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Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 4” Makes Twitter Go Nuts – Here Are The Numbers

(AllHipHop News) Yesterday, Kendrick Lamar tweeted the link to his new single, “The Heart Part IV” on Spotify.

He had previously hinted to a new project when he erased all the pictures off his Instagram two days ago, except for a picture of the roman numeral four.

Some theorized that it was the release date for his new album, but it was the artwork of his new single, “The Heart Part IV.”

Twitter reps told AllHipHop.com that there were over 500,000 tweets regarding the new single with the first 12 hours of hits announcements.

Celebrities have also joined in the conversation sharing their excitement.

Breakout singer/songwriter Khalid, tweeted his support as his vocals were featured on K Dot’s new single.

Joe Budden tweeted “Kendrick has had enough of y’all” because Kendrick Lamar is throwing shots at a number of rappers, even though it’s pure speculation who he’s talking about.

https://twitter.com/akaworldwide/status/845248163757899776

https://twitter.com/SheaSerrano/status/845124823458037761

Paul McCartney and Kanye Bonded Over Loss Of Their Mothers

(AllHipHop News) Paul McCartney bonded with Kanye West by sharing a story about how the loss of his mother inspired him creatively.

Kanye, 39, lost his mom Donda in 2007, after she died at the age of 58 following complications caused by cosmetic surgery.

The rapper was just 30 at the time.

Paul, 74, who collaborated with the hip-hop star on the 2014 track “Only One,” lost his mother Mary at an even younger age when she died of an embolism in 1956 when The Beatles rocker was just 14.

The British star explains that in order to bond creatively with the Jesus Walks musician he told him the story of how a vision of his late mom inspired him to write The Beatles song Let It Be.

Paul told the BBC, “(When meeting Kanye) I just was myself and I told Kanye various stories that had inspired me musically. One of them was how the song Let It Be arrived, which was through a dream I’d had in which I’d seen my mother, who had died 10 years previously.

“But I was so inspired by that that I wrote the song. I told Kanye that, because he’d lost his mother. So then he wrote a song called Only One when I was just noodling around on the electronic piano. So he got the melody, I put the chords in and the style and that’s how it happened.”

The former Wings frontman admits that writing a song with Kanye was a bit of a departure for him, and jokes that if he hadn’t been happy with their collaboration he’d have denied all knowledge of working with him.

“Now with Kanye, I had no idea what was going to happen because I knew it wasn’t going to be two acoustic guitars opposite each other,” he adds. “So I thought, ‘Well, here goes nothing’.

“The one provision I said to everyone, I said, ‘Look, if I feel this doesn’t work out, then we just won’t tell anyone. Kanye who? I didn’t work with him!’”

Paul is currently working on a new solo album, and has enlisted Greg Kurstin, the man who co-produced Adele’s record breaking 2015 album 25, to help him perfect his material.

Future Says He Is Happy With Life After Relationship With Ciara

(AllHipHop News) Future wasn’t afraid to reflect on his love life and vulnerabilities in his new music.

The rapper and producer surprised the music world when he dropped albums Future and HNDRXX in February, with the records making him the first artist to debut two albums at number one in consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

With the two albums, Future, 33, shares he wanted to explore contrasting sides of his personality and admits that HNDRXX reflects more romance-related preoccupations.

“I’m opening you up to where I’m at,” he told Billboard. “It’s about being ­vulnerable and not so cautious about what you say as far as your love life – if you was hurt or happy or in love.”

Future, real name Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, wouldn’t specify if any of the lyrics were directly related to his ill-fated relationship with singer Ciara, with whom he shares two-year-old son Future Zahir, though he insisted that he is in a good place and is focused on being a “provider” for young Future, as well as his other three children from previous relationships.

“I feel like everything happened for a reason. I’m happy with life now. I’m happy with life, period, even with the end of a ­relationship being…,” he said. “I’m just not going to settle for anything, you know? Even in my life now, I know I can be a better person.”

The Atlanta native explained that while he was pleased with the commercial success of his latest album drops, he tries his best not to get caught up in the hype, and he insisted he doesn’t get sidetracked by the idea of awards.

“The Grammys, they get what they get – the s##t that they don’t, it’s the s##t that they maybe don’t want to understand,” he added. “They’re not going to keep me from doing what I’m supposed to do as an artist.”

Kevin Gates Held Without Bail Over Latest Charges

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Kevin Gates is being held without bail, after he locked up again, just as he was being processed for release from jail in Florida yesterday (March 24).

Kevin Gates was supposed to get out a month early, after completing five months of a 180-day sentence at the Polk County Jail.

The rapper was serving time for kicking a fan a female fan during a performance at Rumors Niteclub in Lakeland, Florida in August of 2015.

Kevin had tried to use Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, but that defense faltered, resulting in the jail sentence.

When he was being freed, authorities found a felony weapons possession warrant out of Cook County, Illinois.

Yesterday during a court appearance, a judge ordered Kevin Gates held without bail.

Now, he will be transferred to Cook County, Illinois, where he will face the weapons charges.

Currently, there’s no release date available for Kevin Gates. However, he will be transferred to the Cook County Jail within the next 30 days.

Kevin Gates Thrown Back In Jail On The Same Day He Is Released

Vic Mensa Facing Jail Time Over Loaded Concealed Handgun

(AllHipHop News) It looks like Chicago rapper Vic Mensa could be facing serious charges, after his run-in with the law earlier this month in Beverly Hills.

The rapper was stopped by the cops after he ran a stop sign. When police searched his vehicle, they found a loaded handgun.

Vic produced a permit for the weapon, however, it was a license to carry a firearm in another state.

According to TMZ.com, the Los Angeles District Attorney is going after Vic Mensa on charges that include carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in his vehicle, in addition to having a concealed weapon in his car.

Vic is due back in court in April. He is currently free on $35,000 bail.

Joey Badass Talks J Cole, Chance and Inspiring A New Generation + Outer Body Experiences.

Joey Badass stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about everything that has been going on with him lately! They go into depth about his new album and how he got the J. Cole feature, being inspired by Chance the Rapper, having outer body experiences, his Tupac comments, listening to Lil Uzi Vert and wanting himself and everyone to be better than previous generations.

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Santan Dave Fires Back at Sam L. Jackson Over Racism Comments + Not Knowing He Was on Drake’s Album

Santan Dave stops by Ebro In the Morning and talks about hip hop overseas, being completely surprised when he heard himself on Drake’s new album, More Life, his honest thoughts about Samuel L. Jackson’s comment on UK actors and much more.
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Casanova Talks Tour With Chris Brown, His Arrest & Not Speaking To His Siblings

Casanova talks about his childhood, his time in jail, and going on tour.

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Trey Songz Gives His Thoughts on Keke & Nicki Minaj

Trey Songz stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about everything. They talked about being raised by his mother, what he thought about the Keke Palmer and Nicki MInaj situations, wanting a family and dancing with Sade.

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Drake, Rick Ross, Raekwon: A Tale Of Three Albums

(AllHipHop Features) Recently, Hip-Hop fans have been blessed with albums by Drake, Rick Ross and Raekwon – More Life, Rather You Than Me and The Wild. And even though the three albums have stark differences, they can be chalked up as W’s for their respective creators.

More Life, a dense 22 tracks, has already shattered streaming records on Spotify and Apple Music, set the bar for 2017 first-week sales, and land Drake a seventh straight no. 1 debut.At this point, we’re all fully aware of Drake’s ability to churn out hit after hit. But after Views, an album that Joe Budden called “uninspired” (and one that sold well),  hardcore fans clamored for a more cohesive Drake album with a stronger focus on lyricism. And then the Canadian delivers More Life, which was more like Views than anything.

Ross, on the other hand, dropped Black Market in 2015, a modestly well-received album with some shortcomings. One thing Ross can do is remain planted firmly between Hip-Hop’s past and present. The master statesman Raekwon sounds sharp as ever on The Wild, which is basically a clinic in longevity. The Wu-Tang Clan founding member offers another banger, as The Wild features G Eazy (don’t sleep!), Lil Wayne, CeeLo Green, and others.

But Drake, Rae and Ross all deliver on or exceed expectations with these albums, and the result is a culmination of several different sides of Hip-Hop that has something to offer every fan. Drake blesses his core with a few songs with bars (“Free Smoke,” which jabs Meek Mill) and a lot of catching commercial joints. Rick Ross mixes things up with deep commentary (“Idols Turn Into Rivals”), trap excellence (“She on My D*ck” with Gucci Mane), and lyricism (“Powers That Be” with Nas). Rae surprises with pop collabos (“Purple Brick Road” with G-Eazy), funky old school vibes (“Marvin” with Cee-Lo) and bangers (“My Corner” with Lil Wayne).

One thing all of these projects have in common is great production. Drake’s production is handled by usual suspects Boi-1da and 40 (among others), while Ross called on a handful of producers including Virginia legend Bink. G Sparkz, JUSTICE League, Xtreme hold Raekwon down with an immaculate blend of classic contemporary on The Wild.

All the projects offer plenty features by a cadre of established acts and lesser known ones. Rick Ross went a more traditional route with guest appearances from the likes of Nas, Wale and Meek Mill, but Drake used More Life as an opportunity to showcase his musical diversity, with features from London (Giggs and Skepta) and South Africa (Black Coffee) in addition to some of rap’s modern-day tastemakers. In fact, Spotify reported that Giggs had a 146% increase in streams from American users.

As much as I loved More Life for its range of styles, Rather You Than Me was a breakout moment for Rick Ross. While More Life’s upbeat sound and energetic features gave it an air of escapism, Ross used his ninth album to provide clarity and insight into his world. And as fun as More Life is to listen to, as a long-time Drake fan I wanted to see more moments like “Lose You” and “Do Not Disturb.”

Raekwon stands in his own realm even though all three men have demonstrated tremendous consistency and fortitude. The Wild is the 47-year old best work since Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2,  He flows effortlessly, cuts when necessary and soothes as he so chooses. He brings others into his world, and that world is a far cry from the 1990’s. This fits in the here and the now.

And even though Drake did a great job of incorporating different styles of music, there’s something to be said about the hard-hitting, cohesive sound of Rather You Than Me. On top of that, Rozay’s “Idols Become Rivals” — on which he metaphorically sits Birdman down for a lecture — is one of the hardest songs of the year, although the message didn’t seem to get through to Stunna.

At the end of the day, there’s very little to much to complain about with any of these albums. If you’re a fan of Drake’s upbeat style and crooning, you’re going to love More Life. And if your tastes lie at the other end of the spectrum, Rather You Than Me may be perfect for you. Raekwon’s The Wild is a teachable moment, one that we hope young and elder understand represents the enduring power off Hip-Hop.

Salute.

Was Kendrick Lamar Taking Shots At Big Sean Also?

(AllHipHop Rumors) K. Dot is back!

Last night Kendrick Lamar released a new track called “The Heart Part 4”. Although the song hit the net kind of late, it set Hip Hop and K. Dot fans, as well as Black Twitter and Black Instagram ablaze.

Drake wasn’t the only person folks thought Kendrick was taking shots at. Many felt that Lamar was also taking shots at Big Sean.

“My fans can’t wait for me to son your punk ass and crush your whole lil sh-t. I’ll Big Pun your punk ass you a scared lil b-tch. Tip-toeing around my name n-gga you lame. When I get at you homie don’t just tell me you was just playing’. ’I was just playing K.Dot c’mon you know a n-gga rock with you bro’. Shut the f-ck up you sound like the last n-gga I know. Might end up like the last n-gga I know. Oh you don’t want to clash? Yeah n-gga I know,” rapped Kendrick.

Kendrick went on to rap,

“Hoe, Jay Z Hall of Fame, sit ya punk ass down.”

Folks felt this may be a reference to Sean’s ‘Hall Of Fame’ album and the fact that Jay just gave him a Roc chain. Others still speculated that that line was aimed at Drake.

Remember, people thought Big Sean took a couple of jabs at Kendrick on his verse in “No More Interviews”. Big Sean was talking about a rapper who rapped fast sounding like one big asthma attack. He also said that the said rapper was claiming to be the savior of rap. People always said Big Sean was salty since Kendrick washed him on “Control” too.

I hate subliminals man. Put some names on that shhhhh. Why can’t more rappers be like Remy Ma and put some names on it and @ them and tag them. What are your thoughts? Do you think Kendrick was talking about Big Sean?

Did Tiny Confirm That T.I. Is Creeping Around With Bernice Burgos?

(AllHipHop Rumors) What in the world is going on over there with the Family Hustle?!

Over the years alleged up and downs in T.I. and Tiny’s marriage have hit the public. The couple has been plagued with rumors of infidelity to alleged lit threesomes for as long as I can remember.

I mean even in the last few years Tip and Floyd Mayweather got in a fight over Tiny. Tiny said she only took a picture with Floyd at Mariah Carey’s party, only for footage of her dancing with Floyd at the same party to leak. There have been rumors that T.I. has had affairs forever, and that he’s even allegedly fathered children outside of their marriage. Oh yeah, and Tiny allegedly got in an altercation at an Atlanta hotel over T.I. and his rumored side chick, known escort Ana Montana.

No one wanted to believe any of the divorce rumors over the years, but it became all to real when Tiny filed last year. Fast forward to present day, and T.I. has been rumored to be hooking up with Instagram model Bernice Burgos. There have been tips floating around of them hanging out together as well as screen shots of Bernice saying she’s happy.

Folks won’t ever let Tiny be, so one “fan” decided to tell Tiny,

“Bernice be all over your HUSBAND ig. You are a strong woman Tameka cause I would’ve buss tip side his head with a bottle of Hennessy.”

Tiny replied saying,

“I ain’t losing no sleep over no pass around b-tch. Bless him & her too!!”

Is it just me or does it seem like they might have once had an open lit azz relationship, but it lead to Tip dipping in too many other women outside of the house without Tiny, and now Tiny is tired of it? I could be wrong doe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSBUOBAFbBY/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSBvd5UBr2D/

Kodak Black’s Baby Mama Claims She’s To Poor To Fight In Custody Battle

(AllHipHop Rumors) It’s harder out here for folks than people realize sometimes.

Apparently Kodak Black’s baby mama said she can’t even afford to fight him in their custody battle over their two-year-old son.

According to BOSSIP, Jammiah Broomfield filed an “affidavit of indigency” in Broward County Family Court March 22, saying she was flat broke, unemployed and wouldn’t be able to fight Kodak Black in court over custody of their son King Khalid unless he steps up and pays her legal fees.

The situation has gotten so bad that Kodak’s baby mama is also asking Kodak Black to pay her temporary emergency child support until she gets her life back on track.

Kodak Black took Broomfield to court last year so that he could spend more time and have more access to his son.

With all of Kodak’s arrests, sexual assault charges, and live-streaming of orgies, I don’t think he’s a fit parent either! The mother may not be financially stable, but it sounds like the judge needs to grant her custody. LOL.

Kodak’s lawyer, Raven Ramona Liberty, informed BOSSIP that Broomfield uses the baby as her own cash machine, demanding money from Kodak Black every time he wants to see the child.

The lawyer also said that Kodak didn’t find out he was the father until the baby was a year old. In the state of Florida, a parent is entitled to 50/50 custody, and of course one parent can’t be forced to pay the other just to get to see the child.

Man I hate that it’s gotten this bad for the mom, but this is why it’s always good to have your own money too. We’ll see how this plays out.

Drake’s More Life Has The Internet Roasting UK Rappers!

(AllHipHop Rumors) When all of the different Drakes link up on ‘More Life’ man. LOL!

As you know Drake has released his highly-anticipated ‘More Life’ project.

Fans have joked that a couple of different “Drakes” appear on the project such as the “Spanish Drake”, “Jamaican Drake”, “London Drake”, and “Houston Drake” etc. You know Black Twitter will have a field day with anything so, lately fans gave attention to the fact that Drake featured a number of UK rappers on the project such as Giggs, Sampha, Jorja Smith and Skepta.

This clearly probably helped boost Drake’s sales in the UK, although he at this point doesn’t really need any boosting help at all anyway.

Because of the featuring of the UK rappers, Twitter decided to pit UK and American rappers against each other and it’s pretty hilarious. Do you think Drake’s love for the UK is authentic? Does it really help these artists, or is it only self-serving to him? It seems like artists at the level of Drake can put anyone on though with a cosign. Check out some of the UK jabs below.

https://twitter.com/ryvngarvey/status/843992516080914433
https://twitter.com/ABG0509/status/844029531598045188


https://twitter.com/MyFavsTrash/status/843562328947920898


https://twitter.com/DMC12gauge/status/844124884632461313

Rick Ross Appears In Court Over Pistol Whipping; Trial Set For May

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop star Rick Ross may be celebrating the success of his new release Rather You Than Me, but he’s also facing the music in his kidnapping and assault trial.

Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts III, appeared in a Fayetteville County Georgia Court earlier today (March 24).

Rozay is accused of assaulting his groundskeeper, whom the rapper accused of having a cocaine fueled party in a guesthouse on his sprawling, Fayetteville, Georgia estate.

Rick Ross and an associate named Nadrian James are accused of pointing a Glock 9MM at Jonathan Zamudio and pistol whipping him for not having permission to host the party.

Jonathan Zamudio claims Rick Ross pistol whipped him, broke his jaw, and left him with chipped teeth and bruising during the altercation, which took place in June of 2015.

Today in court, Ross’ lawyer Steve Sadow maintained the rapper acted in self-defense after Zamudio attacked, in a bid to have the case dismissed.

But the judge ruled there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial and set a tentative date for May.

Rick Ross is facing charges that include kidnapping, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery. James was charged with kidnapping and aggravated battery.

DJ Esco Partners With Kandypens For Limited Edition Run Of “56 Nights” Vaporizers

(AllHipHop News) DJ Esco, is partnering up with Kandypens for a limited edition signature 56 Nights themed vaporizer.

“56 Nights” was a DJ Esco mixtape that turned him into a household name.

It was released shortly after his 56-night stay in a Dubai prison.

Two years later, Esco has decided to release only 500 of these specially branded vaporizers which includes a temperature controlled battery, a deep quartz crystal chamber, and an elevated airflow system.

“Kandypens have taken their industry to the next level, so it seemed like the perfect partnership. Luckily, I was able to work hand in hand with Graham at Kandypens to create a pen that represented me and would be something I would personally want to buy.”

DJ Esco, who is the resident DJ for the world famous “Magic City Mondays” in Atlanta, is also known for his exuberant personality and helping create Future become one of the biggest rappers.

He has released two mixtapes strongly featuring Future; “56 Nights” and “Project ET: The Esco-Terrestial.”

Kandypens also has a place in Hip-Hop; Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, and a number of other rappers have featured Kandypens in their videos.

A$AP Ferg Dedicates Oil Painting Of A$AP Yams

(AllHipHop News) A$AP Ferg will be donating the large oil scale painting he created of A$AP Yam to the first A$AP Yams Commemorative Gala & Art Auction in New York this weekend.

The painting, called “Tatted Angel” was originally debuted during Art Basel Miami Beach 2015.

A$AP Ferg created this in honor the late A$AP Yam who passed away in January of 2015.

“Tatted Angel” features an angular background of the New York City streets, an analysis of A$AP inspired quotes and an illustration of Steven “A$AP Yam” Rodriguez with light beams shooting out of his eyes and hugging a globe.

The gala, which takes place on Saturday (March 25), is co-hosted by the A$AP Foundation, a foundation dedicated to drug abuse awareness and prevention.

The proceeds from the event will go towards social media awareness campaigns, middle and high school seminars with recordings and multimedia artists and professionals, and alternative arts programs in New York City.

Katt Williams Sued For “Punishing” His Assistant In A Hotel Room For Three Hours

(AllHipHop News) Embattled comedian Katt Williams is facing a lawsuit from a former personal assistant over alleged verbal and physical abuse.

Yadira A. Torres launched the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this week, alleging she was subjected to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and breach of contract while she worked for Williams.

Yadira A. Torres launched the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, alleging she was subjected to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and breach of contract while she worked for Williams.

In one incident, detailed in the court papers, Torres claims she rescued Williams from a car crash, but he verbally abused her following the accident and “restrained” her in a hotel room for three hours as “punishment”.

She also alleges she sustained “severe injuries” after Williams “got upset, punched, hit and pushed (her) against a door”.

Torres claims Williams also underpaid her on several occasions. She is seeking unspecified damages.

The lawsuit comes weeks after the Norbit star was ordered to hand over $86,000 to a retail employee he allegedly assaulted last year.

The funnyman was arrested in February, 2016, after an argument with a worker at a pool supply store in Gainesville, Georgia turned violent.

Williams reportedly hurled an object at the clerk, identified as Paul Love, and then allegedly attacked him, punching him in the head.

The comedian had numerous run-ins with the law in 2016, and he recently dodged jail time after being sentenced to 36 months probation for pleading no contest to assault and battery charges relating to a separate bust-up in a Studio City, California restaurant in July of 2016.

That sentencing in December of 2016 came weeks after another judge in Georgia placed him on five years probation in another case involving guns and drugs, in which he also pleaded no contest.

The star is also due to stand trial for a felony count of robbery after allegedly stealing a camera from a photographer in Beverly Hills, California in 2014, during a night out with now-incarcerated rap mogul Marion ‘Suge’ Knight.

Williams faces seven years behind bars if convicted in that case. He has pleaded not guilty.

Raekwon Lists His 10 Favorite Hip Hop Albums Of All Time

(AllHipHop News) A good number of die-hard followers of the culture would likely place Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… among the greatest Hip Hop albums in history.

But which rap projects would be listed among the greats by that particular LP’s creator?

Consequence of Sound connected with Raekwon to get his answer to that question.

The Wu-Tang Clan member named his ten favorite Hip Hop albums of all time:

Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick

Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele

Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle

Big Daddy Kane’s Long Live the Kane

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Life After Death

Nas’ Illmatic

Mobb Deep’s Hell on Earth

Mary J. Blige’s My Life

Eric B. & Rakim’s Follow the Leader

and his own Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…

It’s not surprising Raekwon selected so many albums from the 1990’s because that was the decade where he emerged as one of the top artists of the genre.

In a recent interview with AllHipHop.com, The Chef also shared his thoughts on 90’s era acts managing to maintain a significant presence in Hip Hop two decades later.

“So I guess when we’re saying things like, ‘we’re gonna be around for a while,’ it’s because of the passion that we have for what we’re doing,” said Raekwon. “We’re all former hustlers in the streets. To be able to get away from that and find a new hustle – which is this music – that’s beautiful.”

He continued, “Every artist wants to be able to have that kind of run. It’s a great feeling, but we couldn’t have called it back then all the way. We only went with our hearts. Sometimes that’s what you gotta do. Just go with your heart. Nobody else has to feel it, but if you feel it, that’s all that counts.”

Raekwon’s latest body of work, The Wild, hit stores and streaming services today (March 24).

The project features appearances by Lil Wayne, CeeLo Green, Andra Day, G-Eazy, and P.U.R.E.

#AHHPOWERFULWOMEN: Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Priscilla Clarke Encourages Many to Dream Big, No Matter What

#AHHPowefulWomen (AllHipHop Features) Priscilla Clarke is an award-winning entrepreneur, celebrated HistoryMaker and one of the leading strategists in her field. She is President and CEO of Clarke & Associates, LLC (C&A), a premiere Public Relations and Entertainment firm located in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA., that specializes in corporate, political, non-profit, music and entertainment innovative strategies and solutions. With a successful career spanning 20 years, she has worked on major campaigns positioning clients in national headlines and world-wide. The elite roster of celebrity talent she has worked with include; Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Tucker, NAS, Solange, The O’Jays, Chuck Brown, Mathew Knowles, Russell Simmon’s HBO Def Comedy Jam, U.S. Dream Academy, Hip Hop Caucus, Wanda Durant; The Real MVP, Celebrity Chef Huda and The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to name a few. She has been honored by; “The HistoryMakers”, International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs, Fifty Influential Minorities in Business, and Who’s Who Among Black Americans. She serves as a Board member of The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs) Washington, D.C. Chapter and on the board of directors for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Working in the rigorous world of music and entertainment is not for those of low spirits, drive, and tenacity. Ms. Priscilla Clarke continues to evolve as an executive within the entertainment industry. She gave us some of her time to share the exciting and not so exciting parts of her career and how she remains a big player on the publicity side of music and entertainment. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails:    Priscilla Clarke: I lead the team at our premiere Public Relations and Entertainment Firm. I manage the overall operations of the business and oversee client projects and campaigns. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties:    Priscilla Clarke: The most enjoyable part of my job is when I see someone get great publicity and they are excited about it and when we secure major exposure for a client that normally wouldn’t get it. I get really get excited when our work impacts a community, an industry, or the world in a positive way which is a core part of our mission. AllHipHop:  What is the hardest part:   Priscilla Clarke: The hardest part of my job is the long hours. Because we also do crisis management, I’m always on the clock. Also, a lot of people don’t realize how much work it is to do PR, they see the glamorous side, us on a red carpet or with high profile clients but don’t understand the 90% of the time and the work it took and preparation for that moment to happen. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career?    Priscilla Clarke: There was a moment in my life 20+ years ago when I had everything, big house, Mercedes, Rolex and was very successful with another business and then several unexpected tragedies hit me at the same time. I ended up losing everything. It took a lot but I had to rise from homelessness and depression and rebuild my life and career. With the strength of God I was able to get up again and as a result ended up finding my passion in PR. So now I know no matter what anyone is going through there is always a chance for it to turn around but you have to have faith and hope and believe in your own dream and success. “Pain To Passion”   AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up?    Priscilla Clarke: I am very strong in faith and it’s a combination of loving what I do and believing that God will Bless me with more opportunities. I pray specifically every day, with intention. Also seeing how our work impacts people in a positive way keeps me going as well. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss?    Priscilla Clarke: I always had a drive and determination to be an entrepreneur and ironically I just realized recently why as I looked back in my family history and childhood my first inspiration was my family, my father, mom and my grandfather we’re all entrepreneurs and they truly inspired me thru their example and work ethic. In the business world, Oprah and Cathy Hughes (Radio One, TV One, Urban One, Founder, Chairperson) really inspired me early on and they both continue to do so. Oprah once said, “Run Your Own Race” and I take that seriously.   AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life?    Priscilla Clarke: It’s difficult, but I have found you have to make a commitment to yourself each day. A lot of my job is being out, social, at events, so for me quiet time at home helps my harmony and balance. Or just taking the time to stop and reflect on life and really being present in family moments is critical and something I had to learn.   AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun?    Priscilla Clarke: Going to the Ocean is my favorite thing to do in L.A. I also love comedy shows, having worked with Russell Simmons HBO Def Comedy Jam, I learned that laughter is important. I truly believe “Comedy can Heal the Soul.” I also love bike riding and hanging out with friends, having quality time and memorable life moments is also a big one. AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry.    Priscilla Clarke: I feel very Blessed to work in the music industry. I’ve worked with many artists over the years including some of the biggest names in the industry. I am also honored to serve on the Board of The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs) representing the Washington, D.C Chapter, which allows me the opportunity to help artists and the industry in other important ways including advocacy and artist rights. I have had so many life experiences and great moments I would have never dreamed of and for that, I am so thankful and humbled by. It’s important to me that I have been put in a position of power and purpose, to effect change, impact industries and make a positive difference in some way in the world and many times it’s through some of the philanthropic work our celebrity clients and artists do. AllHipHop: Final Thoughts or words of advice?    Priscilla Clarke: DO YOU!!! Dream Big!!! Know that the sky is truly the limit, you can achieve whatever you want no matter what your circumstances, up bringing, life setbacks, just start each day, make it a new beginning with one step towards your goal and no matter what, Believe in Your Dream and the possibilities. Just go for it and if you fail just get back up again, and know that as long as you are still alive, you have another chance to change your circumstances and sometimes change or opportunity comes when you least expect it.