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Lil Durk’s Artist JusBlow600 Charged With 2017 Murder 

Lil Durk suffered another blow last week when an artist on his record label was charged with murder.

Justin M. Mitchell, AKA JusBlow600 is an artist signed to Durk’s Only The Family record label. 

Last week, JusBlow600 was charged with participating in a robbery turned homicide back in 2017 in Hammond, Indiana. 

According to The Times of Northwest Indiana, the rapper and two associates, Lucky Tyler and Paradise Haynes robbed a man and an apartment in Hammond, Illinois. The robbery turned deadly during a shootout, which killed a 19-year-old man named Khalil Carter. 

JusBlow600 was charged with murder and six other felonies after his co-defendant Haynes entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors.

She is facing 10 to 30 years for participating in the robbery, while the rapper and his co-defendant Tyler are facing anywhere between 45 to 65 years in prison.

JusBlow600 has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The news comes on the heels of the murder of OTF member King Von, who was shot and killed on November 6th in Atlanta outside of a hookah lounge. 

In June of 2014, OTF artist OTF Nunu, who was Lil Durk’s cousin, was shot and killed as he sat in an SUV in the parking lot of the Chatham Village Square Mall. Police labeled his death a gang-related killing.

OTF boss Lil Durk is still facing legal challenges of his own, for a February 2019 shooting in the parking lot of a restaurant in Atlanta called The Varsity. 

Lil Durk was released on a $250,000 bond as he awaits trial.

The Library With Tim Einenkel, Chuck D. And AllHipHop

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and HIp-Hop legend Chuck D sits down with Tim Einenkel and AllHipHop.com’s co-founder, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur to discuss Public Enemy’s newest album, What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down, future projects which Flavor Flav as a producer, stories about the late Jam Master Jay, DJ Premier, and DMC from Run-DMC. Chuck also touches on The Beastie Boys, a conspiracy against the Pro-Black Hip Hop movement, the dismantling of the White Power structure, fascism under Trump, watching an African dictator zoom off in a jet, America’s standing amongst the rest of the world and so much more.

Questlove Make Directorial Debut With Passion Project “Summer Of Soul”

The Roots’ Questlove will make his directorial debut at the most revered film festival in the country – The Sundance Film Festival.

Questlove is taking his passion for music to the big screen with the new documentary “Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised).”

The documentary focuses on the legendary Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place in 1969 – at the same time Woodstock was going down in upstate New York.

Summer of Soul
Summer of Soul

Even though 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival (aka “Black Woodstock”) its significance has been mostly obscured by the Woodstock.

“As a first-time director I can’t tell you how much of an honor it is to tell this story,” Questlove said in a statement. “Not only a story of music but a story of issues we are currently dealing with now, especially in light of the fact that NO ONE knew this story! One of my happiest achievements.”

“Summer of Soul” will make its debut on day 1 of The Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off on January 28th, 2021.

Eve Says COVID-19 Strengthened Her Love For Billionaire Husband

Eve has credited the COVID-19 lockdown for “solidifying why” she fell in love with her husband.

The “Love Is Blind” rapper celebrated her six-year wedding anniversary with Maximillion Cooper in June, and has said spending time in quarantine with her spouse amid the coronavirus pandemic has made their romance even stronger.

“Honestly, it’s been really good. I have to say, I feel lucky that we’re one of the couples that got out of the quarantine and was like, ‘I still like you and love you’ – that’s a different thing. Because love is one thing, but you still gotta like the person!” she told People magazine.

“We’ve learned a lot of new things about each other. This is gonna sound so cheesy – and I swear I apologize because I’m not a romantic – but it has solidified why I fell in love with him. It brought us closer together, and it made me realize wow, we chose each other, and this is a great choice.”

Eve married the British entrepreneur in June 2014 after four years of dating and has said she thought their romance would be short-lived when they first met because Maximillion has four children from a previous relationship.

“In the beginning when I first met my husband, then-boyfriend, I was like, ‘This is never gonna last because you got four kids! How’s this gonna work?’ But then I met the kids and honestly was like ‘Wow, kids are amazing’,” she grinned.

And as she looks ahead to 2021, Eve – who recently announced she is leaving her co-hosting position on U.S. TV show “The Talk” – said she wants the next year of her life to focus on feeling more “grounded, peaceful and happy in the decisions that I’ve made.”

“I think also I realized that stopping is okay,” she continued. “I hold onto that, and I hope that other people hold onto that too. I think we all just got used to being crazy-busy all the time. Just take some time for yourself, an hour a day, it could be a week if you’re lucky enough, but take care of yourself and your mind.”

Bobby Shmurda’s GS9 Rapper Rowdy Rebel Released From Prison

Bobby Shmurda’s GS9 associate, Chad “Rowdy Rebel” Marshall is finally a free man.

Rowdy Rebel was signed to Epic Records with Bobby and scored hits with “Hot N####” and “Shmoney Dance.” Their careers were interrupted after Rowdy, Bobby, and 13 members of the GS9 crew were hauled off to jail in December of 2014.

Bobby Shmurda’s GS9 Associate Rowdy Rebel Discusses Epic Records Not Bailing Him Out

The guys were investigated by the NYPD for two years.

Rowdy Rebel was eventually charged with attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, conspiracy, attempted murder, attempted assault, and reckless endangerment.

Rowdy eventually pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree conspiracy and one count of weapons possession to get a lighter sentence.

According to the terms of his release, Rowdy will still be under community supervision until December 15th, 2025.

In 2016, Ackquille “Bobby Shmurda” Pollard pled guilty to federal conspiracy in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree charges.

Bobby Shmurda was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He’s due out of prison next year (December 2021) after his latest bid for parole was denied.

 

“The Voice” Winner Chris Blue: A Carrier Of Gospel And Truth

Hailing from Tennessee, the musician, actor, dancer, and all-around innovator arrives with one hell of a voice (no pun intended), and even more impressive vocal range and songwriting abilities. Fusing the genres of Pop, R&B, and Soul, Blue’s raw talents on national television swooned the hearts of audiences all around the world.

With his voice holding healing power itself, Chris describes himself as “a guy who loves God, loves family, loves people. Loves the way love feels, loves music, loves to perform for people. Chris does a lot of things. He’s an actor, he’s a dancer, he’s a singer. 

He’s one who carries truth everywhere he goes, “a carrier of gospel.”

Now partnering with Roc Nation/Equity Distribution, Blue returns with his standout new single titled “Back 2 The Future,” a record that speaks volumes to the current state of the world. 

AllHipHop caught up with Chris Blue in London, where he was working and spending time with family. Read below as we discuss his upbringing in Tennessee, what he learned from The Voice, the inspiration behind his new single/video, studio essentials, and his upcoming “The Chris Blue Project.”

AllHipHop: Being from Tennessee, what was the household like growing up? 

Chris Blue: Household was crazy. I’m the youngest of 7 kids so a lot of them would beat up on me because I’m the baby. I got the flack of a lot of stuff, but I also got to see a lot of my siblings get whooped up on and I learned a lot of their lessons. It was great man, always good times. We always had fun, we always laughed. Now that I’m much older, I really really enjoy having a big family because during the holiday season it’s always a good time. It’s been great growing up as a kid in Tennessee.

AllHipHop: At what point did you realize you wanted to sing for the rest of your life? 

Chris Blue: At 2 years old. My mom and dad used to always have us in church all the time, literally 5 to 7 days a week. I remember I was watching this gospel singing group, I liked what they do, I liked how they sound. I liked how people respond to them when they sing, so I started trying it. I started mimicking videos, I enjoyed the response people would give me when I’d sing. I said “this is really what I want to do.”

I knew it’s what I was supposed to do when I tried out for The Voice because I really didn’t think I was good enough to be on the show. Didn’t think I was good enough to win, but I knew I was supposed to be there for some reason. Winning and seeing all the different messages that people gave me then and still to this day give me now. Somebody messaged me today saying how much they still only enjoy my season, how my voice and what I did on that show really inspired them.

AllHipHop: What did you learn about yourself on the show?

Chris Blue: I learned I belong on this level, on the level with top artists. I belong on stages with the Usher’s of the world, with the Alicia Keys’ of the world. I belong on stages with A-list artists who have paved the way for me to be on stages such as The Voice. If you work extremely hard and you continue to keep pushing and persevere through the difficult times, eventually you’ll win. We’re able to win literally on that show. I learned that very quickly in my experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Blue (@chrisblive)

AllHipHop: How was it doing the duet alongside Alicia Keys?

Chris Blue: It was a lot of things man. [laughs] It was great! What’s funny was my fiance at the time wasn’t familiar with the music industry or music, she didn’t understand performing. When we did the song vocally, it was great but there were some theatrical expressions we had to do throughout the song. I never told my fiance what we’re going to do so when she saw it, she’s like “okay, so you wasn’t gonna tell me you gon’ hold another woman in front of the whole world?” It was still all good, all funny and all love. On a serious note, performing with her was amazing. She’s a beast vocalist, an amazing person, a genius musician. It was an experience that honestly if I could do it again, I’d do it a billion times over because she’s Alicia Keys! [laughs]

AllHipHop: “Back 2 the Future (Louder)” out now, what were you going through recording this one?

Chris Blue: You know what, we didn’t intend to write the song. We didn’t even intend to release the song to be honest. We wrote it thinking “alright we’ll release it in 2021,” because 2020 has been such a tough year for everyone. Watch this one out, we’ll come back and revisit next year. There’s a line in the song that says “I’ve been dreaming of Wakanda,” a reference or nod to the Black Panther movie. Chadwick Boseman’s the lead actor, he’s the Black Panther.

AllHipHop: Rest in peace.

Chris Blue: Chadwick passed away the very next day. That’s when I knew because the song felt really special to me. I wanted to release music period next year but when we recorded the song before Chadwick passed away, it felt especially real good. If you know anything about recording in the booth, you have those days, those songs where it takes time. It really takes time to cultivate and craft the song, the take, the performance that you’re most proud of and the one that tells the story the best. Then you have those songs where it literally takes you one take, maybe 2. This song took us 15 minutes to finish, that’s when I realized I needed to release the song after Chadwick Boseman passed away. Rest in peace.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Blue (@chrisblive)

AllHipHop: Talk about the 80’s New York vibes influence in the record.

Chris Blue: I’m a huge fan of 80’s music, I’m inspired by all those guys. Al Green, Stevie Wonder, those timeless, classic legends have been a very big inspiration in my life musically. Currently, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, The Weeknd have also played a major role and influenced me. I have a lot of history in New York. I spent a lot of time up there and I love the culture. I love the city, I love the people. I love it up there. I wanted to blend all the things I love about music and life, and put it in a song. That’s how we’ve been able to cultivate our sound and style we want to give people. You’ll see me sometimes, I’ll look 80’s retro. I look like a throwback. If you go back to the show, you’ll hear me. I’m singing a bunch of 80’s throwback stuff. It’s in me. I think I was born at the wrong time. [laughs]

AllHipHop: The music video is so powerful, what inspired you to pull from each generation?

Chris Blue: It’s important we understand the message of the song, “Back 2 the Future.” It’s an outcry for unity, not hate. It’s an outcry for love and unification. I grew up in a culture where I had all types of friends, all types of ethnic groups and cultures around me. Even though I’m in a small town. I loved on everybody. We grew up poor but in my community, every type of person you could imagine was there. I was never one to have cliques, only hang out with this group or that group. I wanted to be cool with everybody, that’s always been me.

The message of the song is crying out for love and unity for all, that’s what I wanted to present in the video. You take a message we’re currently feeling right now in our climate today, you can reference it back to the 1950’s and 60’s when my grandmother was around protesting and crying out. Crying for you to love, it’s the same thing. My grandmother’s been saying it, my mama, and now I’m saying it. I’m praying to God I’m the last one of my generation to say it. I pray that my children and my children’s children won’t have to say it. If you don’t hear what we’re saying by now, we’re going to keep saying it louder and louder and louder and louder! Until you hear love will always win.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIWSbwUDXj2/

AllHipHop: Favorite scene in this visual?

Chris Blue: I was a big fan of the hospital and the straightjacket scene, because I got to play a doctor. When I was a little boy, I said I wanted to be a doctor or lawyer. The 2 professions I wanted because they make a lot of money, and I wanted to make a lot of money when I got older. Obviously my life went in a different direction so I didn’t end up being that doctor or attorney, but I got to play one. My first time ever wearing scrubs, it was cool. 

AllHipHop: Talk about your new deal with Roc Nation/Equity Distribution. 

Chris Blue: I didn’t see that one coming at all, it just happened. I was out, I was getting some Japanese food because I love Japanese food and I get a call from my team. They said “yo guess what?” I said “what now?” [laughs] They said “you got a deal!’ What you mean I got a deal? “You got a deal with Equity Distribution, they work with Roc Nation and a whole bunch of different…” ‘What?! What you mean? “You got the deal!” So I’m flippin’ out, I started screaming like a little girl. Break the glass in my car window. [laughs] It was very dope. 

Equity Distribution is a great company, good group of people. Fine staff, amazing team. They go hard for their artists so I was really excited. That’s who I’m signed to, a lot of people say it’s Roc Nation but it’s really Equity Distribution. I want to clear that up, make sure everybody knows. They work alongside majors like Roc Nation and some others.

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

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?

Chris Blue: I need water, preferably Essentia or Fiji. I need plain Lay’s potato chips, and I’ll take some plain red juicy grapes. As long as I got even 2 out of 3, I’m good. I’m easy. Honestly, I like to get in, do what we gotta do, get moving on to the next one. I’m not spending too much time worrying about my atmosphere because I’m so locked in inwardly, it really doesn’t matter. I need what I need for my throat, make sure my voice is good and we all good. 

AllHipHop: What can we expect from The Chris Blue Project?

Chris Blue: Expect a vacation, because that’s what I go on every time I listen to this music. I don’t feel like I’m in my reality, I don’t feel I’m in my own skin. I’m taking a trip, a journey somewhere else and I’m escaping my reality. We all need to escape 2020, Even when 2020’s done, in our mind we need help forgetting it ever happened for the most part. 

There was some good that came out of this year but definitely a lot of hardship, a lot of challenges many people faced. You can expect high energy, dance, uplifting but upbeat, fun, heartfelt music. A mix of pop, retro, R&B, and dance. A whole lot of fun. I can’t wait for people to have it because it’s what people have been wanting from me. I’m giving the people what they want, so I hope they enjoy it as much as I’m enjoying it.

 

Parents, Charter School Executives Outraged At Blacc Zacc, DaBaby & Kris Rich Rap Videos Shot On Campus 

A group of parents in Gaston County, North Carolina are outraged at the executives who run the Mountain Island Charter School.

Parents are mad because the directors of videos for Blacc Zacc, DaBaby Kris Rich supposedly lied to the faculty when they shot some controversial videos inside of the school. 

The parents were ticked off when they saw Blacc Zacc’s video for “Bang” with DaBaby, which was shot by 20K Media on the school’s football field.

 “Bang” features Blacc Zacc and DaBaby surrounded by twerking cheerleaders, and with the exception of explicatives and some gun references, the video is tame compared to Kris Ruch’s video for “Classroom.”

Kris Rich’s video for his song “Classroom” sent the parents at Mountain Island Charter School into a frenzy. The video, which was shot by Gemini Vision, was especially egregious since it depicts Kris Rich simulating oral sex with a teacher, and features guns, which are supposedly just props.

One parent said props or not, the videos are a bad look for the school and the students who attend Mountain Island Charter School. 

“No matter how they want to spin it, this was a huge failure of leadership,” said Berkley Savage, a mom of two students at school. “There’s no excuse for letting these people in our school unsupervised and participate in the conduct that they did.” 

According to WCNC, Justin Matthews, the Executive Director of Mountain Island Charter School, was duped into letting the rap stars use the facilities. 

Matthews claims he was led to believe the videos were for a college project. To make matters worse, Mountain Island Charter School was not even compensated for the video.

Matthews said the objectionable content featured in Kris Rich’s video was shot in secret. The Board Of Directors at Mountain Island Charter School issued a statement to parents regarding the controversial video by Kris Rich.

Kris Rich “Classroom” Video

“We like so many of you, share the concern and outrage to see a video that was released with unacceptable content without consent,” a letter sent to parents read. “The school was misled by this individual, and our attempt to help this individual for no payment in return has cost us dearly.”

Kris Rich’s antics could have serious repercussions for executive director Justin Matthews.

Parents have started a petition to suspend Matthews during an investigation, which could ultimately lead to him losing his job in the middle of a pandemic.

 

Will Smith Surprises Cancer-Stricken Teen With Epic Gift

Will Smith has launched the second season of his Snapchat series by handing out a hard-to-find Playstation 5 package to a teen battling cancer.

Smith teamed up with pal Jason Derulo to plan the big surprise for “Will From Home,” which premiered on Monday (December 14th), announcing he plans to celebrate real-life heroes’ selflessness and bravery.

His first target was 14-year-old Aiden, who was diagnosed with cancer in April and has been undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments during the COVID lockdown.

When Aiden opened a box containing his PS5, the systems weren’t available to the public.

Smith also made a $10,000 donation to the Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, where he and Derulo surprised the teenager.

Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X, and Ludacris are also lined up to make appearances on Will’s 10-episode series.

Dionne Warwick’s Trolling Leads To Collaboration With Chance The Rapper And The Weeknd

Dionne Warwick’s hilarious set of tweets at Chance the Rapper and The Weeknd have led to a blockbuster collaboration – for a good cause.

Last week, Dionne set the Twitterverse on fire when she trolled the pair over their names and joked that she was coming for any artist with “the” in their names.

Dionne Warwick Comes After Chance The Rapper And The Weeknd Over Their Names

Both artists were flattered by Dionne Warwick’s playful tweets and now the trio of artists will work together on a new song to benefit the Hunger Not Impossible initiative.

Dionne’s son Damon Elliott wrote a song called “Nothing’s Impossible,” which will be recorded by Chance, The Weeknd, and Dionne.

Dionne Warwick hopped on Twitter to break the news herself.

The trio will be heading to the recording studio soon to cut “Nothing’s Impossible,” but a release date for the single has not yet been set.

Lil Uzi Writing Fantasy Fiction Novel For Jay-Z’s New Book Company Roc Lit 101

Jay-Z continues to expand his Roc Nation empire with a new division dedicated to literature.

The rap star’s brand has teamed up with a Random House to launch a new imprint called Roc Lit 101.

“There are so many untold stories and we consider it a true privilege to be able to amplify diverse voices while exploring the uncharted worlds that are about to open to us,” said Roc Nation’s Executive VP Jenna Fleischman, who will run the imprint alongside Random House executive Chris Jackson.

Jay has to look no further than his roster of Roc Nation artists to kick off the company.

According to Random House, initial releases from Roc Lit 101 include memoirs by CC Sabathia, Yo Gotti, and Fat Joe.

Philly rappers Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert are also on board. Meek will write a book about social justice and “survival” and Lil Uzi Vert is on board to create a fantasy fiction novel.

Roc Lit 101 will also drop Danyel Smith’s “Shine Bright: A Personal History of Black Women in Pop.”

Roc Lit 101 will also publish in a variety of verticals, with children’s stories to cookbooks on deck. The first releases under the new imprint are scheduled to start rolling out this summer.

Yung Pooda – “Chicken N Grits” ft Dreamdoll (Produced by Cool & Dre)

Check it out as Yung Pooda releases his new single, “Chicken N Grits” produced by legendary producer duo Cool & Dre and featuring Dreamdoll.

Yung Pooda is a rising Houston hip-hop artist. The rapper, with his likeable, distinct flow teamed up with legendary producers, Grammy Award winners, Cool & Dre for the new single and an accompanying visual.

EXCLUSIVE: Pop Smoke’s Brother Obasi Jackson Releases New Song With Unreleased Bars

Obasi Jackson is the older brother of Pop Smoke, and he is resolute in forging ahead despite the sorrow attached to his brother. 

Obasi has exclusively released audio to a brand new song with previously unheard vocals from the late, great Pop Smoke. A Brooklyn native, like his brother, Obasi is paving his own lane one verse at a time.

“I don’t necessarily feel it’s me ‘carrying the torch’ [once held by Pop Smoke]. I do things in honor of my brother, but I am me,” he stated frankly to AllHipHop exclusively. “Carrying the torch would imply walking the same path he did. I walk my own path with my own rules. I do things in hopes that he’s proud of me and protect him and my families’ legacy.”

In honoring his brother, Obasi has dropped the already-infectious new song, “In My Bag,” which has taken off already.

Obasi and his team have planned a winter tour and continually dropping new music. He said all of this is helpful in the healing process and staying focused.

“Sometimes I just need to get away to clear my head and emotions. Touring and being in my zone, artistically, helps. The upcoming winter tour will also tease what’s to come in the latter part of Q1 heading into Q2,” Obasi told AllHipHop. “We’re hitting Atlanta, Philly, Richmond, Charlotte, Raleigh, Miami, Houston, and Vegas. New music on the way. More announcements.”

So, in theory, it is quite feasible for Obasi to simultaneously carry on his brother’s legacy while creating his own sound and style.

 “In regards to my brother, his music influenced Brooklyn and the world. You can’t tell me different. He’s already left his legacy. Time for me to create my own,” Obasi explained.

Obasi Jackson recently released “Ain’t Worried,” which carries a concise message.

He said, “The single is a piece I wrote to express and represent what can happen when you’re not focused on the right things. Too many people get a taste of fame and status and become comfortable, or oblivious. This song is my way of saying no matter what, I won’t be phased. Good or bad.”

 

Lil Yachty Defends A Male Student Suspended For Wearing Colored Nail Polish

Since his arrival on the music scene in 2016, Lil Yachty has faced ridicule for his sing-song style and his red hair. The Atlanta-raised entertainer even had to deal with accusations that he was gay.

The way the 23-year-old southerner chooses to express himself has caused him to be in social media’s crosshairs more than once. Yachty is now defending another young man that decided to step outside the norm of his community.

According to reports, 17-year-old Trevor Wilkinson was given an in-school suspension for violating Clyde High School’s policy against male students wearing nail polish. The openly gay teenager then started a Change.org petition in order to point out what he sees as a “double standard” and hopefully have the rules changed. As of press time, that petition has over 322,000 signatures.

Lil Yachty was recently asked about the Texas school punishing Wilkinson. The Lil Boat 3 album creator told TMZ that he is currently working on his own line of unisex nail polish and defended all genders being able to color their fingernails.

“It’s 2020, about to be 2021. Why do we still have barriers? If someone wants to express themself in any type of way, as long as it’s not harming anyone or bringing anybody down, they should be allowed to do so,” said Yachty. “When I was in college, some people are just lightyears behind mentally.”

Lil Yachty (born Miles Parks McCollum) went on to say that he wants to speak with Wilkinson personally. The Quality Control Music representative added, “I do [want to reach out to Trevor Wilkinson] just for the simple fact of him being himself. You shouldn’t be punished or tormented for being you.”

 

Russ Talks Wanting To Create An R&B Project Featuring Keyshia Cole, Kehlani & Ari Lennox

Back in January, Russell “Russ” Vitale let loose his studio LP, Shake the Snow Globe, which opened at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart with 65,000 first-week units. Russ then returned last month with the rap-focused, 5-track Chomp EP.

Chomp featured credited contributions from Hip Hop luminaries Kxng Crooked, Ab-Soul, DJ Premier, Busta Rhymes, Benny The Butcher, and Black Thought. Russ spoke to Apple Music’s Ebro Darden about his latest body of work.

Darden also chatted with Russ about what could be next for the 28-year-old rapper. Apparently, the Sicilian-American musician wants to work with three of the most celebrated contemporary R&B songstresses on another potential EP that has absolutely no rapping.

“That’s definitely been thought about,” said Russ when asked about possibly creating an R&B project. “I might have to come with five songs and it’s me and Keyshia Cole, and me and Kehlani, and me and Ari Lennox, and there’s not an ounce of rap on it. And you put that right next to Chomp and it’s like, ‘Enjoy.’”

Keyshia Cole rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with songs such as “I Should Have Cheated,” “Love,” and “Let It Go” featuring Lil Kim and Missy Elliott. Over the last four years, Kehlani landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart with SweetSexySavage, While We Wait, and It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. Dreamville Records artist Ari Lennox made waves in 2019 with her Shea Butter Baby album and the label’s chart-topping Revenge of the Dreamers III compilation.

Bow Wow Teases “Big Meeting” After Expressing Interest In High Executive Position At BET

Shad “Bow Wow” Moss earned the moniker “Mr. 106 & Park” because the rapper was a regular fixture on BET’s music video countdown show at the turn of the millennium. He ended up becoming a host for the popular program from 2012-2014.

It appears Bow Wow now wants to take on an even bigger role at BET. Over the last twenty-four hours, the 33-year-old musician/actor/television producer sent out numerous tweets expressing his interest in being in the boardroom for the cable channel.

“My only dream job now is I want to take over BET. I want a high position. I was blessed to host but NOW I want an office. I want to run and come up with content for the network. I know what they missing. All you have to do is LISTEN to the people,” tweeted Bow Wow.

He added, “BET forgot what made them HOT! The MUSIC!!! breaking artist etc… music shows that mattered. Now [it’s] like [a] lifetime. Just a bunch of sitcoms. Do you know the only time there is music on BET IS when there is an award show? Think about that. Like 3 x out the year. [That’s] crazy!”

The Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member went on to write that he wants to bring back BET shows such as 106 & Park, Rap City, Cita’s World, Uncut, and Teen Summit. Bow Wow suggested filming a revived 106 & Park in Atlanta instead of New York City. The Ohio native directly mentioned BET president Scott M. Mills and Revolt TV founder Sean “Diddy/Puffy” Combs.

“I need to speak with president of BET Scott M. Mills about hiring me to a position where I can run the content and create shows and bring bet back to [relevance] I CAN DO THAT IN MY SLEEP!” tweeted Bow Wow.

He also posted, “Puff is the culture! He [wouldn’t] give me the position I want. BET will. I can [showcase] that a 33 yr old Black man can run a billion-dollar company. It would showcase my executive skills more with BET!”

Bow Wow then started a Clubhouse room titled “What is BET missing?” According to the “Like You” performer, steps are being made to possibly make his “dream job” become a reality. Last night, he tweeted, “Big meeting this week [with] BET. We getting somewhere. 1st step! [Let’s] go!”

Besides being a former host of 106 & Park, Bow Wow released several albums throughout his music career including 2000’s Beware of Dog, 2003’s Unleashed, and 2007’s collaborative project Face Off with Omarion. Additionally, Moss starred in movies such as Roll Bounce, Lottery Ticket, and Madea’s Big Happy Family. His acting résumé also features appearances on television shows such as Entourage and CSI: Cyber.

Watch Megan Thee Stallion’s Full Apple Music Awards 2020 Performance

There have been a lot of ups and downs for Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. While she had to deal with a violent incident this summer, Meg also scored her first two #1 songs on the Hot 100 chart with “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé and as a featured artist on Cardi B’s “WAP.”

Meg dropped the Fever mixtape in May and her debut studio album Good News in November. She graced the cover of magazines such as Time and GQ. Plus, the Houston-bred emcee picked up four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for “Savage Remix.”

https://twitter.com/theestallion/status/1338662528524591105?s=20

Megan already added several trophies to her mantelpiece. For example, Apple Music named Megan Thee Stallion as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The streaming service also tapped Meg to perform “Girls in the Hood,” “Savage,” “Body,” and more of her hits.

“I am so excited to be the Breakthrough Artist of the Year,” said Megan. “This is a really big accomplishment for me. Apple Music has been rocking with me for so long, even before making me an Up Next artist, and I am just very appreciative and very grateful. I will forever love y’all as much as y’all love me.”

Offset & Cardi B Recreate A Scene From ‘Belly’ Movie For Offset’s Birthday

“I wanna get married, like the Currys – Steph and Ayesha s###. But we more like Belly – Tommy and Keisha s###,” rapped Cardi B on her “Be Careful” single. Cardi and her husband, Offset, took the Belly references beyond just lyrics.

On December 14, Offset turned 29. They celebrated his birthday by recreating a scene from iconic music video director Hype William’s first feature film Belly. The Instagram clip was used as a trailer for the Migos member’s birthday party.

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A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

“It’s going down tonight for daddy Bparty !!! ‘BELLY VIBES’ ITS A GANGSTA PARTYYYY!!!!” wrote Cardi in the IG caption. The couple then celebrated at a nightclub. Takeoff, DaBaby, Polo G, Metro Boomin, and other celebrities were also at the venue.

Belly hit theaters in 1998. The crime drama starred Nas as Sincere, DMX as Tommy, Taral Hicks as Keisha, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins as Tionne, and Method Man as Shameek. Since its release, Belly has become a Hip Hop cult classic.

Offset offered solo content that was also inspired by Belly. Two days ago, the Atlanta native uploaded an Instagram photo of himself where he was dressed as Nas’s Sincere in front of a similar artwork from the movie.

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“No. 29 will be my greatest chapter yet I know the author. Made it 28 seasons [that’s] real N*gga magic. I’ve lived 28 seasons. Monday I celebrate the 29th. Thank God. I thank God for life. And he keeps giving me more to be thankful for,” Set wrote on Instagram before his birthday.

After she posted the homage to Belly to her IG page, one of Cardi B’s fans tweeted, “You owe us music for posting that teaser on Instagram and letting us assume it was music.” The Invasion of Privacy album creator responded to the Twitter user by stating, “Music coming soon.”







Mariah Carey Celebrates “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Returning To No. 1

The Queen of Christmas Music is back on top. This week, Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is once again the #1 song on the Hot 100 chart.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” has spent four total weeks in the pole position of the Billboard rankings. The song first climbed to the pinnacle of the Hot 100 in late 2019, 25 years after it was released, before remaining at #1 through the chart dated January 4, 2020.

 

“WOW! I truly wasn’t expecting this at all!! Eternally grateful for the enduring success of this song. ‘I don’t want a lot for Christmas…’ just wishing for a bit more JOY and some holiday spirit for all, especially this year. Merry Christmas! Love, MC,” tweeted Carey on Monday.

The legendary vocalist also extended her record for most cumulative weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Carey has spent 83 combined weeks at the peak of the chart. She also holds the record for most #1 singles for a solo artist (19) behind The Beatles’s 20.

In addition, Carey earned her first #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is currently the most popular song in the world. The carol sits at #2 on the Global Excluding United States chart as well.

EXCLUSIVE: Hit-Boy Recalls Life Changing Advice From Jay-Z

West Coast producer/rapper Hit-Boy has compiled one of the most successful runs as a producer in the history of Hip-Hop.

He recently spoke with AllHipHop in an exclusive interview about everything from his production techniques to his work ethic and his desire to remain humble.

After working with everyone from Jay-Z and Nas, to Big Sean and Benny the Butcher, Hit-Boy has remained humble and motivated despite his highs and lows in the rap game over the years.

During the interview Hit-Boy elaborated on his relationship with Jay-Z and some of the things he’s learned from the Hip-Hop mogul who rapped over his “N####s In Paris” beat almost a decade ago.

Elaborating on the best advice he’s ever gotten from Jay-Z, Hit-Boy said he’s learned to “not blame anybody for anything that happens.”

According to Hit-Boy, Jay-Z told him: “…[don’t] blame anybody for anything that happens or how things transpired within the game.  You gotta just keep trucking regardless of if you feel like someone did you wrong, or whatever the case is.  All that s### is irrelevant, it’s all about the music and if you making dope music, you gonna rise to where you need to, period.”

Not only has Hit-Boy gotten advice from Jay-Z, but the producer is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management firm, which guides his career well beyond just the music.

It’s been a long time since Hit-Boy’s early days as a youthful Hip-Hop listener in Southern California, but his purchase of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint still holds a special place in his memory since it was one of the first albums that he purchased.

It’s unbelievable, any time I link with him and make music with him s### is still just surreal for sure,” Hit-Boy told AllHipHop.com.

Currently Hit-Boy has been pushing his trumpet heavy single “Salute” featuring Detroit’s Big Sean and New York City’s Fivio Foreign.

“That’s something I’m definitely excited about,” Hit-Boy said of the collaboration with Big Sean and Fivio Foreign. “But I’m always developing different acts, as far as what’s coming immediately and what I’m hype on, is my own. I got a song called “Salute” dropping and its gonna be a crazy video and a crazy movement. It’s my song.”

Check it out below:

]https://youtu.be/9HS2No8b51A

Rae Sremmurd’s Swae Lee Offers $20K Reward After Losing A Hard Drive Containing ALL Of His Music

Rae Sremmurd group member Swae Lee suffered a huge setback this morning (December 14th).

The rap star lost a hard drive full of his music, as he was traveling through the Los Angeles International Airport.

Sway took his Instagram to offer a huge bounty for anyone at Delta Airlines who may have come across his hard drive, which he said contained all of his new music.

 

“Got 20k for anyone who found my harddrive @LAX T2 delta airlines this morning all my songs on there,” the “No Flex Zone” rap star posted along with a somber-looking picture of himself.

Swae Lee isn’t the first rapper to lose his hard drive, and he probably won’t be the last.

In July of 2017, Migos rapper Quavo announced he had lost a hard drive featuring tracks from the group’s album Kulture 2  In August of 2019, 2 Chainz misplaced his hard drive, but he eventually recovered it with the help of Lil Baby.

And, in one of the most infamous cases, super-producer Ryan Leslie had his laptop stolen back in 2010 in Cologne, Germany. 

Swae may want to take note of the Ryan Leslie case when it comes to offering up rewards. Like Swae, Ryan Leslie offered $20,000 for the return of his laptop, and he eventually upped the reward to $1 million. 

A man named Armin Augstein found the laptop in a trashbag deep in a forest in Germany, but the files were corrupted and Ryan Leslie refused to pay the bounty. 

But a German court ruled in favor of Augstein in November of 2012. In January of 2013, Leslie also had to pay another $180,000 after he stalled on paying the verdict.