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Young Thug Defends Controversial Album Art & Lyrics: “You Wanna Be The Biggest, Go White”

Young Thug ignited debate over race and artistic boundaries after unveiling the cover of his latest album, UY SCUTI, where he appears noticeably lighter skinned and doubling down on the use of the N-word with a hard R in its opening track “Ninja.”

In a preview clip from the It’s Up There podcast, shared by host Big Loon on Twitter (X), the Atlanta rapper addressed the backlash surrounding both the album’s imagery and lyrics. The full interview is set to drop Monday (September 29).

“I think it was just, like, some funny s###,” Thug said. “But it’s still serious to the point where I went with it. […] We always joked and played in my hood. ‘N####, you want to be the biggest, go white.’ […] We just talking s###… It’s just a narrative that the world paint. And we just going with the narrative… ‘Michael Jackson went white for this,’ we know that ain’t true.

“We just go with the motions. It’s just all fun. […] They always let the white people be the biggest. I love white people, too… We got big-ass artists too that’s Black… I was just pushing the envelope a little bit.”

Young Thug added that his intentions were not political but rather a commentary on the industry’s long-standing racial dynamics.

“‘You want to be the biggest n#### in this muthafuckin’ world, you got to be Eminem.’ I just put the white album cover out, just talking shi**t. It’s just all fun s###, though. I ain’t with none of that political s###. We having fun, it’s music, and you shouldn’t take it so serious. It’s not like we can make it out alive, anyway. We all gon’ die, no matter what. You got to choose to be happy and put in the world what you want and the legacy you want to create for yourself, ‘cause that’s what it’s about.”

Thug is reportedly scheduled to perform in Atlanta on Sunday (September 28), which may be connected to his probation terms allowing him to be in the city only for anti-gang initiatives.

Young Thug was arrested in 2022 on RICO charges alongside other alleged members of the YSL collective. Prosecutors claim the group operated as a criminal street gang responsible for numerous violent crimes in Atlanta. Thug has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. The trial wound up being the longest in Atlanta history, and Thug was finally released on October 31, 2024.

6ix9ine Back On House Arrest As He Awaits Sentencing In Assault Case

6ix9ine landed back in legal hot water and social media chaos after a federal judge in Manhattan ordered him to house arrest for violating probation tied to an assault case in Florida.

According to court filings. 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was sentenced to home confinement on Friday (September 26), after admitting guilt in an attack on a man who allegedly called him a “snitch” inside a Florida shopping mall. The court also ordered Hernandez to wear an electronic ankle monitor until his sentencing on November 4.

The ruling stems from a string of probation violations, including past charges involving firearms and narcotics. His legal history remains tangled with the infamous Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods racketeering case, where he testified against several members in exchange for a reduced sentence. That cooperation has followed him ever since, making him a lightning rod in Hip-Hop circles.

The terms of his house arrest allow limited movement for religious services, legal appointments, substance abuse programs, and medical or mental health treatment.

While his legal troubles mount, 6ix9ine has reignited beefs across the rap landscape. In a recent phone call with Akademiks, he took aim at 21 Savage, mocking the rapper’s immigration status. “I’ll really spit on that na,” 6ix9ine said. “I’m a U.S. citizen, that’s what separates us… That na 21 Savage ain’t from here, n***a.” Despite the jab, 21 Savage is a lawful U.S. resident and was born in the United Kingdom.

Elsewhere, 6ix9ine stirred more controversy in an interview on One Night With Steiny, where he accused Offset of betraying his former Migos bandmates. “All these rappers is rats,” he said. “I’m not saying these [are] facts, but this is the rumor. Quavo’s girl was Saweetie, right? They said Offset slept with Saweetie, that’s why the Migos fell out. The game is full of rats. If you sleep with your homie girl, that’s rat material. When you join the streets, you sign up for loyalty, right? All these street dudes got ‘Loyalty’ tatted. Why did Migos split? Why was Takeoff and Quavo riding around dolo for so long? What did Offset do so harmful to not be part of Migos? They still not together til now, and they already lost Takeoff.”

The 27-year-old rapper has faced a string of legal issues since his 2019 release from prison. In addition to the current assault case, he’s been involved in multiple lawsuits and incidents, including a brutal gym beatdown in Florida earlier this year, which led to further scrutiny of his probation status. As reported by NBC News, the attack left him hospitalized and raised questions about his security and ongoing conflicts.

JAY-Z Celebrates Grandmother’s 100th Birthday With Big Bash

Jay-Z honored his grandmother Hattie White’s 100th birthday with a lavish family celebration in New York, bringing together loved ones and famous friends for a milestone moment filled with gratitude and joy.

The Hip-Hop mogul hosted the private gathering to celebrate the Carter family matriarch, who has long been admired for her strength and wisdom. During the event, White addressed the crowd with a brief but powerful message.

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“I want to thank you for coming out and celebrating my 100th birthday. May God bless all of y’all who have traveled the road that I have traveled,” she said.

The intimate party featured appearances from Beyoncé, Memphis Bleek, Nas and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who were also part of a related “Water For Life” benefit show tied to the celebration.

Jay-Z was seen smiling and posing for photos with his grandmother and extended family throughout the event. Videos and pictures from the event quickly circulated across social media, with attendees and celebrities sharing heartfelt tributes and well-wishes.

White, who once appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, lent her voice to the track “Freedom,” where she delivered a quote about perseverance and inner strength.

Her role in the project further cemented her influence within the Carter family’s creative legacy.

Doechii Pauses Her Set To Uplift Lola Young After Onstage Collapse

Doechii took a heartfelt detour during her performance at the All Things Go Music Festival in New York City to publicly support Lola Young, who collapsed mid-set just moments after addressing her ongoing mental health struggles.

The 24-year-old British singer fainted on stage Saturday night (September 28), shortly after telling the crowd, “I wanted to say I had a couple of tricky days. Sometimes life can really make you feel like you can’t continue, but you know what? I made the decision to come here. Sometimes life can throw you lemons and you just got to m############ make lemonade.”

Footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing Young being helped off stage by her band and crew.

Later that evening, Doechii took a moment during her own set to acknowledge what had happened.

“Before we get started, though, I have a lot planned for you guys, but I want to acknowledge my sister, Lola Young,” she said. “She’s an incredibly talented artist, and she wasn’t feeling well tonight, and I’m so glad that you guys were there to support her and hold her up. Let’s wish her the best, okay, everybody? Say, we love you, Lola!”

Young had canceled a show just two days earlier on September 26, citing mental health concerns. Despite that, she chose to perform at the festival, which featured a lineup of rising and established artists.

Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and ADHD as a teenager, Young has been vocal about her mental health journey.

Her 2024 chart-topping single “Messy” brought her into the spotlight, and she has since used her platform to speak openly about addiction and mental illness.

After the incident, Young posted an update on Instagram letting her supporters know she was “doing okay now” and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

50 Cent Throws At First Pitch For Houston Baseball Team – How Did He Do This Time?

Rapper 50 Cent took the mound Friday night at Houston’s Daikin Park for another ceremonial first pitch.

This time, the throw was far from perfect, but it was not as bad as his 2014 viral moment at a Mets game. The catcher was able to catch the ball.

The Queens native joined the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team for their sold-out Houston show.

The team plays a fast-paced version called Banana Ball. Before throwing the pitch, 50 Cent performed his hit song “In da Club” with players dancing beside him.

The Bananas are like baseball’s version of the Harlem Globetrotters.

They’re wrapping up their 2025 world tour this month. The 40-city tour includes 17 MLB ballparks and three NFL stadiums. More than 2 million fans have watched their 115 games so far.

The 2014 Mets Disaster

50 Cent’s latest pitch brought back memories of his infamous 2014 moment. On May 27, 2014, at Citi Field, the rapper threw what many call the worst ceremonial first pitch in baseball history.

“I thought it was a joke. I really did,” said Anthony Recker, the Mets catcher that night, according to GQ’s oral history of the event.

The 2014 pitch sailed wildly to the left. It nearly hit team photographer Marc Levine. “It just literally whizzed by me, by my ear,” Levine recalled. The throw was so bad that Mets pitcher Jon Niese’s first reaction was to holler, “H########.”

Former MLB pitcher Dontrelle Willis watched from the stands. “When I saw it first and he cocked back, I was like, ‘Oh, no. This is trash,'” Willis said.

Learning from the Past

The 2014 incident became a viral sensation. Every bad celebrity first pitch since gets compared to 50 Cent’s throw.

The rapper later joked about it in a Reddit AMA. He said the horrible pitch was because of “a skeletal muscle injury on my left shoulder from excessive masturbation.”

Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen called it “juusst a bit outside,” copying Bob Uecker’s famous line from the movie Major League. The phrase stuck.

50 Cent took the criticism well. “If I throw a strike, nobody talks about it. If I hit the cameraman, we on CNN all day,” he told MLB Network.

The Bananas Experience

The Savannah Bananas became viral stars in 2021. Their unusual games spread across social media. Banana Ball has special rules to speed up play. Games last only two hours. There are no bunts, walks, or mound visits. Players can’t step out of the batter’s box.

If a fan catches a foul ball, it counts as an out. The team started in Georgia’s minor league stadium. They began touring in 2023. Last year, they played at MLB parks for the first time.

The Bananas played at Houston’s stadium in March 2024. Former Astros stars Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, and Josh Reddick joined that game. More than 41,000 fans attended.

Friday’s pitch in Houston wasn’t perfect. But it was catchable. For 50 Cent, that counts as progress. The rapper showed that sometimes the second time around can be better than the first.

Young Thug Posts Suicidal Thoughts Over Lukewarm Reception To “UY Scuti” Album

Young Thug dropped his long-awaited album UY Scuti on September 26 and instead of a victory lap, it’s been nothing but backlash and stress ever since.

His first complete project since getting locked up and battling through the YSL RICO case was supposed to be his big return, but the internet had other plans.

The album rollout crashed into a wall of hate online. Critics and listeners have been dragging everything from the music to the cover art and Thug’s been catching flak for using whiteface and dropping the hard-R N-word.

The noise got so loud that Thug hopped on Adin Ross’ stream to try to explain the choices, but that didn’t exactly calm the storm either.

By Saturday night (September 27), Thug’s tweets got really dark. He let it all out on X (formerly Twitter), and it’s clear that the reaction to the album and everything else going on had him in a bad mental state.

“If I didn’t have kids I wouldn’t care to live,” he wrote in a post that has since been deleted. In another tweet, he said, “I did a lot of taking up for people all over this world, and so far I’ve yet to see someone take up for me.”

And then he added, “I feel like I’m not winning with the people I’m suppose to be winning with.”

Those tweets weren’t random either; his whole feed that day was packed with posts expressing frustration.

The rollout already had folks talking, but not in the way Thug probably hoped. The album’s reception has been shaky, and the visuals and lyrics only fanned the flames.

Now, with all this backlash, there’s talk that a deluxe version might be coming to try to reverse the narrative. Whether that’s enough to shift the energy remains to be seen.

Ghostface Killah’s Son Addresses Strained Relationship With His Father

Ghostface Killah‘s son, Infinity Coles, broke his silence on a decade-long estrangement from his father and revealed how his sexuality fractured their relationship, fueling both personal pain and artistic purpose.

Coles, known in New York’s ballroom scene and emerging as a queer voice in Hip-Hop, told the Daily Mail that his father began pulling away once he suspected Infinity was gay.

“As I got older my dad’s seen some things in me that he didn’t like and he just distanced himself,” Infinity said. “I think when he found out about it, or started to have thoughts about it, I think that’s when the distance really happened, because I have brothers and sisters and he always talks to them.”

Infinity, who grew up hearing homophobic slurs in his father’s lyrics, said those words stayed with him.

“I’ve always been who I am, and I always remember hearing a lot of the slurs, you know, f**got, things like that, so it kind of resonated with me growing up,” he said.

Ghostface Killah, a founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, helped shape the sound of 1990s Hip-Hop with the group’s 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). But for Infinity, the legacy came with emotional distance.

While his father remained absent, Infinity found support in his uncle RZA, another Wu-Tang founder.

“Honestly, my uncle RZA has been amazing. He’s been like a dad. I love him so much, he’s amazing,” he said. “He believed in me, always, he just didn’t know how to brand me, but I appreciated him being honest with me. He always said, ‘you’ll be bigger than your father.’ He always said that.”

Infinity’s debut double A-side single, “SweetFace Killah/Daddy & I,” tackles his strained relationship with Ghostface while reclaiming slurs once used against him.

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“I’m just ready to be recognised,” he said. “I’ve been the underdog for so long because I was so insecure. When it comes to rap, I just wanted to rap, but I always thought I wasn’t allowed in that space.”

His upcoming album, SweetFace Killah, dropping December 5, was produced by Zach Witness and funded by RZA.

The 12-track project chronicles his journey from Staten Island to the ballroom floor, aiming to spotlight LGBTQ+ voices in Hip-Hop.

Despite the emotional distance, Infinity said he tries to see the bigger picture. “I try to give him grace because I know his dad wasn’t there for him when he was a child, so I don’t always want to blame him – he doesn’t know how to be a father because he didn’t have one,” he said.

Kendrick Lamar Bogotá Concert Canceled Even Though Rapper Was At Venue

Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated concert in Colombia’s capital was abruptly canceled Saturday evening, just hours before the show was scheduled to begin at the Vive Claro arena.

The cancellation of the Grand National Tour stop left thousands of fans disappointed after they waited outside the venue for nearly four hours without receiving any updates.

Páramo Presenta, the event organizer, issued a statement on social media citing operational problems as the reason for the postponement.

“We regret to inform you that, due to logistical difficulties from the promoter and the venue, the Grand National Tour performance scheduled for tonight has been postponed. The artist was ready to perform,” the company said in its official statement.

Fans had gathered outside the arena expecting an on-time start for what would have been a rare South American performance by the Compton-born artist.

Many had traveled long distances to see Kendrick Lamar perform songs from his latest album GNX, which features hit tracks “Luther” with SZA, “tv off” and “squabble up.”

The venue doors remained closed well past the scheduled opening time, creating mounting tension among concertgoers who waited without access or information about the show’s status.

Kendrick Lamar was reportedly at the venue and prepared to take the stage when the decision was made to postpone the performance.

Organizers attempted to address fan frustrations by confirming automatic refunds for tickets purchased through Ticketmaster.

“We understand the frustration this situation has caused,” the statement continued. “Live Nation, Ocesa, and Páramo Presenta apologize to the fans and the artist for the inconvenience.”

Drake’s OVO stans wasted zero time clowning him for it. They swore he flopped on ticket sales, but receipts say otherwise. Turns out, only about 2% of seats were still up for grabs right before showtime.

Local councilman José Cuesta Novoa hopped on X and said the whole venue was sketchy from the jump.

“We mentioned this at the Public Audience against noise,” he posted. “This venue has structural and technical failures in its construction. I asked the mayor @carlosfgalan for the immediate closure of this venue.”

So, the venue itself was the real problem. A local outlet reported that city engineers flagged the event space after a safety inspection, especially the aluminum structures used for the stage.

Word is Kendrick Lamar wanted to bring fireworks to the party, but venue bosses refused.

His team confirmed that the show was pushed back due to “stage issues and permit issues,” adding that the stadium didn’t approve the planned pyrotechnics. “The show tonight was close to selling out before the show began,” one source posted.

Kendrick’s now off to São Paulo, Brazil, before moving to European venues later this year.

For now, Colombian fans will have to wait longer to experience what critics have called one of the most compelling live performances in contemporary Hip-Hop.

Young Thug Confronts Sexuality Rumors & Explains Why He Dialed Back His Style

Young Thug shut down long-running speculation about his sexuality and explained why he toned down his fashion choices during a revealing conversation on The Pivot podcast.

“I’m straight women. Ain’t nothing going down with no man,” the Atlanta rapper said when asked directly about the chatter surrounding his sexual identity.

He added, “I don’t have no problem with the [gay] community,” making it clear his statement came from personal clarity, not intolerance.

The 34-year-old artist also opened up about how public perception forced him to scale back his expressive style, which once included painted nails and dresses.

“I had to dumb down,” he said, blaming the world’s inability to “catch on” to his creative vision.

When asked whether he altered his identity to be more accepted, Thug didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. Overly,” he explained. “It’s like I just passed it down to like Uzi Verti, Playboi Carti. I just pass it to them.”

This isn’t the first time the Slime Season rapper has addressed the topic. In a 2019 sit-down with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, he said, “People judge me and say ‘gay.’ If people think that I’m gay, they’ve already misjudged. I’m the straightest man in the world. I hate guys. I’m not even having no threesome with no n####.”

The renewed conversation comes as Young Thug rebuilds his career after spending over 900 days behind bars in connection with the YSL RICO case. He was released in October 2024 after reaching a plea agreement.

Now back in the studio, Thug recently dropped UY SCUTI, his first full-length album since regaining his freedom.

YFN Lucci Reveals He Now Owns His Masters After Post-Prison Label Restructure

YFN Lucci reclaimed control of his music and career after revealing he now owns his masters following a revamped deal struck after his release from prison.

During a September 25 appearance on the “Where’s Wallo” podcast, the Atlanta rapper shared that he negotiated new terms with his longtime label, Think It’s A Game Entertainment, giving him ownership of his masters while still remaining in business with the company.

The move came after his January 2025 release and a buyout from Warner Music.

“When I was sitting in my cell, I had wrote down like a to-do list,” Lucci said. “And one of them was to get out and just restructure my deal. I ain’t never own none of my masters and that’s something I wanted to do.”

He explained that he approached G. “Fly” Henry, the CEO of Think It’s A Game, with his plan.

Henry agreed, allowing Lucci to retain ownership while giving the label a cut.

“When I got out, we restructured my deal where like, I’m damn near signed to myself,” he continued. “We business partners and the name of my company ‘Already Legend.’ I’m still with TIG, but we partners.”

Lucci emphasized that the decision wasn’t typical in the industry and credited Henry for being open to the change.

“I gave him a percentage of my masters, but it’s not like I gave; he let me do it,” he said. “Ain’t nobody doing that. So, you know, I can’t do nothing but respect that s###.”

YFN Lucci Revals Plans For Future Outside Of Music

Now 34, Lucci said he’s focused on building a broader legacy after serving over four years behind bars.

“N#### can’t rap forever, you feel me?” he stated. “I’m 34, you feel me? I lost damn near four and a half years of my life. So, I came home, I want to be focused.”

He added, “I want to be a CEO. I want to sign folks. I want to have my own clothing line. G######. I want to be in movies; I want to do a lot of s###. I got to do that ASAP, though.”

The restructure comes just as Lucci dropped his comeback album, Already Legend, on Friday (September 26).

The 21-track project, clocking in at 55 minutes, marks his first full-length release since returning home and includes a surprise feature from Young Thug, signaling a truce between the two Atlanta artists.

Cardi B Turns To Prayer To Protect Her From Dark Energy, Hating Women

Cardi B leaned on faith and her mother’s prayers after sensing what she described as “weirdness” and “dark energy” from women following her pregnancy reveal.

The Grammy-winning rapper said she felt a growing wave of negativity since announcing she’s expecting, prompting her to seek spiritual protection for herself and her unborn child.

“I called my mom the other day to pray over me and my baby because I feel like a lot of weirdness has been coming out from people and women and all this stuff ever since I announced that I was pregnant,” she said.

Cardi B is expecting her first child with Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the Patriots. The rapper revealed her pregnancy earlier this month and discussed how Diggs makes her feel safe as she prepares for a new album and tour.

Cardi B also has three other kids with Offset, her soon-to-be ex-husband. She told her followers that she believes many already suspected her latest pregnancy before it was confirmed.

But after going public, she noticed an energy shift that felt hostile.

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“It’s funny because I know that y’all knew that I was pregnant because clearly everybody kind of figured that I was. But the negativity and the weirdness that people are bringing and putting, I told my mom like, please pray for me and for the Lord to cover me.”

The Bronx-born rapper said she especially felt targeted by other women, some of whom she believes are wishing harm on her unborn child.

“There’s a lot of weird women that will wish you weird stuff on your kid, like stillbirth, death, slowness, you know what I’m saying? And I feel that energy. I feel people putting that on me.”

To protect herself, Cardi said she turns to her faith and spiritual practices.

She often reads the Bible aloud in her home when she senses tension or negativity. “I personally believe nothing is as powerful as a mother’s prayer,” she added.

Cardi B has been open about her spiritual side in the past, but this time she’s using it as a shield against what she sees as a toxic response to her pregnancy.

The rapper said she is doing what she can to stay grounded.

Kim Kardashian’s Lawyer Fires Back At Ray J RICO Comments With Threats

Kim Kardashian and Ray J are at it again, but this time it’s not sex tapes, it’s full-blown legal threats over wild talk about the feds.

Ray J hopped on a livestream with Chrisean Rock and dropped a bomb, claiming he’s working with federal agents to bring a RICO case against Kim Kardashian and her mom Kris Jenner.

His exact words: “The federal RICO I’m about to drop on Kris and Kim is about to be crazy… the feds is coming. There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s worse than Diddy.”

Well, Kim’s lawyer Alex Spiro didn’t waste time. He clapped back hard, calling Ray J’s comments “false and defamatory” and warned that pushing those claims is defamation under California law.

Spiro made it crystal clear: there’s no RICO case, no investigation, no fed involvement, nothing. In his words, there’s “no credible evidence whatsoever” behind Ray J’s allegations.

He also stated that no law enforcement agency has launched an investigation against the Kardashian crew.

And he’s not playing around. Spiro demanded that any site running with Ray J’s claims yank the content ASAP and post a retraction. Kim’s legal team also contacted multiple outlets, instructing them to revise their stories or face the consequences.

Philadelphia Eagles’ AJ Brown Dominated L.A. Rams After Hearing Old-School Hip-Hop Anthem

The Philadelphia Eagles looked dead in the water at halftime last Sunday in Los Angeles. The Rams had them on the ropes, dictating the pace and stacking up a commanding lead. Then the second half arrived, and everything changed.

The game flipped when the Eagles blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown, but the spark that fueled the comeback came from star wideout A.J. Brown. Already considered one of the NFL’s premier offensive threats, Brown turned into a one-man wrecking crew in the final two quarters, shredding the Rams’ secondary and helping Philly secure a 33-26 win.

While highlight reels replayed the blocked kick, something else unfolded behind the scenes that may have set Brown on fire. Sources inside the stadium say the DJ cued up Kurtis Blow’s old-school classic “AJ Scratch” during the game. For those who know it, the song’s hook chants “AJ” over a funky beat — catchy enough to get a crowd moving, and apparently enough to give No. 11 an extra jolt.

In postgame interviews, Brown didn’t directly name-check the track but hinted at the moment, grinning when asked about what fueled his surge. One source who was in the locker room told AllHipHop that Brown “pointed directly to that song” as a turning point in his energy. Whether coincidence or cosmic timing, the mix of football and Hip-Hop may have tilted the momentum toward Philadelphia.

Kurtis Blow, a pioneer from rap’s earliest days, probably never imagined his 1984 anthem echoing inside an NFL stadium and motivating one of the league’s top receivers. But Hip-Hop has always been about energy, defiance and winning! These are the same ingredients that powered Philly in the second half. By the way, KB did not return our message for a comment. He might be a NY Giants fan…or worse, LA Rams

Anyway…to casual fans, it may have looked like pure luck. But in truth, the comeback was built on grit, adjustments and mental toughness. Brown and the Eagles didn’t just ride fate. They forced it.

As Philadelphia keeps pushing through the season, this victory is likely to be remembered not only for the blocked field goal or Brown’s dominance, but also for a reminder of how culture and competition often collide in unexpected ways. One old-school jam, one fired-up receiver and one resilient team turned what looked like certain defeat into a West Coast heist.

For the record…our own Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur is the “source.” He was there and saw it all as it rolled out.

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Hip-Hop Label EMPIRE Unleashes Boldest Move Yet With $6.5M Venue

Ghazi is betting big on immersive tech and hometown pride as his EMPIRE label invests in a $6.5 million entertainment venue set to reshape San Francisco’s Pier 70.

The independent Hip-Hop powerhouse is joining forces with Elevation Sky Park San Francisco to launch what’s being billed as the Bay Area’s first large-scale immersive entertainment space. The venue, slated to open this winter, will feature projection domes, a pyramid-shaped structure and capacity for over 2,000 attendees across multiple rooms.

“ESP SF represents exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused venture that embodies San Francisco’s creative spirit,” said Sean Ahearn, CEO of Elevation Sky Park. “Partnering with EMPIRE creates incredible opportunities to showcase how technology and artistry can transform communities while pioneering the future of immersive entertainment.”

The collaboration will fuse EMPIRE‘s global artist network with ESP SF’s tech-driven platform to deliver 360-degree concerts, live performances, film screenings and community arts initiatives. The venue will also serve as a hub for emerging artists, giving them access to industry resources and audiences they might not otherwise reach.

Ghazi, who founded EMPIRE in 2010, called the partnership a natural extension of the label’s roots. “

San Francisco has always been the heartbeat of EMPIRE, and Elevation Sky Park is the perfect stage to reimagine how music and culture come to life,” he said. “We’re excited to create experiences that are as bold and innovative as the city itself.”

The project is being developed through a public-private partnership involving Brookfield Properties and the Port of San Francisco. The venue’s location at Pier 70 places it in the heart of the city’s expanding arts and entertainment zone.

The team behind Wisdome LA, known for its immersive domes and multimedia installations in Los Angeles, is leading the buildout. Their experience in blending art and tech is expected to play a key role in bringing ESP SF’s vision to life.

The immersive entertainment sector is booming. According to Bloomberg, the global market is projected to reach $413 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for interactive and tech-enhanced experiences.

Ghazi, a San Francisco native with Palestinian heritage, began producing music at the age of 14. Before launching EMPIRE, he worked as a DJ and audio engineer.

What started as a digital distribution service for Bay Area Hip-Hop artists has grown into one of the most influential independent labels in the industry, known for blending traditional music strategies with digital innovation.

The ESP SF partnership reflects EMPIRE’s continued evolution, expanding from music into experiential entertainment while staying grounded in its local community.

The venue’s programming will cater to a range of audiences, from casual music lovers to tech-savvy concertgoers.

ESP SF is scheduled to open in winter 2024, just in time to draw holiday crowds and position itself as a new cultural landmark in the Bay Area.

‘It Was A One-Score Game’: Denver Broncos Fan Who Lives In Nashville Walks By Nissan Stadium. Then He Calls Out Titans Fans

A Denver Broncos fan living in Nashville is wondering why Tennessee Titans fans are leaving early.

“If you’ve ever been in Nashville, there’s a bridge that goes across from downtown,” he starts in a recent viral video. “It goes over [Cumberland River] and leads you to Nissan Stadium. And when you’re on the bridge, you can see a little bit into the stadium. It’s kind of a cool thing. I went on a run, and I timed it to be there in the fourth quarter.”

But he saw people leaving the game, and thought he had mistimed his job. “I was like, “Oh man, I must have really timed it wrong. Something must have happened. Whatever. That’s kind of a bummer.”

Why Were Tennessee Titans Fans Done For the Day?

Something must have happened, as in perhaps the Titans were getting blown out in their home opener versus the Los Angeles Rams this month. The Titans have been a terrible football team for the last few years. The club has gone 16-35 in the previous three seasons, coming into this year. Last season’s 3-14 record secured they’d receive the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, where they selected record-setting Miami quarterback Cameron Ward. They had already lost their season opener—incidentally to the Broncos, in a close game.

He continued on his way, “And I finally get to where I can see into the stadium, and I can see the score. I couldn’t believe what I saw. The Titans at the time were only down by 4 points with 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.”

From here, imagine it from the Titans’ standpoint, from inside the stadium. Rams QB Matthew Stafford has just thrown a touchdown to take a 20-16 lead at the end of the third quarter. As a Titans fan, against a Super Bowl contender, it might be time to get ahead of traffic. Thus, the mass exodus this TikToker witnessed on his run.

But he makes several strong points.

“You can’t even stay for a one-score game in the 4th quarter?” he asks. “Now, I know it ended up not being close, but still, you gotta stay for your team. Cheer for your team and root them on. That was disappointing. Titans fans, y’all gotta do better.”

He’s right; it wasn’t close. The Rams scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter and won going away, 33-19. As of this writing, the Titans are 0-3 on the season.

Why Are Titans Fans Bad?

Compared to teams with 100-year histories, the Titans only began in Nashville in the late ’90s. So the tradition isn’t particularly rich. Also, the team plays professional ball in the heart of college football country, so that may impact the city center’s collective enthusiasm because they’re still hungover from Saturday’s game.

And just look at the man who called out the fans in the first place: He’s a Denver Broncos fan but he lives in Nashville. He’s not alone.

According to CNBC, the city of Nashville added 100 residents a day in 2022. Many of them arrived with per-existing loyalties to other NFL teams. According to Google Trends, the Tennessee Titans have drawn comparable search volume as the Dallas Cowboys over the past 30 days… within the state of Tennessee.

Lastly, Nashville is a city known for its bachelorette parties and music; even the massively popular NFL has to compete for attention there too.

@ryanandjimmy Titans fans, yall should do better than that… #tennesseetitans #titans #nfl #nashville #nissanstadium ♬ original sound – Ryan & Jimmy

Wale’s New Series Tells Story Of Washington D.C.’s Most Violent Years

WASHINGTON, D.C. Wale is executive producing a television drama titled Silk that centers on the deadly legacy of Washington D.C. contract killer Wayne “Silk” Perry, whose name became synonymous with fear during the city’s most violent era.

The Grammy Award-nominated rapper and D.C. native is developing the series through Perry Industries, which controls the life rights of Perry, now known as Nkosi Shaka Zulu El. The show will explore Perry’s role as the enforcer for Harlem drug lord Alpo Martinez during the early 1990s, when D.C. led the nation in homicides.

A Look at D.C.’s Bloodiest Years

From 1989 to 1993, Perry operated as Martinez’s muscle, executing rivals and witnesses with a level of precision that earned him infamy in the streets. His violent run coincided with Washington’s descent into chaos, as the city earned the grim label of “murder capital” of the United States.

“That era in D.C. was internationally famous,” Wale told The Hollywood Reporter. “The Redskins were winning Super Bowls, the mayor was indicted by the FBI, Joe Biden passed the crime bill, and D.C. had 482 homicides — the highest in the country.”

The show will blend Perry’s criminal exploits with the political and cultural backdrop of the time, including the go-go music scene, the collapse of local drug empires, and the federal investigation of then-Mayor Marion Barry.

Behind the Scenes of ‘Silk’

Wale will produce the series alongside Kazz Laidlaw, his manager at EQT, and C. Edwards of Perry Industries. The project is currently in development, with no network or streaming platform yet attached.

“D.C. is more than just politics,” Wale said. “We have a rich, Black history that’s inspired audiences around the world, and it’s time to tell more stories that are based here.”

Laidlaw added, “This story is one of the last authentic stories in Black crime lore. People have seen slivers in movies like Paid in Full and read conjecture online, but beneath the surface is an entire world that hasn’t been seen before.”

Perry’s Criminal Legacy

Perry was convicted in 1994 for multiple murders tied to Martinez’s drug operation. His victims included drug dealer Garrett Terrell and Evelyn Carter, a witness scheduled to testify. He is currently serving five life sentences at ADX Florence, a federal supermax prison in Colorado.

Martinez’s cooperation with federal prosecutors helped secure Perry’s conviction. Martinez himself was shot and killed in 2021 in Harlem.

A New Chapter for Wale

Wale, who previously appeared in Ambulance and American Gods, has long infused his music with references to his D.C. upbringing. With Silk, he’s stepping further into storytelling, aiming to portray the city’s complex history beyond its political headlines.

The series joins a growing list of crime dramas like Power, Snowfall and Narcos that examine the drug-fueled violence of the late 20th century.

Silk remains in early development with no release date or platform confirmed.

Donald Trump Orders Troops To Portland After Ice Cube Bus Fire

President Trump authorized a federal troop deployment to Portland as investigators continue looking into a fire that scorched Ice Cube‘s tour bus just days after his performance in the city.

In a post on Truth Social Saturday, President Trump wrote, “I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”

The move comes as Portland Fire & Rescue continues its investigation into the blaze that broke out on the front passenger tire of Ice Cube’s chartered vehicle on Tuesday (September 22).

The 56-year-old Hip-Hop icon had just wrapped a show at the Moda Center the night before as part of his “Truth to Power” tour. Through a representative, Ice Cube said, “I’m not taking this incident as a personal attack. A coward like that would burn anybody’s property that was out there at the time.”

Trump’s decision to deploy troops echoes his 2020 response to protests in Portland, when federal agents were sent to the city during months of unrest.

That earlier deployment led to repeated clashes between demonstrators and federal officers, drawing national attention and criticism.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has pushed back against federal involvement. “I have not asked for – and do not need – federal intervention,” he said earlier this month.

On Thursday, Trump hinted at the upcoming action, telling reporters, “We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland.” He referred to the targets as “professional agitators and anarchists.”

Trump has repeatedly described Portland in bleak terms, once calling it “like living in hell.” He also signed an order this week designating antifa as a domestic terrorist group.

Portland Fire & Rescue has not released any new updates on the tour bus fire as of Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Yella Beezy Demands Names Of Informants As Mo3 Murder Trial Nears

Yella Beezy is pressing Dallas prosecutors to reveal the identities of confidential informants and witnesses ahead of his capital murder trial tied to the 2020 killing of fellow rapper Mo3.

Attorneys for the rapper filed a series of motions requesting that the court compel the state to disclose key information.

Among the top demands: the names and addresses of all potential witnesses, including any informants, at least 20 days before the trial begins.

The defense also requested access to all evidence collected by law enforcement, including photographs, lab results, and physical items.

They are seeking anything that could either support Yella Beezy’s innocence or lessen the punishment if he’s convicted.

Yella Beezy’s legal team is also requesting all statements he made to the police and a pretrial hearing to determine whether those statements were made voluntarily. They want to ensure he wasn’t coerced or misled during questioning.

Another motion seeks to uncover whether any witnesses were offered deals or incentives in exchange for their cooperation.

The defense is pushing to exclude any mention of past unrelated incidents unless a judge rules them relevant.

Additionally, the attorneys request full access to materials used to refresh witnesses’ memories and complete records of all evidence gathered during the investigation.

Yella Beezy was indicted in March 2025 by a Dallas County grand jury for capital murder with remuneration, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Mo3.

Prosecutors allege Yella Beezy paid Kewon White to carry out the deadly shooting on Interstate 35E in Dallas on November 11, 2020. White and Devin Brown were arrested as co-defendants.

Investigators claim Yella Beezy withdrew $40,000 in cash before the incident and cite surveillance footage as part of the evidence linking him to the crime.

Yella Beezy was taken into custody on March 20, 2025, and initially held on a $2 million bond, which was later reduced to $750,000.

He is currently under house arrest with electronic monitoring.

If convicted, Yella Beezy could face the death penalty under Texas law. His trial is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026.

What We Know About Quinta Brunson’s Finalized Divorce

LOS ANGELES — Quinta Brunson officially ended her marriage to Kevin Anik in Los Angeles after the pair finalized a private divorce agreement six months after her initial court filing.

The Abbott Elementary creator and Emmy-winning actress reached an uncontested divorce settlement with Anik, according to court records reviewed by People. The documents confirm their legal separation date as December 1, 2024, which had not been specified in earlier filings.

Agreement Reached Outside Courtroom

Brunson and Anik avoided a public legal battle by settling outside of court. The terms of their agreement remain sealed, but the filing confirms it includes spousal support provisions. Because the divorce was uncontested, no trial or further hearings were necessary.

The couple’s decision to keep the details confidential aligns with how they handled their relationship from the start—largely out of public view.

Marriage Timeline and Public Acknowledgment

Brunson and Anik got engaged in July 2020. While she rarely spoke about their relationship publicly, she acknowledged him during her 2022 Emmy Awards acceptance speech after winning Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series.

“I have to thank my mom, dad, brothers and sisters, my cousins… my wonderful husband because he’s the most supportive man I’ve ever known,” she said during the live broadcast.

Career Success Amid Personal Change

Brunson’s career has surged since the premiere of Abbott Elementary in 2021. The ABC series, which she writes, executive produces and stars in as Janine Teagues, has earned critical acclaim and a growing list of accolades.

The divorce was finalized in 2024, closing a chapter in her personal life as her professional success continues to rise.


‘Normal For Tampa’: Woman Books Florida Airbnb With Listing That Promises She’ll Have The Place To Herself. Then She Shows Up

A woman checks into her Florida Airbnb thinking she and her travel companion will be alone. When she arrives, the situation is more complicated than she initially expected.

TikTok user Val (@itsvaleriexx) and a friend traveled to Tampa last week to see the band My Chemical Romance live in concert. 

She reveals what happened when they arrived at their Airbnb, which they thought would be a private accommodation, in a video posted last week.

“Tell me why there’s like random cars parked in front,” Val says as she approaches the front door. “Who is in here? We just got the keys. We’re about to walk in. Hopefully, there’s no one in there.”

The suspicious cars in the front yard would’ve been enough of a red flag. But then Val’s first attempt to unlock the front door doesn’t work. “I think we’re in the shed out the back, because we tried the front door and the keys didn’t open it,” she says. She goes to the back patio gate and tries the key. It works.

In the caption, Val writes, “The caveat is the Airbnb listing said we’d have the whole place to ourselves, so that’s why we were so confused.”

Florida Airbnb: ‘Are You Guys Locked In the Shed?’

In the comments, viewers expressed alarm at the abrupt end of the video and concern for the safety of Val and her friend.

“Girl, are you guys locked in the shed? Can you update us, please? This is concerning,” wrote one person.

“We had people living in the garage when we stayed near Tampa,” wrote a second user. “It was sketchy.”

“The instructions should have said if it was a separate building behind a house—let alone a locked door. That’s scary,” said a third person.

However, several people familiar with the culture in Tampa said this isn’t necessarily a red flag. “That’s totally normal for Tampa,” wrote one person. “They rent their yards for tailgating if they’re close to the stadium.”

Later in the day, Val updated viewers on her situation in a follow-up video. “In the end, it was fine,” Val wrote in the caption. “The Airbnb listing was a bit misleading, saying entire place to yourself when really it was just a room. So the cars parked out front, I assume, are all the people who actually live there. And they were using the closet to divide this room from the rest of the house.”

The ‘Entire Place’ Option on Airbnb

According to Airbnb, the entire place option is “usually” a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a separate dedicated entrance. As was pointed out in the comments, Val’s accommodation could be seen to fulfill all those requirements. 

However, Airbnb’s website does say that hosts should tell guests in advance whether the space is owner-occupied or not. The listing seems more akin to the “private room” option, which generally includes shared common areas. This is important to note, because the rules for owner access to the property are different for entire home and shared stays. 

In entire home stays, hosts can’t access the property or private spaces without permission. In shared spaces, owners can access shared spaces but not bedrooms or bathrooms.

All Hip Hop contacted Val via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also contacted Airbnb via email for comment.

@itsvaleriexx The cavet is the Airbnb listing said we’d have the whole place to ourselves so that’s why we were so confused! #tampa #airbnb #travel #mcr ♬ original sound – Val ✈️🗺️