(AllHipHop News) Stevie Wonder has urged fans to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming U.S. elections while highlighting the failings of current President Donald Trump.
The music legend took to social media on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, the significance of Juneteenth – the June 19th celebration marking the end of slavery in America – and the importance of all U.S. citizens casting their votes.
Sharing his optimism that the ongoing social justice protests will make a positive difference, the star assured fans: “If life can have an ending, all things can have an ending. Systemic racism can have an ending. Police brutality can have an ending. Economic repression of black and brown people can have an ending. People can have an ending. A movement without action is a movement standing still.
“To those who say they care, move more than your mouth,” he continued. “Move your feet to the polls and use your hands to vote. The future is in your hands. We have the power to vote, and we can make a change.”
However, the Visions star suggested a vote for Trump was a vote against the movement, accusing the President of being “noncommittal,” adding: “Action speaks louder than words.”
“Black lives do matter,” he concluded. “And this is not another digital viral trend moment or hashtag. It is our lives, literally. Yes, all lives do matter. But they only matter when black lives matter, too. You know it’s a sad day when I can see better than your 2020 vision. The universe is watching us… I’m talking about you, I’m talking about me, I’m talking about every single body.”
(AllHipHop News) Kodak Black can’t seem to catch a break.
The Florida rap star was itching to get out of prison and get back to the rap life that has made him famous.
But last week, June 16, Kodak Black had his most request for release or time reduction from an Atlanta appeals court denied the rapper’s attempt.
According to the Florida rap star, he was sentenced too harshly for someone who was actually not a convict.
He and his team argued that he should not be considered a convict because in an earlier case (2015), he pleaded no contest to a robbery which technically was not a conviction.
Well, the court couldn’t see it. A panel of judges with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit gave a big “ain’t gonna be able to do it” to Kodak Black’s appeal of his 46-month sentence.
One judge noted in writing that his “argument falls on its face,” when documenting his opinions on the case.
Kodak is serving the lengthy sentence for making “false statements to acquire a firearm” in 2019.
(AllHipHop News) Pennsylvania Supreme Court judges have given incarcerated Bill Cosby a glimmer of hope by agreeing to hear his sexual assault conviction appeal.
The disgraced actor was sentenced to three-to-10 years behind bars in 2018 after he was found guilty of drugging and raping Temple University staff member Andrea Constand.
Cosby has repeatedly tried and failed to have the conviction overturned, arguing he did not receive a fair trial.
In January, Cosby’s attorneys filed a new motion with officials at the state’s highest court, calling on them to review a December decision handed down by Pennsylvania Superior Court judges to uphold his conviction on three counts of aggravated indecent assault.
“I sincerely thank the State Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for agreeing to review my appeal & overturn the racial corruption of the DA & Judge,” Bill Cosby said in a statement. “I thank Black Lives Matter for seeking justice for the injustice. To my bride, Camille, I love you forever & thank you, thank you & thank you.”
Now authorities at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court have chosen to hear the embattled comedian’s appeal, in which he maintains the trial judge should not have allowed five women to testify about their separate abuse allegations against Cosby, as part of prosecutors’ bid to prove he was a serial sexual predator.
Supreme Court officials will also examine a previous deal Cosby had with a former prosecutor at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, who agreed not to bring criminal charges – a promise the 82-year-old funnyman claims he relied upon when giving testimony in Constand’s civil suit.
His deposition, which included a confession about obtaining quaaludes to give to women he wanted to have sex with, was eventually used against him to secure his conviction at trial.
After the appeal news emerged on Tuesday, Cosby’s representative revealed the actor was “extremely thankful” to the court judges for granting him an opportunity to fight the case, reports Variety.
“As we have all stated, the false conviction of Bill Cosby is so much bigger than him – it’s about the destruction of ALL Black people and people of color in America,” the spokesperson added.
Pat Muresan has plans to get over the rap game. At 24 years old, the skateboarder turned recording artist arrives with a melting pot of different cultures, being born in Germany and raised in Atlanta. Son to Romanian parents, they made the move to the States to provide a better life for their children.
A teenage Pat Muresan would sneak out of his parents’ home to visit local record stores and fall in love with classic rap albums. 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Andre 3000 are just a few of the artists he aspired to become.
After graduating high school and going on to win national competitions as a skateboarder, Pat broke his ankle and needed an outlet. 15 years of skateboarding later, 17-year-old Muresan would find his new love and passion in the studio.
Pat describes himself as a “ex-amateur skateboarder, current artist, fashion-driven, party lifestyle…” he adds with a laugh.
AllHipHop caught up with Pat who was locked in the studio in Atlanta to discuss how he got his start in music, why his project is called Prima Donna, his love for Future, favorite songs, and more!
AllHipHop: How are you feeling?
Pat Muresan: Not s##t, at the studio. I’m always vibing. I switch them out on my phone so whatever the vibe is. I have the Hue lights so I set it up to whatever I want. I’m at Doppler Studios in Atlanta.
AllHipHop: How’s Atlanta holding up right now?
Pat Muresan: It’s going crazy right now. There are protesters and s##t going crazy. Our city’s f##king busted right now, there are cops everywhere. People are busting into stores, stealing s##t. It’s crazy.
AllHipHop: Talk about being born in Germany, how does that play into your life and career?
Pat Muresan: I was born in Germany, I lived there till I was 2. My mom and dad are Romanian, so we moved to Romania till I was 7. Then I moved to Atlanta in 2002.
AllHipHop: Talk about all the different cultures.
Pat Muresan: The culture in Atlanta is crazy, it’s very strongly driven out of Atlanta. I’ve bounced around trying to find myself from everything, but I turned to music. With skateboarding, music was always my passion. Not being an artist but you can’t live without music, so that was always my s##t. I grew up in Atlanta, Atlanta is music. Or at least I feel like it is.
AllHipHop: Who did you grow up listening to?
Pat Muresan: I grew up on 50, Outkast, Lil Wayne. Moving here, it was Pac. He passed away, Biggie passed away before I even moved to the States. It was radio. We’re foreign so my dad would take me to the record store. I’d buy whatever was poppin’ really, whatever was cool. I don’t have a favorite or someone in particular, I grew up on hip-hop. That’s the only thing I really listened to. When it comes to bands or jazz, I don’t know s##t about that. I really grew up on Hip Hop.
AllHipHop: What did you like about 50 Cent?
Pat Muresan: Honestly when I moved, I didn’t even know 90% of the things he was saying because I spoke no English at all. That was my s##t. “Many Men,” “In da Club,” you couldn’t tell me s##t when I was listening to that. Even now when I listen to Spanish music, I love Bad Bunny. I love J Balvin. I don’t know what they’re saying, but it’s the feel and the vibe of it.
AllHipHop: What language were you speaking?
Pat Muresan: I speak Romanian, fluently. Probably better than I do English, and I speak pretty good English. I can say anything.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize the music thing was for real?
Pat Muresan: I did a cover to Mac Miller called “Loud.” I was going to college, one of my buddy’s dads asked “yo, what’re you going to college for?” I said I’m going for business.” He said “you don’t need to go to college, you can just work for me.” It’s a big corporate business, he’s the director. I’m like “I want to do something. If I can find something I can put half of what I put into skateboarding, I can actually take it to the next level.” I did a cover song to Mac Miller, I was never in the studio before. I did it on Photo Booth on my Mac, that was my s##t. I uploaded it on Youtube, then I took it down because I thought “oh my gosh I suck.” [laughs] That’s what started it.
AllHipHop: You released your project Prima Donna, congrats!
Pat Muresan: Thank you so much, it’s actually doing really good. We’re about to hit a million in 3 weeks so it’s doing really good. “Reckless” is going crazy on TikTok too, “Baggage” is going crazy. I’m over 50 million on TikTok in 2 weeks on “Reckless” so it’s going good.
AllHipHop: Is this your first project?
Pat Muresan: Mmhmm, my first project. I released songs before, I had a single with “Chris Brown.” But I was in a bad place, bad contract before. I signed, and you know how it goes. So it took me a while.
AllHipHop: What’s the significance in the title Prima Donna?
Pat Muresan: I got to the fourth or fifth song, “Bad News” was the second song I did. My whole project I did in order. I didn’t even mean to do it but my manager Key Thomas came in here. I was 5 songs in, they’re like “yo, we’re going to do a project now. What’s the project going to be called?” I’ve never done a project before, I don’t even know how to go about that. I went back and listened to all these songs, I realized all these songs I’m writing are about a particular girl.
I’m going back on what you want, bad news, designer, I’m talking about this girl but she’s that girl. That girl’s a primadonna. Me and my producer Chris Clark sat down one night. We’re 5 songs in, we had to figure out what the album’s going to be called. Kept going back and listening to the songs, it all linked into Prima Donna.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from the “Designer” visual?
Pat Muresan: The visual for “Designer” is going to be crazy. We’re trying to figure out what we’re going to shoot to. My distribution company’s calling me like “what do you want shoot to? What do you want to film to?” I’m trying to figure out what, but it’s going to be crazy. It’s not a performing type music video, it’s commercial. It shows me and fashion, a clean commercial type music video which I‘ve been wanting this whole time.
AllHipHop: You’ve styled for Wiz Khalifa and Miley Cyrus. How did fashion lead into music?
Pat Muresan: It was my look, they’re like “yo, you should make music.” That’s how it turned to. Me always making clothes, my mom went to school for sewing so I have 4 sewing machines at the house. I’d sew clothes and started styling people, styled a tour for an artist. It was always clothes first, but that’s something I’m natural to. I was never on a microphone, I never recorded. I was the fresh white boy. Everyone’s like “you should make music, you should make music.” f##k it, let’s make music.
AllHipHop: Do you miss skating?
Pat Muresan: Yeah, I still go skating all the time. Not like I used to. Obviously, I’m probably not as good anymore because I work out. I started working out ever since, I feel like I’m off balance sometimes. But I still skate. If you go through my Instagram, I’m still skating.
AllHipHop: What songs mean the most to you and why?
Pat Muresan: Someone else asked me that the other day. I get 60 to 100 DMs a day like “yo, what’s your favorite song?” I don’t know, I like all of them in order. I put everything into every single one. The other day, I actually tried to listen to my whole project again. I was listening now before we got on, trying to figure out my top 3 favorite songs. I’ll find them, but then I’ll get to the next time and be like “nah f##k that, this is my favorite.”
I really, really love “Picture Perfect.” “Picture Perfect” is slept-on the most because it’s the last song on the project. My least favorite at the beginning was “Prima Donna,” the intro. That was my least favorite song. I wanted to take that off so bad like “yo I want to take that off.” That’s everyone’s favorite, which is crazy.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Pat Muresan: Girls [laughs], a candle, and some tequila. Of course, my engineer and A&R.
AllHipHop: Are you sipping on tequila right now?
Pat Muresan: Yep, I’m on some Don Julio right now.
AllHipHop: Who’s in your Top 5?
Pat Muresan: I listen to Atlanta rap. I’ll go to Spotify, go to top Hip Hop and rap and listen to everyone. I love Lil Tecca. I love Thug, Gunna‘s new album. I listen to Atlanta music. I live in Atlanta so it’s hard to pick a favorite artist. My all-time favorite artist is Future though.
AllHipHop: What’s your favorite Future song?
Pat Muresan: Probably “Magic” or “Turn On The Lights.” I grew up on Future. His new album came out, I don’t even care I’m listening. I met him a couple times. I hung out with Bieber, I’ve hung out with everyone. I’m in Usher’s studio right now, Usher’s one of my dawgs. I meet a bunch of celebrities and it’s whatever but when I met Future, holy s##t. I’m like whoa. He’s amazing, he’s great.
AllHipHop: What are some goals for yourself at this point of your career?
Pat Muresan: I hope my project does good. I’m obviously trying to go on tour, I want to build an actual fanbase. I want my numbers to go up. I’m ready to drop some new s##t. I’m 30 songs into my next project so we’re going to narrow those down, get some features. Trying to get this Chris Brown feature right now so hopefully that comes through. Keep building and establishing myself as an artist, that’s really my goal.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
Pat Muresan: Look out for the “Designer” music video coming out. More music, more videos. Trying to go on tour once this Coronavirus s##t goes away, see me out. I’m in Atlanta so I’m here.
Hip-Hop artist and producer Marchitect (pronounced like architect) recently dropped a new album titled Guns, Germs and Beats via Yaheard Records.
The Delaware Native, initially garnered critical acclaim and international success alongside childhood friend and fellow rapper Jas Mace.The duo, collectively known as the 49ers topped Itunes in Japan and boast an extensive catalog which includes the opening theme to the hit Anime series Danganronpa.
Marchitect’s latest effort Guns, Germs and Beats offers the lyrical creativity, and hard hitting production that has earned him respect in Hip Hop circles.
When asked about the title, Marchitect explains,
‘I recorded the album while the whole world was on lockdown. I draw inspiration from my life. I felt this was a title and concept, fans worldwide could relate to with so much unrest during a global pandemic.”
Produced by Cincinnati’s DJ Mech, and Marchitect himself Guns, Germs and Beats, is a much needed breath of fresh air for Hip-Hop music. A major label betting the farm on his polished sound and flow is not far fetched.
(AllHipHop News) Veteran rap DJ Tim Westwood has denied allegations spread on social media that he had “inappropriate relationships” with young black female fans.
The 62-year-old DJ, who has been a fixture on British radio since the 1980s, was accused of sexual misconduct and abuse during a relationship by an anonymous Twitter user with the handle @SurvivingTw – prompting the star’s name to trend on the social media site.
The individual alleged she had met Westwood in 2011 when she was 18 and “looked younger” and that she was involved with him until 2016 – claiming to have been sexually exploited and assaulted, but that she believed she was “in love” with the star.
Other users also accused the DJ of behaving inappropriately around black female students at university events he played DJ sets at and started a Change.org petition calling on authorities to “investigate” the star, which had gained more than 3,700 signatures by Tuesday.
Denying the claims, Westwood told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper: “I can categorically say that I have never had an inappropriate relationship with anyone under the age of 18.
“I am aware of attempts by anonymous sources to make fabricated allegations online. I can confirm that such allegations are false and without any foundation.”
A spokesman for Capital XTRA, the U.K. station, owned by media company Global, that broadcasts his show, also addressed complaints from Twitter users who commented on the accusations being blocked by the station’s official account.
The spokesman told the Mail: “It’s important to clarify a member of Tim’s team blocked a twitter account so the offensive allegations wouldn’t disturb the show, this was not approved, and was an error of judgment by this individual and nothing to do with anyone at Capital XTRA.”
(AllHipHop News) Spike Lee has called for America’s National Football League (NFL) chiefs to force the Washington Redskins to change its name.
The Washington D.C. team’s name has long been a source of controversy due to its offensiveness to Native Americans, and team owner Daniel Snyder has received renewed pushback amid the protests against racial injustice that have swept the U.S.
In an interview with SiriusXM’s The Joe Madison Show, Lee suggested that if NASCAR bosses could ban Confederate symbols, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should force a name change in the name of removing racist symbols from the sport.
“He (Goodell) should approach (Snyder) and say if the Confederate stars and bars, good ole boys, they could do that. You gotta do something,” the “Da 5 Bloods” filmmaker says.
Comparing the name to other potentially offensive team names, he adds: “Can you imagine an NFL team called – now, people don’t get mad at me, I’m just making a point – the Chicago Ch##ks, The Washington Wasps, The Nevada N##gers?”
Lee has previously criticized Goodell and his league over the treatment of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and others who have protested against police brutality by “taking the knee” during the U.S. national anthem.
Kaepernick has not been picked up by any team since he left the San Francisco 49ers, the team he once led to a Super Bowl game, following the 2016 season, when he began his protests.
With his “take a knee” gesture now a symbol of protest across the world, Goodell has since apologized for failing to back the star and encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick.
Actor and comic D.L. Hughley also recently condemned the Redskins for their name, stating black players should refuse to play for them as their controversial moniker is, “just as disgusting, and just as denigrating as the N-word in my estimation.”
(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg is working on a new song with country legend Willie Nelson.
The longtime friends and pot pals plan to release the new duet later this summer.
Confirming the news in an interview with Beats 1 host Ebro Darden, rapper Snoop insists the new track is a rallying call to bring people together following the Black Lives Matter protests.
“The reason why we gonna make this record is because Black and white matters right now, the love that we have for each other (sic),” Snoop said. “It’s not about color; it’s about love – it’s about the appreciation of humanity. I love you as a person, Willie, I love your music… When you build that brotherhood, the color is out the window.”
The two previously teamed up for “Roll Me Up” and “Smoke Me When I Die,” which also featured Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson, and Superman.
(AllHipHop Rumors) It looks like Walmart has seen the value of Hip Hop. The companies website has adopted a number of rappers that have expensive bling bling (whenever I can say “bling bling,” I do. Word to BG!) in their real life. The only thing is, Walmart is offering the same items for under $50 a piece. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, you can get find jewelry that looks like the chains of 21 Savage, Meek Mill, Gucci Mane, and Lil Baby as well. I am so out of touch with the culture right now, I only know what Meek Mill’s jewelry situation is like, to be honest. However, I would say that this has caused an uproar in the Rap community, but that’s not such a bad thing, because it has gotten Walmart’s online destination quite a lot of attention.
What I think is going on, is similar to what goes on on Amazon.com. There are third-party companies and then there are people that send stuff to the website and sell on the platform. I am assuming but do not know for sure, that Walmarts website takes a piece of each transaction. This also makes their website a hot SPOT to get cheap, cheap bling to put on your neck until it turns your flesh green. Who would not want that?
The good thing is that most of these rappers are not taking it too seriously and are simply laughing at the products on the website in their name. However, I think they should look into either getting some dollars off of these products or figuring out a way to sell it themselves. Money is money.
((Update: Kodak Black and potentially others are looking to sue Walmart over the infraction.))
(AllHipHop News) Kodak Black is the latest challenging Walmart for selling fake jewelry featuring his logo.
One of Walmart’s vendors has been selling knock-off fake gold chains modeled after his notoriously expensive trunk, Sniper Gang bling.
TMZ reports that in a statement from his attorney, Kodak Black ain’t studying no one trying to cop his style … for free!
“We have been aware of the situation and have prepared a cease and desist letter to Walmart and the seller on the Walmart website.”
The attorneys add, “If Walmart refuses to recognize that the seller is not a licensed authorized dealer of Sniper Gang products, we will be proceeding with a lawsuit against both Walmart and the unauthorized seller.”
Lil Baby also called out Walmart for selling phony 4PF chains, with the support of 21 Savage, who blasted the retailer for selling fake “Savage Gang” necklaces.
(AllHipHop News) On Monday, Lil Baby took aim at retail store Walmart. The Atlanta rapper had a problem with fraudulent 4PF pendants being sold on the corporation’s website.
Fellow Atlanta native 21 Savage took to Instagram to back Lil Baby. 21 also uploaded an image of a fake “Savage Gang” necklace set that seemed to be on sale at Walmart.com too.
The I Am > I Was album creator even joked about potentially gaining ownership of a Walmart in the future through a lawsuit. 21’s IG Story post was captioned, “@lilbaby_1 We finna own 1 .”
While 21 Savage offered a lighthearted response to the bogus chains, Baby’s initial reaction was more straightforward. The Quality Control Music rhymer tweeted, “Walmart got me [f*cked] up.”
(AllHipHop Rumors) I don’t think Russell Simmons understands. There is absolutely nothing sweet about things right now. 1) Do not do like OJ Simpson and keep popping up. Go somewhere, sit and enjoy Bali. 2) Women and men are raging right now, primarily because of the allegations against him in the movie “On The Record.” 3) In the last few days, both Tidal and Revolt put the Def Jam founder on their platforms and subsequently got dragged too. We might as well throw “The Breakfast Club” in there while we are at it.
It is possible that those people did not see the documentary “On The Record,” because I now have seen it. And I have to admit, it is damning. While I admit, I am not big on how that whole thing rolled out, even with the exodus of Oprah Winfrey, this movie is compelling. I hear a lot on the low, but I cannot reveal what I know or have heard. That would be a cancellation. I will say just this, there is one person in the documentary that may be less than credible. This is reportedly the reason why Oprah pulled out. I also know significant things about said individual.
BUT….once you see “On The Record,” you realize this is much bigger than one person. The stories basically rip out your heart!!! It is very hard to believe that Russell Simmons did this just because he is somebody we came up looking up to! Def Jam Records! Phat Farm! And other stuff! The way he is described in the movie can only conclude that the man we now see as a vegan Buddist man of peace and love, had another life.
The doc came out in the midst of the uprising and revolution…basically, after George Floyd was murdered. Nobody saw the doc when it first came out. But as things settled down, I think Russ thought it was safe to come out. And clearly, Tidal and Revolt were ok with it. I also am not sure living in Bali helps him understand the mood over here. Women want his head and some men too. It is a slower burn with the guys, but it’s coming down. I would say more but it would “burn” my sources.
Drink Champs was met with swift backlash online. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s Tidal streaming service and Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Revolt network were also criticized for providing a platform for the former Def Jam executive who has multiple accusations of sexual assault leveled against him.
Journalist Sil Lai Abrams, one of Simmons’ accusers, posted on Twitter:
What in the entire hell are Jay Z and @TIDAL doing by giving Russell Simmons a platform to discuss #BlackLivesMatter? Why do people continue to give him a pass? @marclamonthill did you ask him about the multiple rape allegations against him??? There is *absolutely* an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy. The Breakfast Club airs on Puffy’s Revolt network. Tidal is owned by Jay Z. Both platforms have had Russell Simmons on talking about social justice issues despite the allegations of sexual violence and harassment he has engaged in for decades. All 3 men are Black music moguls. Jay Z and Puff won’t stand up for Russell via public statements but they are still rape apologists. By quietly giving him an unchallenged voice on their media platforms they make a huge statement: Black survivors of sexual violence are an irrelevant casualty of hip hop. This redemption campaign of Russell Simmons enabled by other media moguls like Jay Z, 50 Cent, and Puffy must be called out. Anyone who aids Russell in his quest to avoid being held accountable for his actions against Black women is complicit & should ALSO be held accountable. What we have witnessed w/ @breakfastclubam & @Tidal is why there hasn’t been a peep about the rampant gender violence in hip hop. The most powerful Black men in the industry are rallying to the defense of Russell Simmons. They are actively taking a stance AGAINST Black women
There is *absolutely* an underground movement by powerful Black men in music to help Russell avoid accountability and whitewash his legacy.
— Sil Lai Abrams AKA Alecto ALT: A Woman Finding ☮️ (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020
Jay Z and Puff won’t stand up for Russell via public statements but they are still rape apologists. By quietly giving him an unchallenged voice on their media platforms they make a huge statement: Black survivors of sexual violence are an irrelevant casualty of hip hop.
— Sil Lai Abrams AKA Alecto ALT: A Woman Finding ☮️ (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020
What we have witnessed w/@breakfastclubam & @Tidal is why there hasn’t been a peep about the rampant gender violence in hip hop. The most powerful Black men in the industry are rallying to the defense of Russell Simmons. They are actively taking a stance AGAINST Black women
— Sil Lai Abrams AKA Alecto ALT: A Woman Finding ☮️ (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020
It appears @tidal has taken down the promo tweet with Russell Simmons. If anyone can rip it from Twitter that would be great. Screenshot is here for posterity’s sake to show that Black media moguls don’t give a damn about Black women pic.twitter.com/AT1NHaVZXn
— Sil Lai Abrams AKA Alecto ALT: A Woman Finding ☮️ (@Sil_Lai) June 23, 2020
Tidal did delete a tweet promoting Simmons’ appearance on Drink Champs. According to reports, the streamer also pulled the audio of the segment featuring Simmons from its library and the video version on Revolt TV does not contain his commentary either.
As of press time, neither Tidal nor Revolt have issued official statements addressing the concerns about the Simmons interview with Drink Champs. AllHipHop.com contacted respective representatives of both companies for comment but has yet to receive a response.
N.O.R.E did have other guests on the #BlackLivesMatter-themed show to talk about police violence, police reform, and systemic racism. One half of the Capone-N-Noreaga rap group spoke with author/professor Marc Lamont Hill as well as emcees/activists Mysonne, Bun B, and Talib Kweli.
Marc Lamont Hill issued the following statement on Twitter:
A few weeks ago, I appeared on Drink Champs. I was asked to join a discussion with Bun B, Talib Kweli, and Mysonne. About 2.5 hours into the show, Russell Simmons appeared. I had NO IDEA he was scheduled. I would NEVER have appeared if I had known. During Russell’s 20ish minutes on the show, I was texting the producers telling them that I was not comfortable with his [presence] and asking to wrap. After the show, I expressed my frustration with what happened. I also asked them not to air Russell’s portions. When the show was aired, Russell was not on it. I assumed that my request was honored. Today, I see a Part 2 was posted with his commentary included. I am beyond disappointed that this is the case. I stand with, and fully believe, the women who have come forward about Russell’s sexual violence. I am sorry that I shared space with someone who has caused such harm without accountability. Although I had NO IDEA he’d be on, I am nonetheless deeply sorry that I was a part of it.
In response, N.O.R.E. tweeted:
@marclamonthill yesssir u are correct we thought Russ wouldn’t come on! So when he did at the end it wasn’t brought up prior and I thought it was edited!!! @marclamonthill I wanna make [it] clear I didn’t tell u bout the last guest period cause we didn’t expect to have him!!! U didn’t know bout it and once u did u made it clear u was uncomfortable!!! @marclamonthill so I apologize for me not being fully aware of what was going on!!! I just wanted to put black men together who are powerful for a powerful convo!!! Moving forward I will be more aware of guests and who and how they are presented!!!
Talib Kweli quote-tweeted Marc Lamont Hill and N.O.R.E. on Wednesday morning. The People’s Party podcaster wrote:
I also did not know Russell Simmons would be a part of this. I was surprised when he joined. Thank you [N.O.R.E] for stating this. The intentions were pure but when it comes to oppression intentions don’t matter, only results do. As I stated during the now pulled episode, I’d like to see a lot more women on Drink Champs. @Noreaga
Several of Simmons’ accusers, including Sil Lai Abrams, appeared in Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick’s #MeToo documentary On the Record. The 98-minute film is now streaming on HBO Max.
On the Record was engulfed in controversy after Oprah Winfrey ended her association with the doc because of what the media mogul viewed as “inconsistencies” in the account of Drew Dixon, a former A&R executive that alleged she was victimized by Simmons. Despite those concerns, Winfrey said she “still believed” Dixon.
Russell Simmons has repeatedly denied all accusations of rape, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. The 62-year-old entertainment businessman claims any sexual contact he may have had with women was always consensual.
During Russell’s 20ish minutes on the show, I was texting the producers telling them that I was not comfortable with his press and asking to wrap. After the show, I expressed my frustration with what happened. I also asked them not to air Russell’s portions.
I stand with, and fully believe, the women who have come forward about Russell’s sexual violence. I am sorry that I shared space with someone who has caused such harm without accountability. Although I had NO IDEA he’d be on, I am nonetheless deeply sorry that I was a part of it.
@marclamonthill yesssir u are correct we thought Russ wouldn’t come on !so when he did at the end it wasn’t brought up prior and I thought it was edited!!!
@marclamonthill I wanna make clear I didn’t tell u bout the last guest period cause we didn’t expect to have him!!! U didnt know bout it and once u did u made it clear u was uncomfortable !!!
@marclamonthill so I apologize for me not being fully aware of what was going on!!! I just wanted to put black men together who are powerful for a powerful convo !!! Moving forward I will be more aware of guests and who and how they are presented !!!
(AllHipHop News) The Mouse vs Slim Shady beef almost got reheated. Even though Joe Budden and Eminem have been engaged in a war of words over the last few years, it looks as if, at least one of those Hip Hop veterans is ready to move past their differences.
A leaked version of Conway The Machine’s “Bang” song hit the internet this week. The track includes Eminem taking shots at Budden as well as the State of the Culture host’s network home.
“Shout to Puffy Combs, but f*ck Revolt,” spit Em on the previously unreleased verse. “Y’all are like a f*cked up remote. Now I get it why our button’s broke. Cause you pressing him but do nothing though, especially when it comes to punches throne.”
The Shady Records co-founder went on to rap, “Tell this journalist stick to the stuff he knows, like always running, from Migos.” That bar was a reference to Budden’s run-in with the Migos at the 2017 BET Awards.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Revolt media company hit back hard at the Detroit-raised emcee. The network’s Twitter and Instagram accounts posted, “F*ck you too Eminem.” However, Joe Budden used the latest episode of his podcast to calm the tension.
Budden stated:
I was 100% prepared to come in here and scream on [Shady Records co-founder Paul Rosenberg] because I thought Paul leaked this. I was ready to come in here and tell you guys to tell Paul and Em to read the room and how now is not the time for all of that, but this is an old verse, you don’t get offended from old verses, one. And two, I don’t think anybody’s on that right now. I don’t think Em is on that. I don’t think my Slaughterhouse brothers are on that. I don’t think anybody on that side is on that right this second. I don’t, to be honest with you. I feel safe speaking for everyone when I say that. I won’t tell you why I feel safe but I do. That’s not really where the focus is right now. That’s not where our concern is and that’s not where it should be. It’s way too much important sh*t going on. I sound like super-mature and political right now, but facts is facts… I’m not rapping, so that’s not fun. Nothing about this is fun. It’s more power in the unity. And I’m going to assume that we were taking some baby steps to try to reach unity with some of the behind-the-scenes conversations that have taken place. So no, this is not 35-year-old Joe who is going to come and just f*ck everything up because I’m mad about some old sh*t. I’m not going to do that. We’re going to be mature. I’m 40. Great verse.
(AllHipHop News) Will Smith is set to star as Richard Williams in a forthcoming film. Richard Williams is the father and former coach of professional tennis superstars Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, Warner Bros Pictures, Richard Williams, his business partner Chavoita Lesane, and others are named as defendants in a breach of contract lawsuit. TW3 Entertainment and Power Move Multi Media’s legal dispute over the King Richard biopic is centered around the rights to Richard Williams’ life.
The plaintiffs claim in the suit they bought the rights to Williams’ book for a mere $10,000 three years ago from Lesane – who was involved in an initial draft of a script for the project too. The complaint details that the elder Williams allegedly gave limited power of attorney to Lesane, for “purposes of dealing with film and media rights for his book.” It was in that vein that TW3 and PMMM supposedly picked up the rights to the memoir of the father of two of the greatest athletes of all time for what could be considered nickels on the dollar.
At the moment, King Richard is scheduled to be released in 2021. Reinaldo Marcus Green is directing the motion picture with Zach Baylin credited as the screenwriter. Besides Smith playing Richard Williams, the cast also includes Saniyya Sidney (Hidden Figures) as Venus Williams and Demi Singleton (Godfather of Harlem)as Serena Williams.
(AllHipHop News) Last Friday, Teyana Taylor dropped her new studio LP titled The Album. The Def Jam release featured contributions from Iman Shumpert, Rick Ross, Quavo, Kehlani, Missy Elliott, Future, Big Sean, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Taylor also connected with the Queen of Neo-Soul Erykah Badu for the track “Lowkey.” During an interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music, the New York-bred songstress discussed securing a feature from Badu.
“I have to brag about this because I’m very excited about this. Erykah’s just not giving anybody features,” said Taylor. “I get the chills every time I hear her on this track because it took me three months to ask her. That’s how scared I was.”
She continued, “Even if she would’ve said no, I would have been happy to even know that she heard the record. I was prepared for her to say no because this is Erykah Badu. It meant a lot to me because it also showed me that my hard work wasn’t going unnoticed.”
The Album arrived on Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in America. Taylor’s latest body of work also hit the market as #BlackLivesMatter protests against police violence and systemic racism have broken out in cities around the world.
“Racism and things like that is taught. I see how much my daughter loves kids. Doesn’t matter what color they are. It’s about preparing her to know the difference between nice people and bad people, rather than black or white. You’re a brown girl. Love your curls, you don’t need blonde hair. You are power,” expressed Taylor.
(AllHipHop News) College students in Atlanta will have the chance to learn about a Hip Hop sub-genre that has become a global phenomenon. Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr.is teaming with recording artist Tip “T.I.” Harris.
“In higher education, it is important that we challenge, empower and equip our students with the proper resources to excel,” said French. “I believe the best way to do this is to understand their culture and create life-long experiences that will not only motivate our scholars but present them with opportunities to help them become globally competitive.”
Harris and Higher Education Leadership Foundation co-founder Dr. Melva K. Williams are presenting the “Business of Trap Music” at CAU. Williams wanted to expose T.I.’s life, career, entrepreneurial success, and experiences to the historically black colleges and universities.
“HBCUs have a vital role in our community and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” said Harris. “Our national HBCUs continue to underscore the fact that we have always had to do more with less. I am excited to be partnering with Clark Atlanta University in my hometown – Atlanta.”
The three-time Grammy winner added, “I applaud their innovative approach to ensuring their students are educated beyond the traditional textbook curriculum. I am honored to lend my voice and unique experiences to the betterment of today’s young people and to do my part to lift the legacy of historical black colleges and universities across the nation.”
(AllHipHop News) The world is waiting for 6lack to drop new music, but he has something else to make your summer hot.
So what you can’t go outside for the cookout! The R&B singer wants you to know that same vibe you get at the BBQ, you can have in your own kitchen with his new hot sauce brand, “600 Degrees.”
6Lack joins the growing group of performers taking their chances in the lucrative food industry. Whether we are talking Patti Labelle’s Patti Pie, Bobby Brown’s BBQ Sauces and condiments, Master P’s Rap Snacks and Ramen noodles, and Snoop’s vegan bacon all available in markets. So while multiple ways, 6Lack will be feeding your soul.
One way he is going to feed your soul, outside of the new hot sauce, is with his “ATL Freestyle” and the next single “Float” that comes out on Wednesday, June 24th.
These two musical offerings will wet your whistle until he drops his EP “6 PC HOT.”
6Lack is quite busy creating a food/ condiment empire and putting out music. And still he finds time to be socially responsible.
His venture 6LACKBOX is pushing collaborative economics and self-reliance. He has recently created a section where people can go and get a plethora of resources ranging from voter registration and elections, ways to support Black businesses and opportunities to work in social justice.
The renaissance man seems like 2020 is shaping up to be quite an amazing year.
(AllHipHip News) J. Prince is one of the most feared men in Hip-Hop. The Quadruple OG has settled mini a dispute, stopped people coming after his artist, and generally stopped people from crossing him for decades. Now it looks like he has stopped a couple of others from crossing him as well as his artists. First of all, let’s talk about Drake. Drake was the subject of much scoring over the weekend when Swiss beats went at him for allegedly leaking a song with the Canadian and Busta Rhymes. Some have speculated that Swiss beats his apology came back so fast because J. Prince intervened on Drake‘s behalf. Most people don’t remember that J. Prince and his son were the two that truly put the Canadian homey on the map propelling him to endless, boundless levels of money through the years. Most people think it was cash money records they did that, but it was not. It was Mr. J. Prince. No personally, I think that it could be any number of things that got Swiss beats to apologize, but it is just as plausible that J. Prince made a phone call that caused the whole me to backpedal with all that tough talk.
That voice is…ominous. He called NBA YoungBoy “dumber than a box of rocks.” This all started when NBA YoungBoy got robbed. The young Rapper had his house broken into and J. Prince did what seem to be an act of kindness. But that act of kindness was not received from the young rapper who was likely embarrassed because the gesture of kindness was made public. So, at the end of the day little homey probably wanted to keep that on the low because of the fact that he is supposed to be hard-core in the streets and he’s getting treated like a third rate lacking criminal. And like so many other young rappers J. Prince has stepped in to retrieve they are stolen items like a real OG. The only problem is little homey spoke out of turn and may have actually caused a really big problem for himself. I really do hope that he just simply squashes it with J. Prince on the low.
(AllHipHop News) Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is about to feel what it’s like to be on the wrong side of the Black community after several skits (one over twenty-years-old) have emerged with the popular comedian in blackface.
It seems that in 1999 and 2003 he had a comedy bit where he browned his skin and impersonated NBA Karl Malone.
He did this on Comedy Central’s “The Man Show” that he hosted with Adam Carolla. Saying that he has “evolved” and “matured” since the episodes aired, Kimmel appears to be remorseful.
With cancel culture so prevalent, often ruining in one tweet a whole career that was a lifetime in the making, he had to apologize with swiftness.
“I have long been reluctant to address this, as I knew doing so would be celebrated as a victory by those who equate apologies with weakness and cheer for leaders who use prejudice to divide us. That delay was a mistake. There is nothing more important to me than you respect, and I apologize to those who were genuinely hurt or offended by the makeup I wore or the words I spoke,” Jimmy said.
Jimmy also came under fire for using the “N word” while impersonating Snoop Dogg in another tasteless impersonation from 1996 on a Christmas album, which has drawn backlash.
Jimmy Kimmel decided to take the summer off but he’s planning to come back to the air this September.
“Looking back, many of these sketches are embarrassing, and it is frustrating that these thoughtless moments have become a weapon used by some to diminish my criticisms of social and other injustices,” Jimmy Kimmel said.
In 2020, you better watch yourself. Black folk not letting nothing slide.
