(AllHipHop News) Black Panther’s opening weekend ticket-sales totals greatly exceeded pre-release expectations. Over the four-day stretch, the Disney/Marvel production brought in $242 million.

Moviegoers helped cement the motion picture in the history books. Black Panther now holds several box office records, including biggest February opening weekend, biggest non-sequel opening weekend, biggest Monday gross, and biggest opening weekend ever for an African-American director.

Filmmaker Ryan Coogler expressed his appreciation for the movie’s success via an open letter. Marvel posted the Oakland native’s note to social media.

It reads:

I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment, but I will try. Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up [of] amazing people from all over the world who believe in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come to see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of people of African descent. Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film- But to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters– often moved me and my wife to tears. For the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world– all before seeing the film… To the press who wrote about the film for folks who hadn’t yet seen it, and encouraged audiences to come out… And to the young ones, who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends…Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you. Sincerely, Ryan Coogler P.S. Wakanda Forever

Black Panther also scored the second biggest Sunday gross, second biggest four-day gross, and the fifth biggest opening weekend of all time. In an interview with Variety, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige stated that he would like to see Coogler return to direct another installment in the Wakanda-set superhero flick.

“We always say we work on one movie at a time. If you have any good ideas, put it in the movie you’re making. If you don’t, you might not be able to make another one,” said Feige. “That said, Panther has been around for more than half a century in the comic books and there are many, many stories to tell.”

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(AllHipHop News) Offset, Takeoff, and Quavo will join the long list of Hip Hop acts that have performed on Saturday Night Live. Migos are scheduled to hit the NBC late-night program’s stage on March 3.

The Atlanta-based trio will be part of the same show hosted by NBA legend Charles Barkley. Black Panther and This Is Us actor Sterling K. Brown will lead the following week’s episode.

Migos dropped their third studio album, Culture II, in January. The full length debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 199,000 units.

Season 43 of SNL has featured musical guests such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and SZA. The previous season included sets by The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Solange, A Tribe Called Quest, Chance The Rapper, Big Sean, and Alessia Cara.

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(AllHipHop News) Previously, Lina Iris Viktor expressed her issues with Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “All The Stars” music video off Black Panther: The Album. The artist is now suing the Top Dawg Entertainment performers over specific imagery in the visuals.

According to The New York Times, Viktor filed a lawsuit claiming “All The Stars” copied the “unique look and feel” of her “Constellations” painting series. She also alleges that representatives from the Black Panther movie contacted her twice about using her work in the film, but the British-Liberian denied giving them access to her creations.

Black Panther: The Album is already experiencing commercial success. The soundtrack opened at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the “All The Stars” single hit the Top 10 on the Hot 100 chart.

Viktor is suing for damages. She also wants an injunction to stop Kendrick and SZA from using her artwork to promote the album.

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(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli chose not to take his talents to Kansas City’s Riot Room following the venue’s decision to book TAAKE. The metal band is accused of supporting racism, Islamophobia, and white nationalism due, in part, to a photo surfacing of their frontman Hoest with a s####### painted on his chest.

Kweli released a statement about the matter:

My position is that the venue should not want to host that band whether the band cancelled or not, and should issue an apology for even booking the band. The response I received was that the venue did not want to choose sides between a band that sympathizes with racism and bigotry and me. I think it’s time to choose a side. I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldn’t feel safe bringing my team, family and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so I’ve cancelled the show. It’s a shame because I was really looking forward to performing in Kansas City.

TAAKE has denied being racist. Following the cancellation of a recent show in New York, Hoest posted a message on Facebook:

I have clearly explained many times throughout the years that me wearing a s####### once at a German concert was not at all meant to show support for the nazi ideology. It was all about doing something extreme for the sake of it, which certainly backfired. But it has now been 11 years and the band has even performed in Israel (!) Anyway, similar incidents have not happened in Taake’s 25 year long career and will obviously not happen again. But certain parties seem to find this cold case unforgivable nevertheless, insisting on wilful misunderstanding. So, once and for all, Taake is not a racist band. Never has been, never will be. Still claiming so is as ridiculous and unfounded as are the attempts at sabotaging our highly anticipated shows.

Kweli calling off his K.C. show is not surprising because he regularly voices his opinions about racism and social justice on Twitter. The “Get By” emcee is known to engage with other users with opposing views, and he posted several tweets responding to the controversy involving the Riot Room.

(AllHipHop News) A woman is accusing R&B star Trey Songz of hitting her at a Los Angeles event. According to TMZ, the alleged assault took place during NBA All-Star weekend.

The website reports:

Law enforcement sources tell us the woman filed a police report claiming Trey hit her in the face Saturday night while they were attending a Hollywood Hills party. She claims Trey got upset because she was talking to another man, and hit her during an argument. We’re told she left the party on her own to go to a hospital, and talked to police soon afterward. We’re told her injuries were minor.

In 2016, Songz was charged with assaulting a police officer after an incident at a Detroit concert. The Tremaine the Album creator pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation and anger management training.

The L.A. case is reportedly being reviewed by the City Attorney. It is still being determined if the singer will be charged. As of press time, Trey Songz has not publicly addressed the accusations.

(AllHipHop news) “God’s Plan” by Drake is once again the #1 song in the country. With over 75 million streams in the U.S., the single leads the Hot 100 for the fourth straight week.

Drake also holds another Top 10 position on the Billboard chart as a guest feature on BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive.” The track debuted at #6.

The respective videos for both songs spent time trending on YouTube. “God’s Plan” has collected over 28 million views on the site in just five days, and “Look Alive” has surpassed the 26 million mark since being uploaded on February 8.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s All The Stars” off Black Panther: The Album rises to #9. This gives the soundtrack its second Top 10 hit after Lamar and The Weeknd’s “Pray for Me” opened at #7 last week.

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(AllHipHop News) Kendrick Lamar has compared the creation of his latest Nike sneaker line with the process he follows when making music.

The 30-year-old hosted an NBA All-Star Weekend event in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, where he unveiled his recent Nike collaboration, the Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Kenny II collection.

When asked how designing footwear compares to crafting hit songs like “Humble,” the rapper divulged that he viewed the two as similar processes.

“It’s almost like the same process for me… a lot of detail,” Kendrick shared at the sports gathering, reports Billboard. “I like to have every little nick and nack counter or apart from each other, so people can appreciate that.”

The songwriter, who bagged four Grammys at this year’s ceremony, went on to describe his sneaker line as having “a classic L.A. feel” and also shared that his collaboration with the sportswear brand was inspired by teenagers.

“Being in their shoes, I was once in a place where they were at — a lot of dreams and aspirations,” he mused. “Looking at them and wondering where I want to go, and I can see that vibe and I can see they have a lot of energy for walking out here. That’s something I respect.”

The “Damn” record maker disclosed that Nike Air Max “97 and the 95s” are his shoes of choice, and additionally opened up about his desire to take his writing talents to the film industry one day.

He also revealed that he is his biggest critic when creating music and footwear.

“I got to be comfortable with it 100 percent. I got to feel good about it. I got to feel like I can wear something on the daily and something I can listen to on the daily,” he stated. “Then, give it out to the world, and hopefully they feel the same.”

(AllHipHop News) Skepta and Rag’n’bone Man are among the British stars who have paid tribute to U.K. grime star Stormin, who has died following a battle with skin cancer.

The musician, a founder member of pioneering grime collective N.A.S.T.Y. Crew, who was also known for his work with drum and bass MCs Skibadee and Shabba D, announced he had beaten the disease in 2016, but his friend and collaborator confirmed his death on Monday.

“So gutted to be typing this,” the DJ wrote. “My brother Stormin sadly passed away this morning. He battled till the very end. The strongest person I’ve ever known.”

U.K. artists were quick to pay tribute to the star, with another grime legend, Skepta, simply writing on Twitter, “R.I.P Stormin” and singer Rag’n’Bone Man adding, “Very sad news! RIP Stormin” in a post on the social media site.

Fellow U.K. rapper Devlin thanked Stormin for his influence on his career, writing, “Woke to terrible news today and tearing (up) while I write this…Thanks for encouraging me and showing me love when I was starting out brother (heart emoji) R.I.P The LEGEND MC STORMIN”

Other U.K. DJs and rappers who have paid tribute to the musician include AJ Tracey, DJ, and producer Toddla T, Boy Better Know member Frisco and DJ Target.

Stormin indicated he was again unwell earlier this month by posting a picture of himself in a hospice on Instagram and writing that he was, “keeping strong and fighting hard.”

(AllHipHop News) A man who falsely claimed to represent Migos to scam an HBCU out of tens of thousands of dollars, has been caught by the Department of Justice.

Octaveon Woods was indicted for wire fraud and money laundering after he allegedly robbed $37,500 from Emory University.

The 26-year-old claims his company Global Talent Agency represented a number of top rappers, including Migos, Lil Uzi, Lil Yachty and others.

In reality, Octaveon Woods was just a thief with no connections to the artists he claimed to represent, according to U.S. Attorney BJay Pak.

Woods also ripped off The University of Missouri and he managed to steal a total of $66,000 from both of the schools.

The feds claim Woods laundered the money through various bank accounts, in order to withdraw the illicit proceeds and cash.

According to reports, Octaveon Woods was released on $10,000 bond last week and has pleaded not guilty.

(AllHipHop News) Tekashi 6ix9ine’s gang ties continue to be a problem for his career.

Gang members in San Antonio, Texas have circulated a warning to the rapper not to show up for his show on Thursday.

Members of the Tango Orejon gang told Tekashi 6ix9ine there is a “no-fly zone” in effect, and that he is banned from his own show at Bar 23.

“If you come to Bar 23 this week, you’re getting f**ked up,” two members of Tango Orejon blatantly told NewsChannel KSAT.

The group has problems with Tekashi 6ix9ine’s criminal record since he pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a child after he featured a nude 13-year-old in a video.

The gang members said they had issues with 6ix9ine’s appearance and him having a negative influence on the local youth.

Bar 23 has contracted extra security due to the security threat surrounding Tekashi 6ix9ine’s upcoming appearance.

Police in San Antonio said they are aware of the threats.

Tekashi 6ix9ine and his crew should take Tango Orejon serious.

“Their rapid evolution, high level of criminal activity, propensity for violence, and relationships with Mexican cartels positions Tangos as the most significant gang threat to Texas,” according to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Gang members from South Padre Island and the surrounding areas have also advised the rapper not to show up for his Spring Break show in March at Clayton’s Beach Bar on March 14th.Over the weekend, the rapper was engaged in a public war of words with factions of the Bloods and the Crips in Los Angeles.

Tekashi 6ix9ine seemed to gloat over the fact that certain members of different sets could not catch him in order to follow through on promises of physical harm.

And, during NFL Super Bowl weekend, gunshots were fired outside of a venue after a performance by the Brooklyn, rapper in Minnesota.The news comes as the “Gummo” rapper prepares to release his debut mixtape “Day69” on February 23rd.

(AllHipHop News) Blac Chyna’s rapper ex-boyfriend Mechie has confessed he is the man in a sex tape featuring the star but has denied leaking the intimate video.

The 29-year-old reality TV personality called in the police after a homemade pornographic film showing her naked while performing a sex act was leaked via an anonymous Twitter account on Monday.

Representatives for Mechie, 24, said that he recorded the sex tape – but denied he was responsible for the leak, claiming it was filmed on Chyna’s phone and that he never had his own copy of the video.

In a now-deleted Instagram post he wrote, “I can’t believe anybody would stoop this low” and added, “Now I gotta deal with my d##k plastered all over the world.”

In his own post on Instagram, Chyna’s lawyer Walter Mosley wrote, “We have to change this culture of abuse and assault against women. Today’s post saddens me deeply as it is an attack not only against my client but my friend. Why do we think it’s acceptable to sell, or publish, or seek revenge, or blackmail women in this way and without their consent? It’s not.”

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After calling on men to “do better” and refuse to share sexually explicit videos of women, he added, “It is a morally corrupt action, which is (at least in California) criminal. Maybe it is time to set an example.”

He had previously confirmed that he had reported the matter to police.

The new sex tape leak comes less than a year after Chyna’s other ex, Rob Kardashian, with whom she has a 15-month daughter, Dream, posted nude pictures of her online and claimed his posts were revenge for her alleged infidelity.

(AllHipHop News) Hip-hop superstar Drake is planning to help build a “state of the art studio” for a youth center in Miami, Florida as part of his ongoing charity endeavors.

The hitmaker toured the facilities at Overtown Youth Center earlier this month while filming his “God’s Plan” video, in which he documented various acts of generosity, giving away almost $1 million to local residents and organizations in need.

Drake has since pledged to help officials at Overtown, co-founded by retired Miami Heat basketball icon Alonzo Mourning, with their expansion plans.

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A representative for Overtown responded to the news online by reposting Drake’s promise, and expressing their gratitude for his support.

“Thanks @champagnepapi (Drake) for choosing us!,” they shared. “We got work to do…. Let’s give them (at risk youths) a fighting chance to succeed! Looking forward to working with you and your team on our next big project #godsplan #OYCDrakeCollabo.”

The news emerges shortly after the Canadian star issued a social challenge to fans online, urging them to follow his lead and perform just one act of kindness for another person to spread a little love.

In an Instagram Story post on Friday, he wrote, “Today I am going to challenge everyone to just go out and do something for someone, anything, the smallest thing just to bring another human being some joy…

“just go be kind in any way you can and let’s watch the world be nice to each other even if it’s for 24 hours …Thank You.”

(AllHipHop News) Jay-Z racked up an astonishing bar bill totaling more than $100,000 celebrating his friend’s birthday at a New York nightclub.

The rapper, real name Shawn Carter, hit the town on Sunday, skipping the NBA All-Star game to pick up the bill for his close friend and business associate Juan ‘OG’ Perez’s birthday celebrations.

Juan and Jay’s night out ended in the Playroom nightclub, where the hip-hop star reportedly spent $91,135 on 40 bottles of his own brand of champagne, Ace of Spades, and added an $11,000 tip.

A shocked member of staff at the Playroom posted Jay’s receipt on Snapchat.

Jay’s group of pals was apparently down to only six members at this point, but the star reportedly bought bottles of champagne for other revelers.

The rapper is said to have spent even more on Juan, who heads up his Roc Nation Sports management firm, spending $13,000 on dinner in Madison Avenue’s trendy Zuma restaurant, and $9,000 on drinks, including bottles of D’Usse cognac, a brand also owned by the music and business mogul, in bar and eatery Made In Mexico.

(AllHipHop News) Several members of Young Dolph crew were arrested in Los Angeles over the weekend for possessing guns.

According to TMZ.com, a car carrying Young Dolph and three other men was stopped for a traffic violation in Hollywood on Sunday.

When police searched the occupants of the vehicle, they found three of Young Dolph’s associates were carrying firearms.

Police promptly the trio and charged them with illegally possessing firearms.

Young Dolph, who was not armed, was released without any issues.

According to cops, the bust happened near the location where Young Dolph was shot and wounded in September of 2017.

(AllHipHop News) For many viewers, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy “shushing” her parents was the moment of the night at this year’s Grammy Awards. The Carter progeny stole the show as Cuban-born singer Camila Cabello was delivering a speech paying tribute to the DREAMers (undocumented immigrants that entered the U.S. as minors).

It’s still not clear exactly why Blue Ivy appeared to be telling Jay and Bey to stop clapping as Cabello spoke. The “Havana” hitmaker addressed the super-viral clip while on BBC 1 Radio with Grimmy.

“I had a moment of insecurity. I was like what does that mean? I’m not gonna go into this wormhole of ‘do you think she didn’t like my speech?'” admitted Cabello. “I was literally like I’m not going to think about that because I feel like she would like me. Kids like me.”