(AllHipHop News) The Weeknd has teamed with bank bosses to launch the new entrepreneurship initiative Black Hxouse.
The “Starboy” hitmaker and executives at his skills incubator brand Hxouse, based in Toronto, Canada, have teamed with chiefs at the TD Bank Group for the venture, which aims to aid BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) individuals with mentorship, business tools, and networking opportunities.
“TD has a long-standing commitment to supporting both innovation and diversity and we are excited to collaborate with Black Hxouse as part of our continued investment in our customers, colleagues and communities,” says Claudette McGowan, Global Executive Officer, Cybersecurity, TD in a statement. “We want to help build an economy where everyone can advance their careers and thrive professionally and in their personal lives. With Black Hxouse, we will explore opportunities to elevate and empower people to succeed and grow and focus on building an even more inclusive bank and society.”
The news follows the singer’s performance and major wins at the MTV VMAs on Sunday night and a hard-hitting statement he made upon taking home the honors amid continued racial unrest in the U.S.
“It’s really hard for me to celebrate right now and enjoy this moment, so I’m just going to say justice for Jacob Blake and justice for Breonna Taylor,” he said during the live broadcast, referencing the African-American man shot seven times in the back and reportedly left paralyzed in Wisconsin last week and the Kentucky woman who was killed in a bungled police raid in June.
The star’s latest offering comes after his efforts to highlight social justice issues took in over $2.15 million for various charities including Black Lives Matter, the Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Camp Legal Defense Initiative, National Bail Out, and TikTok’s Equal Justice Initiative.
But you know what they love even more? A reunion show with characters from our favorite series reconnecting to go over old times, cast secrets, and updates on what each actor is doing now.
Now to the joy of so many 90s lovers, Will Smith and HBO are teaming up to bring to the world the 2020 “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunion, a hit show that featured the first Grammy award-winning rapper and aired from 1990 – 1996.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the hit NBC sitcom’s debut, Smith’s Westbrook Media company will gather most of the series beloved regulars: Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks), Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Auntie Vivian Banks) and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks).
Also making a special appearance is DJ Jazzy Jeff, who had a recurring role on the show, most notably getting thrown out by Phillip “Uncle Phil” Banks, played by late great James Avery.
Other surprise guests are scheduled but have not been disclosed.
The special is scheduled to be taped on September 10th and will air around Thanksgiving, on HBO Max.
Westbrook Media has recently inked a contract to executive produce “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reimagining of the series.
Police are still investigating the incident, which Megan publicly blamed Lanez for in an Instagram Live session, and on Sunday, she dropped a fresh freestyle rap, referencing the shooting in song for the first time after coming across a spare beat on her laptop.
“Tic tac toe, I’m gonna X this b##ch/If a hit dog holler, I address that s##t,” she spits. “Got shot two times and I ate that s##t/Bounced right back with a Revlon deal.”
“Going through beats and I just had to do a lil quick freestyle,” she captioned the Instagram video, in which she was featured sitting in her kitchen in a yellow bikini in front of her laptop.
The “WAP” star proved she was on the road to recovery on Saturday as she staged her first virtual concert for Live Nation, taking the opportunity to make a statement about racial injustice and police brutality during her show.
(AllHipHop News) R. Kelly was nearly stabbed with a pen during an attack by a fellow inmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, New York, according to the singer’s lawyer.
In a new legal motion filed by Kelly’s attorney Steven Greenberg, he asked the court to release his client on bail, explaining that the “violent” inmate crept in when Kelly was sleeping and started “stomping on (Kelly’s) head, repeatedly.”
The inmate, who has the phrase “F##k the Feds” tattooed on his face, also had “an ink pen with him that he was going to use to stab Mr. Kelly,” Greenberg continued, adding that others grabbed him before he could use it.
“This is an inmate that never should have been anywhere near Mr. Kelly, an individual who is charged with the most violent of crimes, and one who plainly has no respect for the rules,” Greenberg stated. He also revealed the inmate was apparently angered by lockdowns inside the prison, caused by “peaceful” protests in support of Kelly outside of the facility.
Following the attack, Kelly was placed in solitary confinement for his own safety. It’s unclear whether or not he’s still in solitary.
(AllHipHop Rumors) Rick Ross is being petty and taking shots at Lloyd Banks on social media, after his most recent victory against 50 Cent.
Rick Ross recently won a lawsuit filed by 50 Cent, who was p##### that his nemesis had the nerve to rap over his biggest hit “In Da Club,” just to hawk his album, Black Market.
Lloyd Banks was a part of G-Unit and he took shots at Ross in 2009 on the track “Officer Down.”
Rozay took to social media to slick talk:
“You know, we discussing Lloyd Banks right now. One of my homies said he never really stopped being a Lloyd Banks fan. So, I said ‘Look…once I came up with a dope title for Lloyd Banks’ next LP or EP … ‘Victim of Circumstance.’”
The Maybach Music mogul continued: “Banks, you still got some money? Show us what you livin’ like…if you ain’t got no money, I’ll give you five grand for the Banks name. That might be one of my aliases — Dank Sinatra.”
How did the Punchline King respond? Like he always does … above the drama and focused on his peace.
“I’ll NEVER join the circus, so don’t expect it from me,” he wrote. “peace & love.”
I’ll NEVER join the circus..so don’t expect it from me..peace & love.
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West has hit back at speculation he’s “in cahoots” with Donald Trump’s Republican party to ensure the former TV star remains President of the United States.
But speaking to Nick Cannon on his YouTube podcast, Kanye slammed the rumors and insisted he doesn’t need the money.
“People keep on saying, ‘I think that y’all – you and Republicans – are in cahoots,” Kanye said.
“They’re saying that they are paying you to do what you’re doing, to be a distraction,” Nick Cannon replied, in the interview recorded at the rapper’s Wyoming ranch last month.
“Bro, can’t nobody pay me. I’ve got more money than Trump,” Kanye boasted in response.
He also spoke about his meeting with Kushner on Twitter, insisting they only talked about Dr. Claude Anderson’s black empowerment book, “PowerNomics” writing: “I’m willing to do a live interview with the New York Time about my meeting with Jared.”
(AllHipHop News) The legendary Destiny’s Child first burst onto the national music scene in 1997 with the song “No, No, No (Part 2)” featuring Wyclef Jean. At the time, the teenage girl group was comprised of four members.
A large section of the world was first introduced to DC as Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett. By early 2000, Roberson and Luckett were replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Lawsuits and media spin followed.
Regular Billboard hits and a lineup change in the middle of Grammy season sparked enough interest and controversy to catapult Destiny’s Child to superstar status without LaTavia and LeToya. Farrah Franklin later parted ways with the group as well.
LeToya Luckett would eventually find her footing as a solo artist and actress. According to the currently pregnant “Torn” vocalist, she and the other Destiny’s Child alumnae are on good terms today. However, Luckett did explain how being expelled from DC had a serious impact on her livelihood.
“I’m not gonna lie to you, after DC I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was about 18 years old, and I hadn’t lived as a normal teenager. I hadn’t gone to college,” said Luckett during an Instagram Live stream on Sunday where she discussed current events and faith. “Even coming out of that, I wasn’t the most secure person because I was so used to having a team mentality. To think of going out on my own was very terrifying.”
She continued, “The thought of singing made me angry. I didn’t believe I had a voice. I didn’t believe I could sing. I didn’t believe that I would ever return to the music industry. Make a long story short, after surrendering and getting to know God on a whole other level… I learned to surrender, get out of my own way, stop living in fear, and allow Him to direct my path.”
Apparently, LeToya Luckett was even homeless at a certain point in her life. Thecast member of VH1’s T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle reality show fought back tears as she recalled some troubling times following her stint with Destiny’s Child and before landing an acting role in the Preacher’s Kid movie.
“During my journey, I was staying at people’s house. I never told these stories before. I slept in a car in L.A. while I was making my first album [2006’s LeToya]. Not a lot of nights, but a few,” admitted the 39-year-old entertainer. “I was staying in hotels. I couldn’t really afford anything else. I was drinking a gallon of water and buying the microwavable [Top Ramen] oodles of noodles.”
(AllHipHop News) Belcalis “Cardi B” Almánzar has been heavily involved in America’s political process. The “WAP” hitmaker actually had public conversations with two 2020 presidential candidates – Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden.
After supporting Sanders in the Democratic primaries, Cardi endorsed Democratic nominee Biden for the general election against Republican President Donald Trump. She is now reminding her fellow citizens to register to vote in time for Election Day on November 3.
“State deadlines are coming very quickly. So make sure y’all click the link in the bio so y’all can register to vote,” said Cardi in a Twitter video posted by Atlantic Records. The tweet included a link to the website for the non-partisan HeadCount organization.
Cardi B is not the only person in her immediate family that is focused on turning out voters for this election season. Her husband, Kiari “Offset” Cephus of Migos, partnered with Amazon Studios to help mobilize voter participation through the #AllInForVoting initiative.
(AllHipHop News) Simmie “Buddy” Sims III left a memorable mark with a lot of Hip Hop followers with his Harlan & Alondra album. The single “Black” featuring A$AP Ferg was one of the highlights off the 2018 project.
Buddy also gained new fans after his appearances on Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III compilation. The Compton-raised rapper was one of the standout guest contributors to the project which also featured J. Cole, T.I., DaBaby, Vince Staples, Ty Dolla Sign, 6LACK, and others.
Over the last several months, Buddy was back to dropping his own tunes like “Black 2” and “Faces” with Lucky Daye. He recently let loose a new record titled “Glitch” which features R&B/Pop singer Tinashe.
During an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Buddy talked about working with Tinashe. The RCA recording artist also gave a hint about when listeners can expect his next project and the possible collaborations for the LP.
“I’m shooting for a December release. I’m not really supposed to talk about it. Hopefully, I’ve got some Christmas gifts for you all with a bunch of music. I was just in Jamaica with Meek [Mill], JID, and EarthGang,” said Buddy.
He continued, “We was getting a little zonked out. We made so many songs. I just got to holler at Smino, see what guap they’re talking about and it might be way more than the little bit.”
Previously, Buddy teamed with Spillage Village/Dreamville representatives JID and EarthGang for “Wells Fargo” and “1993.” Both tracks appeared on the Platinum-certified Revenge of the Dreamers III.
(AllHipHop News) Before his passing in 2019, Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) was raising a child with his longtime girlfriend Lauren London. Kross Asghedom is now four years old.
London celebrated Kross’s August 31 birthday with a heartfelt post on social media. The actress who is best known for roles in ATL, This Christmas, and The Game posted a photo of her son holding his fist in the air along with a personalized caption.
“My Little Prince. Son of Ermias. You Are Love. You will Soar. I am Honored to Be Your Mommy. Happiest Birthday Kross The Boss.
✨,” wrote Lauren on her Instagram page. Nipsey Hussle’s own birthday was just two weeks ago.
Fans, friends, and loved ones of the Grammy-nominated emcee paid tribute to his life and art on August 15. London expressed, “Best friend. Twin Flame. Greatest Teacher. Beautiful Strong Vessel. The Spiritual Giant that walked Earth. ‘I Miss You’ will never be deep enough for the void left in my soul. Yet, I know you walk with me- always still. Happy 35th. Eternally Yours, Boogie.”
(AllHipHop News) One of the most iconic moments in cinema history took place during the final scenes of Black Panther. With his last breaths, Killmonger told T’Challa, “Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from the ships because they knew death was better than bondage.”
That exchange helped immortalize the two characters for multiple generations of moviegoers. Chadwick Boseman starred as King T’Challa/Black Panther, and Michael B. Jordan played T’Challa’s villainous cousin Killmonger. As a result, audiences will always link the two actors together.
When it was revealed that Boseman, 43, died on August 28 from colon cancer, Black Panther fans expressed condolences to the actor’s family. In addition, people sent positive thoughts to other individuals associated with the record-breaking Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.
Many of the cast and crew of Black Panther also publicly addressed Boseman’s passing. On Monday night, Jordan shared his thoughts about the loss of his colleague and friend. The 33-year-old New Jersey native wrote on Instagram:
I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.
I wish we had more time.
One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.
I wish we had more time.
Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.
I wish we had more time.
I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.
(AllHipHop News) One of the most highly-anticipated matchups of Verzuz took place last night in Atlanata. R&B divas Brandy Norwood and Monica Arnold went head-to-head with their respective catalogs of hits.
Over 1.2 million Instagram users were watching the battle simultaneously at one point. Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee Kamala Harris spoke during the opening moments of the event, and countless celebrities commented on the feed throughout the night.
While the live broadcast streamed on Verzuz’sInstagram Live and Apple Music, a full replay of Brandy vs Monica is now available on Revolt’s YouTube channel. The two music veterans ran through songs such as “Full Moon,” “So Gone,” “Brokenhearted,” “Love All Over Me,” “I Wanna Be Down,” and “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days).”
Verzuz also provided Monica and Brandy a chance to publicly address their longstanding issues with each other. They even admitted that last night was the first time the had been in the same room in 8 years. Plus, Monica debuted her new song “Trenches” featuring Lil Baby.
(AllHipHop Rumors) If you are a parent, please…help. These kids will inject anything! The latest is the “Benadryl Challenge!!” Guess what you do with this one? Downing MAD BENADRYL until you hallucinate or pass out!
The challenge is to trip out, or hallucinate, after taking a dozen or more doses of the pill.
“The dose that can cause a hallucination is very close to the dose that can cause something potentially life-threatening,” said Scott Schaeffer, director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information.
The challenge was blamed for the hospitalization of at least three teens in Fort Worth, Texas, back in May. Shaeffer said the educators he works with spend a lot of time trying to help parents convince young people of the dangers of challenges like these.
“Large doses of Benadryl can cause seizures and, particularly, problems with the heart,” he said. “The heart tends to go out of rhythm and not pump blood effectively.”
That’s why parents are urged to monitor social media trends and talk to their kids.
“Parents need to know what their kids are doing on these social platforms. It may be a hard discussion, but you can get in and out,” said KFOR Digital Content Editor Kari King. “Just understand that they need to be skeptical of what they see online, and do not try anything that’s dangerous.”
OK, this is what we doing!?!
God bless the parents out there! I am glad just to be a child of my parents.
By the way, these guys in the image have nothing to do with the story!
(AllHipHop News) Administrators at Cambridge University has responded to criticism that their curriculum is racist, by allowing their students to study Black writers such as the multi-hyphenate influencer, Kanye West.
The professors are hoping to “decolonize” their study options after a season of global civil unrest in their student body challenged the institution for having “structural anti-blackness.”
According to The Daily Mail, Cambridge is looking to incorporate Kanye’s catalog of lyrics to stand side-by-side with literary likes of Lord Byron, Alfred Lord Tennyson, William Wordsworth, Sylvia Plath, Salman Rushdie, and William Makepeace Thackeray, staples in the school’s 811-year-old history.
Quite a few popular names have also been recommended for students to study to provide diversity, including Ye’s wife Kim Kardashian and legendary singer/poet, Gil Scott-Heron.
Another attempt to “decolonize” the curriculum is to have as a Shakespearean requirement to read Antony and Cleopatra.
The idea is that looking at that particular play, it will help students of all colors better discuss race and empire.
(AllHipHop News) Danai Gurira has remembered her “Black Panther” co-star Chadwick Boseman as a “truly, truly good” man in a touching tribute, telling fans she “can’t even wrap my mind” around his death.
Following their announcement, hordes of Chadwick’s co-stars and peers paid tribute on social media, with Danai sharing a snap of herself and Chadwick embracing as she wrote: “How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy.”
Danai played Okoye in 2018’s “Black Panther,” opposite Chadwick as T’Challa/Black Panther. And referencing working with the actor on the superhero movie, she continued: “My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy.
“He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation.”
Paying tribute to his “heroic spirit” and his “excellence as an artist”, Danai concluded: “He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe.
“The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend.”
Danai finished her tribute with a phrase in Zulu, “Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani,” which translates as, “Sleep in peace, O king.”
His shock death rocked Boseman’s fans and Hollywood peers, who have continued to add to the tributes online, and on Sunday, Coogler penned a lengthy statement remembering his friend and collaborator, with whom he had been planning to make a “Black Panther” sequel.
He opens the touching note by referencing Boseman’s new wife, singer Taylor Simone Ledward, who the private star had wed in the final months of his life: “Before sharing my thoughts on the passing of the great Chadwick Boseman, I first offer my condolences to his family who meant so very much to him. To his wife, Simone, especially.”
Coogler begins by recalling how he decided to sign on to direct the 2018 Marvel blockbuster after viewing a rough cut of “Captain America: Civil War,” in which Boseman is first introduced as T’Challa, aka Black Panther, onscreen, admitting he was “in awe of his capacity” as an actor after discovering he had learned a series of lines in the South African language of Xhosa “on the spot” to bring a feeling of authenticity to his African character.
Boseman had also fought to have the first black superhero speak with an African accent “so that he could present T’Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West.”
As Coogler got to know Boseman, he immediately recognized “Chad” as “an anomaly” due to his kind and warm nature and his determination to be “constantly studying”, and admits the late actor was the one who predicted “Black Panther” to be the groundbreaking film it was for black culture, even as the director was doubting his own abilities to bring the story together onscreen.
Although the pair was close, the filmmaker “wasn’t privy” to Boseman’s health crisis, and had no idea how much he had been suffering away from the cameras.
“After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him,” Coogler marveled. “Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.”
“I haven’t grieved a loss this acute before,” he continued. “I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say (in ‘Black Panther 2’), that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.
“It hurts more to know that we can’t have another conversation, or facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer.”
Ryan Coogler concludes his lengthy tribute by sharing how loved ones who have passed on are often referred to as “ancestors” in African cultures, even if they are not blood relatives.
“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now,” he added. “And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again.”
Nashville’s Hip Hop scene has been given more light over recent years. For years the city has been glamorized as the home of Country music while other genres of music have been cast in it’s shadow despite the city’s rich history of African American voices. Classic Williams is here to change all of that. Classic Williams’ newest project “Summer Pack 2020” which is a sequel to his stellar offering “Summer Pack” released in the summer of 2019 is a bop heavy marvel from start to finish.
Comprised of seven songs recorded during the beginning of the quarantine period this year; Classic along with producer collaborators Jordan Bartlett (who has toured with the pop duo and Nashville scene darling’s Cherub) DJ Rawtune, Aaron “Opie” Howard, and artist/producer Herschel Lamont create the sounds and set the stage for Classic’s lyrics. Opening up with the raucous trap influenced single “Droptop” produced by DJ Rawtune; Classic sets the tone for the summer esthetic and invites you on a wild ride through his city.
Recently in an interview with Atlanta’s Dirty Glove Bastard, Classic explained how despite 2020 being a tough year for everyone he wanted to restore the feeling of summer and also speak on relevant topics affecting the world at large. This leads us into the triumphant jewel of the album “Black Lives” produced by Jordan Bartlett. In this song Classic gives his vocal support to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Over a bluesy guitar riff Classic begins to paint the picture of what it’s like being a Black man living in the southern states of America during its current racial climate. A quick beat switch in the second verse and we’re back in the car with Classic, but this time on a high speed chase ending with a standoff between us and the police.
This sonic diversity in this project coupled with the lyrical imagery created by Classic himself whose various styles fit perfectly within the confines of each beat lends to a smooth listen from beginning to end, and also gives a little something for everyone. If the Nashville Hip Hop scene is going to be talked about more in recent years then artists like Classic Williams need to be pushed into the forefront of their movement.
Hugh Lee is “just a kid from Chicago,” with dreams of making it in the rap game. The rising, independent rapper prides himself in the substance of his lyrics, recounting real-life experiences from growing up in the projects. Effortlessly, he creates records for listeners to connect and relate to, overcoming the obstacles that come with being a black male from Chicago.
The moniker Hugh Lee derives from his Huley (first name Chris), broken up into two. He states, “I’m not the typical rapper, I’m more on the nerdy side. I’m from the West Side of Chicago, Austin neighborhood, telling that whole nostalgia of where I’m from.”
Beyond the music, Hugh is 2x Emmy-nominated, with a huge fascination in television and film. Earlier this year in March, he released his sophomore mixtape titled “CABRINI,” spearheaded by singles “Sawbuck” and “Carbrini.
AllHipHop caught up with Hugh, who had just left a meeting with Mistah FAB up in Oakland. Read below as we discuss his roots to Chicago, desire to help others, and a fire remix for “Cabrini” on the way.
AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in the West Side of Chicago?
Hugh Lee: Intense, it was crazy. Saw a lot of things, got involved with a lot of things early on. I use those experiences to teach the other kids that they don’t have to go the route that I did.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize the music thing was for real?
Hugh Lee: Well I never did music until I got to college, I was playing around with it. I made a song with one of my buddies, we ended up getting signed to a little mom-and-pop indie label off my first song I ever made. I dropped out of college and started doing music. At that moment, I decided “oh if I’m going to leave school and really pursue this, I’m not going to half-ass it. I’m going all in.”
AllHipHop: Who were you bumping growing up and stuff?
Hugh Lee: When I was growing up, I liked DJ Quik, LL Cool J. In 2008, I used to listen to Childish Gambino way at the beginning before anyone else. No one knew who he was at the time, I don’t even know how I found him. I listened when he first came out.
AllHipHop: What was it like seeing his career skyrocket?
Hugh Lee: Insane! I was going to his concert way before his first album, when his EP came out. I had a fake ID so I got in. I remember during that time, it was 500 capacity. He’d finish the show and come talk to every single person. I see the arenas and him playing these global things like dang! It’s dope to see someone who has a similar mindset, who’s from not the best neighborhood and doesn’t have to conform to that whole image. Still make a name for himself and people still identify and connect with him most importantly.
AllHipHop: What inspired the record “Factitious”?
Hugh Lee: Just me growing up in Chicago, seeing how really segregated the city is. I want to be very careful not to say racist, but it’s very segregated. Certain things I’ve noticed weren’t necessarily right to me. How the further you go from the center of the city to the downtown loop of Chicago, you can see the dramatic change in the income levels. It’s reflected in the neighborhoods and the job opportunities. Even myself, not being able to open my own business in my own neighborhood due to redlining and red zones.
AllHipHop: Your IG says mental health educator, talk about that.
Hugh Lee: While I was in college, I worked at a mental health facility working with children with autism. At first, I was working there because it paid more than any other job. As I worked there more and more, I actually became involved and more interested in the field. Eventually went back to get my degree in Psychology, then worked as an ABA therapist for a while when I moved to LA — before things took off musically.
AllHipHop: Where’d you shoot the visual for “Sawbuck”?
Hugh Lee: I shot that in the cornfields of Indiana. I knew I was going to drop another video, but I wanted that one to be where I was prior to dropping the album. I dropped that before I dropped the mixtape — sorry everyone’s got me calling it an album now. I see it all over, everyone says “oh it’s your debut album?” I thought it was a mixtape, but now I’m calling it an album too. [chuckles]
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Hugh Lee: Absolute darkness. I don’t like any lights, I need it completely dark to feel that energy of nothingness and really create from within. I need the music of course. That’s it, just myself. Not having phones and those things because I don’t write everything, I freestyle.
AllHipHop: What can we expect music-wise?
Hugh Lee: “CABRINI” just dropped, that’s doing great numbers, it’s on track to be my biggest video to date, so a consistent push of that. I have a few more videos, as well as shooting a short film to accompany that project.
AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from your story?
Hugh Lee: From my story that there’s someone that thinks and feels like you, grew up in the same environment and doesn’t isolate. Most of the “backpack” rappers isolate the drill scene, I incorporate the drill scene with me. It doesn’t have to be that separation between drill and backpack, it could be one collaborative thing.
AllHipHop: What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
Hugh Lee: I’d probably be a teacher somewhere, teaching music or videography honestly. I like kids, so something along that line.
AllHipHop: Who’s in your Top 5?
Hugh Lee: Greatest of all-time, #1 is Jay Z. #2, Weezy. #3, Rakim #4, that’s a tough one. I’ma have to tie between Big Daddy Kane and Pac. #5, Ice Cube.
AllHipHop: How was opening up for Big Sean on his Hall of Fame tour?
Hugh Lee: That was intense. Me and my buddy saved up a whole bunch of money. They had a whole bunch of pay to play shows so we paid to open up for them on 10 different shows back to back. We got a car, drove to each city and grinded. You know the indie grind, we were just starting out. Selling the merch, trying to hustle our way up like everyone else in the industry. Paying our dues if you will, but it was fun. The crowds were huge, I enjoyed myself.
AllHipHop: Anything else you would want to let us know?
Hugh Lee: The “Cabrini” remix video with King Louie should be dropping soon, I’m excited for that. It’s the biggest song from the project so far, especially in streams and notoriety in the city.
AllHipHop: Talk about linking with him, I know he’s from Chicago.
Hugh Lee: Yeah! He’s also from Cabrini, we know a lot of the same people. I’d been wanting to work with him for years now, but I didn’t have the right track or the right song to get him on. If it doesn’t make sense, musically, I’m not going to do it. I finally had the right song and reached out to him, he’s really cool. He did an amazing job, sent it back. It’s a great moment for the city. It’s nice when the legends of the city reach back and help out the upcoming artists, I was really happy that he did that. Really great, I was very inspired.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper NLE Choppa is expanding his brand by dropping his own jewelry collection
The Memphis rapper has teamed with King Ice, an LA-based streetwear jewelry brand to develop his collection, with many of the design elements originating NLE Choppa himself.
NLE Choppa has generated hundreds of millions of views on Youtube and music streaming platforms in a short span with tracks like “Shotta Flow” establishing him as one of the top emerging artists in music today.
His capsule collection features five pendants and one bracelet, incorporating themes and symbols inspired by Choppa and his label, No Love Entertainment.
NLE Choppa’s made a wide-ranging variety of affordable jewelry with 3D design and 14K gold coating, with handset stones at $100.
The line also includes custom 14K gold pieces with genuine priced between $5,500 – $15,000.
(AllHipHip Rumors) Megan Thee Stallion is not playing with Rapper Tory Lanez. The Houston-born rap mistress has been extremely vocal since naming Tory Lanez as her shooter. Earlier this year, Tory Lanez allegedly licked shots at Megan after an apparent verbal fight. She alleges that they were in a car arguing and she tried to leave the conversation and conflict and the resulting response was two shots to her feet. This is alleged of course but it seems like the victim is being a very much cooperating witness. This has led a lot of people to call her a snitch, erroneously. However, that is just how the Internet goes!
In a new freestyle, Megan Thee Stallion show she still got it but also kicks a couple wraps that points the finger at Tory Lanez. It’s not that deep, to be honest, but anything that refers to that fateful day is newsworthy. Megan also went on to win the best Hip-Hop award at the VMAs last night, beating Dababy, Eminem, Juice WRLD, Future, Drake, Roddy Ricch, and Travis Scott! What a big win! Shadow to Megan Thee Stallion, you still my boo even with bullet holes and a WAP!
