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Tweek Tune & A$AP Ferg Are Launching A Whole New Sound

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Features
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Nowadays, producers are the real MVPs. Insert Tweek Tune, who’s musical background goes back to 4-years-old.

His father started him off in a band with all his siblings, where real name Allan Lopez would play drums while his sisters sang and played piano. In 2006, he discovered the Litefeet dance which would propel his name into the cultural scene in the Bronx.

The 26-year-old describes himself as a “legendary Litefeet Harlem Shake pioneer,” but he knew ultimately he didn’t want to be a choreographer. Instead, he turned his focus to producing. Aptly named himself Tweek Tune, the New York native got his start producing for A$AP Ferg and now is working with Lil Tjay, even staying with him for the last 2 months. For Ferg, he did “Butt Naked,” “Verified,” and “Not The Boy,” and for Tjay, he did the intro track “Ice Cold” on his new EP State of Emergency.

AllHipHop caught up with Tweek Tune via FaceTime to discuss how he got his name, how he got tapped into A$AP Ferg, curated a whole new sound for Sewer Sounds, staying at Lil Tjay’s during quarantine, and more!

AllHipHop: How’s quarantine over there in the Bronx?

Tweek Tune: I’m in the house. It’s crazy. It got calm now, people are coming outside again. I’ve been working with Lil Tjay, been staying with him for the last 2 months.

AllHipHop: You say you’re a musician at heart, how did you get into dancing?

Tweek Tune: As time grew, I started finding new hobbies. I started dancing. I picked up this dance called Litefeet, it’s a cultural dance in the inner city. It’s worldwide now. It’s still young, but a lot of kids are doing it in Japan, Africa, London, UK. It’s picked up everywhere on the internet. I’ve been doing that before Instagram, around 2006. That helped me get a name and notoriety for myself. It ‘s a new thing so whoever’s good at it, you gain some type of fame or popularity.

Tweek Tune: That’s how I became Tweek Tune, but my first name was Tweek Baby. I got it from my friend who passed away, he’s also a dancer. I converted it to Tune because I started learning how to engineer and produce around 2009. I started drifting off dancing, but I kept the name. My popularity never left as far as dancing. People always wanted to see me come to events, they’d book me. I stopped doing it heavy because I didn’t see myself being a choreographer, so I picked up producing.

AllHipHop: Talk about how your name helped you get around people like A$AP Ferg and Joey Bada$$.

Tweek Tune: A lot of the inner-city rappers from New York are heavy on the culture, so they knew what it was. That was a plus. When I met Ferg, he already knew who I was because I had my name from dancing. He came from that background too, but he had a fashion background. He wasn’t really dancing, he was in the loop. There was a fashion loop and dancing loop in Harlem. It’s stuck together so if you were in fashion, you knew about dancing. He danced, but he didn’t go full-fledged with it. He kept going with his career in fashion and art.

I kept getting better at production. I met one of his friends Marty Baller, he comes from a dance background. There’s this team called Swag Kids with DJ Webstar, who helped Young B. get to where he was. They made “Chicken Noodle Soup,” which blew up based off the dance. Marty Baller was Ferg’s main man. Marty Baller brought them onto a platform in the industry, that’s who I got connected to. I was basically making Marty Baller’s music. Ferg heard the music and asked “who’s making your music?” I got invited to the studio, boom. Ferg kept inviting me, told me he wanted to sign me. Boom, this was 2018.

AllHipHop: Did you sign with A$AP Ferg?

Tweek Tune: Mmhmm, I’m signed to Ferg. He has a publishing company. He put me on the map. He’s still helping me out. I have a pub deal with Sony/ATV. Sony/ATV handles my pub, but they have to report to Ferg. My first record with Ferg was “Verified,” the first record I ever dropped and publicized. It did well for what it was. “Not The Boy” was the second record when he first signed me. I got “WAM” recently, about 10 months ago.

AllHipHop: What were those initial studio sessions with Ferg like?

Tweek Tune: I was nervous. He asked me to make a beat from scratch, which I’ve never done in front of an artist. I made the “Verified” from scratch. He wanted to drop it right there. He wanted to upload it but his manager said “nah, we have to get it mixed and mastered.” That session was life-changing, it felt like a new chapter of my life.

We went to LA and did “WAM” and “Butt Naked,” a track on the Floor Seats EP. I played the beat for “WAM,” Madeintyo was there and did a hook real quick. Ferg said “yo keep doing that voice.” It was a high-pitched voice that the fans were reacting to, like “is that a girl or boy?” Ferg curated that, then went in and freestyled the whole s##t. Same for “Butt Naked,” we did it in New York then sent it out to Rico Nasty. It took awhile for her to get the verse back because she was on tour. She got back to us in 3 weeks, it was lit from there.

AllHipHop: How did you land with Lil Tjay?

Tweek Tune: Ferg manager’s manages Tjay as well, so he looped me in with Tjay. Tjay and I go back to dancing, we have mutual friends. The people who gave me my name is Tjay’s OGs. In the dance world, they’re looked at as OGs and CEOs. Tjay has a story as well, I don’t know if it’s out there but people know about it.

AllHipHop: Tjay was dancing also?

Tweek Tune: In the midst of him going on the train and selling candy, there’s dancing stuff going on. He was young, trying to make a dollar for himself. We got acquainted through music. Before he got going, he came to Polo Grounds Studio which is the label Ferg’s signed to. He worked with this artist Jay Gwuapo who’s also signed. They had interest in each other and I was engineering all the artists who came into Polo Grounds. One day, Tjay came in there and I was appalled. This kid is talented! Who is he?

He remembered me from getting Lite and Harlem Shaking. We started talking about the past, then got back into the music. Me and him got a relationship from that point. A couple of months later, he asked me to come around so I could record him. During the quarantine, we linked up because there’s nothing else to do. I’ve always been nagging him to work but when somebody’s busy, they don’t have the time to put interest in something unless they’re going to fully do it. He found the time to do it, he’s like “you could stay here and we could work.” On May 1st, he dropped “Ice Cold” off State of Emergency.

AllHipHop: Bring us back to that session, I love that song!

Tweek Tune: We did that in the house. He works anonymously so you have to be on point. I was asleep, he woke me up like “let’s work.” It was 4am. He goes to sleep early so that’s why he woke up and was up. He’s always joking like “don’t play no wack s##t.” I played the “Ice Cold” beat, he’s like “this s##t’s hard.” He kept freestyling to it. We sent it out to the label. the label said “omg, this is a good record. We want to drop this, put a video to it.” I cooked up a few other records with him that’s going on the album.

AllHipHop: You’ve been quarantined with him for 3 months. What’s the vibe when you guys aren’t working?

Tweek Tune: He reminds me of a little brother, I’m probably big bro around him. We have a friendship like anybody else. We prank each other, he likes to play fight. He’s 19, I’m 26. I got passed that but I’m still in the middle because I get immature. Everybody has a moment. Some people know how to turn it off and turn it on. Sometimes, I take my time to be on his time. It’s all good and gravy, he’s a kid who’s no different from me so I understand. We come from the same town so we have the same talk. We know a lot of the same things.

AllHipHop: Talk about curating the sound behind Ferg’s label Sewer Sounds.

Tweek Tune: Sewer Sounds is a NYC experimental sound that can be anything. My mission statement is to help people be free to express themselves through my beats. It’s being free using cinematic sounds, using sampling and sounds from retro 80’s. It’s a bunch of original sounds, under the category of experimental. Right now, we’re working on a hip-hop experimental sound. We’re the Sewer kids. We have a style we dress as, grungy and dirty but at the same time it has art and light to it.

AllHipHop: Are you still dancing?

Tweek Tune: I’m more of an entertainer. I dance when Ferg brings me out. He brings me out whenever my song plays because “WAM” has a Litefeet aesthetic. I collabed with another producer Dylan Skyler, who’s a Litefeet producer. Any time we collab, we always have a dance jiggy vibe. Ferg was looking for that and that’s what we made. I dance whenever he performs but not for content.

AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?

Tweek Tune: Me and Ferg are coming out with a new sound.

Rihanna Calls Out Fan Who Refuses To Vote

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rihanna took one of her Instagram followers to task over their refusal to vote in elections.

In one of her two posts on Instagram during Blackout Tuesday, during which music stars across the world dropped social media promotion to oppose racism and police brutality, the star urged fans to vote in states holding primary elections.

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“VOTE,” she wrote next to a list of the nine U.S. states holding elections on Tuesday. “Ya ain’t got s##t else to do man! Get yo a## off the couch and go vote!!! I don’t wanna hear another excuse!! Stop believing that your vote and voice don’t matter! This the illest way to protest…vote for the change you want!!!”

However, one follower disagreed with the Diamonds hitmaker, replying: “Voting ain’t gon (sic) change s##t.”

The singer and fashion mogul was in no mood for diplomacy, however, and angrily told the fan: “Sick of hearing this! Ya know what ain’t gon change s##t? Not doing s##t!!!!”

Rihanna’s other followers backed her position on the importance of voting – with one eloquently trying to convince the disillusioned person to vote as well as joining the protests that have swept the U.S. after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week.

“To that one soul reading this, I know you’re tired. You’re fed up,” they reasoned. “You’re so close to breaking, but there’s strength within you, even when you feel weak. Keep fighting. But first… VOTE. Your votes are needed today. Let’s remain diligent and aware. Make your voices heard in the streets. Make your voices heard with your vote too.”

Steevy Franch Inks Deal With Trizzy’s Ruby Recordings

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Geffney Franche, professionally known as Steevy Franch, is a recording artist, singer, and songwriter based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He released his debut single “Ride it” in April 2016, followed by his debut EP titled I Just Wanna in June 2017.

Steevy is an authentic Haitian equipped with American charisma, producing the perfect spice blend for those craving a talented musician, creative music, sex appeal, hard work, and a guy who knows exactly what he stands for.

His charismatic sultry sound has been compared to the likes of Trey Songz with a touch of Lloyd, but he stands in his own lane producing originality that can only be identified as Steevy Franch.

Steevy Franch is making big business moves, inking a new partnership with Ruby Recordings. The record label announced the exciting news on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/RubyRecordings/status/1264973864624422920

Ruby Recordings CEO Travon “Trizzy” Howard stated, “It’s an honor to work with a superstar and trailblazer of Franch’s caliber. His music catalog is simply unparalleled. We’re thrilled to help propel his legacy forward and look forward to amplifying his resurgence on a global level.”

The Ruby Recordings deal encompasses distribution, management, as well as the opportunity to start his own record label. Steevy joins a loaded lineup over at Ruby Recordings that also has 9000, JT5K, Terry Lane, AB Tazz, and Crisis.

He released his new album Enter Sextion at the beginning of the year.

Jada Pinkett Smith Explains How She Kept From Dying Growing Up

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Jada Pinkett Smith can’t settle in new places until she knows where the exits are.

During a “Red Table Talk” chat with slain Nipsey Hussle’s partner on Facebook Watch on Wednesday, the actress revealed she grew up in Maryland making sure she always knew how to avoid violence because she was surrounded by a dark gun culture.

“You were putting your life on the line! You knew where the exit was,” she said. “Something can jump off.

“You just get used to figuring out how to keep yourself safe in these environments and I try to tell people all the time, most of us grow up in war zones.”

Meanwhile, London revealed she is still struggling to come to terms with Nipsey’s death over a year ago.

“Trauma feels so lonely,” she shared.

Hussle was shot and killed outside his Los Angeles clothing store in March 2019.

Travis McMichaels Called Ahmaud Arbery A “F##king N##ger” As He Was Dying

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) As if we did not, the McMichaels intentionally killed Ahmaud Arbery because he was Black and testimony in court supports that notion.

The murder of Ahmaud Arbery was motivated by sheer ugly American racism.

Proof positive was made more known by one of the witnesses who said that “after the shooting took place, before the police arrival on the street Arbery was on the ground, heard Travis McMichaels say ‘f##king n##ger.’”

One of the family’s attorneys, S. Lee Merrit, gave a blow by blow account from court.

“We are in a probable cause hearing for the defendants of the men that murdered #AhmaudArbery, Travis McMichael Gregory McMichael William Bryan.”

“Defendant Greg McMichael told police he DID NOT KNOW #AhmaudArbery and did not see him do anything other than run down the road but he “knew instinctively he was a criminal.”

“#AhmaudArbery’s parents are doing their best to maintain their composure as we get through all of the horrible details of their son’s murder.”

“Defendant Travis McMichael declared “F###### N#####” as he stood over the body of #AhmaudArbery according to testimony of defendant William Bryan and video recording.”

“Defendant Travis McMichael told police the first shot from the shotgun blast struck #AhmaudArbery in the chest refuting previous claims that he shot Ahmaud in the hand first as he grabbed for the gun. This demonstrates deadly intent from the onset.”

“Testimony inadvertently put on record by Defense counsel for Travis McMichael established that his client was a well known violent racist who regularly used racial epithets and made terroristic threats to black people.”

“Disgraced District Attorney George Barnhill indicated the defendants were pursuing a “burglary suspect” but there has been no evidence in the record that a burglary ever took place. Barnhill is now under criminal investigation by the FBI.”

Hotel Employee Shot Over 21 Savage

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) What in the world did 21 Savage do to make an Atlanta hotel guest pistol whip the female front-desk clerk in the lobby after she checked him in?

We will never know, but a witness doesn’t believe that the shooter and 21 Savage even know each other: “Believe or not … he just started tripping” according to one eye-witness.

The witness to the crazy ordeal gave his blow by blow account:

“I was inside the hotel at the time. I was at the front desk. A guy who was the guest, we checked him in yesterday, he came downstairs … and I kid you not … he just tripping! He just started saying ‘I’m looking for 21 Savage.’ I kid you not. He said, ‘Where is 21 Savage?’ He started tripping and he pulled a gun out on the girl at the front desk.”

“He pistol-whipped her a few times and he let off about four shots. I believe ugh … he struck my coworker.”

The interview asks, “What in the world is going through your mind?”

The eyewitness answered as follows:

“I was just trying … I wanted to help my coworker … I really feel bad but at the same time, he had a gun. So, I ran and I called 911. I just wanted to make sure you know that the police and the authorities got here. So, everyone should be safe yes.”

The interviewer asked him if he worked at the front desk, and the witness revealed that not only was he on shift at the hotel, but also he was in charge of everyone.

“I’m a supervisor at the Hilton.” He revealed.

Another voice asked if he helped the young lady to which he was taken aback (or embarrassed).

“Did I help the young lady? Yes, yes I did. I helped as much as I could. You know, it’s just a crazy situation.” Again the voice off-camera asked, if the witness, that we now know to be the hotel supervisor, knew the young lady.

“Yes, she is a good friend of mine.”

Damn, well with friends like that … who needs a discount at the hotel? 

WATCH: George Floyd Memorial Service Live

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Today, (June 4) a private memorial will be held in Minneapolis for deceased George Floyd. The service starts at 2 PM and will feature National Action Network Founder Rev. Al Sharpton as the eulogist.

The actual ceremony is located on the campus of North Central University’s sanctuary in the downtown area of the city. Floyd’s family members will be brought in from different parts of America to attend.

One of the noted speakers outside of the MSNBC talk show host will be civil rights attorney, Ben Crump. As a sign of respect, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is scheduled to attend.

Floyd died on Memorial Day while being arrested and in police custody.

Former officer, Derek Chauvin kneeled in the crook of Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, resulting in a disputed climate that caused the Black man’s death. He has been charged with second-degree murder and third-degree murder.

Yesterday, three other officers were arrested for their participation in the police-involved violence that contributed to Floyd’s death. They have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

All four of the officers involved have been arrested and are in jail.

George Floyd also was a 90s Hip-Hop artist out of Houston, TX who worked with DJ Screw, Lil Keke, and Trae Tha Truth.

Trina And Masika Seriously Beefing Over Riots

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rapper Trina has come under fire for urging her local city leaders in Florida to extend their curfew to keep “animals” off the streets.

Speaking to Trick Daddy on Miami’s 99 Jamz Radio, Trina was asked for her opinion on the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the U.S. and decided to aim the looters, who are using the demonstrations as a distraction to vandalize and steal from stores, and littering activists.

She called on Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez to start the city’s ongoing 9 pm curfew earlier, adding, “Keep everybody off the street, these animals off the streets, that are running around in Miami-Dade County acting like they have escaped from a zoo.

“Lock them up at 5 pm so the streets can be nice and clean, that’s how I feel.”

She went on to explain a friend’s business had been destroyed by looters and vandals and she also insisted that many of the “fake” activists taking to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd in Minnesota last week weren’t there for the right reasons.

“Half of y’all marching are not even caring about this man,” she raged, adding, “We can’t bring back nobody lives that has been taken away, whether it’s from the police or the hands of another civilian… You cannot pump life back into them at all. I can’t bring back my little brother’s life; his life was taken by the hands of a man, a black man.”

The rap star’s brother, Wilbrent Bain, Jr., was shot and killed in Northwest Miami-Dade in 2013.

Trina’s comments upset a lot of fans and followers, who took to social media to attack her.

One was actress and singer Masika Kalysha, who tweeted: “U OWE ME & EVERYONE ELSE AN APPOLOGY FOR THAT S##T U DEFECATED OUT THEM BLACK A## LIPS (sic). How u wrong but prideful?

“I used to look up to u! U inspired my 1st single! I am ashamed that I thought u were someone to aspire to be like (sic).”

The tweet prompted Trina to respond: “@masikakalysha I will address the people. But u dumb a## b##ch I don’t owe u s##t. U can eat a duck diet bag. Tf (the f##k) is wrong with u.”

The former Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star fired back: “This old a## crumb tryna race me barefoot ill-equipped outta shape & unfit. No match. Yo poor thumbs justa shakin tryin thinka some whitty to say. THE WHOLE WORLD IS DRAGGIN U… U NEED ATTENTION…! ADDRESS THE MILLIONS OF PPL U LET DOWN.”

Da Brat Explains Why She Waited So Long To Come Out

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Rap veteran Da Brat wondered why she had waited over two decades to “come out” after she was flooded with warm wishes following her first public acknowledgment of her sexuality.

The rap star, real name Shawntae Harris, had long faced speculation about her sexual preferences.

But she only officially revealed she was a lesbian back in March, when she shared a gushing social media post about her girlfriend, businesswoman Jesseca Dupart, after receiving a Bentley for a surprise early 46th birthday gift.

Da Brat has now opened up further about her decision to share something so personal with the world, admitting she only felt comfortable enough to go public after finding the right partner in the Kaleidoscope Hair Products founder.

“I’ve always felt like being private is the better way to go, because then you don’t have so many people in your business,” she explains in Variety’s Power of Pride series.

“I was fine staying quiet, but my partner is a social media mogul – that’s how she became who she is. And when you get with somebody, you have to meet in the middle. So to me, the middle was just letting everybody know: ‘Hey, she’s the one.'”

The musician didn’t even tell her manager about her Instagram “coming out” because it all happened so naturally: “It feels good to share with the world when you’re happy,” she says. “I was like, ‘Oh s##t, I just came out after 20-something years!'”

The 46-year-old was flooded with positive messages from fans and friends alike after the big reveal, and it made her question her decision to hide her sexuality for so long.

“The reaction made me feel like, ‘Why didn’t I do this s##t years ago?'” she adds. “There were some people saying, ‘We knew it.’ Well, good for you! Now I know it, and I’m able to say it. I did this on my own terms.”

Da Brat also insists it was always her choice to keep her private life ambiguous because it’s hard enough to find fame as a female rapper in such a male-dominated industry, but now she hopes to inspire others grappling with sexuality struggles by sharing her truth.

“To me, Pride is loving myself and not making excuses for anything: Live in your truth,” she adds.

“If I can inspire someone or help somebody to deal with their issues and their sexuality, then I’m here for it.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda Doc ‘We Are Freestyle Love Supreme’ Postponed In Solidarity With #BlackLiveMatter Protesters

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, the documentary about the rapping improv group associated with award-winning creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, was scheduled to hit Hulu this week. However, the release of the film has been delayed.

“Black Lives Matter. We will be postponing the release of the #WeAreFreestyleLoveSupreme documentary and look forward to sharing it with you in the future. Today, take action: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co,” read a tweet from the Freestyle Love Supreme Twitter account.

Before heading the critically-acclaimed musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, Miranda helped create Freestyle Love Supreme. Filmmaker Andrew Fried began documenting the collective in 2005. Fried used that footage to create the doc covering the group’s off-Broadway show and 2019 Broadway reunion. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda went on to win an Emmy Award, three Tony Awards, and three Grammy Awards. The New York City native is also a recipient of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Hamilton. 

That same year, The Hamilton Mixtape debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Various artists such as The Roots, Nas, Dave East, Common, Usher, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Miguel, Jill Scott, Ashanti, Ja Rule, John Legend, Wiz Khalifa, Chance The Rapper, and more contributed to the project.

Jim Jones Releases George Floyd Charity Song “The People”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Harlem rapper Jim Jones gathered his thoughts on the death of George Floyd and turned them into a new record. Jones’ “The People” was produced by fellow NYC representative Harry Fraud.

According to a press release, all proceeds from the song will be donated to the family of George Floyd. Jones says, “We need more than reparations.”

“The People” arrives as protests continue to take place around the world in response to fired white police officer Derek Chauvin killing Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. A witness recorded Chauvin refusing to lift his knee off Floyd’s neck even though the 46-year-old black man can clearly be heard saying he can’t breathe.

Chauvin has now been charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers that were at the scene were also arrested in connection to Floyd’s death. Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Aloe Blacc Hosts #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd Virtual Town Hall With Talib Kweli & More

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) The conversation surrounding police brutality and institutional racism continues to take place. Singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc added to the public discourse by presenting a virtual town hall on Instagram.

In partnership with Okayplayer, Blacc hosted the digital meeting with veteran actor Michael Ealy, Los Angeles Lakers players JaVale McGee, and Hip Hop artist/activist Talib Kweli. Each individual segment featured the men talking about the ongoing #BlackLivesMatter protests and more.

The #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd town hall was inspired by the murder of the 46-year-old African-American that was murdered in broad daylight by a now-fired Minneapolis police officer. Derek Chauvin is seen on video pressing his knee into George Floyd’s neck for over 8 minutes as the prone man passes out.

Four other cops were are also present while Chauvin purposely disregarded Floyd’s Constitutional rights and his life. Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Calls Out Donald Trump In A Video Supporting #BlackLivesMatter

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Before Donald Trump became President of the United States, the Republican politician was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Early this morning, arguably the most successful professional wrestler of all time took to social media to call out the POTUS.

For over 8 minutes, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivered a subliminal message to the Commander in Chief. The Rock did not mention Trump by name, but it was clear his words were directed at the White House.

“Where are you? Where is our leader?” asked Johnson. “Where is our leader at this time when our country is down on its knees, begging, pleading, hurt, angry, frustrated, in pain, begging and pleading with its arms out, just wanting to be heard?”

The movie superstar added, “Where is our compassionate leader who’s going to step up to our country who’s down on its knees, and extend a hand and say, ‘You stand up, stand up with me because I got you. I hear you, I’m listening to you. And you have my word that I’m going to do everything in my power, until my dying day, my last breath, to do everything I can to create the change that is needed, to normalize equality because Black Lives Matter.’ Where are you?”

The Rock also thanked the rest of the world for standing up with the American citizens that are fighting for equality. Over the last week, protests have taken place across the globe in response to the murder of African-American Minneapolis resident George Floyd on May 25 at the hands of white police officer Derek Chauvin.

While Trump was claiming to be on the side of peaceful protestors in a Rose Garden speech on Monday, his administration ordered the gassing and aggressive removal of peaceful protestors outside the White House at the exact same moment. Critics viewed the move as a violation of the First Amendment. Trump also threatened to send active U.S. military troops into American cities without the approval of state governors which has also been called un-Constitutional.

Trump’s handling of the protests has been met with overwhelming dissatisfaction from the American public. A new Reuters-Ipsos poll shows that, by a 55% to 33% margin, people surveyed disapprove of the president’s response. 64% said they were sympathetic to the protestors.

According to RealClearPolitics, 63% say the country is currently headed on the wrong track. Presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee Former Vice-President Joe Biden now leads Donald Trump in the national presidential race 50% to 42%. Both Biden and former President Barack Obama have recently spoken out about the civil unrest in the country and the need for action on improving the state of America.

Run The Jewels Release A Statement About New ‘RTJ4’ Album

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) There is always music that reflects the time. El-P and Killer Mike are back with new tunes as the world stands up against racism and police brutality in the name of George Floyd, the African-American man who was murdered by then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

The RTJ4 album arrived two days earlier than expected. The 11-track album features guest appearances by Greg Nice, DJ Premier, 2 Chainz, Pharrell Williams, Zack de la Rocha, Mavis Staples, and Josh Homme.

Killer Mike and El-P released the following statement:

F*ck it, why wait? The world is infested with bullsh*t so here’s something raw to listen to while you deal with it all. We hope it brings you some joy. Stay safe and hopeful out there and thank you for giving 2 friends the chance to be heard and do what they love.

With sincere love and gratitude, 

Jaime and Mike.

Run The Jewels’ RTJ4 is available for free download at runthejewels.com and across all digital platforms.

Beyoncé Releases Statement Calling For People To Remain Aligned & Focused

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) People around the world are protesting for justice for murdered American citizen George Floyd. The global movement that is taking to the streets is demanding governments implement police reform and the end of systemic racism won a small victory yesterday. 

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that charges against disgraced former police officer Derek Chauvin have been raised to second-degree murder. Chauvin killed Floyd by pressing his knee into the African-American man’s neck for nearly 9 minutes even after Floyd was clearly unconscious.

There were three other cops at the scene of Floyd’s death. Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane were each eventually charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Thousands of people still protested after Ellison revealed the new charges against the fired cops. Megastar musician Beyoncé issued a statement to her 147 million Instagram followers about continuing to put pressure on the powers that be. 

“The world came together for George Floyd. We know there is a long road ahead. Let’s remain aligned and focused in our call for real justice,” reads Bey’s IG post. She previously uploaded a video demanding more charges be brought against all the cops involved in the death of Floyd.

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OMB Bloodbath Remembers George Floyd AKA Big Floyd As Her Mentor

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) The world has come to know George Floyd as the victim of police-involved violence, that according to his team caused his death. However, those in Hip-Hop, specifically in the Houston, TX rap scene, knew him as the Big Floyd.

In the 90s, he and artists like Trae the Truth and Lil KeKe collaborated putting out music with the legendary founder of the “chopped and screwed movement,” DJ Screw.

But some knew him even more intimately. One young artist considered him her mentor and godfather. Houston rapper OMB Bloodbath took to Billboard pen a thoughtful essay about his life and legacy — and how it is more than just a man murdered by his former co-worker and authority-crazed police officer, Derek Chauvin.

She said:

“He was everyone’s uncle and godfather … If you came up in that area, you knew who he was. He was just a very warm-hearted, nurturing dude. Anybody who was young and coming up, doing something with their lives, he made it a purpose to give them encouragement.”

“They used to go out and gather up all the chairs and have church in the middle of the projects. There was a time when Floyd went out there with a kiddie pool and was helping baptize people.”

“You look at a dude that big and think he has to be some type of extra-hard gangsta, but he was the exact opposite. That’s why you hear a lot of people call him the gentle giant.”

“When my kids have kids, I want them to be able to.”

The rapper publicly shared an Instagram message she got from him just three weeks before his demise.

Spike Lee Continues Assault On Gangster Donald Trump

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Filmmaker Spike Lee has accused U.S. leader Donald Trump of trying to be “a dictator” in a powerful attack on the President.

The “Do the Right Thing” director has been a vocal opponent of Trump ever since he started running for office, and Lee insists he’s directly responsible for America’s current race and division issues.

Spike is far from impressed with Trump’s response to the unrest across the U.S., telling the BBC, “He’s a gangster, he’s trying to be a dictator.”

The President has threatened to send in troops to stop growing civil unrest across the U.S. if governors and mayors don’t crack down on looting and violence, and on Monday, Trump walked from the White House to a nearby church to hold up a Bible, after demonstrators were cleared from his path.

“I was watching this last night with my family and we were all screaming in disbelief that this thing was staged,” Lee adds. “This show of force – gassing, beating innocent, peaceful bystanders so you could clear the street so you could take a walk to the church. It was ridiculous.

“The Bible did not look comfortable in his hand, and he didn’t look comfortable holding the Bible either. I have never seen something like that before in my life, particularly with a world leader.”

Violence erupted on the streets of cities across America last week following the death of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

All four cops involved have been fired and one, Derek Chauvin, has been arrested and charged with murder – he was caught on camera kneeling on Floyd’s neck for close to nine minutes.

Over the weekend, Spike Lee released a short film combining footage of Floyd and Eric Garner, who was killed while being arrested in 2014, with a scene from his 1989 film “Do the Right Thing” in which the character, Radio Raheem, is murdered.

“People are angry because black people are being killed left and right, cops walked away free,” Lee says. “Black and brown people are angry at the disparity between the haves and have-nots – education, drinking dirty water, racism. People are angry for a reason. It’s not like you’re just born angry. You’re angry because you live every day in this world where the system is not set up for you to win…

“It’s a stupid analogy, but if you leave the pot on the stove, the water boils.”

Famous Rihanna Dress Goes On Sale To Support Black Lives Matter

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) An ASAI pink tie-dye dress Rihanna wore in an Instagram post last year is on sale for a limited time to raise funds for the Black Lives Matter movement and two charities.

The singer is among the list of celebrities vocally supporting the movement following the death of George Floyd last week, and now she has joined forces with the designer of the dress she wore in October to support the protesters.

A Sai Ta of ASAI says, “We will be producing this iconic dress exclusively for three charities.”

The item is available for $376 and can be purchased via direct message or by emailing in**@*******co.uk. The sale will close on June 5. Proceeds will benefit Black Lives Matter, Solace Women’s Aid, and The Voice of Domestic Workers.

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Jamie Foxx’s New Movie “Just Mercy” Streams Free To Support BLM

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx’s real-life legal drama Just Mercy has been made free to stream online in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Studio officials at Warner Bros. will allow U.S.-based viewers to digitally rent the 2019 film free of charge for the month of June in the hopes of highlighting the need to address racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minnesota police on May 25.

“Just Mercy” is a biopic about the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, played by Jordan, who is tasked with securing the freedom of Walter McMillian, a black man who was wrongly accused of murdering a white girl in the mid-1980s and sentenced to death in Alabama. Foxx portrayed McMillian.

In a statement, Warner Bros. bosses explained, “We believe in the power of story. Our film ‘Just Mercy,’ based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society.

“For the month of June, ‘Just Mercy’ will be available to rent for free across digital platforms in the U.S.”

They continued, “To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today.

“Thank you to the artists, storytellers, and advocates who helped make this film happen. Watch with your family, friends, and allies. For further information on Bryan Stevenson and his work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit EJI.org.”

Bill Cosby Supports Black Lives Matter In Post From Prison

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Disgraced comedian Bill Cosby has weighed in on the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death by remembering his murdered son from behind bars.

The imprisoned actor, who is serving three to 10 years for sexual assault in Pennsylvania, took to his social media channels on Tuesday to share his thoughts on Floyd’s passing in Minnesota on May 25, the latest in a long line of African-Americans who have lost their lives after instances of police brutality.

In a lengthy post, Cosby insisted he could relate to feelings of “pain” and “helplessness” as a parent who had lost their child to “racial hatred” – even though there was no mention of race as a motive when 18-year-old Ukrainian immigrant Mikhail Markhasev was convicted of shooting Ennis Cosby in his car as part of a failed robbery attempt in Los Angeles in 1997.

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“When I think about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black people murdered by Racial Hatred, I could not help but think about my son, Ennis, who was also brutally murdered,” Cosby began.

“Before Racial Hatred shot our beloved Ennis in the head and abruptly ended his life, this raging inferno of Racial Hatred stated, ‘Die N##GER’ before he pulled the trigger. I understand the pain; I understand the helplessness; and I, too, understand that NO parent has willingly filled out an application to become a member of the ‘My Child Was Murdered by Racial Hatred’ club.”

Cosby went on to attack members of “the ‘establishment'” for creating “this Prison of Racism In America” and called on police officers to put down their protective gear and weapons and join activists demanding justice for Floyd and other victims of excessive force.

“Come On People! Let’s not squander a golden opportunity — officers – remove your tactical gear, remove your guns, put on the Full Armor of GOD, and march with the people whom you have made your enemy,” he continued.

“I will continue to pray that GOD provide the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black people murdered by Racial Hatred with wisdom, understanding, and peace during these difficult times. Please be mindful and be safe.”

He concluded his Instagram post by adding the “#BlackLivesMatter” hashtag, as well as another promoting his own release – “#FreeBillCosby” – as he claimed he was “#FarFromFinished.”