of any gender) by The Source magazine. She also just slayed in her first battle, since returning from maternity leave.
This was supposed to be one of those ones.
It was a good battle. It was good.
While Shooney’s bars were better, she stumbled under the Caffeine “lights and cameras” and the overwhelming energy and support the Midwest terror brings with her. Viixen’s bars were pretty good with her clearly winning the second round. But the performance, for someone focused on lyricism which the first battle gave a buffet of, seemed to be more important than the bars. The angles and the volume, the explosive choreography and a prepared rebuttal that didn’t all the way land actually took away from the presentation. Fans long for the Viixen that killed DNA, but she has not shown up since.
But even with that, she won the battle. She won the battle because she was more prepared. She was easier to watch. She was more enjoyable to watch. She seemed more comfortable in the place that has become her home, URL’s Caffeine stage. Her bars were pretty good and occasionally impressive. That is not a diss. When you are talking about the most elite female rappers in the industry, women who are known to write their rhymes and to toil to come up with genius-level material, one must judge them harder. She is the WOTY, so the same scrutiny that comes with the Geechis and Chilla Joneses has to be applied here. Her depth of content has to expand — even if other people bring up her race, she can’t keep talking about it. Even if others keep talking about her ass or her honor, she can’t keep talking about it. The DNA kill was 253 days ago … no one cares about it and people are gonna go back to it and maybe reassess some passes that were given.
The pen has to step up … because if Shooney did not stumble in the first, she might have beaten her 2-1 because her third was undeniable.
“For Shooney Da Rapper vs. Viixen The Assassin from
@QOTRING
‘s #H2TT, I gave Viixen the battle. Shooney had some crazy material for sure, but I thought Viixen had a cleaner and more consistent performance. That said, they both had creative punches and angles for each other.”
For Shooney Da Rapper vs. Viixen The Assassin from @QOTRING's #H2TT, I gave Viixen the battle. Shooney had some crazy material for sure, but I thought Viixen had a cleaner and more consistent performance. That said, they both had creative punches and angles for each other. pic.twitter.com/UrvM7gXZR1
Few people can stand in front of a Bardashian and say that they did not crumble. The holy trinity of female battle rap, Jaz the Rapper, Casey Jay and O’fficial, are a collection of tremendous talent. Each one of them specializes in something different and has been heralded for these attributes. Over the last five years, they have basically dominated every stage across the country — URL or QOTR.
That being said …
Gattas was not outside over the last five years. And her performance was the manifestation of the phrase, “I let y’all eat.”
That’s all anyone can say. She set the stage on fire in a way that reminds you of K Shine’s performance with the smart-aleck confidence of Tsu Surf and the playful lack of sportsmanship easily ascribed to a high school jock on the schoolyard, who beats up on the inferior just because she or he can. In this respect, she kinda reminds you of Ill Will.
However, it didn’t feel mean. It felt like something no one on Caffeine had experienced before (save maybe the Daylyt and Tay Roc battle—she embodied both of them). She was fantastic.
She was so fantastic that it made O’fficial look even worse than we all know she is as a battler, unbelievably choking in every round. Gattas made the confident puncher look regular. She made the Bardashian, who just two years ago celebrated making 40 B.A.R.R.S. quit in a two-on-two, seem like she was not all the way cooked. Made her look like she needed to go back to the drawing board. Or maybe Gattas proved to the new generation a notion that so many people have been saying for a very long time … the talent that people think is so top tier — simply is not.
This was a classic body. This was a legendary defeat. Gattas is back and every single person on Queen of the Ring should be afraid (be very afraid).
“Yeah, that caffeine stage a different animal.. no doubt… U see how comfortable gattas was though”
“Very very good point. Gattas would be comfortable ANYWHERE. I really really like admire her confidence. She is feeling herself wherever she is, whoever she in front of, she’s her number one fan and she ALWAYS been that way. I really f### with gattas”
Very very good point. Gattas would be comfortable ANYWHERE.
I really really like admire her confidence. She is feeling herself wherever she is, whoever she in front of, she’s her number one fan and she ALWAYS been that way. I really f### with gattas
— Sam with the YELLOW hair 🤡🌌👽 (@ohgirlplz) June 27, 2021
“It was a sub-par event at best cant lie however a few things that I realised watching that battle 1. Official has fallen right off like all the way off 2. Get lady flames bigger plates she is actually too cold. 3. Gattas with the new competition is going to create classics”
It was a sub par event at best cant lie however a few things that I realised watching that battle 1. Official has fallen right off like all the way off 2. Get lady flames bigger plates she is actually too cold. 3. Gattas with the new competition is going to create classics https://t.co/HtPTzCxy3g
Ending the night was URL’s announcement of the contestants in the upcoming “Ultimate Madness 4.” Unlike the last season, these guys are truly a part of the NewRL that so many people are talking about. There will be no top tiers, no females, and no heavy purse prize at the end (returning to the $25K from the first two). However, what this UM4 does have is a fresh batch of talent that will hopefully be the names that we will be screaming for when the world opens up.
NBA YoungBoy is asking a judge to suppress all of the evidence prosecutors have seized against him, claiming his Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights have been violated.
During the raid, the police found 14 guns, one of them stolen and others loaded, as well as drugs and a large amount of cash.
Prosecutors charged NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, with possession of Oxycodone, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances.
According to documents obtained by AllHipHop, the rap star’s lawyer claim the police violated his Constitutional rights by intentionally seeking to find a criminal charge against him when they launched the operation they dubbed “Never Free Again.”
NBA YoungBoy’s lawyers also claim multiple sworn affidavits mislead and misrepresented the court. Finally, and maybe most persuasive, his lawyers claim the cops never read him his Miranda Rights, which could be a huge problem for prosecutors.
“Law enforcement led the state judge to believe the actions of September 28, 2020, were based solely upon information provided by a reliable source,” his lawyer Drew Findling explained.
“There was no basis of reliability of this source because the information was actually from an anonymous 911 caller. For example, police swore that the reliable source informed that two street gangs had gathered on abandoned property, brandishing firearms. The picture paints a potential gang fight about to erupt,” Findling continued, revealing the caller said the men were actually in front of his NBA YoungBoy’s grandfather’s house.
“The true facts from the 911 caller reveal nothing more than legal activity that was not threatening to her or anyone else. No crime was articulated,” Findling said.
“Law enforcement disregarded their rights as they searched, seized, questioned, and trampled upon their liberties seeking a ‘crime’ to charge Kentrell Gaulden.” – NBA YoungBoy’s lawyer, Drew Findling
The rapper’s lawyers are also moving to suppress all statements made because the police violated NBA YoungBoy’s right to counsel, and failed to read him his Miranda Rights when they attempted to question him after his arrest.
They are also seeking to suppress digital evidence recovered from cameras seized by NBA YoungBoy’s videographer Marvin Ramsey AKA Rich Porter, as well as digital devices taken from NBA YoungBoy’s Cadillac Escalade, which violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
Lastly, they are seeking to suppress a weapon recovered from a Dodge Ram that was located at the scene.
Bodycam footage from a Baton Rouge Police Department cop identified as Officer Kennedy revealed that the rap star was handcuffed and placed into the back of a police car for several hours until he was brought to a police station for questioning.
NBA YoungBoy’s lawyers claim they have not observed the rap star being advised of his Miranda Rights, as officers questioned him.
“Law enforcement knew that Mr. Gaulden was invoking his right to counsel and knew he was represented and yet still attempting to question him without a lawyer,” Drew Findling revealed.
So far, a date has not been set for a judge to rule on NBA YoungBoy’s request to suppress the evidence he says was illegally seized.
Incarcerated rapper Casanova got a huge look last night during the Gervonta Davis/Mario Barrios fight last night (June 26) at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
“Tank” sent Barrios to the canvas two times in the eighth round and ended the fight in the 11th round with a TKO, to claim the WBO Super Lightweight championship belt.
Immediately following his victory, Thank threw on a t-shirt adorned with Casanova’s face and the words “Free Casanova.”
Cas is one of Gervonta’s biggest fans and supporters. The rapper walked the Baltimore boxer into the ring with Lil Baby before his victory against Yuriorkis Gamboa in December of 2019.
They were also seen partying together after Tank’s crushing defeat of Leo Santa Cruz on October 31, 2020.
So It should come as no surprise that Tank would show support to the incarcerated rapper, who was locked up in December of 2020 for allegedly wreaking havoc with a New York-based gang.
Despite his legal problems, Casanova said he bet $20,000 on his friend for the match. And afterwards, the embattled rapper thanked Tank for his unwavering support.
I got 20K on Gervonta Davis. If you know you know!
