(AllHipHop Rumors) Who would have thought that Jadakiss could be so entertaining? The Lox rapper got on Instagram Live for his very first Verzuz battle with Fabolous and it was nothing less than entertaining.
Now I have to admit it started out pretty darn boring. I honestly was wondering when I had seen a Verzuz battle this bad. However, I have to fess up it heated up quick and I think that heating up process was a direct result of how drunk Jadakiss got. Jadakiss was so drunk that he revealed that they are not getting paid by Apple Music or Timbaland or Swizz Beatz. He dropped a whole dime on ‘em. I guess it was a “for the culture moment” we all know so well.
I loosely watched the battle to be real with you, because I was not that interested after it started so slow. But I have to say that it became apparent that these guys are the crème de la crème of Hip-Hop battle rappers in New York City. They had so much mixtape stuff in this battle that I think DJ clue might’ve got publishing off of it.
But not to be undersold, they did have a number of their hit records put in the mix. So, it is very hard for me to say who won this battle, but I can say that Jadakiss won over a lot of fans. A lot of people said that they want to be like Jadakiss when they are drunk. Others said they want to hang with Jadakiss and get drunk with him. And others still regarded him as the drunk uncle in the barbecue that spices things up every year. So when you talk about people that one, Jadakiss won.
Personally, I prefer the battles that are done from the studio or the home and not so much the one when they are side-by-side. I’d like it when they are in their comfort zone and talking slick like Babyface. I even like when they are technical difficulties like with Teddy Riley, because they make for classic moments. Now, I am not going to clown Teddy Riley because he’s a genius and he warrants respect. However, we have to remember that that is exactly what we rtecall about the battle. So Jadakiss getting drunk, is what we are going to ultimately remember about this battle. But, the other part we will remember and, constantly be reminded of, is that these two guys are JEWELS to our culture in their contributions over the past 20 or so years cannot be understated. So, I have to salute them tremendously. That said I am going to get me some Tito’s.
(AllHipHop News) After 24 years of marriage, it is being reported that famed producer Dr. Dre and his wife, Nicole Young, have filed for divorce.
The two were married in May of 1996 and have been idolized as one of those perfect Hip-Hop couples that should be admired.
However, on Monday various reports were made stating that the couple was calling it quits and dissolving their union citing irreconcilable differences.
Dre, whose real name is Andrew Young is a six-time Grammy winner, who Forbes says is worth an estimated $800 million.
A music industry mogul, in addition to being responsible for the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent, he and his partner Jimmy Iovine created the Beats by Dre empire — selling it to Apple for $3 billion with $400 million to be paid in Apple stock.
This in combination with his other companies, made Dre the first person in Hip-Hop to be a billionaire.
What does that mean for Nicole?
It is said that the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement in place. But sources say that she will be represented by celebrity divorce lawyer, Samantha Spector, and may be asking for spousal support.
As for their children, they are both adults: their son Truice, 23, and daughter is Truly, 19. Thus, no need for child support, for them.
There have been no official comments from either party about the divorce.
(AllHipHop News) As one of the stars of “T.I. & Tiny: Friends and Family Hustle,” Reginae Carter is making a huge mark on television. With the show’s finale coming tonight, Reginae gave AllHipHop some insight on her life and career.
“Family Hustle” the Season Finale 3 comes tonight at 8 pm / 7 central time on VH1.
Reginae Carter has evolved into an actress, budding fashion maven, and TV star in addition to her life as the daughter of Toya Johnson and rapper Lil Wayne. And yet, both parents are active in the 21-year old’s life. (Click here for a full exclusive interview with Reginae Carter.)
Reginae told interviewer Seleah Simone, “Growing up, my mom (Toya) was a type of mom to say, ‘I’m not your friend’ like ‘I’m your mother first. That’s the mom that I have. Now that I’m grown, I can ask her about things, we’re on the phone for hours, we talk all day…we motivate each other too. She’ll call me like ‘Nas, you need to be doing this’ and I do the same. She’s really like my best friend. Our relationship has gotten way stronger.'”
The Atlanta resident says relationship talk is a bit more tricky talking to her dad, legendary rapper Lil Wayne.
“He understands a little bit more because I was dating a rapper then. So, I would go to him like…and he would be like ‘Baby, just tell me the truth!’,” she admitted. “Its the profession (rappers) and that’s what they are and if I wanna deal with that. I know what it is. He would always give me advice but talking about it was a little weird.
Now, she is not dating at all.
However, she is continuing her acting career, but not before the end of the season for “Friends And Family Hustle,” which goes down tonight at 8 pm / 7 pm Central.
“With ‘Family Hustle,’ I feel like we jumped into something that we already knew. We knew that people. That’s like our family. We’re working with our friends. I was still younger. I’ve always been on reality TV, but this was just something different. I’ve grown up a lot,” Reginae said. “I have more respect for myself, most self-worth. It’s such a humbling experience. Family is family and we all come together for that one moment…its just real life stuff. The show was a great experience for me.”
Red is getting READY to pop the question to Toya, but will he choose the ring? 💍💍💍
(AllHipHop News) Tekashi 6ix9ine’s old manager and two other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods are trying to use the rap star’s blueprint to get themselves out of prison.
According to documents, both Kifano “Shotti” Jordan, Jensel “Ish” Butler and Anthony Ellison, are petitioning the court to let them out of prison due to the coronavirus.
Shotti is on the hunt for a new lawyer, who will help him mount an appeal for “compassionate release.”
According to court documents, Ish and Harv are asking Judge Paul Engelmayer for compassionate release as well.
Ellison, who was convicted of kidnapping the rapper at gunpoint, even wrote a 13-page letter, which can be read in its entirety below.
It may be a long shot, but all three men could have a shot at gaining their freedom now that lead prosecutor Geoffrey Berman has been booted from their cases.
While it not certain, the possibility exists that Strauss or her predecessor could take a very different approach to Geoffrey Berman, who fought tooth-and-nail to prosecute the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.
(AllHipHop News) Anthony Mackie has taken aim at his Marvel film bosses for failing to include black filmmakers in any of their movies.
The actor, who has starred in several Marvel films as Falcon, will reprise the role in Disney+’s upcoming “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” but that hasn’t stopped him shining a light on racism at the top.
“We’ve had one Black producer; his name was Nate Moore. He produced ‘Black Panther.’ But then when you do ‘Black Panther,’ you have a black director, black producer, a black costume designer, a black stunt choreographer. And I’m like, that’s more racist than anything else. Because if you only can hire the black people for the black movie, are you saying they’re not good enough when you have a mostly white cast?”
But Mackie doesn’t want Marvel bosses giving anyone preferential treatment in the future, insisting, “Hire the best person for the job, even if it means we’re going to get the best two women, we’re going to get the best two men. Fine. I’m cool with those numbers for the next 10 years because it starts to build a new generation of people who can put something on their resume to get them other jobs. If we’ve got to divvy out as a percentage, divvy it out. And that’s something as leading men that we can go in and push for.”
(AllHipHop News) R. Kelly’s ex-girlfriend Azriel Clary was left terrified after arsonists burnt-out cops hunting for suspects her car and tried to torch her house.
The 23-year-old, who initially stood by the R&B superstar, 53, when he faced sexual abuse charges before breaking up with him in December and then returning to live with her family in Florida, detailed the frightening crime on her Instagram page.
Writing that she wanted to share a post showing herself at her “lowest” rather than the perfect posts favored by influencers, Azriel shared an image of her burnt-out car and explained that she thought she had been targeted in a “premeditated” attack.
“So, this is me at my lowest,” she wrote. “Someone not only set my car on fire at 3 am but they also made a gas line around my entire house, with intentions to burn my entire home down. It was something that was premeditated, but the fact that someone would go to that extreme to harm me is sickening.”
She went on to explain that local police officers are now looking into the incident, before telling fans to share their problems on social media.
“Thankfully the police are doing their due diligence during a sensitive time like this,” she added. “Nonetheless, everyone is going through problems behind closed doors, whether they choose to share it or not, even the people you look up to. I just want people to tap into the reality of our world, and publicizing a ‘perfect cookie-cutter life’ is just not real.”
She signed off with the hashtags, “#betruetoyourself #protectblackwomen.”
R. Kelly was arrested last year on a 13-count federal indictment for sexual abuse in Chicago, Illinois, while he is also facing a racketeering and sex trafficking trial in New York.
(AllHipHop News) Jada Pinkett Smith traveled with her family to Kentucky to demand justice for Breonna Taylor.
The black 26-year-old emergency medical technician (EMT) was slain in March in her Louisville home by police officers who shot her dead after botching a home raid operation by showing up at the wrong address.
Jada attended the Justice for Breonna Taylor rally event held at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort with her son Jaden and daughter Willow in tow to call for racial and criminal justice as gatherers mourned the life of the aspiring nurse.
“One thing I want you to know (is) that it does not go unseen that the revolution stands on your shoulders,” Jada told the crowd as attendees chanted, “No justice, no peace”.
“I want you to know that we want to say thank you because it is you standing out here that’s gonna keep shining a light on Breonna’s name. And, what we need is justice for our sister Breonna and that’s why we are here today. And that’s why my family is here today.”
Jada also took a moment to address Breonna’s grieving mother, Tamika Palmer: “From one family to another – to Tamika, we wanted to come here, show her love and amplify your voice and amplify the life of your daughter.”
Rapper and actor Common was another attendee at the memorial rally, where he encouraged others to stand for justice.
“This is the grace right here,” he said during his speech. “The grace is in the fight. The grace is in justice. And, we will stand in the creator’s grace when we fight and stand up for our own, to stand up for ourselves and stand up for what the creator created us to be. The creator created Breonna to be a special human being.”
(AllHipHop News) Tauheed “2 Chainz” Epps is helping to celebrate Black musicians and Black artistry by linking with Apple Music. The southern rapper took on the job of curating the streamer’s Rap Heavy Hitters playlist.
As part of the Black Music Month takeover of Rap Heavy Hitters, Chainz’s collection of tunes shines a light on Hip Hop neophytes, veterans, and legends. The T.R.U. label head’s protégé, Skooly, tops the list with “Genocide” featuring Harp Szn.
“‘Genocide’ is my favorite song at the moment as it unintentionally captures what we are going through at this particular day and time,” says 2 Chainz. “It speaks to the sea of emotions that I’m sure we as people are either experiencing or can empathize with.”
The Def Jam recording artist continues, “‘NO TV’ is my personal pick ‘cause it’s simply hard asf, and people need to hear it before I drop some more new music.” Young Trill Beatz and DJ Spinz produced the 2 Chainz record which dropped in February.
Rap Heavy Hitters also includes songs such as Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture,” Nipsey Hussle’s “Victory Lap,” Gucci Mane’s “F*ck The World,” Rapsody’s “Sojourner,” Drake’s “Desires,” Rick Ross’s “Tears Of Joy,” Travis Scott’s “Stop Trying To Be God,” Playboi Carti’s “@ Meh,” Don Toliver’s “Cardigan,” DMX’s “Slippin’,” and 2Pac’s “I Get Around.”
Unexplainable actions – such as the police’s four-page incident report being mostly blank and not mentioning that Taylor was shot during the encounter – led to widespread outrage across the world. #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor became one of the rallying cries during the recent #BlackLivesMatter global protests.
Louisville native Jack Harlow was among the people to hit the streets to demand that officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove be charged with a crime. The “Whats Poppin” performer pounded the pavement in his hometown as part of a group calling for Taylor’s killers to be held responsible.
Harlow was a guest on the ninth episode of Lil Wayne’s Young Money Radio program on Apple Music. While the 22-year-old Generation Now/Atlantic Records signee linked with Wayne to promote his star-studded “Whats Poppin (Remix),” Harlow also discussed protesting on behalf of Breonna Taylor.
“That was a no brainer to me,” said Harlow. “For me, just being in a Black genre and growing up around Black people, like I said, it was a no brainer. It was a priority to get out there. There’s a lot of Black people in Louisville.”
He continued, “And then the Breonna Taylor thing being so close to home – that happened in my hometown. We just had to go back and just show face. You know what I mean? Moments like this are bigger than anything we’re working on, bigger than the ‘Whats Poppin (Remix),’ bigger than any of that.
Louisville Metro Police Department officer Brett Hankison was fired from the force for his involvement in the shooting of Taylor. He is said to be filing an appeal to keep his job. LMPD Police Chief Robert Schroeder told Hankison in a letter, “I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion.”
As of press time, none of the three cops involved in the death of Breonna Taylor have been arrested or charged with a crime. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on the grounds of battery, wrongful death, excessive force, negligence, and gross negligence.
(AllHipHop News) After over a decade of putting in work as a professional recording artist, Teyana Taylor has scored her first Top 10 project on the Billboard 200 chart. The latest rankings feature the singer’s The Album landing at #8.
The Album amassed 32,000 first-week units. This achievement comes after VII peaked at #19 in 2014 and K.T.S.E. peaked at #17 in 2018. She also contributed to the G.O.O.D. Music compilation Cruel Summer which reached #2 in 2012.
“Today was a great day! I won a BET award for ‘Video Director Of The Year,’ #THEALBUM #1 on Billboard Top R&B & #8 on Billboard 200! Wow I’m so emotional because everyone who knows my story knows I’ve stayed patient & never gave up. Trust God’s timing. We did it y’all!” tweeted Taylor.
Today was a great day! I won a BET award for “Video director of the year”, #THEALBUM #1 on billboard Top R&B & #8 on billboard 200! Wow I’m so emotional because everyone who knows my story knows i’ve stayed patient & never gave up. 😢🥺🖤 Trust God’s timing. We did it y’all!🙌🏾
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) June 29, 2020
Elsewhere on the latest Billboard 200 chart, Lil Baby’s My Turn holds onto the #1 position for a fourth nonconsecutive week. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Artist 2.0 jumps from #80 to #3 after the release of a deluxe version of the LP.
The Top 10 also includes DaBaby’s Blame It On Baby at #4, Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding at #5, Drake’s Dark Lane Demo Tapes at #7, Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake at #9, and Polo G’s The Goat at #10.
(AllHipHop News) Lil Baby can now be considered a certified A-list Hip Hop artist. The Atlanta-raised rapper’s My Turn album clocked in a fourth week at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The last three weeks have seen My Turn in the top spot of the Billboard 200 even though the project originally dropped back on February 28. The album debuted at #1 on the tally in March with 197,000 first-week units.
(AllHipHop News) The 2020 BET Awards was a showcase of Black excellence. Music stars representing genres from Hip Hop and R&B to Gospel and Country performed remotely for the television audience.
Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Nas, Black Thought, Rapsody, Questlove, Jahi, and YGopened the award show with a remixed performance of Public Enemy’s song “Fight the Power.” The video set the tone for the night as many of the performances incorporated messages about racial justice, police violence, and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Roddy Ricch appeared twice on the show. The Compton rapper performed his own songs “High Fashion” and “The Box”. He also joined with North Carolina’s DaBaby to run through their #1 smash hit “Rockstar.”
R&B newcomer Summer Walker and R&B icon Usher linked up to record live visuals for a mashup of Walker’s “Come Thru” and Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna.” Megan Thee Stallion, D Smoke, SiR, John Legend, Anderson .Paak, Jay Rock, Alicia Keys, Chloe x Halle, Jonathan McReynolds, Kane Brown, and other acts were part of the BET Awards lineup as well.
Jennifer Hudson presented her rendition of “Young, Gifted and Black” which has been recorded by legends such as Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, and Aretha Franklin. In addition, Lil Wayne and Wayne Brady delivered tributes to Kobe Bryant and Little Richard, respectively. To see the full list of winners for the 2020 BET Awards visit here.
(AllHipHop News) The 2020 BET Awards aired last night. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, presenters, performers, and winners took part in the ceremony remotely.
Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” featuring Blue Ivy, WizKid, and Saint Jhn triumphed in the BET HER Award category. Queen Bey also accepted the Humanitarian Award, with an introduction by former First LadyMichelle Obama.
Megan Thee Stallion received the honor for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Viewer’s Choice Award (“Hot Girl Summer”). Roddy Ricch was named Best New Artist. Plus, his Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial won Album Of The Year.
Chris Brown won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Best Collaboration for “No Guidance” featuring Drake. DJ Khaled won Video Of The Year for “Higher” featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend.
Actress/comedian Amanda Seales served as host for the evening. The 2020 BET Awards aired on several ViacomCBS networks including making its national broadcast premiere on CBS.
Album Of The Year Roddy Ricch – Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Lizzo
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Chris Brown
Best Group Migos
Best Collaboration Chris Brown Featuring Drake – “No Guidance”
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Megan Thee Stallion
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist DaBaby
Video of the Year DJ Khaled Featuring Nipsey Hussle, John Legend – “Higher”
Video Director of the Year Teyana “Spike Tee” Taylor
Best New Artist Roddy Ricch
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award Kirk Franklin – “Just for Me”
Best International Act Burna Boy
Best New International Act Sha Sha
Best Actress Issa Rae
Best Actor Michael B. Jordan
Young Stars Award Marsai Martin
Best Movie Queen & Slim
Sportswoman of the Year Simone Biles
Sportsman of the Year LeBron James
2020 Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign – “Hot Girl Summer”
BET Her Award Beyonce Featuring Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid and Saint Jhn – “Brown Skin Girl”
(AllHipHop Music) Hip Hop is at a very transitional period right now. If I had to describe it’s the current state of Hip Hop in one word, I would say experimental.
Emerging rappers are playing with sound sounds of country, rock, jazz, and of course R&B.
Fat Panda Tuan has rightfully solidified his place among these up-and-coming creative rappers with his most recent album ‘Shinobi Tempura.’
The album dropped June of 2018, however many of the songs are still relevant, for example, “Montblanc Booty” and “Ricky the Ruler” still sound good.
In an interview with Muzique Magazine, Fat Panda said his music is mostly influenced by southern bounce style seen in artists like Lil’ Wayne, with some East Coast influence as well.
It makes sense that Fat Panda Tuan credits the East Coast with influencing his music.
After being born in Saigon Japan, Tuan was raised in Germantown, Maryland, and Maryland sits between the South and the East Coast.
His recent album ‘Shinobi Tempura’ is a perfect mix of party music and chill vibes.
14 tracks and each one has it’s own sound. The album opens with a sample from Disney’s classic Aladdin.
The classic scene when Aladdin takes Jasmine on her first magic carpet ride asking, “Do you trust me?”
It’s a pretty sweet and strong opening, and a very unique vibe as well as an entry into his world.
The samples of Disney movies throughout the album will sit well with any millennial because we grew up on those movies. With that first track, “Tonight,” the album opens up strong. The song bangs with an upbeat tempo, hard base, and trap-like sound.
“Montblanc Booty” is the Signature track on ‘Shinobi Tempura.’ The beat on Montblanc Booty alone makes it an instant party classic.
It’s a Friday/Saturday night jam. The up-tempo beat makes it easy to dance to. The lyrics make it easy to stunt whether in your ride or as an Instagram post caption. Does a rap hit really need more to bang in the club?
Aside from the American influences of rap and Disney movies, Tuan includes a lot of cultural pride in Shinobi Tempura. Along with references to Vietnamese culture, there’s lots of reference to Japanese culture as well.
Food, music, video games are all points of reference. Fat Panda Tuan also spent time as a personal trainer, which makes sense why his music has that go hard or go home feel. It’s great for the gym or pulling up hard body in the old school whip. From Saigon to Germantown, Maryland you can feel the influence in Tuan’s gritty nature.
Happy ending features a sample From ‘Beauty And The Beast.’ It’s smooth and melodic, even a little jazzy and could be considered a love song.
At least one love song is a must have for any rap album. This cut made for the ladies features raps about Tuan’s leading lady. The song ends with a sweet R&B Sample. Rap bangers like “The Kitchen” could easily be seen on an HBO series like Insecure.
Tuan’s love of music shines through on the album. It’s no surprise he came from a musical family with a father who played the guitar and keyboard. Tuan’s Vietnamese American roots are prevalent in the album’s track titles as well as the lyrics which I like. Rap and Hip Hop are all about being authentic, and without authenticity, an artist will get rejected. Fat Panda Tuan has seemed to have found a good balance of repping his Vietnamese culture and still grabbing mainstream attention.
It’s worth mentioning that since Fat Panda Tuan’s debut of ‘Shinobi Tempura,’ he’s since released a single titled “Atari.” If you haven’t yet heard it, you’re missing out.
Some songs you hear and immediately know you can turn up to it. “Atari” is without question one of those tracks.
It’s going to be fun watching Fat Panda Tuan grow as an artist and continue to get in his bag. If you haven’t already, check him out on Spotify and follow him on Instagram.
(AllHipHop News) Toronto rapper, Houdini, was killed in a triple shooting on May 26th, in broad daylight in the city’s Entertainment District.
Earlier this month, a memorial service was held in his honor but was violently disrupted as shots were fired from a drive-by vehicle.
According to Steve Watts of the Toronto Police Service’s organized crime unit, the car “was there for approximately 4 seconds,” before fleeing westbound on Hwy. 401.
Immediately after, 10 people from the crowd with firearms started to blindly fire back towards the direction of the suspected vehicle. The following morning, the investigation began as 60 shell casings were recovered and surveillance video was retrieved.
“Through further investigation, members of the centralized shooting response team determined one of the victims had been in possession of a firearm and allegedly discharged it towards Hwy. 401,” Watts continued.
Gadded O’Neil Ledinek, of Milton, and Traequan Mahoney, of Brampton, now both face charges and have a court date of July 3rd.
Two others have been identified, as well, with the help of Peel Regional Police – Terrell Burke Whittaker and Javonte Johnson. Investigators are still working on identifying the others who were involved and seen in the surveillance video.
The cops believe a 17-year-old named Eleijah Robinson was the triggerman who killed Houdini in cold blood.
(AllHipHop News) Beyonce urged fans to “take action to dismantle a racist and unequal system” in a powerful speech as she accepted the Humanitarian Award at the virtual BET Awards on Sunday night.
The 38-year-old singer was introduced by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who paid tribute to her philanthropic efforts as well as her musical success.
Following tributes from Tyler Perry and her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, Beyonce used her speech to encourage fans to vote in the upcoming U.S. election in the hopes they can collectively try and change the unjust system.
“I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there inspiring me, marching and fighting for change,” Beyonce said, referencing the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. “Your voices are being heard, and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain.
“Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote. I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system. We have to continue to do this together, continue to fight for each other, and lift each other up because there are people banking on us staying at home during local elections in primaries happening in states across the country. We have to vote like our life depends on it.”
She concluded: “So, please continue to be the change you want to see.”
Beyonce wasn’t the only winning member of her family during the BET Awards, however.
Her tune “Brown Skin Girl,” which features her daughter Blue Ivy, took home the BET Her Award – making the eight-year-old a first-time award-winner in the process.
The United States Postal Service is recognizing the timeless impact Hip-Hop has made on a global scale.
In celebration of the culture, the USPS is releasing a series of “Forever Stamps,” starting July 1st. For years, the USPS has featured an array of artwork on their stamps.
What better way to commemorate Hip-Hop’s decades-long existence than depicting its four elements as stamp art. Photographs by Cade Martin will be the focal point of these special release stamps, depicting emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying and graffiti art.
The digitally enhanced photographs by Martin will be tinted in yellow, green red, and black. They are also intended to appear as if the objects are in motion – capturing the vibrancy of the culture. Each stamp features the words “Forever,” “USA,” “Hip Hop,” and the name of the element atop the design, as art-directed by Antonio Alcala.
In honor of its upcoming release, USPS and The Universal Hip Hop Museum will host a virtual dedication ceremony. On social media, an official hashtag has also been created to align with the release,
#HipHopPostageStamps.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Universal Hip Hop Museum, it is the first official museum of Hip Hop, located in its birthplace of the Bronx, New York.
It was founded by its pioneers and celebrates the preservation of Hip-Hop’s rich history, on a local and global scale.
On July 1st, Gary Barksdale, chief postal inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Rocky Bucano, executive director, The Universal Hip Hop Museum
and legendary pioneer Kurtis Blow will lead a virtual ceremony commemorating the stamps.
Ace Hood deserves all his flowers. If you were going out in the year 2013, his hit single “Bugatti” was unavoidable. The smash-hit featuring Future and Rick Ross was a moment in time, ensuing instant nostalgia upon hearing. Now the 32-year-old returns after a 2-year hiatus, splitting with his previous situation with DJ Khaled’s We The Best imprint.
The newfound independent rapper has consistently released high-quality records since he started over a decade ago. Fast forward to 2020, fans are thrilled to receive his highly-anticipated new project Mr. Hood. The 14-track project speaks volumes to this new chapter of his life, which includes marriage and a strong passion for fitness.
AllHipHop caught up with Ace Hood to discuss the recent protests, transitioning to being independent, linking with Jacquees on Mr. Hood, artists out of Broward County, and more!
AllHipHop: How was it protesting in your hometown alongside your wife?
Ace Hood: It was beautiful, honestly. I always like being out there with the people. I like being in the field, that’s always going to be my thing. It’s interesting to see how many people are supporting. Coming from a place where at one point, it was all black people protesting. A few allies from white people who were actually supporting but now to see a world full of multi-cultures from all over — from white people, Spanish people, Asian people, all types of people in the streets fighting for us. For black people, for equal rights. That’s news to me. As adamant as I am or black people are about it, people out there believe the same things. We’re all the same skin color and I appreciate it.
AllHipHop: What do you think needs to happen in the world? Hip-hop has been vocal of this since it started.
Ace Hood: We need to be pushing the agenda. We need to continue to push the change. I like the fact it’s forcing people to start taking accountability, forcing people to look at others and take accountability. As a person who’s always thinking about self-awareness, artists need to step up and take accountability. People and brands aren’t taking accountability, that’s why we have to continue pushing this narrative forward for black people. Yes, we got a step. We got some type of justice with these cops, but there’s still much work to be done to feel there’s an even playing field for us. Figuring out a way to continue pushing and not letting this fall to the backburner.
AllHipHop: “We Ball” speaks volumes to the current state of the world. What does it mean to have a record during a time like this?
Ace Hood: Grateful, honestly. What I do, what I love, to travel the world, to inspire people, to have people even take the time out to listen to my music. I’m grateful I can give music that contributes to the time and help people begin to move forward. Find hope during this time, or some sense of light. “We Ball” is a record that didn’t necessarily have a place. I wanted it to have an actual place on a project, a project that’s well-versed. Initially, I was attaching it to one of my freestyle projects I put out, the Body Bag series. I decided man, I want this to have a bigger light to help more people. This record has so much more to do.
AllHipHop: Your new project Mr. Hood marks a new chapter for you. Does this include being a newfound independent artist?
Ace Hood: I feel free, yes. I am free. I’m more collected, I’m more grounded. I’m so grateful for my independence, to embark on a journey of the unknown. From that space, I can always create something new. Create something that’s never been done before. For me, I took the stairs. I’m a patient being, no real rush to do things. It’s taking the right steps, nurturing things the way I need to nurture. The independent journey had its ups and downs, but I’ve learned the lessons. There’s lessons in everything. I appreciate the ups and downs throughout the process. Learning those lessons from each step helps me become grateful over time. I feel freer. I own everything that I have, I can do whatever I want to do. That’s a special place to be, especially in this day and age. Ownership especially as a black man and as a musician is important to have.
AllHipHop: What are the lessons you learned from becoming independent?
Ace Hood: Being independent, the lesson I learned is to take myself outside of the system. I came from a system where I was used to having so many team players, all I had to do was create the music. Cycle it down, you got a whole network and team. As an independent artist, you decide to take that step and you have to make things happen. It’s going to be difficult, but going through tough steps helped me realize I could do it. Being signed under a major label, I was young man. I didn’t know a lot about the business, about the industry. I just knew that I wanted to take care of my family, take care of my moms and put myself in a better state living-wise. That’s the only focus until you get older. You’re becoming a man, you start to really think about things from a more complex place.
AllHipHop: How’s it feel to have Mr. Hood be your 20th project? That’s amazing.
Ace Hood: Blessed, honored, grateful, abundant. Al those amazing things: to be in the industry, to be current, to be around. I jumped in young, I’m still young. It’s a blessing. I’m so grateful, I can’t thank my fans and supporters enough for helping me throughout this time. For listening, that’s amazing honestly.
AllHipHop: How was working on Jacquees on “12 O’clock”?
Ace Hood: Jacquees my dawg man, shout out to him. I seen Jacquees throughout the time I’ve been in the music industry. First 5 or 6 years when I was in, past that period point I’d see him in the industry trying to build his base and do his thing. I thought it was dope. I knew once it came time, we’d do some work together. I ended up recording the record, having fun with it. Sent it to him, he loved the record. Recorded it in 2 days. Called me back on FaceTime and said “bro, this the one.” We laughed and smiled about it, we had fun.
AllHipHop: How’s married life treating you?
Ace Hood: Big lit! That s##t’s lit man. When I meet people in general, I don’t try to change people. It’s all about finding their place and where we stand without trying to change my wife. In return, I get the very best of her. We have our disagreements, we speak openly and honestly about things. Sometimes it’s a little tough, but that’s my dawg regardless. At the end of the day, I am who I am. Same person who still has the hood in them. She knows different versions of me, she respects all of them. Me respecting all of her beings, knowing that it’s going to continue to change and become and change. As long as you get used to and learn to do that, allow your partner to rock, marriage is beautiful.
AllHipHop: Being from Broward, you have Kodak, XXXTentacion, Ski Mask, Smokepurpp. How does it feel to have so many artists come out of your city?
Ace Hood: Yep, I feel proud. This is amazing, something I always knew would be. It’s life, things change and grow. I’m happy with the fact all these young guys get the opportunity to feed their family, to take care of those around them. It’s so crazy because people from your city always want you to beef and have issues with other people. I might have had slight run-ins, some things outside I’ve had to pull up on, but I’m always pulling the love card with artists and people in our city. I want to push that agenda, especially being the first artist to emerge out of the city.
Honestly there’s a lot of hate, especially from people who didn’t know me. Didn’t understand, didn’t know my story, wanted to outcast me. Regardless, I rather be the sacrificial lamb so other people could come in and have opportunities that weren’t necessarily on the table when I was an artist at that time. Bless all them artists man. Free Kodak, I hope he gets his life right and comes out even stronger. Jackboy’s doing his thing. I want my city to thrive, I want everybody to thrive.
AllHipHop: What are your thoughts on people saying how underrated you are?
Ace Hood: In due time. The truth is I know how great I am. I can’t place that in anybody else. I can’t wait till somebody else feels like I’m worthy, I already am. I’m not underrated man. In terms of making people’s eyes or to the larger majority, I know who I am. I create from a true place and if people accept it, great. If people don’t, great.
Additional reporting by Seleah Simone (@seleahsimone)
(AllHipHop News) Things are looking great for R&B star Jacquees.
The singer recently celebrated a gold certification for his Cash Money debut 4275 while his singles “YOU” and “B.E.D.” have already achieved platinum status.
Jacquees is also up for his first-ever BET award, with a nomination for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
“It’s a process. It feels real good. I feel like a frontliner. I always felt like I was supposed to be a frontliner but it’s all about timing,” Jacquees told AllHipHop.com. “You got to put that work in so. I feel like you know they acknowledging my work, I feel like I done put that work in. So it feels real good to go from being on the sidelines to being in the game.”
Things are also going smooth in his love life, after a tumultuous 2019 with his girlfriend, rapper Dreezy. In September of 2019, the celebrity couple announced that they had split after a year of dating.
Their problems spilled over onto social media in October of that year, after the young couple threw shade at each other in a series of social media posts confirming the relationship problems.
Thankfully, Jacquees and Dreezy patched things up rather quickly, and the same month, the lovebirds dropped a video together titled “Love Someone.”
Since then, the couple has been laser-focused on supporting one another in their professional, and personal endeavors.
Dreezy has inked deals with Puma and Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty brand, while Jacquees has been busy promoting his sophomore album King Of R&B and preparing to drop a new single called “Put in Work” with Chris Brown.
Things are going so well between the couple, that Jacquees is hoping to start a family soon.
“As a 26-year-old man, I feel like if we keep walking in the direction that we going in it may end up that way (marriage), but I don’t think that we rushing it,” Jacquees told AllHipHop.com. “I’m ready for kids and stuff like that though.”
You can catch Jacquees tonight during the 2020 BET Awards, which is slated to air at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
