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KIR: Philly’s Best Kept Secret

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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KIR is Philly’s best-kept secret. When it comes to Hip-Hop, KIR delivers on all fronts.

Aptly titling his new EP Hometown Hero, the rising star speaks his truth with each bar, each punchline, each lyric. The 8-track project details KIR’s journey from the bottom, as he works his way into the mainstream light focused on nobody but himself.

“I’m different,” KIR states, “I’m living proof of what all these rappers speak about. Who they say they are, I really lived this stuff. My message comes different, especially to the people that know where I came from.”

KIR is living proof of his rhymes, spitting nothing but the real of things he’s been through and had to overcome. Those who are familiar with his background already know what type of time he’s on: constantly giving the masses motivation in some form or another. Whether it’s an old fan or new, KIR hopes his listeners can realize this is something everybody can get through. Being real is more authentic, and people are able to relate.

AllHipHop: You’re from Philly, what was the household like growing up?

KIR: I had a big household: grandma, 12 cousins. I learned a lot from my cousins, especially my little female cousins. My mom went over to the war, she went back and forth from Iraq. My dad wasn’t really around, I had to depend on my family to show me the roots and all that.

AllHipHop: Biggest influences coming up?

KIR: When I was younger, I used to listen to a lot of T.I. and Jay Z. Now around this time, I like Tory Lanez, the Drake’s. I like all types of music. Not even gon’ lie, it’s not even rap. I like all genres. That’s how I come up with a lot of my music, I listen to all of the genres of music. Depending on what type of music I’m in, I’ll listen to another genre of music, but rap’s the most influential in my music career.

AllHipHop: Who are your favorite MCs? Because you’re a real spitter.

KIR: Hov is one of my favorite MCs, T.I., Beanie Sigel, Jadakiss. I had a couple, it’s really a lot to name for real for real. Jeezy, I used to love 50 Cent a lot. They’re my type of artists.

AllHipHop: At what point did you realize you could do music for a living?

KIR: I played ball, I didn’t really rap. I was in college for basketball, but I had a homie that rapped. I was managing him, he was a little lazy so I decided to do it myself one day. When I went in there and did it, the response I got from everybody was positive. I continued to put out music. After I started gaining a little fanbase, it gives you even more of a push when people telling you you motivate them. It made me want to keep doing it, keep motivating other people.

AllHipHop: Mont said you went to jail, came back home and got the streets poppin’. How long were you locked up for?

KIR: I was locked up for 2 months. I got locked up back in 2019, it was almost 2 years for attempted murder. I ended up bailing out. My whole thing was when I was locked up, when I get home I’m doing everything I didn’t do. When I came home, I took advantage of every opportunity I had. Being home, people don’t really take advantage of the opportunities they got. They think they have enough time. When I got locked up, damn let me think ahead within the snap of a second. I gotta take advantage of every opportunity I got while I was there. When I came home, I went all in.

AllHipHop: What did you learn from behind bars?

KIR: Appreciate everything you’ve got and the people in your life. They can be gone, especially being from the streets. The things people go through in the blink of an eye, your life can be taken away or someone close to you. You gotta appreciate the people and things in your life. Before I got locked up, I was super materialistic worrying about the wrong stuff. When you’re in jail, none of that is there. It’s walls and beds, all you can rely on is the people you can call and the people that’s gon’ keep your mind right. When I came home, I’m strictly family. I don’t even call people friend no more, because they’re the same people who tried to tarnish my name when I got locked up. It’s strictly family, that’s what I cherish the most. I try to tell other people: cherish what you’ve got.

AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your name?

KIR: My name’s Shakir, so KIR is short for it. That’s my neighborhood name. I ain’t gon’ change it too much. No confusing name, I kept it simple.

AllHipHop: You released your new project Hometown Hero, how you feeling?

KIR: I feel great about it. I haven’t dropped an EP or a mixtape in 5 years. I only didn’t do that because I felt when I dropped a project, people looked over a lot of the music that I’m like “yo, you all hear this?” I started focusing on singles and gaining the attention. When I felt I had enough people listening, alright I’ma drop an EP. My whole team said “yeah, you need to drop the EP” I dropped it. First week and a half, it did 200K streams so we capitalized off that. We piggybacked off that. We got a lot of announcements coming soon, we keeping the momentum up. It felt like the right time to drop the EP, it was a goal.

AllHipHop: Why do you feel like the Hometown Hero?

KIR: For real, the EP was named In Due Time at first. I always wanted the next tape I drop to be In Due Time, but we all sat down and I’ve been the hometown hero in my area for forever. I was going to name it Neighborhood Hero but a homie of mine had a mixtape like that so I wanted to make it different. I made it Hometown Hero because around my area, a lot of people not doing what I’m doing. When people say they in the trap, they really trap. In their minds, the only way out is to sell drugs. I’m living proof of somebody in the streets that went to college, came back, got twisted up in the streets again, got right back out and started doing music. Nobody believed in me to get anywhere with music. Now everybody in my neighborhood, my city’s looking like “yo, you got it.” It’s hard to gain people’s attention like that, make people pay attention. For people to already think I made it, I don’t even think I’m a quarter there. In their eyes, they looking up like you’re a hometown hero.

AllHipHop: Talk about the meaning behind the cover art, you got the street signs and the photos in the background.

KIR: It really doesn’t seem like a whole lot of thinking, but it really was. The bulletproof vest represented where I’m coming from with all these deaths, shootouts, all this crazy stuff I got going on in my life. I wanted the bulletproof vest to represent protection, but the street signs were my area. The pictures are all memories of homies that passed away or blessings that came into my life: my kids or me achieving something. Every picture had me achieving something, a blessing, or me losing something. I wanted to put that all in one.

AllHipHop: You say you slept down in basements, now you have racks on racks. How do you view your come up?

KIR: When I first started the music. it was the hardest thing ever because I didn’t understand business. I’d see an artist shout out another artist like “damn I was just around this artist, they ain’t pay me no mind.” It’s politics, it used to frustrate me a lot. When I was down and out, I didn’t have nobody to promote my music or no cosigns, it depressed me. It kicks you down, you gotta overcome that. All that I’m achieving now, I appreciate it but the sky’s the limit.

AllHipHop: How does it feel to reach over 4 million YouTube views on your channel?

KIR: That’s a big achievement for me, I used to get 100 views a week on my videos. Once you understand the business and how to market your music, that’s what I really want artists to understand. Everything else is good, the cosigns, but you want that core. You want that dedicated fanbase because that’s what matters. We’re about creating leverage over here. To be honest, I could’ve been signed a deal but it wasn’t going to be right for me. I wanted it to be right and make sense to me, the only way to do that is if I had some type of leverage. I had some type of footwork put in where I could do this on my own. What somebody else brings to the table would be nothing but building the brand.

AllHipHop: Talk about becoming a DIY marketing pioneer in Philly, I know you run your own Youtube and IG ads.

KIR: I’m on that heavy. So many people haven’t seen your music. With the internet being out, there’s no way people should be complaining about nobody seeing their music. You need to be putting your money in the right places. The ads are important, whether people believe it or not. These labels are putting hundreds of thousands into ads, people don’t really see that. That’s another thing, people aren’t getting the business part. I’m here to shed light because a lot of artists don’t know about that. Everybody wants somebody else to jump up and do something for them when you can do it yourself.

Kir - Photo by: Stretch Stacks
Kir – Photo by: Stretch Stacks

AllHipHop: You’ve received a few label offers, talk about the independent grind and why you chose to stay independent.

KIR: I wouldn’t never throw no dirt on a label, right now it’s the best thing for me to stay independent because I have so much more to do. If the right deal came, I’ll be able to sign right now. It’s highly unlikely that what I want is going to come today. I want it to make sense to everyone around me. When I get on, I don’t want me to be on, I want everybody around me to be able to benefit. When the team’s strong, there’s no falling. We’re trying to put everybody in a position where everyone can benefit off the situation.

AllHipHop: What is the situation you’d be looking for?

KIR: I’m not picky, but I got a lot of little things I need. Not one thing but all in all, I need something putting me and my brand on the frontline. To be like that, you have to be rolling already. Have things going already. You can’t be a low class act coming in saying “I want to be on the frontline.” If you got the footwork in, you already frontline in the streets and you’re trending, they have no option but to jump on this. I want that to be the main thing that’ll make me serious when they talking to me. “If we jump on this, we need to put this ahead of a lot of things because it’s poppin’ right now.” I’m poppin’ in my own way. I know it’s going to happen when you gain those fans everyday, it’s a matter of time.

AllHipHop: What does it mean to be spreading the “Ghetto Gospel”?

KIR: That song was from the heart. I lost someone close to me. That ‘s off the top of my head, really some pain music. I cried after that song, that really means something to me. That’s why I didn’t shoot the video yet, I can’t. It’s a lot behind that. Out of all the tracks on the EP, that’s the most emotional track.

AllHipHop: What were you going through?

KIR: 2019 before I went to jail, my homie died. A crazy series of events the way he died, it touched me. I done lost friends behind the situation, people I thought were close to me. Me going to jail right after, I went to jail the same day as the funeral so I didn’t even get to see him. I put all that in the song, a special song right there. When I shoot that video, I know a lot of people fon’ feel that. I want people to be able to feel it so I don’t want to rush it.

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

AllHipHop: How does it feel to have the co-sign from Charlamagne?

KIR: That was fire. Charlamagne, Jadakiss blew up my music. I appreciate all that because there was nobody co-signing or speaking on my name. There was nothing, I was a neighborhood rapper. To hear people like that shouting out, that’s dope. Means a lot.

AllHipHop: What about PnB Rock and Jadakiss?

KIR: PnB Rock, that’s my guy. We had dinner when I was out there in LA. Jadakiss, we had a conversation a few weeks ago in the DM. He’s telling me to keep going. As long as you’re doing what you gotta do, somebody’s going to notice you. You gotta keep working. I used to get discouraged about nobody noticing but as long as you’re working, somebody will see it.

AllHipHop: What made you do no features on your project?

KIR: That was a real big issue, my team always wanted me to do features with people. I don’t have no problem getting features but I want to show people you don’t have to do the typical “we gotta get someone on the song.” I want people to listen to my EP like “yo, he’s fire.” Not “this song’s fire because of this rapper.” I wanted them to hear it like “this song’s fire because it’s fire.” I want it to be undeniable. It’s been so long since I dropped a tape, I wanted all the feedback to be about me and how people felt about that EP.

AllHipHop: What can we look forward to next?

KIR: We got some big announcements. I should be having a show with Moneybagg Yo and Roddy Ricch in February. I’ma keep knocking these videos out, I definitely have some features coming up. Now I’m going to start dropping the feature tracks I’ve got since the EP’s out already. Definitely expect good things, you’ll all be hearing my name way more.

Chris Brown Shows Off Kanye West’s Monster Truck Gift

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Christmas has come early for Chris Brown after receiving the keys to a brand new monster truck from Kanye West.

The Go Crazy hitmaker showed off the tank-style SHERP ATV on Instagram.

Kanye arranged for his manager, Bu Thiam, and other team members to personally deliver the present to Brown at his home in Tarzana, California.

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

And it appears there was no other reason for the big surprise than to celebrate Brown’s career success to date.

In a handwritten note to the R&B star, Kanye told his pal, “Congratulations to Chris Brown, 20 years in the game you have overcome many hurdles and obstacles, you deserve the recognition for all the hard work you have put in.”

As he posed on top of the massive ATV for his Instagram photo, Brown simply captioned it, “THANK YOU KANYE @kanyewest.”

Kanye has yet to publicly comment on the generous gift, but the SHERP ATV typically costs around $120,000.

Dr. Dre’s Ex Claims He Is Starving Her And Left Her With “Close To Nothing”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Dr. Dre’s estranged wife has accused the rap mogul of attempting to leave her with “close to nothing” as their nasty divorce battle continues to drag on.

Nicole Young is fighting for a bigger share of Dre’s finances after alleging she was pressured into signing a prenuptial agreement prior to their 1996 wedding – before the hip-hop icon became a billionaire.

She previously demanded $2 million -a-month in temporary spousal support while the exes attempt to reach a settlement in court – a request Dre has contested, arguing he is already paying for her every need.

Now Nicole, who filed to end the 24-year marriage in June, is claiming Dre, full name Andre Young, is deliberately attempting to draw out the case and leave her broke.

“He is attempting to ‘starve her out’ while also attempting to walk away from the divorce with the parties’ entire marital estate, leaving her with close to nothing,” her lawyers argue in papers obtained by The Daily Mail.

She is seeking a court order forcing Dre to hand over a treasure trove of financial documents as part of the ongoing proceedings, but he has continued to refuse, insisting the prenup makes it clear she doesn’t get a cut of any of his businesses in the case of divorce.

Her filing reads: “Nicole’s need for documents from the parties’ long-standing accountants and managers is great. Among other issues, she needs these documents in connection with the issue of spousal support. Nicole was not employed during the parties’ 24-year marriage. Instead, she stayed home to raise their children.”

“Meanwhile, during the marriage, the parties amassed an estate worth close to $1 billion dollars,” her lawyers add. “Nevertheless, at this time, Andre is refusing to pay spousal support to Nicole or to pay her attorney’s fees.”

The former couple shares two adult children.

Run-DMC Plan Limited Edition Vinyl In Honor Of Slain DJ, Jam Master Jay

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Run-DMC are releasing a limited edition vinyl compilation of rap hits to honor slain DJ Jam Master Jay.

The duo has commissioned Los Angeles-based artist Reena Tolentino, who created an iconic mural of late basketball star Kobe Bryant, to design the cover and revamp the band’s classic logo for the new 12on12 double disc package, limited to 500 hand-numbered editions and dedicated to JMJ, which marks the 35th anniversary of seminal 1986 album Raising Hell.

The hand-picked track-listing features songs that “inspired, affected and changed the ground-breaking group’s music,” including “Superrappin’” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, “Seven Minutes of Funk” by The Whole Darn Family, Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force’s “Planet Rock,” and “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith.

The compilation will be available from December 8th.

Jam Master Jay was killed during a botched studio robbery in 2002.

Summer Walker And London On Da Track Get Back Together Now That Baby Is On The Way

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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R&B newcomer Summer Walker has confirmed her romance with hip-hop producer London On Da Track is back on as they prepare to welcome their first child.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH92ZnIp7cQ/

The “Girls Need Love” star debuted her growing baby belly on Instagram last weekend , weeks after revealing she was “officially single,” and now it appears she has made amends with London on da Track.

Summer took to Instagram to share three new snaps of her changing figure, with the “Throw Fits” hitmaker pictured embracing her from behind and kissing her neck.

She didn’t add a caption, but it was clear the Something Real collaborators were a couple again.

Lauren London Gets Handwritten Note From Nipsey Tatted On Her Arm

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Lauren London has paid tribute to her late partner Nipsey Hussle by having a handwritten note he gave her tattooed on her arm.

The “Dedication” hitmaker, real name Ermias Asghedom, was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles in March, 2019, aged 33.

Nipsey Hussle’s Alleged Killer Eric Holder To Stand Trial in April

London, who shares four-year-old son Kross with Hussle, has already had various tattoo tributes to her late love but decided to add to her collection with a particularly poignant note the rapper once sent her.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Wiebe (@stevewiebe)

An image of the new inking was shared on Instagram by tattoo artist Steve Wiebe, who also created the etching of Hussle’s face on her other forearm.

The sweet message reads: “2 Lauren you my heart love you more! – Ermias.”

“Note Nipsey wrote to his (heart emoji) @laurenlondon,” Wiebe captioned the picture.

He also shared a snap to his Instagram Story, which showed him painstakingly copying the note onto Lauren’s arm.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Best Buddy Disses Her On “Bussin Back”

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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Hip-Hop beef ain’t what it used to be. Megan Thee Stallion stands accused of a number of things, ranging from stealing from fashion designers to not defending her friend. Her friend, Kelsey Nicole is riding on her in a new song that is a response to Megan’s diss! She’s not bad either! She certainly is on par with her former gal pal! Check it out real fast.

So, let’s take a trip down meMOORy lane. Megan previously ripped into Kelsey on “Shots Fired” and charged without wincing that her friend was paid off from Tory Lanez camp to be quiet. Megan has stated that there was an attempted HUSH pay to her though. So it makes sense that her fellow witness got the same deal. But I knew they were going to have issues when chick was chillin’ with Megan’s opps.

Kelsey drops diss track “Bussin Back” on Thanksgiving Day? How toxic can you be,B? She said a lot about her old chum.

What was The Meg’s response? It looks like laughing emojis.

They are both cool, but they are using Biggie and Pac beats and whatnot. Like…hold up. Wait.

1) Neither one if them is lyrically or musically inclined to even touch those classics. 2) This “beef” is more like Beyond meat!

3)Tory was sexing them BOTH! What in the Polyamory?

Megan Thee Stallion Reacts To Claim She Stole Fashion Nova Clothing Line Designs

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Megan Thee Stallion is defending her Fashion Nova collection from claims she stole the designs.

A designer named Aazhia accused the “Savage” star of nabbing inspiration for her Chase the Bag Shoulder Pad Mini Dress from the a TLZ L’Femme dress she created via Instagram last week.

“IMA BREAK THIS DOWN REAL SIMPLE! MY DRESS WAS STOLEN AND USED IN THIS MEGAN X FN COLLAB! WAS I TOLD? NO! WAS I COMPENSATED? NO!” she wrote, alleging a stylist reached out to Aazhia to pull one of her dresses for an event Megan was attending.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH–Y0RA0Ym/

“I’M VERY MUCH SO TAKEN BACK BY THE THE LACK OF RESPECT FOR ANOTHER BLACK WOMAN! THERE IS THIS TIRED NARRATIVE THAT THE BLAVK WOMAN IS SO DISRESPECTED, BUT WE DO IT TO EACH OTHER!!!!”

Megan has now responded during an interview with The Morning Hustle Podcast, stating, “A lot of times, people say that they talked to somebody from my team. I don’t know what year that was, I don’t know who… what are you talking about? And a lot of times, they won’t even bring me… they don’t tell me who they talking to.

“I feel bad that people’s initial reaction would be to just come at me like, ‘Oh, you a black woman! You’re stealing from black women!’ And I’m like, ‘Damn, hold on, sis, ’cause, like, I don’t know you’.”

Denying the allegations, Megan added, “If it would’ve been a real misunderstanding, I would’ve never had a problem saying, ‘I’m sorry, sis’. I would have checked my stylist. Like, you don’t do that. That’s not right. And then I would’ve had the dress taken down, whatever the money made from the dress, I would’ve gave the money to the girl if that was really something that she felt like was stolen from her.”

Aazhia has responded, adding, “I’m vexed because it’s condescending, it’s disrespectful, it’s hypocritical. Everything that she said was addressed towards me… My dress is from the ’90s. And she also said, in her opinion, it’s not stolen… But for me, all I saw was more disrespect.”

Drake Essentially Calls For A Boycott Of The Grammys!

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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The Weeknd didn’t get nominated for a Grammy and people’s draws are in a bunch over it. Drake has his jawns in a wedgie, because his buddy got completely snubbed. Now, I admit, his fellow Canadian probably should’ve gotten a nod. I know this, not because I have heard the album, but because I have heard a lot about it. He’s always a spectacle and always making me with Micheal Jackson was alive. He was the talk of the town at the American Music Awards. Well, whatever issues he and Drake had are gone. Drake rode for him homie like never before…he basically called for a boycott of the Grammys.

Drake The Weeknd

Now, this is a crazy dope year for Hip-Hop as far as the nominations. But even 50 Cent was hating, for a completely different reason.

If 50 has any relevance to rap today, I am sure he wouldn’t have any issue. But, everybody on that list EARNED that spot. The BARS are there, the beats are there and the critical acclaim is there. I think this is also some restitution for past wrongs! Nas doesn’t have a Grammy? YOU BUGGIN! Everybody is deserving – even Jay Electronica! GREAT YEAR!

I am certain there is a Grammy equivalent over there in the great North! Who cares about this American stuff?

Jay-Z, Yo Gotti, Meek Mill & Rihanna’s Company Taking Over Cali Weed Game With $575 Million In Cash

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Billionaire Mario Gabelli said, “How do you make money? Spinoffs, split-ups, liquidations, mergers, and acquisitions.”

Jay-Z understands this … which is why he is sitting comfortably in the nine-digit club with the likes of Gabelli, Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, Robert Smith, Tyler Perry, and Michael Jordan.

One of his most recent moves that amplifies the aforementioned quote is the recent deal with Subversive Capital Acquisition Corp., the Largest Cannabis S### in History.

The company has recently announced that they will work with the “Can’t Knock the Hustle” rapper, RocNation, his cannabis company Caliva and Left Coast Ventures to form an even bigger and better company.

The Brooklynite will be a part of a vertically integrated cannabis company now called The Parent Company (TPCO), becoming the largest —hear us good— marijuana company in California.

In this venture, he will join their C-Suite as the Chief Visionary Officer.

“Although we know we can’t fully redeem the injustices created by the ‘war on drugs’, we can help shape a brighter and inclusive future,” Jay-Z said. “The brands we build will pave a new path forward for a legacy rooted in equity, access, and justice. We’re creating something people can trust and we’re investing in our future, our people, and our communities.”

Jay will lead the way by heading up a corporate venture fund that will invest in Black-owned and minority-owned cannabis businesses.

Other investors in the new business include Rihanna, Yo Gotti, and Meek Mill. It was a smart investment since Caliva and Left Coast Ventures expect combined revenues of $185 million in 2020 and $334 million in 2021.

As of today, the company is sitting on $575 million in cash – making it one of the most well-capitalized cannabis companies in the United States, giving the new company the power to reach 90% of California consumers by the end of 2022.

Miles Brown Talks Reeling In The Hip-Hop Greats On ‘We the Future’ Album 

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Features
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Miles Brown is far more than just a character on Black-ish, he’s a rapper in his own right. At the young age of 15, the young prodigy has already mastered 3 different careers: from dancing to acting to now, music. He states, “I still see myself as a kid, obviously I still am. I don’t ever want to be treated not as if I am one because I love doing different things. Dancing, acting, music – even in the future, I don’t want to be put in a box.”

Releasing his debut album titled We the Future to the world, Brown uses his voice for the greater good, speaking on real-life current events and issues happening around the world. The 15-track project follows in the footsteps of his father who’s also a rapper, Wildchild of Lootpack, putting on for hip-hop in the most positive light. With production from Madlib, Mic Checkmate, and Deliv, and features from the old school to the new school, from Slick Rick, to Dame D.O.L.L.A., Miles puts together a masterpiece highlighting topics including positivity, family, mental health, equality, and social injustice.

Off the rip on the intro track, fans are blessed with shout outs from all the greats such as Redman, Method Man, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and even Post Malone. Beyond the music, Miles is also the first ever junior correspondent for the NBA, interviewing professional basketball players from a child’s perspective.

AllHipHop: It’s crazy to me that you’re only 15 and doing all these things. Do you feel 15?

Miles Brown: I know more, if that makes sense. Me being on Black-ish gave me that push to speak up about topics I want to talk about, that may not have been covered. Me growing up and having different experiences has made me want to reach out and have more knowledge on certain things I want to do. 

AllHipHop: How old were you when you started dancing choreography?

Miles Brown: I was 4 or 5 years old when I started dancing hip-hop choreo, because it was fun. My sister started dancing, I always wanted to start. I had my whole dance teacher and dance crew, it always seemed fun. Being able to travel, going to competitions, meeting other dancers I used to watch on TV, going to different countries to perform was super awesome and super fun as a 5-year-old to do. That inspired me to want to entertain, whether it’s acting or music. Getting that experience with dancers like Les Twins, certain people inspired me to travel and do different things. 

AllHipHop: Debut album We The Future out now! How are you feeling?

Miles Brown: It’s crazy it’s finally out, this is something I’ve always held on to for a long time. Me wanting to put it out for so long, certain things have gotten in my way from putting it out sooner. I officially recorded 80% of the album a year and a half ago, but my voice changed. I didn’t want to put the album out knowing my voice changed. It’d sound weird. My dad is an artist. People might be surprised I wanted to rap before I even started acting. With Black-ish taking up the majority of my time, I never got around to being able to do my own project. My voice changed 4 different times, what kept me from putting out the album 2 years ago. I’m excited for people to hear it. I’ve shown people certain songs over the years, but my dad and I didn’t want to rush anything.

AllHipHop: What made you name it We The Future?

Miles Brown: I’ve always wanted to have some type of call out to the youth, to my generation Gen Z. Especially with what’s been going on, the youth are mainly the ones on the frontlines and taking control of certain things. A lot of kids don’t realize the power in the voice we have, the potential. Whatever happens in the future, we’re the ones in control in a certain amount of time. It’s left up to us. Shout out to my sister Kiana for coming up with the cover idea, a remake of the picture of the signing of the Constitution. You know how it says We The People? I wanted to remix that with We The Future. With all the different songs, I have a lot of super talented kids on the songs with me. JD McCrary, I wanted to represent and put super talented kids my age on the album.

Miles Brown album cover
Miles Brown album cover

AllHipHop: You also have elites like Jidenna and Slick Rick, talk about those incredible features.

Miles Brown: Those were definitely an accomplishment. It’s crazy knowing people I know personally, my friends, it’s a combination of a lot of people. JD’s on “Smile All Day”, shout out to him. Maya’s (ROSECLAY) on my song “Special” dedicated to my mom and my sister. TJ Brown played Nas on The Get Down. Slick Rick, Dame D.O.L.L.A., a lot of artists on there I see as accomplishments because I always looked up to them. Dame D.O.L.L.A. whether it’s basketball or rapping, Slick Rick obviously because of what he’s done in his career. Having that personal relationship and asking them to be on my project, them willing to do it was my biggest accomplishment for the album.

AllHipHop: How did you get all the legends on the intro? They’re way before your time! 

Miles Brown: It came mainly through my dad, he’s an artist. Everything he taught me when I started listening to music, that’s how I grew up to know and love them. Have that whole generation in my mind. A lot of kids may not know who those people are, I’m privileged. Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, I opened for them when I was super young and started rapping. My relationships with a lot of those people started through acting, through dancing, not even anything to do with music. I knew them on a personal level to where they seen I wanted to try something new. Macklemore, Method Man, Redman, people I knew personally that I never started getting into their music until recently. I’m glad they were able to do a little job on that song.

AllHipHop: Who are your top artists in rotation?

Miles Brown: As his son, I have to say my dad for sure. I support all different styles, I love both generations from mine to my dad. I have favorites from my generation, from his generation. It’s personal things whether I want to turn up and listen to some Drake and Travis Scott, or I want to listen to some Rakim and Slick Rick. I’m glad to know who some artists are that I know a lot of kids don’t know. There’s a lot of artists from my generation I know, that my dad may not know of. I’m glad to have that connection of both generations, I can gladly listen to both.

AllHipHop: What songs mean the most to you and why?

Miles Brown: Definitely one is “Special” for sure, that’s about my mom and my sister. “We The Future” is a special song because that’s one of the first songs I recorded. Me getting Damian Lillard on that specific song was important because I knew what he’d done with basketball going into rapping. I wanted to have that same energy: go from rapping to dancing to acting. Do different things and not be put in that box.

“Drowning” is a special song for me, it dives deep into mental health. It’s a broad song a lot of people can listen to, I wanted to speak up and talk about that.“Rock The Beat” because I come from the dance community. A lot of Bboys and Bgirls can dance to that song. My dad helped me because he knew I wanted to make a song a lot of people can dance to. Shout out to Madlib for producing “Entourage”, a crazy song for me to do.

AllHipHop: Madlib? That’s legendary!

Miles Brown: A lot of people don’t know that, he’s almost an uncle to me. He and my dad are both artists, they both work together. I never even knew that he was this famous rapper/producer, I always saw him as Madlib. I’d always see him around, he’d be making beats for my dad. I needed a turn up song, crazy story how I even got that beat. My mom finally convinced me to do a song with him, shout out to uncle Madlib.

AllHipHop: What were your early dreams? Even though you’re still so young. 

Miles Brown: I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment, whether it’s with rapping or dance. I always loved performing in front of someone or having a camera on me, doing something in front of my family so they could see. Obviously I always wanted to be in the NBA, that’s a common goal. I still want to be in the NBA. I don’t know if that’ll happen still, but anything to have fun. When I was 4 years old, me having fun led directly to dancing. Then it went to acting, now it’s music.

AllHipHop: Are you nice with the hoops?

Miles Brown: I think I am. [laughs] I always wanted to go to the NBA. Every boy’s and girl’s dream is go to the NBA and WNBA. I’ve always kept that in my mind. I love basketball, I love the game. I used to do a song called “NBA.” I teamed up with the junior NBA to set up clinics for kids. I was able to be their correspondent, go to different games, interview players from a kid’s point of view. I always wanted to do it as a person who loved the NBA. I’m not typically someone with the skills to go straight to the NBA, but the closest I can possibly get to there. That’s how specifically I got Damian on the song because of how I interviewed him. I’ll always love hooping. 

AllHipHop: Fondest memories from shooting Black-ish?

Miles Brown: It’s hard to say, I’ve been on the show for almost 7 years. Definitely filming our Juneteenth episode, a super important episode for us to even film. For us to get into our characters, get into the feel. Recording songs on set and filming a whole musical vibe. When I got the call I got the job, that’s the #1 moment. Tracee Ellis Ross’s daughter Diana Ross came on set one time, I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan. I’m a die-hard Michael Jackson fan. I knew who Diana Ross was, all of her songs. I had a Wiz vinyl of the soundtrack, I was able to finally get her to sign it. That’s the craziest thing I ever had.

Eminem’s Would-Be Murderer Heading To Trial In April 

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Matthew David Hughes, the man charged with breaking into rapper Eminem’s Detroit house, has finally received a date for trial, April 19th in a Macomb County Circuit Court.

Hughes, 27, broke into the Clinton Township home of the “Stan” rapper with the express intention to kill the platinum-selling artist. 

According to Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, he woke up in the middle of the night to the shock of the stalker standing behind him.

When Hughes was asked what he was doing in the house, he said he was there to take Em’s life.

A swift thinking Mathers led him out of his home to his security detail, where the man was held until authorities were able to come and arrest him. 

It was later revealed that Hughes was indeed homeless. He was charged with first-degree home invasion and malicious destruction of property. 

According to the Detroit Free Press, the trial is set for a little over a year from the incident which took place on April 5th.

“I don’t believe we’re going to have trials with jurors until the vaccine is produced, and that’s a ways down the road, I think,” Judge Edward Servitto said as Hughes, through his representation, retained the option of a trial conducted via Zoom or a much faster bench trial.

While this case against his real-life Stan is underway, the “Rap God” is celebrating his long-time friend and collaborator’s Grammy nod for his critically acclaimed album, Allegory.

“So happy for @Royceda59 and @Alchemist on their Grammy rap album of the year noms! Seems like @RecordingAcad might be starting to get it right.”

The Library With Tim Einenkel And Rah Digga

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: The Library With Tim
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This week on “AllHipHop.com presents: The Library with Tim Einenkel,” features the legendary artist, Rah Digga.

Rah Digga discusses studying electrical engineering, performing at Lyricist Lounge for the first time, as well as the impact Kool G. Rap, Rakim and KRS-One had on her as an artist.

The New Jersey native talks about her debut album, Dirty Harriet, the 2000 Hip-Hop class, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, The Fugees, Bahamadia, and Chuck D. Rah Digga takes us through business lessons learned in music and how becoming a mother helped her focus more on music and career.

Is Michael B. Jordan Planning To Get WILD On New OnlyFans Account?

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Rumors
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Newly-crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive Michael B. Jordan has launched an account on the adult site OnlyFans dedicated to his facial hair.

The “Black Panther” star has been embracing a more hirsute look during the COVID lockdown and he is now eager to show it off.

“I never had time to actually sit in one place and grow my facial hair, where I didn’t have to get it groomed, or manicured, or anything like that,” he told U.S. late night host Jimmy Kimmel. “So, during quarantine, I just wanted to see how much hair I could actually grow.

“His name is Murphy. We call him Murph for short. Got an OnlyFans coming soon – eating fruit, all types of crazy stuff. It’s going to get wild.”

Now the actor is using his new look for a good cause, by teaming with bosses at the fan subscription service.

“I’m actually going to start one (an OnlyFans account) but like all the proceeds I want to go towards a barber school because during the quarantine, you know, there’s been so many businesses and schools that shut down,” he added.

Jordan will join stars like Tyga, Cardi B, Bella Thorne, Amber Rose, who have also shared special content to the platform.

Kevin Hart Snaps On Fans Over Comments About His New Baby

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Kevin Hart hit out at fans who questioned the star’s decision to use his baby to promote his latest comedy special.

The 41-year-old “Jumanji: The Next Level” star came under fire for dressing his newborn in a shirt that bared the name of his latest comedy special, “Zero F#### Given,” with some fans even threatening to call child protective services as a call as a result.

Hart appeared to ignore the comments before finally butting heads with his critics as he posted a screenshot of a headline reading, “Kevin Hart Slammed For Dressing Newborn In ‘Profanity-Laced’ Outfit, Fans Suggest Child Services Will Be Calling If He Doesn’t Take The Shirt Off.”

“This is the world that we are currently living in,” he penned in the caption. “(Stuff) is funny and sad at the same time…. Y’all motha f####’s need to grow up and get a hobby… Once again I could give ‘Zero F####’……Now go watch my special on NETFLIX.”

He added: “Stupidity at the highest level. This is why my mindset is what it is in my comedy special.”

The actor welcomed a baby girl, Kaori Mai, with wife Eniko Parrish on September 29th.

The couple also shares three-year-old son Kenzo Kash and he has two children – 15-year-old daughter Heaven and 13-year-old son Hendrix – from his previous marriage to Torrei Hart.

Does Somebody Have And Issue With Nas?

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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I never got the sense that Nas and 9th Wonder had any sort of issue, but I was looking at one of my fave destinations and came to the conclusion that they likely do. First of all, 9th Wonder, the legendary producer, has crafted beats for everybody from Sean Price to Shawn Carter (Jay-Z). And so many more like Rapsody who is still doing incredible things. But not Nas. OK, no big deal right?

Maybe there is. Check out what 9th Wonder posted on social media:

https://twitter.com/9thwonder/status/1331292839804801027?

Uhhhhhh, Nas got nominated too! Nas is Top 5 DOA! Yo! Nas might even win! 9th Wonder has an issue with Nas – seemingly – and people saw it in plain view!

But why? Why?!

It seems like 9th remixed Nas’s God’s Son and called it God’s Stepson! He removed Nas’s face and then replaced it with his. Blasphemy! LOL! Seriously, this was a good piece of work! But, Nas didn’t like it for some reason and apparently, things have been shaky with the two gods since. Now, I have my own opinions rooted in nothing! But for a minute, 9th was very tight with the Jay-Z camp, most notably Young Guru. And maybe Nas felt a way about that, and it bled over into 9th Wonder? I always thought that was it, but I have no proof at all.

Check out God’s Stepson (Mixtape) – it is worth your 80 minutes.

Nicki Minaj Joins The Weeknd In Blasting The Grammys

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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New mom Nicki Minaj noted Grammy nominations day by putting the Recording Academy on blast for her 2012 snub.

The “Anaconda” hitmaker still hasn’t forgiven the powers that be for failing to give her the Best New Artist honor following her breakout year.

“Never forget the Grammys didn’t give me my best new artist award when I had 7 songs simultaneously charting on billboard & bigger first week than any female rapper in the last decade – went on to inspire a generation,” she snarled on social media. “They gave it to the white man Bon Iver.”

Meanwhile, Twitter and Instagram lit up after the 2021 nominations were announced following a shocking The Weeknd snub – the Canadian hitmaker, who has dominated many of the awards shows this year, didn’t pick up a single mention.

The Weeknd also issued a fiery response to being left out, after a groundbreaking year. The “Blinding Lights” star was completely shut out of the 2021 awards when the nominations were announced and many music experts have taken to social media and blogs to share their surprise.

And now the singer has made it clear he’s upset, tweeting: “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…”

https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/1331394452447870977?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Meanwhile, Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason, Jr. has addressed the drama in a new interview with Variety, insisting there’s nothing twisted or sinister about the The Weeknd’s snub – he was just unfortunate not to get a mention.

“It really just comes down to the voting body that decides,” he says. “We have eight nomination slots to fill (in the ‘Big Four’ categories: Best Album, Song, Record and New Artist), five in others, and the voters vote for their favorites.

Beyonce dominates the 2021 nominations list with nine.

Asian Doll Gets Massive King Von Tat, Internet Judges Her

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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I do not think anybody knows what it’s like to lose a loved one like King Von. And the rapper was literally on top of the world and rising faster than a spaceship. We saw the potential that he held and we can’t say that many people knew it more than Asian Doll. The rapper and the lady rapper were a couple and that was something that it seems like she cherished deeply.

She went back-and-forth over Von’s last words, which I thought were pretty dope except that his manager refuted it. Either way, I am going to say those were his last words to her and that they were dope. Maybe it was cap 🧢, maybe not. At any rate, I don’t care because the truth is not always on trial. Just ask Gucci Mane. AnyWho, Asian doll went and got a massive King Von tattoo on her hand. I know that had to hurt!

She got a tattoo that’s pretty impressive in it is a testament to her love for the rapper. If she didn’t like him so much, she might have gotten his name or something more discrete but she got a huge tattoo of his face on her hand into her fingers. There is no way that that tattoo is ever coming off or getting covered up! Just ask Gucci Mane, who still has an ice cream cone tattooed on his face! Dairy products aside, homegirl is being critiqued for getting such a large display of affection posthumously.

The internets are saying that it’s for the clout! They are questioning her love and adoration for King Von. I’m not in a position to do that but I am in a position to report back what folks are saying and that is exactly what they are saying. 

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Mariah Carey Still Mad Over Comedian’s “N Word” Snub Along With Hip-Hop Insult

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Mariah Carey was “so upset” after being called the N-word by comedian Sandra Bernhard in a 1998 stand-up routine.

The singer told Naomi Campbell about the controversial moment from Sandra’s “I’m Still Here… Damn It!” special, when she claimed Mariah was exploiting being biracial to further her career.

“She’s trying to backtrack on our a#### by acting real n*****-ish there at the Royalton Hotel suite with Puff Daddy and all the greasy, chain-wearing Black men,” Bernhard said.

Reflecting on the impact of the comedy show, Mariah told Naomi: “I wish I would have called you back when it happened because I was so upset and nobody came to my rescue at that point. But whatever, I can’t – it’s ignorance.”

Naomi added that Bernhard’s quip was “rude and disrespectful” as well as being “completely racist”.

“People can be very hurtful, but one of the things that hurt me, because I care about you and I care about the past, was what Sandra said. I was just like, ‘Are you for real?’ How did that even slide by?” she continued.

Gesturing at Mariah, Naomi added: “You are Black. You have every right. You are working also, in a professional capacity. I just felt like, now, I wanted to clear that up because I was p**sed.”

Mariah is the daughter of former opera singer Patricia, of Irish descent, and Alfred, an aeronautical engineer of African-American and Afro-Venezuelan descent.

Alicia Keys Tapped To Teach Songwriting & Producing For MasterClass

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys is set to teach a class on songwriting and producing. The R&B icon’s online course is now available exclusively on the MasterClass platform.

“Alicia is simply a legend,” offers David Rogier, founder/CEO of MasterClass. “She appeals to and unites her audience with empathy and empowerment. In her MasterClass, Alicia not only breaks down her creative process, but deconstructs her most influential songs. She inspires all of us to control our power and purpose.”

Keys will instruct MasterClass members on her approach to writing memorable tunes such as “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One,” and “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready).” She also shares her personal philosophies on how to unlock authenticity, empathy, and vulnerability.

“I cannot stress enough the power you have when you’re truly confident in yourself,” says Keys. “In my MasterClass, I’m excited to connect on a different level. We’re gonna talk about what I’ve learned, my process, and how to access what’s inside of you, so you can connect and get it out into the world.”

Since her debut in 2001, Alicia Keys has released seven studio LPs. Four of those projects reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. She recently dropped her self-titled Alicia album which includes the singles “Underdog” and “Show Me Love” with Miguel. Besides her 15 Grammys, Keys has also won 17 NAACP Image Awards, 9 Billboard Music Awards, 5 American Music Awards, and 7 BET Awards.