Tyrese returns with his most powerful record to date: “Legendary,” featuring CeeLo Green.
Serving as Tyrese’s first release in over 5 years, the record depicts an “artist’s response” to the unfair deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police officers.
The song is paired with thr equally powerful visual for the song titled “8:46,” paying tribute to #BlackLivesMatters and the precious lives that were lost in our quest for equality.
AllHipHop was present for the press junket and the humility from the 6x Grammy- nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and activist was not overlooked.
Tyrese made it a point to remind the press this song wasn’t about him in any shape, way or form, but merely to continue to push the narrative to end racism altogether.
Directed by Deon Taylor, who’s seen and been through the worst of the worst coming up in Gary, Indiana, the music video contains groundbreaking imagery that made both Taylor and Tyrese tear up instantly.
When asked what activism meant to Tyrese, he answered: “This is activism. Being on this call, doing this short film, having Deon to say for the first time in 10 months we both got on a flight and put our health and families life at risk. We had a crew of 100 people, it was everybody’s first gig in a year.
“Deon got on a 4-hour layover flight from Sacramento and came to Atlanta, slept at my house and did it for free. I’m well over $250K at this point with all things ’Legendary’,” Tyrese said.
He continues, “I was so committed to what God put on my heart to do.” Everybody’s like ‘why you spending too much money on this?’ Listen man, until we get to where we need to get to on behalf of these families, I’m spending the money on something that matters on this level.”
The title of the video is “8:46,” reminding the masses of the amount of time the officer had on George Floyd’s neck.
And, 100% of proceeds are going to charity, as the lives and families of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin are remembered.
Deon also had a message for the press: “You guys are all artists, your job is to speak to the culture. Speak to change. This is another time right now where we’re done talking, we’re living in it. This is a bigger moment than civil rights.”
When asked if that was Tyrese rapping on the song, he swerved with a “no comment.”
“Legendary” also serves as new territory for Tyrese, who strayed from his signature R&B ballads. The meeting ended with a friendly reminder from Tyrese to go vote.
(AllHipHop News) Grammy-nominated rapper Pusha T is not just an emcee, a label executive, or nemesis to Drake.
He is actually a social entrepreneur, creating local businesses in his hometown that will not only inject a breath of life in the culture but help stimulate the local economy while demonstrating corporate compassion.
There are many favorite sons and daughters from the Virginia Beach area” Allen Iverson, Teddy Riley, Pharrell, and Missy Elliot.
Push is now working with former NBA star Ricky Davis, The Ricky Davis Legacy Foundation (TRDLF), and music executive Tony Draper, Pusha T hosted the Feed Your City Challenge in Norfolk, VA to do philanthropic work.
Recently, through their efforts they fed over 3,000 people, giving them fresh groceries. They also provided PPE to support efforts to drive down COVID-19 infections in the area.
“Hey you can support the guy who grew up across the street from you, he’s actually really good and it’s okay to support him,” the G.O.O.D. Music artist revealed.
He is also launching a record label, Heir Wave Music Group, where he will recruit talent from all across Virginia. He is using billboards to promote his label’s talent search.
“It just lets people know on a daily basis that this is really close to home and you can make it from right here,” Pusha told Channel 3. “You can be great right here and it starts right here.”
Giving back is a big step in being a boss, but providing careers for other people — that’s the next level.
(AllHipHop News) The Hip-Hop world is mourning after the loss of one of Tennessee’s rap princesses, Ashley Richardson.
Richardson is the daughter of Darnell Black, also known as Crunchy Black, a former member of the group Three 6 Mafia.
According to Local 24 News, she was murdered during a hotel shooting over the weekend along with an unidentified man. They were both found dead outside of the Fairview Inn and Suites.
Detectives assigned to the case are keeping details close to the breast. The Memphis police have yet to even publicly list Richardson as the deceased.
According to sources, Richardson’s child’s father came to the scene and identified her.
But most fans and friends learned about the death when Juicy J, another member of the Academy Award-winning group, took to Twitter to send his condolences.
“My condolences to you & your family ,” Juicy J said.
Crunchy Black left the group Three 6 Mafia almost 15 years ago in 2006.
The shooter is still reportedly at large. Law enforcement is asking that anyone that knows anything about this shooting should 901-528-CASH to leave a tip.
(AllHipHop News) One of the suspects accused of gunning down Jam Master Jay will stay put in prison, despite his fear of dying from the coronavirus.
Ronald “Tinard” Washington is one of two suspects indicted for the cold-blooded murder of Jam Master Jay inside of his Queens, New York recording studio on October 30th, 2002.
Washington is accused of setting up Jay’s murder after he was supposedly cut out of a drug deal, while Jordan is accused of being the triggerman who shot Jay at point-blank range.
Jordan has pleaded not guilty and is locked up in the MDC in New York and is currently being held without bail.
Washington was already serving a 17.5 year sentence at USP McCreary in Pine Knot, Kentucky, for a 2002 robbery spree which started around the time Jay was murdered.
Washington was supposed to get out of prison in 2022, but he applied for compassionate release in July before he was indicted for Jay’s murder.
Washington claimed he was at an elevated risk of dying because he has hepatitis C, in addition to hypertension and tuberculosis.
There was little chance the Feds would let Washington out of his prison sentence early, even before he was indicted for Jay’s murder.
But he is not getting out now that he is facing a life sentence, and possibly the death penalty for his involvement in the slaying.
Judge Gershon decided that Washington was just too dangerous to put back on the streets for any reason, citing his lengthy arrest record, and his penchant for violence as he serves out his prison sentence for the robberies.
“The seriousness of Washington’s criminal and disciplinary history weigh in favor of confirming the sentence as imposed, which was designed to promote respect for the law and to provide just punishment for the offense,” Judge Gershon said. “Moreover, his conviction, his disciplinary violations, and his pending prosecution demonstrate that Washington continues to present a danger to the community and a serious risk of recidivism.”
“Jay knew these guys since he was a kid,” a source told AllHipHop.com in a previous interview. “We all knew Tinard’s history, he was in and out of jail. He f##kin shot his own cousin and paralyzed him and put him in a wheelchair. We go in and out-of-town, and Jay’s cousin got Tinard living in Jay’s f##king crib. The crib Jay’s father left for him. He got Tinard living there. Jay wasn’t pleased and said ‘he gotta come up outta there.’
“They all know Tinard and whoever that shot Jay because he [Tinard] lived in [Jay’s] house,” the source continued, while revealing that the gun used to kill Jay may have been stolen from the same home in question.
(AllHipHop News) Rappers Yasiin Bey and Rapsody are fronting a new virtual gig to push for social justice reform.
Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, and Rapsody will appear alongside fellow artists and activists Big Krit, Dead Prez star M1, Sampa The Great, Audio Push, Oswin Benjamin, and poet Jessica Care Moore at the 22nd annual Black August Hip Hop Benefit Concert on August 30th.
Proceeds from the show, organized by officials at the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) in partnership with Movement for Black Lives, will be donated to political prisoners in the U.S. and their freedom campaigns, reports Billboard.
Explaining her motivation for headlining the gig, Rapsody says, “If we don’t care, if we don’t use our voice, if we don’t support these calls to action, how can we progress? So many before us, so many political prisoners, sacrificed for us to have the opportunities we are afforded today. I couldn’t create the art I do without some of those sacrifices. It’s now my turn to do my part so that those now and after me will have even more freedoms and opportunities.”
The Black August Hip Hop Benefit Concert begins at 4pm ET, and will be free to view on https://www.blackaugusthiphop.com/
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West has filed yet another lawsuit against another state, hoping that it will for them to add him to their presidential ballot in November.
The next state to get litigation is Wisconsin, the Badger State.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the Birthday Party candidate’s team filed his protest with the Brown County Circuit Court.
Rapper Kanye West filed a lawsuit Friday demanding election officials place him on Wisconsin’s presidential ballot in November. Why was Yeezy blocked from the ballot? He was too slow with his submission. On August 4th, when the submission was due, the politician missed the deadline by mere moments. That can’t be fair, can it? It most certainly is fair. The rules are the rules.
There is video evidence showing that the aide from his campaign for to the Elections office, about 14 seconds after 5 pm. This is something that the campaign is pushing … They argue that since they were within the 5 pm minute and 5:01 pm that they should be at least considered.
Kanye has also sued Ohio’s elections because, like Wisconsin, he was not able to appear on the next presidential ballot.
(AllHipHop News) It’s really all about finding new bags, and rapper turned pop star Post Malone has joined Team Envy’s ownership group — in an attempt to get some of that gaming paper.
Now, Post is a part of the team that owns Dallas Fuel in the Overwatch League and Dallas Empire in the Call of Duty League.
With both parties being located in Texas, the “Circles” performer believes that the collaboration is going to be a hometown homerun.
“I grew up in Texas and I’ve been gaming my whole life, so this just really felt right,” Post Malone said in a statement. “I have always wanted to be a part of bringing gaming into the professional sports world so to be involved with what Envy is doing in my hometown feels like such a perfect fit.”
There are quite a few celebrities that have found their perfect fit in the eSports arena. Offset, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Shaquille O’Neal, Pusha T, and Logic are among the celebrity investors throwing money into the gaming space.
(AllHipHop News) A picture can say a thousand words.
So when Maybach Music Mogul, Rick Ross, and his “Monster” collaborator Kanye West popped up on Instagram on Friday the world went in a tailspin trying to figure out what in the world could be going on.
Earlier this month, Rozay took to his Instagram account to plead with Kanye to get in touch with him.
“I just don’t want to drop him on his head yet because it ain’t clear to me what’s going on,” Rick Ross said. “I just see what headlines come across and we know a lot of that s##t’s inaccurate, so I’m gonna wait for his phone call again…I’m up to catch that motherf##ker and ask a few questions.”
Well let’s look at the image of the pair’s meeting:
The two look as if they are in a warehouse or loft with clothes laid out on the floor.
Perhaps they are partnering on a fashion business. Rozay is quite stylish in his Balenciaga sweatshirt and shorts. His mismatched sneaks bullhorns fashion-forward, as his high-end jewels and accessories scream out “high end.”
Yeezy on the other hand presents himself in casual cool with stylized slip-ons and a customized airbrushed shirt with his daughter, North West in the center.
One guess as to why the two are together could be they are working on new music.
The rapper has been meeting with a gang of artists for his new album tentatively called Donda. Having the two on another track — just as major as Ye’s 2010 hit that also featured Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj— would have fans going bonkers.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper-turned-fashion-designer-turned-politician Kanye West may not be on the ballot in Wisconsin and Ohio, but his name will be on deck in Virginia.
According to the Virginia Mercury, Yeezy has met the qualifications to appear in the contest against the Democratic nominee Joe Biden and the Republican nominee Donald Trump.
The Virginia Election officials shared the good news on Friday, August 28 — confirming that all 5,000 petition signatures have been verified.
While Virginia’s governing bodies have accepted the signatures, an independent report from New York Magazine, seven out of thirteen people inside of the state believed they were duped into Hancock-ing in their support.
The media outlet said that they were “either unaware that they signed up to cast electoral votes on his behalf, or that they had signed notarized paperwork connected to the rapper’s presidential bid at all.”
Many have speculated that Kanye’s run was to toy with the votes in key swing states. His meetings with Jarrett Kushner does not help with the suspicions.
2020 has everyone consumed by racial inequalities, tensions and, let’s face it – Karens too, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic. But RZA and Ghotsface Killah sooth the black hip-hop soul with the drop of Fighting For Equality – a hard hitting anthem that highlights the struggles of black life right now in the U.S. which is also paralleled by the same challenges four characters face in RZA produced new film, Cut Throat City.
A natural head banger, the game has been in need of and not just only WAP making music (we need this too – trust me, it’s part of the therapy process) but also the hard-hitting conscious perspective that Fighting for Equality reflects which is the black struggle today.
“The empty greed, jealousy and lust
Of other races that dream melanated crust
They whipped then they shackled us up
Put us back in the back of the bus
Stomp us out and treat us unjust”
RZA and Ghostface are calling it all out – and the culture is here for it.
Stream the single on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and more lnk.to/eqJTvsnd. DJ service pack available at digiwaxx.com
(AllHipHop Opinion) I only kinda met Chadwick Boseman once. I remember it clearly. The year was 2015. It was right after the NBA All-Star Game, which had just ended. Many of us cleared out of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to the subway train back towards Manhattan. When my friend and I got on the train, I soon realized Chadwick Boseman was there too with his friends.
Anyway, Chadwick was a star in the Black community for playing iconic roles, actual real-life trailblazing superheroes, like Jackie Robinson in “42” (2013), James Brown in “Get On Up” (2014) and eventually Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” (2017). I was tuned in to who was in our presence, but nobody on the train paid much attention, as far as I could see. As a comic head, I was keen that another hero – Black Panther – was coming. The rumor was, Chadwick would play the fictional African King T’Challa aka the Black Panther and that had everyone in my other, non-Hip-Hop excited early on. So, I asked him if he was going to be portraying the ruler, not revealing that I was the owner of one of the most popular Hip-Hop sites. Chadwick gave me my answer while clearly lying. He smiled broadly, guiltily with “Nahhhhhhh” as his answer. I knew he was saying yes.
There are so many things that could be said about Chadwick Boseman, but I believe we have to contextualize this a bit. According to reports, he was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago. The majority of his superstardom came after this horrific, private revelation. His hardest, most impactful work came when he was apparently suffering.
The only thing is, he was truly living – not dying – and crafting his eternal path. Many chastise or judge those of us that mourn celebrities like family or friends. I do not, not just because I am one of those folks, but also since I always extract the lesson from these gems made of flesh and bone. Chadwick inspired us. And, I am not even talking about him as a Howard University grad or a doting husband. His energy and magic came through entertainment and I won’t allow that to be minimized.
“Black Panther” was a movement, not just a movie and Chadwick Boseman was a conduit. We rallied around this project as if we had stock in Marvel.
As a bridge, he and others created a universal atmosphere for us to celebrate our Blackness unapologetically and see a future that harkens to past glory in the form of Wakanda. I have not seen so much pride among Black people overall since the 80’s, which was re-sparked by Hip-Hop. So, although he was a thespian, he was also a vessel. I believe he knew that, quite possibly, as he suffered from a wretched disease that would take his life.
His performances in Marvel’s “Civil War,” “Infinity War,” and “Endgame” also gave us pride (as well as his non-Marvel characters). Chadwick was a KING that played a superhero. Respectfully, it was different than other Black super-characters largely rooted in stereotypes and minimization. And while he seemed tired of it, he still threw up, “Wakanda Forever.” He understood the gravity of the matter as he quietly fought his ailment.
Remember this?
I was there on that amazing day, an event hosted at Sirius XM. Chadwick really showed his humanity and perhaps, in hindsight, his mortality. He kept living. I am not sure what kept him motivated, but conviction is mighty powerful. “The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” Chadwick Boseman said at the 2018 Howard University Commencement. He had an inner resolve that was more intense, more potent than his roles.
We last saw Chadwick Boseman as “Stormin Normin Earl Holloway” in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” and will see him again in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” an August Wilson play-turned-film. I am going to miss Chadwick Boseman. He was a light. He truly inspired me after charting his pathway to greatness as well as that of the common friends we shared.
His death – the depth of his commitment – only adds to his legacy. We, the fans, have a wondrous, educational, and inspirational body of work in film, television, and real-life to draw from. Seeing him at press events, I realized that he was a King just like the role of T’Challa and his handlers treated him as such. He even died on Jackie Robinson Day 2020, which is a twist of irony only God could script.
I pray for our collective healing as I envision Chadwick Boseman going to the ancestors, home. I pray for his family, friends, and his loved ones. I pray for us all. Rest In Power, Chadwick.
The Howard graduate was an activist, a martial artist, a superhero, and one hell of an actor.
The world will mourn the gifted entertainer that made us believe that Thurgood Marshall was dark-skinned, Jackie Robinson was the best baseball player we will ever witness as a nation, James Brown was a little more articulate than we thought he was and that Wakanda was heaven on earth and he had the map for us all to get there.
The heartbreaking announcement was released on his Twitter account:
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwich Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you come to love so much. From ‘Marshall’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in “Black Panther.”
He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.
Jeremy Skaller is the co-founder (alongside Jared Cotter) of The Heavy Group, a management, media, and production and Record company focused on artist partnerships and creativity within the realms of music, film, tech, and wellness. From getting his start as a Producer to now a manager and successful entrepreneur, the Philadelphia area/New York native sees no limits when it comes to the music industry — and he knows good talent.
Having worked with everyone from Rihanna to Ariana Grande to Khalid on the publishing side, Skaller is a former songwriter turned record producer, turned manager, turned record label executive, and publisher. He states, “I wear a lot of hats, but it all starts from this place of being creative.” Being a piano player himself, he’s always approached his work as a musician and creative. 20+ years later, he’s now spending his time building other careers — which means less time in the studio.
The Heavy Group’s current roster includes Kiana Lede, Bazzi, Jay Sean, Rice N Peas, and others. The Heavy Group also has a deal with Republic Records, with their signees Shaylen and Alec King and newcomer Angelic.
AllHipHop caught up with Jeremy, who had just returned from spending an entire day at his brother’s farm in Massachusetts.
AllHipHop: Where are you from and how did you get your start in all this?
My family are all from New York. I grew up between the Philadelphia area and New York, spent a lot of time in Europe and Toronto, Canada. I traveled around a lot as a kid. I’ve been playing music since I was 4 years old.
I was the little kid playing Bach at the age of 7. I was a chubby nerd on the piano. I formed a band in college, which got really popular in the 90’s. We toured all over the country doing 200 shows a year or so. That led me into songwriting, not just for the the band but also for other people and then producing for them.
I went back to New York in the early 2000’s, had 10 Billboard #1 dance remixes (with my then partner Robert Larow). I then linked up with Desert Storm, Duro and DJ Clue, had a run working on a bunch of hip-hop and R&B records. I met this british kid in 2007 named Jay Sean, produced most of an album for him and then later on, all of his hits from “Down” to “Do You Remember.”
AllHipHop: So you brought him into Cash Money?
I’m the guy who brought him to Slim and did that deal in 2008. I did 2 albums with Jay on Cash Money, produced almost every song that everyone’s ever heard from him during those years. From there, I went on to sign producers Khaled Rohaim and Digi (Jamil Chammas). Digi’s gone on to produce a bunch of Khalid’s hits, including “Love Lies” with Normani. Khaled has worked with Ariana, Rihanna, Dj Mustard and more. Khaled went on to produce “Needed Me” for Rihanna. I co-published that record.
Along with the production success, I started to branch out and sign writers and producers, develop them. All of them have had a lot of success. In the last 5 years, we signed this production group called Rice N’ Peas who have produced all of Bazzi’s hits, every single one. Most of Kiana Lede’s music as well. Kiana Lede and Bazzi are both part of The Heavy Group family. I’m a big believer in keeping it all in the crew and family. Kiana’s music goes through our production deal at Republic where we have a label deal as well.
It all comes from being in the band (Belizbeha), then to dance remixes, producing/Remixing, to Clue, to Cash Money, to now, my own thing.
AllHipHop: When did you first get the idea to start The Heavy Group?
Around 2014 I was managing this boy band out of Australia, Janoskians. They were a Youtube sensation, no one had really done Youtube crossover yet. They had millions of subs. I realized I needed to form an ecosystem, a new management structure around them. One that could do merch, apparel, fragrance, touring, video games. I produced 2 movies for them with Lionsgate and Dreamworks. The Heavy Group was formed out of a necessity to do more than make records. It was time to build out into the world, do other creative ventures that weren’t about the song. I don’t consider myself a manager really, my partner Jared Cotter doesn’t consider himself a manager either. We’re creative partners for our people.
AllHipHop: Do more in what capacity?
With Jay Sean, now we’re into the second season of his podcast “Basement Banter”. He also has a TV deal that got picked up, a comedy. Kiana Lede, we’re in development on her own TV show. In those types of ways, we move beyond what many think of as the traditional music management company.
AllHipHop: What does the mantra “creators for creators” mean?
There was a very long time in history where an artist and manager’s typical relationship was, “suit manages creative.” That ran into lots of lawsuits, lots of unhappy artists, artists feeling like they’re misunderstood or their art was being misappropriated. Led down the wrong path… commerce before art. As a creative, as a piano player and producer, and as someone who thinks about the music before the commerce, this creates a much more natural, symbiotic relationship between myself and the artists I’m partners with on the artistic endeavors we undertake together.
I’m sitting there talking about happiness, joy, fulfillment. I’m using words a lot of other more traditional companies don’t use when it comes to the health and wellness of their partners. I’m really creative first, even if that means the money isn’t always as good. (We do just fine). We crushed it with Bazzi, we crushed it with Kiana. Jay Sean has had a 17-year career and 30 million songs sold,. None of those decisions to crush it were because we are/were trying to crush it, we’re just making good creative and empathetic decisions.
AllHipHop: You’re also a 2x Grammy nominated songwriter, what songs were those?
It’s funny, the rules for the Grammys have changed. Technically speaking, I’m not Grammy-nominated. I’ve worked on projects that were Grammy-nominated. If you’re not on the song itself, you’re not actually nominated. I published “Needed Me” for Rihanna, nominated for Song of the Year. I worked on a Spanish and English hybrid album for Frankie J in 2014, produced 2 songs. That was nominated. I’ve always tiptoed around or been very close, but never got that Grammy nomination. [laughs] But it’s okay.
AllHipHop: Talk about the joint venture with Republic Records.
After all the Cash Money success, Slim and Baby leaned on me heavily for the pop side. Monte Lipman knew me really well as a result. In fact, “Down” was Republic’s first Billboard #1, they never had a #1 before. So my relationship with Monte goes back to 2009 with a lot of success. When Bazzi was blowing up, Republic passed on signing him. I went back to them a little later with the Label JV idea and said, “Let’s not do that again, you know I’m going to bring you only the best of the best, and I’m going to work really hard to make it work.” They said, “You’re right,” and the JV was born.
We have 3 artists signed right now: Jared found this dynamic teenager, Angelic, who’s a 16 year old Venezuelan girl out of Miami. She’s a 1st generation American and has all these South American influences from her Parents but she also grew up with R&B and Hip Hop here in the States. Her music is late 90’s, early 2000’s throwback influenced. R&B artists like Tyrese, Mariah, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child…etc. We have Alec King, who’s a rapper out of Denver. We call him the Larry David of hip-hop. He’s a serious lyricist, but carries a sense of humor. He’s great. We have Shaylen, who’s a Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga type of artist/instrumentalist, with honest and vulnerable pop records.
She’s a Cash Money rescue. When I got Jay off the label, which obviously wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, I also got Shaylen off the label. She was stuck in a very bad production deal, in a pop group. I managed her for a long time, got her sea legs back underneath her because she’d been in a group for so long. She no longer knew what it meant to be a solo artist, her brain waves had to reconfigure. It was like burning new neural pathways and now she’s much happier.
AllHipHop: Talk about the partnership between Jay Sean and Kast Media podcast, creating Basement Banter.
I’ve been thinking about ways to diversify Jay’s career.. You can’t make the same records in your 40’s as you did in your 20’s. Because Jay’s South Asian, he’s got this incredible, global fanbase. He’s also the first Indian to have a Billboard #1. He’s the first Asian period with a Billboard #1 in America. He’s also only 1 of 3 British artists with a #1 here in consecutive weeks. His personal story is even greater than the music though, so we’ve been segueing him into this podcast and TV show, both of which got picked up.
The podcast initiative was for him to start telling the crazy stories that no one would ever have the guts to talk about or believe actually happened. So many of us take ourselves so seriously, while Jay’s Just having a laugh.
He’s got a very dry, British sense of humor. He’s like “ah whatever man, I’m 40 I’ve had my days in the clubs, I’m going to put out records I love and talk about my past, have fun with it and see where that goes.” The stories are classic, fish out of water anecdotes about a British-Asian-kid from London and the CashMoney Crew.
It’s hilarious, the stories are so funny and almost unbelievable. He invites guests on to tell stories they might have been previously reticent to talk about. Natasha Bedingfield told some great stories, Melanie Fiona did as well. Sean Paul talked about how he used to get mistaken for Shaggy, that was hilarious and so honest. We have podcasts in development for a few of our partners now.
AllHipHop: What are some goals for yourself at this point of your career?
It’s always the journey, not the race. My stance is: build good s### and good s### will come. We’ve been doing that. The goal is to make sure all the artists we currently have, in 5 years, are absolutely good and don’t need us anymore. That is a job well done I think. . You’ve got to leave people better off than when you found them. I really believe in that.
AllHipHop: Anything else that you want to let us know?
My partner at The Heavy Group Jared Cotter and I launched a new record label called Sit Till I Learn Love, which is a meditation music initiative. We’re signing meditation music artists and curating music playlists for meditation. We consider ourselves wellness activists, that’s our thing. And Jay Sean’s wife, Thara Natalie is a yogi, Reiki healer, spiritual leader. She’s a big part of what inspired us to do this.
For the past 3 years, I’ve hosted New Years’ Eve meditations at my house. We had 65 people this past New Years’ Eve. It’s where my headspace is right now. There’s a baseline anxiety people are going through globally. If we could put some music out into the world to help people feel more calm, a mini-holiday in their work day. A mini-break, a little vacation. 3 minutes of something to make them feel good. A good vibration, a good tone, a good rhythm, a nice piano sound. A guided meditation to snap them into focus and into a better day. Just press play and give yourself 3 minutes of peace.
(AllHipHop News) “It’s always going to be free Corey Miller!”
Rapper-turned-talk-show-host Romeo Miller shared this with his co-hosts during his digital talk show, “The Mix.”
Romeo talked about the challenges being the son of one of Hip-Hop’s most successful players and how his uncle, C-Murder’s legal drama is impacting family business.
After his father, Master P, received backlash over various reports that he has not helped his incarcerated brother vindicate himself over a murder that he said he didn’t do, the former “Growing Up Hip-Hop” star broke down his feelings on not only his uncle, but the frustration of people (including his family) pocket watching his pops.
“I didn’t agree with him feeding into everything on social media,” Romeo started off his remarks to his co-hosts. “And, I texted him that. But, we all deal with pain differently.”
Almost a week ago, his father took to his Instagram to post a video explaining his perspective on the C-Murder case and his ability to support his brother — dispelling some allegations that he does not help out financially.
Despite not agreeing with how his dad handled his frustration with other people speaking on his uncle, the “Akickdoe” rapper, he stands like a soldier by Master P.
“You know, the world calls me a daddy’s boy or yes man simply due to our closeness. That’s not the case at all.” Romeo stated. “In our household, we just live by a code: respect the chain of command. That being said I just feel [that] this is between these two brothers. [There are] too many opinions and not enough truth.”
“My thing is … get my uncle out, by any means necessary, because he’s an innocent man. Let the brothers deal with family problems.”
It can be surmised from his comments that much of the talk comes from kinfolk who are speaking on business that is not theirs.
He also narrowed a lot of people’s comments down to his dad being a family bank for many. He questions what his father was just Percy Miller and Master P.
“What if my dad never dreamed big? What if my dad never made it? What if Master P chose to settle as a kid and was murdered in the Calliope projects like his little brother Kevin? What if my pops was sitting in jail like my uncle?”
One of the most shocking but intimate moments was when he shed light on P’s nuclear family and the problems at home that consume some of his father’s time.
“My father has been trying to save a few of his own kids’ lives,” Romeo said.
He revealed that “every kid didn’t deal with being the son or daughter of Master P. the way I did. Every human, every family is going through something.”
When asked if he could change one thing about this situation, “what would it be?” He said he would cut out the attorneys and give the money to C’s kids.
“This system is broke and it has to be fixed. A lot of money was wasted or should I say donated to the city. I would have rather my cousins decide what to do with the money versus those lawyers,” Romeo said.
His final statements showed his wisdom, and fortifies why no one should be calling him Lil Romeo anymore…
“I hope at least some kid or some family learn from us, find healing from us. I want my uncle to know I’m always gonna love my uncle. I can’t allow the media to accuse my father of not doing anything. My dad has always tried his best and it wasn’t enough. That eats him alive,” Romeo said.
Romeo ends his remarks with what people can do.
“So, we got to start researching in truth. That’s the thing… it may be entertainment headlines to the viewers … but this is how many celebrity lives are ruined.”
After a successful video launch this summer, Kleb Records and Big Mechoo debut their first single together, “Go,” on all platforms today. Blending KR’s lush Chicago production with Mechoo’s smooth D.C. rap flow and sharp bars, “Go” is just a taste of the heat these two have in store on their upcoming F*ck Mechoo 2 project.
25-year-old rapper/singer Big Mechoo hails from the 56th St NE neighborhood of D.C.
He started singing and writing music for the church at the age of 10 when he was Christian homeschooled. Mechoo’s name invokes Meek Mill touting, “And I be popping bottles in the club feelin like Meecho.” The new release follows streaming spectacles “Barbie” featuring Fat Trel & Rico Nasty (presented by Fatboy SSE), and “Johnny Bravo,” solidifying his position in the DMV rap scene.
But he hasn’t yet reached his ceiling, as he aims to achieve Michael Jackson stardom with his pop-rap appeal. With a flow influenced by Young Thug and Gunna and a Quality Control work ethic, Mechoo aspires to join forces with QC founders Coach K and Pee. Surely, Mechoo has no plans on stopping with his latest offering “Go,” produced by Kleb Records.
(AllHipHop News) Former rapper and now bankable podcast host Joe Budden has taken back the full reins of his self-titled podcast.
For the last two years, “The Joe Budden” Podcast with Rory and Mal has been exclusively premiered on the streaming platform Spotify.
The New Jersey native basically told everyone that he has ended his deal and relationship with the company because he was not happy with how they got down in business.
Joe made the announcement on this week’s episode, stating that his deal expires in several weeks on September 23 and that he and his team are currently searching for the next move.
He said on the show, “September 23, I cannot tell you where this podcast will be.”
Adding to the thought, “But as it stands, I can tell you where it will not be, and that is Spotify… Spotify never cared about this podcast individually… only cared about our contribution to the platform.”
On a different platform, the sports podcast “The Ringer” he noted that his podcast was being undervalued. He believed that what they did value was the community of listeners that he brought to the platform.
“You pillage the audience from the podcast, and you’ve continued to pillage each step of the way without any regard [for the listeners],” Joe Budden said.
No word what other companies are vying for his attention, but with the ratings being so high, he can surely get a bag worth on his gifts.
(AllHipHop News) Last November, Big Sean explained why he was not rushing to release his fifth studio LP. The Detroit-raised spitter said, “I wanted to give myself the proper amount of time to really just deliver something that I was super proud of.”
A few months later, Sean declared on social media, “2020 we back goin hard tho, f*ck all dat otha sh*t.” His highly-anticipated Detroit 2 album is finally ready to hit DSPs on September 4.
Sean’s upcoming project is also getting the cross-branding treatment. Yesterday, he uploaded an Instagram video and photo of an Anheuser-Busch beer can that features his face, his stage name, and his Detroit 2 albumtitle.
The cursive-written inscription on the limited-edition product reads, “You’re the chosen one. Show the world why they made the right choice.” The label also says, “The World Renowned Detroit Don Since 1998.”
In addition, this week saw the 32-year-old rap star born Sean Anderson promote Detroit 2 merchandise/music bundles. His fans can purchase tees, hoodies, trucker hats, face masks, and tote bags that will include a digital download.
Recently, Hit-Boy revealed that he and Kanye West are serving as executive producers for Detroit 2. The Grammy-winning musical wiz produced Big Sean’s “Deep Reverence” single featuring the late Nipsey Hussle which is set to appear on the forthcoming body of work.
“All the love n support y’all showing gave me confirmation once again to always follow my heart n gut and not listen to anyone more than myself. No such thing as losing when you do that! Hope y’all can do the same always,” tweeted Big Sean on Tuesday.
(AllHipHop News) On October 10, Machine Gun Kelly and Audio Up Media will present Halloween In Hell. The four-part special holiday podcast will feature MGK as well as 24kGoldn, Dana Dentata, and Iann Dior. The cast members are playing fictional versions of themselves.
Halloween In Hell was conceived and produced by Audio Up CEO Jared Gutstadt and Machine Gun Kelly. The presentation is being described as a new take on, as well as, an homage to horror-musicals like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and dark comedies like The Nightmare Before Christmas.
An original Audio Up Records-released soundtrack associated with the series will include new music from 24kGoldn, Dana Dentata, Iann Dior, and Machine Gun Kelly. Halloween In Hell will also be accompanied by a four-part making-of documentary which will be released as bonus content.
“Halloween, much like other major holidays, deserves its own entertainment tent pole. While a lot of people focus on Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Eve, we really believe that Halloween is an undersurface time of year for folks to enjoy original content,” says Jared Gutstadt.
He adds, “I was always a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Nightmare Before Christmas, and we believe we’re creating an evergreen franchise that will allow us to unlock new stories every year with original music, possibly ending up in the realm of live or visual content. Machine Gun Kelly was an extremely logical and obvious partner for us. His brand pairs well with the season.”
Webby Award-nominated writer Jimmy Jellinek (Bear and a Banjo) penned Halloween In Hell. The story centers around 24kGoldn and Dana Dentata getting trapped on a soundstage reminiscent of Hades. A sadistic host lured them into a competition where they must impress a jury of the damned featuring disgraced public figures such as R. Kelly and Phil Spector.
(AllHipHop News) Spotify is shining a spotlight on the Rhythm and Blues genre. The music industry giant reported the number of plays for R&B tracks doubled on the streamer in the past three years.
As a result of the rising interest in R&B, Spotify is presenting a newly redesigned flagship playlist called “Are & Be.” California-bred singer/songwriter Giveon is the current cover artist for the collection.
“Really excited to share this version of ‘Like I Want You.’ It’s a very personal piece, so stripping it down allows the vocal to be the star of the show,” says Giveon. “Also, covering an R&B classic is the icing on the cake. Working on these two songs were a beautiful time for me.”
Spotify also unveiled its lists of most-streamed “Are & Be” songs and artists as of August 2020. Mahalia’s “What You Did” featuring Ella Mai was named the Top R&B song. Jhené Aiko was the overall most-streamed R&B artist. PartyNextDoor was the most-streamed male R&B artist.
Stream the “Are & B” playlist on Spotify. Stream the Spotify Singles: Complete Collection on Spotify. Check out the lists of Spotify’s top-streamed R&B songs and artists below.
(AllHipHop News) The Milwaukee Bucks ignited a cultural movement when the team’s players decided not to take part in their NBA playoff game on Wednesday. The Bucks were protesting on behalf of Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old African American who was shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Other NBA teams quickly followed the Bucks’ lead by postponing their Wednesday night games as well. The shutdowns then spread to the Women’s National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the Women’s Tennis Association, and more sports leagues.
Members of the Esports community also stood in solidarity with protesters calling for police reform in order to curb the disproportionate killing of Black men and women at the hands of law enforcement. For example, Chaos Esports Clubannounced they pulled out of their ESL One Counter Strike match against Team Liquid.
Hip Hop artists Terrence “Pusha T” Thornton and Sir Robert Bryson “Logic” Hall II are among the co-owners of Chaos EC’s parent company GG Group. Yesterday, Chaos EC issued the following statement:
Now is not the time for games. We are mad. We are exhausted. We know that gaming is part of the problem. We will not be competing in today’s ESL One Cologne 2020 Match against Team Liquid in order to do our part to move the light where it belongs – on the protests against this country’s continued systemic racism and police brutality.
