British rapper and social media star KSI is inviting fans to join him for a special one-of-a-kind livestream event to celebrate the release of his sophomore album.
The YouTube personality and musician will drop All Over The Place on July 16, and one day later, he will stage The KSI Show.
The variety-style event will follow KSI, real name Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, from his bedroom where it all started, moving in and out of a dream-like state around custom stages that will incorporate elements of music performances, surreal TV sets, and comedy sketches written by Joe Chandler, Nick Wegener, James Farmer, and KSI himself.
The concert will be the first time tracks from KSI’s upcoming album are presented live on stage.
In a statement, KSI said: “No one will honestly expect this. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Never done before. Ya boy is gonna take you all on an adventure that will be remembered for years to come.
“I’ll be taking you through my journey from being a YouTuber to a boxer to a musician and more. This experience has everything. Mainstream meets the internet in a way never done before. So, get ready and enjoy.”
The guest line-up for the July 17 show will be announced over the coming weeks in the lead up to the big day, when the event will go live at 8pm BST.
Megan Thee Stallion is proud to be a “girl’s girl.”
The “Hot Girl Summer” hitmaker wants to set a good example of how women can support one another because she doesn’t like the idea that fellow female chart stars are all “competitive and catty”.
Megan Thee Stallion said: “It is important for me to be known as a girl’s girl because a lot of times the industry tries to paint it like women don’t support each other…that girls can’t be in the same field without being competitive and catty.
“But me, I love all the girls and I want everybody to know I don’t believe in that. I am in my own lane, you are in your lane, and, you know, I appreciate good music. All these women.”
The 26-year-old rapper thinks her music “naturally thrives” in the summer because it’s her favorite season and she loves recording songs to soundtrack the warmer weather.
She told People magazine: “When you think of summer, you just have to think of me because I am the Hot Girl Coach and it is the Hot Girl Summer. It is no pressure to make songs for the summer.
“I just put out a song in the summer and the hotties just turn into it and they really like it. But I do try and put something out there to kick off Hot Girl Summer every year.”
Megan has teamed up with Cash App to give away $1 million worth of stock as part of a new promotion dubbed ‘Investing for Hotties’ and as part of the venture will star in a series of videos which aim to inform potential investors on the basics of the stock market and why they should get involved.
She said: “I feel like it is important to invest because you want to see your money grow in other ways. I think it is cool to put your money into something and watch it grow and take it in and out as you want to.”
Lil Nas X has insisted he’s unconcerned by pal Madonna’s reaction to his controversial kiss with a male dancer at the Bet Awards after she faced backlash from his fans.
Actress Phylicia Rashad had no intention of being “insensitive” to sexual assault survivors when she celebrated the overturning of Bill Cosby’s conviction.
Alongside a photo of a smiling Cosby, Phylicia – who had played the actor’s on-screen wife in “The Cosby Show” – wrote, “FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted- a miscarriage of justice is corrected!”
Her comment quickly attracted backlash from critics of Bill Cosby, and led to Phylicia returning to the social media site to stress she hadn’t meant any offense with her original post.
“I fully support survivors of sexual assault coming forward,” Phylicia Rashad wrote. “My post was in no way intended to be insensitive to their truth. Personally, I know from friends and family that such abuse has lifelong residual effects. My heartfelt wish is for healing.”
Model Janice Dickinson is among those who made allegations about sexual misconduct at the hands of Bill Cosby – claiming that the comedian raped her, which he has denied – and told “Entertainment Tonight” that she was left reeling after hearing about his conviction overturning.
“This morning when I got up and rolled out of bed,” she said. “My friend, Stephen Lenehan, gave me a telephone call and he told me, he said, ‘I have some bad news.’ And I was bracing for a hurricane or something, and he was like, ‘[Bill Cosby] is out of prison.’…First of all, (I felt) so angry. So angry. Second, I felt like I was kicked in the stomach, in my abdomen, by some psychic blow.”
How did the rumor of Biz Markie begin? Well, you have to go all the way back to social media. From what I can see it looks as though the whole thing started from DJ WebStar and a post to me on social media. After that, Shaderoom picked it up. Clearly Shaderoom scooped up this information and did nothing whatsoever to verify the validity of the claims. As you already know the Shaderoom is an incredibly big and vast, well-followed Instagram platform. For some reason, they are trusted source.
Once they let the fake cat out of the bag, nothing can stop the rumor from taking legs. And legs it had! So from there, various people started to post a Biz Markie had died, like Ed Lover, Pharrell and other notables. This included Diddy’s RevoltTV network. Revolt is a little bit different than the Shaderoom, because they have a website and are fairly respected. The Shaderoom has a website as well, but most people are on the IG. If you went to google, the only thing you really saw was REVOLT’s brief obituary story on Biz Markie. After that, it was all over. Some people still have the Biz Markie is dead on their Instagram‘s and the comments are lighting them up because it’s bad information. Others are extremely upset that people didn’t properly vet the sources in the information itself. I get it….its hard out here! Everybody is trying to get those looks and likes.
Here’s the sad reality, the Diabolical Biz Markie is not doing well. He is presently in hospice care. It appears that he will not fully recover from this stroke and bout with diabetes. The prayers are super strong on this one, because he is such a good guy to the culture, and it appears to be a great human being overall. I don’t know him personally, but I am a huge fan of his work as a beat box, rapper, DJ as well as an entertainer because he completely transcended his role as an emcee.
We love the Biz and are fans…we wish him well!! Nobody beats the Biz! never forget that!
Compton’s Most Wanted co-founder MC Eiht joins Tim this week for an in-depth conversation about his early influences.
The rap legend explains how he went from gang banging to becoming a legendary MC with Compton’s Most Wanted.
Other topics include squashing his beef with DJ Quik and his thoughts on the impact the late Tim Dog’s song “F### Compton.”
Eiht artist also talks about his acting career as a star in the hood classic “Menace II Society,” as well as recording with artists such as Ice T, Spice 1, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Premier and Bruno Mars.
Culture Creators hosted it’s 5th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch during BET Awards Weekend at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Culture Creators have been instrumental in connecting cultural pioneers with the new creators of culture via thought leadership, education, and ideation.
The organization was also created to amplify and spotlight individuals who have shaped the global view of Black culture by providing a platform that engages and celebrates their accomplishments.
Culture Creators also hosts workshops, networking sessions, HBCU summits, and panel discussions to foster a community of innovators, creatives and intellectuals.
This year’s brunch included honorees Swizz Beatz (Icon Award), D-Nice (Innovator Award), Zerina Akers (Fashion Award), Shanti Das (Health & Wellness Award), MBK Entertainment/ Jeff Robinson & Jeanine McLean (Music Award), JaVale McGee (Sports Awards), Rikki Hughes (Film/TV Award), Kudzi Chikumbu (Tech Award), Cari Champion (Media Award), Stefanie Brown-James (Social Justice Award), Baron Davis (Business Award), and George Wells (Finance Award).
AllHipHop had an opportunity to speak with Innovator Award recipient, legend, and gamechanger D-Nice on the Culture Creator’s red carpet.
RapCaviar x Spotify Singles presents “Life Is A Dice Game” by Nasir “Nas” Jones. The New York-bred wordsmith collaborated with Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs and Maryland rapper Cordae for the song.
The Hip Hop legend born Nasir Jones teamed up again with producer Hit-Boy, the beatmaker who composed the sound for Nas’s 2020 album King’s Disease. “Life Is A Dice Game” was A&R’d by Spotify’s Head of UrbanCarl Chery.
Back in 1993, Nas created a freestyle titled “Life Is Like A Dice Game” during the Illmatic recording sessions. Twenty-eight years later, the 47-year-old emcee has finally released a completed version of the track.
“True Nas fans are familiar with the ‘Life Is Like a Dice Game’ leak. I thought finishing the song would be a fresh spin on our Spotify Singles program. The original dates back to the ‘90s but the concept feels more relevant than ever today, which makes it the perfect time to put it out,” states Carl Chery.
Nas says, “Spotify pulled out a leak from the 90s that I did eons ago, and asked if I could resurrect it. I can’t remember where I recorded it, or who produced it – maybe Easy Moe Bee, he was killin’ the game at the time! Carl Chery from Spotify suggested we connect with Freddie & Cordae to bring the song new life and I loved it.”
Additionally, Nas is celebrating the 25 year anniversary of his 1996 studio LP It Was Written. An expanded digital edition of the album with bonus tracks will be added to DSPs on July 2. A limited-edition 25th-anniversary It Was Written vinyl/cassette bundle will be available via Get On Down.
What would you do with a second phone line? Some might use it for prank phone calls, but if you need a second phone number to use for honest pursuits like a small business, there’s no doubt that having a second line can definitely be a convenient resource.
Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to the Hushed Private Phone Line for only $19.99 down from $150, which is an 86-percent discount. This app has maintained a 4.6-star rating with 5,600 App Store reviews, so you can trust its usefulness.
Hushed lets you keep your personal phone number hidden when you’re making phone calls, which is ideal if you’ve been putting off investing in a second phone line for your business. With the easy-to-use app, you can even choose your own area code, so you can let your clients know you still operate in the area without giving out your personal number. One happy reviewer explained, “It is useful if you want another telephone number for business or do not want to give your family phone to others,”
The app also allows you to set up a voicemail message, and it allows you to make calls through Wi-Fi, which is another way to avoid additional service charges. Tech Crunch called it “a viable, more lightweight alternative to something like Google Voice.” You’ll also be able to send and receive text messages without any monthly fees. Finally, this is a lifetime membership, so you never have to worry about re-upping your subscription. You’ll get up to 1,000-minutes per year, which is a generous amount of time that will allow you to use the service without the fear of immediately running out of minutes.
Invest in a second line without the additional bill using the Hushed Private Phone Line. Right now, it’s on sale for only $19.99.
Two of today’s most celebrated R&B acts have come together for a collaborative effort. California’s Ty Dolla $ign and Canada’s dvsn announced a special joint album is in the works.
The first single off the forthcoming project is a record titled “I Believed It.” Vocals by the late Grammy-nominated rapper Mac Miller is included in the song.
Previously, Ty Dolla $ign worked with singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85 for the Toronto duo’s A Muse in Her Feelings studio LP. Dvsn’s “Dangerous City” with Ty Dolla also featured Dancehall icon Buju Banton.
A Muse in Her Feelings dropped in 2020. Daniel Daley and Nineteen85’s album catalog also contains 2016’s Sept. 5th and 2017’s Morning After. All of their projects came out on Drake’s OVO Sound label.
Featuring Ty Dolla Signis Ty Dolla $ign’s most recent full-length body of work. Besides that 2020 release, the 39-year-old Atlantic Records signee has also presented 2015’s Free TC and 2017’s Beach House 3.
Trick Daddy does not just comment on other celebrities. He also shared his own life story in an audio version of his 2010 memoir titled Magic City: Trials of a Native Son.
“I wanted to give a voice to all the folks who weren’t blessed enough to share our trials and tribulations and share the inspiration that was found after surviving those storms both natural and man-made,” says Trick Daddy.
Magic City was co-written by former Miami Herald staff writer Peter Bailey. The NiteCap Media CEO also served as the narrator for Trick Daddy’s audiobook.
“The culture needs this moment to reflect on where we are as a society right now; we need the honesty and lessons presented in Trick’s story,” says Peter Bailey.
Trick Daddy’s Magic City also tells the story of the history of his hometown. Miami’s crime, corruption, and racial tension are all covered in the southern rapper’s book. Plus, Trick reflects on the city’s Hip Hop scene and hisrise to fame.
Throughout his career, Trick Daddy released numerous studio albums such as 1997’s Based on a True Story, 1998’s www.thug.com, 2001’s Thugs Are Us, 2002’s Thug Holiday, and 2004’s Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets.
Lil Nas X once again trolled his way into the headlines. His performance at the 2021 BET Awards ended with the openly gay Georgia native kissing his male backup dancer. That liplock led to condemnation from many viewers.
The Source magazine co-founder Benzino was one of the most outspoken critics of Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” set on Sunday night. Benzino took to Instagram to voice his frustrations.
“That s### BET pulled yesterday was lame [as f###]. It was too uncomfortable, too irresponsible, too forced, and too irrelevant to the awards. Homie ain’t even hot like that for music anymore anyway. It’s a shame what all this is [coming to]. I wish I had the backing to bring the Source Awards back,” posted Benzino on IG.
Benzino then faced backlash for what some people saw as homophobic comments. He went on BNC’s Black News Tonight with Marc Lamont Hill to have a conversation about his criticism of BET and Lil Nas X.
At one point, Benzino apologized for wrongly suggesting that Lil Nas X was no longer a successful music artist. Benzino acknowledged that “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” is currently charting in the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Hot 100 rankings.
The BNC interview also included Benzino arguing that the BET Awards are supposed to be a family-based show and Lil Nas X kissing a man was inappropriate for that audience. However, Marc Lamont Hill pointed out that Benzino disapproved of Lil Nas X’s kiss but he did not object to the heterosexual musicians alluding to sex, drug use, and violence at the same ceremony.
since y’all still doing all this over a kiss imma just f### the n#### on stage next time
Benzino responded by saying his omission of criticizing other moments from the BET Awards does not “taint” his opinion on the Lil Nas X controversy. While Benzino insisted he is not homophobic and does not want to censor artists, the 55-year-old reality show star offered an additional take on LNX and the LGBT community.
“I just feel like sometimes things can be forced, and they don’t have to be. I think Lil Nas X was trying to show he’s gay and gay’s here, but we already knew that. You don’t have to push the envelope so much. Gay people are here. The movement’s here,” said Benzino.
The former Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member added, “I think the LGBT community – a lot of them are great people – but then you got some who just want to bully their lifestyle on people. I don’t think that’s fair. I think in this instance I’ve seen LGBT [people] speak and actually agree with what I’m saying.”
Biz Markie’s name is trending on social media this morning. That is because there were rumors circulating that the legendary New York-bred Hip Hop artist passed away, but the man born Marcel Theo Hall is still alive.
A representative for Biz Markie released the following statement:
“The news of Biz Markie’s passing is not true. Biz is still under medical care, surrounded by professionals who are working hard to provide the best health care possible. Biz’s wife and family are touched by the outpouring of love and admiration from his friends, peers, and fans alike. At this time, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
In addition, veteran journalist Roland Martin confirmed that reports of Biz Markie are untrue. The news show host also called out the Revolt network and its founder Sean “Diddy” Combs for running an article claiming the “Just a Friend” hitmaker was deceased. The story has since been taken down from the Revolt website.
“Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends, and fans,” tweeted Roland Martin.
The former CNN contributor added, “The folks at @revolttv owe the public an apology for posting that story. I know @Diddy and [Revolt CEO] @Detavio. There should be an IMMEDIATE assessment of their journalistic protocols to determine how that story got published on the site. There must be editorial standards in place.”
Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends and fans."
Biz Markie was hospitalized in 2020 due to complications from Type II Diabetes. He also reportedly suffered a stroke that same year. According to HipHopDX, the stroke made it difficult for Markie to communicate, and he was sent to a rehab facility in the Washington, DC area.
In April, fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane spoke about Biz Markie’s health condition. Kane told The Breakfast Club, “He’s getting better and stronger every day. Last time I talked to him on the phone, he got a real light voice, but last time I talked on the phone he stuck his middle finger up at me so I think he’s coming along.”
When I see a "story," I first READ the article. I look to see what they are basing the information. When Twitter went crazy with the lie about @BizMarkie dying, I called a close friend of his, an industry legend. He said, "I talked to Biz today." Not good enough. 2/7
What did I do there? I CALLED a source. I didn't RT some b####### someone else "reported." I chose to VERIFY myself. My source then called the wife. I then was SPECIFIC in my questions to establish the timeline before I "published." This is what real journalists do. 4/7
The folks at @revolttv owe the public an apology for posting that story. I know @Diddy and @Detavio. There should be an IMMEDIATE assessment of their journalistic protocols to determine how that story got published on the site. There must be editorial standards in place. 6/7
ANY story that is published must be properly vetted & approved. The reporter who wrote it must be stand by their REPORTING. Stop this weak ass journalism of re-writing news based on someone else's tweet that you never confirmed yourself. Old school: Trust AND verify. 7/7
Young Thug has been cast opposite one of the movie biz’s rising stars in Tiffany Haddish’s new film, “Throw It Back.”
Shahadi Wright-Joseph is blossoming into Hollywood’s “It” girl.
The teen possesses everything from breathtaking looks, unbelievable talent, and a resume that is simply nothing to sneeze at, and with this pairing with the chart-topping YSL recording artist, it seems that she is in a position to open doors to her Tinseltown world.
According to Deadline, Thugger will not only co-star alongside the pint-size Brooklyn bomber in what will be his acting debut but will serve as executive producer and supervise the soundtrack.
Sure to be a cult classic, the film will make you think of Jamie Fox’s Annie, a lot of Nick Cannon’s “Drumline*, and a dash of Chris Stokes’ *You Got Served.”
Joseph plays Wytrell, a high school senior who aims to get “discovered” by a controversial Miami rapper.
Said superstar, played by Young Thug, has a music video and kids are competing to be in the top spot in the visual. Wytrell battles for a spot and the drama basically rolls from there.
Culture’s biggest night, the 2021 BET Awards, returned to the Microsoft audience with a live audience.
The iconic show, hosted by Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, highlighted the best in music and entertainment from electrifying and highly energetic performances, a lifetime achievement tribute fit for a Queen, THE Queen Latifah, and appearances from today’s biggest and brightest stars.
The show was action-packed with creativity and talent, and even featured a new set design with intimate tables and couches.
Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby opened the show with a performance of their hit “We Win” from the ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ soundtrack.
DJ Khaled did not disappoint as his performance included an all-star line up of performances from Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R. and DaBaby, as they performed hits off of Khaled’s No. 1 album, ‘Khaled Khaled.’
The Migos literally set the stage on fire with performances of “Straightenin,'” and “Type Sh*t” with Cardi B.
The City Girls and Megan Thee Stallion gave us choreography with their performances of “Twerkulator” and “Thot Sh*t,” and the legendary cultural icon DMX was tributed with performances from Swizz BeatzBusta Rhymes, Method Man, Griselda, Lil Buck and Jon, The Lox and Michael K Williams.
Queen Latifah was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award with a tribute that included performances by Lil Kim, MC Lyte, Monie Love, and Rapsody.
Before all of the fun, AllHipHop caught up with Lil Kim to discuss her new memoir, next chapter, and love for Biggie and Drake.
AllHipHop: You are a legend, you are an icon, you are a queen, and you deserve all of your roses and accolades. What’s next for you?
Lil Kim: I have a book coming out in November, so remember that. It’s called ‘Lil Kim the Queen Bee,’ and that will be the beginning of the next level and phase of Lil Kim. Just keep watching, and you’ll see. I’m excited about it. People think they know me but they don’t.
AllHipHop:Who are your Top 5 rappers dead or alive?
Lil Kim: I plead the 5th because I have so many. I don’t want to sit here and just forget anybody. Everyone knows Biggie is just always forever in my heart. Everyone knows I love Drake.
The BET Awards returned to the Microsoft Theater, and this time in front of a fully-vaccinated audience.
The awards proved once again to be culture’s biggest night with buzzworthy moments, bars, vocals, energetic performances and unmatched creativity.
The awards ceremony continues to highlight and celebrate the music, entertainment, and sports power players and creators of today and tomorrow.
The 2021 BET Awards was hosted by Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, who certainly kept the party going with her amazing personality and alter egos.
The legendary Queen Latifah was honored with this year’s Life Time Achievement Award and tributed by fellow Hip Hop legends Lil Kim, Monie Love, and MC Lyte, as well as the incredible Rapsody.
The late, great Hip Hop icon DMX was tributed with an all-star performance from Swizz Beatz, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Griselda, Lil Buck and Jon, The Lox, and Michael K. Williams.
Lil Baby, Kirk Franklin, DaBaby, Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, Migos, Cardi B, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Nas X, Roddy Ricch, Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, Silk Sonic, H.E.R., DJ Khaled, Lil Durk, and Andra Day all took the stage for a night of energetic, extraordinary, and jaw-dropping performances.
Charlotte, North Carolina’s own DaBaby racked up a total of 7 BET Awards nominations, and he took the stage with theatrics for a phenomenal performance of “Ball If I Want To” featuring dancers and acrobats.
Prior to the show kicking off, AllHipHop spoke with DaBaby about how to stay lifted, how to pivot, stay encouraged and evolve during the pandemic.
AllHipHop: What’s a piece of advice that you can give people to stay lifted, encouraged, to evolve, and to pivot [during the pandemic]?
DaBaby: Man you know just stay around family. Protect family. Keep family safe. Keep family motivated. Just stay around people that love you, love you from the start…people that have been hustling when you are hustling you can’t go wrong.
It is with heavy hearts that the AllHipHop.com team reports that New Jersey rapper Fetty Wap has lost one of his children.
According to various social media posts, his four-year-old daughter Lauren Maxwell has transitioned and fans and friends of the “Trap Queen” artist are sending their condolences. So far, a cause of death has yet to be revealed, or confirmed.
“my condolences to fetty wap and his family he lost his 4 yr old daughter i can’t imagine the pain they must be feeling. may you rest in eternal grace princess”
Fetty Wap did lose his 26-year-old brother just nine months ago in Patterson, NJ.
Lauren was his child with the rapper/dancer Turquoise Miami. Understandably, she has removed herself from social media as she mourns the unfortunate transition of her little lady.
Fetty is a dad to five other children (totally six), with five different women. Just a few weeks ago on Father’s Day, he posted pictures of him with his children.
We will be praying for this family during this season of bereavement.
The hip-hop and rap industry has evolved over the last few years. To survive and release a hit in the ever-changing rap scenes, the artists need to keep up with the current trends in sound, melodies, vibes, rhythms, and song structure. It’s all about the song flow and the vibes for them to develop a rap song so their fans will absolutely be enthralled.
Benjamin Ken is a top-rising talent in the hip-hop scene and is swiftly intriguing the hip-hop industry scenes with his appealing music. He is wholly dedicated to keeping his fans entertained with his unique rap style.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Benjamin Ken has fans raving due to his rapping mastery and expertise in his songs. At only 22 years old, he has released a new album titled “Soul Searcher,” and his growing fan base can’t get enough of the album. One of his fans was quoted saying, “Benjamin is never short of surprises. This album is a masterpiece! This is what we’ve been waiting for!” Benjamin has invested his time well with the new release showcasing his unique concepts in the songs, such as lyrical skills, word arrangement, rhythm and vibes.
The “Soul Searcher” is really boosting Benjamin’s popularity in the rap industry because of his rapping crafts, lyrical choices, and melodies. The album is a definite indication of exceptional musical skills and dedication to fit in the industry’s current trends. Among the hits making rounds in the summer airwaves are “Legends Die Young,” “Soul Searching,” and “Ghetto Hero.” The electrifying vibes in these songs are stunning, and his fans can’t get enough of his music.
The “Soul Searcher” album shows that Benjamin Ken is an up-and-coming talent and it’s only a matter of time before he hits the American headlines in the rap scene. In fact, some of his die-hard fans say that he has what it takes to match the rap legends like Drakes or Lil Wayne.
The ‘Soul Searcher” is not his first album to be released. He previously released several hits, such as “Rooftop” and “The Bigger Man’. This shows he is very consistent and dedicated to ensuring that he has something new for his growing audience. Benjamin has connected well with his fans and has over 28k followers in his Instagram account and still counting. He also has an increasing fan base on SoundCloud and YouTube. The numbers are increasing significantly after the release of “Soul Searcher.”
Benjamin Ken is also instrumental in the careers of other budding stars and seasoned professionals alike. He recently opened a creative facility in downtown Atlanta that will offer a unique platform for upcoming artists and other players in the industry to hone their talents. Benjamin is sure to make some unusual noise in the music industry in the days to come with his spectacular talent in his upcoming single “Evul”.
He advises up-and-coming artists to be determined and put a lot of effort in what they are doing and remain focused. He encourages them to overcome any obstacle, follow their passion and enjoy the fruits of their labors.
The 2021 BET Awards were nothing short of amazing, and culture’s biggest night did not disappoint with performances from the hottest artists and biggest stars in Hip Hop & R&B!
The awards show returned with a fully-vaccinated live audience and a stage design that included both a fan pit and intimate couches.
The late, great Hip Hop icon DMX was tributed with an all-star performance from Swizz Beatz, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Griselda, Lil Buck and Jon, The Lox, and Michael K. Williams.
The legendary Queen Latifah was honored with this years Life Time Achievement Award and tributed by fellow Hip Hop legends Lil Kim, Monie Love, and MC Lyte, as well as the incredible Rapsody.
Lil Baby, Kirk Franklin, DaBaby, Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, Migos, Cardi B, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Nas X, Roddy Ricch, Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, Silk Sonic, H.E.R., DJ Khaled, Lil Durk, and Andra Day all took the stage for a night of energetic, extraordinary, and jaw-dropping performances.
Before all of the action, AllHipHop spoke with Coi Leray about her BET Awards nominations, forthcoming debut album, the importance of education and more.
AllHipHop:So Coi has an amazing big year. I’m so happy for you. How is it? Are you taking it all in? Is it still surreal? Are you living in the moment?
Coi Leray: I’m living in the moment. It feels good. It really does. I have a good team, a great team. I’m just surrounded by love, and that’s just what really keeps me be level-headed, and other than that I’m lit. Like c’mon big trendsetter, big purr, the biggest purr.
AllHipHop: So today we are at the BET Awards, and you are nominated twice. Are these your first nominations?
Coi Leray: These are my first nominations ever. I’ve never got nominated. So yeah I’m nominated twice.
AllHipHop:What’s next for Coi Leray?
Coi Leray: I never dropped my album. I’m gong to drop a debut album in September, and we’re going to go crazy. I have so much great music. I’m really just happy to start showing the world the star that I truly am. I’m here to stay. I ain’t going no where.
AllHipHop:Where are you based right now?
Coi Leray: I live in California. I’m from the east coast though..Jersey.
AllHipHop:So who are you listening to right now?
Coi Leray: I listen to Spottem, we listen to Babyface Leray, we listen to SoFaygo. It’s a lot….. H.E.R. I listen to a lot.
AllHipHop: Who are your Top 5 rappers dead or alive?
Coi Leray: Durk, Herbo, Kodak, Press Machine… Press Machine, and Press Machine.
AllHipHop: Education is important to you, and I feel like by you going back and getting your diploma, that’s going to speak to your fans. How important is education to you (obviously)?
Coi Leray: Education is very important ya feel me. I feel like a lot of people have a lot of time on their hands, and that really be the problem. Use your time wisely. So, that’s what I decided to do. Like, even with all the stuff that I got going on, I still made sure I found time to get that diploma and still stay in the books. It helps me with my lyrics too.
Griselda Records has been on a tear for the last several years. We all know that! They are killing it! And now, the group is slated to do even more. Now we know most of which what they do in a lot of their normal collaborations – hard beats and masculine energy. Not that they’re wack or anything like that, but they are standard fare in the terms of Hip-Hop…
There is a new kid in town that actually isn’t new at all. That kid is a grown queen by the name of Sa-Roc . Sa-Roc has been around for many years, putting out a solid body of work, including last year’s classic The Sharecropper’s Daughter. She’s rapped side-by-side with the likes of David Banner, Black Thought And Styles P of The Lox. But she’s got bars of extreme fury and insight of her own so those associations are just adding to what she’s already accomplished. Well, the word is Griselda will be working with the Washington D.C. rhyme mistress.
My sources have revealed to me that this is exactly what is happening. There are additional details, but will keep that under wraps for now just know that Sa-Roc and her team are taking her career to the next level. The interesting thing is Sa-Roc has street ties with a conscious vibe, the proverbial goddess of Hip-Hop. Getting together with Griselda shows a nice exchange of audiences. Also, Griselda has not exchanged raps with a lot of women so this is a switch.
In the meantime, check out some of her songs right here.
