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EXCLUSIVE: Suspects Accused Of Killing XXXTentacion Ordered Into Court As Fans Honor Rapper’s Passing

The four suspects accused of killing XXXTentacion are heading to court this September, as their capital murder cases wind through court.

Dedrick Williams, Trayvon Newsome, Michael Boatwright, and Robert Allen have a mandatory hearing in front of Judge Michael Usan on September 3, 2021.

Each one of the suspects will appear in court with their respective attorneys for the hearing, where a trial date could finally be set for their roles in killing the rap star, on June 18, 2018.

All four of the suspects have been charged with stalking XXXTentacion outside of a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The rap star was shot inside of his BMW i8 in a botched robbery attempt.

Three of the suspects in the case, Robert Allen, Trayvon Newsome and Dedrick Willams, tried in vain to be released on bond in the case, and both of them failed.

Allen was granted an Arthur Hearing but his request for bond was denied in September of 2018.

Newsome was granted his Arthur Hearing, but his request was denied in February of 2020. Ditto for Williams, who also had an Arthur Hearing for a motion to make bond in May, but his hearing was canceled.

Meanwhile, Williams’ friends have been sending Judge Usan letters, in hopes of swaying the judge. The most recent letter came from one of Williams’ friends named Toccara Black.

Black said she has known Williams for 15 years. She also doubted his involvement in killing XXXTentacion.

“I don’t believe that he is a person that will do [sic] such a crime. Dedrick Williams is someone wouldn’t see no one heart with his caring heart. I truly believe that he was around set of friend [sic] at the wrong time,” Toccara Black wrote to Judge Usan.

XXXTentacion’s fans most likely feel otherwise, as they celebrate the third anniversary of his death.

Woman Write A Letter to Judge On Behalf Of XXXTentacion's Alleged Killer (1)
A Letter to Judge On Behalf Of XXXTentacion’s Alleged Killer, Dedrick Williams.

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Legendary “Hip Hop Heads” Art By Iconic Artist André LeRoy Davis Going Up For Sale As NFT’s

The Universal Hip Hop Museum is fundraising crazy to meet its $300 million goal to open in the next few years.

According to a press release, the UHHM will benefit from an innovative gesture from Hip-Hop Heads (nft.HipHop), a fin-tech company focused on NFTs founded by The Source co-founder Ed Young.

This donation will come from the sale of several NFTs from the art from the iconic illustrator André LeRoy Davis and might yield some big dollars for the institution.

The marketplace will go live at noon ET on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at nft.hiphop and run for 36 days, with one of each Hip-Hop Head NFTs, based on Davis’ art auctioned off each day.

André LeRoy Davis became famous for his Hip-Hop centric “The Last Word” caricatures featured at the end of each issue of The Source magazine during its Golden years.

His artist profile images have been sold for “big bank” in the past, with auction houses like Sotheby’s selling images of Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs from 1997 for anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 or the late Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor for close to $15,000.

This project that will benefit the UHHM, the first inclusive and extensive museum to honor Hip-Hop in its entirety, is called “103 Hip Hop Heads First Editions.”

The collection features 103 NFT creations with 47 editions in each series. Each of the 103 series features an animated portrait of a famous figure from the culture. The avatars that represent this limited-edition series will feature 47 acts selected from the 47 years of Hip-Hop Art.

The release states, “The animation loops at a rate of ~47.8 seconds to pinpoint the time of creation in the Hip Hop Era. The animation background code is generated by the most significant numbers in Hip Hop history with the sine waves and animation frame rates dependent upon these numbers creating the plasma-type flow illustrating the passage of the Hip Hop Era through these years.”

One very special component to these NFTs is that featured artists will be able to curate the experience with the “whale” that purchases the art.

In addition to launching the NFT, Woods, Davis, and the UHHM board and development team are open to working with legacy artists to establish their own NFTs, for the purpose of building the financial portfolio of their estates.

Nipsey Hussle, DJ Khaled Land Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Nipsey Hussle is being honored posthumously on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

The rapper is among 39 celebrities who will receive plaques on Hollywood Boulevard now Los Angeles has re-opened following the COVID lockdown.

Nipsey, real name Ermias Asghedom, was shot and killed outside his Marathon clothing store in March, 2019.

Joining Nipsey on the Walk of Fame list are Carrie Fisher, DJ Khaled, Black Eyed Peas, Ashanti, Avril Lavigne, Tracee Ellis Ross, Patti LuPone, Francis Ford Coppola, Macaulay Culkin, Willem Dafoe, and Salma Hayek.

“The Panel did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway!,” said Chair and Walk of Famer Ellen K.

Recipients now have two years to schedule their star ceremonies before their selection expires.

“My twin you did it i love you king,” said Nipsey’s close associate and All Money In artist Cobby Supreme.

Here’s How You Can Stay At House Where Outkast Recorded The Biggest Hits

Rapper Big Boi is giving fans the chance to rent the Atlanta, Georgia home where Outkast recorded some of their biggest hits to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album Atliens.

The hip-hop star is offering three overnight stays at the pad known as The Dungeon via Airbnb, with the June and July bookings available on a first come, first served basis once the application goes live on June 25.

Successful devotees who live in the Atlanta area will also be given an added bonus – a ride to and from the home in an Escalade.

Once there, guests will be invited to take a tour of the famed basement, where OutKast and the Goodie Mob, both part of The Dungeon Family collective, created some of their earliest works, and even signed their names on the walls of the makeshift studio.

Other rooms are designed to pay homage to Atlanta venues which inspired the music of The Dungeon Family, while there is also a top-of-the-line studio filled with Yamaha audio equipment – a more recent addition to the property.

The home previously belonged to producer Rico Wade’s mother, but Big Boi purchased it two years ago, and now he’s teamed up with Airbnb bosses to offer up each of the overnight stays for just $25 .

As part of the deal, Airbnb officials will be making a donation to the Atlanta Public Schools Music Department to expand resources and increase access to music education for young students, reports TMZ.

Phoenix Suns Fans Shocked Over Chris Paul COVID Diagnosis

Basketball superstar Chris Paul has been sidelined from the NBA Playoffs after testing positive for COVID.

The Phoenix Suns guard helped his team beat current champions the Los Angeles Lakers and favorites the Denver Nuggets, but now he’ll be out of the line-up for an indefinite period of time as part of the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

That means he’ll miss the start of the Western Conference Finals, when the Suns take on either the Los Angeles Clippers or Utah Jazz.

Ironically, reports suggest Paul is fully vaccinated, making his COVID diagnosis rare.

Phoenix Suns fans didn’t take the news well. Check out some of their replies:

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Big Daddy Kane Talks Jay-Z Meeting KRS-One Verzuz & The Hold Up, Bad Dad Rehab, Juice Crew Movie

Big Daddy Kane endures as one of the most prolific emcees in hip-hop culture. He helped put Brooklyn on the map, Jay Z in the game, and refine d the arts of lyricism. He, along with others defined a generation that sought to take the culture to new heights. However, Keen was slightly different, he also offered regal sentiments, maturity, and even fashion sense to the game.

Now the Brooklyn-born entertainer is taking his skills to the next level, returning to an old craft: acting. He is presently involved in a new movie called “Bad Dad Rehab: The Next Session.” The movie Chronicles the life and times of men looking to be better fathers to their children and it drops on Father’s Day 2021. This rehabilitation takes place in a formal center, similar to someone addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Kane also talks to Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur about working on the new Juice Crew movie (the seminal rap collective that gave the prototype for The Wu-Tang Clan), the documentary on lyricism he’s working on, as well as a recent meeting with Jay-Z. Furthermore, he talks about doing a Verzuz battle with KRS-One and how they have it all figured out for Hip-Hop. The only thing: Verzus may have other ideas that include Rakim.

This is a must see interview with one of the true greats of our culture!

DaBaby Makes His Directorial Debut With “Ball If I Want To”

With the summer officially back in action, DaBaby is ready to heat things with his new anthem, “Ball If I Want To.”

For his directorial debut, Baby pieces together a larger-than-life visual with video producer Gemini Vision. From the classroom to the playground, Baby proves once again why he remains rap’s most prolific force.

After taking home two Billboard Awards (Rap Song and Top Streaming Song for his 5X Platinum smash “ROCKSTAR”) and seven BET Awards nominations, DaBaby’s year-long dominance showcases why he remains pandemic proof and one of music’s biggest superstars.

Not only did he conquer the Billboard Hot 100 with his chart-topping single “ROCKSTAR,” but he remained atop of the elusive summit for a smoldering seven weeks.

His 2020 proved to be a momentous one, as he secured 32 Hot 100 hits along with his second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with Blame It on Baby. Dua Lipa and DaBaby’s smash collaboration “Levitating” remains an active player on the Billboard’s Hot 100, as it currently sits at No. 3 on the charts.

Vince Staples Explains Self-Titling His Fourth Album

Vince Staples is close to delivering his first full-length project since 2018. His upcoming 10-track, self-titled fourth studio album will arrive on Friday, July 9 via Blacksmith Recordings/Motown Records.

On June 18, Staples dropped the official music video for his “Law of Averages” single. Filmmaker Kid. Studio (Big Sean’s “Bounce Back”/Bryson Tiller’s “Always Forever”) directed the Long Beach-raised rapper’s latest visuals.

“It really gives much more information about me that wasn’t out there before. That’s why I went with that title,” states Vince Staples about the name of his next album. “I feel like I’ve been trying to tell the same story. As you go on in life, your point of view changes. This is another take on myself that I might not have had before.”

Previously, the Hip Hop recording artist released the Summertime ’06, Big Fish Theory, and FM! studio LPs. Over the last several years, Staples has presented The Vince Staples Show digital show and the Ramona Radio program on Apple Music as well. He is also said to be working on more creative projects with additional details to be revealed throughout 2021.

“I’m a mind more than I am an entertainer to a lot of people,” says Staples. “I appreciate that my fanbase is willing to go on this ride with me. I’m ready to diversify what we’re doing and see how we affect the world.”

The Kenny Beats-produced Vince Staples will land three years after the critically-acclaimed FM! album. Staples’s discography also consists of the Stolen Youth and Shyne Coldchain II mixtapes as well as the Hell Can Wait and Prima Donna EPs.

Pooh Shiesty To Stay Locked Up And His Legal Issues Get Worse

Earlier this week, it seemed as though rapper Pooh Shiesty was going to catch a break over a shooting inside of King of Diamonds in Miami.

The rapper was arrested on June 8 over claims he shot a security guard in the ankle after he lost $40,000 in cash during his May 30 performance over the Memorial Day weekend holiday.

Footage of the rapper, born Lontrell Williams, walking through the club with his gun out went viral, and he ended up surrendering two weeks later, after being charged with aggravated assault and battery.

But, the security guard in question revealed he was under the influence of a powerful narcotic when he was shot, and couldn’t remember who pulled the trigger.

The bombshell revelation was supposed to work in Pooh Shiesty’s favor, and at least get him out of a Miami jail, where he is being held without bond.

However, yesterday (June 17) during a hearing the rap star’s legal problems only got worse.

Despite the security guard recanting his statement to police, a judge decided to keep Pooh Shiesty locked up without bond.

Prosecutors want to keep him behind bars as they investigate Frivin Dor, the wounded security guard, and why he decided to stop cooperating with authorities.

Prosecutors say there may have been pressure put on Dor to recant his statement.

And, prosecutors revealed they were considering charging Pooh Shiesty with federal gun violations, over a wild shootout last October in Bal Harbor, Florida.

Gucci Mane’s New Artist Pooh Shiesty Wanted For Shooting In Florida; Two Injured

The rapper was involved in a drug deal that went bad, and resulted in gunfire, which sent two men to the hospital.

According to the Miami Herald, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has placed a federal detainer on Pooh Shiesty, which means charges are likely pending against the rapper over the shooting.

“We have been in communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and we believe they have a federal detainer on him and are likely to file federal charges. That doesn’t change our position as to his 100 percent innocence, in both state and federal matters,” his defense attorney Saam Zangeneh said.

Trap Music Museum Presents “A Celebration of Everything Black” For Juneteenth

Yesterday (June 17), President Joe Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day) an official federal holiday in the United States. June 19 commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free because of President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

While Juneteenth has been celebrated in certain sections of America dating back to the 1800s, the new national holiday will surely be a catalyst for more festivities taking place across the country. The T.I.-founded Trap Music Museum is set to present “A Celebration of Everything Black” as part of the gallery’s Juneteenth observances.

The Trap Music Museum is working in conjunction with B.A.M! Creative (Branding, Advertising & Marketing) for its first Juneteenth celebration. This year’s week-long event will feature discussions with fashion innovator Dapper Dan, actress Keisha Knight-Pulliam, Academy Award-winning producer/journalist Van Lathan, and other leading Black voices.

“The month of June serves as African-American Music Month, and we all know how music speaks to our culture. Trap Music Museum being a place where all the arts reside, we found it fitting to celebrate Juneteenth in this place. The goal is to highlight through B.A.M! Creative, our contributions to Tech, Art, Film, Fashion, Music & Community, June 16th-20th,” says Krystal Garner, General Manager of Trap Music Museum.

“A Celebration of Everything Black” will also feature Black FNO (Fashion Night Out), Bridging The Trap, and the AUC Film Fest. Black FNO is described as a mix of exhibitions, shopping, networking, and a candid conversation around the culture’s influence, buying power, and obstacles Black creators face in fashion.

“We’re excited to be a part of Trap Music Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration,” states Mike Summers, Head of Marketing of Atlanta United. “Our club is made special not just by our players or a stadium, but by the culture setting of the diverse community of Atlanta. Trap Music Museum has played a pivotal role in commemorating Atlanta’s African-American heritage and celebrating the city’s thriving creative arts culture.”

Earlier this month, the Google Arts & Culture platform announced The Trap Music Museum would be highlighted as part of the “Explore Atlanta” online project. The interactive experience allows internet users to virtually browse Trap Music Museum exhibits by artists like Brian “BK The Artist” Kirhagis and Shawn “Stu” Stewart.

“Unfortunately the impact of the digital divide here in Atlanta continues to grow. Not only are Black families suffering from inadequate broadband access, our youth lack devices to stay ahead in this digital world. Therefore, we as community partners must continue to come together to provide educational opportunities to our youth and more importantly expose them to career pathways especially those in the arts and culture arena,” says Darrell Booker, Nonprofit Tech Accel for Black & African American Communities Lead for Microsoft.

Trap Music Museum’s official partners for the “A Celebration of Everything Black” includes Microsoft, Footlocker, Beyond Buying The Block, A3C, The B######## Pop Up, and Cîroc Vodka. Atlanta’s The Trap Music Museum is open Thursdays 4-10 pm, Fridays 4 pm-12 am, Saturdays 12 pm- 12 am, and Sundays 12 pm-10 pm.

Mary J. Blige Talks Revisiting Painful Times For ‘My Life’ Documentary

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige is ready for the world to hear the story about the making of her classic 1994 album My Life. Amazon Prime Video users can stream Oscar-winning director Vanessa Roth’s My Life documentary beginning June 25.

Mary J. Blige made an appearance on The Daily Show this week. The 9-time Grammy winner and 2-time Acadamy Award nominee spoke to Trevor Noah about why she decided now was an appropriate time to present a film covering that prosperous, yet tumultuous, period in her career.

“About two years ago, the whole world was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the My Life album. People were giving testimonies online. I was running into people. The whole thing about ‘this album saved my life’ was coming back up again. So it was time,” said Blige.

She continued, “Nas and I were both on [2019’s] ‘The Royalty Tour,’ and he was celebrating his 25th anniversary of the Illmatic [album]. It was just so special. It was just time to tell the story because I’m coming from a place of strength now, so now I can go back and revisit – okay, it’s gonna hurt to revisit all those painful times but I’m strong enough now because I’ve been through so much hell that I can talk now.”

My Life is Mary. J Blige’s sophomore studio LP. The album was a commerical and critical success. It earned 3x-Platinum certification from the RIAA and is included on Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Albums Of The 90s list and The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time list.

The LP peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spent 85 weeks on the tally. Songs such as “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “I’m Goin’ Down,” and “Be Happy” became mainstream hits. All three tracks made it into the Hot 100 chart’s Top 40.

Mary. J Blige has been open about the hardships, such as physical and emotional abuse, she has had to deal with throughout her life. According to the legendary entertainer from New York, she experienced serious personal trauma for over twenty years after My Life was released.

“2016 came, I got a divorce, and that’s when I was like, ‘Enough. I’ve done something great. I’m beautiful. I’m strong. I’m gonna take my flowers now. I’m gonna speak to myself in the morning about positivity and loving myself and finally finding myself,'” Blige told Trevor Noah.

La La Anthony Reportedly Files For Divorce From Carmelo Anthony

According to multiple reports, La La Anthony has filed for divorce from her husband Carmelo Anthony after nearly 11 years of marriage. The breakup is said to be amicable.

Sources told TMZ that La La Anthony and Carmelo Anthony have been separated for a while. Following rumors of Carmelo cheating with another woman, the couple temporarily split in 2018. They reportedly reunited later that year.

37-year-old Carmelo Anthony and 41-year-old La La Anthony have one son together, 14-year-old Kiyan Carmelo Anthony. The 10-time NBA All-Star and the Power actress are supposedly dedicated to working together in order to co-parent Kiyan.

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“I don’t know what the future holds,” said La La Anonthy on The Wendy Williams Show in 2017. “I just know that we are doing an incredible job again being parents to our son. We are the best of friends. I’ve been with Melo since he was 19 years old. You’re not with somebody that long, and it just goes out the window.”

Carmelo praised La La on Mother’s Day this year. He wrote on Instagram, “The Strength Of A Mother Is Second To None. A Mother Like You Does Not Compare With Anything! Thank You @lala For All The Time, Sacrifice, Effort/Support, And Love You Pour Into Raising Our Young God!! We Love You. #EverydayIsMothersDay🌹#STAYME7O.”

La La replied in the Portland Trail Blazer’s comment section, “Thank u Mel for the greatest gift of motherhood to our amazing son 🎁❤️love you both always🙏🏽❤️.” On June 9, both parents used their respective Instagram accounts to celebrate Kiyan graduating from middle school.

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After working at an Atlanta radio station as a teenager, La La Anthony rose to fame as a VJ on the MTV network where she hosted Direct Effect and Total Request Live. She has also hosted reunion shows for numerous reality programs like Real World/Road Rules Challenge, Flavor of Love, and I Love New York.

La La Anthony has also starred in feature films such as Think Like a Man, Think Like a Man Too, and Chi-Raq. The Brooklyn-born entertainer gained her most prominent acting role when she was cast to play Lakeisha Grant on the Starz crime drama Power.

Carmelo Anthony has played in the NBA for 18 seasons. He won the scoring title in 2013 as part of the New York Knicks franchise. The Brooklyn native averaged 13.4 points/game for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2020-2021. Anthony currently sits at #10 on the all-time NBA scoring leaders list with 27,370 career points.

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H.E.R. Releases ‘Back Of My Mind’ Album Featuring Cordae, Lil Baby, Chris Brown & More

Grammy Award and Academy Award winner H.E.R. has finally released her highly-anticipated full-length album Back of My Mind. The R&B songstress created 21 tracks for the project which includes a star-studded lineup of guest features.

Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Cordae, Lil Baby, Thundercat, Yung Bleu, DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller, and YG made contributions to Back of My Mind. Hit-Boy, KAYTRANADA, Cardiak, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Camper, and more provided the production.

“This collection of songs comes from feelings and thoughts that I’ve had in the back of mind,” says H.E.R. “That’s where I live sometimes. Some things I talk about in my music and other things I may have been afraid to say or admit. I’m finding freedom in being truthful with expression.”

Previously, H.E.R. dropped I Used to Know Her in 2019 which contains songs from the I Used to Know Her: The Prelude (2018) and I Used to Know Her: Part 2 (2018) EPs. The I Used to Know Her compilation was nominated for Album of the Year at the 62nd Grammy Awards.

H.E.R has won 4 Grammys since 2019. She took home golden gramophones for Song Of The Year (“I Can’t Breathe”) and Best R&B Song (“Better Than I Imagined”) at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in March. The singer-songwriter also won two awards at the 61st Annual Grammys.

“Fight For You” won an Oscar this year. H.E.R.’s tune, off the Judas and the Black Messiah soundtrack, was honored with the Academy Award for Best Original Song in April. H.E.R. is now halfway to winning the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) distinction.

There’s No Better Gift Than Helping Dad Sleeping Well This Father’s Day

We can turn to many aids and methods for improving our sleep schedule, and in trying to lead more relaxed and calm lives. From a 24/7 news and social media cycle to nonstop work schedules, pursuing new hustles, and maintaining busy family lives — it’s easy for anybody to get carried away, stressed, under-rested, and overly tired.

To help find balance for yourself and your loved ones, consider checking out some of the proven benefits of CBD. Founded by a company aiming to help improve sleep for its customers, this REST 1500mg Full Spectrum CBD Tincture is on sale for $89.56 (reg. $140) with code WELOVEDAD as a part of a special Father’s Day price drop.

This simple and powerful full spectrum CBD tincture is enhanced with terpenes that induce restful, relaxed, and calm feelings. REST is an all-natural, safe product for working through restless nights. At its core, Common Ground CBD supplements are composed of full-spectrum hemp extracts, which are farmed, extracted, formulated, and packaged in proprietary, small-batch formulations in Colorado.

Each bottle features a one-month supply, which is a killer deal when taking into account this special Father’s Day price drop. The tinctures are GMO-free, gluten-free, and vegan. They’re also USA lab-tested, hemp-derived, and cultivated using organic farming practices. For those who appreciate natural ingredients, you’ll welcome how this extract is made using organic C8 MCT oil, which is derived from coconuts, as well as organically farmed, full-spectrum hemp extract, and steam distilled terpenes from organic hemp.

Common Ground is a CBD producer that’s ranked 5/5 stars on Facebook, and which focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly methods of making its product. In addition to the undeniable power of a good night’s rest, this natural product is a conscious and wholesome purchase.

Get the REST 1500mg Full Spectrum CBD Tincture for $89.56 (reg.$140) with code WELOVEDAD.

 



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Prices subject to change. 


Isaiah Rashad Drops “Headshots (4r Da Locals)” Single

Top Dawg Entertainment recording artist Isaiah Rashad is preparing to release his next album titled The House Is Burning. The long-awaited collection will host the single “Headshots (4r Da Locals).”

Isaiah Rashad let loose the song on June 18 along with a visualizer posted to YouTube. “Headshots (4r Da Locals)” follows the “Lay Wit Ya” song which came out in May.

The House Is Burning will be Isaiah Rashad’s second studio LP. The 30-year-old Chattanooga, Tennessee native let loose The Sun’s Tirade in 2016. Before that, he caught a lot of Hip Hop fans’ attention with 2014’s Cilvia Demo project.

“This album was difficult,” said Rashad about the making of The House Is Burning. “I love music, but I don’t like to say s###. It’s almost like a game for me. It’s like working out. I don’t want to be redundant. Redundancy in general bothers me. Any song that I make, I usually make it in about 30 minutes to an hour, and that’s it. My ideas come to me immediately.”

The TDE emcee added, “Music is where I go to express myself. It’s what I do to close a chapter. You know what’s crazy? I’m not even ashamed to say it… I really think my albums aren’t different from each other. Eventually, one of my albums will become a classic. I just love this s###. It’s me.”

Isaiah Rashad’s The Sun’s Tirade debuted at #17 on the Billboard 200 album chart by selling 19,000 first-week units. The critically-acclaimed LP spent three weeks on the rankings. At the end of 2016, The Sun’s Tirade was on numerous music publications’ “best album of the year” lists.

Mariah Carey Expertly Trolls Eminem With #WipeItDownChallenge

That “Mariah Carey” thing, Nick … we get it. She is funny as hell.

For years, people were trying to see how on earth did the diva Mariah Carey and funny man, Nick Cannon, stay married for 8 years.

Humor must have been the key.

As the songbird celebrates the 12th anniversary of her
Billboard-chart-topping single “Obsessed,” he gets in her comedic bag— again mocking rapper Eminem who was kinda featured in the music video of the song.

Back in 2009, the 51-year-old dressed up in jest as an “obsessed” fan who did whatever he could to be in her space. It played up the rumors that the Detroit rapper was sprung on her and telling everyone that they were an item.

This rumor is the source of the continued beef between Nick Cannon and “the Rap God.” Well, years later, Carey is pulling out that b-boy drag once again.

This time, she merged the song, the drag, and the drama (had to be dramatic, it’s Mariah) in her own version of the popular TikTok #WipeItDownChallenge.

She pops in the frame with her rollers and face mask, wipes one way to a glammed-up version of herself in another wipe, she is thugged out.

Oh …she is slim shady!

She posted it on her Instagram with the caption: “Just for laughs … from last year’s lockdown when all I did was wipe tings down. #HappyAnniversaryObsessed.”

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She might be something to be obsessed with. As recently as 2019, Nick and Em (who are neither in a relationship with her) are still beefing.

EXCLUSIVE: Tekashi 69 Wants To Grill Robbery Victims In Court

Rapper Tekashi 69 is looking to grill the doctors and possibly the two victims, who were robbed by his former gang in 2018 during a brazen, broad daylight attack in downtown Manhattan.

The rapper may have to shell out millions to settle a lawsuit with Seketha “Skyy L. Daniels” Wonzer and Kevin Dozier.

Before he does, Tekashi 69 wants to grill the physicians who concluded the pair was traumatized by the robbery.

“Defendant… seeks the Court’s permission to serve written discovery in the form of document requests and interrogatories and then take the depositions of the treating physicians and experts that Plaintiffs have retained to testify at the inquest with respect to Plaintiffs’ purported damages,” Tekashi 69’s lawyer Robert S. Meloni wrote.

Wonzer and Dozier were robbed on April 3, 2018, by almost half a dozen members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

Tekashi 69 sat by and filmed the attack, as Denard “Drama” Butler and his gang associates relieved Wonzer and Dozier of their jewelry, cash, cameras, and a hard drive with over a decade’s worth of footage.

But their marks were innocent victims and had nothing to do with the feud.

There’s no doubt of Butler and Tekashi 69’s guilt – they both admitted to pulling off the robbery during a feud with Rap-A-Lot Records. Butler pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced to five years in prison, while Tekashi 69 admitted to the robbery when he testified against the gang in October of 2019 to get a reduced sentence.

In December of 2020, Wonzer and Dozier sued Tekashi69 for brutalizing and traumatizing them during the gunpoint robbery.

The rapper failed to respond to the lawsuit for well over a year, which resulted in a default judgment against him. The pair could be traumatized all over again as they may have to relive that fateful day on the stand.

Tekashi 69 is also asking the court “to serve written discovery and depose Plaintiffs on the issue of their purported damages,” according to Meloni.

Tekashi 69 is not disputing that he will probably have to pay Wonzer and Dozier, but he is trying to get a handle on just how they were impacted by the robbery, which will ultimately determine the amount of money he will have to shell out.

Juneteenth Officially Recognized As A Federal Holiday

President Joe Biden has signed a bill that now establishes Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Despite what has been proposed, the holiday, that falls on June 19th traditionally commemorates when enslaved Africans in Texas found out that American slavery had ended — four years earlier when then-President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862 “slaves” in Confederate states, who had broken apart from the Union during the Civil War.

According to Deadline, “on June 19, 1865, U.S. Major General Gordon Granger and 2,000 troops landed in Galveston, Texas and marched through the streets reading Granger’s just-issued General Order No.3, which served as an announcement of the end of slavery in accordance with Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. At the time, there were just over 1,000 enslaved people in the city.”

The Emancipation Proclamation is complicated. While it ended slavery in Southern states, it did not end slavery in two Union-connected states Delaware and Kentucky – until December 6, 1865.

While it didn’t happen in 1862/63, it still is the earliest known celebration to honor the end of slavery.

Juneteenth is often called “Emancipation Day,” “Freedom Day,” “Jubilee Day” or “Liberation Day” and is now one of five date-specific federally recognized holidays (New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day (November 11), and Christmas Day).

What it is not is another day to get discounts on furniture, clothes or a call for Uncle Ted’s barbecue.

“Our federal holidays are purposely few in number and recognize the most important milestones,” said Democrat Carolyn Maloney from
New York.
“I cannot think of a more important milestone to commemorate than the end of slavery in the United. States.”

The timeline is as such:

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 15, 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The next day, the House of Representatives voted 415-14, and on June 17, President 46 signed it.

Biden stated, “I have to say to you, I’ve only been President for several months, but I think this will go down, for me, as one of the greatest honors I will have as President.”

“I regret that my grandchildren aren’t here, because this is a really, really, really important moment in our history. By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history — and celebrate progress and grapple with the distance we’ve come (and) the distance we have to travel,” he went on to say.

“We can’t rest until the promise of equality is fulfilled for every one of us in every corner of this nation. That to me is the meaning of Juneteenth,” Biden continued. “So, let’s make this very Juneteenth tomorrow the first that our nation will celebrate all together, as one nation. A Juneteenth of action on many fronts.”

Thank an ancestor on the 19th, even though the 18th is when people will get off of work. Also, save your money. Don’t let them bastardize Black people’s pain.

Logic Officially Coming Out Of Retirement

Maryland rapper Logic is “back.”

After retiring last summer, at the height of the COVID-19 mandated quarantine, in the middle of the 2020 civic unrest uprisings and after the release of his sixth studio album No Pressure, the GRAMMY-nominated artist posted his return to the music industry.

Creatively, he tweeted a statement from his attorneys that mirrored Michael Jordan’s 1995 return announcement:

“Washington, DC. (June 16, 2021) – The following statement was released today by Logic, through his attorney Paul Rothenberg, Partner of Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP located in NYC, in response to questions about his future career plans:

“I’m back.”

Back in 1995 of course, there was no Twitter. Jordan’s statement came via facsimile, ala fax.

ESPN recounted that moment:

“Rumors had been swirling about Jordan ending his 17-month retirement since he had begun practicing with the Chicago Bulls earlier in the month. Now it was time to make it official. Falk wrote a couple versions of a news release and gave them to Jordan for his consideration.

He didn’t like the feel of them,’ [Jordan’s agent, David] Falk said. ‘He said, ‘I’ll do it myself.’’

So, Jordan grabbed a piece of paper and wrote the two words that captured everything he wanted to say: ‘I’m back'”

Jordan was gone for 17 whole months, but did Logic really retire?

In 2020, he formed a Hip-Hop duo with Madlib called MadGic and released two songs and a beat tape. Poor little rapper, he just can’t stay away from the mic.

We’re gonna get some fire y’all. Just wait.

YFN Lucci Pleads Not Guilty To Gang Participation In Court Hearing

On Thursday, June 16, the attorney for YFN Lucci, the Atlanta rapper under investigation for gang involvement, entered a not guilty plea in a Fulton County court on behalf of his client.

The lawyer also opted not to have a formal arraignment for gang-related another case YFN Lucci was involved with.

Just last month, he and a few other associates were indicted in a gang-related racketeering case.

The “Rolled On” rapper allegedly has connections to the Bloods gang, specifically sets that bred in his hometown and Miami — and if proven guilty it could get dark for the artist.

Fulton County Jail records have a list of charges that they allege will prove his affiliation with the Bloods dating back to 2010.

According to those records, the hefty criminal case connected to the gang involves one felony murder count, multiple counts of aggravated assault, a violation of the Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) act, and other violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

According to Deputy Chief Charles Hampton, Jr. of the Atlanta Police Criminal Investigation Division, the charges start with “murder all the way down to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.” But these are not the first for Lucci.

He also has murder charges looming over his 5’9 frame. At 30, he could be facing some real time if it is proven that he murdered an Atlanta man in December 2020.

The rapper was indicted for murder involving the death of a 28-year-old James Adams, who was killed while Lucci and other alleged Blood gang members drove into a rival gang’s territory.

Prosecutors say Adams was riding in an SUV with YFN Lucci when he was shot, and dumped in the middle of the road for dead.

Last week, YFN Lucci proclaimed his innocence in a statement He released from jail.

‘Thank you all for your prayers and continued support. I am still incarcerated right now but am maintaining my innocence,” YFN Lucci said. “To all my fans who have continued to show love and support, I’ll have some new music and content on the way!”