Everyone wants a shot at the throne, but few have the distinct talent to attain it. BT The Artist however, says he has what it takes on new single “Different.”
Bryanne Toney, the street activist representing Boston Massachusetts has linked up with fellow Massachusetts artist, Chef Ried to grace the airwaves with another track layered with lyricism and depth. Both artists come from a long line of musicians, with generations of their lineage being well versed singers, vocalists, and composers among other things. The duo, which was motivated to work together by BT’s dad, created what is now being called a modern classic. The track holds the title, “Different” and is proof why BT The Artist is just that.
“Different” came into inception while BT and his team discussed their way forward for upcoming projects, and one thing stood out that has long been a staple for success, “If you want to make it far in the industry, you’ve got to be different.” That set off the lightbulb in BT’s creative mind, and with a lit beat crafted for the concept, he did his thing in the studio alongside Chef to bless the world with “Different.” The track is a lyrical work of art to say the least, but with the melodic hook and the transforming flows throughout, mixed with the passion and cadence in the delivery, “Different” separates itself from the outpour of substance-less music leaking through the gates.
BT The Artist has another one on his resume, giving fans exactly what they are craving, something creative and heartfelt with a message. Stream the new track “Different” and stay locked in for all that BT The Artist has in the works for the remainder of the year.
The 63rd annual Grammys don’t kick off until 8:00 p.m. tonight (March 14th), but a variety of rappers are already celebrating some big wins.
R&B star Jhene Aiko is hosting the Grammy Awards’ “Premiere Ceremony,” which kicked off at 3:00 p.m. with an all-star medley of Marvin Gaye’s classic song “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).”
So far, several rappers have won during the untelevised portion, which is streaming on YouTube and the Grammy’s website.
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, and Wizkid scored a Grammy for Best Music Video for their critically acclaimed song, “Brown Skin Girl,” from the album The Lion King: The Gift.
It’s a significant win for The Carters because it is the first Grammy Award for their 9-year-old daughter. It’s meaningful for Wizkid as well, since it is his first Grammy Award too.
Kanye West snagged the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for his album Jesus Is King, besting Cody Carnes (Run To The Father,) Hillsong Young & Free (All Of My Best Friends), We The Kingdom (Holy Water), and Tauren Wells (Citizen Of Heaven).
Jesus Is King is Kanye West’s 22nd Grammy Award and his first since he transitioned from secular music to focus on his career as a Christian artist.
Nigerian singer/rapper Burna Boy took home his first Grammy for his 5th album, Twice As Tall. Burna Boy bested Bebel Gilberto, Anoushka Shankar, Tinariwen, and Antibalas to take the category, formerly known as Best World Music Album.
Megan Thee Stallion won her first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance thanks to her hit song “Savage” featuring Beyoncé. Megan’s “WAP” collaborator Cardi B was one of the first people to congratulate the “Hot Girl” on her big win.
Rap star Nas earned his first Grammy today for his 13th studio album Kings Disease. He was facing stiff competition from D Smoke (Black Habits), Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (Alfredo), Jay Electronica (A Written Testimony), and Royce Da 5’9 (The Allegory).
Rap veteran Ice-T hopped genres to take the Grammy award for Best Metal Performance for his rock band’s album Bum-Rush. Ice, who formed Body Count almost 20 years ago and was once entangled in a major controversy over the band’s politically charged song “Cop Killer,” was shocked at his win.
Check out the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards tonight for the televised portion, which will feature performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Bad Bunny, Lil Baby, Doja Cat, DaBaby, Post Malone, Roddy Ricch, and others.
The live event, which will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, starts at 8:00 p.m. EST and will air on CBS.
Rapper Rowdy Rebel may have lost six years in prison, but he never lost a step when it came to his jewelry game.
Rowdy, real name Chad Marshall, served the lengthy amount of time in prison, after pleading guilty to one count of third-degree conspiracy and one count of weapons possession to get a lighter sentence, along with Bobby Shmurder and 13 other members of the GS9 collective.
As soon as he touched down, rapper Young Thug gifted Rowdy two iced-out chains to add to his collection of pricey jewels and that was just the tip of the “ice” berg.
Rowdy showed off his collection during a sit down with GQ’s series, “On the Rocks.”
Even if I’ve been home for two months, everything’s still new,” Rowdy Rebel said. “They call me AP [Audemars Piguet] Papi.”
The bulk of Rowdy’s new collection was handcrafted by Eric The Jeweler, who made the rap star two customized rose gold and white gold pinky rings, which cost $15,000 each.
Next up, Rowdy showed off his four iced-out watches, one of which cost $60,000, his $10,000 Cartier sunglasses, and the two diamond chains gifted to him by Thugger Thugger.
Rowdy also flossed with his massive glow-in-the-dark demon pendant, which was designed by his son. The piece is flush with 50 carats of diamonds and 400 grams of gold -worth over $100,000.
One thing Bobby and Rowdy are not doing is rushing, now that they are finally back on the streets. According to Rowdy, the pair are still figuring out who they want to work with as they gear up to release new music in 2021.
“So now that we back, we don’t wanna rush things out there. We still wanna know who we working with,” Rowdy Rebel explained. “We still learning the people around us. We still don’t know how to trust. Who to give our music to, who to have around. It’s a lot man.”
A lot of people are talking about Kirk Franklin. I am not sure what all the chitchat is about, but let’s run down the situation really fast. First of all, Kirk Franklin and his 32-year-old son have a very bad relationship (their words). I previously reported that he was 33 but he has a birthday in May, per Mr. Franklin. At any rate this grown man took an argument, recorded it and then distributed it on the Internet for all to hear. His Instagram following is relatively low but the attention he has garnered from this particular situation has grown his following fast. I think that was the mission to begin with.
So here’s the deal and I think we have a generational situation going on here. But this guy is not that young, so there’s that. Anyway, whatever happened prior to Kirk Franklin spazzing on his son is more or less a mystery. But OG Franklin gave us some tidbits of information and an apology that he released today. Basically, Kirk revealed that his whole family has a problem with this particular son and that they have history in this regard. He also said that he attempted to get a therapist included in the fun family festivities before it turned toxic. Unfortunately, that did not happen and the resulting audio was sauce spilled all over the Internet.
We have now a discussion publicly about what happened privately. Kirk Franklin apologized to us, the public, for something that is extremely private. Also, he apologized really for the actions of someone who violated a trust and code within the family. This is not a child, a teenager, or someone that’s handicapped and beholden to their parents. This is a grown man that’s acting like an abused child. He is not that, but he is acting like one in my opinion. How long this has been going on is anyone’s guess, but that is THEIR business. So personally I don’t even accept the apology that Kirk Franklin issued, because I really don’t see that he was wrong. If he owes his son an apology, he would’ve done that, but he didn’t. A lot of people will judge him because he supposed to be this super Christian artist, but he’s a human first. Secondly, he’s a brother! And I am certain that he has his limitations. Anyway, let me know what you think in the comments.
Anyway, I was going to post a bunch of social media, but I ain’t. I think the problem is this includes people that are not privy to that man’s business.
Here one lol
By the way, this is what the son had to say.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMYs-nlLMCO/
Dogs said he forgave him. Boom. And if you 33/32, just live your life, bro. Walk away and live in your truth.
Some of these people have taken Eminem’s#### song Stan for too seriously. A man named Matthew David Hughes tried to kill Eminem. You know he is a problem with his three-name having a$$! Dude was recently in court to answer to the allegations. First of all, this guy is white. I thought all white people loved Eminem and look to make him the greatest rapper of all time! I guess I was wrong. Then again, if you know “Stans,” they are an odd bunch.
Matthew David Hughes is a 27-year-old man that looks like a 53-year-old meth head. Anyway, this guy broke into Eminem‘s house and was looking to kill him and he made that clear. Somehow he managed to sneak past security and get close enough to Eminem to do some damage. Fortunately, Eminem’s big brain got involved and disarmed the guy. Eminem told cops he escorted his “Stan” out of the house through a TV area, game room, basketball court – out of the house. That is a lot of “house” for somebody supposedly trying to kill the rapper.
Here’s the kicker this guy was also arrested for breaking into Eminem’s other mansion, something that was made public in a recent report on the whole case. So he truly is a Stan in the purest sense of the word.
This dude literally stood over Eminem with his threats, but did not make good on it. Maybe…this is a cry for attention?
What’s going on with Drake? I found this on the Internet and I still can’t seem to make full sense of it. First of all, if you look at the post below I’d like you to translate it for me. But Drake is talking about having days where he feels he cannot win. Last time I checked, Drake was a complete winner and somebody that had conquered the highest heights of the entertainment world. And then he continues on with this metaphor that talks about Jolly Rancher candy. When you read it at the end of it, he actually ends up winning. Now I think I understand it, but it just seems like a rambling rant of nonsensical, pseudo-philosophical craziness. And yet…it may be about patience. Maybe I need to open my third eye up a little bit.
I don’t think this has anything to do with Pusha T or anything like that but I certainly would like somebody out there to translate it for me. Maybe he’s talking about this album that we keep hearing is coming but only getting a EP. Nonetheless Drake’s “Scary Hours 2” EP is killing it and it’s selling like hotcakes in Atlanta. The album made Billboard history and he is the latest artist to debut two songs at number one and two. I don’t know what this guys talking about!
By the way, Pusha T has an album coming and they say Kanye West is going to produce about half of it. I hope this is a good year for music.
DJ Khaled’s collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana is already a success, and the line has not even landed in stores yet.
The hit-making producer recently unveiled this Khaled Khaled collaboration with the world-renowned haute couture brand.
DJ Khaled designed a signature unisex summer capsule collection for Dolce & Gabbana, consisting of tracksuits, hoodies, and even beachwear.
According to DJ Khaled, the demand has been so great for the Khaled Khaled line, that eager fans waiting to purchase items from the collection recently crashed Dolce & Gabbana’s “computers.”
“So everybody’s calling me and Dolce & Gabbana just hit me up too. They saying the response is so big, is so incredible, that the servers broke on the computer,” DJ Khaled said. “So the line, the collection is available on DolceGabbana.com as well as at every Dolce & Gabbana store worldwide…”
Thankfully, the website is still functioning, but just in case there are issues with grabbing your Khaled Khaled gear online, he reminded fans that his line will be available at all Dolce & Gabbana stores worldwide.
“Fan love support us friends clean out the racks,” DJ Khaled said.
Some rappers make music to inspire and motivate, sharing their successes and highlighting their rise to the top. Others create music simply chronicling their struggles. Nique Got-It’s latest single, “All My” is a striking blend of both, showcasing the stark contrasts of highs and lows of being a product of a drug-ridden community and current life of fame and success through music, essentially turning nothing into something.
Opening the song with an airy melodic soundscape, the heavy trap-like bass immediately permeates the air, followed by Nique Got-It’s fiery raw testimony, effortlessly riding the beat.
Nique Got-It presents something sonically different as an artist from the Midwest, as his music is more reminiscent of a southern artist and a nod of respect to his favorite artist, Yo Gotti.
His diverse delivery transcends regional barriers and offers listeners and fans an array of musical ingenuity.
Receiving accolades from many Hip Hop greats, Nique Got-It has what it takes to push Michigan to the forefront of rap music.
Diss songs are the most powerful properties a rapper can have in his lyrical arsenal.
There are three distinctive types of diss tracks that the emcee will typically engage in 1) The Direct Shot (You Know Exactly Who This Is For), 2) The Target List and 3) Subs (Hit Dog Hollers).
Recently, the battle rap world has been energized with the spirit of old Hip-Hop using two of these categories. AllHipHop.com has connected with some influencers in the culture to talk about the very best disses in each category.
THE DIRECT SHOT
Ace Amin directly shot (two of them actually) at John John da Don in the middle of 2020 sparking the dynamite stick that will culminate in Atlanta on March 20. It took some time for the BullPen executive to clean off his glasses and take time away from his busy life to answer, but when he did … he did not disappoint.
Ace Amin “The Baptist”
Ace Amin “Code Red”
John John Da Don, “Freestyle”
Some of the best battles incorporate humor. Michigan’s Mack Myron’s “Loso a F@#*&” was short but had one of the funniest and catchiest choruses in all of Hip-Hop. Calicoe takes aim at rapper Tsu Surf for his close affiliation with rapper-turned-podcaster, Joe Budden. He was answered by a very serious Tay Roc, who did not disappoint fans with the extraordinary rhyme flow that made him the face of URL.
Mack Myron, “Loso a F@#*&”
Calicoe, “Joe Budden Couch”
Ben Swayze said that on “Big Leech,” Tay Roc “showed his aggressive lyricism, addressing all of the history between him and Calicoe.” So amazing was his diss, even Calicoe acknowledged it as a “fire diss.”
Tay Roc, “Big Leech”
A new slimmed-down Big T threw shots out at Eazy the Block Captain for including him on his list. Mr. Chilaka Boo reminded fans why his name still rings bells as a pioneer. Tony Bro shared why he loved T’s clap back, “Hands down the best flows of any response. T jumps into different pockets as he spends time recapping previous kills and why it wouldn’t be safe to play with him in the ring.”
Big T, “Eazy the Block”
Tony Bro added, “Hands down the best flows of any response.”
“T jumps into different pockets,” he offered. “He spends time recapping his previous kills and why it wouldn’t be safe to play with him in the ring.”
THE TARGET LIST
Like great “Target List” diss songs are “How to Rob” by 50 Cent or “Casualties of War” by G-Unit, URL’s Eazy the Block Captain started the 2021 lyrical shoot-out. Tony Bro from Black Compass Media said that the Philly spit-kicker “set the whole situation off.”
He continued by saying that “It was the blueprint because it covered so much ground and it was a statement for this new era as it was about Eazy himself. He made it so that his peers and all the top battlers had to respond.”
Ben Swayze from the New Era Podcast said that it “became the anthem to dissing and calling out battlers using that beat.” The song also spawned several spin-offs, including a fire all-star remix featuring top tiers and rookies. Three stellar remixes were from two of the Bardashians, Jaz the Rapper and Casey Jay, and the Murda Ave. crew.
Eazy the Block Captain, “Top Tier”
Eazy da Block Captain, “Top Tier Remix” Geechi Gotti, B Dot, Ave, Real Sikh, Loso, and Swamp
Geechi Gotti is the only Top Tier rapper that actually appeared on this remix. Bro commented about his verse, “This is an example of the genius of Gotti: there was no wasted effort on the track. Every line is smoking someone in a memorable way. It’s Hemingway & O’Shea Jackson; minimalist & gangsta — front door and MEANT for people to feel a way. Coming from a two-times Champion of the Year it means something.”
Casey Jay
Jaz the Rapper
MURDA AVE (Top Tier Remix featuring Ms. Fit and Cortez)
DJ the DJ, a Clubhouse battle rap influencer, noted that Swamp, Ooops, Ave, and Hitman Holla were others who had exceptional verses.
He said that “Swamp rapped and was very clever.” He also said, “Ooops skated on the track with his heavy attacks.” When talking about the Norfolk, VA rapper, he said that his “flow had a dope syncopation” and each of the disses were “pinpointed with accuracy.” DJ also liked Hitman’s polished approach showing why homie is the elite talent that BET and MTV adore.
Mt. Rushmore definite Loaded Lux had a “Target List Diss” song called “G.O.D.” Chilla Jones and B-Dot, two battlers who are in conversations to cop Lux’s crown, felt some kind of way and took shots back. This series is exceptional and contains the spirit of diss tracks from the 80s and 90s.
Loaded Lux, “G.O.D.”
Chilla Jones, “RE: Loaded”
B-Dot, “Grey Area”
Other target songs came from Bronx emcee’s, the young Cakelyfe god, Chess.
“Chess decided not to go the route of using Eazy’s “Top Tier” Beat, a track that the multi-talented artist produced,” Swayze commented. “He came with a NY Drill sound, keeping the energy going of diss songs and standing out.”
DJ agreed adding, “Chess also had a different flow while attacking several different opponents.”
Chess, “Set the Tone”
Tony Bro, a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, also weighed in breaking down the track, “Over a NY Drill beat, Chess documents his success, and embodies the fearlessness, and controlled chaos that made him a battle rap star. Most destructive of them all, there’s no games and all the name drops hit hard.”
Not only are these battle rap disses fire, but they are also great music. While some are looking at the COVID as opening up the streaming eras, real fans have dubbed this the PENdemic Era.
Megan Thee Stallion has been really quiet recently. At least in the world that I live in. I know that there are a lot of viral dance challenges is going on and people are doing a bunch of other things. But it as it relates to this music, I am still waiting for something supremely definitive in the Hip-Hop nation. Megan Thee Stallion has more than solidified her credibility as a pop sensation and as a southern sensation. But what about aHip-Hop sensation? Clearly that is up for debate, but let’s pose the question: how can Megan Thee Stallion solidify and fortify her Hip-Hop status?
That leads me into the latest rumor about the lovely, Southern Belle, the soon–to-be-college graduate. I have heard that Megan Thee Stallion is in the studio with none other than Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. That’s right! You heard me right! Megan Thee Stallion is rumored to be in the studio with Q-Tip! I honestly don’t know what else to say about this other than it is one of the most unlikely collaborations I have heard in a very long time. I do not quite know where these two intersect in Hip-Hop, but I am all for it. As a fan of both of them, I am eager to hear what they cook up.
I wish there was much more to say, but there is not. That’s the rumor right there.
The word on the street is a T.I. and Tiny have another problem, but this is a different situation altogether. Apparently, the National Inquirer is going to release another damning story against a couple, that is accused of sexual assault, drugging alleged victims, and other such in fractions that resemble a younger version of Bill Cosby. I’m not trying to be funny, but this seems to be a serious situation that the couple has. But…what is this with a rag?
Come on, B!
The issue though, is that the lawyer for the alleged victims one Mr. Tyrone Blackburn, a lawyer, is taking his legal bid to the media once again. This time, he’s taking his nameless victims to the national Inquirer, one of the worst journalistically integral companies ever. I’m not sure what they look like now, but back in the day they were literally the worst. But it seems like Mr. Blackburn is resolute and taking his allegations to the media, not the law. They say they want justice, but it seems like they really want attention. I’m not trying to be overly critical of him, because the allegations against Tip and Tiny are serious. AND this is a rumor. But if they are that serious, and that this is all real then let the legal system do its job. Let justice play out, and not the court of public opinion.
They had the BIG look in the New York Times, which is a very reputable media outlet. The accusers still have not been named, but they are continuing to throw bombs and hiding their hands. I believe, T.I. and Tiny should be able to face their accusers. Far be it for me to prematurely say that the claims against a couple are not valid. I would never make such an assumption! However, I would not claim that they are guilty yet either. They have every right to go through due process and it not be tried in the public.
So, this leads me to the real goal. In the court of public opinion, and even in civil matters, the burden of proof is much less. The burden of proof in civil courts could result in heavy financial implications against the Harris family. So, they could – in theory – not be charged at all, or be found not guilty like O.J. Simpson, and still face a loss in civil court. So, I do really think this all leads to money. They are throwing everything at T.I. and Tiny and something is going to stick, much like a lot of other people have been accused of a lot of crimes. Again not to say they are right or wrong, guilty or not guilty, but to say that this is being tried in the media.
Folks, we can now include Kirk Franklin into our Hip Hop family. The spiritual leader and performer has been compared to the likes of Sean Combs, but the religious Christian version. We now know that there are more similarities with Kirk Franklin and Hip Hop than ever before, and I don’t mean music.
Kirk Franklin was unceremoniously videotaped by his 33-year-old son ranting and raving about how he would put his foot in his son’s behind. In the profanity-laced rant Kirk Franklin let his boy know it’s all real over here and if you want some I got it for you. The saddest part of this is Bad Boy Franklin was recorded unknowingly and his son then put the audio on the Internet for all of us to hear. Not only is that illegal in most states, it’s unscrupulous and an ultimate betrayal. Trust me, this guy is getting written out of the will ASAP.
Check it out:
Why is Kirk Franklin’s 33 year old son releasing their convos?
This guy is 33-years old so I am not sure why he is engaging in child like antics that remind us of someone that’s roughly 19 or below. On the other side, some say that Franklin was out of line talking to his son like that, but I disagree. Only real parent can relate, I believe. He was at his wits end. I think that there was a lot of conversation going on that we were not privy to, but the son put the part of the conversation that made this religious guy look really bad.
The son, I believe is an artist, and obviously he’s not in good standing with his father. So, he decides to drop a bomb on his whole situation and his own future, I would assume. But nonetheless, this is clout chasing at its worse and it’s family business in the street. And we all know what happens when the peanut gallery gets into your home: disaster.
At any rate, it is good to hear Flava Franklin blast a disobedient child the way a man does. It’s not perfect, and it’s not pretty, but it’s real. Remember, MC Franklin OG is not a preacher! He’s just a man that does Christian music. He’s human too, so give him a break!
The Republicans are mocking U.S. President Joe Biden by giving him a “Hip-Hop” nickname.
In a borderline racist microaggression, Conservative GOP members and MAGA Maniacs dubbed the duly elected president of the United States “Moneybagg Joe,” after he signed into action the $1.9 trillion stimulus package.
According to reports, the relief plan will give close to $10 billion in aid for homeowners’ mortgages, $25 billion in emergency rental assistance, $1,400 in the third round of stimmy checks, and will give cities and states $350 billion for help because their tax revenues were at an all-time low.
The GOP believes that this was excessive and all voted against it in the Senate.
But how is giving him the nickname a racial microaggression?
Consider they pulled it from the name of the popular rapper and ex-boyfriend of Megan Thee Stallion, Moneybagg Yo.
First, consider the “Yo … Yo … Yo” association with Blacks and Hip-Hop, often used as a form of “homeboyism” meant to demean.
Then consider that the relief plan is seen as a form of “welfare” that’s helping poor Blacks (though that’s not at all what it is). Trumpians are blasting their Twitter trumpets with derogatory images.
But surely, some people of color don’t see anything wrong with the term and are joining in.
The truth is, while many think that this is just a come up for people who are just looking for a little extra cash … there are many who really need it and will benefit from the support.
Philadelphia journalist Mumia Abu Jamal has been incarcerated for over 40 years after being convicted of shooting an officer, Daniel Faulkner in 1981.
It is alleged that after being stopped during a routine late-night traffic stop, he murdered the cop and sentenced to death row.
Advocacy on his behalf helped shift this state-appointed killing unconstitutional, and the former Black radio host and author, is now serving a life sentence.
However, more activists are ringing the bells of criminal abuse, inhumane conditioning, and calling for his release as Abu-Jamal has contracted COVID-19, has congestive heart failure, and a long-term skin condition that leaves “bloodied open wounds” all over the surface of his body that might be linked to hepatitis C.
As a result, he has lost over 30 pounds in ten days.
Influencer Charlie Mack took to his social media accounts to bring awareness and to ask his followers to “Call the Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and demand/request the release of Mumia based on compassionate release.”
Talib Kweli, a Brooklyn-born rapper and activist, reposted a more disturbing image on his Instagram from the @mumiaabujamalofficial profile. The caption noted how disturbing and triggering his current state is.
“***Trigger Warning: This is a life and death situation and we need to mobilize immediately.
Congestive heart failure,” it states. “Unrelenting skin eruptions are causing damaged, ruptured, leathery, dry, exposed wounds. Not one spot on his body is free of dry cracked and bloody open wounds. No longer in an outside hospital, Mumia is back in the prison infirmary in excruciating discomfort and pain.”
“The message from his personal physician, Dr. Ricardo Alvarez, could not be clearer, ‘Freedom is the only treatment,’” it continues.
Putting it plainly, the post gives folks the facts:
“Mumia requires: Treatment – Diagnosis – Liberation. We must not wait one moment, one day, one heartbeat. We must ACT NOW to treat these conditions: Congestive Heart Failure, Covid-19 breathing difficulties, Organ failure of the skin…Mumia is being denied diagnosis and adequate treatment for his skin condition.”
“He is held in isolation in the prison infirmary without healing salves and ointments that he had in his cell. He is also denied regular access to a phone or access to his tablet which provides the connection to his email. This communication is a vital lifeline.”
But what drives home the most, are the directives for the public, given in hopes that people take action.
“Make no mistake, phone calls do work – last week your phone calls meant that he was whisked to the hospital for four days. He was diagnosed and treated for congestive heart failure and they removed excess fluid in his body. Those treatments must continue to be carefully monitored.”
“He is now in the infirmary at SCI Mahanoy: the same infirmary where he suffered medical neglect in 2014 that sent him into renal failure. That year his medical care required careful blood sugar monitoring and when he did not receive that, he went into a diabetic coma. Abu-Jamal vs. Wetzel, a lawsuit over those conditions, is still pending.”
“The Fraternal Order of Police has stated that it intends for Mumia to die alone, inside this prison. We say no.”
“CALL TO ACTION call, write, tweet, post, and fax to demand ‘freedom, treatment, diagnosis, and access to his lawyers, doctors, and family for Mumia Abu-Jamal at SCI Mahanoy.’”
Today (March 13th) marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic murder of Breonna Taylor as she slept in her apartment, at the hands of white plainclothes officers in Louisville, Texas.
Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were asleep when the officers barged in unannounced, startling Walker, who is a licensed gun-owner.
Walker, thinking intruders were breaking in, fired one shot and struck Mattingly in the leg. The officers then unleashed a hail of bullets which stuck Breonna Taylor and killed her as she slept.
Protests erupted around the country after the three officers escaped with minor charges.
Earlier today, Megan Thee Stallion revealed she was donating $100,000 to the foundation created by Breonna Taylor’ mom, Tamika Palmer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXlOarlPEM/
“A year ago today Breonna Taylor was tragically taken from her family and friends. Breonna’s name continue’s to be a catalyst for change and a powerful reminder that justice has still not been served,” Megan Thee Stallion said. “Fashion Nova and I are proud to give $100,000 to the @breonnataylorfoundation created by @tamikalpalmer to honor the memory of her daughter. The core mission of the foundation is to support economic, social, and racial justice through police reform and government accountability. The foundation also seeks to help young people to realize their full potential, empowering them to participate in political processes and achieve better health, with mentorship programs for high-school girls, after-school initiatives, and educational support.”
In related news, Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend filed a federal lawsuit against the Louisville Metro Police Department, as well as the cops who killed her.
Walker claims he was traumatized by Breonna Taylor’s death, his subsequent arrest and the international coverage that ensued after the slaying.
Walker is suing for mental anguish, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, embarrassment, and reputational harm.
The decades-old cognac has a 24-karat gold foil around the neck, a diamond decanter design encased in a leather box. This particular bottle of D’usse was even rarer because it was engraved with Jay-Z’s signature.
Jay-Z and D’usse’s cellar master Michel Casavecchia found the bottle in France and agreed to preserve it for a special occasion.
“When our Cellar Master, Michel Casavecchia, discovered the aged liquid at the Chateau de Cognac and explained how truly one of a kind it is, it was important to me to honor it by doing something that would celebrate its singularity,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “Once that barrel is emptied, there’s no way the liquid can be recreated.
“The whole process behind the 1969 Anniversaire collection reminded me why I got involved in the spirits industry in the first place – to create something that will stand the test of time. It means a lot that we’re finally able to share the D’USSE 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition with the rest of the world, and we’re proud to auction the first bottle in the collection with Sotheby’s to benefit the Shawn Carter Foundation.”
Master P says that he wants to own a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
The mogul was inspired by the NBA dedicating its All-Star weekend to these Black institutions of higher learning. However, it seems from his video on social media that what disturbed him is that these schools were founded by white abolitionists around or after slavery.
He captioned on Instagram, “I used to want to own an NBA team but now I want to own a HBCU.”
“More women graduate from HBCUs than any other university and I love that. If we’re going to change the narrative, it has to start with the truth, education, and economic empowerment. I was shocked when I Googled who owned and founded HBCUs. We can’t change the past but we can change the future by investing in the next generation. They going to have to sell some of these schools to us, or fund it the same way other major universities are funded #Godisgood Join the Movement!”
HBCUs are, according to the Higher Education Act of 1965, “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”
Lately, the schools are receiving a lot of attention because some of our top political leaders are graduates (or attended): Vice President Kamala Harris (Howard U), Stacey Abrams (Spelman), former congressman Cedric Richmond (Morehouse), Ras Baraka (Howard U) and Senator Raphael Warnock (Morehouse).
Some schools, like the number 1 ranking Spelman College, simply ring bells because of its high standard of excellence — ask Keshia Knight Pulliam, Avery Sunshine, Faun Chambers Watkins, Tanika Ray, Tai Beauchamp, and goodness the list goes on.
Many rappers and celebrities went to HBCUs also.
While Master P says in the video that he wanted to go to Southern, but did not because they didn’t have AC, that didn’t seem to deter Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State U) or Common (FAMU).
The “Glory” rapper attended the school with the group Dead Prez. Producer Rico Love and promoter Zack Bruno also claim the Green and Orange as an alma mater.
So did Wale, who went to Virginia State (where back in the day the duo Das EFX went to) and transferred to Bowie State.
West Coast rapper E40 went to Grambling almost around the same time as Erykah Badu and DJ Premier.
Morehouse had a few rappers/ influencers attend like Killer Mike, Corey Smyth, Guru from Gang Starr, the group Zion I, Byron Kirkland, producer Metro Boomin’, and Fonzworth Bentley. Its AUC brother school, Clark Atlanta University, can boast grads like Chaka Zulu, Bryan Michael Cox, DJ Trauma, Mase, Don Cannon, Champ Rockwell, Chaka Pilgrim, DJ Mars, Bobby V, and Charlie Heat.
DJ Envy (Hampton) argues with Sean “P Diddy” Combs (Howard) about the real “H U.” Diddy is backed up by other Bisons like Tracey Lee, D-Dot, Mark Pitts, and Nick Cannon.
Master P believes that investing in HBCUs is key to economic empowerment, noting that other races and cultures support their own institutions.
Rapper Cardi B has offered to help Selena Gomez embrace an “edgy” reinvention after urging the pop star to reconsider plans to retire from music.
The “Come & Get It” hitmaker recently revealed she wanted to step away from the charts and focus on her acting work because critics are never satisfied with her talents in the recording studio, but Cardi, who collaborated with Selena on DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki” hit in 2019, argues she shouldn’t turn her back on her passion just because of haters.
I don’t think Selena should retire .She makes good music & her fans love her .I think she needs one more Era. A edgy one that no one ever seen her as .I would love to give her some ideas
“I don’t think Selena should retire. She makes good music & her fans love her,” Cardi shared on Twitter. “I think she needs one more Era. A edgy one that no one ever seen her as .I would love to give her some ideas (sic).”
And the “WAP” star insists Selena doesn’t deserve the negative criticism: “I like Selena tho. I defend her cause she is such a sweetheart in person. Us celebs get picked apart all the time but she is just to sweet to go thru that,” Cardi wrote.
“If she wants to leave ,leave cause you want too not cause of these f######.”
I like Selena tho .I defend her cause she is such a sweetheart in https://t.co/uO2HtW45mX celebs get picked apart all the time but she is just to sweet to go thru that.If she wants to leave ,leave cause you want too not cause of these f###### .
Selena has yet to respond to Cardi’s supportive tweets, but in her new Vogue interview, she explained she was tired of being ridiculed and not taken “seriously” as an artist.
“I’ve had moments where I’ve been like, ‘What’s the point? Why do I keep doing this?’,” she vented.
“‘Lose You to Love Me’ I felt was the best song I’ve ever released, and for some people, it still wasn’t enough.”
She added, “I think there are a lot of people who enjoy my music, and for that I’m so thankful, for that I keep going, but I think the next time I do an album it’ll be different. I want to give it one last try before I maybe retire music.”
Chicago rapper Polo G has had a great year and it’s safe to say that Polo G has more than established himself in the rap game.
Polo G may have 8 million fans who adore him across his social media platforms, but no one is prouder of the rapper than his mother.
Stacia Mac hit up TikTok, where she playfully gloated over her son’s amazing success and his meteoric rise since 2018. Polo G has racked up millions in sales from singles like “Hollywood,” “Finer Things,” “Battle Cry,” “Pop Out” featuring Lil Tjay and others.
“Mom’s be like ‘my sons of rapper’,” Mama Polo said as she stood in front of his numerous gold and platinum plaques for some of his best-selling songs.
Polo G is hoping to add to his list of platinum plaques with the release of his new track “Patience” featuring KSI and Yungblud.
“Patience” is already on its way to being a smash, racking up almost 1.5 million views on YouTube since its release almost 24 hours ago on March 12th.
Allhiphop had the pleasure of attending an exclusive press conference for the season 4 premiere of the hit drama series, Snowfall. The cast and producers take us through what it was like filming without the shows creator, John Singleton, filming through a pandemic and what’s to come this season.
“I just hoped we’d get the pilot picked up,” states Damson Idris as he recalls being cast as Franklin Saint. He expressed there was that uncertainty- where would this show go? Four seasons later, Idris admits that as his character Franklin evolved, so has his acting skills. As the audience watched a young Franklin dive headfirst in the drug game- we’ve seen him transform into a thriving leader.
In season four of Snowfall, it’s January 1, 1985, and Ronald Reagan has just won his re-election campaign. The demand for crack cocaine is high, and while our crew of dealers led by Franklin Saint is benefiting from those addicted to crack cocaine- they are also starting to become aware of the damage the drug is doing to the people and to the place they love.
As the entire nation is watching, the LAPD is spending a large budget and resources on the “war on drugs.” Politicians’ phones are ringing. There are powerful people who are concerned. From the hallways of the White House to those of CIA headquarters, people are whispering. They believe one of their own may be involved in this burgeoning epidemic.
This season Franklin will be forced to emerge from his near-grave to try and regain control over his business and end the rising gang violence in the streets before it becomes an all-out war.
Idris states “Franklin is no James Bond. He won’t always win- sometimes he’ll lose.”
Watch our exclusive interview below. Tune into Snowfall on FX every Wednesday.
“Different” came into inception while BT and his team discussed their way forward for upcoming projects, and one thing stood out that has long been a staple for success, “If you want to make it far in the industry, you’ve got to be different.” That set off the lightbulb in BT’s creative mind, and with a lit beat crafted for the concept, he did his thing in the studio alongside Chef to bless the world with “Different.” The track is a lyrical work of art to say the least, but with the melodic hook and the transforming flows throughout, mixed with the passion and cadence in the delivery, “Different” separates itself from the outpour of substance-less music leaking through the gates.
Allhiphop had the pleasure of attending an exclusive press conference for the season 4 premiere of the hit drama series,