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Cap Gold Recruits Calboy for the “Ride Out” (Remix)

With a penchant for melodies and poignant lyrics, San Antonio’s Cap Gold has emerged as one of Texas’ most promising burgeoning talents. The gold-grilled artist laces a variety of trap-inspired instrumentals with honest anecdotes and aspirational messaging, positioning him as a dynamic figure with eclectic appeal. After surpassing the impressive one-million streams milestone on his “Ride Out” single, Cap Gold has returned today with this track’s official Calboy-assisted remix.

“Ride Out” is an introspective anthem built for those dealing with harrowing obstacles, but have the tenacity to persevere. Doused in authenticity, it explores the traumatic dealings that plague Cap’s psyche, creating a vulnerable record with a resonating core. But throughout it all, the Babygrande Records artist has the resolve to continue pushing, to ride out. The Nashi- and King3third-produced track is for those who don’t crumble under the heel of pressure; it’s for those who leverage hindrances for growth. Iron will always sharpen iron. 

The “Ride Out” (Remix), Cap Gold’s debut 2021 offering, continues the original’s pensive ethos — one that Cap portrays with his vivid paintbrush — with an alley-oop from the in-demand phenom, Calboy.

Complementing Cap’s melodic aesthetic with his own enchanting voice, Calboy recalls painful memories from his Chicago adolescence that have laid a minefield between his ears. It’s a cathartic opportunity for the “Envy Me” rapper, however, as while he’s dredging-up distressing life events, these are the very same circumstances that have helped architect his resilient foundation and perspective. Without this pain, he wouldn’t be the success he is today.

Cap Gold and Calboy are no strangers to overcoming hurdles; they’re both intimately familiar with the darkness. But another mutual quality they share is their ability to use setbacks as fuel to launch forward. Well-versed in navigating the trenches, they’ve both emerged victorious.

STREAM / DOWNLOAD:

https://babygrande.fanlink.to/rideoutremix   

Listen to the “Ride Out” (Remix) now:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai8oNxtn11M[/embedyt]

For more information on Cap Gold, please visit:

https://linktr.ee/CapGold  

 

For more information on Calboy, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/147calboy

https://twitter.com/147Calboy    

 

ABOUT BABYGRANDE RECORDS

Babygrande is an American independent record label and creative collective comprised of musicians, filmmakers, photographers, painters and writers. Founded in 2001 by Chuck Wilson, former Director of A&R at Priority Records/EMI, Babygrande has emerged as one of the premier independent labels operating today. Babygrande has a catalog of over 3000 albums, music videos, and online content that includes Hip-Hop, EDM, indie rock and everything in between.

Babygrande has helped launch the careers of new artists and has nurtured the careers of seasoned veterans. As it heads towards its 25th Anniversary, Babygrande continues to focus on quality music and working with artists whose work ethic, craftsmanship, talent and sounds are superior.

 

For more info on Babygrande Records, please visit:

https://linktr.ee/babygrande​​  

Shawn Gee Launches BlackStream Live Network With Shows Produced By Questlove, Kirk Franklin & More

A new streaming channel called BlackStream Live goes live on Twitch today (February 26) at 12 pm ET. The network was founded by Live Nation Urban’s President Shawn Gee in collaboration with retailer DTLR. Gee is also known for helping to manage the careers of The Roots, Jill Scott, and Lil Wayne.

Brittany Brazil was tapped to serve as Executive Producer for BlackStream Live. She was tasked with overseeing creative development and execution across the entire network’s programming. Previously, Brazil produced several award shows for ViacomCBS channels including the 2020 Soul Train Music Awards.

The initial launch of BlackStream Live will include several shows. Black creators such as music artists Questlove, Kirk Franklin, and Masego as well as influencers such as Tallie Spencer, Broccoli City founders Marcus Allen and Brandon McEachern are producing content.

Users can subscribe to the BlackStream Live network by visiting blkstreamlive.com. Read descriptions for the slate of BlackStream Live programs below.

  • Go DJ – A weekly series executive produced and curated by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Dawn White, and You and Me, Inc., GO DJ will feature sets from the best producers and selectors of Black Music culture from around the globe. These sets will take the viewers on a journey through the past, present, and future of Afrobeats.
  • Broccoli City Presents As The World Spins – From Marcus Allen and Brandon McEachern, the founders of Broccoli City Music Festival, As The World Spins is a new talk show that delivers weekly news and highlights the intersection of music culture and social impact hosted by Brittany Johnson.
  • Sunday School – Every Sunday, the future superstars of Gospel join host Myron Butler as they share their experiences and perform a spirited set exclusively for BlackStream Live. Executive Produced by Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin and Gospel industry executive Ron Hill.
  • HBCU Untitled –  The Bands. The Step Shows. Greek Life. CULTURE. Join HBCU Alum and Host Cortez Bryant as he brings on alumni from HBCUs around the country to talk about the relevance and cultural importance of the HBCU Experience.
  • Road to Roots Picnic – Hosted by the groundbreaking acclaimed artist Masego and Executive Produced by Tina Farris, the Road to Roots Picnic will give emerging artists an amazing live platform to perform. Viewers will have the ability to choose the artist(s) that gets the ultimate opportunity to perform on stage at The Roots Picnic Music Festival in 2021.
  • BlackStream Live Presents: Meet the Executives – Meet the Executives is the compelling podcast interview series highlighting Black Executives across various industries as they discuss their unique brands and experiences.
  • New Music Mondays – A weekly series where our host Tallie Spencer plays and discusses new Hip Hop and R&B albums and songs released on the previous Friday. Our host will also bring in a variety of guest influencers, industry execs, and artists to discuss the new music each week.
  • The Souls of Black Folk – Hosted by Live Nation Urban’s Brandon Pankey, The Souls of Black Folk signifies the power of Black culture via in-depth conversations with progressive leaders to discuss the state of Black life through various topics including education, economics, politics, and more.

Quavo Talks Helping To Plan Bobby Shmurda’s First Day Out Of Prison

Quavious “Quavo” Marshall was one of the many people excited to see Ackquille “Bobby Shmurda” Pollard finally released from state prison. Quavo even announced he would personally take part in Shmurda leaving the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

“I’m going to get my guy,” the Migos member told Billboard days before the Brooklyn-bred rapper was set free on parole. “I’m personally gonna go pick up Bobby Shmurda. I’m bout to go get him. I’m gonna let him show you how I’m gonna pick him up, yessir.”

Some social media users began questioning Quavo’s motives in helping Shmurda now. Accusations of “clout chasing” were thrown around. However, fans of both rap stars quickly pointed out that the so-called Shmigo Gang has been running together since at least 2014.

Despite the online resentment from certain ill-informed complainers, Quavo kept his word by using a private jet to fly Shmurda home to his loved ones. GQ magazine spoke to the Quality Control Music representative about planning the flight and other activities for the newly-freed Shmurda.

“He had this dream: a jet, flooded out with his gang, his family, a couple [women] for him. It’s like his birthday today. Whatever he wants to do, we’re doing it,” said the Atlanta rhymer. The Quavo Huncho album creator added, “Every time [Shmurda] called my phone, I picked up… Him and Rowdy [Rebel] would call, and whatever they needed, I was there for them.”

Bobby Shmurda was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree conspiracy and weapons possession charges in connection to the prosecution of his GS9 crew. The 26-year-old Epic Records signee will serve the remainder of his sentence under conditional release until February 2026. He vowed that he will never be incarcerated again.

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Bryson Tiller Teases The Release Of An Upcoming Pop Album

Today (February 26), Bryson Tiller released a deluxe version of his 2020 studio album Anniversary. The extended tracklist includes the new song “Still Yours” featuring Big Sean.

Following its release at midnight, the Louisville native took to Twitter to acknowledge the Detroit-raised spitter for jumping on the deluxe. Tiller tweeted, “Thank You Bro @BigSean had to get my dawg on there.

Since the arrival of the Trapsoul album in 2015, Bryson Tiller has been one of the anchors of R&B music. He also raps on occasion which puts him in the singer-rapper hybrid class that has taken over the culture for the last decade.

However, Tiller is apparently looking to expand his sound into more genres. He had a conversation with Nadeska Alexis on Apple Music 1 about Anniversary (Deluxe). The usually elusive recording artist also teased what could be coming next in the form of a project tentatively titled Serenity.

“I recorded so much music for it that it ended up having to be a three-part album,” explained Tiller. “So I’m excited about that. That’s going to be something different that I’ve never done before. And with that, I plan on making an R&B album, a Hip Hop album, and a Pop album.”

Bobby Shmurda Vows To Never Go Back To Prison

Numerous rappers released a “first day out” record after arriving home from jail or prison. Once it was official that Bobby Shmurda was no longer behind bars, many of his fans began anticipating when the Brooklynite would let loose his first post-prison song.

Shmurda did not immediately drop a track, but he did speak with GQ magazine in order to document some of the “Hot N####” rapper’s initial moments as a free man. It was clear he was still functioning with a “lock-up mindset” but it appears the Clinton Correctional Facility did not destroy his resolve.

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“My spirit’s always gon’ be up. I used to sleep next to people who had 40 to life. People who’ve been in there for 30 years and haven’t laughed – I’d have them crying all day. When you got good energy, no matter where you at, you can bring a smile to someone’s face,” Shmurda told the publication.

After being incarcerated for over six years, the 26-year-old Shmurda She Wrote EP creator expressed that he is willing to embrace being a role model and declared that locked-up life was behind him. Shmurda spoke to Meek Mill over FaceTime during his interview.

“I’m done with that [jail] s###,” Bobby Shmurda is quoted saying to the fellow former inmate who is now an advocate for national criminal justice reform. “I’ll be light-skinned in Jamaica before I go back.”

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Mike Tyson Calls For Boycott Of Hulu Over “Unauthorized” Mini-Series

Combat sports icon Mike Tyson is now asking his followers to stop supporting Hulu. The former world heavyweight boxing champion took to social media to slam the Disney-owned company for “systemic racism” and “corporate greed.”

This week, Hulu announced an 8-episode limited series about Tyson titled Iron Mike. Apparently, the central figure in the story was not involved in the making of the upcoming program created by I, Tonya screenwriter Steven Rogers.

Tyson wrote on Instagram:

Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized mini-series of the Tyson story without compensation, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising.  This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu’s corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of the Tyson life story.  To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020.  The real Mike Tyson authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days. Hulu to announce stealing a black athletes story during Black History month couldn’t be more inappropriate or tone deaf. #boycotthulu #corporategreed

Tyson also added another message to that Instagram post. It read:

These actions taken by Hulu are just the tip of the iceberg. We shouldn’t be surprised by these abhorrent actions as they represent systemic racism that has plagued Hollywood for its entire existence. These corporate giants hide behind ploys and praise themselves for offering tone-deaf attempts at diversity and inclusion like Hulu’s “Black Stories” playlist that recommends stories about Black culture to viewers on the app. Yet behind closed doors they steal stories from the Black community.

The public has seen other celebrities attempt to put pressure on streaming services in order to acquire what they see as proper compensation for their content. Those efforts at using fan leverage have had varying levels of success.

Mo’Nique’s call to boycott Netflix over racial and gender discrimination in 2018 did not get widespread backing. The Oscar winner was even ridiculed at the time for suggesting people no longer use the service as a way to push back against a reported $500,000 offer for a stand-up special when other comics were making seven to eight figures.

In contrast, Dave Chappelle recently scored a huge victory when his public pressure campaign forced Netflix to renegotiate a deal to stream the classic Chappelle’s Show on the platform. The legendary comedian thanked his fans for their help.

“When you stopped watching it, they called me and I got my name back. And I got my license back. And I got my show back. And they paid me millions of dollars. Thank you very much,” said Chappelle in his “Redemption Song” clip posted to Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLusDPjlo9h/

Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak Join Forces As Silk Sonic For Joint Album

Two of the most prolific singer-songwriters of the last decade are joining forces. Bruno Mars is teaming with Anderson .Paak to form a new group and create a new music project.

“We locked in and made an album. The band’s called Silk Sonic. First song drops next Friday 3/5,” tweeted Mars on Thursday night.

Paak wrote on Instagram, “We made an album!! Y’all get the first song next Friday 3/5!! Rocket emojis and all that!!!

That unexpected Mars-Paak union is not the only thing connected to this album. According to the Silk Sonic artwork posted by both musicians, Funk legend Bootsy Collins is attached as a “special guest host.”

Bruno Mars has not released an official studio album since the Grammy-winning 24K Magic in 2016. Besides that Album of the Year winner, his discography also includes 2010’s Doo-Wops & Hooligans and 2012’s Unorthodox Jukebox.

Anderson .Paak picked up a Best R&B Album Grammy win for 2019’s Ventura. In 2016, he dropped the Yes Lawd! collaborative album with Knxwledge as the duo known as NxWorries. Paak was one of the opening acts of Mars’s “24K Magic World Tour.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLvcQeSnaXj/

Auggie Velarde and Blackwinterwells Release “Flare” Official Music Video

Hyperpop has been placed on the forefront of rising music scenes and is now one of the most popular new genres. With many songs dominating the internet, these underground artists are now becoming the face for editorial Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud playlists. However, it’s important to remember the early days of this style – and that’s where the names Auggie Velarde and blackwinterwells, fall into place.

Auggie Velarde is a songwriter and producer based in Miami, Florida – and is also the founder of The Wave Cache (Record Label), which works with Sony for music publishing.

With many accolades under his name, such as winning the TUMI USA Award in 2018, which recognizes exceptional Peruvian immigrants residing in the United States, it’s no wonder Auggie Velarde is also one of the first in pushing new boundaries within the music landscape.

Blackwinterwells is a well-respected underground producer – especially within the hyperpop scene, with many successes under her belt. Under the Garden Avenue producer collective, blackwinterwells has helped create classics like “ok im cool” featuring osquinn and “sick” featuring glaive.

Releasing “Flare” in 2019, the track was an exploration into a new genre filled of unknown findings, and endless possibilities.

Exploring the depths of inner turmoil and conflict, the two musicians create a multi-faceted and sonically stimulating piece that hits all the right places – and some more. As the genre was a new frontier, the two talented creators helped pioneer a new sound that has now quickly caught the waves of the mainstream.

Hyperpop is a new genre that gained rapid motion due to its inclusivity, as many artists creating within the field are from diverse backgrounds, and involvement within social media platforms, particularly SoundCloud, Twitter, and TikTok. The genre is unique due to its draw on electronic and dance music, but with many other stylistic influences making an appearance within each track, including but not limited to: trap, emo-rap, alternative rock, and more.

“Life’s not what it seems, life never begins,” sings Auggie Velarde on “Flare”.

The official music video uses a bleak color template, with the contrast between black and white color usage creating the storyboard for the moving motion. However, halfway through the central character receives a light source, adding a new layering of hope – creating a satisfying artistic package.

Created by Quadio Media as part of Quadio’s 2020 Collab Challenge, the music video is an enjoyment to watch, and an enthralling experience. You can watch the official music video here.

HoneyKomb Brazy Grandparents Murder Investigation Hampered By Trolls

HoneyKomb Brazy’s grandparents may not have died in last week’s fire in the manner authorities, or even as the rapper once suspected.

Reports now show that Tony and Lelia Lewis (the rapper’s grandfather and grandmother) were probably murdered before the fiery eruption of their Dr. Thomas Ave home.

According to ABC 17 News, the medical examiner has determined that Tony’s death was directly connected to being shot multiple times. It is still unclear how Lelia died, as that determination is pending toxicology results.

This report from the autopsy supports what the couple’s neighbors had reported to the police … something was going on inside the house before the fire.

The Mobile Police Department is currently trying to locate the murderers and is currently poring over tips on the gunman’s identity. Sadly, Chief Lawrence Battiste from MPD thinks that some people are clout-chasing, just wanting to be mentioned in the story.

He said, “They’re not claiming to be gangs, they’re individuals that’s trying to… as they would say in the rap world, blow up. They’re trying to get their name out there.”

“That kind of muddies the water when you got a lot of people out there trying to develop street cred,” said the chief.

The police are asking for more information about the mysterious fire and anything regarding their untimely demise. 

While friends, family, and fans have built tribute memorials on their steps that include pictures, flowers, and candles, the best way to honor their lives (and to make HKB feel any kind of peace) is to help find justice.

HoneyKomb Brazy, whose real name is Nashon Jones, is a rising Southern rapper.

 

Chance The Rapper Eviscerates Old Manager In New Lawsuit

Chance The Rapper is counter-suing his former manager, accusing him of exploiting his position and damaging the star’s reputation.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Chance is taking on Pat Corcoran, two months after the manager filed his own lawsuit, in which he claimed the rapper, real name Chancelor Bennett, owed him millions in unpaid expenses and commissions.

In his new lawsuit, Bennett calls Corcoran’s suit a “gratuitous, fabricated narrative” that is “offensive and insulting” while accusing the manager of breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract.

“Mr. Corcoran has been paid in full under his management services contract with Mr. Bennett,” lawyers for Bennett said in a statement issued to Rolling Stone. “Yet he chose to file a groundless and insulting lawsuit that ignores his own improper self-dealing and incompetence.

“Mr. Bennett has moved to dismiss the majority of that meritless lawsuit, and filed his own lawsuit to remedy the harm that Mr. Corcoran caused through his breaches of duty. Mr. Bennett trusts the legal system to reveal the truth of the parties’ relationship in due course.”

Corcoran became Bennett’s manager following the release of his second mixtape, Acid Rap.

In the suit, Bennett, claims Corcoran used “deception, intimidation, and verbal abuse” to get his way and abused his position to “convert… opportunities for himself and to advance his own separate business interests.”

Among the allegations is a claim that Corcoran used his post as Chance’s rapper to boost his wine business, No Fine Print.

 

Jay-Z Explains Why He Sold Ace Of Spades To Moët Hennessy

Jay-Z finally speaks out about his deal with Moët Hennessy.

As reported by AllHipHop earlier this week, the Pride of Marcy Projects, sold a 50% stake of his Ace of Spades luxury champagne company (aka Armand de Brignac) to the most recognizable liquor brand in the world. 

The RocNation head honcho and CEO of LVMH’s wines and spirits arm Moët Hennessy, Philippe Schaus, hopped on CNBC’s Squawk Box to talk about the lucrative deal.

Jay-Z said that the deal happened relatively quickly because the company’s mission aligned with his and that he could see that “they care about products and creating products” as his company does.

The rapper-turned-businessman said, “We built Armand on from the ground up. We wanted to do things right [and maintain the] integrity of it.” He also noted that Alexandre and Bernard Arnault came to his Los Angeles home in 2019 and after lunch and a follow-up call they were basically in business. 

“Those conversations you know escalated pretty quickly. Seeing these guys were men of their words,” he recalled. “It just started out in a place of respect and it built from there. It built pretty quickly.”

Schaus said that the Ace of Spades brand was attractive — not just because of the premier quality— but in the way that its Hip-Hop consumer base embraced it. The marketing had a cool factor that was in his words “disruptive.” The company had been watching what Jay and his people were doing with the champagne in only a few short years.

It is something to see …

In 2019, Ace of S#### sold more than half a million bottles.

We suspect that this is a segue to a larger deal. There will probably be a Beyoncé something with this iconic brand. Remember it is not just Moët Hennessy … the company is composed of that French designer label that even had Kanye losing his mind for a minute.

LVMH is the acronym for Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE and is a French multinational corporation and conglomerate that specializes in luxury goods. Less than a month ago, LVMH also acquired the US historic company Tiffany & Co.

The dude who used to run up and down i95 now is a partner with the following big-money names: Moët; Hennessy; Louis Vuitton; Tiffany & Co. We ask, “How did you do that Hov?”

And all we can hear in response, “I’m a Hustla, baby!”

Dr. Dre Seeking To Avoid Further Bad Publicity In Divorce Trial

Rap mogul Dr. Dre is requesting a five-day trial to determine the validity of the prenuptial agreement he signed with his estranged wife as their contentious divorce rages on.

Nicole Young filed court papers to end their 24-year marriage last June, and began fighting for a bigger share of Dre’s finances after claiming she had been forced to sign the prenup prior to their 1996 wedding.

She also alleged Dre had expressed regret for the way she was reportedly cornered into the contract, and tore up multiple copies of the paperwork in front of her shortly after their nuptials.

However, the “Forgot About Dre” hitmaker, who has since become a billionaire, denies doing such a thing, and maintains he never pressured Nicole to agree to the financial split in the event of a break-up.

The dispute has been at the center of their nasty divorce, and now the superproducer is asking to have a private judge step in and make a ruling on the matter.

His attorney, Laura Wasser, also notes a clause in the original prenup, explaining any alterations must be made in writing.

Nicole has already objected to having the case removed from the court system and heard in private, reports TMZ.

 

NY Rapper, Infamous Billa Launches Debut Mixtape & Cannabis Product Line

Infamous Billa is not only making moves in the rap world but leaving his mark in the cannabis industry all the same. Malcolm George Abbott is the rapper that has been carving his legacy out of the streets of Harlem. Going by his stage name Infamous Billa, he uses his music to create authentic and unfiltered pieces of himself that connects with fans as they listen tracks that are modern day masterpieces.

Since his rise in the rap scene, he has gained respect in the hip-hop community, rapping alongside lyrical powerhouses like Redman, Lil Fame, KillaMoe, Oran Juice Jones ii, Afrikillz, and Soho Loopy. His potent bars and high-level rhyme schemes attest to his dedication to evolving his craft after gaining inspiration from musical greats like Tupac, KRS One and veteran producer, Premo.

For Billa, hip-hop was a getaway from the woes of family scandal, misunderstandings, and hardships in life. It became his therapy and he now in turn uses his music to do the same for fans that find solace within the deep experiences shared in his songs. Billa has a resume of classic music, including the highly praised “INTERPOL” that takes inspiration from the early career of The Weeknd. He is soon serving up another classic with his upcoming debut mixtape “Undefined” on Datpiff. The mixtape details the crazy experiences of his life, taking fans on a trip through his past, present, and goals for his future.

Infamous Billa has mastered the art of lyricism and has also taken a liking to the cannabis industry, launching a business of his own. As the new year is on the way, he has released a new product “Space Gas,” which is an infused flower product combining moon rocks with bubble hash Kief as well as live resin.

Billa embraces good karma over bad karma, standing in support for weed as therapy as opposed to opiates. His hard work has built his career from nothing to something, and he uses this status to uplift others and benefit those struggling to support themselves. Get to know more about Infamous Billa and his business and be sure to stream his current and upcoming projects.

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/infamous-billa/1537899111

Ne-Yo Explains How Scott Storch Launched His Career After Dr. Dre Passed On Deal

Rap mogul Dr. Dre passed on a collaboration deal with Ne-Yo, because the “So Sick” hitmaker wasn’t “hood” enough.

Ne-Yo recalls “tripping a little bit” when he scored a meeting with Dre before his career took off, but failed to impress the rap boss with his songwriting talents.

“It was potentially to sign me as an artist, so I go in… He knows that I’m a writer,” Ne-Yo told Billboard. “Every track that he gave me already had a song on it. He was trying to decide between me and this other artist, whose name I cannot remember right now.

“So he would play the track and say, ‘You think you can write something to this…?’ And then he would play the song that was attached to the track.

“Ultimately, he ended up going with the other guy, ’cause he was a little bit more ‘hood’ than I was.”

But minutes after Dre declined to sign him, Ne-Yo ran into producer Scott Storch, who gave him a huge boost.

“I was feeling a little down,” the singer recalls. “So I run into Scott as I’m leaving, and he’s like, ‘Yo, I don’t know what the hell Dre talking about, but you’re dope. And if you ever find yourself in Miami, look me up…’

“At the time I didn’t know who Scott Storch was. I just knew he played piano. But I didn’t know the slew of hits that he had already had. So my manager gets me down to Miami and he (Storch) just happens to be working for Mario that week. We did, I think, three songs and ‘Let Me Love You’ was the second song that we did. At the time we knew it was something special, but we had no idea that it was going to do what it did.”

The song turned Ne-Yo into an overnight sensation and led to his career as a singer/songwriter.

“I wasn’t trying to be an artist at this point,” he adds. “After that whole Dr. Dre thing happened, I’m like, ‘All right, clearly I’m not supposed to be an artist. I’m gonna just write for other people’.”

 

Chance The Rapper To Interview Kenan Thompson At SXSW

Chance The Rapper is set to interview comedian Kenan Thompson about the actor’s life and career for the South By Southwest festival.

The hip-hop star will sit down with Thompson as part of the virtual event’s series of talks, while rocker Mick Fleetwood has also been added to the line-up of speakers.

The Fleetwood Mac musician will connect with TikTok’s global head of music, Ole Obermann, to discuss the way technology is shaping trends in the industry and in pop culture in the wake of the popularity of the band’s 1977 hit “Dreams.”

The tune went viral last year after a superfan filmed himself miming to the track as he skateboarded down a road while drinking cranberry juice from a bottle.

Rap superproducers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland will also speak at SXSW to reflect on the huge success of their Verzuz music battle series with Instagram’s music partnerships chief Fadia Kader.

Other notable figures recruited for the 2021 festival include Matthew McConaughey, Taraji P. Henson, Barry Jenkins, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, The Chainsmokers, and Sir Richard Branson, while country music legend Willie Nelson will serve as keynote speaker at the Austin, Texas event.

SXSW will take place from 16 to 20 March. For more information, visit: https://www.sxsw.com/.

Tekashi 69 Explains How Health Concerns Made Him Step Away From Social Media

Rapper Tekashi 69 stepped away from the spotlight last year because he didn’t want fans to see his weight gain.

The first episode of his Showtime documentary series “Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6ix9ine” premiered on Sunday (February 21st), and now he’s back on Instagram, having been a no-show for months after dropping his TattleTales album in September – and coming clean.

The “ZAZA” rapper took to the photo-sharing site on Wednesday to reveal his physical transformation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLr-gy9MUIm/

“Hey guysss… SO the real reason I LEFT Instagram and MUSIC for 6 months is because in September I was the biggest I ever got…,” he wrote. “I weighed 204 pounds and I was kinda going through a lot in life and I was just constantly eating and eating.

“I told myself to put the music to the side and focus on myself and here I am today 60 pounds lighter at 140.”

Before his weight gain, Tekashi, real name Daniel Hernandez, spent time behind bars after pleading guilty to firearms and racketeering charges in February 2019.

His sentence was reduced after he agreed to work with federal agents and testify against leaders of the Brooklyn gang Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, and he was released in April of 2020.

His “Supervillain” docu-series continues on Showtime this weekend (February 28th).

T.I. Talks Powerful Black Men Being Ridiculed For Speaking On Behalf Of The Community

Clifford “T.I.” Harris was caught in a serious online firestorm a few weeks ago. The 40-year-old rapper/actor and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris were combating allegations of assault and sexual misconduct from a former family friend and other accusers.

After Sabrina Peterson claimed T.I. held a gun to her head at some point in the past, the Hustle Gang leader and Tiny were also accused of being involved in sex trafficking. In an 8-minute Instagram video, T.I. vehemently denied that he or his spouse ever took part in any illegal sex-related activities with women.

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However, those sexual abuse accusations reportedly led to VH1 suspending the production of the T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle reality show. The Shade Room recently spoke to Tip. The celebrity news outlet asked him how does he deal with being a public figure that is often scrutinized by the media.

“Focus on my truth and my purpose. Can’t nobody tell me about me,” T.I. replied. “Your opinion of me will never overrule my opinion of myself. Your fantasy of me will never overrule my fact of myself, the facts that I know about me, about my life. The tail shall never wag the dog.”

The conversation then turned to the impact of online culture. T.I. stated, “One thing social media has shown us, and society at large, is one, that anytime a Black man is in a position of power and he uses his platform to speak on behalf of the community and to help people who need the most help, that’s gonna be objected to, challenged, ridiculed.”

He added, “From Malcolm X to John Africa to anybody. To the Chairman, Fred Hampton, it’s gonna always be challenged as long as you’re trying to be a voice for the voiceless. You just gotta believe enough in your purpose to stand and go on through it. But other people’s fantasies and fiction of me will never overrule the facts I know of myself.”

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Travis Scott Reportedly Faces Investigation For COVID-19 Violations

Will Travis Scott be the latest celebrity to deal with the consequences of being too social during the COVID-19 pandemic? The “Sicko Mode” rapper’s special pop-up shop in West Hollywood may have violated local coronavirus regulations.

According to TMZ, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is looking into Scott’s gathering earlier this week. Apparently, the 29-year-old entertainer was not issued a permit for the “Cactus Jack Newsstand” event that saw a large crowd of his supporters converge in the area.

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The outlet is also reporting that Public Works officials are planning to consult with the City Attorney’s office. Scott could be fined once an investigation is completed. Previously, Scott was hit with a fine last September for not having a permit for an impromptu function at a McDonald’s location in Downey, California.

Travis Scott and his fans at the WeHo event were celebrating the Houston native covering the “Utopia” issue of i-D magazine which included the publication and the recording artist partnering to create the “i-D x Cactus Jack” limited edition merch collaboration.

In recent months, other music stars such as Trey Songz and Bow Wow have also made headlines for possibly violating COVID-19 restrictions by taking part in large gatherings. Bow Wow eventually offered a mea culpa to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner by writing on Twitter, in part, “I understand the time we are living in so I apologize.”

Sada Baby On Getting “Canceled”: Nicki Minaj’s Barbz Fanbase Is Like A Cult

Fanaticism has been part of the music business for decades. Beatlemania led to extreme levels of hysteria from Beatles fans, and the King of Pop Michael Jackson caused his fans to pass out just by seeing the man step onto a stage.

Eminem immortalized the maniac fan with his 2000 song “Stan” which later became a term embraced by super-fans of celebrities. With the introduction of social media, “stans” can now be a source of positive support or a mob armed with digital pitchforks.

Sada Baby apparently became the target of a particular fanbase. Last October, he was facing accusations of being colorist, homophobic, and misogynistic after his tweets from 2011 resurfaced. One tweet read, “I wanna slip [one of my followers] a roofie [and] rape her ass all night.” Another read, “I hate dark skinned [people].”

At first, the Detroit-raised rapper downplayed the situation by claiming he did not care that people were offended by his old tweets. However, the then-27-year-old rhymer took to Instagram to offer a 3-minute video apology where he said, “I don’t stand on none of them views. Them views is not the Sada of today.”

This week, the “Whole Lotta Choppas” performer was on Adam22’s No Jumper podcast. Sada Baby talked about how that song’s remix with Nicki Minaj played a role in him supposedly being “canceled” on Twitter four months ago.

When one of Minaj’s followers demanded on Instagram that Sada Baby do more to promote his collaboration with the Queens-bred rapstress, he responded to the person by saying, “Suck my dick f##### ass fan page.” Those seven words were the catalyst for Barbz and others to go back through his tweets in order to find any problematic posts.

“I had to apologize and all that type of s###,” Sada Baby told Adam22. “The crazy thing is, what I said is some s### that I probably said like five times earlier that week. I think there was so much going on with the song, and her fanbase is like a cult.” He added, “They went and found old ass tweets. I’m like, ‘Damn, I said that?'”

Sada also offered, “The s### that they went and found, at the time, I’m like, ‘Yeah.’ But I was young though. When I was young, half the retarded s### a n#### would say, he was believing it… I think at one point in time on Twitter that was the thing to do at like, 4 o’clock in the morning… It was like a competition to say the worst s###.”

CyHi Drops “Black Superhero” Performance Video From ‘Barcode’ Series

CyHi recently shared that he had a very traumatic experience when he was the apparent victim of attempted murder. He wrote on Instagram, “Somebody tried to gun me down on the highway. I tried everything I could do to lose them, but they were [adamant] about taking me off this Earth.”

While the Atlanta-based rapper/songwriter expressed he is thankful for surviving the life-threatening ordeal, CyHi is now trying to once again focus on his God-given talents. Yesterday (February 24), the veteran emcee released the new “Black Superhero” performance video.

The “Black Superhero” visual was taken from an upcoming episode of CyHi’s Barcode digital series. He premiered the first 30-minute installment of Barcode on the Tidal streaming service in November. The show features appearances by B. Simone, Emmanuel Hudson, Desi Banks, Nav, Karlous, Phillip Hudson, Chico Bean, Wallo267, and more.

“I’ve been kept silent for a while, just biding my time, but now I’m ready to start sharing myself in a way I haven’t done before,” stated CyHi back in November. “Barcode has allowed me to showcase my screenwriting skills and acting ability in the most creative and impactful way possible.” 

CyHi (formerly known as CyHi the Prynce) is responsible for creating the well-received Black Hystori Project, Black Hystori Project 2: N.A.A.C.P., and No Dope on Sundays. He also was heavily involved in writing songs for Kanye West’s Yeezus and The Life of Pablo albums. The 36-year-old lyricist also contributed to G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer compilation.